Open Wounds: A British Crime Thriller

by Alex Smith

SOME WOUNDS NEVER HEAL

With his first case in Suffolk successfully closed, DI Harrison Baird faces a difficult return to the familiar streets of Aberdeen, to his home and his homeland, his friends and his family and his cat.Or stay in England, with his estranged father and a lifetime’s worth of trauma.

Maybe it’s not too difficult a choice after all.

But even as he makes plans to leave, the county is rocked by a horrific a local celebrity, tied to a tree and shot with arrows, his head missing.

It’s a crime that echoes one of East Anglia’s most famous legends, and Baird soon realises they’re chasing a killer who is opening up old wounds.

Together with DC Constance Connell and the rest of the Southwold Major Investigation Team, DI Baird begins a hunt for a monster.

And discovers that he isn’t the only one with unfinished business…

The second book in the new series from multi-million copy bestseller Alex Smith, author of the DCI Kett books, Open Wounds has all the compulsive mystery, gripping action and hilarious comedy readers have come to love.

Binge the DI Baird series
A LONG-DEAD THING
OPEN WOUNDS

Binge the DCI Kett series
PAPER GIRLS
BAD DOG
THREE LITTLE PIGS
WHIP CRACK
RUN RABBIT RUN
STONE COLD DEAD
EVERY MOTHER'S SON
SWEET BRIAR ROSE
JAW BREAKER
KNOCK KNOCK
KING RAT
KNUCKLE BONES
LUCKY NUMBER SEVEN
UNHOLY SAINTS
TRULY MADLY DEADLY
EVERY LAST DEVIL
RED LINE
COLD IRON KILLS
TIN SOLDIERS

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, he has published fourteen 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.

452 pages, Paperback

Published November 13, 2025

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Amanda Sloan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book from Alex Smith. I always enjoy his books, and the second installment of the DCI Baird series did not disappoint.

There's a high level of humour that made me laugh out loud multiple times.

And I can't be the only one who noticed the similarities to *that* wizard lady in here.

I definitely felt some social commentary in here, between that storyline and the believe women storyline, and I really commend Alex for it.

How do I have to wait til May for the next book!?

[Paul · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have been a big fan of the DCI Kett books for a few years now and the first DI Baird book offered a glimpse at A detective in the same neck of the woods as Kett, but from a different angle.

This book however bought up some points that I didn’t appreciate much. firstly DC Connell is just a joke, eating nothing but ice cream, and acting like a novice who happens to come up with great ideas. The character of Duke in the DVI Kett books grinds in me the same way. I understand a comedic character adds something to the mix, but making the se character clear clueless to the real world makes me wonder how elite these elite units are.

The story here is solid, but the constant note of the dog, thing DogPool. I was hoping for more of the Kett / Baird tensions.

[SUSAN GARRETT · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

Scotlands DI Harrison Baird reluctantly done the task he was asked to do in the South of England. He found out his father ( who he hadn't seen for some years) was in the area he was working. He gave into pressure from his colleagues to visit him only to be told by his father that Robert Kett was involved in a case that involved his father and he wanted Harrison to find out the truth as to what had really happened. Can't wait to find out what he finds out.

[BONNIE MOORE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

I was a little apprehensive to read this book only because of the fatigue of all the dark occult stuff in the Kett books and how awkward the first DCI Baird book felt. I am very glad I did. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I really came to love the team, the story, the way I wasn’t entirely sure who the “bad guy” really was. I love Baird’s sense of humor. Even the deeper questions about how Kett fits into things here. I am excited to find out more in the next book.

[Katrina Ferrier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible book! Great storytelling and loving the link with the Kett books. After reading Tin Soldiers as suggested I then read Open Wounds and it all makes sense.
I found Harrison Baird hilarious and the broad Scots speak was perfect. I am Scottish and have heard his dry humour throughout my life, so many laugh out loud moments. Introducing Diana who was described so eloquently was inspired. The Kett books were always my favourite but Harrison Baird is excellent competition.

[Julie Lacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great crime thriller from Alex Smith.
DI Harrison Baird is still in Southwold but is considering moving back to Scotland when a body is found.
It’s a very strange case and Baird and Connie come across some interesting people as part of the investigation.
Baird’s father is still pushing him to find the man who wrecked their family, and I’m not sure how this is going to work out…

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story

Baird is a complicated guy. He carries a ton of baggage from his past and sometimes it clouds his present. He means well, but he's a damaged individual. The team he works with tries hard but they are often out of their depth. Despite these challenges, they still manage to get the job done.

[K.D. Thomas · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not his best

Like the characters but on the whole it felt like far more story than plot. I made myself continue and was rewarded three quarters for the way in by the style I have come to expect from Alex, even if the storyline was as far fetched as shite from China. The next book will be interesting and I must admit, I have missed Kett and co!

[lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

another fantastic read from Alex Smith

Another fantastic read couldn’t put it down, roll on when the next books out
What I love about the DI Harrison Baird series is that it includes Robert Kett which is great!

As always with Alex’s his books keep you hooked and with some humour too😀

[Alison Windmill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!

You have done it again Alex Smith!! Just amazing! Just a word of warning don't be putting Kett in any more life threatening situations!! 😁 Can't wait for the next instalment .

[janice robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Open wounds

Have read both of these books in your series of Dci Harrison Baird and just ordered book three can't wait your books are brilliant and story lines just get better and better

[Emily Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Usual well written book that I have come to expect from this author. The plot was interesting enough to hold my attention but easy to follow. I liked the overlap with the Robert Kett series and look forward to reading more about the interaction between the main characters of the two series.

[Debbie Marie Sleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding

Brilliant crime thriller read kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end so funny in parts of the book, too. Loved the ending, too, and enjoyed all the characters in the book, too. I can't wait to read next in the series!

[Christine Rennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Open Wounds by Alex Smith is a DI Harrison Baird crime thriller and is book 2 in the series.
This time the team are investigating a decapitation and a body with 12 arrows in him. He was a famous movie star but now he is not the man everyone thought he was.
An interesting case.

[Rachel Jeffares · Rating 3 out of 5]

Do I still love Alex’s Smith’s books? Yes, but this isn’t one of the better ones in my opinion. I feel like the characters are still trying to find their individuality.

Baird investigates a horrific murder while also thinking on his father’s links to Kett.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

I’m enjoying the Harrison Baird series. I like the team and the murder was a twisty thing. I’m not too sure about that ending. It’s kind of worrying. I highly recommend this book.

[T.toad · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. Too ridiculous. I’m all for humour and, as with the first book, Baird did have some excellent one liners…. Other than that, I think it was Connell that really spoiled things for me.

Humour is subjective though so, each to their own.

[Mary Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

Really enjoyed this book. Better than the first one I think. Very amusing in places, but a good storyline.
Looking forward to the next one.

[Valerie Douthwaite · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit of everything in this read. Lots of humour matched with dark humour. It helps if you can speak Scottish, 😂.
I like Alex Smiths way of writing, and have read the Di Kett books aswell.

[Pauline Dutton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book and all the books by this author.

[Reader]

I love the characters and the humor. I am intrigued by the Kett cross-over as I am a fan of Kett & Co.
The Author has quite a unique imagination!

[David Stimpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

The 2nd Book in the DI Harrison Baird series . And I feel like I Kniw the Main Characters so well .This is another Great Story and Excitement and Laughs along the Way

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a good read!

I love love love kett and crew, now Baird and gang! These are clever, subtly funny and just good storytelling. Enjoyable reading and memorable characters.

[Millie · Rating 5 out of 5]

really enjoying this series and I like DCi Baird, but im worried what it means for DCI Kett...I cant like them both if they hate each other 😭🤣🤣

[Mrs E A Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good read.

I enjoyed this book very much, so many different twists and turns, with suspects coming out of your ears. And the humour had me in stitches.

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Read it! 10+ stars!

[peter senha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Open wounds

A great read. First time I've come across Harrison Baird, but I'm going to give the whole series a good look at.

[Jayne Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Alex Smith books and loved this one. Never disappointed.

[Emma Brockhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoying this series. I am intrigued to find out what happens next with the overlap of Kett appearing in this book.

[Joanne Fairbrother · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy the Kett books but this series is even better! Great read and start to 2026!