DCI Evan Warlow Books in Order

This reading order guide provides the complete list of DCI Evan Warlow books in order, from the very first to the latest, so you won’t miss anything!

About the DCI Evan Warlow Series

The DCI Evan Warlow series by Rhys Dylan has quickly captured the attention of mystery lovers around the world—and it’s easy to see why. With hauntingly beautiful Welsh settings, richly drawn characters, and plots that keep you guessing until the very end, these books offer everything a crime fiction reader could ask for.

The series begins with The Engine House, a powerful debut that introduces us to ex-Detective Chief Inspector Evan Warlow. Once a dedicated officer, Warlow has retired to a quiet life in rural Wales—just him and his loyal dog, away from the chaos of his past. But when a sudden landslide on the Pembrokeshire coast reveals two skeletons buried deep beneath the surface, his peaceful retirement is torn apart. These are not just any remains—they’re tied to a case Warlow investigated eight years earlier. A case that was never solved. A case that has haunted him ever since.

Pulled back into the world he thought he’d left behind, Warlow must face both the ghosts of the past and the chilling reality of a killer who may still be out there. As the investigation deepens and the body count rises, Warlow is forced to confront not only the dark secrets of a quiet Welsh community but also his own doubts and fears. Is he still the man who once brought criminals to justice? Or has time taken more from him than he realized?

What sets the DCI Evan Warlow series apart is its perfect blend of classic police procedural with deeply human storytelling. Rhys Dylan doesn’t just write about solving crimes—he explores the emotional cost of doing so. His stories are filled with tension, but also heart. The people in his books feel real, with strengths, flaws, and memories that shape every decision they make. Warlow himself is a complex figure—intelligent, persistent, and haunted by what he couldn’t fix. Readers often find themselves connecting with him on a personal level, drawn to his quiet strength and relentless search for the truth.

And then there’s the setting. Rhys Dylan grew up in the west of Wales, and it shows. The wild coastline, misty forests, and close-knit communities aren’t just painted in the background—they are living, breathing parts of the story. You can almost feel the rain in the air and the wind on your face as you turn the pages. This connection to place gives the series a unique, immersive feel that crime fiction fans truly appreciate. The landscape itself becomes a silent witness to the crimes, secrets, and histories buried beneath the surface.

Each book in the series builds on the last, drawing readers deeper into Warlow’s world while introducing fresh mysteries and new faces. Whether he’s tracking a cold-blooded killer, uncovering long-held secrets, or confronting the limits of justice, Warlow remains a compelling and believable guide through Dylan’s dark, emotional stories.

Fans of authors like JD Kirk, JM Dalgliesh, Peter Robinson, and Simon McCleave will feel right at home in the pages of the DCI Evan Warlow books. The combination of smart plotting, emotional depth, and atmospheric writing is hard to resist. And with each new installment, Rhys Dylan continues to prove why he’s becoming one of the most exciting voices in modern crime fiction.

But don’t just take our word for it—readers across the globe are falling in love with this series. Reviews call the books “chilling,” “suspenseful,” and “impossible to put down.” One fan even said, “Dylan puts a lot of ‘best-selling’ authors to shame.” High praise, but well deserved.

So, if you’re looking for your next crime series obsession, start with The Engine House and let DCI Evan Warlow take you deep into the heart of Wales—where the scenery is beautiful, but the secrets are deadly.