What do you think?
Rate this book
Albert Smith's Mystery Thrillers #7
Old Wives' Tale
A truth long buried, a lie well told, and an old detective willing to walk toward danger.
Travelling to Prague, Albert and his faithful dog have a very specific purpose in mind: Amidst the tourists and sightseers, they are on the trail of plundered Nazi gold.
They know roughly where to look, but Prague is a city of shadows and secrets so when a chance encounter in a darkened backstreet draws attention to a local superstition, Albert will find himself looking into the city’s ancient past… and his interest sparks a crime he refuses to ignore.
The locals dismiss the story as nothing more than an old wives’ tale, but is that really all it is?
In a city built on legends, Albert is about to discover which ones are worth killing for.
Travelling to Prague, Albert and his faithful dog have a very specific purpose in mind: Amidst the tourists and sightseers, they are on the trail of plundered Nazi gold.
They know roughly where to look, but Prague is a city of shadows and secrets so when a chance encounter in a darkened backstreet draws attention to a local superstition, Albert will find himself looking into the city’s ancient past… and his interest sparks a crime he refuses to ignore.
The locals dismiss the story as nothing more than an old wives’ tale, but is that really all it is?
In a city built on legends, Albert is about to discover which ones are worth killing for.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 31, 2026
About the author
Steve Higgs
489 books924 followersLet'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...
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...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story outshines every previous one, it has danger, mystery and Rex makes incredible and hilarious attempts in keeping his human safe although he has put both in danger as a pack of stray cats is after them seeking for revenge against Rex. Albert and Rex are in Prage looking for another lot of plundered Nazi gold and because of it they'll be involved in a murder investigation, will discover the one they thought was the murderer was in fact also looking for justice and that the old-new synagogue has much more story to tell than one could think of. I'm looking forward to reading the next story in this series, hopefully asap!
I thank the author for this ARC.
I thank the author for this ARC.
October 7, 2026
Enjoyed this book
I enjoyed reading book. I liked the history of the old cities Albert and Rex visit. I was horrified by the attack of the cats! Being a cat and dog lover I was thinking about Albert and his injuries and thinking feral cats . it made me think he would need an updated tetanus shot and possibly other treatment. In the USA they sometimes give rabies injections if they are worried about exposure. I know it makes for a good story line but having lived with cats all my life they can inflict some serious damage. My Persian scares the small dog next door when my cat is sunning on. the screened in porch.
I enjoyed reading book. I liked the history of the old cities Albert and Rex visit. I was horrified by the attack of the cats! Being a cat and dog lover I was thinking about Albert and his injuries and thinking feral cats . it made me think he would need an updated tetanus shot and possibly other treatment. In the USA they sometimes give rabies injections if they are worried about exposure. I know it makes for a good story line but having lived with cats all my life they can inflict some serious damage. My Persian scares the small dog next door when my cat is sunning on. the screened in porch.
August 2, 2026
Goody goody- An Empty Sunday and a new Albert Smith book !
What could be better? Okay, lots of things but I didn't want to do them. Because I had a new Albert Smith\Steve Higgs book! Continuing the saga begun many books ago with Rex- who is much smarter than his human- and Albert, a retired policeman who can't seem to stop solving crimes, they are now romping across Europe. One warning - make sure you are ready for the most insane and hilarious dog chases ever! They might make you wet your britches. Oh, and the mystery is pretty good too.
What could be better? Okay, lots of things but I didn't want to do them. Because I had a new Albert Smith\Steve Higgs book! Continuing the saga begun many books ago with Rex- who is much smarter than his human- and Albert, a retired policeman who can't seem to stop solving crimes, they are now romping across Europe. One warning - make sure you are ready for the most insane and hilarious dog chases ever! They might make you wet your britches. Oh, and the mystery is pretty good too.
August 3, 2026
Czechered History
Despite often laugh out loud dialogue from Rex especially, sombre and not very cozy instalment of Albert and Rex' search for stolen Nazi gold. Dark origins from Nazi Occupation of then Czechoslovakia, but the usual mix of well developed characters, bizarre animal behaviour and local history brought together for enjoyable read.
Despite often laugh out loud dialogue from Rex especially, sombre and not very cozy instalment of Albert and Rex' search for stolen Nazi gold. Dark origins from Nazi Occupation of then Czechoslovakia, but the usual mix of well developed characters, bizarre animal behaviour and local history brought together for enjoyable read.
August 4, 2026
Old Wives' Tale.
Steve Higgs has done it again. The Albert Smith and Rex adventures never fail to please. A mystery thriller that brings alive the city of Prague, with Rex once again being embroiled in fights with the local cat population. A fun story that keeps the reader turning the pages. Highly recommended.
Steve Higgs has done it again. The Albert Smith and Rex adventures never fail to please. A mystery thriller that brings alive the city of Prague, with Rex once again being embroiled in fights with the local cat population. A fun story that keeps the reader turning the pages. Highly recommended.
August 7, 2026
Albert and Rex rule!
Another great adventure for Albert and Rex this time also involving the local feral cat population. Rex manages to save the day again, although Albert has to escape on his own with some help from a local tour guide/ historian, he does get to the gold before, or at the same time as the bad guys! Read it now!
Another great adventure for Albert and Rex this time also involving the local feral cat population. Rex manages to save the day again, although Albert has to escape on his own with some help from a local tour guide/ historian, he does get to the gold before, or at the same time as the bad guys! Read it now!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another humorous and scary adventure for Rex and Albert.
This time they're in Prague, hot on the trail of the next cache of hidden Nazi treasure.
Rex had a good part in this book too, and there were many humorous moments among the craziness.
This time they're in Prague, hot on the trail of the next cache of hidden Nazi treasure.
Rex had a good part in this book too, and there were many humorous moments among the craziness.
Read
August 4, 2026Great Love for Rex and Albert as They Do It Again!
But what happened to Miriam?
The whole book is a delight... But the ending... No goodbye?
And thought Rex saved the Bosscat... Hmmm
But what happened to Miriam?
The whole book is a delight... But the ending... No goodbye?
And thought Rex saved the Bosscat... Hmmm
August 26, 2026
More Nazi gold
I love Albert. I love Rex. I do not like Nazis or anything to do with them. I'd hoped this topic would end after a book or two, but nope.
I'll continue reading the series though. It's well written and I love Rex.
I love Albert. I love Rex. I do not like Nazis or anything to do with them. I'd hoped this topic would end after a book or two, but nope.
I'll continue reading the series though. It's well written and I love Rex.
October 29, 2026
Always a Great read
I have recommended this series to both friends and family. Albert and Rex are an amazing pair, and I have a hard time putting the book down... waiting for the next book to arrive.
I have recommended this series to both friends and family. Albert and Rex are an amazing pair, and I have a hard time putting the book down... waiting for the next book to arrive.
August 1, 2026
Another win
His 7th Albert and Rex book is still fresh and lively. I love having characters I know...and then introduce me to new ones. Steve, thanks for writing
His 7th Albert and Rex book is still fresh and lively. I love having characters I know...and then introduce me to new ones. Steve, thanks for writing
August 6, 2026
furtive felines
Once again an immersive tale that makes for very easy reading and entertainment.
Cats continue to be thorns, or perhaps, needles in Rex’s side - I’ll say no more.
Once again an immersive tale that makes for very easy reading and entertainment.
Cats continue to be thorns, or perhaps, needles in Rex’s side - I’ll say no more.
August 6, 2026
So much fun to read and a wonderful mystery to follow.
August 7, 2026
Meow
I loved this episode of Rex and Albert. Its filled with adventure and controversy, especially with cats vs Rex and a new canine. Its full of humor mixed with danger.
I loved this episode of Rex and Albert. Its filled with adventure and controversy, especially with cats vs Rex and a new canine. Its full of humor mixed with danger.
August 12, 2026
Still!
Of course we carry on ! The major lesson, persistance, is a tricky one to accede in the face of ....
Of course we carry on ! The major lesson, persistance, is a tricky one to accede in the face of ....
August 12, 2026
Interesting Historical Mystery
Great Albert Smith mystery! Rex as usual is the most fantastic dog ever!I really enjoyed reading about WW Two history even if not completely true.
Great Albert Smith mystery! Rex as usual is the most fantastic dog ever!I really enjoyed reading about WW Two history even if not completely true.
August 24, 2026
Rex
Once again Rex was the hero. Albert was in all kind’s of trouble but he figured it out. The cats were crazy. I won’t look at a stray cat the same way.
Once again Rex was the hero. Albert was in all kind’s of trouble but he figured it out. The cats were crazy. I won’t look at a stray cat the same way.
August 25, 2026
Love Albert and Rex
Exciting as always. This is a great read. Rex makes friends and enemies. And actually talks both to people and animals. Can't wait for the next story!
Exciting as always. This is a great read. Rex makes friends and enemies. And actually talks both to people and animals. Can't wait for the next story!
August 31, 2026
The adventures of Albert Smith
The enjoyable writing of Steve Higgs and my appreciation of the language of England make his books even more of a pleasure to read.
The enjoyable writing of Steve Higgs and my appreciation of the language of England make his books even more of a pleasure to read.
August 31, 2026
Cosy mystery
Will Albert and Rex solve the case again. What adventures await man and dog. If only Rex could talk. And those darn cats
Will Albert and Rex solve the case again. What adventures await man and dog. If only Rex could talk. And those darn cats
September 10, 2026
Albert and Rex do it again! Fun read.
August 12, 2026
Another great book from Steve, the Albert and Rex books just get better, never laughed so much
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews