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DCI Evan Warlow #1
The Engine House
You can bury the bodies, but you can’t hide the truth.
When a landslip on Pembrokeshire’s stunning coastal path reveals the harrowing remains of two bodies, ex-DCI Evan Warlow’s quiet retirement is shattered.
As the original investigator for the two missing persons eight years before, Evan is recalled to help with what is now a murder inquiry. But as the killer scrambles to cover up the truth, the body count rises.
Working with a new young team, Warlow peels away the layers to reveal the dark and rotten heart that beats beneath the chocolate box tranquillity of an area renowned for its quiet beauty.
But does he still have what it takes to root out the monstrous truth before all hell lets loose?
When a landslip on Pembrokeshire’s stunning coastal path reveals the harrowing remains of two bodies, ex-DCI Evan Warlow’s quiet retirement is shattered.
As the original investigator for the two missing persons eight years before, Evan is recalled to help with what is now a murder inquiry. But as the killer scrambles to cover up the truth, the body count rises.
Working with a new young team, Warlow peels away the layers to reveal the dark and rotten heart that beats beneath the chocolate box tranquillity of an area renowned for its quiet beauty.
But does he still have what it takes to root out the monstrous truth before all hell lets loose?
360 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 27, 2021
9952 people are currently reading
5271 people want to read
About the author
Rhys Dylan
18 books498 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 570 reviews
November 9, 2023
I’m always on the lookout for new police procedural series. So, seeing positive reviews about The Engine House, I decided to give it a try. And I’m so glad I did.
It’s a busy book. The plot involves finding the corpses of a couple that have been missing for seven years. Told from multiple perspectives, it veers between the retired detective initially in charge of their missing persons investigation, the SIO now investigating the murder, the couple that bought their house and even some lowlifes. The constant switching does keep the story moving at a brisk pace. Despite the multiple characters, Dylan makes sure to fully develop each. I found Warlow (the retired DCI) to be especially interesting, with his black lab companion.
The story takes place In Wales and the location was a character in its own right.
Yes, some plot points were easy to see coming, but I still struggled to identify who was behind the crimes. And I didn’t see the ending coming at all. I will definitely be following up with the second in the series.
I listened to this and was very impressed with Joseph Tweedale’s narration.
It’s a busy book. The plot involves finding the corpses of a couple that have been missing for seven years. Told from multiple perspectives, it veers between the retired detective initially in charge of their missing persons investigation, the SIO now investigating the murder, the couple that bought their house and even some lowlifes. The constant switching does keep the story moving at a brisk pace. Despite the multiple characters, Dylan makes sure to fully develop each. I found Warlow (the retired DCI) to be especially interesting, with his black lab companion.
The story takes place In Wales and the location was a character in its own right.
Yes, some plot points were easy to see coming, but I still struggled to identify who was behind the crimes. And I didn’t see the ending coming at all. I will definitely be following up with the second in the series.
I listened to this and was very impressed with Joseph Tweedale’s narration.
March 19, 2023
Although I make a point of finishing books, even though I'm three quarters of the way through, I just can't. First, the story is slow and even this far in, I honestly don't care who the killer is or if he or she is ever caught. There are zero clues at this point, so I'm sure there will be a big reveal in the last pages. Silly old readers don't deserve details. Second, the author is a sexist pig. He endlessly comments on womens' bodies and how fat they are or aren't and, I kid you not, their caloric intakes. It's saved just for women characters. Each is described by body type and whether it's "their fault" or not. He does the normal - concern about their health caveat in his brain - so of course, he's not a monster - he really cares. He even calorie shames a teenage girl (not his own) and has her laugh it off as he's being clever. Most women know this to be the classic bully move - we're watching you. Of course, he has a fat alcoholic ex-wife, to who he, angel that he is, stayed with as long as he could for his wonderful well-adjusted now successful sons, who were not the least affected by their drunk mother, thanks to super dad. The author obviously thinks he's written about a really great guy and not an abusive sexist jerk - so yeah - if you can look past all this, and aren't worried about a story being compelling or interesting - then maybe you'll like this. There are way too many great authors out there to waste my time or money on this sexist tripe. Disappointing. I was hoping for a new series to follow.
June 11, 2023
Truly an excellent start to the DCI Evan Marlow series set in Wales. I’m so glad I stumbled across this one! Rhys Dylan kept my interest from start to finish.
