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Old Enough to Know Better: Albert Smith's Mystery Thrillers Book 6

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Some people never learn.

Randall Smith, police officer and supposed professional, is utterly besotted with international singing sensation Claudia Benz. So when an assassin's bullet nearly takes her out in the heart of Austria, he does what any sensible son would do – he volunteers his retired detective father to catch the killer.

Albert had other plans for their visit, but now he's stuck guarding a diva and dealing with the world's most incompetent assassin.

Meanwhile, Rex has a challenge of his own … in the form of the diva’s pedigree cat.

As the bungled assassination attempts pile up, Albert begins to suspect there's more to this case than meets the eye. It seems as though someone wants Claudia dead, but they're either spectacularly bad at their job or something else entirely is going on.

With Randall making puppy eyes at the singer, Rex locked in a bitter rivalry with a feline nemesis, and a would-be killer who couldn't hit a barn door, Albert has his work cut out for him.

He's old enough to know better than to get involved. But when has that ever stopped him?

307 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 5, 2026

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About the author

Steve Higgs

657 books891 followers
Let'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...

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5 stars
666 (75%)
4 stars
172 (19%)
3 stars
42 (4%)
2 stars
3 (<1%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Becky .
637 reviews18 followers
June 6, 2026
If you aren't reading books by Steve Higgs, what is Wrong with you?!!
I laughed so hard throughout this book that my cheeks hurt from smiling.
Albert and Rex were on their way to another possible buried Nazi gold site, when Randall, Albert's youngest son invites himself along and decides they're staying in Innsbruck. Of course he has ulterior motives, being that the pop star of his dreams is performing there.
What ensues is a chaotic snafu of epic proportions and hilarity. Think missed murder attempts, a cat who decided it's a dog,(how it happened had me laughing like crazy!!) and more craziness that is poor Albert's life.
Higgs is such an amazing author and every book is a joy and treat to read.
Better get your copy!!
11 reviews
June 6, 2026
Fabulous! and funny too.

Albert and Rex are at it again, dealing with murder and mayhem in Innsbruck. There is one of the funniest sequences with Rex in the book that I have read in a long time.
I recommend all of the authors books- I have read most of them- but I love the Albert Smith books the most.
522 reviews1 follower
June 14, 2026
I loved being back with Albert and Rex and in this book Albert's son Randall has joined him on his search for the Nazi gold. But Randall has alterior motives. He wants to meet the pop singer, Claudia Benz. As they arrive at the hotel in Innsbruck. As they arrive Albert hears the sound of a sniper bullet whizzing past his face. The all think it's the pop star who it is directed toward. Randall saves Claudia, Albert and Rex try and find the sniper, and consequently when they learn who Albert is Claire wants to hire him as lead investigator. Alternatively, there is also a hit man hired to kill Albert. They do find the contract killer who was hired to hurt Claire but Albert doesn't realize there is someone who wants to kill him. However, Rex knows and works hard to protect his human from this killer. He enlists Claire's cat Amadeus to help him. Amadeus has had a mishap and is confused. My favorite line in the book is when he says to Res "I identify as a dog". They become best friends on the search for the second contract killer. I can't wait for the next book to come out.
431 reviews2 followers
June 19, 2026
Another Delightful Albert and red Adventure!

Albert, his son Randall who has a serious crush on a celebrity pop star and of course our super star Rex are on another adventure. As with all of their excursions it's filled with plenty of action coming from all angles. Hired hit men, one of whom is incompetent beyond words, threats from inside the pop divas own camp, a very large king cobra, and a cat who for a short while thinks she's a dog all add to the drama and in some cases some hilarious moments.

Mr. Higgs always delivers an enjoyable and entertaining story. This is book 21 in the series, give or take the ones where Albert and Rex appear in the adventures of others, and they never disappoint. I'm excited to know that Albert and Rex have more wonderful adventures to share with us.
492 reviews2 followers
June 12, 2026
A Smash Hit !

Totally unaware of his son,Randall's,crush on a pop star, Albert,Randall, and Rex wind up in Innsbruck. Randall has tickets to the star's concert and hopes to meet and inpress her. The adventure starts off with a big bang! Someone took a shot and then another at the pop star. Randall rushes in to protect her. So Albert and Randall get hired to protect Claudia. There,'s lots of fun with Rex interacting with a cat as he and his human work their way through the bizarre events.
Profile Image for Claudete Takahashi.
2,835 reviews40 followers
June 17, 2026
I'm a big fan of this series, and Albert and Rex are above and beyond in this story. It seems like that Claudia Benz is being targeted by a killer and unbeknowest to her team, Albert and Randall (Albert's son) Albert is also being target by another hitman. The story has the most hilarious situations between Rex and Ms. Benz's cat (who will believe he is a dog!) and also some between Albert and his son who behaves like a teenager and not the more than 40 yold. Good action mystery, great entertainment, and left me wondering what will happen in the next book!
I thank Mr. Higgs for this ARC.
Profile Image for Carlin.
1,831 reviews19 followers
June 17, 2026
I've been waiting for another Albert and Rex madcap thriller! This was a delightful ride. But the best part was Rex, Albert's brilliant German Shepherd, and Amadeus, the rock star's Burmese cat, joining forces to save the day (and having conversations you would just not believe!)... All taking place in Innsbruck, Austria. I worry about Albert, getting older and older in this series. But I am so happy to hear the author has plans for more A&R adventures and can't wait to see what he gets up to in Prague one of my favorite cities.

P.S. great recipe!
Profile Image for Carla Burt.
15 reviews
June 14, 2026
Albert & Rex’s gig

I have read all of Albert & Rex’s adventures up to now. I have loved them and recommended them to many.

But this book didn’t seem as carefully written, grammatically and technically , as all of the rest.
Did the author feel rushed due to the horrible computer event, obliterating the middle of his story?

At any rate, his proofreader should have caught the mistakes before going to the publisher. It may seem a small thing to many but I was disappointed as I hold these stories in high esteem. On to Prague!!!
22 reviews1 follower
June 13, 2026
Two books in one!

I am an avid reader who occasionally laughs and cries, but this one takes the proverbial cake! I haven’t just plain laughed out loud so much while reading in a very long time! The hilarious interaction of the dog and cat has me still laughing out loud! Thanks for a much needed reminder of the joy of reading and the acceptance that I will never look at cats the same again!
Profile Image for Carol E. Drewes.
68 reviews1 follower
July 10, 2026
Albert, Rex, and a cat Save A Pop Star

The most enjoyable characters in this story are former crime fighter Albert Smith and his dog Rex. You’ll have to read the book to Di out:
How and why they’re in Austria
Why a famous pop star hires Albert and son Randall to investigate an attempt on her life
Who ends up fending off the hateful diva’s amorous advances
Who saves who from death by ceramic knife?

Happy reading!
48 reviews
June 10, 2026
Albert and Rex in Austria

Steve has written a fast paced and exciting story in beautiful Innsbruck Austria. Rex gets to make a new friend. And there is a recipe at the end !! I have recently returned from Innsbruck and I ate this dish in a lovely restaurant! And now I have the recipe.
Thank you Steve
90 reviews3 followers
June 10, 2026
Always exciting mystery

A book that explains the story from the dog and his master point of view does not fail to amuse the entranced reader. With lots of twists in dangerous situations this is very entertaining. Love the description of foreign locations. Feel like I was there.
119 reviews2 followers
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June 6, 2026
PLEASE finish Albert & Rex in Europe this year!

Three more years is too long to wait! I've read every one in both series including this one. I love Albert and Rex. Please bring them back in Prague and Budapest plus the finale in 2026. I promise to be good all year. 😁🐶🤓🐶🤣🤣🤣
4 reviews
June 8, 2026
One of the best

I've read all of the Albert and Rex books and most of the others Steve has written. This one was outstanding and one of the best I have read. Thank you, Steve for all the great writing you do
328 reviews2 followers
June 8, 2026
Father Dear Father

More murder and mayhem interrupting the search for Nazi gold in gently mocking celebrity and the associated hangers on. Genuinely laugh out loud interplay between humans and animals but also genuine thrills and twists.
123 reviews1 follower
June 11, 2026
Love this series!

This series is thrilling. There isn’t as much humor as in Higgs’ other books, but there is a lot of fast-moving action. Plot moves along rapidly. And Rex continues to pick up stray animal sidekicks to assist him in protecting Albert. Great reading!
158 reviews1 follower
June 17, 2026
Old Enough to Know Better.

Steve Higgs series of retired detective Albert and his ex-police dog Rex ( dismissed from the police due to an attitude problem), is a perfect blend of thriller and humour. Looking forward to the next 2 in the series. Highly recommended.
48 reviews
June 26, 2026
Great Series

This book finds Albert, his son, and Rex in Innsbruck, Austria, looking for buried Nazi gold. Well, at least, Albert is. His son, however, has another goal entirely. And Rex just wants an opportunity to play chase and bite. Fun, entertaining cozy.

3 reviews
July 1, 2026
A nail biting who done it!

This is a fast paced read with heart stopping moments. Adventures and shenanigans aplenty. You won’t be disappointed if you read this book. No foul language or explicit scenes.
Profile Image for Mary Barrett.
862 reviews6 followers
July 8, 2026
Five stars

Very good entertainment! I loved Rex and Amadeus. As usual the four legged furry friends tend to make the story! I truly enjoy Steve Highs books and highly recommend them to any age groups. Keep.up the good work, sir.
35 reviews
June 6, 2026
Rex and Al

a delightful story with plenty of twists to keep you interested. Try ALL of their stories! Search by Albert and Rex.
Profile Image for Janet.
201 reviews4 followers
June 7, 2026
Another fun one, Rex is the best.
Profile Image for Marcy Robinson.
9 reviews5 followers
June 9, 2026
More Albert and Rex Please!

Just comfort reading with good plot and a few shenanigans.

Mr Higgs, you just don’t write quick enough. These books are my guilty pleasure.
Profile Image for Mike Haxton.
229 reviews
June 13, 2026
assassin

Who did Albert tee off now?
Maybe the Gastrothief has a brother-in-law?
I guess we will soon find out.
Extra word.
1 review
June 15, 2026
Love Rex

The wit and humor of Rex leads me to read all in this series . Love German Shepards. I have been mom of three
116 reviews1 follower
June 16, 2026
another brilliant Albert and Rex story

Yet again, Steve Higgs has given us another adventure for Albert and Rex ( also featuring Amadeus, the cat who thinks he’s a dog) 🤪🤪
4 reviews
June 21, 2026
Brillent read

I just love reading about Albert and rex
They are exciting and funny and i can't wait for the next one

67 reviews
June 21, 2026
manager

It started a little slow but it ended being a great story. Loved the cat that thought it was a dog. Rex always comes to the rescue.
3 reviews
June 25, 2026
I love Steve Higgs books!

I can't get enough of Steve Higgs books! Albert Smith, Patricia Fisher, Felicity Phillips, Blue Moon, all wonderful! Please keep them coming.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews