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DCI Kett #17
Red Line
Some lines should never be crossed …
On a cold November morning, the body of a teenage boy is discovered in a remote playground—not just murdered, but butchered. For DCI Kett and the Extreme Crime Task Force, it looks like an open and shut case. The boy was connected to a County Lines gang notorious for its violence and brutality, and all evidence points to him being the latest in a long line of unfortunate victims. But the deeper they look into his death, the more disturbing the case becomes. And as the bloodshed continues, Kett and his team find themselves pulled into the dark heart of one of the country’s most mysterious urban legends, the Red Line. Here, Kett begins to understand that the price of crossing some lines is death. And the price of crossing others is far worse. The seventeenth instalment in the DCI Kett series takes the team into darker territory than ever before.
On a cold November morning, the body of a teenage boy is discovered in a remote playground—not just murdered, but butchered. For DCI Kett and the Extreme Crime Task Force, it looks like an open and shut case. The boy was connected to a County Lines gang notorious for its violence and brutality, and all evidence points to him being the latest in a long line of unfortunate victims. But the deeper they look into his death, the more disturbing the case becomes. And as the bloodshed continues, Kett and his team find themselves pulled into the dark heart of one of the country’s most mysterious urban legends, the Red Line. Here, Kett begins to understand that the price of crossing some lines is death. And the price of crossing others is far worse. The seventeenth instalment in the DCI Kett series takes the team into darker territory than ever before.
462 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 20, 2024
689 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
About the author
Alex Smith
25 books680 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 100 reviews
December 29, 2024
Das Ende war dann wieder interessant. An sich konnte mich der Fall diesmal aber leider nicht so fesseln.
January 2, 2025
I have very much enjoyed Alex Smith's books until now.
But I found "Red Line" to be far longer than it needed to be. I skipped some descriptions because they seemed to serve no purpose, other than to make the book longer and (some might say) better value. The ending seemed contrived, and I was glad to finish the book. One or two of the police characters seemed to be ridiculed, making them unbelievable.
Might the book have been better with a further edit? Who knows??
I don't like giving this such a low rating, but in fairness I must. Alex Smith can do so much better.
But I found "Red Line" to be far longer than it needed to be. I skipped some descriptions because they seemed to serve no purpose, other than to make the book longer and (some might say) better value. The ending seemed contrived, and I was glad to finish the book. One or two of the police characters seemed to be ridiculed, making them unbelievable.
Might the book have been better with a further edit? Who knows??
I don't like giving this such a low rating, but in fairness I must. Alex Smith can do so much better.
December 24, 2024
Another incredible installment from Alex Smith!
This one felt more harrowing than most, I think considering how family-connected it was. Very touching, very difficult moments.
Saying that, the dark and gruesome bits aren't what I love most about these books. It's the humanity on every page, and the emphasis on humanity and family and found family to help you through the darkest of times.
I was crying with laughter multiple times throughout this book. From Franklin meeting Kett at the side of the body, to Duke Leeroy Jenkinsing himself into a scene, the entire ordeal with the snail cars (saying no more but seriously 😂😂😂), and Colin's newest stealth obsession. I just love it all.
Thanks Alex for another great one. Can't believe I have to wait until May to meet my favourite team again!
This one felt more harrowing than most, I think considering how family-connected it was. Very touching, very difficult moments.
Saying that, the dark and gruesome bits aren't what I love most about these books. It's the humanity on every page, and the emphasis on humanity and family and found family to help you through the darkest of times.
I was crying with laughter multiple times throughout this book. From Franklin meeting Kett at the side of the body, to Duke Leeroy Jenkinsing himself into a scene, the entire ordeal with the snail cars (saying no more but seriously 😂😂😂), and Colin's newest stealth obsession. I just love it all.
Thanks Alex for another great one. Can't believe I have to wait until May to meet my favourite team again!
