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Albert Smith's Mystery Thrillers #1
Old Habits
Sometimes the oldest secrets are the hardest ones to keep.
When retired a police detective and his dog wander into a small town in the French mountains, no one expects the trouble they will uncover.
A body has been found at a nearby archaeological dig and it’s clear no one was ever supposed to find it. The locals deny all knowledge; they have no idea who it could be, but there is something disturbing about how they all give the exact same answer.
And what of the archaeologists? What were they really looking for? It isn't the Stone Age settlement they claim to be after. Does everyone in this town have a secret they don’t want exposed?
Together with his trusted sidekick, Albert and Rex are going to get to the bottom of the mystery.
He could walk away, there’s nothing to make him investigate. But poking his nose where no one wants it is an old habit and Albert Smith has nothing better to do.
When retired a police detective and his dog wander into a small town in the French mountains, no one expects the trouble they will uncover.
A body has been found at a nearby archaeological dig and it’s clear no one was ever supposed to find it. The locals deny all knowledge; they have no idea who it could be, but there is something disturbing about how they all give the exact same answer.
And what of the archaeologists? What were they really looking for? It isn't the Stone Age settlement they claim to be after. Does everyone in this town have a secret they don’t want exposed?
Together with his trusted sidekick, Albert and Rex are going to get to the bottom of the mystery.
He could walk away, there’s nothing to make him investigate. But poking his nose where no one wants it is an old habit and Albert Smith has nothing better to do.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 27, 2024
3094 people are currently reading
491 people want to read
About the author
Steve Higgs
573 books820 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 197 reviews
July 4, 2025
Wow, what's up with the high ratings on this book? Colour me surprised, to say the least!
The plot is OK, but nothing more. The writing is adequate, but nothing really stands out - main character, mystery, plot or anything - except for the talking dogs!
I was so confused when Rex first had a chapter with thoughts and clearly a very anthropomorphic personality of his own, but then other dogs showed up. Rex started interacting with them and had subplots of his own, featuring other dogs, in a way that just made me think: "Disney movie?!"
A most random thing to bump into in a mystery novel.
Now, a month later, the rather silly dog chapters are basically the only thing I remember about this book + the fact I considered DNF:ing it, plenty of times.
In the end, I think I should have, because this really wasn't my cup of tea. Neither cosy, nor very clever.
The old man, Albert Smith, seems to constantly ride on a wave of old fame that somehow magically opens doors for him, everywhere, while basically nothing is explained about his past.
This bothered me to no end, because I really found no sign at all that Albert actually lived up to his enormous reputation. The author completely failed to sell that to me in any credible way, what so ever.
I will give this book 2 stars, even if it as easily could have just gotten 1 star, to be honest.
Rex made me a bit nostalgic about the TV show Kommisar Rex I watched as a child, though.
I was very fond of that Rex.
Maybe this series is something of a nod to that particular Rex? It feels very plausible.
Thus... 2 stars.
And, no, I won't pick up more books in this series. It clearly isn't my cup of tea.
The plot is OK, but nothing more. The writing is adequate, but nothing really stands out - main character, mystery, plot or anything - except for the talking dogs!
I was so confused when Rex first had a chapter with thoughts and clearly a very anthropomorphic personality of his own, but then other dogs showed up. Rex started interacting with them and had subplots of his own, featuring other dogs, in a way that just made me think: "Disney movie?!"
A most random thing to bump into in a mystery novel.
Now, a month later, the rather silly dog chapters are basically the only thing I remember about this book + the fact I considered DNF:ing it, plenty of times.
In the end, I think I should have, because this really wasn't my cup of tea. Neither cosy, nor very clever.
The old man, Albert Smith, seems to constantly ride on a wave of old fame that somehow magically opens doors for him, everywhere, while basically nothing is explained about his past.
This bothered me to no end, because I really found no sign at all that Albert actually lived up to his enormous reputation. The author completely failed to sell that to me in any credible way, what so ever.
I will give this book 2 stars, even if it as easily could have just gotten 1 star, to be honest.
Rex made me a bit nostalgic about the TV show Kommisar Rex I watched as a child, though.
I was very fond of that Rex.
Maybe this series is something of a nod to that particular Rex? It feels very plausible.
Thus... 2 stars.
And, no, I won't pick up more books in this series. It clearly isn't my cup of tea.
February 16, 2025
Old Habits by Steve Higgs is the first book in Albert Smith's Mystery Thrillers series. This book continues on from the Albert Smith's Culinary Capers series. Albert Smith and his "assistance" dog Rex Harrison are travelling to Antwerp in Belgium when Albert sees two men watching and following a man and sensing the man is in danger. gets off the train and rushes to help only to find the men in the act of stabbing the man and making their escape while Albert tries to help the man. The man gives Albert a name before losing consciousness. When the police arrive, Albert is furious when they treat it as a simple mugging and is asked by the victim's blind daughter to help investigate the crime. A fun book with Rex as the hero once again. This time Albert is sampling the best Belgium waffles and a recipe is included at the end of the book. I love that we learn a little about the food even though Albert admits it is only an excuse for his travels to abate some of the loneliness he feels after losing his wife. Albert and Rex are a wonderful team and I love the special bond that they both share and both are equally trying to look out for each other. A wonderful entertaining mystery adventure.
May 20, 2025
The Disney style talking dogs juxtaposed with the gruesome murders just didn't work for me. And what's up with Goodreads description of this book? It's obviously describing another book in the series, because the plot of this one doesn't even come close.
September 13, 2025
I must admit this was fun to listen to, with an interesting plot and entertaining situations. Alas, I am not a fan of anthropomorphic animals, despite being an animal lover. And, it is one thing to "hear" a dog's thoughts but to have them communicate to one another?
Ironic that I finished this on 9/11 when those events play a major role in the tale. Good story to pass the miles and glad I "read it" but will probably not continue the series.
Ironic that I finished this on 9/11 when those events play a major role in the tale. Good story to pass the miles and glad I "read it" but will probably not continue the series.
August 28, 2024
A grown-up version of The Lady And The Tramp. This is a light-hearted and entertaining romp with several main characters and their devoted canine companions. Ingenious plotting to bring in a pack of strays at a critical moment. Recommended with 3 stars, but many people will love this book.
Read
May 14, 2025A little odd when the dog starts narrating, but I quite like Albert as a character.
June 30, 2024
This is a brilliant thriller of a new series featuring Albert Smith and his sidekick Rex by Steve Higgs . Mr Smith has a nose for sniffing out clues and oddities , a vast career in the police force as a detective rising to detective superintendent his children following proudly in their father’s footsteps one of them being a superintendent no less himself. After losing his wife he went on a culinary road-trip and earned quite the reputation for befalling the bad guys en-route , ending in the greatest defeat of them all. But now he’s on another set of adventures starting in Antwerp , here quite by chance he stumbles on a mystery. He senses that a man sat by him on the tram was being followed by two bruisers of men, and he puts himself and Rex in hot pursuit. Alas even after calling Rex to sic ( he was a police dog for a short spell but he was too clever) the men caused the man to fall injured…this little hunch was all that it took to hopefully save this man’s life if his injuries aren’t too severe . He meets the man’s blind daughter and she thanks him sincerely , wanting to hire him to investigate…here we go again then ….Brilliant! A marvellous Albert Smith series that seems more grown up but just as hilarious as well as precarious . An absolute smash hit I’m sure. With brilliant immersive writing of exacting standards and vibrant characters that spring to life from the pages. The scene setting and direction is awesome too. Because Steve Higgs knows his readers demand this. I’m leaving my review voluntarily in my own words.
January 14, 2025
It was good to take a break from Albert and Rex's food and crime solving exploitations in Britain as the plots and situations were becoming too predictable. Now they are in Belgium with new characters and circumstances which is refreshing. A fun, exciting read as usual. Only in fiction, could Albert not be arrested for all the tricks he gets up to.
October 20, 2024
Slow start
It took quite a while, but the last half of the book was very good. I am glad I didn't stop at 40% as I was tempted to do. I got a real kick out of Rex! The story ended up being quite interesting .
