Cry Baby

DCI Kett #0.5

by Alex Smith

DCI Robert Kett is about to have the worst day of his life.

The city is a Furnace, nine million people losing their minds in an unprecedented heatwave. Somebody is strangling young men on London's buses and trains, and Kett must find the killer before the capital descends into chaos.

But that’s not all he has to worry about. An old enemy is out for revenge, and with a price on his head, danger is everywhere.

London is burning, but if Kett’s not careful then it’s his life—and the lives of those he loves most—that's about to go up in flames…

Discover the events that led up to PAPER GIRLS in this official DCI Kett Novella from bestselling author Alex Smith.

Genres: Thriller

99 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2019

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

[Steven R. McEvoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 a 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 just something so appealing about a British crime drama or procedural, I was hooked from the concept. And this first short story is available for free on his site, and leads into the first full length novel. Though to be honest the whole time I was reading this I was picturing Jamie Bamber as DCI Kett.

The description of the book begins by telling us the DCI Robert Kett is about to have the worst day of his life. And the story lives up to that prediction. The story follows Kett as he navigated the minefields at home, work and on the streets of London. The city is trapped in the middle of a heat wave. And there is a serial killer knocking off young men all on public transportation. Kett discovers there is a price on his head.

I admit I have thoroughly enjoyed all the books I have read by Alex Smith. And this new story is setting up what looks like an excellent series. At the time of writing this review there are 2 novels that follow this story and a third that is publishing shortly.

Over the last year I have 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. And the writing in this story kept up with them all. It is a great start to a series. And sets us up for some serious drama in the coming volumes.

The characters are well written. The plot proceeds at an excellent pace. And you can’t help but find yourself cheering for DCI Kett. It is an excellent beginning and I look forward to seeing what happens with DCI Kett next. If you enjoy a good crime novel give this story and try.

Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Alex Smith. And also an author profile and interview with Alexander.

[Karly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book after Paper Girls and it was an excellent prequel to give you some insight into the events leading up to the first novel.

I think reading it after is actually better because you know Billie is missing and even how she went missing but you are left wondering so then to pick this one up and find out (limited) info is really good.

I enjoyed it very much. Alex Smith is a new author for me and I must say I am enjoying the books so far.

[Shelley Amazon ca reviews as Purrrplehaze · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a great, very short story with a cliffhanger. Ugh.

I hate serials.

I will TRY not to look for the next installment. Because I hate waiting.

Just write the whole book and THEN publish it...Thanks

[Terry M · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good, short detective story. While trying to solve the murders of a couple of men which take place on public transport, DCI Kett is also trying to get in touch with his seemingly missing wife. He is attacked by a work colleague, catches the killer and finds out that his wife has been taken, leaving a cliff-hanger and a promise that he will not stop until he finds her. Will the case of the 'Paper Girls' shed some light on what has happened to Billie? Maybe, maybe not.

[Christine Rennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Paper Girls before I read Cry Baby by Alex Smith and both of them are excellent reads. Cry Baby explains though what has happened before to his wife and why DCI Robert Ketts is left looking after his three children.
I am really enjoying this police series and will be reading the next one Bad Dog next.
Highly recommended

[David Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella size book is a great introduction to DCI Kett, back in his days in London. There's a fast-paced puzzling mystery that is resolved neatly, while a personal drama unfolds for Robbie Kett himself. There's plenty of action too.

If you haven't read any of the DCI Kett books yet, then I'd suggest starting with this one. It introduces a big issue that no doubt may well run through the whole series. I'm giving no spoilers here, so I'll leave it at that.

Get this free from the author's website. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

[Anastasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cry Baby by Alex Smith is the prequel to the DCI Kett series. DCI Kett is called to mysterious strangulations of young men while his wife has gone missing. A superb introduction and I can't wait to get started. Love the rapport that DCI Kett has with his girls.

[Amanda Sloan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this short prequel to the DCI Kett series. Also loved the little nod to Softly, Softly!

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3½⭐
A good beginning and DCI Kett was very likeable

[Hayley Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was good to go back and read this. It gives a good background.

[MaryAnn (EmilyD1037) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short (99 pg.) novella leading into an English police procedural/mystery.

I read it in a short time (for me anyway) and found it compelling.
I don't generally read male authors but enjoyed it and intend to continue reading the series.

[Abeer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favourite Quote: He poured the brew into two porcelain cups, adding a dash of milk to Billie’s and a dash and a half to his own. His hand automatically went for a cigarette the way it did every morning, a tea and a smoke had been his way to start the day for Fifteen years, but it came away empty, the same way it had since they first knew Billie had a bun in the oven.

Favourite Quote: The car seemed to instantly cool by Ten degrees. I’m hungry whined Evie. I need a poo. We are Ten minutes away. I can feel a poo coming out. Just hang on. Evie’s pooped herself. I haven’t, you have. You’ve pooped your pants, Evie!

My absolute favourite detective series; These books sent shivers down my spine and were so captivating that I couldn’t stop reading. The main characters are both amazing and hilarious, making the series incredibly entertaining. The humour shared among the characters is the highlight. Moira, Evie, and Alice captured my heart, and just thinking about the characters makes me smile. The books feature dark and intense plots, along with well developed characters. It’s amazing how much emotional depth they bring to the crime thriller genre. The choice Billie faced, between her own kidnapping or that of her children, was unimaginable. I don’t want the ‘Detective Chief Inspector’ series to end. I can’t wait to see what journey awaits the detectives in the upcoming books. These books are a compelling read for fans of gripping detective crime thrillers.

[stef · Rating 3 out of 5]

→ my rating: 3.0 ★

This was an interesting look at exactly what happened the day of Billie’s disappearance but I kind of wish we saw more of the aftermath. Obviously, that’s book one, but I mean the way the London investigation went before Kett was sent to Norfolk. The mystery/thriller aspect also wasn’t as strong as the other books, but overall this was just fine.

[on storygraph (macclown) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great little prequel to the DCI Kett story, definitely gets you in the mood to read the rest of the series. Hugely recommend the first in the story, Paper Girls, once you've read this!