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Old Score to Settle: Albert Smith's Mystery Thrillers Book 5
Convalescing after his recent injuries, Albert Smith is taking it easy … until a face from his past appears on his TV screen and everything changes.
There’s an old score to settle and this time his quest for justice will take him from his quiet English home to the foot of the Alps.
With Rex faithfully at his side, they hunt for a criminal no one else on the planet even knows exists.
You see, it’s all about gold. A dangerous word too many people have killed and died for. There is treasure in the ground, buried more than eighty years ago by a man the Nazis entrusted to ship their plunder back to Berlin.
The people looking for it will do anything to protect their secret. Even kill.
So when an old man and his dog come nosing around … well, let’s just say things are going to get deadly.
There’s an old score to settle and this time his quest for justice will take him from his quiet English home to the foot of the Alps.
With Rex faithfully at his side, they hunt for a criminal no one else on the planet even knows exists.
You see, it’s all about gold. A dangerous word too many people have killed and died for. There is treasure in the ground, buried more than eighty years ago by a man the Nazis entrusted to ship their plunder back to Berlin.
The people looking for it will do anything to protect their secret. Even kill.
So when an old man and his dog come nosing around … well, let’s just say things are going to get deadly.
223 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 19, 2025
294 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Steve Higgs
544 books801 followersLet's start this off with an invitation to get some FREE books. No, you didn't read that wrong, we are talking about multiple free books. I love giving away free books because once people delve into the fast-paced mystery thrills I write, they go on to buy lots more.
All I need from you is an email address to send them to. Here's the link you need - https://mailchi.mp/fd47a6eb4ae5/patri...
When I wrote my first novel, Paranormal Nonsense, I was a Captain in the British Army. I would love to pretend that I had one of those careers that has to be redacted and in general denied by the government and that I have had to change my name and continually move about because I am still on the watch list in several countries. In truth though, I started out as a mechanic. Not like Jason Statham, sneaking about as a contract killer, more like one of those greasy gits that charge you a fortune and keep your car for a week when all you went in for was a squeaky door hinge.
At school, I was mostly disinterested in every subject except creative writing, for which, at age ten, I won my first award. However, calling it my first award suggests that there have been more, which there have not. Accolades may come but, in the meantime, I am having a ball writing mystery stories and crime thrillers and will claim to have more than a hundred books forming an unruly queue in my head as they clamor to get out.
Now retired from the military, I live in the south-east corner of England with a pair of lazy sausage dogs. Surrounded by rolling hills, brooding castles, and vineyards, I doubt I will ever leave, the beer is just too good.
Links:
Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Higgs/...
Website: https://stevehiggsbooks.wordpress.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/stevehiggsau...
All I need from you is an email address to send them to. Here's the link you need - https://mailchi.mp/fd47a6eb4ae5/patri...
When I wrote my first novel, Paranormal Nonsense, I was a Captain in the British Army. I would love to pretend that I had one of those careers that has to be redacted and in general denied by the government and that I have had to change my name and continually move about because I am still on the watch list in several countries. In truth though, I started out as a mechanic. Not like Jason Statham, sneaking about as a contract killer, more like one of those greasy gits that charge you a fortune and keep your car for a week when all you went in for was a squeaky door hinge.
At school, I was mostly disinterested in every subject except creative writing, for which, at age ten, I won my first award. However, calling it my first award suggests that there have been more, which there have not. Accolades may come but, in the meantime, I am having a ball writing mystery stories and crime thrillers and will claim to have more than a hundred books forming an unruly queue in my head as they clamor to get out.
Now retired from the military, I live in the south-east corner of England with a pair of lazy sausage dogs. Surrounded by rolling hills, brooding castles, and vineyards, I doubt I will ever leave, the beer is just too good.
Links:
Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Higgs/...
Website: https://stevehiggsbooks.wordpress.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/stevehiggsau...
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 20, 2025
Albert Smith and his faithful companion Rex are back ,though taking it easy since his injuries force him to convalesce at home …that is until a face he sees sends him to roam ,no it’s not a typo ,I mean he’s gone on a long hike to the foot of the Alps no less ,no not all the way ,he hasn’t been well as I did tell and even Rex yelps at this ,it’s cold this snow and it’s going to get colder as they grow bolder to settle a score. Rex even ventures around the Alps full reign and even finds some friends again . And do they find the gold that went astray eighty years ago from Berlin ? Well Albert Smith knows just where to begin. To unravel this he must travel thus . Catching this criminal foe is a must . Perfectly penned Steve Higgs my friend immersive beginning to end . Love the antic and the frantic in equal abandon. Not sure his kids feel the same . But they only have themselves to blame ,thinking he’d stay sat in an armchair resting up . That’s so not Albert Smith’s style ,nope. Is this all strictly necessary I hear you ask and I’ll answer yes . When your foes are coming out of the woodwork ,well the Tv but it gets him all angsty. I love this pairing so darn much even Rex dotes on his human so much ,he just wishes he’d learn to listen when he speaks but he is learning all the woofs and dog speech ,enough anyway to take a hint . He looks after his human well he does think and of that he’s mighty proud so it’s understandable that he likes to attract a crowd much to his owner’s confusion at the time . I love this storytelling ,it’s sublime and compelling too. Go read for yourself why don’t you . Yule ( sorry but it’s Christmas in a week …eek! ) be so yappy ( ode to Rex) you did .
January 4, 2026
Old Score To Settle
Not the best Albert & Rex book, but still better than 95% of all books out there! My favorite part of this one is it's general location. I lived in Augsburg, then West Germany, for several years as a US Army wife, & visited Schloß Neuschwanstein several times. I still call it "My Castle"! The area is truly one of the prettiest places on God's Green Earth! Thank you, Mr. Higgs, for taking me back!
I love the relationship between Albert & Rex! The absolute love there is unmistakable! I really get a kick out of their continuous struggle with communication! Poor Rex, simply can't understand why Albert doesn't use his nose! Albert & Rex, like Lucy & Ethel, just belong together! I am glad to know that there will be many more adventures to come for these two!
Not the best Albert & Rex book, but still better than 95% of all books out there! My favorite part of this one is it's general location. I lived in Augsburg, then West Germany, for several years as a US Army wife, & visited Schloß Neuschwanstein several times. I still call it "My Castle"! The area is truly one of the prettiest places on God's Green Earth! Thank you, Mr. Higgs, for taking me back!
I love the relationship between Albert & Rex! The absolute love there is unmistakable! I really get a kick out of their continuous struggle with communication! Poor Rex, simply can't understand why Albert doesn't use his nose! Albert & Rex, like Lucy & Ethel, just belong together! I am glad to know that there will be many more adventures to come for these two!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Old Score to Settle is the best book, so far, in this series! Albert goes paragliding and as always is able to solve the cases plaguing his mind. Rex is hilarious and fearless, he'll do anything to help his human, although he knows Albert doesn't fully understand him and is slow connecting the dots... (in his dog opinion...). Rex makes new friends and is able to roam freely through the mountains which renders beautiful descriptions to us readers. Highly recommended!
I thank the author for this ARC.
I thank the author for this ARC.
January 7, 2026
Another great adventure with a retired officicer and his dog
Very addictive reading with a retired officer who is relentless in pursuit of criminals. Though all the twist and turns he is aided by his faithful dog. Who knew the intelligent dog that washed out of the service due to becoming frustrated with rules and incompetent humans would show his loyalty and ability to detect clues ! It is refreshing to see their relationship through both the eyes of the "human " and this remarkable dog. I can only say " please may I have more "
Very addictive reading with a retired officer who is relentless in pursuit of criminals. Though all the twist and turns he is aided by his faithful dog. Who knew the intelligent dog that washed out of the service due to becoming frustrated with rules and incompetent humans would show his loyalty and ability to detect clues ! It is refreshing to see their relationship through both the eyes of the "human " and this remarkable dog. I can only say " please may I have more "
December 2, 2025
What a wild and crazy adventure this story turned out to be. We may have begun with a cow festable
but we ended flying through the sky at break neck speeds. Albert got into many troubles but Rex was right along side him to keep Albert safe until that one day....... The best of Albert and Rex thus far.
