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Albert Smith's Culinary Capers #16
Majestic Mystery: An Albert and Rex Short Story
Albert and Rex are going to the palace. It’s the day the Kings' birthday honour list recipients get their knighthoods, but like everywhere else they go, there is trouble to be found.
With his three children and youngest granddaughter, Apple-Blossom, in tow, Albert is a little embarrassed by the lavishness of the affair. Yet all that is forgotten when he spots a man he knows. A man guilty of murder. A man who can only be at the palace for one thing.
But Albert is about to be presented to the king, now is not the time to be chasing criminals.
I guess that's why he's Rex's sidekick.
Step aside humans, it's time for the real hero to get involved.
With his three children and youngest granddaughter, Apple-Blossom, in tow, Albert is a little embarrassed by the lavishness of the affair. Yet all that is forgotten when he spots a man he knows. A man guilty of murder. A man who can only be at the palace for one thing.
But Albert is about to be presented to the king, now is not the time to be chasing criminals.
I guess that's why he's Rex's sidekick.
Step aside humans, it's time for the real hero to get involved.
- GenresMystery
62 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 9, 2023
201 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Steve Higgs
543 books797 followersLet's start this off with an invitation to get some FREE books. No, you didn't read that wrong, we are talking about multiple free books. I love giving away free books because once people delve into the fast-paced mystery thrills I write, they go on to buy lots more.
All I need from you is an email address to send them to. Here's the link you need - https://mailchi.mp/fd47a6eb4ae5/patri...
When I wrote my first novel, Paranormal Nonsense, I was a Captain in the British Army. I would love to pretend that I had one of those careers that has to be redacted and in general denied by the government and that I have had to change my name and continually move about because I am still on the watch list in several countries. In truth though, I started out as a mechanic. Not like Jason Statham, sneaking about as a contract killer, more like one of those greasy gits that charge you a fortune and keep your car for a week when all you went in for was a squeaky door hinge.
At school, I was mostly disinterested in every subject except creative writing, for which, at age ten, I won my first award. However, calling it my first award suggests that there have been more, which there have not. Accolades may come but, in the meantime, I am having a ball writing mystery stories and crime thrillers and will claim to have more than a hundred books forming an unruly queue in my head as they clamor to get out.
Now retired from the military, I live in the south-east corner of England with a pair of lazy sausage dogs. Surrounded by rolling hills, brooding castles, and vineyards, I doubt I will ever leave, the beer is just too good.
Links:
Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Higgs/...
Website: https://stevehiggsbooks.wordpress.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/stevehiggsau...
All I need from you is an email address to send them to. Here's the link you need - https://mailchi.mp/fd47a6eb4ae5/patri...
When I wrote my first novel, Paranormal Nonsense, I was a Captain in the British Army. I would love to pretend that I had one of those careers that has to be redacted and in general denied by the government and that I have had to change my name and continually move about because I am still on the watch list in several countries. In truth though, I started out as a mechanic. Not like Jason Statham, sneaking about as a contract killer, more like one of those greasy gits that charge you a fortune and keep your car for a week when all you went in for was a squeaky door hinge.
At school, I was mostly disinterested in every subject except creative writing, for which, at age ten, I won my first award. However, calling it my first award suggests that there have been more, which there have not. Accolades may come but, in the meantime, I am having a ball writing mystery stories and crime thrillers and will claim to have more than a hundred books forming an unruly queue in my head as they clamor to get out.
Now retired from the military, I live in the south-east corner of England with a pair of lazy sausage dogs. Surrounded by rolling hills, brooding castles, and vineyards, I doubt I will ever leave, the beer is just too good.
Links:
Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Higgs/...
Website: https://stevehiggsbooks.wordpress.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/stevehiggsau...
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 1, 2023
Hooray for another Albert and Rex story!
An enjoyable short story! I'll take all the adventures of Albert and Rex I can get. Great characters, interesting plot, and fun twists. I look forward to seeing more stories with Albert's granddaughter, the developing detective Apple-Blossom!
An enjoyable short story! I'll take all the adventures of Albert and Rex I can get. Great characters, interesting plot, and fun twists. I look forward to seeing more stories with Albert's granddaughter, the developing detective Apple-Blossom!
June 21, 2023
This is such a cute short story for those who have followed the adventures of Albert and Rex.
