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Albert Smith's Culinary Capers #13
Cornish Pasty Conspiracy
Following a trail of clues to a sleepy seaside village in the southwest corner of England, retired police detective, Albert Smith, aims to prove his theory of a master criminal by catching the 'Gastrothief's' agents red-handed.
With trusted former police dog, Rex Harrison at his side, the crime-busting duo know precisely who and what to look for. However, beneath the narrow streets of the picturesque resort a far more sinister plot is being hatched and if Albert were to look over his shoulder, he might notice a set of eyes lurking in his shadow.
He is being hunted.
To the backdrop of a cider and pasty festival, man and dog must risk it all save that which makes Britain great.
Baking. It can get a guy killed.
With trusted former police dog, Rex Harrison at his side, the crime-busting duo know precisely who and what to look for. However, beneath the narrow streets of the picturesque resort a far more sinister plot is being hatched and if Albert were to look over his shoulder, he might notice a set of eyes lurking in his shadow.
He is being hunted.
To the backdrop of a cider and pasty festival, man and dog must risk it all save that which makes Britain great.
Baking. It can get a guy killed.
542 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2022
896 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
About the author
Steve Higgs
547 books806 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
October 17, 2022
We find that Albert is a 'master of disguise'. In this outing, he becomes an evil clown and a human statue. Rex, on the other hand, talks to the wild animals in the area. A couple of seals who warn him to stay on dry land become good friends in the end. Getting some good clues to the identity and whereabouts of the Gastrothief is good. Nearly getting arrested or shot, not so much. I'm anxiously awaiting the next installment. Although Mr. Higgs has threatened to end the series soon, his newsletter hints that the hunt for the Gastrothief will take Albert and Rex to the continent or farther. Recommended.
April 16, 2024
This book is just like the rest in the series so more of the same. I thought the deal with the seals was a little bizarre but I just went with it.
October 8, 2022
We are finally getting to the end of this series - which I'll miss because I love Rex - and the Gasthrothief will be soon discovered by the duo - Albert and Rex! The story, as always, made me laugh while I read page after page to learn where all the tribulations they were having would lead. The story has a good plot which is well-developed and put together to entertain the reader. Looking forward to reading the next book (and probably the last) in the series!
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
December 13, 2023
Albert Gets Into More Trouble
'With this series the author has created the most perfect pair of crime-busters since Holmes and Watson. Except Albert and Rex are WAY funnier!'Following a trail of clues to a sleepy seaside village in the southwest corner of England, retired police detective, Albert Smith, aims to prove his theory of a master criminal by catching the ‘Gastrothief’s’ agents red-handed.With trusted former police dog, Rex Harrison at his side, the crime-busting duo know precisely who and what to look for.However, beneath the narrow streets of the picturesque resort a far more sinister plot is being hatched and if Albert were to look over his shoulder. Albert was influenced by the fact that he was following leads that could bag the Gastro thief. It was that fact that kept him moving.
I borrowed this book from KindleyUnlimted. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
'With this series the author has created the most perfect pair of crime-busters since Holmes and Watson. Except Albert and Rex are WAY funnier!'Following a trail of clues to a sleepy seaside village in the southwest corner of England, retired police detective, Albert Smith, aims to prove his theory of a master criminal by catching the ‘Gastrothief’s’ agents red-handed.With trusted former police dog, Rex Harrison at his side, the crime-busting duo know precisely who and what to look for.However, beneath the narrow streets of the picturesque resort a far more sinister plot is being hatched and if Albert were to look over his shoulder. Albert was influenced by the fact that he was following leads that could bag the Gastro thief. It was that fact that kept him moving.
I borrowed this book from KindleyUnlimted. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
October 12, 2022
Cornish Pasty Conspiracy
Albert & Rex get separated, again! Both are separately in the hands of The Gastrothief's agent's! Will they70's be OK? Will both get free? Will they get back together? HOW?? There are TWO crimes happening simultaneously, with one business at the heart of both! Police are everywhere! Will they apprehend Albert as the terrorist they think he is, or help him catch the real criminals? Small town, lots of action!! The only negatives I can say about this book are: a) it seemed awfully short! b) we're one book closer to the end of the series!!
Albert & Rex get separated, again! Both are separately in the hands of The Gastrothief's agent's! Will they70's be OK? Will both get free? Will they get back together? HOW?? There are TWO crimes happening simultaneously, with one business at the heart of both! Police are everywhere! Will they apprehend Albert as the terrorist they think he is, or help him catch the real criminals? Small town, lots of action!! The only negatives I can say about this book are: a) it seemed awfully short! b) we're one book closer to the end of the series!!
December 13, 2023
Cornish Pasty Conspiracy
This book number 13 in the series had some laugh out loud funny parts. In some ways it was a slower read for me personally than the other books. I also still found several examples of errors in proofreading. That need to be corrected. I would have to say this would be my least favourite book in the series. It is a good story with Albert continuing to try to investigate the gastro thief and Rex trying to help and getting himself in all sorts of trouble!
This book number 13 in the series had some laugh out loud funny parts. In some ways it was a slower read for me personally than the other books. I also still found several examples of errors in proofreading. That need to be corrected. I would have to say this would be my least favourite book in the series. It is a good story with Albert continuing to try to investigate the gastro thief and Rex trying to help and getting himself in all sorts of trouble!
May 21, 2024
Cornish Pasty Conspiracy by Steve Higgs is the 13th book in the Albert Smith's Culinary Capers series. Retired policeman Albert Smith together with his "assistance dog" Rex Harrison travel to Looe on the trail of the gastrothief whom Albert feels is targetting a Cornish Pasty baker next. Lots of fun as always although Albert and Rex are seperated for the majority. Rex comes to the rescue when needed this time with the help of some seals. Fast paced and lots of laughs and thrills. A brilliant cozy mystery.
December 1, 2024
Like the other books in the series, this one is a mystery, a whodunit, that takes place in a culinary setting. And, like the other books in the series, this one contains some typos in the text as well as some layout issues. (This particular story has an overabundance of the words "suck" and "sucking" in the text.) But, also like the other books in the series, if you like this type of story (and I do), you would enjoy reading this book. I did and I look forward to reading the rest of the books in the series.
October 6, 2022
Poor Albert. Things just aren't going as he plans on this culinary tour, and this time is no exception. He knows he is on the trail of the Gastrothief's next victim, but can he head the henchmen off while staying away from the police?
Rex makes some friends, and Albert tries to stay out of sight of the police.
It was filled with excitement and, of course, the bad guys. Humorous moments and easy to read.
Rex makes some friends, and Albert tries to stay out of sight of the police.
It was filled with excitement and, of course, the bad guys. Humorous moments and easy to read.
October 6, 2022
Albert and Rex are hot on the heels of the agents of the Gastrothief but Albert needs to stay incognito because the police think he’s responsible for a recent bombing. Rex, as usual, is looking for food as well as trying to solve crimes Albert hasn’t got the “nose” for. This is probably my favourite series by Steve Higgs and this book is no exception. You’ll love it.
I received an ARC copy of the book.
I received an ARC copy of the book.
October 6, 2022
Love the recipe at the end!
Great story with loads of action, twists and turns and bodies getting dropped like confetti. The situations Rex found himself in were sometimes comical and sometimes had me holding my breath! Poor Albert, he really needs to consider giving his body a break...and not his bones, but an actual rest! The disguises he came up with had me laughing to tears! I can feel this series building to a boiling point! Kept me turning those pages all night long!
Great story with loads of action, twists and turns and bodies getting dropped like confetti. The situations Rex found himself in were sometimes comical and sometimes had me holding my breath! Poor Albert, he really needs to consider giving his body a break...and not his bones, but an actual rest! The disguises he came up with had me laughing to tears! I can feel this series building to a boiling point! Kept me turning those pages all night long!
October 6, 2022
the hunt continues
This supposedly retired, elderly policeman continues to hunt a kidnapper that no one else believes in, and is now wanted by the police himself. The storyline is interesting and the characters are entertaining in a lovely understated way. A bit of violence and cheating, with a very intelligent dog. A cute ongoing adventure with a theme of English food.
This supposedly retired, elderly policeman continues to hunt a kidnapper that no one else believes in, and is now wanted by the police himself. The storyline is interesting and the characters are entertaining in a lovely understated way. A bit of violence and cheating, with a very intelligent dog. A cute ongoing adventure with a theme of English food.
October 10, 2022
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
October 14, 2022
Agents Abound
How many she us of the Gastrothief are there? Plots thicken as Albert & Rex attempt to.go undercover in Cornwall. Of course it doesn't seem to work out as well as Albert thought it should. Rex goes swimming with seals? Well not exactly, but it is funny. Many conspiracies evolve and it will have you laughing out loud. Albert is so close, yet so far.
How many she us of the Gastrothief are there? Plots thicken as Albert & Rex attempt to.go undercover in Cornwall. Of course it doesn't seem to work out as well as Albert thought it should. Rex goes swimming with seals? Well not exactly, but it is funny. Many conspiracies evolve and it will have you laughing out loud. Albert is so close, yet so far.
October 17, 2022
Loving this series
I love these books the storylines and characters drag you in from the start, I'm so invested with the main characters that the book made me a little anxious in places but I should have realised that Steve wouldn't have Albert or rex seriously hurt, can't wait for the final (?) Book
I love these books the storylines and characters drag you in from the start, I'm so invested with the main characters that the book made me a little anxious in places but I should have realised that Steve wouldn't have Albert or rex seriously hurt, can't wait for the final (?) Book
November 8, 2022
A wacky, light, detective story involving Albert, Rex the German Shepard,a pasty shop owner, and a royal family wedding. On the lookout for the “gastrothief” both Albert and his beloved Rex are separated whilst solving the crime. It would’ve been better if the whole story was written from the dog’s point of view as that was quite funny, otherwise the writing was not that well done.
January 14, 2023
Albert and Rex arrived in Cornwall hot on the trail of the Gastrothief's agents. The "Culinary Capers" include cidar brewing and Cornish pasties. The plot was convoluted and the Gastrothief still elusive. With any luck Albert and Rex will solve the case in the 14th book due to be released in September 2023.
January 24, 2023
Albert and Rex are on the trail of the Gastrothief, getting separated, and busting in on a terrorist plot to kill the royals. The police think he is a terrorist, and he is scared that he will never see Rex again. But Res finds help and comes just in time. Exciting and full of action. Recommend reading.
April 1, 2023
13 recipes, another step closer to the Gastrothief!
Another one down, and an enjoyable read. Rex rescued by two dolfins - carried on the backs of these two and returned to sure - and dolfins and dogs speak the same language - amazing. Just another bit of fun in this amazing crime series.
Light reading, but lots to enjoy!
Another one down, and an enjoyable read. Rex rescued by two dolfins - carried on the backs of these two and returned to sure - and dolfins and dogs speak the same language - amazing. Just another bit of fun in this amazing crime series.
Light reading, but lots to enjoy!
May 22, 2023
WOW! Each episode is more riveting!
This one is action packed! From word one I just wanted to join in. Why haven’t his “suspended” kids and his previous cohorts jumped in? I’m hoping that’s where we are heading! And Quinn…let Tanya take him out, please. I know a Quinn type and can easily come up with several murder scenarios as I’ve thought them through myself. Ha !
This one is action packed! From word one I just wanted to join in. Why haven’t his “suspended” kids and his previous cohorts jumped in? I’m hoping that’s where we are heading! And Quinn…let Tanya take him out, please. I know a Quinn type and can easily come up with several murder scenarios as I’ve thought them through myself. Ha !
October 10, 2022
As expected
Steve never disappoints. This was probably the most complicated of all his mysteries. Albert and Rex both get thrashed about more than normal. THEY NEED A REST after this one. Time for a cruise yet?
Steve never disappoints. This was probably the most complicated of all his mysteries. Albert and Rex both get thrashed about more than normal. THEY NEED A REST after this one. Time for a cruise yet?
October 11, 2022
Albert is still on the run from the law, but is hoping to catch the Gastrothief's agents in Looe and prove himself innocent.
Rex meets a couple of unfriendly harbour seals, but after rescuing one who is caught in a fisherman's net, they come to his aid when he most needs it.
Rex meets a couple of unfriendly harbour seals, but after rescuing one who is caught in a fisherman's net, they come to his aid when he most needs it.
November 23, 2022
as usual a great story
Of Albert and police dog wannabe, Rex. I enjoy their shared exploits. Some dangerous, some humorous. I just wish there wasn’t such a gap in time between the books. I’m looking forward to next serial of these two intrepid detectives.
Of Albert and police dog wannabe, Rex. I enjoy their shared exploits. Some dangerous, some humorous. I just wish there wasn’t such a gap in time between the books. I’m looking forward to next serial of these two intrepid detectives.
December 17, 2022
Rex to the rescue
Out to try to stop the Gastrootheif from having his way in Looe, Rex and Albert pair up with a young store owner. There is more than one plot afoot. They stumble into a new group trying to overthrow the monarcy. The struggle continues.
Out to try to stop the Gastrootheif from having his way in Looe, Rex and Albert pair up with a young store owner. There is more than one plot afoot. They stumble into a new group trying to overthrow the monarcy. The struggle continues.
January 13, 2023
Cornish pasty conspiracy
Another wonderfully far fetched escapade with Albert and Rex these books do more for tourism than anything you see on tv and I can’t wait for the last instalment
Another wonderfully far fetched escapade with Albert and Rex these books do more for tourism than anything you see on tv and I can’t wait for the last instalment
May 13, 2023
Poor albert - things are getting harder for Albert and rex to track the clues to find the Gastrothief and they are hiding from the agents as well, brilliant book , i am now getting sad that this series will end soon.
May 14, 2023
thrilling
Another exciting adventure with Albert and Rex. Won’t spoil it but love how Rex got put of trouble this time. Know series will end soon so am waiting a bit to read final book. I’m not ready to say goodbye.
Another exciting adventure with Albert and Rex. Won’t spoil it but love how Rex got put of trouble this time. Know series will end soon so am waiting a bit to read final book. I’m not ready to say goodbye.
July 23, 2023
Fast & Fun Mystery Series
I love a good mystery and I love trying new recipes....and this series has both. Well-drawn characters and decent plots make Steve Higgs' books worth the read and the recipes are just a bonus.
I love a good mystery and I love trying new recipes....and this series has both. Well-drawn characters and decent plots make Steve Higgs' books worth the read and the recipes are just a bonus.
November 5, 2023
Albert and Rex never disappoint.
Albert is a wanted man and still on the trail of the Gastrothief. Mix in a plot to murder the royal family and you've got a wonderful read. Keep up the good work Steve!!
Albert is a wanted man and still on the trail of the Gastrothief. Mix in a plot to murder the royal family and you've got a wonderful read. Keep up the good work Steve!!
September 4, 2025
Another adventure
Closing in on the end of the series..... Gonna miss these characters.... Another great adventure with great characters nice twists and tangling of mysteries to solve! Fun quick read
Closing in on the end of the series..... Gonna miss these characters.... Another great adventure with great characters nice twists and tangling of mysteries to solve! Fun quick read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews