Alex 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.
Love Alex Smith books, always enjoy them. This book is us really getting to know the real Harrison Baird, brilliant storylines lots happening. Like the reference to previous case's (books). Hooked on Robbie kett, now I have Harrison Baird to read as well. I Live where this book is set so even more enjoyable. Sadly now have to wait for the next book to be released.
I have read all the Kett Books and the previous two Baird books so judging the two world's together filled me with trepidation. How is this going to work, will it extend the universe or implode it. I don't like two world's colliding things can get uncomfortable and a bit skewed. Alex Smith managed to pull it off and squeaked a satisfying story arc home. I think you would enjoy this story of you have read the previous books in both series but you could just about get a satisfying read from it as a standalone but it would be like knocking back a fine wine without favouring the nuances. I like Baird more than Kett in many ways he is complex with a back history too but he is not so tortured or haunted, his demons are just a tad lighter . Board's sidekick Connell is a delight and deserves a bit more time on fleshing out her backstory and her world, she is very much the hero of this story in my mind. Read it and see if you agree.
Readers might first try the earlier Baird Harrison books PRIOR to this one, since the author does not provide much background information. I never learned why the protagonist left Scotland for England. Given that fact, the book could be a relatively decent crime procedural novel, except for the added drama of the personal conflict between Baird and his dad, and the latter's past, about which I initially had no clue. That side plot produced a level of lunatic chaos. Do regular detectives in the UK get NO training in basic, um, I'll call it ballistics, so as not to trigger anyone? One very positive thing: The detective sidekick, Connie, deserves her own series. Was she more fully described in the earlier books? What's with her ice cream obsession?
One of the most entertaining books that I've read in a long time. I can see this episode being made into a movie. At one point, Harry Baird acted like a muppet but that just made the situation more funny. Looking forward to the next story involving Harry, Connie, Briggs & Crump & Diana the Dog. Wonder if Crump will find out what happened to his car?
But, for goodness' sake, take the author's advice, combine and read the Baird and the later Kett books in the right order. Hard to say much here to avoid spoilers, although I have to say this story does sometimes stray beyond the boundary of likely scenarios and into farce. That said, it was all the more enjoyable for me, a welcome break from the palpable tension and the horror of monsters in organised crime.
Another brilliant crime thriller from Alex Smith. Baird and Connell are faced with a naked man found in the woods and a man allegedly abducted by aliens. It can only happen to these two! As you can imagine there’s more to this than the these bizarre stories of aliens but it takes some digging to find out what really happened. On top of this Baird’s Dad’s life is threatened and soon the man he’s been trying to confront arrives - DCI Kett… I won’t say any more!
A thoroughly good and gripping read ,which includes the usual humour coupled with some emotional scenes as the characters become better known to us.The two well thought out plots are interwoven really well, and culminate in the confrontation between the mighty RobertKett and the newer Harrison Baird. Highly recommended.
Baird and Connell a great double act, become involved in a murder case out of the ordinary. A young women lies dead in a forest and no clues to go on apart from a wrestling club where she used to work helping out youngsters. One thing leads to another and two old rivals work out their differences.
I am a huge fan of the DCI Kett books, so of course I needed to read the new series which not only features Kett but another infamous Scottish DCI who i am also a fan off. Baird and Connie are great characters and this storyline was completely unique in the theme. Wrestlers, ice cream and a broken Range Rover. Love it.
Another excellent, very gripping book. I have read all the DCI Kett books and all the DI Baird books, and every one is different and fresh. The fact that they are Norfolk/Suffolk books makes it more interesting to me as many of the places are known to me.
I really enjoyed this series, excellent story which kept you gripped throughout. Lots of tense moments interspersed with lots of humour. All the character's were great and very original, even the dog lol. I hope there will be more books in this series, but this last book rounded up things nicely, so probably not.
Just finished reading Mad Dogs, book 3 in the Harrison Baird series by Alex Smith.
Absolutely outstanding!!
Full of humour and excitement, what great characters Alex has constructed and the "cross over" is brilliant makes perfect sense in every way. Looking forward to the next one and to the next Robbie Kett and Co to find out what's in store.
As usual this book in the series didn’t disappoint. Action packed with lots of twists and turns, but still with the usual humour. I like the way it links in with the Kett series, such great characters. I’m looking forward to the next books in both series.
I wonder if the author is a fan of The Broons and Old Willie as a lot of the stuff Harrison says is right from Paw Broon's mouth. Nice tie in for both series. Still plenty of humour despite the carnage.
Different, a little from Matt's adventures but equally as good. Unputtadownable laugh out loud read. The humour does not detract from the breadth of the characters merely adds a reality to their being. Highly recommend
Great story. I love the crossover with Robert Kett. Baird is very funny...I actually laughed out loud a couple of times! I appreciate the authentic Scots dialogue. No messy, pretend Scots rubbish...makes the character more realistic. Here's to the next installment! 🏴
This is a good, fast and exciting read. Love all the Kett books and getting to love these as well. This has some comical bits as well, so well balanced. Looking forward to the next one.
There are books that you wish would hurry up and end. Mad Dogs is a book you wish would be longer. I loved every minute of the book. I enjoyed DCI Kett and Pete Porter being in it, too. It kept me on the edge of my seat. I can’t wait for the next book! Beth P.
This book has all of my favorite things in it! I can’t even explain without giving spoilers but it’s like all the golden Easter eggs in one shiny basket. I will definitely read this book again and again!
Wonderful read with a dual twisted plot. I don't often leave reviews but this last book was truly riveting. It ties in the plots of the Robert Kett series (which I love) and the newer Baird series. The writing is stellar and I truly enjoyed this book. Thank you.
Absolutely love these books, especially with that bit of added Kett. If only we could introduce Clare in the mix. I did find Connie annoying in the first 2 books but in this one, we are another side to her which was good. More Dianna though please
Mad Dogs by Alex Smith number 3 in the DI Harrison Baird crime thriller series. In this storyline we see the climax of the vendetta with Robbie Kett come to an end. Who will live and who will die, does it even matter anymore. Recommend
Harrison Baird is still haunted by his past, but this book brings all the pieces together whilst he investigates the murder of a popular woman wrestler and a man who tried kill his daughter's fiance. Is DCI Robert Kett the monster he thinks he is?
Finally Baird will know Kett's involvement with his father 24 yrs ago. But he also has to find out what happened to a stabbed woman and a man who at first glance looks like he was abducted by aliens! Absolutely love this series.