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DCI Kett #19
Tin Soldiers
War is coming...
It has been six months since DCI Robert Kett’s world was almost shattered by the murderous syndicate known as Hollenbeck, and he’s still picking up the pieces. What he wants now is a slow return to the job, and a handful of easy cases.
What he gets, though, is a dead man in a Norwich underpass, his eyes replaced with molten tin.
And this body is only the first. As the city burns in an unseasonably hot spring, a series of brutal attacks leaves the Extreme Crime Task Force reeling.
With a vicious serial killer targeting random victims, two powerful gangs battling each other on the streets, and a police force close to self-destruct, Kett knows only one thing for sure.
This time, he’s at war.
The nineteenth instalment in the million-selling DCI Kett series.
It has been six months since DCI Robert Kett’s world was almost shattered by the murderous syndicate known as Hollenbeck, and he’s still picking up the pieces. What he wants now is a slow return to the job, and a handful of easy cases.
What he gets, though, is a dead man in a Norwich underpass, his eyes replaced with molten tin.
And this body is only the first. As the city burns in an unseasonably hot spring, a series of brutal attacks leaves the Extreme Crime Task Force reeling.
With a vicious serial killer targeting random victims, two powerful gangs battling each other on the streets, and a police force close to self-destruct, Kett knows only one thing for sure.
This time, he’s at war.
The nineteenth instalment in the million-selling DCI Kett series.
- GenresCrime
454 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 17, 2026
1414 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
Alex Smith
27 books732 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 40 reviews
February 13, 2026
Favourite Quote: I’m inside his head right now: I’ve just strangled a young man, I’m removing his eyes and replacing them with tin balls that I’ve probably just forged myself. What am I thinking? See what I see, said Savage, spitting out the words as soon as they entered her head. See the world the way I see it. This world or the next one. You’ll only see what I want you to see. I control you, added Cafferty. I own you. That feels right. Or maybe it’s you only see me, Savage said. You only have eyes for me. I won’t let you look at anyone else. A jealousy thing, maybe?
Favourite Quote: He jabbed a finger at Terry, and half a dozen peas flew out of his sleeve, rolling across the table. Terry stared at them like they were some kind of intimidation technique.
Men running around in their underwear, swigging whisky, said Kett. The filthy mattress you’ve been tossing about on, said Clare. Don’t forget the bucket of piss we found in the corridor, said Kett. Wholesome entertainment for all the family. I started Terry, but Clare slammed a hand on the table to silence him. More peas tumbled out, the security guard’s eyes boggling as he watched them roll off the table.
Another brilliantly chaotic, gripping, and emotionally charged instalment from Alex Smith. I spent half the book convinced Cafferty was involved somehow, either working with the killer or being the killer, and even though I turned out to be wrong, I’m still not ready to let go of that suspicion. Her behaviour was far too strange, and the fact she took evidence from a crime scene still makes no sense. I can’t accept she wasn’t involved, because why would she steal evidence from a crime scene.
The tension around Savage was incredible. I genuinely thought she was in danger, and the twist with Duke completely blindsided me. The fact that Savage was unreachable made everything feel even more frantic, and then the heartbreaking truth about why she wasn’t setting a wedding date added a whole new emotional layer. Also, what on earth happened to Pete. He and Allie were so happy, and now his entire existence feels like a tragedy I wasn’t prepared for.
Despite the darkness, the humour in this book is absolutely unmatched. The peas alone deserve their own chapter in crime fiction history. The interrogation scene where peas just keep falling out of the Superintendent Clare’s sleeve had me laughing so hard I had to stop reading. Clare’s escalating unprofessionalism is both shocking and hysterical, he somehow becomes more chaotic with every book, and I absolutely love it. Norman Balls being the illegal sixth member of the Extreme Crime Task Force at the annual dodgeball tournament nearly finished me. Also, the man who claims he has a dog but is actually walking a teddy? I had to put the book down to recover. Kett’s kids pretending to be him on the phone was pure gold, funny, sweet, and one of the most heartwarming moments in the whole story.
