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A Long-Dead Thing
It may be heaven on earth, but all hell has broken loose...
When a raid on a gang of people smugglers in Aberdeen goes wrong, impulsive Police Scotland detective DI Harrison Baird faces the worst punishment relocation to England.
Posted in the sleepy seaside town of Southwold, and partnered with the apparently clueless DC Connie Connell, Baird finds himself in a world that’s totally different to the gritty Scottish streets he’s used to. Here, the biggest problem seems to be what topping to put on his ice cream, and how to avoid eating DI Henry Crump’s awful fish pie.
But beneath the surface, the Suffolk coast hides a terrifying darkness. One night, a body is washed ashore—a long-dead thing—and in its eye is a silver coin.
When more bodies follow, each murdered more brutally than the last, Baird realises that he’s arrived just in time to face a ruthless serial killer—one who seems to be targeting members of a powerful local crime family.
It’s clear that things down south are not always what they seem. And sometimes, even in the most peaceful of places, you need to play hardball.
When a raid on a gang of people smugglers in Aberdeen goes wrong, impulsive Police Scotland detective DI Harrison Baird faces the worst punishment relocation to England.
Posted in the sleepy seaside town of Southwold, and partnered with the apparently clueless DC Connie Connell, Baird finds himself in a world that’s totally different to the gritty Scottish streets he’s used to. Here, the biggest problem seems to be what topping to put on his ice cream, and how to avoid eating DI Henry Crump’s awful fish pie.
But beneath the surface, the Suffolk coast hides a terrifying darkness. One night, a body is washed ashore—a long-dead thing—and in its eye is a silver coin.
When more bodies follow, each murdered more brutally than the last, Baird realises that he’s arrived just in time to face a ruthless serial killer—one who seems to be targeting members of a powerful local crime family.
It’s clear that things down south are not always what they seem. And sometimes, even in the most peaceful of places, you need to play hardball.
406 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 31, 2025
1021 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Alex Smith
25 books682 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 90 reviews
July 1, 2025
Let me start by saying
I love this author, the Kett series is in my top favourite list, but this one l feel let down by…
I don’t know if it’s the constant silliness of this lead character having a partner that eats ice cream for ALL of her meals , & I’m not kidding, all of them except for a few hot chips, & I’m not kidding there either, but the idea was/is taking to a level that just boggles the mind & I don’t get how such a great author can do this.
The storyline itself is average, but I had to keep reminding myself what they were supposed to be chasing up as it went off on tangents that had nothing to do with what they should of been looking for,
Not sure if I’ll buy book 2 & it really saddens me to say that about this author, although I do have both Kett books on preorder,
I love this author, the Kett series is in my top favourite list, but this one l feel let down by…
I don’t know if it’s the constant silliness of this lead character having a partner that eats ice cream for ALL of her meals , & I’m not kidding, all of them except for a few hot chips, & I’m not kidding there either, but the idea was/is taking to a level that just boggles the mind & I don’t get how such a great author can do this.
The storyline itself is average, but I had to keep reminding myself what they were supposed to be chasing up as it went off on tangents that had nothing to do with what they should of been looking for,
Not sure if I’ll buy book 2 & it really saddens me to say that about this author, although I do have both Kett books on preorder,
June 21, 2025
Just dreadful. Nothing redeeming about this.
June 20, 2025
Was looking forward to this book as I love all of Alex Smith Kett books. This though was very hard to get through. The overuse of Scots pronunciation from Baird was irritating and DC Connie Connell totally got on my nerves! It was trying too hard at humour and failed miserably. I'm afraid I didn't finish it so wont be reading anymore in this series.
June 1, 2025
Brilliant
The first outing for Di Harrison Baird, and what a read, having read all the DcI Kett books I thought this wouldn't or couldn't compare but it did and more, fast paced and humorous , I thought the Scottish words and phrases might miss the mark but they were spot on, murders mayhem and strange ice cream flavours are plentiful, well done Alex looking forward to the next book, I actually took a big gasp when I read the last line
The first outing for Di Harrison Baird, and what a read, having read all the DcI Kett books I thought this wouldn't or couldn't compare but it did and more, fast paced and humorous , I thought the Scottish words and phrases might miss the mark but they were spot on, murders mayhem and strange ice cream flavours are plentiful, well done Alex looking forward to the next book, I actually took a big gasp when I read the last line
August 2, 2025
DNF I enjoy the author’s DCI Kett series, but in this series Connie is such an annoying character that I couldn’t get past the second “brain freeze”. Tried so hard to make the story funny, that I didn’t care enough about the mystery to finish the book.
November 28, 2025
Brilliant
Alex Smith really knows How to Tell a Great Story with Wonderful Characters. This is the first in THE DI Harrison Baird Series . Wonderful
Alex Smith really knows How to Tell a Great Story with Wonderful Characters. This is the first in THE DI Harrison Baird Series . Wonderful
June 13, 2025
I’ve read some of the Robert Kett series and enjoyed them although I find them a bit dark for my taste. Thought I’d try this more humorous new detective series.
I liked Harrison Baird, exiled from Aberdeen to England for being overly enthusiastic with a sawn off lump hammer in the line of duty.
He is sent to a small seaside town of Southwold where a body has been found, the sea having given up its dead. He joins a small force of local police who are quirky but welcoming.
What follows is a humorous tale of intrigue with increasing numbers of dead plus drugs and general mayhem, plus his long missing father.
I enjoyed this first outing for Harrison Baird, however I found the quirkiness of the local constabulary to be somewhat overdone and irritating at times. I’m also a bit concerned at the description of Bairds father, he is in a home for the elderly and infirm, but as Baird is only 36, I would’ve thought his father would be perhaps in his 60s and not quite as infirm as described. I appreciate that he may be ill, but I’m not convinced by his description. However I have preordered the next book in the series and perhaps things will become a little clearer over time. Overall I did enjoy this book and look forward to the sequel.
I liked Harrison Baird, exiled from Aberdeen to England for being overly enthusiastic with a sawn off lump hammer in the line of duty.
He is sent to a small seaside town of Southwold where a body has been found, the sea having given up its dead. He joins a small force of local police who are quirky but welcoming.
What follows is a humorous tale of intrigue with increasing numbers of dead plus drugs and general mayhem, plus his long missing father.
I enjoyed this first outing for Harrison Baird, however I found the quirkiness of the local constabulary to be somewhat overdone and irritating at times. I’m also a bit concerned at the description of Bairds father, he is in a home for the elderly and infirm, but as Baird is only 36, I would’ve thought his father would be perhaps in his 60s and not quite as infirm as described. I appreciate that he may be ill, but I’m not convinced by his description. However I have preordered the next book in the series and perhaps things will become a little clearer over time. Overall I did enjoy this book and look forward to the sequel.
June 10, 2025
DI Harrison Baird is a Scottish detective who .. because of an unfortunate incident involving a hammer, a window, and a suspect who ended up with broken legs after a fall! has been 'banished' horror of horrors to England!!! and almost as far east as you can get to the Suffolk town of Southwold 😱, here he is paired up with Connie a DC who lives on icecream, and despite her faith that almost everyone is 'good people' shows Harrison she's a very good detective.
The pair work the clues to find the killer of a body left by the harbour in marshland, unfortunately finding more bodies instead of answers. We're led to various towns in Suffolk as they follow the leads to the murderer, which we find in the last few pages, after lots of twists and turns.
Harrison also has another person to meet up with.. or has been ordered to, by his DCI in Aberdeen.. his estranged father for nearly a quarter of a century, to get answers why he left his family all those years ago, we're left at the end with a shocking cliffhanger for the next book .. 10/10 for Alex Smith, a great new detective to read
The pair work the clues to find the killer of a body left by the harbour in marshland, unfortunately finding more bodies instead of answers. We're led to various towns in Suffolk as they follow the leads to the murderer, which we find in the last few pages, after lots of twists and turns.