Albert and Rex are both to be honoured by King Charles for their role in capturing the Gastro Thief and rescuing all his captives.
This time it is his grand-daughter Apple Blossom, who steals the show when she wanders off in the palace while Albert is waiting for his turn to receive his award. The child of a family of high ranking police officers, she is immediately suspicious when she follows a stealthy woman and sees her starting a fire. Apple Blossom stomps the fire out with her little pink shoes and follows the woman, who she sees and hears plotting with 3 fat women in a store room. After Rex guides her back to her parents, she tries to tell them what happened but they ignore her.
Of course there is a happy ending just as Albert and Rex are knighted and of course there is also a thread left dangling as the criminal Albert thought he saw (Cody Williams) watches from a distance as the Smith family celebrates.
Albert and Rex are both to be honoured by King Charles for their role in capturing the Gastro Thief and rescuing all his captives.
This time it is his grand-daughter Apple Blossom, who steals the show when she wanders off in the palace while Albert is waiting for his turn to receive his award. The child of a family of high ranking police officers, she is immediately suspicious when she follows a stealthy woman and sees her starting a fire. Apple Blossom stomps the fire out with her little pink shoes and follows the woman, who she sees and hears plotting with 3 fat women in a store room. After Rex guides her back to her parents, she tries to tell them what happened but they ignore her.
Of course there is a happy ending just as Albert and Rex are knighted and of course there is also a thread left dangling as the criminal Albert thought he saw (Cody Williams) watches from a distance as the Smith family celebrates.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2026
Delightful: interesting, clean and FUN!
Pushing hard on 70 myself, and only a *wishful* spy, having spent most of my prime as homeschooling mother, I really enjoy the Albert Smith series. A subtle part the humor in the Culinary Capers, is British food: not ordinarily considered haute cuisine in my corner of the world. This short story concludes the culinary Capers, and leads to the next series, international adventures. I commend Steve Higgs for his excellent writing. The words practically disappear and I am immersed in the story. He would get an A+ in my Composition class.👵🏻
Pushing hard on 70 myself, and only a *wishful* spy, having spent most of my prime as homeschooling mother, I really enjoy the Albert Smith series. A subtle part the humor in the Culinary Capers, is British food: not ordinarily considered haute cuisine in my corner of the world. This short story concludes the culinary Capers, and leads to the next series, international adventures. I commend Steve Higgs for his excellent writing. The words practically disappear and I am immersed in the story. He would get an A+ in my Composition class.👵🏻
June 21, 2023
Excellent Sleuthing
This was a very quick read I could not put down. My tired eyes ran across the words as much as Apple Blossom and Rex were running down hallways in the Palace. Albert and Rex were invited to Buckingham Palace to be Knighted and Albert could only invite 4 guests, one of them his precocious grand-daughter Apple Blossom. Between Albert off chasing a villain and Rex and Apple Blossom headed after another gang of villains, this story is truly delightful, had me laughing out loud. You'll absolutely love this.
This was a very quick read I could not put down. My tired eyes ran across the words as much as Apple Blossom and Rex were running down hallways in the Palace. Albert and Rex were invited to Buckingham Palace to be Knighted and Albert could only invite 4 guests, one of them his precocious grand-daughter Apple Blossom. Between Albert off chasing a villain and Rex and Apple Blossom headed after another gang of villains, this story is truly delightful, had me laughing out loud. You'll absolutely love this.
June 25, 2023
Fun Short Story!
This one includes not only Albert and Rex, but also Albert's granddaughter, Apple Blossom.
This seven year old, discounted for being too young, while Albert is discounted for being too old, takes center stage in this adventure.
I'd rate this G. If there was any language, I don't remember it. No violence, no murders, no drugs, and no sex. It was a fun, clean story with our favorite hero - Rex!
I recommend this story.
(Read with Kindle Unlimited subscription. )
This one includes not only Albert and Rex, but also Albert's granddaughter, Apple Blossom.
This seven year old, discounted for being too young, while Albert is discounted for being too old, takes center stage in this adventure.
I'd rate this G. If there was any language, I don't remember it. No violence, no murders, no drugs, and no sex. It was a fun, clean story with our favorite hero - Rex!
I recommend this story.
(Read with Kindle Unlimited subscription. )
January 10, 2025
Majestic Mystery
I'm so glad I found this little short story! I just love Albert & Rex! Now the story is complete. At least for now! Although this time, they had some help with their crimefighting duties from Albert's 7 y/o Granddaughter! So, Sir Albert, is your partner now Sir Rex? If you've read the Albert & Rex novels, you'll want to read this little story & tie the series up with a nice neat bow!
I'm so glad I found this little short story! I just love Albert & Rex! Now the story is complete. At least for now! Although this time, they had some help with their crimefighting duties from Albert's 7 y/o Granddaughter! So, Sir Albert, is your partner now Sir Rex? If you've read the Albert & Rex novels, you'll want to read this little story & tie the series up with a nice neat bow!
July 27, 2023
A chip off of Grandpa Albert
Pomp and circumstance not being either Albert or Rex's thing had them dragging their feet to the King's knighting ceremony for them. Bored as all 7 year olds get, Apple Blossom , let Rex off of his leash and went exploring. They found their own bunch of criminals ans sounded the alarm. Fun and games for Rex!
Pomp and circumstance not being either Albert or Rex's thing had them dragging their feet to the King's knighting ceremony for them. Bored as all 7 year olds get, Apple Blossom , let Rex off of his leash and went exploring. They found their own bunch of criminals ans sounded the alarm. Fun and games for Rex!
October 26, 2023
The Culnary Capers end with just desserts!
I enjoyed the journey around the U.K., and it was great to find this short story bringing that adventure to a conclusion. Well, Sir Albert and Sir Rex?
A bit of fun, and I am guessing that another member of Albert’s family will be joining the Police Force a few years down the track.
An entertaining little read. But what about Cody?
I enjoyed the journey around the U.K., and it was great to find this short story bringing that adventure to a conclusion. Well, Sir Albert and Sir Rex?
A bit of fun, and I am guessing that another member of Albert’s family will be joining the Police Force a few years down the track.
An entertaining little read. But what about Cody?
April 14, 2025
Love that dog and the whole family!
Albert is getting a special royal honor so you know something crazy is gonna happen! But the grandchild, Apple-Blossom and Rec are the pi who find the " bad" guys. Now if the parents will listen? Ok. And how about the title Sir Albert! When is the royal wedding book out????
Albert is getting a special royal honor so you know something crazy is gonna happen! But the grandchild, Apple-Blossom and Rec are the pi who find the " bad" guys. Now if the parents will listen? Ok. And how about the title Sir Albert! When is the royal wedding book out????
June 9, 2023
Exciting sleuthing at the Palace
Who would have guessed a knighting would be so exciting! Albert is upstaged by his granddaughter but Rex does his stuff magnificently! Little standing still in this short story!
Who would have guessed a knighting would be so exciting! Albert is upstaged by his granddaughter but Rex does his stuff magnificently! Little standing still in this short story!
June 11, 2023
A great too-short short story!
Another really fun Albert & Rex story with a new member of the family ready to take her place in the family business! Can’t wait for the next chapter in this series!
Another really fun Albert & Rex story with a new member of the family ready to take her place in the family business! Can’t wait for the next chapter in this series!
June 21, 2023
Rex and Apple blossom to the rescue!!!
Albert and Rex never let me down! And now we can add Apple Blossom to the mix!!! Wherever Albert and Rex go, mayhem ensues. Steve Highs will have you laughing out loud and leave you smiling at the end!
Albert and Rex never let me down! And now we can add Apple Blossom to the mix!!! Wherever Albert and Rex go, mayhem ensues. Steve Highs will have you laughing out loud and leave you smiling at the end!
June 21, 2023
All of Steve Higgs books/stories are 5 stars! What an imagination! The humor is spot on & intrinsic to make the books so entertaining! Although we know who the “perp” from the beginning, the path to capture is twisty and cunning!
June 22, 2023
Steve Higgs Never Fails To Entertain!
Albert and Rex do it again, this time joined by Albert’s granddaughter Apple-Blossom. Together they thwart a robbery of valuable oil paintings from the palace.
Albert and Rex do it again, this time joined by Albert’s granddaughter Apple-Blossom. Together they thwart a robbery of valuable oil paintings from the palace.
July 3, 2023
I simple love how Rex is able To communicate To his human
Granddaughter, is very important To Albert hé is thé only one who listens to her Albert is more concerned about catching criminals than being knighted
Granddaughter, is very important To Albert hé is thé only one who listens to her Albert is more concerned about catching criminals than being knighted
July 6, 2023
Favorite series among great Mr. Highs books.
Great, as usual! Lovely characters, you want to continue to follow their adventures. I recommend those books to all who loves detective stories and animals!
Great, as usual! Lovely characters, you want to continue to follow their adventures. I recommend those books to all who loves detective stories and animals!
January 29, 2024
Delightful
Shorter than most of Steve Higgs' novels, it was none the less delightful. Rex and Apple Blossom discover thieves in the palace when Albert and Rex were honored at a reception. Rex is so smart and patient with his humans. Just like my GSD.
Shorter than most of Steve Higgs' novels, it was none the less delightful. Rex and Apple Blossom discover thieves in the palace when Albert and Rex were honored at a reception. Rex is so smart and patient with his humans. Just like my GSD.
April 28, 2024
Albert and Rex
Steve Higgs has created another tale, although only a short story, with Albert and Rex saving the day. Albert 's granddaughter, Apple Blossom, joins the action during the King's Honor Day.
Steve Higgs has created another tale, although only a short story, with Albert and Rex saving the day. Albert 's granddaughter, Apple Blossom, joins the action during the King's Honor Day.
August 13, 2024
perfect…again and again and again
Mystery and solution with humor and charm. Realistic characters, including the human smart dog. Suitable for every age and wholesome for all. Love his series and breathless waiting for the next.
Mystery and solution with humor and charm. Realistic characters, including the human smart dog. Suitable for every age and wholesome for all. Love his series and breathless waiting for the next.
February 14, 2025
Great story,but we need to get a sequel! Preferably a long sequel
Love reading another Albert and Rex story! Enjoyed this latest update with Albert AND Rex are acknowledged by the King. Still my favorite set of books by Steve Higgs
Love reading another Albert and Rex story! Enjoyed this latest update with Albert AND Rex are acknowledged by the King. Still my favorite set of books by Steve Higgs
December 19, 2025
Chip Off the Old Block
Albert takes a supporting role to his granddaughter and his dog in diverting short story bridging the gap between Culinary Capers and his European crime solving.
Albert takes a supporting role to his granddaughter and his dog in diverting short story bridging the gap between Culinary Capers and his European crime solving.
June 10, 2023
Delightful!
This short story starring Albert and Rex is every bit as satisfying as the full-length books are. And there is a cliffhanger…
This short story starring Albert and Rex is every bit as satisfying as the full-length books are. And there is a cliffhanger…
June 17, 2023
Brilliant
What a brilliant short story, love Albert and Rex and there's now another budding detective in the family, can't wait for more adventures
What a brilliant short story, love Albert and Rex and there's now another budding detective in the family, can't wait for more adventures
June 24, 2023
Missing paintings??? Check the skirts!!! I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
July 5, 2023
A mystery with a lot of humour
An un put downable book. A mystery at the palace, that is written with humour. I would highly recommend it.
An un put downable book. A mystery at the palace, that is written with humour. I would highly recommend it.
July 6, 2023
More fun with Rex, Albert & now Apple Blossom!
The excitement continues, now right in the King’s palace! Is there ever an ordinary day for Albert & Rex, and now, Apple-Blossom?
The excitement continues, now right in the King’s palace! Is there ever an ordinary day for Albert & Rex, and now, Apple-Blossom?
July 14, 2023
too short
Yes, I realize it is a short. Unfortunately, Albert and Rex Harrison are practically old friends after reading the series. I’ve missed them.
Yes, I realize it is a short. Unfortunately, Albert and Rex Harrison are practically old friends after reading the series. I’ve missed them.
July 17, 2023
Cosy read
Will Albert and Rex be knighted. Will there be crime. Who will solve it. Read the book to find out. A nice cosy short story.
Will Albert and Rex be knighted. Will there be crime. Who will solve it. Read the book to find out. A nice cosy short story.
July 19, 2023
majestic mystery
Short story about Albert at the palace to be knighted of course things don’t go as planned and a plan to steal paintings goes awry
Short story about Albert at the palace to be knighted of course things don’t go as planned and a plan to steal paintings goes awry
July 25, 2023
Enjoyed!
It was great catching up with Albert and Rex in this short story that takes place in the Palace with King Charles!
It was great catching up with Albert and Rex in this short story that takes place in the Palace with King Charles!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews