Picture a Welsh storyteller spinning tales of dark secrets in misty valleys—meet Cheryl Rees-Price! This British mystery author, born in Cardiff, has carved a niche in crime fiction with her gripping DI Winter Meadows series. Blending her finance career with evenings plotting murders, Rees-Price crafts atmospheric novels that pull readers into the heart of rural Wales.
Her stories aren’t just whodunits; they’re journeys through tight-knit communities where shadows hide shocking truths. With meticulous research and empathetic storytelling, Rees-Price has become a rising star, enchanting fans of Welsh crime fiction with her vivid settings and complex characters.
The Making of Cheryl Rees-Price
Born in Cardiff, Cheryl Rees-Price moved as a child to a small ex-mining village on the edge of the Black Mountains, South Wales, where she still lives with her husband and three cats. After school, she worked as a legal clerk before pausing to raise her daughters. A thirst for knowledge led her back to education, studying philosophy, sociology, and accountancy while working as a bookkeeper. Now a finance director, she balances spreadsheets by day and suspense by night.
Unlike many authors, Rees-Price wasn’t a voracious reader growing up, though she loved stories like The Hobbit. Her writing began with bedtime tales for her daughters and local church plays, which sparked the confidence to pen her debut novel, Echoes, a paranormal mystery. Her shift to crime fiction with The Silent Quarry marked the start of her signature series.
Cheryl Rees-Price’s Unforgettable Stories
Rees-Price’s DI Winter Meadows series, set in the hauntingly beautiful Welsh countryside, is her crowning achievement. The Silent Quarry (2015) introduces Detective Inspector Meadows, a Welsh detective with an unconventional upbringing, solving a chilling murder in a quarry. Frozen Minds (2016) follows Meadows investigating a murder at a home for adults with learning difficulties, unraveling sinister secrets. Suffer the Children (2017) tackles a kidnapping and a cold case, blending emotional depth with suspense.
Her latest, Buried Deep Within (2025), exposes a small town’s hidden truths, showcasing her knack for layered mysteries. Rees-Price’s style is immersive, with vivid Welsh settings—think limestone cliffs and misty mines—that feel like characters themselves. Her empathetic portrayal of vulnerable communities and meticulous research (only 10% of which makes it into her books) grounds her stories in authenticity, appealing to fans of Joy Ellis and LJ Ross.
Beyond the series, her standalone thriller Blue Hollow (2021) explores dangerous secrets through a journalist’s quest, proving her versatility. Whether it’s a detective’s pursuit or a personal vendetta, Rees-Price’s narratives keep readers guessing until the final page.
Why Cheryl Rees-Price Matters
Cheryl Rees-Price brings rural Wales to life, transforming quiet villages into stages for gripping drama. Her DI Winter Meadows series has earned a loyal following, with fans praising her ability to weave empathy into suspense. As a member of the Crime Writers’ Association and Crime Cymru, she’s a proud voice for Welsh crime fiction, shining a light on a region often overlooked in the genre.
Her dual career as a finance director and author inspires aspiring writers, showing that passion can thrive alongside a day job. By grounding her mysteries in real Welsh landscapes and human struggles, Rees-Price invites readers to explore both the beauty and shadows of her homeland.
- Born: Cardiff, Wales
- Key Works: The Silent Quarry, Frozen Minds, Suffer the Children, Blue Hollow
- Fun Fact: She explores Welsh mines and quarries for inspiration!
Snag The Silent Quarry and dive into Cheryl Rees-Price’s thrilling Welsh mysteries!