Harrison also has another person to meet up with.. or has been ordered to, by his DCI in Aberdeen.. his estranged father for nearly a quarter of a century, to get answers why he left his family all those years ago, we're left at the end with a shocking cliffhanger for the next book .. 10/10 for Alex Smith, a great new detective to read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2025
A Long Dead Thing -
I have read all the Kett series, which is one of my favourites. This new series sees a new DI, Harrison Baird, sent from Scotland to Southwold and immediately dead bodies start turning up. This has similar humour to the Kett series and already the characters are growing on me. Baird isn’t a Kett, but has some of his traits and Connell is funny but smart. For the first in the series, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The final page of the book has a real twist to it. Like Alex’s other books, it was easy to read and I didn’t want to put it down. I read this one really quickly. 5 out of 5 from me. Also, the great news is that the next book in the Kett series is bout to be released.
I have read all the Kett series, which is one of my favourites. This new series sees a new DI, Harrison Baird, sent from Scotland to Southwold and immediately dead bodies start turning up. This has similar humour to the Kett series and already the characters are growing on me. Baird isn’t a Kett, but has some of his traits and Connell is funny but smart. For the first in the series, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The final page of the book has a real twist to it. Like Alex’s other books, it was easy to read and I didn’t want to put it down. I read this one really quickly. 5 out of 5 from me. Also, the great news is that the next book in the Kett series is bout to be released.
July 16, 2025
A massive cliffhanger!!!
Really enjoyed this book. After reading the Robert Kett series I was intrigued as to how this new series would work, it’s not a dark as the Kett books but it is fabulous. A really great story line, Alex Smith is after all, the king of story telling!
This book is written with the same wonderful eloquence that Alex Smith is blessed with, great characters, great story BUT…..THE ENDING! Oh, what a shock, what a total cliffhanger, I absolutely did not see that coming at all. I can’t believe I’m going to have to wait until the end of October for the next one, I mean, for the love of god….come on Alex! Hahaha! Read it, you won’t be disappointed and you’ll be desperate for October!
Really enjoyed this book. After reading the Robert Kett series I was intrigued as to how this new series would work, it’s not a dark as the Kett books but it is fabulous. A really great story line, Alex Smith is after all, the king of story telling!
This book is written with the same wonderful eloquence that Alex Smith is blessed with, great characters, great story BUT…..THE ENDING! Oh, what a shock, what a total cliffhanger, I absolutely did not see that coming at all. I can’t believe I’m going to have to wait until the end of October for the next one, I mean, for the love of god….come on Alex! Hahaha! Read it, you won’t be disappointed and you’ll be desperate for October!
August 16, 2025
OMG!
That ending is some set up for the next in this series. What a great tie in. I won't say more. When reading the Prelude, I thought the writing was OTT and the most painful example of deep purple prose. Almost gave up at that point. But the following chapters proved delicious...clever turns of phrase, hysterically funny, bizarre similes and metaphors, anthropomorphizing everything under the sun, glorious descriptions of Suffolk scenery, marvelous characters and a whale of a plot. Having just moved to Scotland, I could truly appreciate the culture shock Baird experienced (in reverse). And, having researched the local swearing vocabulary, I enjoyed Smith's liberal use of it. What a complete change from the Kett series. Looking forward to the next book!!!! 😂
That ending is some set up for the next in this series. What a great tie in. I won't say more. When reading the Prelude, I thought the writing was OTT and the most painful example of deep purple prose. Almost gave up at that point. But the following chapters proved delicious...clever turns of phrase, hysterically funny, bizarre similes and metaphors, anthropomorphizing everything under the sun, glorious descriptions of Suffolk scenery, marvelous characters and a whale of a plot. Having just moved to Scotland, I could truly appreciate the culture shock Baird experienced (in reverse). And, having researched the local swearing vocabulary, I enjoyed Smith's liberal use of it. What a complete change from the Kett series. Looking forward to the next book!!!! 😂
September 12, 2025
I love the Robert Kett series so was excited to read this one.
I didn’t enjoy it as much as the Kett books, but maybe I just missed Clare, Savage and the rest of the gang 🤣 I also didn’t find the storyline gripped me in the way the Kett books do.