It took quite a while, but the last half of the book was very good. I am glad I didn't stop at 40% as I was tempted to do. I got a real kick out of Rex! The story ended up being quite interesting .
July 31, 2024
I enjoyed the book although, Truthfully, I found Rex more interesting than Mr. Smith.
November 12, 2025
necessary distractions
Story was OK but talking dogs totally distracting and not necessary. I would definitely reconsidered rewriting story without the dogs. I would not seek another book by this suthor
Story was OK but talking dogs totally distracting and not necessary. I would definitely reconsidered rewriting story without the dogs. I would not seek another book by this suthor
February 9, 2025
Okay...this was right up my alley with all the insanity that is going on with the overthrow of our democracy. Trust me, I am not making light of this event as I am spending time, money, and energy fighting but I hope not to lose my sanity.
In any event, Albert Smith, and Rex are a delight. They are in the window of time that speaks to me and the added bonus of animals communicating is noteworthy. Sally you will love these....just saying.
I have already downloaded the second installment on my kindle and am looking forward to what sort of trouble comes their way.
In any event, Albert Smith, and Rex are a delight. They are in the window of time that speaks to me and the added bonus of animals communicating is noteworthy. Sally you will love these....just saying.
I have already downloaded the second installment on my kindle and am looking forward to what sort of trouble comes their way.
September 16, 2025
Go Rex!
March 7, 2025
It’s alright. Dogs talk in the book. Dogs do not talk in real life. I thought it was suspenseful, but the talking dogs were a buzzkill.
August 28, 2024
It is great to have Albert and Rex back in a new series!
Albert and Rex are riding a tram in Antwerp, Belgium, when Albert notices a couple of thugs watching an elderly man. They are unable to exit the tram in time, so get off at the next stop and race back to find the old man lying on ground. Rex chases the attackers while Albert calls for help.
The policeman does not agree with Albert that this was not a random mugging and that the victim was targeted, so as usual, Albert starts investing on his own.
When Albert visits the victim in the hospital, he meets the man's blind daughter, Franka, and her beautiful dog. They are about to leave when Rex smells the two muggers and chases them through the hospital.
The police still do not believe Albert, especially when he tells them that he suspects a very powerful rich man who is friends with the mayor and police chief. Albert doesn't know if the cop is dirty.
Of course Rex again is the star of the book when he organizes the local strays (and thousands of unwitting pigeons) to help the heroes out in the exciting climax.
Albert and Rex are riding a tram in Antwerp, Belgium, when Albert notices a couple of thugs watching an elderly man. They are unable to exit the tram in time, so get off at the next stop and race back to find the old man lying on ground. Rex chases the attackers while Albert calls for help.
The policeman does not agree with Albert that this was not a random mugging and that the victim was targeted, so as usual, Albert starts investing on his own.
When Albert visits the victim in the hospital, he meets the man's blind daughter, Franka, and her beautiful dog. They are about to leave when Rex smells the two muggers and chases them through the hospital.
The police still do not believe Albert, especially when he tells them that he suspects a very powerful rich man who is friends with the mayor and police chief. Albert doesn't know if the cop is dirty.
Of course Rex again is the star of the book when he organizes the local strays (and thousands of unwitting pigeons) to help the heroes out in the exciting climax.
Read
April 3, 2025Don't buy the audio book. The narrator has a bad habit of pausing in completly nonsensical places where there can't possibly be punctuation, and no rational reason for the pause. Examples: "...a question that (pause) only he could hear...". "...in his (pause) mid forties...". "...he wore his (pause) sandy brown hair short...". "...he gave his name and (pause) the name of the hotel...".
Each of these broke the rhythm for me, interrupted the thought. Its irritating. An audio book narrator I met told me this usually happens because the narrator didn't prepare by reading the book first and is
"just winging it." I stopped listening to the audio book. I may buy the text so I can read whole sentences without interruption.
Each of these broke the rhythm for me, interrupted the thought. Its irritating. An audio book narrator I met told me this usually happens because the narrator didn't prepare by reading the book first and is
"just winging it." I stopped listening to the audio book. I may buy the text so I can read whole sentences without interruption.
February 14, 2025
I guess this isn't my kind of literature. I found the prose and dialogue awkward and clumsy. The plot was OK. But the inclusion of dogs, speaking to each other on higher planes of consciousness was too much like a child's picture book for my taste.
May 1, 2025
DNF
Couldn’t take it seriously when the dog started talking. Vague references to previous amazing detective work. Managed about 40% but that was too much in hindsight, there are other books on my list so won’t waste time on this one.
Couldn’t take it seriously when the dog started talking. Vague references to previous amazing detective work. Managed about 40% but that was too much in hindsight, there are other books on my list so won’t waste time on this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2025
Seeing somebody claim, "they couldn't put it down," is an old cliche. In this case, it is true. I'm really sleepy today, as I didn't get to sleep last night until finishing this novel at about two o'clock in the morning.
Albert Smith is a retired septuagenarian who was formerly a Detective Chief Inspector with the Metropolitan Police in London. After solving a widely known case, he is traveling in Europe with his retired police dog, Rex. Well, Rex, a big German Shepherd Dog, didn't really retire. He was fired because he didn't fit the behavior profile the police wanted. However, he fits with Albert just fine.
Albert and Rex are in Antwerp, Belgium, riding on a city tram, when Albert spots two thuggish-looking guys paying a lot of attention to an elderly gentleman. Albert decides that it's too much attention to be good, so he follows the old gentleman and two thugs as they exit the tram. Unfortunately, he and Rex are a little too late to stop the man from being attacked and stabbed, but Rex is quick enough to chase them away before they can finish killing the man.
What started as a case of being in the wrong place--or maybe the right place, depending on your point of view--turns into a private investigation on behalf of the old man's blind daughter. It's an ingenious story, with a despicable villain masquerading as a solid citizen.
Albert and Rex get in all sorts of predicaments, with Rex saving Albert part of the time, and Albert saving Rex the rest of the time. Albert is aided by the victim's daughter, while Rex is aided by the daughter's dog guide and a pack of stray dogs. It's Rex that makes the story so unique, as he's not only an active participant, but we "hear" Rex's thoughts and communication with the other dogs. I've never seen that before, and it's fun as well as being effective.
Steve Higgs has crafted a very interesting story, written intelligently. He effectively utilizes a good balance of dialogue and description to keep the story moving. He never lets the story drag with too much background, while always providing just enough. Unlike some e-book novel editions, "Old Habits" is well edited and contains very few obvious errors. All of this keeps this reader happy.
I've rated "Old Habits" as Five Stars, and did so without hesitation. This is good stuff, and I've already started a second Albert and Rex mystery.
Albert Smith is a retired septuagenarian who was formerly a Detective Chief Inspector with the Metropolitan Police in London. After solving a widely known case, he is traveling in Europe with his retired police dog, Rex. Well, Rex, a big German Shepherd Dog, didn't really retire. He was fired because he didn't fit the behavior profile the police wanted. However, he fits with Albert just fine.
Albert and Rex are in Antwerp, Belgium, riding on a city tram, when Albert spots two thuggish-looking guys paying a lot of attention to an elderly gentleman. Albert decides that it's too much attention to be good, so he follows the old gentleman and two thugs as they exit the tram. Unfortunately, he and Rex are a little too late to stop the man from being attacked and stabbed, but Rex is quick enough to chase them away before they can finish killing the man.
What started as a case of being in the wrong place--or maybe the right place, depending on your point of view--turns into a private investigation on behalf of the old man's blind daughter. It's an ingenious story, with a despicable villain masquerading as a solid citizen.
Albert and Rex get in all sorts of predicaments, with Rex saving Albert part of the time, and Albert saving Rex the rest of the time. Albert is aided by the victim's daughter, while Rex is aided by the daughter's dog guide and a pack of stray dogs. It's Rex that makes the story so unique, as he's not only an active participant, but we "hear" Rex's thoughts and communication with the other dogs. I've never seen that before, and it's fun as well as being effective.
