Unraveling Secrets in Rhys Dylan’s The Engine House: A DCI Evan Warlow Novel
There’s something uniquely alluring about a crime thriller set against the backdrop of wild, rugged landscapes, and Rhys Dylan’s debut novel, The Engine House: A DCI Evan Warlow Novel, had me hooked from the very first page. Imagine, if you will, the windswept Pembrokeshire coast — a place that seems almost serene, until the past rises from the earth in a chilling reminder of horror once buried. It was this combination of atmospheric setting and gripping plot that drew me in, and I couldn’t help but delve deeper.
The story introduces us to ex-DCI Evan Warlow, who, after eight years in retirement with nothing but his loyal dog by his side, is pulled back into the investigation of two long-missing persons whose bodies are unearthed by a sudden landslide. What starts as a quest for closure quickly spirals into a race against time as Warlow grapples with both his past failures and the mounting body count. Dylan expertly navigates this tension, allowing Warlow to unfold not just as a detective but as a man burdened by regret and haunted by unresolved mysteries.
One of the standout elements of this novel is its perfect blend of character depth and tension. Warlow is portrayed so vividly, with his struggles resonating deeply. I found myself rooting for him, often reflecting on my own moments of vulnerability and yearning for redemption. The characters around him — a colorful ensemble lingering in the shadows of his haunted past — are equally memorable, each delivering a unique thread to the intricate fabric of the story.
Dylan’s prose flows with a sharp clarity, punctuated by dry humor that felt refreshing within the often-grim narrative of crime fiction. The pacing struck a fine balance; there were moments of measured exploration alongside heart-pounding sequences that made my pulse race. I was particularly captivated by descriptions that brought Pembrokeshire to life, illuminating its beauty while reminding us of the darkness lurking beneath the surface. For example, the moments where Warlow reflects on the idyllic scenery juxtaposed with the horror of what that beautiful landscape can conceal were thought-provoking and poignant.
Among the many quotable moments, one that stood out to me was, “You can bury the bodies, but you can’t hide the truth.” It resonates not just within the context of the story but also echoes a universal theme about the inevitable surfacing of our secrets. It’s a reminder that, no matter how much we try to suppress our pasts, they shape us and often come back to haunt us.
The Engine House is an enthralling beginning to what promises to be a captivating series, appealing to fans of authors like JD Kirk and Simon McCleave. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys a gripping police procedural interlaced with complex character studies and rich settings. Personally, I found its exploration of redemption and confronting one’s past deeply impactful. It ignited my appreciation for crime thrillers once more and left me eager for the next installment.
If you’re looking for a novel that will keep you up late turning pages, while also prompting you to reflect on the shadows each of us carry, I wholeheartedly recommend giving The Engine House a read. As the chilling secrets of Pembrokeshire unfold, you might just find yourself captivated by the shadows, just as I was.