Book Review: Evan and Elle

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Evan and Elle     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Rhys Bowen
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Police Procedural
Series: Constable Evans # 4
St. Martin’s, Feb 2000, $22.95, 288 pp.

Although Constable Evan Evans yearns to be a detective on an official murder investigation, overall he is content with being assigned to the small village of Llanfair. The townsfolk are proud of their heritage and resent any foreign intrusion including the new French restaurant owned and operated by Madame Yvette Bouchard. Adding to the locals’ disfavor of her establishment dubbed the “den of iniquity” by the local clergy is that Yvette is open for business on the Sabbath.

The xenophobia turns ugly when someone torches the cottage of an English couple followed by the arson destruction of a foreign-owned inn. The authorities believe an extremist group is behind the attacks. When Yvette’s restaurant is burned down next, it appears to be the same organization behind the first two fires. However, this time, a murdered body is found amidst the ruins. Evan joins the inquiries that lead him and others to England and France in a quest to uncover a clever killer.

The fourth installment of the Constable Evans mysteries is as good as the previous three novels. EVAN AND ELLE showcases the beauty, culture, and politics of a small Welsh village. The numerous subplots merge into the main story line in an expeditious way that demonstrates the abilities of Rhys Bowen to take his audience on several sidebars that add depth to the tale. Fans of police procedurals in exotic locales will enjoy this charming novel and the other colorful books in this warm series.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner

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