Connie grew on me throughout the book although I did find her extremely annoying at the start.
As an Aberdonian the one thing that annoyed me was missing the mark with the Scottish vernacular . We don’t say polis, we don’t say no instead of not, we say nae, we don’t call women hen; these are all Central Belt and not Doric. The saying foos yer coos is not something I have ever heard anyone saying, the saying is foos yer doos
Having said that, purely because of the last line I know I will read the next book, very clever ploy Mr Smith.
I didn’t enjoy it as much as the Kett books, but maybe I just missed Clare, Savage and the rest of the gang 🤣 I also didn’t find the storyline gripped me in the way the Kett books do.
Connie grew on me throughout the book although I did find her extremely annoying at the start.
As an Aberdonian the one thing that annoyed me was missing the mark with the Scottish vernacular . We don’t say polis, we don’t say no instead of not, we say nae, we don’t call women hen; these are all Central Belt and not Doric. The saying foos yer coos is not something I have ever heard anyone saying, the saying is foos yer doos
Having said that, purely because of the last line I know I will read the next book, very clever ploy Mr Smith.
June 12, 2025
Unbelievable!!!
I have read all Alex Smiths books, and though I'm not one for reviews, this book needs one. It is fantastic, it is hilarious in many places, and it is serious where needed. I could hardly believe it was the first book in a new series. It did all the things a first in a series does introductions, showing each other the ropes, and solidifying the team. The book moved fast, I never wanted to put it down, and I think I even liked it better than the Kett series, .mostly due to the humor. AND in the end in includes the DI himself, but I'm not going to share how... If you like Alex Smith, give this book a try, you'll like it!!!!
I have read all Alex Smiths books, and though I'm not one for reviews, this book needs one. It is fantastic, it is hilarious in many places, and it is serious where needed. I could hardly believe it was the first book in a new series. It did all the things a first in a series does introductions, showing each other the ropes, and solidifying the team. The book moved fast, I never wanted to put it down, and I think I even liked it better than the Kett series, .mostly due to the humor. AND in the end in includes the DI himself, but I'm not going to share how... If you like Alex Smith, give this book a try, you'll like it!!!!
June 13, 2025
On average with the humdrum of life it can take a couple of weeks maybe a month for me to read a book. Slowly chipping away at it every evening until it’s finally finished.
However… every now and then when I stumble across an amazing author I can devour a book in days. 3 to be precise with this one.
In fairness I finish all Alex Smith books within a week,
he not only has the ability to provide the thrill, drama and suspense but also has the ability to make me laugh out loud.
I am not going to write a more detail review because I don’t want to leave any spoilers.
What an ending though!
However… every now and then when I stumble across an amazing author I can devour a book in days. 3 to be precise with this one.
In fairness I finish all Alex Smith books within a week,
he not only has the ability to provide the thrill, drama and suspense but also has the ability to make me laugh out loud.
I am not going to write a more detail review because I don’t want to leave any spoilers.
What an ending though!
July 19, 2025
Ice cream and a budding friendship
Loved this book, but I was eating every time there was something boaking being described. The ending made me "da da darrrrr" out loud. I loved the growing respect n relationship between connel n Baird bit om not sure about the ice cream obsession..it was funny and I can stretch my capacity for reality but I just kept going 'as if, a real copper would do that at a crime scene' was just a bit too much but it was aminor thing ...can't wait for the next one.
Loved this book, but I was eating every time there was something boaking being described. The ending made me "da da darrrrr" out loud. I loved the growing respect n relationship between connel n Baird bit om not sure about the ice cream obsession..it was funny and I can stretch my capacity for reality but I just kept going 'as if, a real copper would do that at a crime scene' was just a bit too much but it was aminor thing ...can't wait for the next one.
July 29, 2025
Just finished reading A Long Dead Thing by Alex Smith really enjoyed this book. After reading the Robert Kett series I was intrigued as to how this new series would work, it’s not a dark as the Kett books but it is fabulous. A really great story line, this book is written with the same wonderful eloquence that Alex Smith is blessed with, great characters, great story BUT…..THE ENDING! Oh, what a shock, what a total cliffhanger, I absolutely did not see that coming at all, Hahaha! Read it, you won’t be disappointed and you’ll be desperate for when the next one comes out 📖😊
September 10, 2025
This is a great crime thriller with some light hearted humour mixed in as well.
Having loved Alex Smith’s DCI Kett series, I guessed that I’d like this one too.
DI Baird is sent to work in Suffolk after an incident in Scotland, and he’s not happy about it.
He’s met by Connie and she’s a bubbly personality that he’s definitely not used to. Even though they are very different, Baird thaws a bit and grows to like her.
With three dead bodies there’s plenty to keep them occupied, but Connie will always find time for ice cream!
I do hope the ending is a misunderstanding though…
Having loved Alex Smith’s DCI Kett series, I guessed that I’d like this one too.
DI Baird is sent to work in Suffolk after an incident in Scotland, and he’s not happy about it.
He’s met by Connie and she’s a bubbly personality that he’s definitely not used to. Even though they are very different, Baird thaws a bit and grows to like her.
With three dead bodies there’s plenty to keep them occupied, but Connie will always find time for ice cream!
I do hope the ending is a misunderstanding though…
December 12, 2025
CRACKER?
You can always rely on Alex to pull readers in with a new police investigation. DI Harrison Beard is seconded to an interesting case where he is introduced to his new team. Great chemistry between him and his DC Connie who take on a murder investigation across the border. Exciting story and likeable characters. Couldn't help smiling when I read the last sentence; great acknowledgment to one of his other fantastic characters! Wonderful start Alex now onto book 2 thank you. BP Sheffield.
You can always rely on Alex to pull readers in with a new police investigation. DI Harrison Beard is seconded to an interesting case where he is introduced to his new team. Great chemistry between him and his DC Connie who take on a murder investigation across the border. Exciting story and likeable characters. Couldn't help smiling when I read the last sentence; great acknowledgment to one of his other fantastic characters! Wonderful start Alex now onto book 2 thank you. BP Sheffield.
June 9, 2025
Definitely a 5 star read from me. I loved the team, Harrison, Connell and the rest and not much confrontation between the members, if any. It was a great story with a few twists and turns (a lot really), one I saw coming and one I definitely didn’t. I’m not sure about the final twist with Harrison’s father though. I’m sure it will all work out but I’m not a fan of ‘twists’ like that. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
June 13, 2025
You've really surprised me, Alex Smith.
Your Robert Kett series is excellent, and, yes, often dark. But you're not just a one trick pony.
Here we have laugh out load comedy, yet mixed into a story involving multiple murders, drugs and unforseeable surprises. And those surprises keep coming, right up to the last two words.
Yes, I love the Robert Kett books, but please give us more of Harrison Baird too.
Your Robert Kett series is excellent, and, yes, often dark. But you're not just a one trick pony.
Here we have laugh out load comedy, yet mixed into a story involving multiple murders, drugs and unforseeable surprises. And those surprises keep coming, right up to the last two words.
Yes, I love the Robert Kett books, but please give us more of Harrison Baird too.
June 23, 2025
Having recently finished the latest in Alex Smith's DCI Kett series, I was intrigued to see what this book would be like.
I shouldn't have worried; it was fast-paced and exciting, and as always there was plenty of humour. I also liked the mention of the other hammer-wielding copper in Norwich, I laughed out loud at that one! In this book, Alex Smith introduces a whole new cast with his usual talent of making them utterly human and believable, and there was enough of a surprise in finding out who the murderer was to make it enjoyable without being unbelievable.
I'm looking forward to book two!
I shouldn't have worried; it was fast-paced and exciting, and as always there was plenty of humour. I also liked the mention of the other hammer-wielding copper in Norwich, I laughed out loud at that one! In this book, Alex Smith introduces a whole new cast with his usual talent of making them utterly human and believable, and there was enough of a surprise in finding out who the murderer was to make it enjoyable without being unbelievable.
I'm looking forward to book two!
June 26, 2025
I really enjoyed this one. The perfect mix of crime and humour I don’t know how Alex does it but I can’t get enough one minute I’m laughing out loud the next I’m sitting on edge heart racing. I loved meeting the new characters already adore Connie and can’t wait for more wish I could eat as much ice cream as she does. Was a good paced thriller with great characters a well thought out crime and a little humour mixed it
December 24, 2025
I am up to date on all DCI Kett books & love them. I read this book & wasn't quite sure at first but i found it good it was exactly how i exspected it in the sense a new book new DCI & found it interesting. Connel was annoying at times but ok in other bits. Yes it's not our usual DCI kett but its a good book to read . Im going to read the other two . Everybody has their own opinion & i think people should read it.
June 4, 2025
Another fantastic thriller from Alex Smith. He never fails to make me laugh or create a connection with this unique characters. I could hear Baird's Scottish accent throughout this one, so immersive. I particularly love that Smith casually writes disability into his books, and Connie's dyspraxia being highlighted with ice cream was a delight. Thank you! Can't wait for the next one!
June 5, 2025
As always, Alex Smith smashed it. This was very well written, I was hooked from the first page, and I had no idea who the killer was until it was revealed. It had lots of laugh out loud moments. And that last line!! 👏🏻👏🏻 bravo Alex. He’s really set the bar high with the first book of the series. I cannot wait to read more. I need the next book, like, yesterday.
June 9, 2025
Another great book from Alex Smith. I love the Robert Kett series so was looking forward to this and I wasn’t disappointed.
It’s a gentler book than Kett but still has humour in it and Baird’s Scottish accent is causing great confusion to his new Suffolk colleagues.
I’m looking forward to reading more in this series.
It’s a gentler book than Kett but still has humour in it and Baird’s Scottish accent is causing great confusion to his new Suffolk colleagues.
I’m looking forward to reading more in this series.
June 9, 2025
Highly recommended!!!!
Wow! An absolutely brilliant read! Gonna love this new series! DI Harrison Baird! Great storyline ,kept me hooked all the way through! Let's have more, plus Scottish Wit! Couldn't put it down! Will be patiently waiting for No 2 in the series! Definitely 5***** .😊👍
Wow! An absolutely brilliant read! Gonna love this new series! DI Harrison Baird! Great storyline ,kept me hooked all the way through! Let's have more, plus Scottish Wit! Couldn't put it down! Will be patiently waiting for No 2 in the series! Definitely 5***** .😊👍
June 13, 2025
A very entertaining read.
I have been a book lover since I was small 88years ago. Lately I have been starting a book and not found it interesting. I have read all of Alex Smith,s books but this one was different.. A wee bit quirky and the relationship between the 2 main characters was refreshing. More of Baird and Connell please.
I have been a book lover since I was small 88years ago. Lately I have been starting a book and not found it interesting. I have read all of Alex Smith,s books but this one was different.. A wee bit quirky and the relationship between the 2 main characters was refreshing. More of Baird and Connell please.
June 20, 2025
What a great start to this new detective DI Harrison Baird, full of intrigue and personal story about him, love the new characters and their personalities.
Alex Smith does it again and the cliff hanger mention of a person we already know about, the intrigue goes on and makes me want to read on now. I the can't wait for the next instalment from the second book in this new series.
Alex Smith does it again and the cliff hanger mention of a person we already know about, the intrigue goes on and makes me want to read on now. I the can't wait for the next instalment from the second book in this new series.
September 14, 2025
Dark & Funny
It's a real talent to be so dark but at the same time be laugh aloud funny but Alex Smith achieves this with bells on. The relationship between the two detectives priceless. But Alex Smith does not shy away from a difficult conclusion not letting sympathy get the better of justice.
Five stars
It's a real talent to be so dark but at the same time be laugh aloud funny but Alex Smith achieves this with bells on. The relationship between the two detectives priceless. But Alex Smith does not shy away from a difficult conclusion not letting sympathy get the better of justice.
Five stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews