Until Death: An Explosive British Crime Thriller

DCI Kett #20

by Alex Smith

Death comes for us all.

In the glorious heat of a Norfolk summer, the Extreme Crime Task Force is facing its biggest case organising DS Kate Savage and PC Aaron Duke’s wedding.

It should be a joyous escape after months of heartbreak. But the celebrations are interrupted by the discovery of a young woman, bloodied and barefoot, who claims she has just escaped from hell.

What she leads DCI Kett and the team to is a nightmare beyond a house of horrors, and an act of unspeakable evil.

The only thing the girl can tell them about the person who took her, is that his victims call him Mr Death.

A man who is now nowhere to be found.

A monster who has unfinished business.

Kett and the Task Force must hunt down a killer as clever as he is ruthless, and as creative as he is sadistic. And what should be a summer of love quickly becomes the season of murder.

Because sooner or later, everything must die.

The twentieth novel in the internationally bestselling series from multi-million selling author Alex Smith. Relentless action, compulsive mystery and side-splitting humour abound in the books that Thrilling Fiction calls "heart-stoppingly gripping!" from the author that James Patterson describes as "fresh and ferocious!"

Binge the 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
UNTIL DEATHAlex 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 and DI Harrison Baird 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.

486 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 24, 2026

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]

Holyyyyyy this book. Alex said this was the darkest yet and um, yep, that is accurate. My heart broke and got out back together so many times throughout this one. A true dark masterpiece. Can't wait for the next one!

[Mr Mark Hawksford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Until Death -

This is easily my favourite series of books. Every time I start a new Kett book I wonder if Alex is going to be able to keep up the fantastic standards, and he normally pulls it off. Book 20 is no exception. From the very start he hooks you in. It then just keeps giving. It’s a very dark story, which is often the case with Kett & Co. But there is the humour as well, which always has me laughing out loud. After so many books Kett and the team have become so familiar characters. I just didn’t want to put the book down and whilst it is quite a long book it never felt like it. In fact, you just wanted it to carry on. Unlike some books, there is always a proper ending. As I say every time a review a Kett book, if you haven’t read the series start at number 1 and work your way through to 20. You will not regret it. You could read this as a stand-alone, but there are quite a few mentions of previous cases that if you haven’t read the previous books you might not understand. I have read almost 40 books so far this year and I can honestly say this is my favourite. Well done and thank you Alex. A very simple 5 out of 5.

[Liz Mistry · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the world of DCI Kett, Until Death is up there with the scariest, most heart pounding of his cases. Although dark, Until Death offers up its usual blend of humour, compassion and grittiness. I couldn't put it down. Loved it

[Karen Oakley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another 5 star read from Alex Smith. This was quite dark and shocking especially as each event unfolded. It was the usual humour at the start as the wedding preparations of Duke and Savage started with Superintendent Clare being his usual crazy self. Then the scariness started as each of the team try to make sense of what's happening. There is so much heart written into each character that you feel as if you know them personally. I'm glad Kett's children were kept at a minimum as they are very annoying and yet the love Kett feels for them was at the forefront of this story. Will Kett carry on? I hope so as he is the cornerstone of each story.

[Lora King · Rating 5 out of 5]

#20...have loved each one! One of the best and funniest crime series out there. Kate and Duke's big day ruined when a woman is dumped at the church. The horror of her injuries starts the team tracking down a killer who thinks he's the Grim Reaper. A lot of psychological work by Kate, twists and turns...and a big tossing mess with Clare as usual. The team will work until they drop from exhaustion. Next book won't be until Spring 2027...way too long to wait imho 😍

[Mrs B Proud · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't read this at bedtime!

Wow Alex, this is possibly one of the deepest books I have a ever read. Disturbing yet totally addicted I read this over two evenings. As always in your fabulous DCI Kett series you needed the wonderful humour to ease the tension and the Super and team had be laughing out loud. Please keep this series going, it's such a pleasure to have a new story to look forward to. BP Sheffield x

[Jill Gibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Until Death

I think this has been my favourite Robbie Kett book so far. Just totally binged it every spare minute I had. Absolutely gripping. I couldn't put it down. I have no intention of revealing anything about this book I don't want to spoil it for others . It's a roller coaster of a read.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!

Alex Smith was right! This is the darkest book yet. But it’s also a brilliant book. The team has a horrible case to solve. Someone is torturing their victims in an unbelievable way. Through the darkness, the team still have each other. You have to read it to believe it! Enjoy! Beth P.

[Jane Wynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A seriously injured woman is dumped near to the church Savage and Duke are getting married at. A frantic search begins to find other victims and find whoever is behind them. Smith has a knack of mixing truly horrible crimes and humour with the close knit team lead by Kett.
Sometimes some of it gets a bit tiresome, but this does not detract from a well paced story. Great read.

[janice robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Until Death

Why oh why do you do this to me what an absolutely brilliant book you just keep getting better and better with your story lines five stars is definitely not enough but that's all I'm allowed to give now I have to wait until next year until next instalment
L

[SkyeWake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another epic episode in this brilliant series. I don’t know how Alex Smith manages to pack in so much action, lots of horrible gruesome crimes, yet add enough humour from the team to balance it out. Looking forward to the next one already.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex Smith manages to combine sheer terrifying scenes with actual laugh out loud lines, especially from DSI Colin Claire and his tossing about.
The book delivered page after page of dark scenes, and a really gasping in shock moment.
Great read.

[Debbie Marie Sleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant crime thriller

Amazing from being to end. Couldn't stop reading till the end gripping has always. And so hilarious in parts too and always love all the characters too. Can't wait to read next in the series!

[P Knights · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant as always. Have re-read the Kett series numerous times

[Helen Howarth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding

[Sarah Hancock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

I absolutely love DCI Kett books and this one did not disappoint. A big twist in the story right from the beginning. Couldn't out it down. Pre ordered the next book.

[David Stimpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best so far

Kett and the team really go through it this time . What a Great Disturbing story. There is Humour as well .That is what makes these stories so Great

[Kim Stewardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Until death

BRILLIANT, BRILLIANT, BRILLIANT what a read I always think the best one every one I read but this one was amazing love these books can't wait for the next

[Pauline Dutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and this author.

[J S Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just brilliant

Another incredible addition to the Kett series. No matter what else I read they don't compare! Don't want to wait another year for the next!

[Joanne Fairbrother · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another gripping read with a luminosity that is unrivalled.

[ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

glorious

The twists and turns always throw me another incredible book. I cannot wait to see what the next one has in store for us!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Long awaited

Totally enjoyable as expected , good few twists turns, usual funny banter about tea , cant wait till 21! Recommended ,alex not burnt out yet!

[liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant - Alex Smith can do no wrong!

[Marc Schmit · Rating 4 out of 5]

The wedding setup is a nice change of pace before the dark stuff kicks in. Kett remains one of my favorite detectives. It’s 20 books deep, so read the series in order

[Gemma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good read 😁

[lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just love all these books 📕

Wowwwwww 🤩 another great book, I think these are the best ones that I’ve ever read…..Can’t wait for the next book in 2027 ❤️

[Sarah Booton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone else notice that every other book in the DCI Kett series was referenced at least once in this book?

[Katie Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book

I've read all Alex Smith's books in order and I would highly recommend that you do the same! Lots of violence but with a moving back story.

[Mr R · Rating 2 out of 5]

in the style

The narrative is in the style of the enid blyton famous five novels with a handcart of dead bodies thrown in