How to Read the Constable Evans Series
Rhys Bowen's Constable Evans series is best read in publication order. Because the books follow the personal life, career progression, and romantic relationships of constable Evan Evans (nicknamed "Evans-the-Law" by the locals), reading them chronologically ensures you experience his character arc and the changing dynamics of the village of Llanfair without spoilers.
The Constable Evans Reading Order
The series consists of ten novels published between 1997 and 2006. The chronology matches the publication order exactly:
- Evans Above (1997) – Evan investigates the suspicious deaths of two hikers on Mount Snowdon, introducing readers to the quirky residents of Llanfair.
- Evan Help Us (1998) – Evan deals with double murders linked to a controversial proposed theme park.
- Evanly Choirs (1999) – The village is thrown into disarray when a world-famous opera singer moves in and is found dead.
- Evan and Elle (2000) – A French restaurant opens in Llanfair, bringing culinary flair and a suspicious fire.
- Evan Can Wait (2001) – A film crew arrives in Llanfair to make a movie about a local slate mine disaster, raising old secrets.
- Evans to Betsy (2002) – An American tourist vanishes while looking for her ancestors, and a new age cult stirs up trouble.
- Evan Only Knows (2003) – Evan is called to investigate a murder in his childhood town, forcing him to face his past.
- Evan's Gate (2004) – This Edgar-nominated installment connects a decades-old child skeleton to a modern kidnapping.
- Evan Blessed (2005) – The stakes get personal when Evan's fiancée, Bronwen, is kidnapped right before their wedding.
- Evanly Bodies (2006) – Evan investigates missing girls and murders linked to a conference center, wrapping up the series.
Is There a Chronological Order vs. Publication Order Difference?
No. Unlike other series with complex prequels or spin-offs, the Constable Evans books flow in a straight line. Every book builds directly on the events, relationships, and minor subplots of the previous one. Therefore, jumping ahead or reading out of order is not recommended if you want to follow Evan's romance and career growth naturally.
Crossovers, Spin-offs, and Co-authored Books
Although Rhys Bowen is famous for her other long-running historical mystery series—including the Molly Murphy mysteries and the Royal Spyness series—there are no crossovers or spin-offs connecting Constable Evans to these other worlds. The Constable Evans books were entirely written by Rhys Bowen alone, with no co-authors or collaborative entries.