December 31, 2025
I usually love Alex Smith books and have thoroughly enjoyed this entire series. It is totally unrealistic, silly and overly dramatic. However, the books are funny, easy reads with a good amount of murder, the odd twist and a nice dose of escapism. This particular book however, can only be described as a filler. Nothing happens of note, there are many dramatic build ups to…nothing. It was like they needed a decent segue into the final instalment of the Hollenbeck drama and rather than write a lengthy introduction, Alex Smith thought he’d get his moneys worth and toss out an entire book. Literally, there is one murder that ends with faceless killers that get away. You have no true closure, no big twists and other than Duke getting into more ludicrous situations that provide a mild chuckle, nothing happens to anyone. It’s 500 pages of nothing. Either dive straight into the Hollenbeck debacle or give us an unrelated crime with dark twists and a few more murders. Also, the tea jokes related to Porter have been done to death. He sucks at making tea, we get it, that cannot be the only significant character detail worth mentioning. Please stop. That being said, I look forward to future releases and only hope they improve in quality and substance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2025
Absolutely love the DCI Kett books
December 23, 2024
Another fantastic addition to a series that never disappoints. Not as fast paced and thrilling as King Rat or Every Last Devil but as per some of the earlier books in the series things are building.
January 4, 2025
I'm only 6% in and crying with laughter already! I'd totally forgotten I'd pre ordered book 17 which has made my Christmas! Oh Alex, when will the Kett books be turned into a series! Hope they don't Kett it up!
April 4, 2025
It's about to get all Ketted up! Clare, Savage, Porter and Duke are trying to solve a 15 yr old boys murder, where he's left in a park with red ribbon covering him. What is the Red Line and who could have butchered this young boy. Let's throw in adult raves, naked Jesus and much much more for another thrilling mystery for the team to solve.
December 28, 2024
A young teen is found dead and county lines drug dealing is suspected. But then a red line is found, could this lead to something more sinister, and could there be links to DCI Kett's previous investigations? Another involving, disturbing but occasionally funny episode for Kettand his team. PC Duke suffers greatly with much amusement for the reader.
December 27, 2024
Another great book full of dark deeds but enough humour to make it easier to read.
I love all the team and parts did have me laughing out loud. My only issue was the end - it came too soon now I have to wait for the next instalment!
I love all the team and parts did have me laughing out loud. My only issue was the end - it came too soon now I have to wait for the next instalment!
December 25, 2024
‘Follow the red line, find the red room, make a red wish’
This is the latest instalment of the DCI Kett series, this one was quite dark which is one of the reasons I love this series.
A young boy is found on a merry go round at a park in the middle of nowhere, he’s been hacked to death in a vicious and barbaric way and his face is wrapped in red ribbon.
The team find out that there are illegal raves taking place, the victim’s last known movements were to drop drugs off at one of these raves organised by people called ‘The Masques’ they are rumoured to contain unlimited free drugs and alcohol and different rooms for sexual acts, it falls to Savage and Duke to attend to find out what really goes on and to work out how this led to the vicious death of a young man.
At the heart of all of this is an old wives tale about the red line, if you find a red room you can make a red wish but ‘may it bring pain and sorrow, may it bring bloodshed and horror’ more of an anti-wish than a wish and I have a feeling DCI Kett may find this catching up with him in the next book.
There are also moments of humour as always in these books, especially when you become familiar with the characters, I can’t help but love these books, I feel like I could read them forever.
This is the latest instalment of the DCI Kett series, this one was quite dark which is one of the reasons I love this series.
A young boy is found on a merry go round at a park in the middle of nowhere, he’s been hacked to death in a vicious and barbaric way and his face is wrapped in red ribbon.
The team find out that there are illegal raves taking place, the victim’s last known movements were to drop drugs off at one of these raves organised by people called ‘The Masques’ they are rumoured to contain unlimited free drugs and alcohol and different rooms for sexual acts, it falls to Savage and Duke to attend to find out what really goes on and to work out how this led to the vicious death of a young man.
At the heart of all of this is an old wives tale about the red line, if you find a red room you can make a red wish but ‘may it bring pain and sorrow, may it bring bloodshed and horror’ more of an anti-wish than a wish and I have a feeling DCI Kett may find this catching up with him in the next book.
There are also moments of humour as always in these books, especially when you become familiar with the characters, I can’t help but love these books, I feel like I could read them forever.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2024
Another winner from Alex Smith. Macabre and scary as usual that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Dep Sup Clare comes out with some excellent insults again - tossing them left right and centre lol! Some scenes had me in stitches, especially with poor PC Duke. That the funny scenes can be held between the tense scary ones is a sign of a good writer. DC Kate Savage lives up to her name, wielding her baton with gusto.
I feel sorry for poor old Kett though. When is he going to get treatment for his creaking back? He made me wince every time he moved. His kids are as irritating as ever. Will they ever behave? They don't sound realistic at all.
I've taken one star off as the ending was inconclusive. I hate cliff-hangers in crime books and this one was awful. Will still look forward to the next book though.
I feel sorry for poor old Kett though. When is he going to get treatment for his creaking back? He made me wince every time he moved. His kids are as irritating as ever. Will they ever behave? They don't sound realistic at all.
I've taken one star off as the ending was inconclusive. I hate cliff-hangers in crime books and this one was awful. Will still look forward to the next book though.
January 3, 2025
Red Line -
I have read all of the Kett books and it is probably my favourite series. However, while this book was an enjoyable read, I didn’t think it hit the normal exceptional high standards. I have asked myself why and the only points I can come up with are: I felt the plot was not as strong as usual and a little slow. I also thought the ending came very quickly. However, even after saying this, there was the normal humour, there were parts of the book where I was reading faster to see what was going to happen and you just love the characters, who have become so familiar to us. I can’t remember when I last marked a Kett book less than 5, maybe never, but it’s a 4.5 this time from me. I am sure that the next one will be back to top marks.
I have read all of the Kett books and it is probably my favourite series. However, while this book was an enjoyable read, I didn’t think it hit the normal exceptional high standards. I have asked myself why and the only points I can come up with are: I felt the plot was not as strong as usual and a little slow. I also thought the ending came very quickly. However, even after saying this, there was the normal humour, there were parts of the book where I was reading faster to see what was going to happen and you just love the characters, who have become so familiar to us. I can’t remember when I last marked a Kett book less than 5, maybe never, but it’s a 4.5 this time from me. I am sure that the next one will be back to top marks.
January 15, 2025
Book#17 - A teenage boy’s butchered body is discovered on a remote playground in the middle of nowhere. DCI Kett and the team are assigned to the case. As they begin to do their investigation, they discover connections to the boy being involved in delivering drugs from a dangerous drug gang and the delivery place being a secret sex and drug party. So with the 2 connections made, the search to find what actually happened to the teenage boy. They are determined to find the killer. With all their cases, this leads them to something dark and sinister. It also leads Kett to the man he has been hunting for the last few cases. The same man in the group involved with his wife and his own kidnapping. He is determined to bring an end to this man once and for all.
December 26, 2024
Red Line by Alex Smith
Red Line by Alex Smith is book 17in the DCI Kett police series. This time the police team are investigating the death of a teenager, who was murdered, viciously with machetes.
The body was discovered in a playground, where his dead body was taken down the slide, on the swings, as if the killers were playing with his dead body. On investigation, the teenager had been involved in drug dealing, in supplying the raves that had sprung up in deserted houses.
The red line, leads to the red room, which leads to a wish being granted and death for someone.
A very dark story, with a lead into the next book and an old adversary.
Recommended
Red Line by Alex Smith is book 17in the DCI Kett police series. This time the police team are investigating the death of a teenager, who was murdered, viciously with machetes.
The body was discovered in a playground, where his dead body was taken down the slide, on the swings, as if the killers were playing with his dead body. On investigation, the teenager had been involved in drug dealing, in supplying the raves that had sprung up in deserted houses.
The red line, leads to the red room, which leads to a wish being granted and death for someone.
A very dark story, with a lead into the next book and an old adversary.
Recommended
December 29, 2024
Another brilliant instalment of the Kett series and it doesn’t disappoint.
Laugh out loud moments, subtle clues and a well wrapped up ending given the time left in the book.
What I like about this instalment is that the plot isn’t too convoluted and we get a chance to really enjoy the characters and their interactions without having to concentrate on multiple victims and plot lines. A really refreshing read.
This also really feels like events in 2024. Modern style drug dealers with ambitions for trainers over power and the use of machetes. This book series has evolved into a delight for me and if it isn’t made into a TV series then it’s a missed opportunity. 5/5 ⭐️
Laugh out loud moments, subtle clues and a well wrapped up ending given the time left in the book.
What I like about this instalment is that the plot isn’t too convoluted and we get a chance to really enjoy the characters and their interactions without having to concentrate on multiple victims and plot lines. A really refreshing read.
This also really feels like events in 2024. Modern style drug dealers with ambitions for trainers over power and the use of machetes. This book series has evolved into a delight for me and if it isn’t made into a TV series then it’s a missed opportunity. 5/5 ⭐️
January 1, 2025
Probably the best Kett outing yet.
Having been super eager to read Alex's latest offering, I found that I had to take regular breaks. As always the intensity from start to finish was breathtaking, the much loved characters giving their best "game". The plot was original and thrilling, and, as always with Robbie & co I had absolutely no idea where it was going, surprises and laughs on each turn of the page. As always, not recommended as a standalone read - you must read all the books in order otherwise you will not appreciate the complexity, the characters, and the probably the humour.
Best Kett outing yet - now the long wait for book 18!!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Having been super eager to read Alex's latest offering, I found that I had to take regular breaks. As always the intensity from start to finish was breathtaking, the much loved characters giving their best "game". The plot was original and thrilling, and, as always with Robbie & co I had absolutely no idea where it was going, surprises and laughs on each turn of the page. As always, not recommended as a standalone read - you must read all the books in order otherwise you will not appreciate the complexity, the characters, and the probably the humour.
Best Kett outing yet - now the long wait for book 18!!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
January 8, 2025
Persevere!
I love the Kett series, I’d probably go as far as saying they are my favourite. They are everything you need, anticipation, comedy, enlightenment etc. BUT.. when I first started reading this, the slang and actions were so over exaggerated it put me off slightly, I’m so glad I read on because this was another masterpiece, at points I was on the edge of my seat then the next literally laughing out loud (Duke at 88% of the book). Another must read and I can’t wait for the next!
I love the Kett series, I’d probably go as far as saying they are my favourite. They are everything you need, anticipation, comedy, enlightenment etc. BUT.. when I first started reading this, the slang and actions were so over exaggerated it put me off slightly, I’m so glad I read on because this was another masterpiece, at points I was on the edge of my seat then the next literally laughing out loud (Duke at 88% of the book). Another must read and I can’t wait for the next!
December 25, 2024
Another brilliant book from Alex Smith.
It was great to catch up with Kett and the team again and the book starts with an eventful day on the kids rides in Great Yarmouth.
The team are soon called out to something more serious and they find a teenage boy who has been brutally murdered.
They are determined to find the killer and their investigation leads them to remote locations which link to some dangerous parties.
This is a great read that I really enjoyed.
It was great to catch up with Kett and the team again and the book starts with an eventful day on the kids rides in Great Yarmouth.
The team are soon called out to something more serious and they find a teenage boy who has been brutally murdered.
They are determined to find the killer and their investigation leads them to remote locations which link to some dangerous parties.
This is a great read that I really enjoyed.
January 10, 2025
A teenager is found dead in a playground which is in the middle of nowhere. Drugs is suspected but the evidence takes them to a dark place, Kett in particular. The paths he ends up following, some with Savage, certainly put them in danger. However, with Porter, Duke and Superintendent Clare around there is also humour. This is a great series, certainly full of non-stop action. I found it hard to put down.
February 12, 2025
Amazing Read
All the team are wonderful, and blend together like a dysfunctional family in bitter sweet harmony. This book has all the twists and turns of the previous books together with great cliff hangers. The obligatory sinister "warehouse", and uncomfortable seems make it a perfect Thriller, with spectacular humour that breathes life into the drama. Could not put it down...keep them coming Alex Smith your a genius with a twisted mind and a kind heart.
All the team are wonderful, and blend together like a dysfunctional family in bitter sweet harmony. This book has all the twists and turns of the previous books together with great cliff hangers. The obligatory sinister "warehouse", and uncomfortable seems make it a perfect Thriller, with spectacular humour that breathes life into the drama. Could not put it down...keep them coming Alex Smith your a genius with a twisted mind and a kind heart.
February 18, 2025
Redline
I loved this book t was so complicated and yet easy to read. Clare is really awful, he puts Ket t down loads of times - he thinks he's useless but we know different. I really enjoy the Ket t books he is really lovely with his family but awful with the culprits, the murderers. He solves the case every time by different routes but often he ' has a feeling ' . I love his feelings. They make the book worthwhile.
I loved this book t was so complicated and yet easy to read. Clare is really awful, he puts Ket t down loads of times - he thinks he's useless but we know different. I really enjoy the Ket t books he is really lovely with his family but awful with the culprits, the murderers. He solves the case every time by different routes but often he ' has a feeling ' . I love his feelings. They make the book worthwhile.
