Burnt Echo

DCI Evan Warlow #7

by Rhys Dylan

In a deep, dark, hole… When the putrid smell oozing out of an old mine shaft in the Cambrian hills’ ‘green desert’ of Wales turns out to be a corpse, DCI Evan Warlow and his team quickly slip into gear. But this is no pot-holing adventure gone wrong. Soon, Evan and the team are hunting for another missing person and discovering ghosts from the past that no one wants to confront. With the team stretched and confronting their own demons, DCI Warlow has his work cut out in unravelling a web of manipulation and lies. Yet there is more than one victim here. And unless he can find a way to the truth and quickly, someone else is going to fall foul. This dark murder mystery full of action and pathos with a dash of dark humour will keep you guessing.

Genres: Mystery, Crime, Fiction, Audiobook, Procedural, Suspense, Mystery Thriller

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 28, 2023

About the author

https://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.

Reviews

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never read a series I have enjoyed as much as this one. The characters continue to develop, the story lines a great and not one character is a superhero. You get every clue they get and can reach the same conclusions that they do!
I love this author!

[Cary · Rating 2 out of 5]

The mystery was very good, but the snide social commentary about gender identity, etc, really put me off. Shame; I was really enjoying this series.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

So glad I found this series. DCi Evan Warlow is a Welsh detective with a crack team solving murders in the wilds of Wales. The author is Welsh so he weaves in the language so the reader gets the flavor but it doesn’t overwhelm the story at all. In fact, it enhances the story. I keep hoping for a romance to blossom but so far, only professional friends although her daughter does keep his lab when the investigations get involved. So, there’s hope yet. I read the first seven books and am waiting on #8 due in June. These are well written, no typos, and lots of characters to like. Highly recommend.

[Vicat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Except...

I would have given this a 5, it's well crafted, touching, a bit of mystery...except for 1 thing.

"And in these days, where expressing established scientific facts about biological classification could bring the wrath of the God of cancellation down upon you, it was better to stick by the letter of the law and otherwise keep your powder dry and your mind open."

This is not only disgustingly transUNfriendly, but it has no place in this book. It doesn't advance the story, it provides no insight to characters - and in fact goes against everything we though we knew about Evan - but also current scientific facts establish there are more classifications of gender than binary. So it isn't only unneccessary, or a contradiction, it's wrong.
I am greatly disappointed.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burnt Echo by Rhys Dylan is book 7 in the DCI Evan Warlow series. A body is found in an old mine shaft. The team set up an Incident Room at the station in Aberystwyth which is closer to the crime scene and are struggling to uncover leads. Reading a new Warlow book is like meeting old friends. The characters resonate and it is enjoyable to spend time with them. DC Rhys Harris always makes me laugh. He is obsessed with food and tends to be accident prone. There is also plenty of humour with the rest of the crew as well, particularly Gil and I was in stitches there for a while. If you haven’t read this series, you are certainly missing out on great reads.

[Marcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this Welsh Team led by DCI Evan Warlow

This series just gets better and better. I am unfamiliar with Wales and its language but I love the scenic descriptions and the look of the Welsh words as I try unsuccessfully to pronounce them. The plot of Burnt Echo and team investigation is Interesting and there are surprise twists. I really enjoy the banter amongst the team. Bring on #8 and beyond.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all these books

The characters are great, well developed and unique, the humor is relentless and the cases are fascinating. Sometimes I can figure something out, or part of something out and I am then quite pleased with myself. It’s almost like the author encourages the reader to be a detective. There’s also pretty great science in every book, be it something about forensic exams, or chemistry, geology, botany or substance abuse. I am hooked!

[Keith Chambers · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit different

Like these books and the characters, so was looking forward to this one. However, this one not quite as good as the others. This is mainly due to the 'rant' during the conversation with Myst. Was the writer using the story to express his own convoluted opinions, or does he think the complicated text used around the subject of gender added to the story? It didn't!

[Donna · Rating 2 out of 5]

You can't fault the characters or the setting in this series of books. The well thought out plot was interesting but I just felt there was something slightly off with this one. I don't know if it was the whole gender thing which bought nothing to the party or too much focus on the dialogue that at times became detrimental to the flow of the story. The procedural side is good and I enjoyed that part but just too many distractions from character interactions. The ending was a little predictable too. I've enjoyed this series up to now but this one was not for me, hoping this is just a blip from the author 2.5⭐️

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beet juice

Gil is on a heath improvement kick during the investigation and the team is also suffering with him! Dylan' imaginative storytelling never fails to intrigue me!

[Julie Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good

[J Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evan Warlow and his team do it again.

I've read all of the books in this series and thoroughly enjoyed them. This one kept me guessing right to the end as there had seemed to be no obvious suspect. suspect. Although there are some vicious killings involved, the dedicated police team indulge in a lot of "gallows humour", possibly to easy the tension and pressure they are under, that had me laughing out loud.

[Susann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful author! Brilliantly layered and constructed police procedural, great police team, excellent and funny dialogue, a true mystery (to me) until the end, Cadi, Welsh countryside, tea and biccies! I am still a bit unclear about the murderer's motivation that could have used more background. Can't wait until the next installment. Thank you, Rhys Dylan. You are on to a winner here!

[Amy Peck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series!

I binged this great series a few weeks ago and couldn’t wait for Book 7's release a few days ago. Evan Warlow, Jess, Molly, Cadi, Gil, Rhys, Catrin, Gina - they are like family to me now.
Such well written stories, with wit and gravitas, such is life. I look forward to Book 8 in June.

[Ian Banks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read... What a series...

The character of Evan Wharlow is now firmly imprinted on my imagination.

Each of these books has been riveting to read and all of Evan’s colleagues are identifiable and memorable.

Great reads, great writing, looking forward to book 8!!

[Rebecca Charlesworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how I do love a catch up with Warlow and the team, still ragging poor Rhys’s backside while he’s still as awkward as ever hahaha. Another well written storyline, great characters, great police procedural. Could be easily read as a stand-alone but why would you want to do that when the previous books are such great reads.

[J LEA · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

Love this series of books, story grabs you and keeps you grabbed. Bring on the next one please. Great read.

[Mary Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

We're book seven into this series which shows no signs of wavering in terms of quality. This time Evan and the team are called in with the discovery of a man's body down a mine shaft.

As usual, this is made even more enjoyable by the various characters involved. The team are so likeable and when you start to read, you know you will be laughing your head off in particular with Rhys and Gil. I will live with images of beetroot and truncheons for a while! There is also some old personal history for Catrin to deal with, quite a topical social issue these days.

There's several twists and I didn't foresee how things panned out. A terrific read in a brilliant series and the author can't write quick enough for me.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burnt Echo is the 7th book in this series and WOW, what can I say it's great to have the unique team back together with their own quirks I have come to love to yet solve another crime. This book can be read as a standalone if you want. It's as the characters are now friends and you really truly empathise with them and feel what's is happening to them.

This series is maturing with every book as we go along. Getting to know the characters more in-depth love it, but in this book some characters have personal demons from the past which have come back to haunt them.

It has all you need from a brilliantly written story, captivating, engrossing and twists and turns to keep you engaged throughout. I always feel a little sad when I finish the last page of the book. But as always looking forward to my next instalment of DCI Evan Warlow and a little cute dog called Cadi (bless).

I highly recommend this book or series you won't be disappointed!!!!

[Anthony Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

📖 Plot Overview
Set against the rugged backdrop of the Cambrian Hills in Wales, the narrative begins with the discovery of a decaying body in an abandoned mine shaft. DCI Evan Warlow and his team are drawn into a complex investigation that unearths not only the circumstances surrounding the corpse but also leads to the search for another missing person. As the team delves deeper, they confront a web of manipulation, lies, and ghosts from the past that many would prefer remain buried.