May 3, 2023
worth a read
Interesting set of characters, I’m interested to see how they develop. However, there was one thing that bugged me all through the book. Whatever Evan Wallow’s big, mysterious medical problem is, please stop with the foreshadowing and tell us what it is already.
Interesting set of characters, I’m interested to see how they develop. However, there was one thing that bugged me all through the book. Whatever Evan Wallow’s big, mysterious medical problem is, please stop with the foreshadowing and tell us what it is already.
October 20, 2022
I was enjoying getting to know retired DCI Evan Warlow who is called in to help with a gnarly case due to his past knowledge --
and then a young man is viciously attacked and burned to death. I am unable to handle that level of violence.
The funny thing is I was wondering why there were so many negative star ratings when I was really liking the book up to close to half way mark. Grrrrr!
Kindle Unlimited
and then a young man is viciously attacked and burned to death. I am unable to handle that level of violence.
The funny thing is I was wondering why there were so many negative star ratings when I was really liking the book up to close to half way mark. Grrrrr!
Kindle Unlimited
January 20, 2022
This is the first in a new series, A Black Beacons Murder Mystery, introducing DCI Evan Warlow, set on the Pembrokeshire coast. My first read from this author and I have to say I was impressed. This is a dark police procedural thriller but with a touch of humour and introduces some wonderful characters, not least Warlow himself; a DCI who took early retirement, for some reason that isn’t clear, and now spends his time renovating his cottage and walking his black labrador, Cadi.
Briefly, two bodies are found on a costal path and a case from 8 years ago, a missing retired husband and wife, one he never solved, comes back to haunt him. Called out of retirement to help the new team, he agrees to help as a one off. The house the missing couple lived in is now occupied by a young married couple who become embroiled in the case. Can Warlow finally close this case?
I loved how wonderfully the settings are described, you almost felt you were on that path, and the characterisations are fabulous, I can picture them all. It’s a well paced story that really ratchets up as the horrible truth is revealed. I enjoyed this a lot and look forward to book 2 and finding out more about our DCI ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Briefly, two bodies are found on a costal path and a case from 8 years ago, a missing retired husband and wife, one he never solved, comes back to haunt him. Called out of retirement to help the new team, he agrees to help as a one off. The house the missing couple lived in is now occupied by a young married couple who become embroiled in the case. Can Warlow finally close this case?
I loved how wonderfully the settings are described, you almost felt you were on that path, and the characterisations are fabulous, I can picture them all. It’s a well paced story that really ratchets up as the horrible truth is revealed. I enjoyed this a lot and look forward to book 2 and finding out more about our DCI ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 1, 2022
DCI Evan Warlow retired and is living a new life with his dog in his uncles house. The renovations are almost complete. Two bodies are discovered after a landslide and it looks as if they are the missing people from a case Evan investigated more than 7 years ago. He gets a call to come back to the team as he would have invaluable insights into what happened in the previous investigation. He is reluctant to come back but as the case was unsolved during his watch he joins the new team. This is the first in a series and it starts off a bit slow. It got better as it progressed and by the end it was a page turner.
January 19, 2022
If there’s one thing that I like doing it’s discovering new authors. Rhys Dylan is a new author for me. I’ll let you into a little secret Rhys Dylan is the pen name of an author who has previously written several books for adults and children under another name. ‘The Engine House’ is the first book in a series featuring Detective Chief Inspector (DCI) Evan Warlow. The synopsis sounded intriguing and I was so looking forward to reading it. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘The Engine House’ but more about that in a bit.
I was drawn into this book from the very first word on the very first page. I was intrigued by the storyline and by the main character, DCI Warlow. I developed my own suspicions as to what was going to happen and I had to keep reading to see if I was on the right track or if I had wandered down the wrong path. The book ended up being well travelled because it accompanied me everywhere. I couldn’t bear to miss a single second of the story. I found that the more of the book that I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to turn. I became so wrapped up in the story that I would lose all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the story. All too quickly I reached the end of ‘The Engine House’ and I had to say a temporary farewell to DCI Warlow and the team. I found ‘The Engine House’ to be a tense, gripping and dramatic read, which kept me guessing and which kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
‘The Engine House’ is extremely well written. The author has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. He certainly knows how to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into what proves to be a fantastic read. For me, the story hit the ground running and maintained a fairly fast pace throughout. Reading ‘The Engine House’ was a bit like being on a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way- some of which I guessed but most of which were a surprise. ‘The Engine House’ is a fine start to what I am sure will be a superb series. I look forward to learning more about Warlow and his team.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘The Engine House’ and I would recommend it to other readers. I look forward to reading more from Rhys Dylan in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
I was drawn into this book from the very first word on the very first page. I was intrigued by the storyline and by the main character, DCI Warlow. I developed my own suspicions as to what was going to happen and I had to keep reading to see if I was on the right track or if I had wandered down the wrong path. The book ended up being well travelled because it accompanied me everywhere. I couldn’t bear to miss a single second of the story. I found that the more of the book that I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to turn. I became so wrapped up in the story that I would lose all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the story. All too quickly I reached the end of ‘The Engine House’ and I had to say a temporary farewell to DCI Warlow and the team. I found ‘The Engine House’ to be a tense, gripping and dramatic read, which kept me guessing and which kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
‘The Engine House’ is extremely well written. The author has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. He certainly knows how to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into what proves to be a fantastic read. For me, the story hit the ground running and maintained a fairly fast pace throughout. Reading ‘The Engine House’ was a bit like being on a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way- some of which I guessed but most of which were a surprise. ‘The Engine House’ is a fine start to what I am sure will be a superb series. I look forward to learning more about Warlow and his team.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘The Engine House’ and I would recommend it to other readers. I look forward to reading more from Rhys Dylan in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
April 9, 2023
2 stars
I am happy that I've read the second book in this series first time as i would have read it should I have started with this one. This book is long, dragged, boring and they find the guilty people more by coincidence than anything else.
There are too many chapters filled with personal drama completely irrelevant to the subject at hand.
I am happy that I've read the second book in this series first time as i would have read it should I have started with this one. This book is long, dragged, boring and they find the guilty people more by coincidence than anything else.
There are too many chapters filled with personal drama completely irrelevant to the subject at hand.
April 29, 2023
I’m very excited to have discovered this series!
April 27, 2022
Wow, I haven't rated a good British police procedural in awhile! I get the high ratings for this book. This is a slow burn but hold on, it's not your usual police team. Evan Warlow is not a slovenly, drunk, depressed figure that seems to be a hallmark of police leads nowadays. (He's a stickler for car cleanliness and keeps out wet dog smell)! The female boss Jess is not out to prove herself to a masochist police force, in fact she's already bright and very competent. Add in that she cooks regular food for her daughter makes me admire her for her... normality. Caitlin and Rhys are not insecure but bright members. Yes, this is a supportive team. Add the supportive boss, and you get a stress free normal team. Wow does this exist in fiction? You have to read just to see how a team is supposed to work. On and off work!
The author rightfully places the tension on the crime story and not the team. (Of course there's this one annoying guy...) The result is that you get a sweeping description of West Wales, procedural steps that actually drive clues, and the story. Seems remarkable because it's simple and have been ignored far too long as authors have been following some crime formula of red herrings, boss-subordinate tensions, and thriller components to standout. Nope, author chooses content over fluff. Even a POV from the affected public themselves add to the slight thrill element. The end is quite surprising but nothing too out of this world. You might even guess it. Thing is, it is believable and that's getting rarer in crime fiction nowadays.
This book needs more audience, if only to highlight the beauty of Wales, fierceness of Welsh winter weather, but also the historical bygone days of lime mining in the region. Definitely looking forward to reading the next! Oh, there's even a short story out on Evan!
The author rightfully places the tension on the crime story and not the team. (Of course there's this one annoying guy...) The result is that you get a sweeping description of West Wales, procedural steps that actually drive clues, and the story. Seems remarkable because it's simple and have been ignored far too long as authors have been following some crime formula of red herrings, boss-subordinate tensions, and thriller components to standout. Nope, author chooses content over fluff. Even a POV from the affected public themselves add to the slight thrill element. The end is quite surprising but nothing too out of this world. You might even guess it. Thing is, it is believable and that's getting rarer in crime fiction nowadays.
This book needs more audience, if only to highlight the beauty of Wales, fierceness of Welsh winter weather, but also the historical bygone days of lime mining in the region. Definitely looking forward to reading the next! Oh, there's even a short story out on Evan!
March 4, 2025
I have no idea how this is rated so high. The book dragged, was not suspenseful, and had so many narrations of things that don’t matter. The author uses men’s last names and women’s first names, despite rank/position. He describes women’s features and makes comments on weight but nothing about the men. It irked me. I also didn’t like the focus on a chemical pregnancy. Way too many words, and not a page turner
January 17, 2022
DCI Evan Warlow - wait, make that ex-DCI Evan Warlow - has retired, at 50, and is planning to spend the rest of his days completing the renovation of his much-loved cottage, enjoying long walks on the Pembrokeshire coast of Wales, with his best-buddy-black-lab, Cadi.
Nursing a dark secret that (no spoilers here, and not even a hint!) has hastened his early retirement, at 50, from the Dyfed-Powys police force, Evan is unceremoniously summoned to assist when a break occurs in his last case, the unsolved disappearance of a sixty-ish couple, with Evan’s familiarity now desperately needed to help fit the new, and uncover the missing, pieces in a case that has dogged him for seven years.
A feast for the senses, this book is dark, atmospheric and utterly compelling - the uniquely craggy Welsh coastline, sheer and rugged sea cliffs, dotted with crumbling ruins and always, that howling wind sheeting galeforce buckets of rain, - an artfully-fitting backdrop as the bodies begin to pile up in a developing story as ominous as it is engaging.
“The dead have no voice other than those who speak up for them”.
Evan’s new homicide team sparkles with crackerjack new characters - (sure to be regulars, in this, the first of a wonderful new detective series) including:
- DI Jess Allanby - newly promoted to SIO (Senior Investigating Officer) and eager to make her mark on this, her first major case to lead, Jess is nobody’s fool, a tough and tender divorced mom to a teenage daughter, whose cool grey eyes and subtly shifting composure may be more than Evan had bargained for.
-DS Catrin Richards - a warm and welcome mentee whose trust in Evan has already been established, - a bond that after eighteen months of mostly solitary retirement, has clearly been missed.
-DC Rhys Harries - a relative newcomer to the force, Rhys is quick to learn and thrilled to be on the team - an energy that may turn out to be as dangerous for Rhys as it is the criminals he pursues.
The story moves quickly with twists and turns that are clever, suspenseful, tragic and moody, with a hint of gothic darkness and just the right amount of white-knuckle fear to keep you guessing and reading late into the night.
Highly recommended, a treat for any mystery fan, and in particular those who enjoy British detective series (my personal favorites). I can’t wait to read the next installment.
A great big thank you to the author, and the publisher for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.
Nursing a dark secret that (no spoilers here, and not even a hint!) has hastened his early retirement, at 50, from the Dyfed-Powys police force, Evan is unceremoniously summoned to assist when a break occurs in his last case, the unsolved disappearance of a sixty-ish couple, with Evan’s familiarity now desperately needed to help fit the new, and uncover the missing, pieces in a case that has dogged him for seven years.
A feast for the senses, this book is dark, atmospheric and utterly compelling - the uniquely craggy Welsh coastline, sheer and rugged sea cliffs, dotted with crumbling ruins and always, that howling wind sheeting galeforce buckets of rain, - an artfully-fitting backdrop as the bodies begin to pile up in a developing story as ominous as it is engaging.
“The dead have no voice other than those who speak up for them”.
Evan’s new homicide team sparkles with crackerjack new characters - (sure to be regulars, in this, the first of a wonderful new detective series) including:
- DI Jess Allanby - newly promoted to SIO (Senior Investigating Officer) and eager to make her mark on this, her first major case to lead, Jess is nobody’s fool, a tough and tender divorced mom to a teenage daughter, whose cool grey eyes and subtly shifting composure may be more than Evan had bargained for.
-DS Catrin Richards - a warm and welcome mentee whose trust in Evan has already been established, - a bond that after eighteen months of mostly solitary retirement, has clearly been missed.
-DC Rhys Harries - a relative newcomer to the force, Rhys is quick to learn and thrilled to be on the team - an energy that may turn out to be as dangerous for Rhys as it is the criminals he pursues.
The story moves quickly with twists and turns that are clever, suspenseful, tragic and moody, with a hint of gothic darkness and just the right amount of white-knuckle fear to keep you guessing and reading late into the night.
Highly recommended, a treat for any mystery fan, and in particular those who enjoy British detective series (my personal favorites). I can’t wait to read the next installment.
A great big thank you to the author, and the publisher for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.
November 3, 2023
Misogynistic -Quite disappointing. I was looking forward to finding a new series to read but I found the story in this book to be very transparent. I was very annoyed with the misogynistic attitude towards the female police officers. All male officers were ascribed their rank and last name but even the most senior female officer is referred to by her first name throughout that denigrates her more senior standing.
Of course, the female police detectives could not have solved the crime without the help of an old retired male officer.
I will give this series a miss.
Of course, the female police detectives could not have solved the crime without the help of an old retired male officer.
I will give this series a miss.
July 3, 2023
Straight out great story
Really enjoyed this - detective novel, yes, but with an extra layer or two, to bemuse and frighten! Love it.
Really enjoyed this - detective novel, yes, but with an extra layer or two, to bemuse and frighten! Love it.
June 19, 2025
Great start to a new (to me) detective series! This first book begins with a reluctant return to work for a Welsh detective, DCI Evan Warlow. His "white whale" case, a missing couple who seemed to vanish into thin air while on a hike, has resurfaced with dramatic new evidence and he can't resist the pull back to solve it. The series is set in Wales in the United Kingdom and the descriptions of place are very atmospheric (adding to my list of places to visit!).
* For audiobook people- the accents are fun too.
* For audiobook people- the accents are fun too.
September 26, 2024
A new location, a police procedural/mystery set in South Wales. Retired DCI Warlow comes back in an advisory role when a cold case he worked on comes back to life. The usual small team investigating the case but there are a differences because the main character is not an active police officer. Decent story and enough tidbits about the characters to keep the reader engaged. There is obviously lots more to these people and I'm sure that is explored in subsequent books. The author lives in the area is writing about so that gives an extra bit of authenticity.
Liked it enough to continue with the series.
Liked it enough to continue with the series.
December 18, 2024
The Engine House
Really enjoyed this series starter. It's always a good sign when the characters carrying the story feel like people you want to spend time with and that it certainly the case here.
1 down, 15 to go.
Really enjoyed this series starter. It's always a good sign when the characters carrying the story feel like people you want to spend time with and that it certainly the case here.
1 down, 15 to go.
July 21, 2023
This was a really good read and I am happy to see it is a series!
August 19, 2023
There were definitely parts of this book I liked and the story line was very well thought out. What let it down for me was that it seemed unnecessarily drawn out, the storyline could well have been developed in the 337 pages and as it is the start of a series, it perhaps needed that extra time, but I don’t feel the time and paper were well used. I didn’t exactly like DCI Warlow, I’m not sure why, perhaps it would take a second book to get to know him better. I also didn’t like some of sexist comments or the references to weight and shape of some of the female characters, all a bit unnecessary, although I do accept that the author is trying to build a picture of the character. But biggest ‘miss’ is that the text needed a much better proof reader, lots of tidying up of grammar, reworking of some sentences and plain textual errors that need to be checked! I will possibly read the next in the series, lots of TBR to work through just yet and didn’t grab me sufficiently to jump the queue
August 16, 2023
Always fun to find a new-to-me mystery series, and DCI Evan Warlow #1 has proven to be a winner.
When we meet him, Evan Warlow has just retired from his police force in western Wales. There is a secret reason for his retirement, but we won’t learn what that reason is in Book #1…quel domage!
But an old cold case of his has come to light again, and he’s asked by his supervisor to consult on new leads that have given rise to a re-examination of the disappearance of a husband and wife 10 years before. Reluctantly, he decides to help out, and his experience of the case and his long detective experience prove invaluable in the solving the case.
A good, complicated, but very approachable mystery, and I will definitely tackle the next one. Maybe the mystery of Evan’s decision to retire will be revealed!
When we meet him, Evan Warlow has just retired from his police force in western Wales. There is a secret reason for his retirement, but we won’t learn what that reason is in Book #1…quel domage!
But an old cold case of his has come to light again, and he’s asked by his supervisor to consult on new leads that have given rise to a re-examination of the disappearance of a husband and wife 10 years before. Reluctantly, he decides to help out, and his experience of the case and his long detective experience prove invaluable in the solving the case.
A good, complicated, but very approachable mystery, and I will definitely tackle the next one. Maybe the mystery of Evan’s decision to retire will be revealed!
June 29, 2023
Enjoyed this book, and liked the way the characters developed. The story could have finished about 80% into the book, but unlike some books the story continued to up tie nearly all the loose ends. There is just enough unresolved sub stories to make you want to read the next in the series.
June 25, 2023
The Engine House is book one in the DCI Evan Warlow's series by Rhys Dylan. One of Ex-DCI Evan Warlow's disappointments was his failure to find Pembrokeshire bodies until a landslip along the coastal path discovered them. An unexpected request happened to Evan Warlow, who asked to come back to help with the investigation. The readers of The Engine House will continue to follow DCI Evan Warlow to discover what happens.
The Engine House ensures that I place this series by Rhys Dylan on my favourite series list. I fell in love with the story and the characters from the first page. I kept up the tradition of starting reading a new series by reading the last book in the series first. I love Rhys Dylan's portrayal of his characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. The Engine House is well-written and researched by Rhys Dylan. I like Rhys Dylan's description of the settings of The Engine House, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of The Engine House will learn about corruption and lack of support in Law enforcement agencies. The readers of The Engine House will understand what people will endure to get a better life for their families.
I recommend this book.
The Engine House ensures that I place this series by Rhys Dylan on my favourite series list. I fell in love with the story and the characters from the first page. I kept up the tradition of starting reading a new series by reading the last book in the series first. I love Rhys Dylan's portrayal of his characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. The Engine House is well-written and researched by Rhys Dylan. I like Rhys Dylan's description of the settings of The Engine House, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of The Engine House will learn about corruption and lack of support in Law enforcement agencies. The readers of The Engine House will understand what people will endure to get a better life for their families.
I recommend this book.
December 27, 2024
First in a series set in Wales. This book gets amazingly high ratings on Goodreads but didn't quite make the mark for me. I found the lead detective, Evan Warlow, a strange character who I felt I didn't learn enough about. There is obviously something in his past, possibly/probably health related. I also felt he was inconsistent, one minute being supportive, the next almost misogynistic. I also struggled with the familiar, overused tropes (not specifying to avoid spoilers).
A few reviews have indicated the series gets better so I might go to book two and see.
A few reviews have indicated the series gets better so I might go to book two and see.
November 27, 2022
Retired DCI Warlow is brought back due to the discovery of two bodies from a very cold case
The DCI is hiding a secret; he has a malady. I am not being cute I am currently on book 3 and all I know is that is it blood related and he has to take oral medication
The bodies that bring him back to the force will lead to a complex crime syndicate and make him take stock of his life
The DCI is hiding a secret; he has a malady. I am not being cute I am currently on book 3 and all I know is that is it blood related and he has to take oral medication
The bodies that bring him back to the force will lead to a complex crime syndicate and make him take stock of his life
June 2, 2025
I liked the characters but I felt it dragged
I liked it but I didn't love it. The premise was good, but I wanted more I guess. And what does Evan have? Aids maybe? Like his uncle? I couldn't tell. The story about the Engine House but not just the Engine House was intriguing. I couldn't figure out how it all tied in. I liked reading about Cadi the dog. And Jess and Catrin. I kind of guessed the bad guy a little after halfway in, but I wasn't sure. It was something they said and I thought hmmm. Could it be? And it was. Evan is a great hero and quite an enigmatic character and I will definitely try and read him again.
I liked it but I didn't love it. The premise was good, but I wanted more I guess. And what does Evan have? Aids maybe? Like his uncle? I couldn't tell. The story about the Engine House but not just the Engine House was intriguing. I couldn't figure out how it all tied in. I liked reading about Cadi the dog. And Jess and Catrin. I kind of guessed the bad guy a little after halfway in, but I wasn't sure. It was something they said and I thought hmmm. Could it be? And it was. Evan is a great hero and quite an enigmatic character and I will definitely try and read him again.
January 4, 2025
Listened to this book but I didn’t like it much. There were too many characters and the book was just all over the place. For a mystery it didn’t keep me in suspense and the end just doesn’t connect with the rest of the book. The main character was the typical detective coming out of retirement.
October 26, 2023
Good and interesting.
January 7, 2024
2. 75 stars?? It wasn't bad, but I was just kind of bored for most of it🤷♀️... also, it doesn't really feel like it should be the first book in the series 🤔
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