⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Rhys Bowen

There’s something incredibly comforting about settling down with a cosy mystery, and Evans Above delivered exactly that. Set in the picturesque Welsh village of Llanfair, this first instalment in the Constable Evans series introduces readers to Evan Evans, a newly appointed village constable who soon finds himself investigating a suspicious death.

Plot

The story follows Evan Evans as he settles into village life and quickly discovers that policing a small Welsh community isn’t as peaceful as it first appears. When a local death raises questions, Evan must uncover the truth while navigating the secrets, gossip and personalities of the villagers.

My Thoughts

What I enjoyed most about this book was its atmosphere. The Welsh setting is full of charm, and the close-knit community feels like a character in its own right. I loved getting to know the quirky villagers and seeing how their relationships shaped the mystery.

Rather than relying on fast-paced action or graphic crime scenes, the story focuses on its characters and the gradual unfolding of the investigation. While the pace is slower than a typical thriller, it suits the cosy mystery genre perfectly and allows readers to become immersed in village life.

I also listened to the audiobook, and I thought the narrator did an excellent job. The different character voices were easy to distinguish, and the narration captured both the humour and warmth of the story. It really enhanced the experience.

Although this wasn’t a book that completely blew me away, it was an enjoyable and relaxing listen that kept me engaged throughout. The mystery was satisfying, the setting was beautiful, and Evan Evans is a protagonist I’d happily spend more time with.

Who Would Enjoy This Book?

If you enjoy cosy mysteries, charming village settings, memorable characters and light-hearted crime stories, this is a great choice. Readers who prefer character-driven mysteries over graphic thrillers will likely feel right at home with this series.

Final Verdict

Evans Above is a charming introduction to the Constable Evans series. While it didn’t become an all-time favourite, it was an enjoyable start that has left me wanting to continue with the series. If cosy mysteries are your thing, this is well worth picking up.

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