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Albert Smith's Mystery Thrillers #3
Old Fashioned
It was all going so well until an old man with old fashioned ideas stuck his nose in …
Amsterdam has its share of seedy criminals, just like everywhere else.
Sylvia van Lidth sits atop a criminal empire providing a service to a very specific clientele … a very wealthy clientele with a particular taste. She fought to achieve her lofty status and is not about to let anything stop her.
Lee Yoo, the local boss of Korea’s most ruthless crime family, has an order of high-end cars to steal. He doesn’t want to consider the consequences of failure.
Arriving in the heart of Amsterdam, Albert’s only aim is to sample the local cuisine, but when his detective’s nose results in being mistaken for a thief, his faithful companion and sidekick, Rex, is taken from him.
To get him back, he will have to uncover a crime ring that spans half the globe and risk not only his own life, but the lives of everyone involved, good and bad.
The stakes are higher than ever, but Albert Smith has nothing left to lose.
Never underestimate the bond between man and dog.
Amsterdam has its share of seedy criminals, just like everywhere else.
Sylvia van Lidth sits atop a criminal empire providing a service to a very specific clientele … a very wealthy clientele with a particular taste. She fought to achieve her lofty status and is not about to let anything stop her.
Lee Yoo, the local boss of Korea’s most ruthless crime family, has an order of high-end cars to steal. He doesn’t want to consider the consequences of failure.
Arriving in the heart of Amsterdam, Albert’s only aim is to sample the local cuisine, but when his detective’s nose results in being mistaken for a thief, his faithful companion and sidekick, Rex, is taken from him.
To get him back, he will have to uncover a crime ring that spans half the globe and risk not only his own life, but the lives of everyone involved, good and bad.
The stakes are higher than ever, but Albert Smith has nothing left to lose.
Never underestimate the bond between man and dog.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 30, 2024
652 people are currently reading
90 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 89 reviews
August 30, 2024
This marvellous series just gets better and better . I love how Rex has an even bigger part to play too. Perfect mystery solving pairing. Albert and Rex get in a spot of bother while following their noses at a whiff of crime suspects that are up to no good. When a car gets stolen and the pair stop the thieves ,they flee and scurry leaving the old man and his dog as prime suspects as the owner hurries to apprehend them. Wrongly accused he’s battered and bruised and Rex taken from him. In the midst of a dog fighting scandal is a cover up of drugs exporting too. With resources tight the manpower is used to trying to solve this and leave the dog handling to Albert….except for an ally and if he can ever find Rex . Rex is on hot pursuit himself and even makes top dog of the pack , just hope they get through this without further attacks. This Albert and Rex story is really fantastic , it’s fast paced fun and also frantic . The apprehension and the tension is palpable but we should know already that Albert and his partner Rex are more than capable to handle. Brilliant! Loved every page. Excellent writing Steve Higgs , I enjoyed this immensely, the tense bits and funny moments and the inner thoughts . The right balance between cosy and thriller reading had me hooked as always . Mystery Thriller✔️ Perfect prose✔️ Car chases✔️ Drug busting✔️ Funny ✔️
September 6, 2024
Book 3 of 4 in the Albert and Rex series by Steve Higgs. Love this author and this series is especially wonderful. I mean you have a 78 year old retired detective inspector and his over sized German Shepherd solving murders and robberies worldwide. In this one, they are in Amsterdam seeking information about the local food when they stumble on a car theft. Rex gets nicked by the police who think Albert and Rex are somehow involved in the attempted theft of a fancy street racing car. Turns out, the animal services are working for a hoodlum running dog fights and they turn Rex over to be used in fights. What a mistake that was because Rex is smarter than all the dogs and most of the humans and helps the dogs escape. Anyway, it is one of those stories that you will want to finish so be prepared to read it all at one sitting so don’t start unless you plan on skipping your sleep. Mr. Higgs is a prolific writer and a terrific writer. Every one of his books is a keeper. So, read them all. You’ll be glad you did.