This is a delightful and exciting series. Don't miss out on all the fun.
Highly Recommended.
but we ended flying through the sky at break neck speeds. Albert got into many troubles but Rex was right along side him to keep Albert safe until that one day....... The best of Albert and Rex thus far.
This is a delightful and exciting series. Don't miss out on all the fun.
Highly Recommended.
December 21, 2025
Five.j stars
I love this series and it's author! Rex, the German Sheppard makes each book exciting and as a dog lover, I am drawn to the books. I further enjoy the international travel I get to enjoy through the eyes of it's author. Albert Smith is first rate. I recommend this series and this book.
I love this series and it's author! Rex, the German Sheppard makes each book exciting and as a dog lover, I am drawn to the books. I further enjoy the international travel I get to enjoy through the eyes of it's author. Albert Smith is first rate. I recommend this series and this book.
December 30, 2025
Enjoyable and Exhilarating
To quote from a Rotten Tomatoes review of the film "Point Break", which bears more than a few similarities, "Absurd, over-the-top and often wildly entertaining". Just about credible adventure for Albert and Rex, if you are in particularly generous mood. That said, So What. Usual seamless blend of laughs and thrills.
To quote from a Rotten Tomatoes review of the film "Point Break", which bears more than a few similarities, "Absurd, over-the-top and often wildly entertaining". Just about credible adventure for Albert and Rex, if you are in particularly generous mood. That said, So What. Usual seamless blend of laughs and thrills.
December 31, 2025
such a great story!
I don’t give 5 stars to many books, but I love Rex & Albert. I’ve read almost the entire story in one go and now it’s the middle of the night! I enjoyed every minute of it and can’t wait to try making this unpronounceable recipe!!!! Thank you, Steve! I’m going to steep now with a smile on my face and great satisfaction!
I don’t give 5 stars to many books, but I love Rex & Albert. I’ve read almost the entire story in one go and now it’s the middle of the night! I enjoyed every minute of it and can’t wait to try making this unpronounceable recipe!!!! Thank you, Steve! I’m going to steep now with a smile on my face and great satisfaction!
January 7, 2026
Eminently satisfying
Albert and Rex triumph again, but not without angst and exhaustion and plenty of thrilling moments. I absolutely loved it when Albert ventured alone in his latest death-defying endeavor. I’ll say no more about that, because I don’t want to ruin it for anyone—just kudos to a determined 78-year-old daredevil. Loved this book!!!
Albert and Rex triumph again, but not without angst and exhaustion and plenty of thrilling moments. I absolutely loved it when Albert ventured alone in his latest death-defying endeavor. I’ll say no more about that, because I don’t want to ruin it for anyone—just kudos to a determined 78-year-old daredevil. Loved this book!!!
January 11, 2026
excellent
I love all of the books that Steve Higgs has written about Albert Smith mysteries and his beloved dog racks they are all such worth an easy read, light and heartwarming, but with a twist of mystery and a feeling that you’re reading bond book, I look forward to the next one.
I love all of the books that Steve Higgs has written about Albert Smith mysteries and his beloved dog racks they are all such worth an easy read, light and heartwarming, but with a twist of mystery and a feeling that you’re reading bond book, I look forward to the next one.
December 19, 2025
The best Albert and Rex so far, it was so exciting and Albert even got to paraglide and Rex made some new doggy friends plus and old adversary turns up too. A great read as usual - can't wait for the next one.
December 20, 2025
Thanks Mr Smith and Rex
Love these books. Read each and every one at one setting and smiled after every one. We have big ole Staffie weighing in 89pounds that we love and he loves us and he is goofy and so smart. Makes us happy.
Love these books. Read each and every one at one setting and smiled after every one. We have big ole Staffie weighing in 89pounds that we love and he loves us and he is goofy and so smart. Makes us happy.
December 20, 2025
Good old Rex
Another good story with Rex and Albert! I would have liked more of Rex in it though! Author needs a spellchecker as he misspelled gallivanting,( galivanting), SOLDIER( solider), and breached(breeched). I look forward to these books! Love the bond between man and dog.
Another good story with Rex and Albert! I would have liked more of Rex in it though! Author needs a spellchecker as he misspelled gallivanting,( galivanting), SOLDIER( solider), and breached(breeched). I look forward to these books! Love the bond between man and dog.
December 23, 2025
Score settled
Castles, paragliding, gold, Albert and Rex. What else do you need.
Fast paced, couldn't put it down. But I've learned with Steve's books don't start them at night or you'll be awake all night. I held off until daylight, just, sat and enjoyed it in one hit.
Castles, paragliding, gold, Albert and Rex. What else do you need.
Fast paced, couldn't put it down. But I've learned with Steve's books don't start them at night or you'll be awake all night. I held off until daylight, just, sat and enjoyed it in one hit.
December 24, 2025
An old friend
Albert Smith and his sidekick, Rex, are wonderful heroes. Definitely a good cozy mystery. After reading the other books in the series I feel like I just spent time with a delightful old friend.
Albert Smith and his sidekick, Rex, are wonderful heroes. Definitely a good cozy mystery. After reading the other books in the series I feel like I just spent time with a delightful old friend.
December 25, 2025
Fast paced excitement
Another great story! I love all the books I've read by Steve Higs and as yet haven't found one I didn't thoroughly enjoy. His characters are well thought out and you feel like they are friends.
Another great story! I love all the books I've read by Steve Higs and as yet haven't found one I didn't thoroughly enjoy. His characters are well thought out and you feel like they are friends.
January 3, 2026
awesome mystery
I could not put this book down. Started one day and finished it the next. Albert and Rex had an exciting adventure. I was laughing at Echo and Moose made me laugh. Can’t wait for the next book.
I could not put this book down. Started one day and finished it the next. Albert and Rex had an exciting adventure. I was laughing at Echo and Moose made me laugh. Can’t wait for the next book.
January 4, 2026
Old Score to Settle.
Steve Higgs has a natural way of writing that carries you along with ease. The Albert and Rex series is a joy to read with thrills, spills and comedy in abundance. Old Score to Settle literally takes Albert to new heights.
Steve Higgs has a natural way of writing that carries you along with ease. The Albert and Rex series is a joy to read with thrills, spills and comedy in abundance. Old Score to Settle literally takes Albert to new heights.
January 9, 2026
Riveting fun and fearless
Albert and Rex are in a high flying adventure this time. I was clinching my teeth in concern. This books loves the good guys and puts the bad in their place. Fun and fearless.
Albert and Rex are in a high flying adventure this time. I was clinching my teeth in concern. This books loves the good guys and puts the bad in their place. Fun and fearless.
December 28, 2025
Old score
At last the next chapter of albert and rex . Fast paced and exciting from the start to finish . Please steve dont make us whate so long for the next chapter
At last the next chapter of albert and rex . Fast paced and exciting from the start to finish . Please steve dont make us whate so long for the next chapter
January 1, 2026
Old Score to Settle
Another great read. Rex and Albert are my favorite too. I have read over forty of Steve Highs books. They are all awesome reads.
Another great read. Rex and Albert are my favorite too. I have read over forty of Steve Highs books. They are all awesome reads.
January 3, 2026
Love these books
Albert and Rex did it again. These books are always a fun read. I can’t wait for the next one.
Albert and Rex did it again. These books are always a fun read. I can’t wait for the next one.
Read
January 11, 2026Love the series and love the humor.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews