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DCI Kett #4
Piitsalöök
Peainspektor Robert Ketti perekond on taas koos, kuid ta ise on murtud mees. Teenistusest ajutiselt kõrvaldatud, viib ta oma naise ja tütred Londonist Norfolki rannikule puhkusele. Selle asemel et leida rahu, mida ta hädasti vajab, leiab Kett eest murest murtud kohaliku kogukonna. Neli teismelist on kadunud ja aeg hakkab otsa saama, enne kui neid tabab kohutav saatus.
Kett peab järgima vihjet, mille on jätnud mees, kes noored kaasa viis – ainus inimene, kes teab, kus nad on.
On ainult üks probleem.
Röövija on juba surnud.
Peainspektor Ketti krimipõnevike menusarja neljas raamat. Esimene – „Ajalehetüdrukud“ – ilmus eesti keeles 2022, „Paha koer“ ja „Kolm väikest põrsast“ 2023.
Kett peab järgima vihjet, mille on jätnud mees, kes noored kaasa viis – ainus inimene, kes teab, kus nad on.
On ainult üks probleem.
Röövija on juba surnud.
Peainspektor Ketti krimipõnevike menusarja neljas raamat. Esimene – „Ajalehetüdrukud“ – ilmus eesti keeles 2022, „Paha koer“ ja „Kolm väikest põrsast“ 2023.
320 pages, Paperback
First published July 30, 2020
2371 people are currently reading
560 people want to read
About the author
Alex Smith
25 books677 followersAlex Smith wrote his first book when he was six. It wasn’t particularly good, but it did have some supernatural monsters in it. His latest books, the DCI Robert Kett thrillers, have monsters in them too, although these monsters are very human, and all the more terrifying for it. In between these two books he has published twelve other novels for children and teenagers under his full name, Alexander Gordon Smith—including the number one bestselling series Escape From Furnace, which is loved by millions of readers worldwide and which is soon to become a motion picture. He lives in Norwich with his wife and three young daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 212 reviews
October 21, 2020
Yet ANOTHER brilliant and gripping instalment in the series!
Seldom do I find sequels as good as the first book but these are the gifts that keep on giving.
Another 4 star read and I’ve pre-ordered story number 5, being released in December.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Seldom do I find sequels as good as the first book but these are the gifts that keep on giving.
Another 4 star read and I’ve pre-ordered story number 5, being released in December.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 28, 2023
Unfortunately I think I'm done with this series, there's nothing wrong with it but it just doesn't keep me engaged 😕
July 18, 2024
Auch der vierte Band war wieder richtig gut!
August 6, 2024
Järjekordselt üks põnev sari, mis aina paremaks läheb.
Robert Kett on mees, keda ei huvita keelud ja käsud ülemustelt, kui ta suudab süütu hinge ära päästa kurjategija küüsist. Muidugi toob see alati kaasa paksu pahandust, kuid Kett teeb oma tööd hästi. Seekord siiski sunnitakse teda puhkust võtta, kuid tegelikult lööb ta puhkuse varjus järjekordselt uurimises kaasa, et leida kadunud neli teismelist, kelle saatus paistab olevat midagi hirmsamat kui lihtsalt kadunud.
Olukord on pingeline, tegevus on närvesööv ning raamatust leiab mitmeid põnevaid keerdkäike. Soovitan!
Robert Kett on mees, keda ei huvita keelud ja käsud ülemustelt, kui ta suudab süütu hinge ära päästa kurjategija küüsist. Muidugi toob see alati kaasa paksu pahandust, kuid Kett teeb oma tööd hästi. Seekord siiski sunnitakse teda puhkust võtta, kuid tegelikult lööb ta puhkuse varjus järjekordselt uurimises kaasa, et leida kadunud neli teismelist, kelle saatus paistab olevat midagi hirmsamat kui lihtsalt kadunud.
Olukord on pingeline, tegevus on närvesööv ning raamatust leiab mitmeid põnevaid keerdkäike. Soovitan!
January 20, 2024
Author *Alex Smith* Does It Again!
I am now a wholehearted 'DCI Robert Kett Stan'. Four books in and we're now seeing how Billie (Kett's wife) is slowly trying to readjust to freedom, having been located and returned to her family, after several months of being abducted and spirited away, by a murderous kidnapper. I'm glad the author made her return feel awkward, scary and confusing; it would have felt inauthentic for us to see her back to normal in this book, after what has been portrayed as an incredibly harrowing experience. I also appreciated hearing how Kett hadn't just bounced back - both physically and mentally - after his own experiences in book 3. His injuries had yet to heal and he was having to contend with not being as strong or fit as before, on top of his own psychological demons that cause him to keep worrying that Billie isn't really back home with him. Alex Smith has done a great job of creating a character we can empathise with - and someone we feel as though we've come to know well - in 'DCI Robert Kett'.
In fact, the regular cast of characters in the Norwich police are all really well drawn. Superintendent Clare is the loud, often intimidating, yet unintentionally funny boss, who genuinely cares about his team. Porter with his penchant for 'Tom Ford' suits, is a dependable colleague, whose huge physical frame is amusingly at odds with his laid-back, big-softie persona. That he is constitutionally incapable of making a decent cup of tea just makes him even more likeable. And then there's Savage. I often find myself rolling my eyes when female cops in books, films and TV shows, are made unbelievably strong and so OP they can fight, overpower, and kick any man's ass, despite their petite frames. I feel like Savage is just strong and fast enough to help apprehend male suspects, without straying into the superhuman, Mary-Sue category of female characters, that inevitably make me cringe. Savage is smart (we see her now promoted to the role of trainee DI in this story) and tenacious, but her loyalty is what makes her a great asset to the team. All these characters have just the right amount of idiosyncrasies to be unique and believable, without being annoyingly super-quirky.
This instalment in the series feels like the intensity and pace have been dialled down a little after a very tense book 3. But that's actually a little more believable than if the author had just kept on ratcheting up the tension more and more (which is a trap that many inexperienced authors of thrillers seem to fall into) because crimes will always vary in their seriousness, with some having higher stakes than others. That's not to say that this book wasn't tense or exciting, because it was. It was simply bound to be less intense than the previous title because of book 3 revolving around Kett's wife and daughters. That case personally affected Kett much more and that came out in the writing. His relationship with his wife had a more awkward precariousness this time, rooted in them both getting over a traumatic event, rather than being at the centre of one. And that's a good thing. Robbie and Billie feel believable to me - despite the wild rollercoaster they endured previously. I like them. I like all of the regular characters.
The story in this one was an interesting view into what makes some people do terrible things. It wasn't immediately apparent who was responsible or what their motives were, but I had it figured out around the 65% mark. Half of it anyway. I'm not giving away any spoilers here, but there were some cool uses of some 80s technology, a lot of brilliantly descriptive paragraphs that painted a vivid picture of the Norfolk coast, as well as some home-truths about small communities that anyone who grew up in a small town will immediately identify with. Coastal towns in the UK have gone from being thriving tourist destinations in the 19th & 20th centuries, to being dismal forgotten enclaves that now house people on benefits, whilst all the old attractions are now boarded up or left rusting away in the salty sea air.
Whilst the main story was well done and entertaining, what I'm especially now looking forward to reading more about, is the interconnected underworld of criminals who are responsible for a lot of the violent crime, murder and kidnappings that take place in the east coast and southern counties in England, throughout this series. This thread was hinted at in book 1 and we concluded this instalment with some more information about this network of ne'er-do-wells, who I think we're going to see Kett et al investigate and apprehend in the next 10 books. I like it when a thriller can be read as a standalone, but also winds a twisty thread throughout the entire series so we have an ultimate showdown to look forward to. Even as each individual case is solved and wound up, we still have this other plot creeping along ominously, to keep us readers on our toes.
I found this book really enjoyable. It felt like it had aspects to it that I personally haven't seen in police procedural thrillers before now. It was a tad longer than the previous 3 books, which I'm totally here for! Because I like longer reads and the author of this series is more than capable of writing longer books, whilst keeping the prose tight and the pace exactly right. Let's be honest, if the amount of serial killers in real life was anything like the frequency with which they appear in crime fiction, we'd all be perpetually barricaded into a bunker or bug-out shelter. So in order for us - the readers - to be able to suspend our disbelief, we need the author to be capable of creating three-dimensional, believable characters, along with well crafted plots that keep us turning the pages and buying into the premise, the whole time we're immersed in their books. Alex Smith definitely ticks all these boxes for me - at least he has done so far, in books 1-4 of this 'DCI Robert Kett' series.
I'm all in. I'm invested in this series, and will be eagerly working my way through the next 10 books still to go. I'm awarding 'Whip Crack' a well-deserved 4 stars, and will be starting 'Run Rabbit Run' (book 5) really soon. This series is available on Amazon's 'Kindle Unlimited' and if you enjoy a good crime fiction yarn, you should definitely try it out while you can.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I am now a wholehearted 'DCI Robert Kett Stan'. Four books in and we're now seeing how Billie (Kett's wife) is slowly trying to readjust to freedom, having been located and returned to her family, after several months of being abducted and spirited away, by a murderous kidnapper. I'm glad the author made her return feel awkward, scary and confusing; it would have felt inauthentic for us to see her back to normal in this book, after what has been portrayed as an incredibly harrowing experience. I also appreciated hearing how Kett hadn't just bounced back - both physically and mentally - after his own experiences in book 3. His injuries had yet to heal and he was having to contend with not being as strong or fit as before, on top of his own psychological demons that cause him to keep worrying that Billie isn't really back home with him. Alex Smith has done a great job of creating a character we can empathise with - and someone we feel as though we've come to know well - in 'DCI Robert Kett'.
In fact, the regular cast of characters in the Norwich police are all really well drawn. Superintendent Clare is the loud, often intimidating, yet unintentionally funny boss, who genuinely cares about his team. Porter with his penchant for 'Tom Ford' suits, is a dependable colleague, whose huge physical frame is amusingly at odds with his laid-back, big-softie persona. That he is constitutionally incapable of making a decent cup of tea just makes him even more likeable. And then there's Savage. I often find myself rolling my eyes when female cops in books, films and TV shows, are made unbelievably strong and so OP they can fight, overpower, and kick any man's ass, despite their petite frames. I feel like Savage is just strong and fast enough to help apprehend male suspects, without straying into the superhuman, Mary-Sue category of female characters, that inevitably make me cringe. Savage is smart (we see her now promoted to the role of trainee DI in this story) and tenacious, but her loyalty is what makes her a great asset to the team. All these characters have just the right amount of idiosyncrasies to be unique and believable, without being annoyingly super-quirky.
This instalment in the series feels like the intensity and pace have been dialled down a little after a very tense book 3. But that's actually a little more believable than if the author had just kept on ratcheting up the tension more and more (which is a trap that many inexperienced authors of thrillers seem to fall into) because crimes will always vary in their seriousness, with some having higher stakes than others. That's not to say that this book wasn't tense or exciting, because it was. It was simply bound to be less intense than the previous title because of book 3 revolving around Kett's wife and daughters. That case personally affected Kett much more and that came out in the writing. His relationship with his wife had a more awkward precariousness this time, rooted in them both getting over a traumatic event, rather than being at the centre of one. And that's a good thing. Robbie and Billie feel believable to me - despite the wild rollercoaster they endured previously. I like them. I like all of the regular characters.
The story in this one was an interesting view into what makes some people do terrible things. It wasn't immediately apparent who was responsible or what their motives were, but I had it figured out around the 65% mark. Half of it anyway. I'm not giving away any spoilers here, but there were some cool uses of some 80s technology, a lot of brilliantly descriptive paragraphs that painted a vivid picture of the Norfolk coast, as well as some home-truths about small communities that anyone who grew up in a small town will immediately identify with. Coastal towns in the UK have gone from being thriving tourist destinations in the 19th & 20th centuries, to being dismal forgotten enclaves that now house people on benefits, whilst all the old attractions are now boarded up or left rusting away in the salty sea air.
Whilst the main story was well done and entertaining, what I'm especially now looking forward to reading more about, is the interconnected underworld of criminals who are responsible for a lot of the violent crime, murder and kidnappings that take place in the east coast and southern counties in England, throughout this series. This thread was hinted at in book 1 and we concluded this instalment with some more information about this network of ne'er-do-wells, who I think we're going to see Kett et al investigate and apprehend in the next 10 books. I like it when a thriller can be read as a standalone, but also winds a twisty thread throughout the entire series so we have an ultimate showdown to look forward to. Even as each individual case is solved and wound up, we still have this other plot creeping along ominously, to keep us readers on our toes.
I found this book really enjoyable. It felt like it had aspects to it that I personally haven't seen in police procedural thrillers before now. It was a tad longer than the previous 3 books, which I'm totally here for! Because I like longer reads and the author of this series is more than capable of writing longer books, whilst keeping the prose tight and the pace exactly right. Let's be honest, if the amount of serial killers in real life was anything like the frequency with which they appear in crime fiction, we'd all be perpetually barricaded into a bunker or bug-out shelter. So in order for us - the readers - to be able to suspend our disbelief, we need the author to be capable of creating three-dimensional, believable characters, along with well crafted plots that keep us turning the pages and buying into the premise, the whole time we're immersed in their books. Alex Smith definitely ticks all these boxes for me - at least he has done so far, in books 1-4 of this 'DCI Robert Kett' series.
I'm all in. I'm invested in this series, and will be eagerly working my way through the next 10 books still to go. I'm awarding 'Whip Crack' a well-deserved 4 stars, and will be starting 'Run Rabbit Run' (book 5) really soon. This series is available on Amazon's 'Kindle Unlimited' and if you enjoy a good crime fiction yarn, you should definitely try it out while you can.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
September 25, 2025
Dies ist mittlerweile der vierte Band der Reihe rund um Detective Robert Kent – und ich möchte nochmal betonen: Auch wenn die Fälle in sich abgeschlossen sind, gibt es eine persönliche Ebene, die sich wie ein roter Faden durchzieht. Rückblenden zu vorherigen Bänden kommen immer wieder vor, deshalb: Bitte unbedingt chronologisch lesen! 🙏🏼
Aus Spoilergründen gibt’s auch hier wieder keinen Klappentext.
Der Fall in diesem Band hat mich absolut gepackt – spannend, mitreißend und stellenweise richtig unter die Haut gehend. (Ich sag nur: Kassettenplayer… 😶🌫️ Mehr verrate ich nicht.)
Der Schreibstil ist wie gewohnt flüssig und angenehm, man fliegt regelrecht durch die Seiten. Klar, es ist kein komplexer Thriller, aber er unterhält auf ganzer Linie und hat mit Robert Kent einen richtig sympathischen, klugen Ermittler im Fokus, der mir von Band zu Band mehr ans Herz wächst.
Das Ende? Überraschend und absolut überzeugend.
Für mich war’s wieder ein richtig starker Teil der Reihe, der meine Vorfreude auf den nächsten Band nur noch größer macht.
Aus Spoilergründen gibt’s auch hier wieder keinen Klappentext.
Der Fall in diesem Band hat mich absolut gepackt – spannend, mitreißend und stellenweise richtig unter die Haut gehend. (Ich sag nur: Kassettenplayer… 😶🌫️ Mehr verrate ich nicht.)
Der Schreibstil ist wie gewohnt flüssig und angenehm, man fliegt regelrecht durch die Seiten. Klar, es ist kein komplexer Thriller, aber er unterhält auf ganzer Linie und hat mit Robert Kent einen richtig sympathischen, klugen Ermittler im Fokus, der mir von Band zu Band mehr ans Herz wächst.
Das Ende? Überraschend und absolut überzeugend.
Für mich war’s wieder ein richtig starker Teil der Reihe, der meine Vorfreude auf den nächsten Band nur noch größer macht.
July 14, 2022
Another great book from Alex Smith.
With DCI Kett suspended following his actions with the Pig Man Clare tells him to take Billie and the girls on a holiday to the North Norfolk coast. But while he’s there he can help with a case where four teenagers have gone missing.
The caravan holiday is just what Billie needs but soon Kett is knee deep in trouble as always.
This is a great crime thriller.
With DCI Kett suspended following his actions with the Pig Man Clare tells him to take Billie and the girls on a holiday to the North Norfolk coast. But while he’s there he can help with a case where four teenagers have gone missing.
The caravan holiday is just what Billie needs but soon Kett is knee deep in trouble as always.
This is a great crime thriller.
January 1, 2023
Another great edition to this series, although it was kind of a “filler book” in the series compared to the last book even though it had its hard hitting and scary storyline.
The ending to this book was very ominous and I dread to think what will become of Robbie Kett in the next book.
The ending to this book was very ominous and I dread to think what will become of Robbie Kett in the next book.
October 5, 2023
British police story. I love the characters and the stories ate engaging and suspenseful, but they are all really far fetched, so much so that the the unbelievability mitigates the violence.
Tthis one has swearing, if swearing bothers you, you will be offended.
I keep reading the books because they are fast paced, fairly short, this one was 6.5 hrs.
Tthis one has swearing, if swearing bothers you, you will be offended.
I keep reading the books because they are fast paced, fairly short, this one was 6.5 hrs.
April 1, 2025
Whip Crack by Alex Smith is the 4th book in the DCI Kett series. DCI Robert Kett has been suspended following an investigation in his involvement in his last case, when he is asked for assistance in the investigation of four missing teenagers on the Norfolk coast where creepy tape recordings had been left luring the teenagers to certain locations and concluding with the message- "Every time you hear my voice, another child will die." Kett and his team race against the clock to locate the missing children, trying to make sense of the clues and murders along the way. An excellent mystery. It is good that Kett is able to take his family away at the same time allowing them to start to rebuild their relationships. His three girls are a handful. Whip crack refers to a dangerous game children play where they grab hold of each other and spin wildly until the one on the end flies off. This book highlights some of the extreme dangerous games that are played. The teenagers in this book liked to dare each other to perform crazy stupid stunts along the lines of the television show Jackass, including jumping off cliffs into the water. A gripping, captivating thriller although I disliked the ominous ending with hints of even more danger for DCI Kett.
September 4, 2020
If you have been fallowing the saga of DCI Kett this book is a must read. If you happen to be a fan of rough and tough action you will also enjoy this novel. This is the fifth of the DCI Kett stories that I have read, and Kett made a brief appearance in The Harder They Fall, the first of the Softley Series of books. And this volume makes reference to Six Days, Six Hours, Six Minutes, which is the darkest and grittiest of Smith’s novels. So all of his mysteries like together in some fashion. This book is different than the others in the series, but still has that same intense action mystery feel.
I have stated before that each of the Kett novels have been great crime mystery novels, and interesting reads. But they are dark books with terrible crimes. In this one Kett and his wife are still finding their way after her has rescued her from kidnappers. Officially Kett is on compassionate leave. And is awaiting news of if there will be an inquiry into his actions that led to his wife’s rescue. He was offered a holiday back near Norwich. But the offer also had some alternative motives. Four teens have gone missing, and the more they investigate the worse things look. Kett has a gift for finding missing people, and often bringing them back alive. And his old team need his help again, unofficially. He is consulting. And In a case that only spans a few days there is an immense amount of action. Great risk, real danger. And clues just at the edge of his consciousness. A series of clues left on old tape recorders. Leading the victims and others taunting the police. Hope of a rescue but a time limit and the clock is ticking down.
I admit I love the Kett novels. His character. His strength. His drive. He is a man who puts it all on the line for others. And does it because of his love for his wife and children. And after having both lost and regained his wife, he knows from personal experience the angst of a missing loved one. I did figure most of this story out well before the end. I had most of the who, but not all of the why.
I will state again this book and this series is not for all readers. It is dark and gritty and very intense. They are great thrillers. Over ten years ago, I read and loved the Lockdown series published primarily for a young adult audience by Alexander Gordon Smith. When I found out he had this new crime mystery series in the works I had visions of his skill turned to series like Wired in the Blood, or the Commander. There is always something extra appealing about a British crime drama or procedural, I was hooked from the concept. The first short story is available for free on his site, if you are uncertain but I will warn you the stories are very addictive. I had preordered this and read it in one sitting. I could not put it down. Once I started reading, I just could not stop. Another great read in a high octane series.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Alexander Gordon Smith.
I have stated before that each of the Kett novels have been great crime mystery novels, and interesting reads. But they are dark books with terrible crimes. In this one Kett and his wife are still finding their way after her has rescued her from kidnappers. Officially Kett is on compassionate leave. And is awaiting news of if there will be an inquiry into his actions that led to his wife’s rescue. He was offered a holiday back near Norwich. But the offer also had some alternative motives. Four teens have gone missing, and the more they investigate the worse things look. Kett has a gift for finding missing people, and often bringing them back alive. And his old team need his help again, unofficially. He is consulting. And In a case that only spans a few days there is an immense amount of action. Great risk, real danger. And clues just at the edge of his consciousness. A series of clues left on old tape recorders. Leading the victims and others taunting the police. Hope of a rescue but a time limit and the clock is ticking down.
I admit I love the Kett novels. His character. His strength. His drive. He is a man who puts it all on the line for others. And does it because of his love for his wife and children. And after having both lost and regained his wife, he knows from personal experience the angst of a missing loved one. I did figure most of this story out well before the end. I had most of the who, but not all of the why.
I will state again this book and this series is not for all readers. It is dark and gritty and very intense. They are great thrillers. Over ten years ago, I read and loved the Lockdown series published primarily for a young adult audience by Alexander Gordon Smith. When I found out he had this new crime mystery series in the works I had visions of his skill turned to series like Wired in the Blood, or the Commander. There is always something extra appealing about a British crime drama or procedural, I was hooked from the concept. The first short story is available for free on his site, if you are uncertain but I will warn you the stories are very addictive. I had preordered this and read it in one sitting. I could not put it down. Once I started reading, I just could not stop. Another great read in a high octane series.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Alexander Gordon Smith.
August 13, 2022
Just a Short Review
I don’t usually do reviews as I write a lot in my kindle notes & I have them open so if anyones interested in reading my dribble, then have at it!
On the brighter side, I’m surprised how much this author has grown in the 4 books so far, and he wasn’t exactly ‘Clare’s Sneeze’ in the first place.
The books have a ton of little red fishies (red herrings) & plot twists that keep both myself, the Id and my little sub egos on our toes, although my ‘spidey web’ isn’t too shabby at guesstimating, these books are making us work for it, which is BRILLIANT!
The children and family life have been sitting in the back seat so far, which is perfect, although they DO help him solve a case or two.
It would be GREAT to see some more of the other characters as well to fill out the characterization.
If you’ve not read the author before, start at book one as there are ongoing issues and you need to know what’s gone before at times to understand the present one, and let’s face it these books are filled with issues, in the BEST WAY of course!
My thanks to the author for more wonderful hours of reading pleasure
Kia kaha, nui te aroha & marama no Aotearoa
(It means stay safe with love & light from NZ)
I don’t usually do reviews as I write a lot in my kindle notes & I have them open so if anyones interested in reading my dribble, then have at it!
On the brighter side, I’m surprised how much this author has grown in the 4 books so far, and he wasn’t exactly ‘Clare’s Sneeze’ in the first place.
The books have a ton of little red fishies (red herrings) & plot twists that keep both myself, the Id and my little sub egos on our toes, although my ‘spidey web’ isn’t too shabby at guesstimating, these books are making us work for it, which is BRILLIANT!
The children and family life have been sitting in the back seat so far, which is perfect, although they DO help him solve a case or two.
It would be GREAT to see some more of the other characters as well to fill out the characterization.
If you’ve not read the author before, start at book one as there are ongoing issues and you need to know what’s gone before at times to understand the present one, and let’s face it these books are filled with issues, in the BEST WAY of course!
My thanks to the author for more wonderful hours of reading pleasure
Kia kaha, nui te aroha & marama no Aotearoa
(It means stay safe with love & light from NZ)
September 17, 2021
I can’t get enough of this series. Each time I think should I continue or take a break and read something else. Then I continue and it is just as good as the last book. Different but similar and all the books bleeding into each other in some way. So I am sucked completely in and am going to just binge read the entire series then complain when I have to wait for the next one 🤣
So do yourself a favour read these books they are gritty and edge of your seat and funny as well. Kett, Savage and Porter are always full of fantastic adventure. Clare is always tossing all over everything and Ketts girls are a handful and a half. Do it. Read them. It’s good for you!!
So do yourself a favour read these books they are gritty and edge of your seat and funny as well. Kett, Savage and Porter are always full of fantastic adventure. Clare is always tossing all over everything and Ketts girls are a handful and a half. Do it. Read them. It’s good for you!!
February 1, 2021
Whip Crack is the fourth book in the DCI Kett series that I have read, and I’m loving this series. The storyline is about four teenagers who disappear from a small seaside resort, and so begins a particularly sinister and exciting read from Alex Smith. This book is so creepy, the crimes committed by a psychopath are horrifying, there’s a genuine sense of evil emanating from the pages as the killer plays his twisted mind games with Kett and his team.
Whip Crack is another intricately woven, hard-hitting, read and filled with black humour, which complements the plot. It’s definitely a series I would start from the beginning, A: because it’s so good and B: because Kett has a horrifying back story that will make more sense if you read the books in order.
Although the crimes are alarming, the author always gives the reader some light relief by incorporating some humour into his work. The dialogue between him and his colleagues is full of banter, and the scenes between Kett and his three small daughters lighten the mood of this dark crime thriller.
The reason I love this series so much is each plot has been unpredictable and there’s nothing I like more than the element of surprise, sadly something that’s lacking in many crime series. Whip Crack is a bleak, intense, chilling read that sent shivers down my spine on more than one occasion. This series goes from strength to strength, and if you consider yourself to be a crime thriller lover, then it’s a series not to be missed.
Whip Crack is another intricately woven, hard-hitting, read and filled with black humour, which complements the plot. It’s definitely a series I would start from the beginning, A: because it’s so good and B: because Kett has a horrifying back story that will make more sense if you read the books in order.
Although the crimes are alarming, the author always gives the reader some light relief by incorporating some humour into his work. The dialogue between him and his colleagues is full of banter, and the scenes between Kett and his three small daughters lighten the mood of this dark crime thriller.
The reason I love this series so much is each plot has been unpredictable and there’s nothing I like more than the element of surprise, sadly something that’s lacking in many crime series. Whip Crack is a bleak, intense, chilling read that sent shivers down my spine on more than one occasion. This series goes from strength to strength, and if you consider yourself to be a crime thriller lover, then it’s a series not to be missed.
October 7, 2025
Als Detective Chief Inspector wurde Robert Kett zwar vorläufig suspendiert, doch als Ehemann darf er nach wochenlanger, unermüdlicher Suche endlich seine verschwundene Frau wieder in die Arme schließen. Doch so einfach lassen sich die Ereignisse nicht aus den Köpfen löschen – die seelischen und körperlichen Wunden sind noch lange nicht verheilt. Aus diesem Grund stellt Roberts Chef Colin der Familie sein Ferienhaus "Clare Castle" an der Küste von Norfolk zur Verfügung. Doch als mehrere Jugendliche aus der Gegend verschwinden, kann der DCI nicht tatenlos zusehen, er will bei den Ermittlungen helfen.
➸ "Die Stimmen, die dich rufen" ist mittlerweile der vierte Band der Reihe rund um Detective Robert Kett, und ich kann und will einfach nicht aufhören, diese Bücher zu empfehlen. Denn auch dieser Fall hat mich wieder direkt in seinen Bann gezogen und bis zur letzten Seite nicht losgelassen.
Erneut verschwinden Kinder und das quasi direkt unter den Augen ihrer Eltern. DCI Kett, dessen Spezialgebiet es ist, vermisste Menschen sicher nach Hause zurückzubringen, nimmt sich auch dieses Falls an, obwohl er privat gerade eine Auszeit dringend nötig hätte.
Die Jugendlichen wurden mittels einer Tonbandaufnahme aus ihren Häusern gelockt und durch eine Stimme zu verschiedenen Orten in der Nähe ihrer Heimat dirigiert. Seither gelten sie als vermisst.
Der Fall unter die Haut, aber das schaffen viele Thriller bei mir. Was allerdings noch keinem Autor gelungen ist, ist die gegensätzliche Heiterkeit, die durch Dialoge und liebenswürdige Charaktereigenschaften hervorgerufen wird. Ich musste stellenweise sogar aufhören zu lesen, weil ich vor lauter Lachtränen kaum noch das Buch halten konnte, und trotzdem rutscht die Geschichte nie ins Klamaukhafte oder Lächerliche ab. Die Grundstimmung bleibt stets glaubhaft, selbst wenn die Mundwinkel zwischendurch unweigerlich nach oben wandern.
Auch emotional hat dieser Teil einiges zu bieten: Roberts Frau Billie muss sich erst an ihre zurückgewonnene „Normalität“ gewöhnen. Der Umgang mit den drei Kindern fällt ihr schwer, und auch körperliche Nähe kann sie kaum ertragen.
Der Schreibstil ist wie gewohnt flüssig und leicht zu lesen, sodass auch das Ende dieses komplexen Thrillers (leider) schnell erreicht ist. Und während mir Robert Kett immer mehr ans Herz wächst, warte ich nun sehnsüchtig auf den neuen Band.
Von mir gibt es erneut eine klare Leseempfehlung – und auch wenn man die Reihe grundsätzlich eigenständig lesen kann, empfehle ich dennoch, mit dem ersten Buch "Ein Schrei, den niemand hört" zu starten. Es lohnt sich!
➸ "Die Stimmen, die dich rufen" ist mittlerweile der vierte Band der Reihe rund um Detective Robert Kett, und ich kann und will einfach nicht aufhören, diese Bücher zu empfehlen. Denn auch dieser Fall hat mich wieder direkt in seinen Bann gezogen und bis zur letzten Seite nicht losgelassen.
Erneut verschwinden Kinder und das quasi direkt unter den Augen ihrer Eltern. DCI Kett, dessen Spezialgebiet es ist, vermisste Menschen sicher nach Hause zurückzubringen, nimmt sich auch dieses Falls an, obwohl er privat gerade eine Auszeit dringend nötig hätte.
Die Jugendlichen wurden mittels einer Tonbandaufnahme aus ihren Häusern gelockt und durch eine Stimme zu verschiedenen Orten in der Nähe ihrer Heimat dirigiert. Seither gelten sie als vermisst.
Der Fall unter die Haut, aber das schaffen viele Thriller bei mir. Was allerdings noch keinem Autor gelungen ist, ist die gegensätzliche Heiterkeit, die durch Dialoge und liebenswürdige Charaktereigenschaften hervorgerufen wird. Ich musste stellenweise sogar aufhören zu lesen, weil ich vor lauter Lachtränen kaum noch das Buch halten konnte, und trotzdem rutscht die Geschichte nie ins Klamaukhafte oder Lächerliche ab. Die Grundstimmung bleibt stets glaubhaft, selbst wenn die Mundwinkel zwischendurch unweigerlich nach oben wandern.
Auch emotional hat dieser Teil einiges zu bieten: Roberts Frau Billie muss sich erst an ihre zurückgewonnene „Normalität“ gewöhnen. Der Umgang mit den drei Kindern fällt ihr schwer, und auch körperliche Nähe kann sie kaum ertragen.
Der Schreibstil ist wie gewohnt flüssig und leicht zu lesen, sodass auch das Ende dieses komplexen Thrillers (leider) schnell erreicht ist. Und während mir Robert Kett immer mehr ans Herz wächst, warte ich nun sehnsüchtig auf den neuen Band.
Von mir gibt es erneut eine klare Leseempfehlung – und auch wenn man die Reihe grundsätzlich eigenständig lesen kann, empfehle ich dennoch, mit dem ersten Buch "Ein Schrei, den niemand hört" zu starten. Es lohnt sich!
August 4, 2020
As always a brilliant read from Alex. Page turner with an outcome that just blew me away.
Four really close teenage friends go missing and the pace is really fast and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Kett is on suspension and having some quality time with his family. He is drawn into the case and as always does an amazing job. Following leads from the only person who knows where they are.
I love the humour in Alex's books and the way he writes makes me feel I'm there with them.
Can't wait until December. Until then I am looking at other books he writes.
Four really close teenage friends go missing and the pace is really fast and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Kett is on suspension and having some quality time with his family. He is drawn into the case and as always does an amazing job. Following leads from the only person who knows where they are.
I love the humour in Alex's books and the way he writes makes me feel I'm there with them.
Can't wait until December. Until then I am looking at other books he writes.
November 12, 2024
this was a decent read, the plot was good and it does set you up for the next one, although how DCI Kett is still alive baffles me, must have 9 lives
also i know she’s a kid but Alice is so annoying, and rude!! stop calling people idiots when you’re only 7
one thing i do like though is the running joke of Superintendent Clare not understanding what the word ‘tossing/tosser’ means and called himself the king of tossing hahahah
also i know she’s a kid but Alice is so annoying, and rude!! stop calling people idiots when you’re only 7
one thing i do like though is the running joke of Superintendent Clare not understanding what the word ‘tossing/tosser’ means and called himself the king of tossing hahahah
August 4, 2020
Book 4 in the DCI Kett series finds Kett assisting on a case involving the disappearance of local teenagers, only assisting because he is still on suspension due to his involvement in the case of his kidnapped wife.
I found this book suspenseful with lots of twists and turns, the characters are great and many have been around since book 1. I love Kett’s family storyline, especially his daughters, who are definitely a loveable handful and DCI Kett, himself is one of my favourite fictional policemen.
I can’t wait for the next book. Definitely 5+ stars.
I found this book suspenseful with lots of twists and turns, the characters are great and many have been around since book 1. I love Kett’s family storyline, especially his daughters, who are definitely a loveable handful and DCI Kett, himself is one of my favourite fictional policemen.
I can’t wait for the next book. Definitely 5+ stars.
August 20, 2024
The fourth in this series and just as good as the other three. These books are never dull and they are fast-paced so they keep you interested all the way through. I've really got into this series and look forward to reading the next one.
March 10, 2022
Another fantastic DCI Kett story 👏
April 14, 2024
I čtvrtý díl o Robbiem Kettovi splnil očekávání. Skvělý příběh i zápletka, čtivé, napínavé.
August 7, 2024
Another good book from Alex Smith. 👍
November 13, 2024
Enjoyed this and has some good twists
January 2, 2022
Ooh this book gets creepy. DCI Kett is sort of back at work. And his wife Billie is home but coping with PTSD. Their struggle is very real. Great read.
August 12, 2021
Just brilliant
I can’t write a proper review because I would hate to give spoilers, but the depth of character writing is genius. The development of relationships, the twists and turns, all add up to an amazing story.
I can’t write a proper review because I would hate to give spoilers, but the depth of character writing is genius. The development of relationships, the twists and turns, all add up to an amazing story.
December 15, 2020
Here I go again with my binge read ... this time it's Alex Smith's turn with his Detective DCI Robbie Kett. So far there are 5 books in this series, with the sixth, I believe due to be released in April 2021 - I for one can't wait.
So, what made this series for me? I'd be lying if I told you it wasn't mainly
because of DCI Robbie Kett himself. What a character he is - an so very different from most of the detectives doing the rounds at the moment. Kett is a single parent to three young girls (all under the age of 7). He's been thrust unexpectedly into this role after his wife is abducted. Paper Girls, the first in the series, takes up a few months after her abduction when Robbie and his small family move to Norwich to try to make things easier for himself and his girls whilst the investigation into his wife's disappearance continues in London.
Seeing this detective - one lauded by the London Met for his ability to get the job done and find missing people - grieving and out of his depth - as he struggles to look after his three children in his wife's absence is both heart rending and poignant, but laced with humorous moments
too. Alice, the eldest is only seven and is autistic, Evie who is the middle daughter is in continual need of 'a poo' and Moira the baby just wants 'booby'.
In and among this heartbreaking situation Kett manages to make friends, keep his family together and begin to help Norwich police with their investigation into the disappearance of some Paper Girls.
Kett, is determined and driven. His desire to find missing people and to put the perps behind bars leads him into hazardous situations and often puts him on the wrong side of the law. As a reader you have to admire him, as a parent you will feel for him, as a partner you will cross your fingers and hope he finds his missing wife ... but you'll have to read the entire series to find out more.
Believe me, Kett is as addictive as chocolate and the characters Smith has
created that make up Kett's new family are brilliantly well drawn. His new boss Colin Clare is a 'tossing' funny man (you'll need to read the books to get the in joke) who likes to keep his team on their toes and under his gruff exterior has a heart of gold. Being reacquainted with an old colleague who has his back helps Kett to balance his home and work life.
These books are hard hitting, intricately woven, darkly humorous and really quite addictive. I for one can't wait for the next one. Please dip into Robbie Ketts life and i'm sure you'll be as emamoured as I was.
So, what made this series for me? I'd be lying if I told you it wasn't mainly
because of DCI Robbie Kett himself. What a character he is - an so very different from most of the detectives doing the rounds at the moment. Kett is a single parent to three young girls (all under the age of 7). He's been thrust unexpectedly into this role after his wife is abducted. Paper Girls, the first in the series, takes up a few months after her abduction when Robbie and his small family move to Norwich to try to make things easier for himself and his girls whilst the investigation into his wife's disappearance continues in London.
Seeing this detective - one lauded by the London Met for his ability to get the job done and find missing people - grieving and out of his depth - as he struggles to look after his three children in his wife's absence is both heart rending and poignant, but laced with humorous moments
too. Alice, the eldest is only seven and is autistic, Evie who is the middle daughter is in continual need of 'a poo' and Moira the baby just wants 'booby'.
In and among this heartbreaking situation Kett manages to make friends, keep his family together and begin to help Norwich police with their investigation into the disappearance of some Paper Girls.
Kett, is determined and driven. His desire to find missing people and to put the perps behind bars leads him into hazardous situations and often puts him on the wrong side of the law. As a reader you have to admire him, as a parent you will feel for him, as a partner you will cross your fingers and hope he finds his missing wife ... but you'll have to read the entire series to find out more.
Believe me, Kett is as addictive as chocolate and the characters Smith has
created that make up Kett's new family are brilliantly well drawn. His new boss Colin Clare is a 'tossing' funny man (you'll need to read the books to get the in joke) who likes to keep his team on their toes and under his gruff exterior has a heart of gold. Being reacquainted with an old colleague who has his back helps Kett to balance his home and work life.
These books are hard hitting, intricately woven, darkly humorous and really quite addictive. I for one can't wait for the next one. Please dip into Robbie Ketts life and i'm sure you'll be as emamoured as I was.
July 22, 2024
The Inspector Robert Kett series continues! To tell the truth, I had quietly started to worry about when, or even if, more of these books would be available in Estonian. But it finally happened! Now my only concern is the works of Blake Pierce, although, judging by the publication timeline, the third book might be coming soon! 😊
Despite the horrors Kett endured recently (in the third book) to save his children, wife, and himself, their family is finally together again. Yes, the wounds are still fresh, and the memories will linger for a long time, if not forever, but they are moving forward. Then, four teenagers go missing in a coastal village, and Chief Inspector Clare seizes the opportunity to involve Kett in the investigation, allowing him to bring his entire family along. A change of scenery, a new area, new memories. However, the hope of spending quality time with his family quickly fades as the missing children need rescuing. Each child leaves behind a tape with instructions to the location of their abduction, and each recording ends with the chilling sentence: "Every time you hear my voice, the child dies."
Having visited similar places myself (including shipwrecks), I even felt queasy reading some parts. The vivid descriptions brought the scenes to life, and the tension kept rising. Fortunately, the classic British humor among the investigators and the antics of the children balanced the book out, leaving me thoroughly satisfied. The final solution was surprising and cleverly executed. I wonder if anyone guessed it right away? In my defense, I didn't try to guess the ending. I truly enjoy Smith's writing style, making this series a real treat that I always look forward to.
Compared to the previous works, this book was definitely more restrained, especially in terms of the body count and bloodshed. While there are still deaths and some gruesome scenes, perhaps they're not as sinister this time? Additionally, there’s a lingering question about Kett's well-being. How can anyone allow him to keep working? The man is both physically and emotionally drained, but as the last chapter hints, the game isn't over yet. Oh no! It seems like this is just the calm before the storm... I’m already eagerly anticipating the next installment. 😊
I highly recommend it to all crime lovers (though those who are sensitive about children and related themes might want to skip this book in the series)!
Review in Estonian: https://brixieblog.wordpress.com/2024...
Despite the horrors Kett endured recently (in the third book) to save his children, wife, and himself, their family is finally together again. Yes, the wounds are still fresh, and the memories will linger for a long time, if not forever, but they are moving forward. Then, four teenagers go missing in a coastal village, and Chief Inspector Clare seizes the opportunity to involve Kett in the investigation, allowing him to bring his entire family along. A change of scenery, a new area, new memories. However, the hope of spending quality time with his family quickly fades as the missing children need rescuing. Each child leaves behind a tape with instructions to the location of their abduction, and each recording ends with the chilling sentence: "Every time you hear my voice, the child dies."
Having visited similar places myself (including shipwrecks), I even felt queasy reading some parts. The vivid descriptions brought the scenes to life, and the tension kept rising. Fortunately, the classic British humor among the investigators and the antics of the children balanced the book out, leaving me thoroughly satisfied. The final solution was surprising and cleverly executed. I wonder if anyone guessed it right away? In my defense, I didn't try to guess the ending. I truly enjoy Smith's writing style, making this series a real treat that I always look forward to.
Compared to the previous works, this book was definitely more restrained, especially in terms of the body count and bloodshed. While there are still deaths and some gruesome scenes, perhaps they're not as sinister this time? Additionally, there’s a lingering question about Kett's well-being. How can anyone allow him to keep working? The man is both physically and emotionally drained, but as the last chapter hints, the game isn't over yet. Oh no! It seems like this is just the calm before the storm... I’m already eagerly anticipating the next installment. 😊
I highly recommend it to all crime lovers (though those who are sensitive about children and related themes might want to skip this book in the series)!
Review in Estonian: https://brixieblog.wordpress.com/2024...
November 10, 2022
→ my rating: 4.5 ★
“ Every time you hear my voice, another child will die. „
My favourite DCI Kett books are the ones that get really dark, and this book does exactly that. Every reveal was actually terrifying and the atmosphere was perfect. I love love love this series.
“ Every time you hear my voice, another child will die. „
My favourite DCI Kett books are the ones that get really dark, and this book does exactly that. Every reveal was actually terrifying and the atmosphere was perfect. I love love love this series.
November 10, 2021
Do you like crime books with loads of action?
Do you like stories to start simply and then build into something complex?
Do you like some fun stuff happening along the way?
If you're saying "yes" then Whip Crack is for you. No doubt about it.
The action starts in a unique, mind-catching way but before too long everything gets murkier until, in the end .......
Alex Smith gives us memorable characters throughout, and he leaves us with a need to get down to reading his next book. The action will obviously continue throughout the series.
And what about DCI Kett? I'm giving nothing away, but lets just say his holiday gets ruined.
A warning though. You'll get much more out of this book if you've already read #1-3 in the series. It could stand alone, but is far better if read after the first three. There's much to enjoy.
Do you like stories to start simply and then build into something complex?
Do you like some fun stuff happening along the way?
If you're saying "yes" then Whip Crack is for you. No doubt about it.
The action starts in a unique, mind-catching way but before too long everything gets murkier until, in the end .......
Alex Smith gives us memorable characters throughout, and he leaves us with a need to get down to reading his next book. The action will obviously continue throughout the series.
And what about DCI Kett? I'm giving nothing away, but lets just say his holiday gets ruined.
A warning though. You'll get much more out of this book if you've already read #1-3 in the series. It could stand alone, but is far better if read after the first three. There's much to enjoy.
August 4, 2020
This book takes the reader on a ride of emotions! I love the characterisations, I love the way they interact and the camerarderie between them. You'd definitely want to be on the team of Kett, Savage and Porter. I love the interactions with Kett's three daughters and the way his wife Billie is adjusting to "normality" after her experiences in the previous book. The part where Robbie was talking to her about their scarred bodies had me in floods of tears. I also love the humour that comes through too. The descriptive prose is truly beautiful. I was totally gripped by this book, as I was with the previous three of this series. I can't wait for the next book to come out. What a brilliant author you are Alex Smith - one of my favourites.
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