Step into the shadowy, captivating world of the DI Winter Meadows Mystery series, where the rugged beauty of South Wales meets intricate crime puzzles! Crafted by Welsh author Cheryl Rees-Price, this gripping police procedural series follows Detective Inspector Winter Meadows as he unravels dark secrets in tight-knit communities. With its blend of suspense, vivid settings, and emotionally rich characters, it’s a must-read for mystery lovers craving a fresh voice in crime fiction.
From quaint villages to the haunting Brecon Beacons, the series hooks you with its atmospheric charm and Meadows’ intuitive knack for uncovering hidden truths. Whether you’re a fan of twisty plots or authentic Welsh culture, this series delivers a thrilling ride with heart.
How DI Winter Meadows Mystery Began
Cheryl Rees-Price, a Cardiff-born author living in a small ex-mining village, never planned to write crime fiction. Initially dabbling in paranormal mysteries, she stumbled into the genre with her debut, The Silent Quarry, inspired by a walk near her home. Her background as a finance director and her love for gardening and walking in South Wales shaped the series’ vivid settings and layered characters. Published by The Book Folks, the series grew from a single novel into a beloved saga, with Rees-Price’s knack for plotting earning her a loyal following.
The Heart of DI Winter Meadows Mystery
The series kicks off with The Silent Quarry (2015), where a brutal attack from 1987 resurfaces when survivor Gwen Thomas goes missing. Meadows, a perceptive and reclusive detective, digs into a cold case, uncovering a web of secrets in a close-knit Welsh village. In Frozen Minds (2016), he investigates a bizarre murder at a care home for vulnerable adults, navigating trust issues with residents to solve the case. Suffer the Children (2017) tackles a child’s disappearance, revealing dysfunctional family dynamics, while A Knot of Sparrows (2021) explores deceit in a community rattled by murder.
Themes of justice, trust, and the lingering weight of the past weave through each book. Rees-Price’s mysteries are grounded in real human emotions, with flawed characters and unexpected twists keeping readers guessing. The Brecon Beacons setting, with its stark beauty and isolated villages, acts almost as a character, amplifying the tension and grounding the stories in Welsh culture. Fans compare the series to Hinterland for its atmospheric depth and believable characters.
Why DI Winter Meadows Mystery Resonates
The DI Winter Meadows Mystery series has carved a niche in crime fiction by blending procedural grit with emotional resonance. Its focus on small-town dynamics and Meadows’ empathetic yet determined nature resonates with readers who crave authenticity. With over 25,000 sales and glowing reviews, the series has built a dedicated fanbase, especially among Kindle Unlimited readers. Its Welsh roots and nuanced exploration of community secrets make it a standout, offering a fresh perspective in a crowded genre.
- Publication Years: 2015–2025
- Number of Books: 10 (as of Buried Deep Within, 2025)
- Publisher: The Book Folks
- Similar Vibes: Fans of Elly Griffiths or Ann Cleeves will feel at home
Grab The Silent Quarry and dive into the DI Winter Meadows Mystery series’ world of suspense, secrets, and stunning Welsh landscapes!