November 1, 2024
Old Fashioned by Steve Higgs 10/21/2024 Kindle
While this series of a retired vacationing detective and his superior dog takes a little reality adjustment, once you shelf the absurdity, it is fun reading. In this installment, we are in Amsterdam with Albert Smith ready to taste local cuisine and stay out of trouble. He can’t seem to accomplish the latter and in the process of being a good guy, loses beloved Rex to a dog fighting ring. The illegal enterprise is run by Sylva Van Lidth, a female sort-of mob boss who runs the fights for the blood thirst of the superrich. Rex, reported euthanized by mistake, devastates his master, at least until the truth is known.
Rex takes on the chore of rescuing not only himself, but but a kennel full of potential combatants. Between mater and canine, they manage to take down an international crime ring before moving on.
This is a simple and fun read. I recommend it as such.
While this series of a retired vacationing detective and his superior dog takes a little reality adjustment, once you shelf the absurdity, it is fun reading. In this installment, we are in Amsterdam with Albert Smith ready to taste local cuisine and stay out of trouble. He can’t seem to accomplish the latter and in the process of being a good guy, loses beloved Rex to a dog fighting ring. The illegal enterprise is run by Sylva Van Lidth, a female sort-of mob boss who runs the fights for the blood thirst of the superrich. Rex, reported euthanized by mistake, devastates his master, at least until the truth is known.
Rex takes on the chore of rescuing not only himself, but but a kennel full of potential combatants. Between mater and canine, they manage to take down an international crime ring before moving on.
This is a simple and fun read. I recommend it as such.
May 25, 2025
Just clean good fun. I always read a lighthearted mystery between what I term "serious" murder mysteries, and the Alber Smith books are among my favourites, mainly because of his intelligent German Shepherd Rex. Of course it is nonsense that a dog is so smart it can work out rescue missions and coordinate dogs into a dedicated group, much as having had German Shepherds in the family I know how super smart they are, but it makes for thoroughly enjoyable reading.
This book deals with three topics at once, the thoroughly disgusting world of dog fighting, major car theft rings and international drug smuggling. Albert of course is right in the middle of all the action, and as a 78 year old has his first drive in a pimped car at an illegal race meet. Leave it to him to devise a plan to rescue stolen cars, retrieve his stolen dog, capture those responsible and unknowingly solve the mystery of just how all the drugs were being exported.
This book deals with three topics at once, the thoroughly disgusting world of dog fighting, major car theft rings and international drug smuggling. Albert of course is right in the middle of all the action, and as a 78 year old has his first drive in a pimped car at an illegal race meet. Leave it to him to devise a plan to rescue stolen cars, retrieve his stolen dog, capture those responsible and unknowingly solve the mystery of just how all the drugs were being exported.
September 8, 2024
Another entertaining book by Steve Higgs. I just love the Albert Smith's mysteries. They are so real. This book focused on Rex and his determination to not only find Albert, but to keep his promise to his fellow dog "friends". I became so involved in Rex's plight and the plight of the others that I found myself wondering just how inhumane humans are.
You won't be disappointed in reading this book. You'll fall in love with Rex and Albert again. My only wish is that this book was twice as long.
I have loved all the books in the series and have grown very attached to both characters. Being 81 myself I can easily put myself into Albert's shoes. I give him credit and applaud him for his stamina.
I live through him.
Keep it up Steve.
You won't be disappointed in reading this book. You'll fall in love with Rex and Albert again. My only wish is that this book was twice as long.
I have loved all the books in the series and have grown very attached to both characters. Being 81 myself I can easily put myself into Albert's shoes. I give him credit and applaud him for his stamina.
I live through him.
Keep it up Steve.
December 25, 2025
The third book in this series lost a star because of incorrect information that perpetuates bias against pit bull type dogs. "There wasn't an ounce of fight in him, whereas Brain Scar was imbued with natural aggression and the ability to lock his jaw once he had hold of something. " Pit bulls do not have the ability to lock their jaws. Nor does any other breed of dog. Not only that, but the mastiff in the mystery would have a much stronger bite force, with an English Mastiff at 556 psi and an American Pitbull at 235 psi according to the World Animal Foundation. In fact, Rex, the German Shepherd star of the series, would have a psi slightly higher than that of an American Pitbull. Stepping down off my soapbox.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2024
Exciting and moving!
Steve's best book out of all his series! Rex and Albert are fantastic! Dog lovers will be outraged at the theme of dog fighting but Rex always comes to the rescue and saves the day with Albert's help,of course. There are some very heartwarming moments; Kevin, the huge,gentle bullmastiff, with his teddy and he and the battle scarred pit bull being reunited with their owners! And Rex's friendship with Kevin and his loyalty to his pack of dogs! The book was so exciting! My heart was in my mouth for the captured dogs, especially Kevin! You need to read it to see what I mean!
Steve's best book out of all his series! Rex and Albert are fantastic! Dog lovers will be outraged at the theme of dog fighting but Rex always comes to the rescue and saves the day with Albert's help,of course. There are some very heartwarming moments; Kevin, the huge,gentle bullmastiff, with his teddy and he and the battle scarred pit bull being reunited with their owners! And Rex's friendship with Kevin and his loyalty to his pack of dogs! The book was so exciting! My heart was in my mouth for the captured dogs, especially Kevin! You need to read it to see what I mean!
September 29, 2024
People Should Know
People everywhere should know and then do everything within their power to combat dog fights and other animal abuse. Whether they are domesticated or wild animals this abuse must be stopped and it takes a village to get it done.
The book was well written as it kept you captivated throughout the storyline. I like how Albert, although being older, always plays one of the more important part in solving a mystery. Yes, we older people are slower, but don’t underestimate our knowledge. Rex is a hero and I’m so happy he was a bigger part of the book. If only our species could be more like the rest of the animal kingdom we would have a perfect world.
People everywhere should know and then do everything within their power to combat dog fights and other animal abuse. Whether they are domesticated or wild animals this abuse must be stopped and it takes a village to get it done.
The book was well written as it kept you captivated throughout the storyline. I like how Albert, although being older, always plays one of the more important part in solving a mystery. Yes, we older people are slower, but don’t underestimate our knowledge. Rex is a hero and I’m so happy he was a bigger part of the book. If only our species could be more like the rest of the animal kingdom we would have a perfect world.
February 12, 2025
Albert Smith to the rescue. This was fun and a bit far fetched but I did enjoy. I found the multiple layers, dog fights, car racing, drug rings, and companionship worthy of my time. I was actually eager to go to the fourth of the series but it is not available for months so I may be a short timer and thank Albert for his frolic into travel, and adventures. A great reprieve from the current political environment in the US.....
Sally you will love the interactions between Rex and Albert as well as Rex and his canine buddies.Just saying.
Sally you will love the interactions between Rex and Albert as well as Rex and his canine buddies.Just saying.
August 22, 2024
Albert and Rex are in Amsterdam and they get involved with a car and drugs smuggling ring as well as in dog fights and animal exploitation. Rex is the best, he is the humble leader the pack needed to meet their goals and for him to find Albert again. Old Fashioned has action, mystery, fun (Albert gets dressed up and goes to a club!), and provides great entertainment for readers.
I thank Mr. Higgs for this ARC.
I thank Mr. Higgs for this ARC.
September 6, 2024
Albert Loses Rex
Albert & Rex are in Amsterdam. They get a whole day together before things go awry. Albert is arrested and Rex goes to the Pound to be processed. Albert finally realizes poor Rex is kidnapped. However will they find each other again? Oddly enough through illegal car racing and dog fights and drug trafficking. Underneath all the chaos is a very charming story.
A good read.
Albert & Rex are in Amsterdam. They get a whole day together before things go awry. Albert is arrested and Rex goes to the Pound to be processed. Albert finally realizes poor Rex is kidnapped. However will they find each other again? Oddly enough through illegal car racing and dog fights and drug trafficking. Underneath all the chaos is a very charming story.
A good read.
September 6, 2024
For my money, Albert and Rex are the most enjoyable books Steve Higgs writes. They always leave the world a better place than they find it and that’s what endears them to me. This story had some difficult bits that made me think of stopping along the way, but I had to see how Rex would resolve the difficulties. In true Rex fashion he and his friends prevail. If you are looking for an engaging story that entertains, this is it.
December 31, 2024
I enjoyed the book
I did enjoy reading the book as I have enjoyed reading the Albert Smith series. This book would be my least favorite I have to admit. I like Albert have not seen the fast and furious movies. I have seen them heavily advertised here in the USA. I did not enjoy reading about Rex and Albert being separated from each other for most of the book. I like to think of them as a pair of friends that provides companionship for each other.
