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DCI Evan Warlow #3
Ice Cold Malice
Revenge is a dish best served… ice cold.
While beach combing on MOD property, two young boys stumble across a reeking mound of tangled kelp. But it isn’t the seaweed that stinks. It’s the decomposing corpse beneath it.
Called in to investigate, DCI Evan Warlow’s team are faced with finding out how and why the body of a struck-off doctor ended up on a lonely beach within sight of Laugharne’s famous Boathouse.
But this is no innocent victim. This is a man with more enemies than friends. A fact that muddies the waters no end as Warlow unearths more and more of the dead man’s sordid history. Not to mention a long line of suspects.
With a killer in their midst hell bent on achieving a deadly goal and determined to let nothing and no one stand in their way, the team need to be on their guard.
Unless they want to end up as victims, too.
Ice Cold Malice is the third book in the DCI Evan Warlow series of Black Beacons thrillers by Rhys Dylan. Set in the heart of wild Wales, this dark murder mystery tinged with wry humour and populated by true to life characters, will keep you guessing. Perfect for fans of LJ Ross, JD Kirk. JM Dalgliesh, TG Reid and Simon McCleave. Celtic noir with a spattering of dark humour.
While beach combing on MOD property, two young boys stumble across a reeking mound of tangled kelp. But it isn’t the seaweed that stinks. It’s the decomposing corpse beneath it.
Called in to investigate, DCI Evan Warlow’s team are faced with finding out how and why the body of a struck-off doctor ended up on a lonely beach within sight of Laugharne’s famous Boathouse.
But this is no innocent victim. This is a man with more enemies than friends. A fact that muddies the waters no end as Warlow unearths more and more of the dead man’s sordid history. Not to mention a long line of suspects.
With a killer in their midst hell bent on achieving a deadly goal and determined to let nothing and no one stand in their way, the team need to be on their guard.
Unless they want to end up as victims, too.
Ice Cold Malice is the third book in the DCI Evan Warlow series of Black Beacons thrillers by Rhys Dylan. Set in the heart of wild Wales, this dark murder mystery tinged with wry humour and populated by true to life characters, will keep you guessing. Perfect for fans of LJ Ross, JD Kirk. JM Dalgliesh, TG Reid and Simon McCleave. Celtic noir with a spattering of dark humour.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 16, 2022
2016 people are currently reading
654 people want to read
About the author
Rhys Dylan
21 books552 followershttps://www.facebook.com/Rhysdylanbooks
https://www.instagram.com/rhysdylanbo...
Rhys Dylan lives on the edge of the Black mountains of Wales with his wife and a dog who doesn't like the rain.
Though he has written books for children and adults under different pen names in other genres, the Black Beacons Murder Mystery series sees him return to crime and his love of Celtic noir and dark humour.
He hopes readers will find a brief escape from a very troubled world inside the stories. He does not expect to get rich as an author, but as someone once famously said, money can't buy you love, but it can get you some great chocolate digestives.
https://www.instagram.com/rhysdylanbo...
Rhys Dylan lives on the edge of the Black mountains of Wales with his wife and a dog who doesn't like the rain.
Though he has written books for children and adults under different pen names in other genres, the Black Beacons Murder Mystery series sees him return to crime and his love of Celtic noir and dark humour.
He hopes readers will find a brief escape from a very troubled world inside the stories. He does not expect to get rich as an author, but as someone once famously said, money can't buy you love, but it can get you some great chocolate digestives.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 244 reviews
March 14, 2025
Ice Cold Malice is the third in the DCI Evan Warlow series and I recommend it to anyone who loves a good police procedural. It’s got an enticing main character, surrounded by a likeable team, a problematic boss and a solid investigation. There’s just the right balance of dry humor and personal lives thrown in. There’s even a lovable black lab.
This time, two young boys find a dead body washed up on the beach. The body was a struck-off doctor; someone who had spent time in prison for botched and unnecessary surgeries, before starting a business to seek questionable “alternative” health supplements. In other words, there’s a long list of suspects.
Dylan does a good job taking the reader to the Welsh setting. He keeps the plot believable. And I loved the interaction between the team members. In fact, the characters are definitely one of the strengths of this series. This is a series I will definitely be continuing with.
I’ve been listening to these books and enjoy Tobias Weatherburn’s narration.
This time, two young boys find a dead body washed up on the beach. The body was a struck-off doctor; someone who had spent time in prison for botched and unnecessary surgeries, before starting a business to seek questionable “alternative” health supplements. In other words, there’s a long list of suspects.
Dylan does a good job taking the reader to the Welsh setting. He keeps the plot believable. And I loved the interaction between the team members. In fact, the characters are definitely one of the strengths of this series. This is a series I will definitely be continuing with.
I’ve been listening to these books and enjoy Tobias Weatherburn’s narration.
May 26, 2022
Not a page wasted. Just totally enjoyable.
I wish this book was another 150 pages long. I'm a huge fan after this third book in the series. The characters are a great group of friends and the author has a wicked sense of humor with all of the banter and poking fun at each other. The storylines and mysteries are challenging at times and there's just enough really nasty type characters to make it a page turner.
If you've read this much then do yourself a favour and read this book.
I wish this book was another 150 pages long. I'm a huge fan after this third book in the series. The characters are a great group of friends and the author has a wicked sense of humor with all of the banter and poking fun at each other. The storylines and mysteries are challenging at times and there's just enough really nasty type characters to make it a page turner.
If you've read this much then do yourself a favour and read this book.
June 17, 2023
Ice Cold Malice: A Black Beacons Murder Mystery is book three by Rhys Dylan in the DCI Evan Warlow series. DCI Evan Warlow and his team caught a new case of a body found on an isolated beach by two young boys on an adventure. During the investigation, DCI Evan Warlow and his team found some disturbing things about the struck-off doctor that made the hunt for the killer more difficult for the team. The readers of Ice Cold Malice will follow DCI Evan Warlow's investigation to find out what happens.
I did it again with Ice Cold Malice by starting to read a series in the middle, not at the beginning. I will go back and read the first book in this excellent series. I engaged with the story and the plot of Ice Cold Malice from the start. I love Rhys Dylan's portrayal of his characters and the way they interact with each other throughout this book. Ice Cold Malice is well written and researched by Rhys Dylan. I like Rhys Dylan's description of the settings of Ice Cold Malice, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Ice Cold Malice will learn about the dangers of liquid nitrogen. Also, the readers of Ice Cold Malice will learn about the consequences of being manipulated by others.
I recommend this book.
I did it again with Ice Cold Malice by starting to read a series in the middle, not at the beginning. I will go back and read the first book in this excellent series. I engaged with the story and the plot of Ice Cold Malice from the start. I love Rhys Dylan's portrayal of his characters and the way they interact with each other throughout this book. Ice Cold Malice is well written and researched by Rhys Dylan. I like Rhys Dylan's description of the settings of Ice Cold Malice, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Ice Cold Malice will learn about the dangers of liquid nitrogen. Also, the readers of Ice Cold Malice will learn about the consequences of being manipulated by others.
I recommend this book.
February 15, 2023
Book 3 of 7 DCI Warlow (Black Beacons Murder Mystery) by Rhys Dylan - A great mystery story. The landscape of Wales is hauntingly beautiful and wild. when a body washes up and is found by two young boys, the first thought is that it was an accident but then forensics reveals that there are two cracks on the victim’s head indicating suspicious death. Not often someone falls exactly the same way twice. So, it’s murder and the look for who killed the surgeon. The victim had been a well known surgeon who had been banned from practicing after his patient’s families complained about poor treatment. He was never found guilty of murder but of sloppy procedures. There were lots of people who wanted him dead but none of the evidence pointed to them. This is a very well written series. The author will keep writing for many years I hope. I like DCi Warlow and his team.
May 20, 2022
From the first pages, when the body of a disgraced surgeon is found on the beach by two young boys, I knew I was in for a breath taking, fast paced roller coaster of a book. Evan as always, is a man determined and tenacious but his softer side is brought out by the wonder Molly, the daughter of one of his team. The camaraderie is wonderful to read, from the straight talking Gil to the comedic naivety of Rhys. There’s action galore and plenty of twists to make you think and there’s also the question of what secret Evan is hiding.
Ice Cold Malice can be read as a stand-alone, but if you do I can almost guarantee that you’ll be going back to the beginning of how Evan and the team came together. This is by far one of the best books I’ve read this year and it’s definitely a 5* read from me.
Ice Cold Malice can be read as a stand-alone, but if you do I can almost guarantee that you’ll be going back to the beginning of how Evan and the team came together. This is by far one of the best books I’ve read this year and it’s definitely a 5* read from me.
May 28, 2022
This is the third book in this series about DCI Evan Warlow.
The story is about a body that washes up on a beach, found by a couple of boys. The body is a surgeon who has been struck off. Who would have a grudge against him read the book and find out. The author draws you in from the first page to the last. I love the likeable characters of the team Warlow works with.
Well an excellent read because it twisted and turned and I didn't see the conclusion coming.
Looking forward to reading the next book roll on, an addictive series!!!
The story is about a body that washes up on a beach, found by a couple of boys. The body is a surgeon who has been struck off. Who would have a grudge against him read the book and find out. The author draws you in from the first page to the last. I love the likeable characters of the team Warlow works with.
Well an excellent read because it twisted and turned and I didn't see the conclusion coming.
Looking forward to reading the next book roll on, an addictive series!!!
July 1, 2025
I've Cold Malice
More of the same for Warlow and crew as the body of a struck off doctor is discovered on a beach. Murder, accident or suicide?
More of the same for Warlow and crew as the body of a struck off doctor is discovered on a beach. Murder, accident or suicide?
July 9, 2024
First book by Rhys Dylan I’ve read and I enjoyed it immensely . Will certainly be reading more in the future !
March 18, 2025
Still a good series!
April 20, 2023
Yet another winner in this series.
One point that slightly bugs me though is “toothless smile” which he uses a bit too often. It can sound insulting although it is not.
Again great realistic characters, ethical dilemmas and very convincing police procedure.
The “running events” are well handled - keeping new readers up to date but not boring those already familiar with the past occurrences.
The “breakthrough” is good and believable.
Looking forward the one after the next because I started with the next one.
One point that slightly bugs me though is “toothless smile” which he uses a bit too often. It can sound insulting although it is not.
Again great realistic characters, ethical dilemmas and very convincing police procedure.
The “running events” are well handled - keeping new readers up to date but not boring those already familiar with the past occurrences.
The “breakthrough” is good and believable.
Looking forward the one after the next because I started with the next one.
February 11, 2024
This series deserves to be better known and Evan Warlow and team have rapidly become favourites of mine. Two young boys finds the body of a disgraced surgeon on a beach at Ginst Point near Laugharne. Initially it is unclear whether he merely fell in his small fishing boat and ended up drowning or if something more sinister has occurred. However, it soon becomes apparent that there are numerous people who had reason to dislike the man intensely and soon the team is in full investigation mode. The murder is well-plotted in what I consider the strongest of the first three in the series. I enjoy the camaraderie within the team with the different personalities who we get to know a bit better in each book. Evan's cynical view of his fellow human beings and sense of humour makes these police procedurals such fun to read. The Welsh scenery is an integral part of the stories and the author's knowledge of and love for this part of the world provide additional depth to the books. Highly recommend this series.
August 6, 2022
Another brilliant read.
Well, I enjoyed that, so much so I read it in one sitting. I kept saying, just one more chapter then I'll stop. Yeah right - like that ever happens with this author. In this story, you could not possibly feel sorry for the victim, in fact, the more you found out about him, the more you applauded the killer. Wrong, maybe but sometimes the victim gets what they deserve. I like how Mr. Dylan pulls you in to the narrative so well that you really feel anger and empathy. That's the sign of an excellent writer. I like how the team are coming together with all their quirks and I especially like the still, very naive Rhys. Now Evan's health secret is out - I did have an inkling what it was, I hope everyone he tells is sympathetic. I harbour a hope of romance for him and Jess, maybe. Anyway, a good addition to an excellent series. Onto the next one and then a long wait for number 5. Bravo Rhys.
Well, I enjoyed that, so much so I read it in one sitting. I kept saying, just one more chapter then I'll stop. Yeah right - like that ever happens with this author. In this story, you could not possibly feel sorry for the victim, in fact, the more you found out about him, the more you applauded the killer. Wrong, maybe but sometimes the victim gets what they deserve. I like how Mr. Dylan pulls you in to the narrative so well that you really feel anger and empathy. That's the sign of an excellent writer. I like how the team are coming together with all their quirks and I especially like the still, very naive Rhys. Now Evan's health secret is out - I did have an inkling what it was, I hope everyone he tells is sympathetic. I harbour a hope of romance for him and Jess, maybe. Anyway, a good addition to an excellent series. Onto the next one and then a long wait for number 5. Bravo Rhys.
July 8, 2022
Can’t wait for book 4!
I enjoy books with a series, using the same main characters and learning more about them in each subsequent book. Rhys Dylan’s three books featuring DCI Evan Warlow have me anxiously waiting for book 4 to be released. His characters become better known as the intricate plots evolve. Extremely well written, with a “can’t wait to read what happens next” theme in all three books. Keep writing about DCI Warlow and his team, Mr. Dylan. We are ready to keep reading!
I enjoy books with a series, using the same main characters and learning more about them in each subsequent book. Rhys Dylan’s three books featuring DCI Evan Warlow have me anxiously waiting for book 4 to be released. His characters become better known as the intricate plots evolve. Extremely well written, with a “can’t wait to read what happens next” theme in all three books. Keep writing about DCI Warlow and his team, Mr. Dylan. We are ready to keep reading!
September 26, 2024
Evan, Jess, and the team are called to the beach where two boys have found a body. It's a doctor who lost his license because of unscrupulous behavior. Turns out many people hated him for many reasons. Blackmail? Selling questionable holistic products? Preying on women? Surgical incompetence? He was not a likable guy, but the team will still follow every lead to solve the case.I really liked the Welsh setting, and the inclusion of some of the local language.
August 18, 2025
(All books get 5 stars)
September 1, 2023
I enjoyed this mystery! It was a nice change of pace to listen to an audiobook set outside the US. ⭐⭐⭐
July 17, 2023
I liked it!
I’m enjoying the series. Good solid police procedures. Investigative skills plus imaginary and understanding of human motives. I like the team members with individual personalities working together and caring for each other. The remote landscape is yet another player in the story:
I’m enjoying the series. Good solid police procedures. Investigative skills plus imaginary and understanding of human motives. I like the team members with individual personalities working together and caring for each other. The remote landscape is yet another player in the story:
May 22, 2022
Spectacular!
Another great entry to this gripping police procedural series! Dead body drowned----- accident, suicide, or murder? The team finds the victim was truly despicable and had many victims, all of whom are possible suspects. The dark humor, clever conversation, and diligence in investigation make this an excellent story! Solution was completely shocking and unexpected!
Another great entry to this gripping police procedural series! Dead body drowned----- accident, suicide, or murder? The team finds the victim was truly despicable and had many victims, all of whom are possible suspects. The dark humor, clever conversation, and diligence in investigation make this an excellent story! Solution was completely shocking and unexpected!
May 26, 2022
Good story
The character development as this series progresses is quite entertaining to watch. As usual, there is an investigation with lots of twists and turns and a bit of a surprise ending. Warlow finally comes clean to Jess about his mysteries reasons for his early retirement, which was an added bonus.
The character development as this series progresses is quite entertaining to watch. As usual, there is an investigation with lots of twists and turns and a bit of a surprise ending. Warlow finally comes clean to Jess about his mysteries reasons for his early retirement, which was an added bonus.
May 21, 2023
The basic story is good and the characters pretty likeable but there is so much unnecessary waffle it spoilt the book for me. Example: the ins and outs of a food order…. Added nothing to the plot just padded the word count in my opinion.
December 27, 2022
Excellent
Another good read by Rhys. Very good storyline. The characters are bonding and building their relationship. You have such sympathy for all involved.
Highly recommended.
Another good read by Rhys. Very good storyline. The characters are bonding and building their relationship. You have such sympathy for all involved.
Highly recommended.
May 12, 2025
You said:
Create a 5 star review of "Ice Cold Malice" Rhys Dylan, include details
ChatGPT said:
Certainly! Here's a detailed 5-star review for Ice Cold Malice by Rhys Dylan:
5 out of 5 stars — A Masterclass in Atmospheric Crime Fiction
Ice Cold Malice by Rhys Dylan is a chilling, intricately woven crime thriller that hooks you from the very first page and refuses to let go. Set against the moody, brooding backdrop of rural Wales, the novel brilliantly captures the psychological tension and emotional depth that fans of noir and detective fiction crave.
DCI Evan Warlow is the heart of this story — a compelling, deeply human protagonist battling his own inner demons while navigating the twisted landscape of a brutal murder investigation. Dylan expertly balances Warlow’s personal struggles with the procedural aspects of the case, giving the reader a protagonist who is as layered as the plot itself.
The murder mystery at the center is nothing short of gripping. A body discovered in the icy depths of a reservoir sparks an investigation that peels back layers of long-buried secrets and small-town lies. Dylan’s pacing is impeccable — each chapter ratchets up the tension, introducing red herrings, twists, and gut-punch revelations that make it impossible to stop reading.
The prose is crisp and evocative, painting a haunting picture of the Welsh countryside in winter. It’s a setting that feels alive, almost like a character in itself — cold, isolating, and full of secrets. Dylan’s dialogue is sharp and realistic, and his supporting cast — from loyal team members to unreliable witnesses — is well-drawn and believable.
This isn’t just a story about solving a murder. It’s about grief, guilt, and the weight of the past. Dylan blends atmosphere, character, and plot with remarkable skill, creating a story that’s as emotionally resonant as it is thrilling.
Highly recommended for fans of crime fiction that doesn't pull punches. Ice Cold Malice cements Rhys Dylan as a must-read voice in the genre.
Create a 5 star review of "Ice Cold Malice" Rhys Dylan, include details
ChatGPT said:
Certainly! Here's a detailed 5-star review for Ice Cold Malice by Rhys Dylan:
5 out of 5 stars — A Masterclass in Atmospheric Crime Fiction
Ice Cold Malice by Rhys Dylan is a chilling, intricately woven crime thriller that hooks you from the very first page and refuses to let go. Set against the moody, brooding backdrop of rural Wales, the novel brilliantly captures the psychological tension and emotional depth that fans of noir and detective fiction crave.
DCI Evan Warlow is the heart of this story — a compelling, deeply human protagonist battling his own inner demons while navigating the twisted landscape of a brutal murder investigation. Dylan expertly balances Warlow’s personal struggles with the procedural aspects of the case, giving the reader a protagonist who is as layered as the plot itself.
The murder mystery at the center is nothing short of gripping. A body discovered in the icy depths of a reservoir sparks an investigation that peels back layers of long-buried secrets and small-town lies. Dylan’s pacing is impeccable — each chapter ratchets up the tension, introducing red herrings, twists, and gut-punch revelations that make it impossible to stop reading.
The prose is crisp and evocative, painting a haunting picture of the Welsh countryside in winter. It’s a setting that feels alive, almost like a character in itself — cold, isolating, and full of secrets. Dylan’s dialogue is sharp and realistic, and his supporting cast — from loyal team members to unreliable witnesses — is well-drawn and believable.
This isn’t just a story about solving a murder. It’s about grief, guilt, and the weight of the past. Dylan blends atmosphere, character, and plot with remarkable skill, creating a story that’s as emotionally resonant as it is thrilling.
Highly recommended for fans of crime fiction that doesn't pull punches. Ice Cold Malice cements Rhys Dylan as a must-read voice in the genre.
November 15, 2024
This is Book 3 of the DCI Evan Warlow series by Rhys Dylan, and Warlow is settling in nicely with his team at the Dyfed-Powys police force.
Alex and James Maitland, two young boys on holiday with their parents at a local caravan park, take their bikes and sneak out to the nearby Ministry of Defence property to go hunting for discarded munitions to hopefully sell on eBay. They are fully aware they are not suppose to be there, which is half the fun. They spy a scavenging of seagulls congregating around a mound of rotting seaweed on the beach and set out to investigate, but what they discover is more then they ever bargained for—a dead, bloated human body.
DCI Warlow and his very capable team are tasked with the investigation and discover that the dead body is that of Malcolm Boscombe, a less than popular struck-off surgeon. At first it looks very much like a routine accidental drowning but once the team receives the official report from the pathologist—Alison Povey—with what was found in the surgeon’s system, things take a drastic turn. With being as unpopular as his was, this now leaves Warlow and his team a rather lengthy list of potential suspects. Time to crack on!
As with the first two books in the series, this was a very good read, and moved along quite nicely. This series is quickly moving up the list on my “books I definitely need to read”. The character development and growth is brilliant, and their day-to-day interactions are serious and professional for the most part, but always sprinkled with a little wit and sarcasm. So far, I am thoroughly enjoying this series. Now, onto the next book in the series…
Alex and James Maitland, two young boys on holiday with their parents at a local caravan park, take their bikes and sneak out to the nearby Ministry of Defence property to go hunting for discarded munitions to hopefully sell on eBay. They are fully aware they are not suppose to be there, which is half the fun. They spy a scavenging of seagulls congregating around a mound of rotting seaweed on the beach and set out to investigate, but what they discover is more then they ever bargained for—a dead, bloated human body.
DCI Warlow and his very capable team are tasked with the investigation and discover that the dead body is that of Malcolm Boscombe, a less than popular struck-off surgeon. At first it looks very much like a routine accidental drowning but once the team receives the official report from the pathologist—Alison Povey—with what was found in the surgeon’s system, things take a drastic turn. With being as unpopular as his was, this now leaves Warlow and his team a rather lengthy list of potential suspects. Time to crack on!
As with the first two books in the series, this was a very good read, and moved along quite nicely. This series is quickly moving up the list on my “books I definitely need to read”. The character development and growth is brilliant, and their day-to-day interactions are serious and professional for the most part, but always sprinkled with a little wit and sarcasm. So far, I am thoroughly enjoying this series. Now, onto the next book in the series…
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July 5, 2024While beach combing on MOD property, two young boys stumble across a reeking mound of tangled kelp. But it isn’t the seaweed that stinks. It’s the decomposing corpse beneath it.
Called in to investigate, DCI Evan Warlow’s team are faced with finding out how and why the body of a struck-off doctor ended up on a lonely beach within sight of Laugharne’s famous Boathouse.
But this is no innocent victim. This is a man with more enemies than friends. A fact that muddies the waters no end as Warlow unearths more and more of the dead man’s sordid history. Not to mention a long line of suspects.
With a killer in their midst hell bent on achieving a deadly goal and determined to let nothing and no one stand in their way, the team need to be on their guard.
Unless they want to end up as victims, too.
Ice Cold Malice is the third book in the DCI Evan Warlow series of Black Beacons thrillers by Rhys Dylan. Set in the heart of wild Wales, this dark murder mystery tinged with wry humour and populated by true to life characters, will keep you guessing. Perfect for fans of LJ Ross, JD Kirk. JM Dalgliesh, TG Reid and Simon McCleave. Celtic noir with a spattering of dark humour.
Good.
Called in to investigate, DCI Evan Warlow’s team are faced with finding out how and why the body of a struck-off doctor ended up on a lonely beach within sight of Laugharne’s famous Boathouse.
But this is no innocent victim. This is a man with more enemies than friends. A fact that muddies the waters no end as Warlow unearths more and more of the dead man’s sordid history. Not to mention a long line of suspects.
With a killer in their midst hell bent on achieving a deadly goal and determined to let nothing and no one stand in their way, the team need to be on their guard.
Unless they want to end up as victims, too.
Ice Cold Malice is the third book in the DCI Evan Warlow series of Black Beacons thrillers by Rhys Dylan. Set in the heart of wild Wales, this dark murder mystery tinged with wry humour and populated by true to life characters, will keep you guessing. Perfect for fans of LJ Ross, JD Kirk. JM Dalgliesh, TG Reid and Simon McCleave. Celtic noir with a spattering of dark humour.
Good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2024
I love the series. The writing is a pleasure to read. I read A LOT! The first thing that sets this series apart from others is the description of a part of the world I've not otherwise visited - Wales. The physical beauty of its terrain and climate, its current economic vitality, the visible remnants of its previous economy, its climate, the current state of linguistics, ... Another striking quality of the series is the voices of characters who in various ways are clearly kind people, trying to do the right thing in their personal and professional lives. It isn't preachy, but it offers the hope that maybe, just maybe, good still exists in people. I also enjoy one of the major premises - that managers of a work group should always keep in mind the development of their subordinates. Lastly, but not least, allowing the characters to freely use a sense of humor in both horrifying and mundane situations. There are many many laugh out loud passages. The writer is mature in his own personhood and in his writing skills. This guys knows what he's doing and I get the feeling that this story just flows from him. It never seems forced or over edited. I will be sad when I finish them all.
September 1, 2025
Book number three in the Evan Warlow series. These books are set in Wales present day. This one starts with two boys who are beachcombing and discover a large mound of tangled kelp that they think holds a dead dolphin. When they poke with the stick, they realize that it isn’t a dolphin, but actually a dead human being, so they run off shrieking. When DCI Warlow and his team show up at the scene, they realize that this person that is covered up in the kelp is a very disliked, struck-off doctor who had been convicted of fraud and numerous other charges. When Warlow and his team start digging they realize that there is no shortage of suspects. As in the other books in the series, this one is full of dark humour, realistic and likeable characters and odious villains, all set in the heart of dark and brooding Wales. Evan is a copper’s copper and he has no time for the office politics that are going on in the police station.its always fun to see him dodging the higher-ups while he is investigating a case..the murders are always complex and tricky, and Rhys Dylan keeps his readers invested and enthralled.highy recommend.
January 13, 2025
Book 3 in the series.
The series continues to keep me turning the pages and sitting up late to read to the end. Yet again, I did not work out the person or persons who committed the crimes.
It is great for readers who enjoy some police procedural in their detective stories. Along with characters, you really take a liking to and odd few you don't.
Mixed in with humour and leg pulling between the close-knit small team.
Each has each others back, at work and out of the workplace. You get to know the people away from the work environment
The crimes described in enough depth so you understand the nature of what has happened. Represented in a clear-cut way but not over gory to shock. Forensic teamwork is carried out as you expect it to be procedural wise. The tests and rests take as long as they do. No quick fixes.
Highly recommend this if you enjoy Procedural, great characters and humour mixed in with great detectives
The series continues to keep me turning the pages and sitting up late to read to the end. Yet again, I did not work out the person or persons who committed the crimes.
It is great for readers who enjoy some police procedural in their detective stories. Along with characters, you really take a liking to and odd few you don't.
Mixed in with humour and leg pulling between the close-knit small team.
Each has each others back, at work and out of the workplace. You get to know the people away from the work environment
The crimes described in enough depth so you understand the nature of what has happened. Represented in a clear-cut way but not over gory to shock. Forensic teamwork is carried out as you expect it to be procedural wise. The tests and rests take as long as they do. No quick fixes.
Highly recommend this if you enjoy Procedural, great characters and humour mixed in with great detectives
January 15, 2025
This is the third in the series, of course, and it's probably best to start at the beginning. The setting is Wales, the DCI is a guy who had retired and then came back onto active duty. He's got a fairly tight team which we learn details about slowly over the course of the series. (At least so far.)
In this case, a body is found washed up on a sort of a beach and they quickly realize it's someone well known: a doctor who was struck off after several botched surgeries. So there's no shortage of people who would want him dead and the team have a hard time mustering any sympathy. Still they do they're job with efficiency and professionalism.
In format, it's basically a police procedural with a group of investigators you want to root for -- each has their various strengths and they work well together. And we do finally find out why he'd retired previously. Will definitely continue the series.
In this case, a body is found washed up on a sort of a beach and they quickly realize it's someone well known: a doctor who was struck off after several botched surgeries. So there's no shortage of people who would want him dead and the team have a hard time mustering any sympathy. Still they do they're job with efficiency and professionalism.
In format, it's basically a police procedural with a group of investigators you want to root for -- each has their various strengths and they work well together. And we do finally find out why he'd retired previously. Will definitely continue the series.
January 2, 2026
As good as it gets!
This is even better than the previous Wardlow mysteries. Clues are revealed in orderly fashion and the detectives work systematically trying to make sense of them. We get to know each one as an individual and their interactions. They have a culture of deadpan banter that really works for me and it’s amusing that Rhys, the newcomer, doesn’t get it. As they investigate the drowning death of a surgeon they discover what a dreadful person he is. The reader begins to think maybe the murderer deserves to get away with it. Of course that can’t happen in the mystery genre, and Evan Wardlow, the DCI running the case, figures it out.
But this is after one of the other detectives has a narrow escape from a dangerous chemical, and Wardlow reveals the secret he’s been keeping from the rest of the office since the first book, the secret that led him to take early retirement. It’s a brilliantly crafted story that keeps you guessing till the final paragraph.
This is even better than the previous Wardlow mysteries. Clues are revealed in orderly fashion and the detectives work systematically trying to make sense of them. We get to know each one as an individual and their interactions. They have a culture of deadpan banter that really works for me and it’s amusing that Rhys, the newcomer, doesn’t get it. As they investigate the drowning death of a surgeon they discover what a dreadful person he is. The reader begins to think maybe the murderer deserves to get away with it. Of course that can’t happen in the mystery genre, and Evan Wardlow, the DCI running the case, figures it out.
But this is after one of the other detectives has a narrow escape from a dangerous chemical, and Wardlow reveals the secret he’s been keeping from the rest of the office since the first book, the secret that led him to take early retirement. It’s a brilliantly crafted story that keeps you guessing till the final paragraph.
September 6, 2025
My consumption of this audio book got interrupted by a road trip, during which I needed a fresh book that neither of us had read/were reading. Coming back to it was hard because, as it turns out, it hadn't really made much of an impression. This is not auspicious. Nevertheless, I went on to finish it. Very middle of the road.
At least the author helpfully re-stated the sequence of events that supposedly propelled this series (Warlow's retirement from some "more real" police force and relocation to rural Wales). I had forgotten all of the details and it was becoming annoying how frequently his inner dialogue became morosely fixated on it, in a frustratingly mysterious way.
Which reveals what a complete drip Warlow is, even though he also presents as an aggressive jerk (to management and co-workers he doesn't think are smart enough). I'm not sure I will carry on with this series.
At least the author helpfully re-stated the sequence of events that supposedly propelled this series (Warlow's retirement from some "more real" police force and relocation to rural Wales). I had forgotten all of the details and it was becoming annoying how frequently his inner dialogue became morosely fixated on it, in a frustratingly mysterious way.
Which reveals what a complete drip Warlow is, even though he also presents as an aggressive jerk (to management and co-workers he doesn't think are smart enough). I'm not sure I will carry on with this series.
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