🧩 Themes and Tone
"Burnt Echo" delves into themes of past traumas resurfacing, the complexities of truth and deception, and the personal demons that professionals carry. The novel maintains a darker and grittier tone compared to typical British police procedurals, enhanced by the isolated and rugged Welsh landscape. This setting not only adds depth to the narrative but also amplifies the tension and mood throughout the story.
Long and Short Reviews

👥 Character Development
DCI Evan Warlow is portrayed as a seasoned detective, balancing the challenges of a demanding investigation with the personal struggles of his team members. The dynamics within the team are explored in depth, showcasing their professional camaraderie and personal vulnerabilities. This installment further develops the characters, making their interactions and growth integral to the unfolding mystery.
South Island

🗣️ Critical Reception
"Burnt Echo" has received a mix of reviews. Long and Short Reviews awarded it 3 stars, noting its darker tone and the strength of its mystery elements. They highlighted the book's ability to stand alone, though they mentioned that new readers might miss some depth in character relationships established in earlier installments.
Long and Short Reviews

On Goodreads, the novel boasts a strong average rating, with 62% of readers giving it 5 stars, praising its compelling narrative and character development.
The audiobook version, narrated by Tobias Weatherburn, has been well-received, with listeners appreciating the engaging performance and the added depth it brings to the story.

✅ Final Verdict
"Burnt Echo" is a solid addition to the DCI Evan Warlow series, offering a well-crafted mystery set in a vividly depicted landscape. Its exploration of complex characters and darker themes sets it apart in the crime fiction genre. While it can be enjoyed as a standalone, readers may find added depth by familiarizing themselves with earlier books in the series.











Sources

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 7 in The DCI Evan Warlow series and whilst it would read well as a stand-alone I recommend reading the other because the whole police team have great back stories throughout the series. This genuinely is one of my favourite police procedural series, and not just because I’m a bit in love with Cadi. The regular characters are all great, DC Rhys Harris is just a gem although his penchant for misunderstanding situations is pushed into the shade by DS Gil Jones this time. As an aside - I know someone who did exactly the same as Gil; sorry you will need to read the book to understand this.

Briefly, when a body is discovered in a mine shaft the team are handed the case. They soon discover the deceased is college lecturer Alistair Lyndon and his former partner Mirain Hughes is missing. One of the people they interview as part of the case also proves to be a very unwelcome reminder of her past to DS Catrin Richards. Can the team find Mirain and discover who killed Alistair?

Despite the nature of the books there is always a good sprinkling of humour to lighten the tension and the team seem like old friends now. As always this is well written and well plotted and I love that it’s always difficult to solve the case before Evan and the team. A very enjoyable read, great characters and a cracking plot. Loved it.

[Rusty Cat Games · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the Warlow series. Overall, they're fun engaging and well written stories. This was no exception. From a story angle, this was up there with the best, but the author seems to have decided to start introducing some of his views, for no real reason.

The word "woke" has started to creep into the book, which is a bit of a red flag, but the introduction of a trans character, purely so that the author can share his views, seems to be a bigger red flag.

I have no issue either way, and I wasn't offended by the tirade. It just seemed a bit childish to bring it in, particularly as it wasn't relevant to the story. It was in there just to make a point. The author continues to comment, via his characters, that they'd be cancelled on Twitter. I suspect this could be what's happened to the author, so he's lashing out, perhaps.

The writing seems to have dumbed down a lot too, there's a significant increase in toilet humour and biscuit related discussion. Far more than previously.

Anyway, love the "art" even though the author is on a "yellow card". I'm hopeful this is just a blip, so I'll continue with the next book.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series, centered around DCI Warlow (The Wolf), is great. I love the settings in Wales and the descriptions of the landscapes and features (if I don't try to pronounce the names). The books give you background on the members of the police team and make them real. Their interactions, banter and camaraderie add a lot to the plot and lighten the grim murder scenes. This book has a complicated plot and lots of suspects and interviewees to keep your interest until the end. I did not guess the outcome. And I especially like Warlow. I like that he is older and experienced and somewhat jaded. He has a wry sense of humor and it very perceptive, and his personal life is complicated too. He looks after his team but also helps to develop their varied skills so that they contribute different things to the investigation. There is a certain amount of the Welsh language spoken, to help remind the reader that this is a unique country but it is not difficult to guess the meaning of the words, which are sometimes translated by the characters.

[Stefan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book 7 of the DCI Evan Warlow series by Rhys Dylan, and the DCI Warlow team’s latest case starts in a big stinky hole in the “green desert” of Wales, up in the Cambrian hills. The cause of the stench, a rotting corpse at the bottom of the old mine shaft.

