There’s something strangely comforting about returning to Llanfair. Not because it’s peaceful—because let’s be honest, for a small Welsh village it has a suspiciously high murder rate—but because it feels like catching up with old friends.

Every time I come back to the Constable Evan Evans series, I’m reminded why I enjoy it so much. Rhys Bowen has this wonderful way of writing cosy mysteries that keep me guessing without ever feeling too heavy.

Evan Can Wait was another book that completely drew me in. I told myself I’d listen to “just one more chapter” more times than I’d like to admit, and somehow those chapters kept turning into another hour.

Evan continues to be one of my favourite detectives because he feels real. He isn’t flashy, he doesn’t magically know all the answers, and he genuinely cares about the people around him. That makes it easy to become invested in every case he takes on.

The mystery was cleverly put together too. Just when I thought I had everything worked out, another little twist appeared and sent me back to square one. I love it when a book can surprise me without making the ending feel unrealistic.

As always, the Welsh setting deserves a mention. Rhys Bowen brings the village to life so well that I can almost picture myself wandering through its streets. It’s one of those series where the setting feels just as important as the characters, and I think that’s a big part of its charm.

The audiobook was another winner for me. The narration suited the story perfectly and made it incredibly easy to get lost in the world. Before I knew it, I’d reached the end and was already wishing there was another Constable Evan Evans mystery waiting for me.

One of the reasons I keep coming back to this series is that it always delivers exactly what I’m looking for: a clever mystery, familiar characters, a touch of humour and plenty of heart. It’s like settling into your favourite armchair—you know you’re going to enjoy yourself.

⭐ My Rating: 4.75/5

This wasn’t quite a five-star read, but it came incredibly close. If you’ve already fallen in love with Constable Evan Evans, I think you’ll have a brilliant time with this one. And if you’re new to the series, I’d still recommend starting at the beginning—not because you have to, but because watching Evan’s journey unfold is well worth it.