Steve Higgs has crafted a very interesting story, written intelligently. He effectively utilizes a good balance of dialogue and description to keep the story moving. He never lets the story drag with too much background, while always providing just enough. Unlike some e-book novel editions, "Old Habits" is well edited and contains very few obvious errors. All of this keeps this reader happy.
I've rated "Old Habits" as Five Stars, and did so without hesitation. This is good stuff, and I've already started a second Albert and Rex mystery.
November 1, 2024
Old Habits by Steve Higgs 10/5/2024 Kindle
Albert Smith is a retired English detective. We are told he is famous and recognized in his home country but in this story he is a traveling tourist in Belgium, accompanied by his near-human dog, Rex. When he sees two would be muggers go after an elderly man he and especially Rex intervene. The assailants escape but the victim whispered a clue, causing Albert Smith to feel the assault wasn’t a simple street crime, but planned murder. He and Rex follow up. Not long after, a second attempt on the old man is thwarted.
Clues point to a well-known wealthy philanthropist. With the help of the victim’s blind daughter, Albert and Rex investigate, leading them to become targets. The past is brought to present when 9/11 victims come to light.
Much of the story involves truth-stretchable exploits of Albert’s dog Rex, and stray canine accomplices he managed to entice to join him. This is a quick read, cozy mystery. If that is your taste and you don’t mind dog-fables and imagination eye-rolling adventures, you’ll find it entertaining. I may even try more in the series, but the lack of believability and indiscriminate killing is a bit much.
Albert Smith is a retired English detective. We are told he is famous and recognized in his home country but in this story he is a traveling tourist in Belgium, accompanied by his near-human dog, Rex. When he sees two would be muggers go after an elderly man he and especially Rex intervene. The assailants escape but the victim whispered a clue, causing Albert Smith to feel the assault wasn’t a simple street crime, but planned murder. He and Rex follow up. Not long after, a second attempt on the old man is thwarted.
Clues point to a well-known wealthy philanthropist. With the help of the victim’s blind daughter, Albert and Rex investigate, leading them to become targets. The past is brought to present when 9/11 victims come to light.
Much of the story involves truth-stretchable exploits of Albert’s dog Rex, and stray canine accomplices he managed to entice to join him. This is a quick read, cozy mystery. If that is your taste and you don’t mind dog-fables and imagination eye-rolling adventures, you’ll find it entertaining. I may even try more in the series, but the lack of believability and indiscriminate killing is a bit much.
October 28, 2025
Full disclosure...I am the hooman of a German Shepherd mix named Athena.
I have a hard time resisting books that feature dogs...especially talking dogs. So, when I cam across this title available in Kindle Unlimited and the cover featured a German Shepherd, I had to read the synopsis. Then I had to read it because a mystery featuring a retired detective and his retired K-9 police dog is not something I could resist.
I LOVED IT! It's a comfortable cozy read without a lot of gratuitous nonsense. The backstory of our protagonist and how it has led him on a "culinary tour" of Europe is believable and you immediately feel for him. The his K-9 companion's loyalty and love for his hooman is 100% believable and I adored his interactions with the homeless dogs.
Let me make this clear, this is a mystery...not a thriller! It can seem slow at times, but those slow times are essential to the story. Remember...it's about a retired detective not a 20 or 30 something year old action seeker.
I only gave it 4 stars because the backstory of the villain bothered me a great deal. Even knowing there are truly evil people in the world, his actions on 9/11 (he was not one of the terrorists) seemed especially gruesome to me. But, with that being said, the rest of this series is now on my TBR.
I have a hard time resisting books that feature dogs...especially talking dogs. So, when I cam across this title available in Kindle Unlimited and the cover featured a German Shepherd, I had to read the synopsis. Then I had to read it because a mystery featuring a retired detective and his retired K-9 police dog is not something I could resist.
I LOVED IT! It's a comfortable cozy read without a lot of gratuitous nonsense. The backstory of our protagonist and how it has led him on a "culinary tour" of Europe is believable and you immediately feel for him. The his K-9 companion's loyalty and love for his hooman is 100% believable and I adored his interactions with the homeless dogs.
Let me make this clear, this is a mystery...not a thriller! It can seem slow at times, but those slow times are essential to the story. Remember...it's about a retired detective not a 20 or 30 something year old action seeker.
I only gave it 4 stars because the backstory of the villain bothered me a great deal. Even knowing there are truly evil people in the world, his actions on 9/11 (he was not one of the terrorists) seemed especially gruesome to me. But, with that being said, the rest of this series is now on my TBR.
September 16, 2025
Oh my goodness
As much as I loved the Paranormal mysteries, this series I already love has more excitement with Albert Smith. Along with Rex. The addition of animals in his books are just fantastic to me. Especially if their humans can hear & understand them. Rex 's smell factor is awesome. This is the first book in this series. I can't wait for the next one. Steve your ability to setup & orchestrate a series weaving of the characters from other series is extraordinary. You really have a talent for writing as well has coming up with really unique characters who I have fallen in love with. Albert Smith being one. Maybe it's due to his age which closely meets mine. Being a widower of which I am a widow. And having a dog which I do also. I talk to my dog too. And I'm positive mine also knows exactly what I'm saying. Thank you for bringing such joy into my life with your book. Linda Orrs, Ogden, Utah, USA
As much as I loved the Paranormal mysteries, this series I already love has more excitement with Albert Smith. Along with Rex. The addition of animals in his books are just fantastic to me. Especially if their humans can hear & understand them. Rex 's smell factor is awesome. This is the first book in this series. I can't wait for the next one. Steve your ability to setup & orchestrate a series weaving of the characters from other series is extraordinary. You really have a talent for writing as well has coming up with really unique characters who I have fallen in love with. Albert Smith being one. Maybe it's due to his age which closely meets mine. Being a widower of which I am a widow. And having a dog which I do also. I talk to my dog too. And I'm positive mine also knows exactly what I'm saying. Thank you for bringing such joy into my life with your book. Linda Orrs, Ogden, Utah, USA
November 10, 2024
Good read
Another fun filled adventure for Albert and Rex.
As their culinary tour takes them to Europe, Albert is hoping to get away from his unwelcome fame back in the UK and just enjoy some European foods. His plans are thwarted when he spots 2 men seemingly following an elderly man. Concerned a mugging is about to take place Albert follows a little behind and interrupts an attack, leaving the elderly man stabbed and fighting for his life. This sets off a whole chain of events that goes back nearly 25 years and brings in a private investigator, a retired FBI agent, the local police and of course Albert trying to get to the bottom of what is going on. With someone clearly desperate to keep their secrets hidden and willing to kill anyone who poses a risk to them, how many more will die before mystery is solved.
Another fun filled adventure for Albert and Rex.
As their culinary tour takes them to Europe, Albert is hoping to get away from his unwelcome fame back in the UK and just enjoy some European foods. His plans are thwarted when he spots 2 men seemingly following an elderly man. Concerned a mugging is about to take place Albert follows a little behind and interrupts an attack, leaving the elderly man stabbed and fighting for his life. This sets off a whole chain of events that goes back nearly 25 years and brings in a private investigator, a retired FBI agent, the local police and of course Albert trying to get to the bottom of what is going on. With someone clearly desperate to keep their secrets hidden and willing to kill anyone who poses a risk to them, how many more will die before mystery is solved.
August 8, 2025
I read the Albert Smith culinary adventures and I just love them and I really just love Rex. They’re just wonderful and I love how Albert is so humble but really see so many things and these mysteries are so unusual. Something so hard to figure out. So of course, when I saw that Albert and Rex were around again I had to read them. I’ve only read this one so far. Definitely not disappointed. I have to leave the next one as soon as I’m done with this review. They are fun and intelligent but also not distracting. I drive a lot and listen to books while I drive andthese keep me engaged, but don’t confuse me since I have to listen to them on Audible. There are certain books where I have to rewind parts because I am listening rather than reading it and it’s not as enjoyable. These are perfect.
July 8, 2024
I am in love With Albert and Rex. So when I learned the author has a new series Arthur Smith Mysteries and Thrillers, I couldn't wait to start. Unfortunately #2 & #3 won't be released until September, 2024 and May, 2025, so I can't binge the entire series.
Still I gratefully read #1 and loved it. Albert has traveled to Belgium and first thing on his way to his hotel he sees an assault on an elderly man. Then what a story ensues! It kept me on the edge of my chair till I finished. Crimes that stretch from New York on 9/11 to Belgium in a complex plot with many characters kept me guessing till the end!
Still I gratefully read #1 and loved it. Albert has traveled to Belgium and first thing on his way to his hotel he sees an assault on an elderly man. Then what a story ensues! It kept me on the edge of my chair till I finished. Crimes that stretch from New York on 9/11 to Belgium in a complex plot with many characters kept me guessing till the end!
July 10, 2024
Antwerp won't be the same
Enjoying his first day in Belgium, Albert and Rex take the local tram back to their hotel. That cop's intuition springs into Albert's head as he feels he is being targeted. An elderly gentleman next to Albert gets off and when the tram pulls away, Albert notices the thugs have gotten off as well. The next stop he gets off and heads back in time to find the man stabbed, and bleeding, and then the excitement and danger begin for Albert and Rex. I like how the dogs play a role in this mystery. Yes dogs plural. You'll have to read this new beginning of the series to find out any more.
Enjoying his first day in Belgium, Albert and Rex take the local tram back to their hotel. That cop's intuition springs into Albert's head as he feels he is being targeted. An elderly gentleman next to Albert gets off and when the tram pulls away, Albert notices the thugs have gotten off as well. The next stop he gets off and heads back in time to find the man stabbed, and bleeding, and then the excitement and danger begin for Albert and Rex. I like how the dogs play a role in this mystery. Yes dogs plural. You'll have to read this new beginning of the series to find out any more.
July 20, 2024
Old Habits
I am SO glad that Albert & Rex are back!! They are # 1 of my two favorite human/canine crime fighting duos!! This time, since they completed their journey around Britain, we find them in Belgium. Other than their location, not much has changed though! Before Albert can get them situated, they stumble over a crime in progress & prevent a murder. Of course, that's not the end of it! Rex continues to have more independence & his critical thinking skills are brought to the forefront even more than before! There is enough suspense to keep you reading, but more than enough fun to read on even without it!
I am SO glad that Albert & Rex are back!! They are # 1 of my two favorite human/canine crime fighting duos!! This time, since they completed their journey around Britain, we find them in Belgium. Other than their location, not much has changed though! Before Albert can get them situated, they stumble over a crime in progress & prevent a murder. Of course, that's not the end of it! Rex continues to have more independence & his critical thinking skills are brought to the forefront even more than before! There is enough suspense to keep you reading, but more than enough fun to read on even without it!
April 26, 2025
When retired detective Albert Smith spots two men suspiciously following an older man, he hops off the tram with his dog Rex and pursues the three. Suspicions confirmed, the man was beaten but the men were driven off before more damage could be done. After taking ensuring the man is taken to the hospital, Albert becomes involved in a unique mystery of deception and deceit. Except for beatings and murder, this is a delightful tale because it alternates chapters between Albert and Rex, who is an amazing dog with great logic and problem-solving skills despite limitations of his species. There is humor even in bad situations, and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
July 1, 2024
Excellent intro to a new part in the series!
Whilst Albert and his German shepherd, Rex, are and have been a duo, their journey into Europe is the new part of an enduring and endearing series. In this case the reader finds themselves in Antwerp, Belgium ready to discover the finest in European cuisine. But that's as far as the whole food journey gets as the two are thrust into a scenario that sends them down a trail of murder, madness and mayhem! Another masterpiece by Steve Higgs! Job well done!
Whilst Albert and his German shepherd, Rex, are and have been a duo, their journey into Europe is the new part of an enduring and endearing series. In this case the reader finds themselves in Antwerp, Belgium ready to discover the finest in European cuisine. But that's as far as the whole food journey gets as the two are thrust into a scenario that sends them down a trail of murder, madness and mayhem! Another masterpiece by Steve Higgs! Job well done!
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