Step into the shadowy streets of Cardiff, where Inspector Parry, the sharp-witted detective of David Williams’ Welsh murder mystery series, unravels secrets hidden beneath respectable facades. With his trusty sidekick Sergeant Gomer Lloyd, Parry navigates complex cases in a world where quaint Welsh towns harbor dark motives. Perfect for fans of classic British whodunits, this series blends sly humor, elegant prose, and twists that keep you guessing until the final page.
From its debut in 1994, the Inspector Parry series has captivated readers with its fresh take on the detective genre, offering a distinctly Welsh flavor. If you’re craving a mystery that’s as charming as it is cunning, Parry’s adventures are your next obsession!
How Inspector Parry Began
David Williams, a Welsh author and former advertising executive, launched the Inspector Parry series in 1994 with Last Seen Breathing. After a stroke in 1977 forced him to pivot from his high-flying career, Williams turned to crime fiction, having already penned the popular Mark Treasure series. Inspired by his Welsh roots and a love for classic mysteries, he created DCI Merlin Parry, a meticulous detective whose cases reflect the tight-knit yet secretive communities of South Wales. Williams’ knack for witty dialogue and intricate plots gave the series its unique charm, setting it apart in the crowded crime fiction landscape.
The Heart of Inspector Parry
The series spans six novels, each a standalone mystery showcasing Parry and Lloyd’s dynamic partnership. In Last Seen Breathing (1994), Parry investigates a suspicious death in a Cardiff suburb, uncovering layers of deceit among seemingly upright citizens. Death of a Prodigal (1995) sees a disgraced man return to Wales only to meet a gruesome end, with his severed head found in a Tesco bag. Dead in the Market (1996) tackles a murder in Cardiff’s bustling Central Market, where blackmail and a barren wife’s secret unravel in public view. Finally, Practise to Deceive (2003) closes the series with a cathedral-centered conspiracy involving Llandaff and Bristol.
Themes of deception, hidden motives, and the clash between respectability and vice run through the series. Williams uses Cardiff’s urban grit and the surrounding Welsh countryside as a vivid backdrop, painting a world where community ties conceal dark truths. His elegant prose, laced with sly humor, echoes the style of Agatha Christie, while Parry’s methodical approach and Lloyd’s earthy pragmatism create a compelling detective duo. The series’ distinctly Welsh setting—think Cardiff’s markets and rural parishes—adds authenticity and charm, making each case feel grounded yet unpredictable.
Why Inspector Parry Resonates
Though lesser-known than global giants like Poirot, the Inspector Parry series holds a special place for fans of niche British mysteries. Its blend of Welsh culture, sharp character studies, and intricate plotting has earned praise from critics like Gerald Kaufman, who called Cardiff a “hotbed of poisonous gossip” in Williams’ hands. The series’ focus on human nature—greed, jealousy, and redemption—gives it timeless appeal, while its compact six-book run makes it an accessible gem for mystery lovers seeking something new. For readers who cherish atmospheric settings and clever twists, Parry’s world remains a delightful discovery.
- Publication Years: 1994–2003
- Number of Books: 6
- Setting: Cardiff and South Wales
- Protagonists: DCI Merlin Parry and DS Gomer Lloyd
Ready to unravel Cardiff’s secrets? Grab Last Seen Breathing and dive into Inspector Parry’s captivating world of Welsh murder mysteries!