I did enjoy reading the book as I have enjoyed reading the Albert Smith series. This book would be my least favorite I have to admit. I like Albert have not seen the fast and furious movies. I have seen them heavily advertised here in the USA. I did not enjoy reading about Rex and Albert being separated from each other for most of the book. I like to think of them as a pair of friends that provides companionship for each other.
April 2, 2025
I read and love these books about Albert and his dog, Rex, for relaxion from the often heavy and serious fiction and nonfiction that I read. This book about street racing and dog-fighting in Amsterdam showed Albert and Rex at their most implausible yet, but fun all the same. Of course, they always solve the crime, though Rex became more human than ever, which made me laugh and irritated at the same time.
October 11, 2025
Another exciting adventure for Albert and Rex. This time Albert is dealing with a group of younger street racers who's souped up expensive automobiles are being stolen. At the same time Rex has discovered a dog fighting ring who are collecting peoples pets and training them to be fighters. The back and forth between Albert's adventures and Rex's is thrilling - all the while the pair are trying to find each other. I really love this series!
October 27, 2025
A difficult read for me!
This book was a very difficult read for me. After the first couple chapters, I thought I was going to have to stop reading and move on to another. Being a real dog lover, this book deals with a situation that is repugnant to me. However, I kept reading and telling myself that Albert and Rex would make everything work out for the best, and they did. The ending is very exciting so I'm glad I continued reading to the end.
This book was a very difficult read for me. After the first couple chapters, I thought I was going to have to stop reading and move on to another. Being a real dog lover, this book deals with a situation that is repugnant to me. However, I kept reading and telling myself that Albert and Rex would make everything work out for the best, and they did. The ending is very exciting so I'm glad I continued reading to the end.
August 14, 2024
An upsetting story of dog fights and parties. Rex is pulled into a world of pain and crime. This is a story that will stay with you for a long while. The descriptions of what the dogs go through is unsettling. Throw the people in with the dogs and let them feel what it's like to be torn apart. Let the dogs party on. Highly Recommended.
August 30, 2024
This has got to be my favorite so far in Albert and Rex's new adventures. I laughed, I nearly cried, then laughed through to the end. That Rex!!!!
And Albert! My heavens! The things that man does for his favorite companion. I absolutely love these stories.
Keep them coming, Higgs, keep them coming!
And Albert! My heavens! The things that man does for his favorite companion. I absolutely love these stories.
Keep them coming, Higgs, keep them coming!
August 30, 2024
Another great story with Albert and Rex but this time in the dark regions of dog fights in Amsterdam, an upsetting at times read but there's also lots of laughs, especially when Albert goes to a nightclub! A great mystery and so easy to read, I can never put Mr Higgs' books down and this is no exception. Fantastic, keep them coming Steve
August 31, 2024
Charismatic Dog for the Win!!
Rex and Albert tickle my funny bones, hold my heart hostage and race to save the day!!! Love the intricate and surprising plans they come up with. Steve Higgs is an awesome author, and if you're smart you will read every book he has written and then join me in eagerly awaiting new ones!!! Wow!!!
Rex and Albert tickle my funny bones, hold my heart hostage and race to save the day!!! Love the intricate and surprising plans they come up with. Steve Higgs is an awesome author, and if you're smart you will read every book he has written and then join me in eagerly awaiting new ones!!! Wow!!!
September 8, 2024
Exciting read, multiple plot strung together
Albert & Rex are a great team. They make friends from some of the strangest circumstances. From police to street racers to other pups in trouble when corruption and greed erupt, causing harm to those that are vulnerable.
This book is a perfect example of good over evil
Albert & Rex are a great team. They make friends from some of the strangest circumstances. From police to street racers to other pups in trouble when corruption and greed erupt, causing harm to those that are vulnerable.
This book is a perfect example of good over evil
September 20, 2024
Old Fashioned
Another win for Albert & Rex Harrison! My wish is that this series, or at least series' with these two protagonists, never ends!! I believe that in this book they were apart more than they were together, but the story worked well anyway. Will they ever have an uneventful stay somewhere? I'm not holding my breath!
Another win for Albert & Rex Harrison! My wish is that this series, or at least series' with these two protagonists, never ends!! I believe that in this book they were apart more than they were together, but the story worked well anyway. Will they ever have an uneventful stay somewhere? I'm not holding my breath!
September 22, 2024
Enjoyable and exciting
This is one of the best Albert and Rex stories I have read so far. Exciting storyline which is interesting and horrifying in equal measures, the depravity of humans and their capacity to inflict pain and suffering in other creatures (and enjoy it) is horrifying. At least in this story the books are balanced!
This is one of the best Albert and Rex stories I have read so far. Exciting storyline which is interesting and horrifying in equal measures, the depravity of humans and their capacity to inflict pain and suffering in other creatures (and enjoy it) is horrifying. At least in this story the books are balanced!
November 22, 2024
Fast paced and impossible to put down
An exhilarating and thrilling adventure involving the theft of high-performance automobiles, a substantial number of stolen large and powerful canines, two criminal organizations, and a significant quantity of heroin necessitates the heroic intervention of Rex and Albert Smith.
An exhilarating and thrilling adventure involving the theft of high-performance automobiles, a substantial number of stolen large and powerful canines, two criminal organizations, and a significant quantity of heroin necessitates the heroic intervention of Rex and Albert Smith.
December 15, 2024
Doesn't know what language is spoken in Holland
Entertaining story, but honestly, do you not know that in Holland they speak Dutch, NOT Flemish?! And therefore, the sign would be in Dutch! Flemish is spoken in Belgium. And why would German be on the sign, unless you mixed up Dutch and Deutsch (aka Germany).
Entertaining story, but honestly, do you not know that in Holland they speak Dutch, NOT Flemish?! And therefore, the sign would be in Dutch! Flemish is spoken in Belgium. And why would German be on the sign, unless you mixed up Dutch and Deutsch (aka Germany).
July 16, 2025
Fun and unique story.
A retired cop with his retired police dog traveling from country to country, saving the world. Part of this book has Rex, the retired police dog, narrating this story. From a dogs point of view, you definitely get a different perspective. Fun book plenty of action with unique scenarios. Recommend!
A retired cop with his retired police dog traveling from country to country, saving the world. Part of this book has Rex, the retired police dog, narrating this story. From a dogs point of view, you definitely get a different perspective. Fun book plenty of action with unique scenarios. Recommend!
December 29, 2025
Old Fashioned, Book #3
This was such a good story. I couldn't put it down till I finished it. And, of course, I enjoyed the dogs in the story. I love their interactions, very cute.
Only one thing I find incorrect. No dog has a locked jaw, not pitties, rotties, mastiffs, basically any of the 'bully' breeds. They have very strong jaws but they do not lock.
This was such a good story. I couldn't put it down till I finished it. And, of course, I enjoyed the dogs in the story. I love their interactions, very cute.
Only one thing I find incorrect. No dog has a locked jaw, not pitties, rotties, mastiffs, basically any of the 'bully' breeds. They have very strong jaws but they do not lock.
January 14, 2026
I admit that as an animal lover, I was leary about reading this book. Even though there were no details of animal cruelty, it was implied, and it did disturbed me. But I love Rex, and I loved his new friends (especially Kevin). Even though the dogs are big beasts, they are so gentle and sweet, and like Albert, I don't understand the depravity of humans who harm animals. Good job, Rex.
August 31, 2024
Doggone he did it again
Steve you did it again.
Awesome, fast paced story, Albert engineering the arrests again in his simple ↓ to earth style. Rex leading the pack. Doggone great story. Enjoy everyone
Steve you did it again.
Awesome, fast paced story, Albert engineering the arrests again in his simple ↓ to earth style. Rex leading the pack. Doggone great story. Enjoy everyone
August 31, 2024
The BEST!
Wow, this is one Albert and Rex book I could not put down! Good thing I didn’t have any pressing matters to attend to, because they might have had to wait. This story is thrilling. You’ll love it!
Wow, this is one Albert and Rex book I could not put down! Good thing I didn’t have any pressing matters to attend to, because they might have had to wait. This story is thrilling. You’ll love it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews