Title: Evans Above
Author: Rhys Bowen
First published November 15, 1997
214 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780425166420 (ISBN10: 0425166422)
Rating: 3.8
Overview
Newly appointed Constable Evan Evans has just arrived in the quaint Welsh village of Llanfair. He finds himself caught in a love triangle between the vivacious barmaid Betsy and the kind-hearted teacher Bronwen.
But his personal life takes a backseat when teenage Dilys disappears after a dance. As he searches for the missing girl, he must also track down dangerous criminals such as a child molester, flasher, and prisoners released early.
The community is on edge as they wonder who pushed two men off the Snowdon mountains and vandalized Mrs. Powell-Jones’ prized tomatoes.
Can Evan solve these mysteries and bring peace back to Llanfair?
About the Author
Hi there! I’m a successful author who has written several acclaimed mystery novels, including the Molly Murphy series set in 1902 New York City. I’m proud to have won both the Agatha and Anthony awards for my work.
Recently, I’ve also published four best-selling novels set during WWII, including one that hit #1 on the Kindle charts. One of my most popular books, The Tuscan Child, has sold almost a million copies worldwide.
In addition, In Farleigh Field won three major awards and was even nominated for an Edgar. I’ve also written some stand-alone novels, such as The Victory Garden, which tells the story of land girls during WWI, and Above the Bay of Angels, featuring a young woman who becomes Queen Victoria’s chef.
My latest book, The Venice Sketchbook, will be released in April 2021. It’s another sweeping historical novel filled with love, loss, and intrigue.
I’m thrilled that my books have been translated into 29 languages and have fans all over the world. Along with my mystery novels, I also write the Royal Spyness series, which is a fun and sexy satire about the British royal family in the 1930s.
It was even voted best mystery series by readers one year! And let’s not forget my Constable Evans books, set in North Wales, or my award-winning short stories.
Although I was born and raised in England, I now split my time between California and Arizona, where I can escape the harsh winters. When I’m not writing, I love to travel, sing, hike, and play my Celtic harp.
Editoral Review
Evans Above by Rhys Bowen is a delightful mystery novel that transports readers to the charming Welsh village of Llanfair. First published in 1997, the book is the first in a series featuring the lovable character of Constable Evan Evans.
Rhys Bowen is a renowned author of mystery and historical fiction, having won multiple awards including the Edgar, Agatha, and Anthony Awards. Her writing style is vivid, engaging, and easy to follow, making her books ideal for readers who enjoy cozy mysteries.
Evans Above is set in the picturesque village of Llanfair, where newly appointed Constable Evan Evans is trying to adjust to his new surroundings after leaving behind the chaos of urban life. However, his peace is disturbed when a body is discovered in a remote area of the village.
Evan realizes that he must use all his wits to find the murderer before the village is engulfed in fear. The novel is populated by a cast of colorful characters, each with their secrets and motivations.
Evan, the protagonist, is a well-intentioned and likable character who the reader roots for throughout the novel. Bowen creates a vivid picture of the village, making it feel almost like a character in its own right.
One of the strengths of Evans Above is the seamless integration of Welsh language and culture into the narrative. Bowen’s research into Welsh customs and folklore is evident, and readers get a glimpse into the unique traditions of this fascinating country.
The pacing of the novel is excellent, with the tension building steadily as Evan gets closer to the truth. Bowen’s writing style is crisp and engaging, making the book nearly impossible to put down.
However, the novel is not without its flaws. Some readers might find the resolution of the mystery to be somewhat predictable, though Bowen’s skillful writing helps to mitigate this issue.
Overall, Evans Above is a charming and engaging mystery novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy cozies and Welsh culture. It is a great introduction to the series featuring Evan Evans, and readers looking for a new mystery series to dive into will find much to enjoy in this first installment.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. The novel is well-written, engaging, and filled with intriguing characters and Welsh culture.
The only downside is that the conclusion of the mystery might be too predictable for some readers.