There’s a surprising amount of emotional depth woven through all the chaos. The scenes with Kett’s kids were genuinely touching, grounding the story in something warm and human. Savage’s ability to get inside the killer’s head is both impressive and deeply unsettling, and the psychological intensity of those moments is incredible. The book balances humour, horror, and heart with such skill that it feels alive on every page.
Finally, that cliffhanger. What did Kett do in the past. Did he actually kill someone illegally. Is this connected to the Bad Dog case. I need answers immediately, because the implications are huge and the suspense is unbearable.
Tin Soldiers is dark, hilarious, emotional, chaotic, and completely addictive. Alex Smith delivers again with a story that made me laugh, gasp, worry, and shout “what the hell” more times than I can count. I’m already desperate for the next book.
Favourite Quote: He jabbed a finger at Terry, and half a dozen peas flew out of his sleeve, rolling across the table. Terry stared at them like they were some kind of intimidation technique.
Men running around in their underwear, swigging whisky, said Kett. The filthy mattress you’ve been tossing about on, said Clare. Don’t forget the bucket of piss we found in the corridor, said Kett. Wholesome entertainment for all the family. I started Terry, but Clare slammed a hand on the table to silence him. More peas tumbled out, the security guard’s eyes boggling as he watched them roll off the table.
Another brilliantly chaotic, gripping, and emotionally charged instalment from Alex Smith. I spent half the book convinced Cafferty was involved somehow, either working with the killer or being the killer, and even though I turned out to be wrong, I’m still not ready to let go of that suspicion. Her behaviour was far too strange, and the fact she took evidence from a crime scene still makes no sense. I can’t accept she wasn’t involved, because why would she steal evidence from a crime scene.
The tension around Savage was incredible. I genuinely thought she was in danger, and the twist with Duke completely blindsided me. The fact that Savage was unreachable made everything feel even more frantic, and then the heartbreaking truth about why she wasn’t setting a wedding date added a whole new emotional layer. Also, what on earth happened to Pete. He and Allie were so happy, and now his entire existence feels like a tragedy I wasn’t prepared for.
Despite the darkness, the humour in this book is absolutely unmatched. The peas alone deserve their own chapter in crime fiction history. The interrogation scene where peas just keep falling out of the Superintendent Clare’s sleeve had me laughing so hard I had to stop reading. Clare’s escalating unprofessionalism is both shocking and hysterical, he somehow becomes more chaotic with every book, and I absolutely love it. Norman Balls being the illegal sixth member of the Extreme Crime Task Force at the annual dodgeball tournament nearly finished me. Also, the man who claims he has a dog but is actually walking a teddy? I had to put the book down to recover. Kett’s kids pretending to be him on the phone was pure gold, funny, sweet, and one of the most heartwarming moments in the whole story.
There’s a surprising amount of emotional depth woven through all the chaos. The scenes with Kett’s kids were genuinely touching, grounding the story in something warm and human. Savage’s ability to get inside the killer’s head is both impressive and deeply unsettling, and the psychological intensity of those moments is incredible. The book balances humour, horror, and heart with such skill that it feels alive on every page.
Finally, that cliffhanger. What did Kett do in the past. Did he actually kill someone illegally. Is this connected to the Bad Dog case. I need answers immediately, because the implications are huge and the suspense is unbearable.
Tin Soldiers is dark, hilarious, emotional, chaotic, and completely addictive. Alex Smith delivers again with a story that made me laugh, gasp, worry, and shout “what the hell” more times than I can count. I’m already desperate for the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2026
I always eagerly anticipate the next instalment of the DCI Kett series, as I know the books get better and better. The series tells the stories of murders and crimes set against the backdrop of Norwich and the Extreme Crime Task Force, headed up by DCI Robbie Kett, who is in the thick of it to catch the perpetrators. Also, there is the theme of Hollenbeck, a syndicate, whose aim is to break DCI Kett and his team.
Tin Soldiers opens with two colleagues, who could be more than just friends, walking home after their shifts at the local hospital. When the woman insists she can walk the last part of her journey on by herself and the man goes his own way home, the evening takes a sinister turn. DCI Kett and his team are put to task to solve the crime. Kett in particular seems close to breaking point. There is less about his family as a whole in this book, but there are reminders that his wife still has her nightmares and demons after her kidnapping by Hollenbeck. Pleasingly, there is a focus on Pete, albeit for sad reasons, but Smith’s descriptive writing here is very moving. Generally, this book was fast-paced, punchy, and a joy to read as ever.
Tin Soldiers opens with two colleagues, who could be more than just friends, walking home after their shifts at the local hospital. When the woman insists she can walk the last part of her journey on by herself and the man goes his own way home, the evening takes a sinister turn. DCI Kett and his team are put to task to solve the crime. Kett in particular seems close to breaking point. There is less about his family as a whole in this book, but there are reminders that his wife still has her nightmares and demons after her kidnapping by Hollenbeck. Pleasingly, there is a focus on Pete, albeit for sad reasons, but Smith’s descriptive writing here is very moving. Generally, this book was fast-paced, punchy, and a joy to read as ever.
March 19, 2026
Another brilliant crime thriller in this great series.
Kett and the team are called after a woman is found dead with her eyes removed and replaced by metal balls.
They struggle to work out why this was done and when more people are found dead in the same way, they know they need to act quickly to catch the killer.
This is a gripping crime story with some great humour from Clare as usual.
Kett and the team are called after a woman is found dead with her eyes removed and replaced by metal balls.
They struggle to work out why this was done and when more people are found dead in the same way, they know they need to act quickly to catch the killer.
This is a gripping crime story with some great humour from Clare as usual.
January 26, 2026
After a slow down in the kett it up books, this one really worked. Surprises, that I really wasn’t expecting, characters I wanted to give 2 hoots about.
I was genuinely about to give up on the Ket collection, but nope this one was a surprise, refreshing, not just rolled through the last few predictable story, predicated ending.
Obviously Alex smith has had a rest and given himself a talking to and came back writing fit!
What is special about the Robert Kett books? We laugh we cry and we give a monkeys whether he wins or loses and this has re-installed my faith in Alex Smith to continue in with the Norfolk massive and please don’t get it up!
I was genuinely about to give up on the Ket collection, but nope this one was a surprise, refreshing, not just rolled through the last few predictable story, predicated ending.
Obviously Alex smith has had a rest and given himself a talking to and came back writing fit!
What is special about the Robert Kett books? We laugh we cry and we give a monkeys whether he wins or loses and this has re-installed my faith in Alex Smith to continue in with the Norfolk massive and please don’t get it up!
January 21, 2026
Another fantastic read from Alex Smith! Gruesome crime scenes yes but this is offset with the banter between Porter and Duke and the insane shouting from Superintendent Clare. His hilarious outbursts peppered with every 'tossing' name under the sun had me in stitches! Especially the interview and the peas (IYKYK)
Kett's daughters still irritate me but they weren't in it that much this time. The tension at the end had my heart in my mouth. I am only sorry I finished this book too quickly. I loved it and will wait patiently for the next one.
Kett's daughters still irritate me but they weren't in it that much this time. The tension at the end had my heart in my mouth. I am only sorry I finished this book too quickly. I loved it and will wait patiently for the next one.
January 31, 2026
Tin Soldiers -
Yet another fantastic book in the Kett series. This is probably my favourite series and I am never disappointed. Dark crimes, mixed with humour and characters all us Kett readers have got to love. I always find these books easy to read and I never lose interest throughout. As I always say, if you haven’t read the series go back to book 1 and start working your way through them all. You’ll not regret it. Another 5 out of 5 from me and I can’t wait for book 20 later in the year.
Yet another fantastic book in the Kett series. This is probably my favourite series and I am never disappointed. Dark crimes, mixed with humour and characters all us Kett readers have got to love. I always find these books easy to read and I never lose interest throughout. As I always say, if you haven’t read the series go back to book 1 and start working your way through them all. You’ll not regret it. Another 5 out of 5 from me and I can’t wait for book 20 later in the year.
February 11, 2026
Another fantastic Kett book. Clare is my spirit animal - even though he might be "over the top", he always makes me laugh out loud!
The murders were gruesome and there were great twists! Some new characters popped up which I do hope will show up again someday. I'm not really a big fan of Harrison ( I won't read his books and I hope we don't need to read them to get Ketts future books ).
I am still suspicious of Billie. A couple of books ago she was shifty and we never got an explanation so I will keep an eye on her.
The murders were gruesome and there were great twists! Some new characters popped up which I do hope will show up again someday. I'm not really a big fan of Harrison ( I won't read his books and I hope we don't need to read them to get Ketts future books ).
I am still suspicious of Billie. A couple of books ago she was shifty and we never got an explanation so I will keep an eye on her.
February 5, 2026
better all the time
I have now read all of Alex Smith Kett books and Baird books. They keep getting better each time. With this one tin soldiers, the team are as always going through so much. Porter seems to have more to lose this time and is trying to work it out, like we all do. The way the case comes together is amazing, the funland is a great addition . Thank you Alex smith and more please
I have now read all of Alex Smith Kett books and Baird books. They keep getting better each time. With this one tin soldiers, the team are as always going through so much. Porter seems to have more to lose this time and is trying to work it out, like we all do. The way the case comes together is amazing, the funland is a great addition . Thank you Alex smith and more please
January 29, 2026
This series has immediacy and compelling crime stories along with an enjoyable element of humour. Having read all in the series as soon as they come out I do think Clare has become too much of a caracature and the endless toss references are now a bit distracting. Loving the Harrison Baird series, and possibly more than I should as no Clare character!
January 31, 2026
The line ‘my lips are too hot’ had me absolutely howling with laughter 🤣🤣🤣 but the imagery of Clare pursing his lips in front a fan, his words vibrating, will stay with me a very long time. Not often do I truly laugh out loud when reading (especially when reading a crime thriller) but this was hilarious to the point I was cry laughing and woke my husband up 🤣🤣🤣
February 4, 2026
Tin Soldiers by Alex Smith is book 19 in the DCI Robert Kett police series. In this book there is another serial killer loose on the estate, where the Extreme Crime Force Task are based. This time the killer leaves the victims without their eyes and the most seasoned detectives will pity the killer when they realise why.
Another episode in the DCI Kett police thriller series.
Another episode in the DCI Kett police thriller series.
April 22, 2026
Just finished reading Tin Soldiers by Alex Smith. One of the best book series I’ve ever read. I didn’t think it was possible for a series to keep getting better but Alex Smith is a genius. Always cliffhangers and leaving you wanting more. The characters are great & there are some real laugh out loud moments. Be ready to stay up all night as once you start you can’t put them down.
January 20, 2026
Another excellent addition to the DCI Kett series. This one had my heart in my throat. It had a lot more serious and pointed moments, but given the state of *everything* right now, I'm not surprised and quite happy to read it.
Can't believe I have to wait til May for the next Alex Smith book!
Can't believe I have to wait til May for the next Alex Smith book!
January 21, 2026
Another great read
Another great book by ALex SMith I love the Kett books and this one didn't disappoint. Left and his team just get better with every book and the stories keep you glued to pages from start to finish. Can't wait till next book.
Another great book by ALex SMith I love the Kett books and this one didn't disappoint. Left and his team just get better with every book and the stories keep you glued to pages from start to finish. Can't wait till next book.
January 23, 2026
Another fantastic book in the DCI Kett series, couldnt put it down, read it way past my bedtime and right up until I had to leave for work in the morning! Such an exciting and tense book and you are always concerned for the team! Can't wait for the next one, they are getting better and better!
January 26, 2026
Oh i read this tooooo fast!!!
What a book, as in my headline I read this one to fast (like all the others)
Another fantastic story with DCI Robert Kett, just love the humour in these books 📚
Can’t wait for the new book to come out ❤️
What a book, as in my headline I read this one to fast (like all the others)
Another fantastic story with DCI Robert Kett, just love the humour in these books 📚
Can’t wait for the new book to come out ❤️
January 26, 2026
Outstanding crime thriller
I loved the story from beginning to end. Kept me on the edge of my seat through through the book. It's so funny. In parts of the book, too I love all the characters as usual, especially Clare. I can't wait to read next in the series!
I loved the story from beginning to end. Kept me on the edge of my seat through through the book. It's so funny. In parts of the book, too I love all the characters as usual, especially Clare. I can't wait to read next in the series!
January 27, 2026
Fantastic
Another fantastic book lots of twists and turns. The descriptive writing takes you right there. The characters become so real you can see them. The story line was so gripping you just can't put the book down. Alexs books are amazing better definitely 100% recommended
Another fantastic book lots of twists and turns. The descriptive writing takes you right there. The characters become so real you can see them. The story line was so gripping you just can't put the book down. Alexs books are amazing better definitely 100% recommended
February 2, 2026
Loved it! Felt like being amongst old friends
Have to wait to may now is the downside, clever of alex how the two harrison and kett books are interwoven, really enjoyed this as per usual. Wont lewve any spoklers but i hope porter is ok and kett gets a holiday!
Have to wait to may now is the downside, clever of alex how the two harrison and kett books are interwoven, really enjoyed this as per usual. Wont lewve any spoklers but i hope porter is ok and kett gets a holiday!
February 4, 2026
They just keep getting better!
Just adore this series, and each book gets better and better. Did have a little cry at one point and genuinely so excited for not only the next in this series, but also in the Harrison Baird series. If you’ve not read those, make sure you do!
Just adore this series, and each book gets better and better. Did have a little cry at one point and genuinely so excited for not only the next in this series, but also in the Harrison Baird series. If you’ve not read those, make sure you do!
February 4, 2026
Tin Soldiers
As usual an excellent book from Alex Smith. The Kett series just keeps getting better and better. I am also enjoying the cross over Harrison Baird books. I'm looking forward to the next installment
As usual an excellent book from Alex Smith. The Kett series just keeps getting better and better. I am also enjoying the cross over Harrison Baird books. I'm looking forward to the next installment
February 6, 2026
Tin soldiers
As always another brilliant brilliant read , this one was really chilling to read but as always Clare was on hand to give his advice think I'll give peas a miss for a bit !😁 can't wait till the next one
As always another brilliant brilliant read , this one was really chilling to read but as always Clare was on hand to give his advice think I'll give peas a miss for a bit !😁 can't wait till the next one
February 7, 2026
This seems to be a pivotal book in this brilliant series with new beginnings and sad endings, quiet reflections, big revelations and a spattering of humour to ward off the darkness Tin Soldiers offers hope and despair and shows an all too human response to grief.
Thoroughly enjoyable
Thoroughly enjoyable
Read
February 24, 2026Kett is back, starting with a dodgeball game then into a new serial killer who takes the eyes of his victim and replaces them with tin discs. What in the heck is going on. Is it the gang hanging around the housing or something more sinister. All the laughs are tossing back!! Great story.
January 20, 2026
Tim Soldiers
Wow you make us wait for the next instalment but we'll worth it five stars definitely an absolute brilliant book and have just pre ordered next book
Wow you make us wait for the next instalment but we'll worth it five stars definitely an absolute brilliant book and have just pre ordered next book
January 21, 2026
Excellent book, really enjoyed it
January 23, 2026
Just love these books and all the characters in them!
January 31, 2026
amazing as always, love kett porter,savage, Duke and of course clair
February 3, 2026
I love this series and this author. Dark and amusing.
February 6, 2026
A very good Kett story. The humor of Clare's tirades always a plus. I also enjoy the bickering of Duke and Porter. Interesting twists before revealing the real killer. Thoroughly enjoyable book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews