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DCI Kett #3
Three Little Pigs
He will find the truth. Even if it kills him.
Five months ago, DCI Robert Kett’s wife Billie was snatched from a London street.
Five months of no leads, no evidence, and no suspects.
Until now.
When a routine police search uncovers a chamber of horrors beneath one of the city’s most expensive houses, detectives find a clue that points to Billie’s fate, and to the identity of her kidnapper—an enigmatic killer known as the Pig Man.
Desperate for closure, and still reeling from his last investigation, Kett returns to London for his most personal and most dangerous case yet—a case that pits him against a terrifying evil.
He doesn’t know if Billie is alive or dead. He doesn’t know if he’s too late to save her. All he knows is that he swore he’d go to hell and back to find out what happened.
And now, he's about to.
Five months ago, DCI Robert Kett’s wife Billie was snatched from a London street.
Five months of no leads, no evidence, and no suspects.
Until now.
When a routine police search uncovers a chamber of horrors beneath one of the city’s most expensive houses, detectives find a clue that points to Billie’s fate, and to the identity of her kidnapper—an enigmatic killer known as the Pig Man.
Desperate for closure, and still reeling from his last investigation, Kett returns to London for his most personal and most dangerous case yet—a case that pits him against a terrifying evil.
He doesn’t know if Billie is alive or dead. He doesn’t know if he’s too late to save her. All he knows is that he swore he’d go to hell and back to find out what happened.
And now, he's about to.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2020
3119 people are currently reading
1248 people want to read
About the author
Alex Smith
25 books683 followersAlex 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 343 reviews
April 28, 2025
I am so glad to finally be getting around to catching up with the series about DCI Robbie Kett. Robbie moved him and his three young daughters from London to Norwich after the disappearance of his wife. This has been an underlying theme in the two previous installments and I’m glad that we’re finally going to get to find out what happened to Billie Kett.
Robbie has been a bit of a mess, not only in dealing with the grief and depression of missing his wife but also caring for his girls that has been extremely challenging. While reliable childcare is no laughing matter for a single parent, I have to say that Smith has illustrated Robbie’s parental style and efforts in a light and entertaining manner. Robbie’s a good dad, while still being an exceptional officer of the law. Don’t even get me started on the toll the last case he worked on (#2 Bad Dog). He’s still recovering physically and mentally. This story takes place shortly after that case.
Robbie and his girls are now back London after Robbie’s former partner is killed investigating a house that is suspected to be connected to the Pig Man, who is believed to be connected to Billie’s abduction. Robbie is warned to stay away from the investigation, but he disregards the warning and even drags in PC Kate Savage and DI Peter Porter, his colleagues from Norwich to come down to London and help him. What ensues is a full on $#^!storm and a classic example of why cops should not be included in cases where they have a personal connection: they are no longer thinking like a cop, and in Robbie’s case, he is thinking and behaving like a desperate husband.
The end comes quickly, in this 298pg story, in an eruption of desperate race from one intense and scary scene to another and bizarre ending. It will be interesting to see how Smith deals with the repercussions and aftershocks of this installment in future installments. I really hope he doesn’t just blow over all that has happened and everyone lives happily ever after. Uuuggghhh!!!
I have mixed feelings regarding the continuing character development for most of the MC’s. I knew going in that this installment was probably going to be a tough read because we were finally going to find out what happened to Billie. However, how Smith deals with certain characters in future installments will make or break my opinion/interest of the series. This was a fast-paced, action-packed story, which I love and the storyline was long awaited. The writing was…………….. I’m not sure what to make of the writing and leave it at that. I’m looking at an overall rating of 3.7 that I will be rounding up to a 4star review.
Robbie has been a bit of a mess, not only in dealing with the grief and depression of missing his wife but also caring for his girls that has been extremely challenging. While reliable childcare is no laughing matter for a single parent, I have to say that Smith has illustrated Robbie’s parental style and efforts in a light and entertaining manner. Robbie’s a good dad, while still being an exceptional officer of the law. Don’t even get me started on the toll the last case he worked on (#2 Bad Dog). He’s still recovering physically and mentally. This story takes place shortly after that case.
Robbie and his girls are now back London after Robbie’s former partner is killed investigating a house that is suspected to be connected to the Pig Man, who is believed to be connected to Billie’s abduction. Robbie is warned to stay away from the investigation, but he disregards the warning and even drags in PC Kate Savage and DI Peter Porter, his colleagues from Norwich to come down to London and help him. What ensues is a full on $#^!storm and a classic example of why cops should not be included in cases where they have a personal connection: they are no longer thinking like a cop, and in Robbie’s case, he is thinking and behaving like a desperate husband.
The end comes quickly, in this 298pg story, in an eruption of desperate race from one intense and scary scene to another and bizarre ending. It will be interesting to see how Smith deals with the repercussions and aftershocks of this installment in future installments. I really hope he doesn’t just blow over all that has happened and everyone lives happily ever after. Uuuggghhh!!!
I have mixed feelings regarding the continuing character development for most of the MC’s. I knew going in that this installment was probably going to be a tough read because we were finally going to find out what happened to Billie. However, how Smith deals with certain characters in future installments will make or break my opinion/interest of the series. This was a fast-paced, action-packed story, which I love and the storyline was long awaited. The writing was…………….. I’m not sure what to make of the writing and leave it at that. I’m looking at an overall rating of 3.7 that I will be rounding up to a 4star review.
February 8, 2021
I thought the first two books in the DCI Kett series were good, but Three Little Pigs blew me away, it’s unnerving, explosive and psychologically mind blowing. DCI Kett (Robbie) is still struggling with the disappearance of his wife, snatched off the streets in broad daylight, and finally we get to see what happened her. The plot is hard hitting, gritty and not one for those of a nervous disposition! I can’t praise this book or this series highly enough. It is well-written, superbly plotted, and completely engaging.
July 15, 2024
Wieder absolut spannend!
Kann die Reihe wirklich nur empfehlen!
Kann die Reihe wirklich nur empfehlen!
June 1, 2024
This is the 3rd one in this series and it was more exciting and gory than the first two. I'm loving this series and will be excited to read more in the future. You really have to read these books in order as there is a back story which carries on from previous books. Highly recommend.
October 19, 2020
Yet another brilliant instalment in the Robbie Kett series!
Brilliant ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Brilliant ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 14, 2024
I ripped through this at top speed. The first two books in the series were very enjoyable, but this took things to a different level, building on them expertly and delivering perfect payoffs to some big questions rasied in the first couple, not least of which was -- what the hell happened to Kett's wife?!? It moved swiftly, with rarely a pause for breath, and although it has the cute factor of the detective's three young daughters always tagging along with their dad, it got VERY dark in places. An absolute joy of a read -- but do make sure you read the first two books before you begin this one!
February 2, 2021
I do like Alex Smith but I wish his perpetrators didn’t have to be so outrageous that they border on fantasy. The crimes, the plots and the writing are full of suspense and very well done.
This book is better then the last (Bad Dog) which I didn’t really like.
I’ve just downloaded his next book (free on kindle) and I have my fingers crossed that we have a normal psycho (can there be such a thing 🤔) and no more men masquerading as dogs or pigs...
This book is better then the last (Bad Dog) which I didn’t really like.
I’ve just downloaded his next book (free on kindle) and I have my fingers crossed that we have a normal psycho (can there be such a thing 🤔) and no more men masquerading as dogs or pigs...