After the forensic team determines the death is anything but an accident, Warlow and his gang of very capable detectives jump into action and leave no stone unturned as they try and get to the bottom of this case (sorry for the puns). But when a second body enters the frame, things start to ramp up exponentially. With two bodies, it adds to the dilemma, and the team has to wade through all the evidence and determine what is truth and who is blowing smoke.

Weaved into the book, there is a little backstory on a couple of the main characters. Always enjoy when character building backstories are a part of the book.

Yet again, another brilliant book from Rhys Dylan. I now look forward to tracking down a copy of the next installment.

[Rosie Bray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series of books just keep getting better and better, each new book is like catching up with old friends, if your old friends happen to be a team of detectives who deal with major cases in the south west of Wales.

There are always plenty of twists to keep you on your toes, and the character development is sublime. I know it's probably unusual to have a favourite character that's not the main protagonist, but I have to admit more than a fondness for DS Gil Jones, his references to his wife as Lady Anwen are charming, and he's about as old school as they come. The interaction and interplay between the character is masterful, and even in the light of some of the horrendous crimes the team are faced with, their interactions usually raise a smile

The author's use of Welsh words and phrases doesn't detract from the storytelling, but enhances it. It takes me back to childhood when members of my own family would do just that.

Love the series, long may it continue

[Allison Valentine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burnt Echo is the seventh book in the DCI Evan Warlow series but can easily be read as a stand alone, but I would highly recommend that you read the previous books so that you really get to know the characters.

When a body is discovered in an old mining shaft Even and the team are called in to investigate. They move the incident room to Aberystwyth due to be closer to the crime scene.
Whilst investigating the murder of Alastair they also discover that his ex girlfriend Miriam is also missing.
Is this a coincidence or are they both connected?

I love the characters in this series they feel like family. You worry about them and you feel their pain when something happens to anyone of them.

Some amazing plot twists and a few red herrings along the way had me completely hooked from the first sentence to the last full stop.

[Courtney Archer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always a good story… 1 little issue

As always a great story and I love the team and the growth in their interpersonal connections. The only thing that bothered me was Evan’s continued interest in his old flame. Last book, the shock of seeing her and the pride you can fell in someone taking interest was understandable. But no matter how on the rocks the reality is she is married. And I’m disappointed (especially given his connection to Jess and knowing how adultery has effected her and Molly) that the idea of seeing this woman would still be on Evan’s mind. I took him as a better man then that. And the reason for not seeing her wasn’t that she was married but because of his HIV. It was just a bit disappointing. And it was like the first chapter of the book. So it started on a bad note for me.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the seventh book in the DCI Evan Warlow series & although it would read well as a standalone, I would recommend reading the whole lot in order. You will then understand the nuances of how the team work as well as the gradual padding out of their backstories. Plus, you’ll get more Cadi time!

A decomposing body is discovered in a mine shaft & the deceased’s former partner is missing. As the case progresses, one of the interviewees triggers unwelcome memories for one of the team.

I love these books; fabulous plots with plenty of in depth story telling but with with some much needed humour added in. A great read & no sooner had I finished this, then number eight landed on my kindle. I’m well happy!

[Nicky Rossiter]

The march goes on.
It is seldom that I have read and enjoyed a series of books so much. Usually they start to disappoint as the list lengthens but not the Warlow books.
This is another interesting case for the team and as ever there are twists and turns. This time we have two sort of personal “sub plots” that are expertly written.
They are still drinking a lot of tea but maybe less than previously. I don’t know if I somehow missed it but one point they refer to wanting to see inside something but this never features again.
As regards other reviewers dislike of the “rant” I think it was well in character for the person speaking/thinking. We must live in a world with different opinions.
Onward to the next one.

[Nancy]

n a deep, dark, hole… When the putrid smell oozing out of an old mine shaft in the Cambrian hills’ ‘green desert’ of Wales turns out to be a corpse, DCI Evan Warlow and his team quickly slip into gear. But this is no pot-holing adventure gone wrong. Soon, Evan and the team are hunting for another missing person and discovering ghosts from the past that no one wants to confront. With the team stretched and confronting their own demons, DCI Warlow has his work cut out in unravelling a web of manipulation and lies. Yet there is more than one victim here. And unless he can find a way to the truth and quickly, someone else is going to fall foul. This dark murder mystery full of action and pathos with a dash of dark humour will keep you guessing.


Good.