When you hear the words murder mystery, what comes to mind?
Perhaps it’s a fast-paced detective racing against the clock, shocking plot twists, dangerous confrontations, or a killer lurking around every corner. Modern crime fiction often thrives on tension, high stakes, and heart-pounding suspense.
But what if I told you that a murder mystery could be completely different?
What if solving a crime could feel comforting?
That’s exactly what Rhys Bowen achieves in Evan Help Us, the second book in the Constable Evans series. Instead of relying on relentless action or gruesome crime scenes, Bowen invites readers into the peaceful Welsh village of Llanfair—a place where everyone knows everyone, gossip travels faster than the local post, and even the most picturesque communities can hide dark secrets.
It’s a series that proves murder mysteries don’t always have to be stressful to be entertaining.
Sometimes they can simply feel… cosy.
Returning to Llanfair
After finishing the first Constable Evans novel, I was genuinely looking forward to returning to Llanfair.
There’s something incredibly special about this fictional Welsh village. The rolling hills, quiet country roads, stone cottages and welcoming community create a setting that’s impossible not to fall in love with.
Some authors write locations that simply provide a backdrop for the story.
Rhys Bowen creates somewhere that feels alive.
As I listened to this audiobook, I could almost picture myself wandering through the village streets, stopping to admire the breathtaking countryside before heading into the local pub for a cup of tea and a conversation with the locals.
That’s one of Bowen’s greatest strengths.
She doesn’t just describe Wales.
She makes you feel as though you’re there.
For me, that’s what separates a good book from a memorable one.
The setting isn’t simply where the mystery happens.
It’s the reason I keep coming back.
Constable Evans Is the Kind of Detective You Want to Spend Time With
One of my favourite things about this series is Constable Evan Evans himself.
He’s refreshingly ordinary.
In today’s crime fiction, detectives often have complicated pasts, dramatic personalities or troubled personal lives that threaten to overshadow the mystery itself.
Evans is different.
He’s calm.
He’s patient.
He’s thoughtful.
Most importantly, he genuinely cares about the people he’s trying to protect.
Rather than barging through investigations, he quietly observes, listens carefully and gradually pieces together the truth.
There’s something incredibly satisfying about watching someone solve a mystery through intelligence rather than theatrics.
He’s the sort of detective who earns your respect rather than demanding it.
By the second book, he already feels like an old friend, and I found myself looking forward to spending more time in his company.
A Mystery That Takes Its Time
If you’ve read my reviews before, you’ll know I enjoy a wide variety of genres.
Fantasy.
Thrillers.
Romance.
Historical fiction.
But lately, I’ve found myself appreciating slower-paced books far more than I used to.
Evan Help Us doesn’t rush.
Instead, it allows the investigation to unfold naturally.
Readers are given time to meet the villagers, understand their relationships, uncover long-held secrets and slowly piece together what really happened.
For some readers, this slower pace might not be enough.
If you’re searching for constant twists and non-stop action, this probably isn’t the book you’re looking for.
For me, though, the slower pacing worked perfectly.
It gave the story room to breathe.
More importantly, it allowed me to enjoy the journey rather than simply racing towards the ending.
Not every mystery has to leave you gasping.
Sometimes it’s enough for a story to quietly keep you turning the pages—or, in my case, listening to the next chapter.
The Welsh Setting Is the Real Star
If I had to choose just one reason why I keep returning to this series, it would be the setting.
Rhys Bowen writes Wales with genuine affection.
Every chapter feels like a love letter to the countryside.
The green hills.
The winding lanes.
The cosy cottages.
The village community where everybody knows each other.
Even if you’ve never visited Wales, it’s impossible not to imagine yourself there while reading.
As someone who lives in the UK, I particularly enjoy books that celebrate different parts of the country.
There’s something wonderfully familiar about Bowen’s descriptions.
Rather than relying on dramatic scenery alone, she captures everyday village life—the conversations, traditions and relationships that make small communities so unique.
By the time I finished the audiobook, I wasn’t just invested in the mystery.
I wanted to stay in Llanfair.
Listening on Audiobook
As many of my regular readers already know, I primarily experience books through audiobooks.
Because of my visual impairment, audiobooks have opened up a world of stories that I may otherwise have struggled to enjoy.
They’re not simply an alternative format for me.
They’re my favourite way to read.
Thankfully, Evan Help Us worked beautifully as an audiobook.
The narrator perfectly captured the gentle atmosphere of the story.
The pacing never felt rushed, each character had their own distinct personality, and the narration complemented Bowen’s writing without becoming distracting.
Some narrators unintentionally overpower a story.
Others barely leave an impression.
This narrator found the perfect balance.
Listening felt less like someone reading aloud and more like sitting beside a storyteller who genuinely wanted to transport you into another world.
That’s exactly what happened.
What I Loved Most
Without question, the atmosphere.
It’s rare to find a series that feels so consistently comforting.
Despite revolving around murder investigations, these books somehow manage to create a sense of warmth that’s difficult to explain until you’ve experienced it yourself.
I also loved spending more time with Constable Evans.
He’s quickly becoming one of my favourite fictional detectives because he’s believable.
He’s compassionate.
He’s intelligent.
And most importantly, he feels human.
Combined with the beautiful Welsh setting, it creates a reading experience that’s incredibly easy to lose yourself in.
Was It Perfect?
Not quite.
Although I really enjoyed Evan Help Us, I didn’t enjoy it quite as much as the first book in the series.
The mystery itself kept me interested throughout, but it didn’t completely surprise me.
By the time everything came together, I found myself appreciating the journey more than the final reveal.
That’s certainly not a bad thing.
In fact, I think it highlights what this series does best.
It’s not trying to shock readers every few chapters.
Instead, it’s focused on creating memorable characters and a world you’ll want to revisit again and again.
Sometimes that’s more important than an unforgettable twist.
Who Would Enjoy This Book?
I’d happily recommend Evan Help Us to anyone who enjoys:
- Cosy mystery novels.
- Small village settings.
- Character-driven detective stories.
- Beautiful countryside descriptions.
- Audiobooks with relaxing narration.
- Crime fiction that focuses on atmosphere just as much as mystery.
If you’re expecting a dark psychological thriller, this probably won’t be the right fit.
But if you’re looking for a story that feels like curling up with a warm blanket and a cup of tea on a rainy afternoon, this series is well worth your time.
My Final Verdict
One of the reasons I started Reads On Wheelz was because I wanted to share honest reviews.
Not every book needs to receive five stars.
Sometimes a 3.5-star read can still be one you’ll happily recommend.
That’s exactly how I feel about Evan Help Us.
It gave me everything I was hoping for.
A beautiful setting.
A detective I genuinely enjoy spending time with.
A mystery that kept me engaged.
And perhaps most importantly, a reason to continue the Constable Evans series.
I already know I’ll be returning to Llanfair again soon, and honestly, I can’t wait.
Because some fictional places simply feel like home.
And Llanfair is quickly becoming one of mine.
Rating
⭐⭐⭐✨ 3.5 out of 5 stars
Have you discovered the Constable Evans series yet? Or do you have a favourite cosy mystery that you’d recommend? Let me know in the comments below—I always love adding new books to my ever-growing TBR!
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