April 2, 2020
I rarely give a book 5 stars but this crime thriller is 5 stars plus. Great storyline, great characters and great writing. DCI Kett is finally on the trail of the ‘pig man’ who kidnapped his wife months before, leaving his life in tatters and to raise his 3 daughters on his own. I read this book in one sitting (cuddling a sick dog overnight - my excuse). I found this book so suspenseful and a bit scary, the author has a way of describing places and situations that makes you feel like you are there. Three Little Pigs got me in from the first page and is definitely a page turner. I did pick up a few clues but even then I was shocked with the conclusion. Do yourself a favour and read this series, starting with Paper Girls - they really have to be read in order. I can’t wait for the next book in this series. This review doesn’t do the book justice - definitely a 5+ stars from me.
June 4, 2024
I just couldn’t put it down. I had to find out how it ended.
April 22, 2020
First if you have been fallowing the sage of DCI Kett this book is a must read. If you happen to be a fan of rough and tough action you will enjoy this novel also. This is the fourth of the DCI Kett stories that I have read, and Kett made a brief appearance in The Harder They Fall, the first of the Softley Series of books. And to be honest if you enjoy this one you need to check out that series also. This book is the closest to that series in that it is farm more action and thriller than mystery. For this story is almost non-stop action from beginning to the end. And you will be on the edge of your seat.
I have stated before that each of the Kett novels have been great crime mystery novels, and interesting reads. But they are dark books with terrible crimes. This time Kett is close to finding his kidnapped wife. And the closer he gets the more he is warned to let it go. Even in her own handwriting. But he can’t let it go. He can’t let her go, especially since he knows he is close to finding her and figuring out the mystery of the Pig man.
This book and this series is definitely not for all readers. It is dark and gritty and very intense. It is a great thriller. Over ten years ago, I read and loved the Lockdown series published primarily for a young adult audience by Alexander Gordon Smith. When I found out he had this new crime mystery series in the works I had visions of his skill turned to series like Wired in the Blood, or the Commander. There is always something extra appealing about a British crime drama or procedural, I was hooked from the concept. The first short story is available for free on his site, if you are uncertain but I will warn you the stories are very addictive.
Kett is back in London and getting closer by the minute. But the forces he is up against. And the foes he is facing will surprise even him. After another officer is murdered it is a race against time. Kett is determined to get his wife back no matter the cost to his career, his health and maybe even his sanity.
But to find out if he gets her back, or even if he survives you will need to read this gripping crime drama yourself. It is a great read it what has shaped up to be a very intense addictive series. And if you enjoy it you really need to check out The Harder They Fall, the first book in his other series.
When younger, I went through a phase of reading mostly mysteries. A lot of books by Andrew M. Greeley, Tom Clancy, and Robert B. Parker. And DCI Kett is a great character in the genre. Up until last year I had not read much in the mystery or crime genres for over 25 years. But last year I read a lot of crime and mystery books. I read all the books available by Maureen Jennings, the Jack Reacher Series by Lee Child, and the Hunt for Reacher series by Diane Capri. I said it before and I stand by it, I really believe that the writing in this story kept up with them all. It is a great fourth story in a series.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Alex Smith. As well as author profile and interview with Alexander Gordon Smith.
I have stated before that each of the Kett novels have been great crime mystery novels, and interesting reads. But they are dark books with terrible crimes. This time Kett is close to finding his kidnapped wife. And the closer he gets the more he is warned to let it go. Even in her own handwriting. But he can’t let it go. He can’t let her go, especially since he knows he is close to finding her and figuring out the mystery of the Pig man.
This book and this series is definitely not for all readers. It is dark and gritty and very intense. It is a great thriller. Over ten years ago, I read and loved the Lockdown series published primarily for a young adult audience by Alexander Gordon Smith. When I found out he had this new crime mystery series in the works I had visions of his skill turned to series like Wired in the Blood, or the Commander. There is always something extra appealing about a British crime drama or procedural, I was hooked from the concept. The first short story is available for free on his site, if you are uncertain but I will warn you the stories are very addictive.
Kett is back in London and getting closer by the minute. But the forces he is up against. And the foes he is facing will surprise even him. After another officer is murdered it is a race against time. Kett is determined to get his wife back no matter the cost to his career, his health and maybe even his sanity.
But to find out if he gets her back, or even if he survives you will need to read this gripping crime drama yourself. It is a great read it what has shaped up to be a very intense addictive series. And if you enjoy it you really need to check out The Harder They Fall, the first book in his other series.
When younger, I went through a phase of reading mostly mysteries. A lot of books by Andrew M. Greeley, Tom Clancy, and Robert B. Parker. And DCI Kett is a great character in the genre. Up until last year I had not read much in the mystery or crime genres for over 25 years. But last year I read a lot of crime and mystery books. I read all the books available by Maureen Jennings, the Jack Reacher Series by Lee Child, and the Hunt for Reacher series by Diane Capri. I said it before and I stand by it, I really believe that the writing in this story kept up with them all. It is a great fourth story in a series.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Alex Smith. As well as author profile and interview with Alexander Gordon Smith.
March 6, 2024
Really wanted to enjoy this series but I guess it's just not for me. Lots of good ideas, liked the cast of characters but I think some of the repetition of character catchphrases got a bit tiring (there's only so many times 'I need a poop' and variations on 'tossing' can be funny). And as for Kett, the lead of the series - he must be some kind of superman, should have been dead 4, maybe 5 times already.
The stories may pick up now the first story arc is complete and I may go back to it in a few years but for now... nah, I'm out
The stories may pick up now the first story arc is complete and I may go back to it in a few years but for now... nah, I'm out
September 6, 2021
Fast moving, well written and kept me hooked. Really enjoying this series - why hadn't I heard of them before?
May 10, 2025
This novel should come with a warning....Highly Addictive! It is the best one so far. This on-the-edge-of-your-seat story is almost non-stop action from the beginning to the end.
The first two novels introduced DCI Robbie Kett with the ongoing question of the disappearance of his wife, Billie. This addition to the series finally answers that question, so like many, I was eager to learn what happened to Billie Kett.
The latest story unfolds after his former partner is killed while investigating a case linked to the Pig Man, who may be involved in Billie’s abduction. Though still recovering from injuries sustained in the previous novel, "Bad Dog," and ignoring warnings to "stop looking," Robbie must be involved. Desperate for closure, Kett returns to London for his most personal case yet. He doesn’t know if Billie is alive or dead. Robbie enlists his colleagues from Norwich, PC Kate Savage and DI Peter Porter, to help, leading to a chaotic situation where personal stakes compromise his police work.
The fast-paced narrative races through intense scenes to a surprising conclusion. I’m curious how Smith will address the aftermath in future installments. I'm hoping there won't be a "tidy resolution."
The first two novels introduced DCI Robbie Kett with the ongoing question of the disappearance of his wife, Billie. This addition to the series finally answers that question, so like many, I was eager to learn what happened to Billie Kett.
The latest story unfolds after his former partner is killed while investigating a case linked to the Pig Man, who may be involved in Billie’s abduction. Though still recovering from injuries sustained in the previous novel, "Bad Dog," and ignoring warnings to "stop looking," Robbie must be involved. Desperate for closure, Kett returns to London for his most personal case yet. He doesn’t know if Billie is alive or dead. Robbie enlists his colleagues from Norwich, PC Kate Savage and DI Peter Porter, to help, leading to a chaotic situation where personal stakes compromise his police work.
The fast-paced narrative races through intense scenes to a surprising conclusion. I’m curious how Smith will address the aftermath in future installments. I'm hoping there won't be a "tidy resolution."
December 31, 2022
OMG I literally stayed up until 3am to finish this because I was so engrossed!
I enjoyed the previous two in the series but this one has been the best yet, I was right with Robbie has he raised hell in London to protect the ones he loved no matter what he it cost him. Porter and Savage offered a little light relief and came to help him too which I loved.
I was so shocked at the mother of all twists I actually shouted OMG, I did not see it coming at all.
What a bloody book!.
I enjoyed the previous two in the series but this one has been the best yet, I was right with Robbie has he raised hell in London to protect the ones he loved no matter what he it cost him. Porter and Savage offered a little light relief and came to help him too which I loved.
I was so shocked at the mother of all twists I actually shouted OMG, I did not see it coming at all.
What a bloody book!.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2024
Šéfinspektor Kett - 3 díl. Zase pecka👍🏼Nemůžu než opět doporučit. Četla se jedním dechem.
November 10, 2023
Järjest paremaks läheb! Kui saaks, siis loeks kõik selle sarja raamatud korraga läbi, sest autori sulest on neid juba üsna ilmunud. Aga ma ikka ootan ja loodan, et eesti keeles läheb edasi, sest see oleks minu poolt üks mõnus ja põnevus krimisarja soovitus!
Peainspektor Kett naine rööviti sarja esimeses osas ning tal ei ole seni õnnestunud tabad röövijat ega leida abikaasat. Ta isegi ei tea, kas naine veel eluski on. Seekord jõuab ta röövijateni lähemale kui kunagi varem, kuid kas tal siiski õnnestub mingit selgust saada? Et teada saasa, pead lugema ☺️
Peainspektor Kett naine rööviti sarja esimeses osas ning tal ei ole seni õnnestunud tabad röövijat ega leida abikaasat. Ta isegi ei tea, kas naine veel eluski on. Seekord jõuab ta röövijateni lähemale kui kunagi varem, kuid kas tal siiski õnnestub mingit selgust saada? Et teada saasa, pead lugema ☺️
June 27, 2020
I found that I did not like this book. In fact I am turned off the whole series. The plot was old and there seemed to be a lot of gross descriptions (which I don't enjoy - realize others may not mind). Besides that, I just could not warm up to this detective because of his very abrasive work style. It seems absurd that anyone in his position could actually behave as he did and get away with it.
July 13, 2022
Oh this is a great book.
With DCI Kett’s wife Billie missing he gets a call from his old boss in London as they have a lead.
Kett gets there as fast as he can but he’s big welcomed by all in London.
This is a fast paced crime thriller that I absolutely loved.
With DCI Kett’s wife Billie missing he gets a call from his old boss in London as they have a lead.
Kett gets there as fast as he can but he’s big welcomed by all in London.
This is a fast paced crime thriller that I absolutely loved.
November 27, 2021
Off the wall crazy. I skimmed the last forty pages or so just to get through it. I'll try #4, but if it's as crazy as the last two, I'll have to move on.
July 26, 2025
Mit dem dritten Band der Detective Robert Kett-Reihe ging es für mich wieder in die düstere Welt der Verbrechen und diesmal wurde es richtig persönlich. 💥
Auch wenn jeder Fall in sich abgeschlossen ist, empfehle ich dringend, die Reihe chronologisch zu lesen , vor allem wegen der Entwicklungen im Privatleben von Robert Kett, die sich durch alle Bände ziehen.
Ich war erneut völlig gefesselt, die Bücher liest man locker in ein, zwei Tagen weg, weil sie einfach so spannend geschrieben sind und einen nicht mehr loslassen. Besonders dieser Band hatte es in sich, mit einer Wendung, mit der ich so früh in der Reihe wirklich nicht gerechnet hätte! 😳
Was mich aber am meisten an der Reihe hält? Ganz klar: Robert Kett selbst. Ein Ermittler, der einem sofort sympathisch ist, menschlich wirkt und bei dem man einfach mitfiebert. Seine Geschichte berührt und macht ihn zu viel mehr als nur einem "klassischen" Ermittler.
Obwohl ich persönlich den zweiten Band noch einen Ticken stärker fand, hat auch Teil 3 mich überzeugen könnnen und ich bin super gespannt, wie es weitergeht! 📖
Wer spannende Krimis mit einem sympathischen Ermittler sucht, ist hier genau richtig. Klare Empfehlung! 👍
Auch wenn jeder Fall in sich abgeschlossen ist, empfehle ich dringend, die Reihe chronologisch zu lesen , vor allem wegen der Entwicklungen im Privatleben von Robert Kett, die sich durch alle Bände ziehen.
Ich war erneut völlig gefesselt, die Bücher liest man locker in ein, zwei Tagen weg, weil sie einfach so spannend geschrieben sind und einen nicht mehr loslassen. Besonders dieser Band hatte es in sich, mit einer Wendung, mit der ich so früh in der Reihe wirklich nicht gerechnet hätte! 😳
Was mich aber am meisten an der Reihe hält? Ganz klar: Robert Kett selbst. Ein Ermittler, der einem sofort sympathisch ist, menschlich wirkt und bei dem man einfach mitfiebert. Seine Geschichte berührt und macht ihn zu viel mehr als nur einem "klassischen" Ermittler.
Obwohl ich persönlich den zweiten Band noch einen Ticken stärker fand, hat auch Teil 3 mich überzeugen könnnen und ich bin super gespannt, wie es weitergeht! 📖
Wer spannende Krimis mit einem sympathischen Ermittler sucht, ist hier genau richtig. Klare Empfehlung! 👍
January 12, 2025
I have to say that the plot was clever and the book was full of suspense and tension. It was also pretty graphic and brutal for folks who are squeamish. DCI Kett's definitely colors outside the lines but it is justified when he is trying to save his wife from a serial killer. In this book, as in the others, he gets pretty beat up in the process and alienates a lot of other officers who play by the book. I certainly did not figure out the plot, which was quite devious and twisted. The narration on the Audible version was great. Good rip-roaring police drama for sure.
March 14, 2025
Three Little Pigs by Alex Smith is the 3rd book in the DCI Kett series. Nearly six months after having his wife kidnapped on a busy London street, DCI Robert Kett receives a lead to a location when a friend and fellow detective is killed and returns to London to take up the search. An explosive, adrenaline packed thriller where we finally learn what happened. This book has so many twists and surprises and Kett is unstoppable. A brilliant British mystery thriller.
October 16, 2025
Der dritte Teil der Serie war sehr actionreich, spannenden und zum Teil auch recht gewaltsam. Einiges fand ich eher unrealistisch und auch vorhersehbar. Trotzdem hat mir das Hörbuch zu dem Krimi wirklich gut gefallen, ich mag einfach die Hauptpersonen, die so echt und menschlich sind und auch ihre Fehler und Schwächen haben. Ich freue mich auf jeden Fall auf die nächsten Teile dieser Reihe.
August 31, 2020
Couldn't wait to start this 3rd book in the series and it didn't disappoint! Continuing a really good story with added twists, turns and an ever increasing body count! I couldn't put it down by the end and already started the next book!
July 5, 2024
Ich hab währenddessen vergessen zu atmen! Ich lieeeeeeeebe diese Reihe und denke sogar, dass es wirklich alles vorherige toppt.
Mit jedem weiteren Buch fühl ich mich als wär ein Teil von mir auch zu Ende. Freu mich auf die weiteren in de Reihe!
Mit jedem weiteren Buch fühl ich mich als wär ein Teil von mir auch zu Ende. Freu mich auf die weiteren in de Reihe!
November 15, 2022
Excellent book, very well written. Lots of twists that you don't really see coming. But what a beautiful ending.
August 4, 2023
Definitely a page turner and great series !
WWRKD? Let’s just way I would do quite the polar opposite of whatever Kett does lol
WWRKD? Let’s just way I would do quite the polar opposite of whatever Kett does lol
March 14, 2024
I enjoyed this book as it's sort of happy ending 😊
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July 5, 2024Ei meeldinud üldse
November 10, 2024
3.5⭐️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 343 reviews