May 10, 2025
Fantastic as usual.
I chose the 5 star rating because that's the most I can give. This Crime Thrillers series is one of my favourites. I love the laughs, I love the true gritty crimes. The characters bring to life the stories, not only the crime team, but the poor souls who lose their lives. Some deserve it, others, like Kieran don't even though they do bad things. If you love crime thrillers, this is for you. Start at the beginning, you won't regret it.
I chose the 5 star rating because that's the most I can give. This Crime Thrillers series is one of my favourites. I love the laughs, I love the true gritty crimes. The characters bring to life the stories, not only the crime team, but the poor souls who lose their lives. Some deserve it, others, like Kieran don't even though they do bad things. If you love crime thrillers, this is for you. Start at the beginning, you won't regret it.
December 22, 2024
Another great read
Page turner, excellent Sunday read. Missed the characters. I just wish that Kett could be physically fixed. It feels like he's going to be in a wheelchair before Alice gets out of school. As someone who has daily aches, I feel like cringing every time he moves. Not completely. He's been through a lot and should have some trama.
Page turner, excellent Sunday read. Missed the characters. I just wish that Kett could be physically fixed. It feels like he's going to be in a wheelchair before Alice gets out of school. As someone who has daily aches, I feel like cringing every time he moves. Not completely. He's been through a lot and should have some trama.
December 26, 2024
Amazing as always. Never ever disappointed with this series.
So far in now that it feels like putting on your favourite pair of slippers - so easy to fall back into the characters.
I won’t write any spoilers other than I’m very happy for it to have ended on the promise of another 🥰
Don’t ever stop please Alex!
So far in now that it feels like putting on your favourite pair of slippers - so easy to fall back into the characters.
I won’t write any spoilers other than I’m very happy for it to have ended on the promise of another 🥰
Don’t ever stop please Alex!
December 29, 2024
Another brilliant DCI Kett thriller
Alex Smith never fails to excel with the brilliant antics of Kett and Clare, plus the rest of the crew. My only criticism is that the story is way too short. I’ve no sooner started , than it’s over. Can’t put them down 😁. Eagerly awaiting the next installment.
Alex Smith never fails to excel with the brilliant antics of Kett and Clare, plus the rest of the crew. My only criticism is that the story is way too short. I’ve no sooner started , than it’s over. Can’t put them down 😁. Eagerly awaiting the next installment.
January 4, 2025
Alex Smith has smashed it again!!!! Gutted to finish it. Absolutely love catching up with the gang of characters in this book, can’t decide who I like the most. The storylines can be dark but the comedy element lightens it enabling you to read addictively. Waiting for the next instalment to see what situation Robbie Kett and Co end up in. Alex Smith please don’t stop writing this series 🙏
January 8, 2025
Just THE best!!
I've read every book in this series and loved every one, the stories are gripping, all the characters are great, I can see them all in my minds eye, Superintendent Clares character is genius, I cry laughing at least half a dozen times in every book, the whole story, from beginning to end just flow perfectly, I tell everyone I know to read them.
I've read every book in this series and loved every one, the stories are gripping, all the characters are great, I can see them all in my minds eye, Superintendent Clares character is genius, I cry laughing at least half a dozen times in every book, the whole story, from beginning to end just flow perfectly, I tell everyone I know to read them.
January 12, 2025
Too much rave
All of the time and words spent on the description of the rave were unnecessary
A!'LL
OF the words for the description of the rave were uneessary and wasted as it added .nothing to the story and was too un pleasant to boot. .,. rave were wasted, the description
All of the time and words spent on the description of the rave were unnecessary
A!'LL
OF the words for the description of the rave were uneessary and wasted as it added .nothing to the story and was too un pleasant to boot. .,. rave were wasted, the description
January 15, 2025
Marvelous Kett Mystery
This is a fast pace crime that twists as all of Alex Smith writings do. These books are based on nursery rhymes, conspiracies, and cabal of evil organizations. This is book 17 of the DCI Kett that can be read as a stand-alone but I recommend reading them
in order. Really enjoy a different twist to murder and mayhem.
This is a fast pace crime that twists as all of Alex Smith writings do. These books are based on nursery rhymes, conspiracies, and cabal of evil organizations. This is book 17 of the DCI Kett that can be read as a stand-alone but I recommend reading them
in order. Really enjoy a different twist to murder and mayhem.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews