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Albert Smith's Culinary Capers #2
Bakewell Tart Bludgeoning
’How Steve Higgs brilliantly comes up with page-turner after page-turner is beyond my understanding, but much to my delight.’ - Amazon customer.
On a culinary tour of the British Isles, retired Detective Superintendent Albert Smith and snarky former police dog Rex Harrison find something quite unexpected waiting for them at their B&B …
… it’s the almost-dead body of their landlady.
Refusing to believe in coincidence, Albert and Rex set out to discover why her ‘accident’ is the second terrible event there in two days. Something is stirring in Bakewell and it’s not the ingredients for a famous tart.
In trouble faster than a souffle can fall, the duo must work fast before anyone else has an accident. But the landlady’s twin sister is hiding a secret, Albert keeps calling it a tart when it’s a pudding, and their taxi driver, Asim, appears to use a language all of his own.
With Rex’s nose working overtime, you can be sure they’ll track down the bad guys responsible. Unfortunately, that might be when the real trouble begins.
Baking. It can get a guy killed.
On a culinary tour of the British Isles, retired Detective Superintendent Albert Smith and snarky former police dog Rex Harrison find something quite unexpected waiting for them at their B&B …
… it’s the almost-dead body of their landlady.
Refusing to believe in coincidence, Albert and Rex set out to discover why her ‘accident’ is the second terrible event there in two days. Something is stirring in Bakewell and it’s not the ingredients for a famous tart.
In trouble faster than a souffle can fall, the duo must work fast before anyone else has an accident. But the landlady’s twin sister is hiding a secret, Albert keeps calling it a tart when it’s a pudding, and their taxi driver, Asim, appears to use a language all of his own.
With Rex’s nose working overtime, you can be sure they’ll track down the bad guys responsible. Unfortunately, that might be when the real trouble begins.
Baking. It can get a guy killed.
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2020
1759 people are currently reading
337 people want to read
About the author
Steve Higgs
541 books793 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...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
January 6, 2024
Albert, a retired police detective who’s 78 is on a tour of the UK to learn some culinary skills. This is the second book in the series which has murder and mayhem. This is a nice easy and humorous book.
June 24, 2021
3+, rounded up to 4- because I close the book with a smile on my face.
I love the premise of the series and will read more of them because they are nicely entertaining, but I figured out what was happening too early and the climax, while entertaining, was a bit overdone.
I love the premise of the series and will read more of them because they are nicely entertaining, but I figured out what was happening too early and the climax, while entertaining, was a bit overdone.
September 14, 2021
And as with Arthur and Rex, it was straight from Melton Mowbray to Bakewell for me too.
The saga of retired Detective Superintendent Smith and his dog Rex and the culinary tour of Britain continues., much to the consternation of Arthur's children.
I wont repeat the comments that I made about the previous book but this one continued where the other left off, in more ways than one.
It is not so much of a who-done-it this time and it must have been easier to solve as I managed to get there before the finale.
A most enjoyable read made even better by the thoughts of Rex Harrison and I do appreciate the authors terminology. Whereas others may have said 'he looked older', here we have, " His reflection in the mirror wasnt the kindest that he had ever seen ". Very well put. I liked it.
Next to Stilton.
The saga of retired Detective Superintendent Smith and his dog Rex and the culinary tour of Britain continues., much to the consternation of Arthur's children.
I wont repeat the comments that I made about the previous book but this one continued where the other left off, in more ways than one.
It is not so much of a who-done-it this time and it must have been easier to solve as I managed to get there before the finale.
A most enjoyable read made even better by the thoughts of Rex Harrison and I do appreciate the authors terminology. Whereas others may have said 'he looked older', here we have, " His reflection in the mirror wasnt the kindest that he had ever seen ". Very well put. I liked it.
Next to Stilton.
March 3, 2024
I liked this one better than the first because of some of the sub characters. The guy he hired to drive him around was hilarious. Rex is great. There were a lot of twists and turns that kept me engaged. Fun read.
February 17, 2022
2022 bk 36. I picked up the first 5 books as ebooks after reading the first in print and being bothered by formating issues. These issues are not as discernable in the ebook format and I was able to relax and enjoy this second story in the series. I liked this title a good deal more than the first. The writing was tighter and Rex Harrison has found his own voice/bark, separate from Albert. I loved the British-Iranian sidekicks and hope that they will appear in some future book. I admit to skimming the notes about the Pork Pie history in book 1 - but the notes on the Bakewell Tart/Pudding and subsequent controversies found me wanting to try out the recipe. It is a good thing that I have the next three books at hand!
August 23, 2024
I have 4 stars to The First Book in this series (Pork Pie Pandemonium) and this one is only three stars in comparison.
The introduction to the characters of Asim and his cousin seems vaguely racist.
The main character, Albert, is of course stereotypically old and unable to work his phone or understand slang. What’s worse is he later does not understand what zoning restrictions are - surely a retired policeman would have some concept.
The mystery is not very good. The bad guys are identifiable early on. The big surprise at the end is telegraphed long before that. One of those clues that sticks in Albert’s mind but he doesn’t quite get until later even though it stands out like a sore thumb.
I did like the book enough to read the whole thing but it was disappointing overall.
The introduction to the characters of Asim and his cousin seems vaguely racist.
The main character, Albert, is of course stereotypically old and unable to work his phone or understand slang. What’s worse is he later does not understand what zoning restrictions are - surely a retired policeman would have some concept.
The mystery is not very good. The bad guys are identifiable early on. The big surprise at the end is telegraphed long before that. One of those clues that sticks in Albert’s mind but he doesn’t quite get until later even though it stands out like a sore thumb.
I did like the book enough to read the whole thing but it was disappointing overall.
February 8, 2024
Another cozy mystery starring Rex Harrison (the dog) and his owner Albert Smith. Fun, with the addition of Albert's family as well as great local characters into the story. Enjoyed it and will look for the next in series.
December 12, 2021
It was a cute book! It kept you guessing as to whodoneit, so I think it did it's job well!
June 19, 2020
Perky and upbeat, this book makes very satisfying reading. I smiled all the way through.
A man, a dog, a mystery. What more could you want?
On a culinary trip around Britain Albert Smith, his failed police dog Rex Harrison, along with Albert's son, Randall; are travelling together on the second leg of a round the Britain journey to find and learn to cook all the different foods that are popular in different parts of the country.
On this occasion they are at Bakewell, with the idea that father and son will join cooking classes to learn to make a Bakewell dessert. Whether is is called a Bakewell Tart...or as they are corrected by the locals...a Bakewell Pudding; Evidently it is quite the topic of local conversation and debate. According to one young lady employed at the B&B, it is tantamount to a hanging offence in the local area if the locals catch you calling it by the wrong name.
On the first day in Bakewell, Albert, Randall and Rex, who wears an 'Assistance Dog' vest and harness; find that one of the landladies of their B&B is currently involved in a serious traffic accident. They manage to get through the police cordon. Then they discover more tragedy inside the b&b. Naturally, as a retired Detective Chief Inspector in the police Albert automatically starts to put the clues together his mind ticking over, but his son, who is a Chief Inspector feels there is no connection between the two events.
Obviously what ensues is a right old rigamarole as things start to go bump in the night and the dog seems to be the only one who can figure things out. His silent messages his humans don't hear make me laugh every time.
I really like Arthur and Rex Harrison. They make a fun and quirky team. They are just my cup of tea. I look forward to more capers and sculduggery in the rest of the stories the author says he has planned. I know that if they are anything like this one, I will love them and be thoroughly entertained.
A man, a dog, a mystery. What more could you want?
On a culinary trip around Britain Albert Smith, his failed police dog Rex Harrison, along with Albert's son, Randall; are travelling together on the second leg of a round the Britain journey to find and learn to cook all the different foods that are popular in different parts of the country.
On this occasion they are at Bakewell, with the idea that father and son will join cooking classes to learn to make a Bakewell dessert. Whether is is called a Bakewell Tart...or as they are corrected by the locals...a Bakewell Pudding; Evidently it is quite the topic of local conversation and debate. According to one young lady employed at the B&B, it is tantamount to a hanging offence in the local area if the locals catch you calling it by the wrong name.
On the first day in Bakewell, Albert, Randall and Rex, who wears an 'Assistance Dog' vest and harness; find that one of the landladies of their B&B is currently involved in a serious traffic accident. They manage to get through the police cordon. Then they discover more tragedy inside the b&b. Naturally, as a retired Detective Chief Inspector in the police Albert automatically starts to put the clues together his mind ticking over, but his son, who is a Chief Inspector feels there is no connection between the two events.
Obviously what ensues is a right old rigamarole as things start to go bump in the night and the dog seems to be the only one who can figure things out. His silent messages his humans don't hear make me laugh every time.
I really like Arthur and Rex Harrison. They make a fun and quirky team. They are just my cup of tea. I look forward to more capers and sculduggery in the rest of the stories the author says he has planned. I know that if they are anything like this one, I will love them and be thoroughly entertained.
September 24, 2024
This is the second book in the author's Albert Smith's Culinary Capers. In this episode, retired detective, Albert Smith, along with his canine sidekick, Rex Harrison, travels to Bakewell to learn the secrets to making their famous tarts. He is accompanied by his son, Randall, after his rather wild adventures by himself in Melton Mowbray. His children decided if he should continue on his quest to travel Great Britain to learn how to make the country's most famous dishes, then he should no longer travel alone. Randall was designated to be his companion on this leg of his journey.
The action starts as soon as he arrives in town, where the road to their bed and breakfast is blocked by a horrible accident involving a middle-aged woman being hit by a bus. Even though he didn't intend to get involved in the investigation - he really just wanted to learn how to make tarts - of course, he is drug into things nonetheless.
For the most part, I enjoyed the story, but a few things caught my attention: For instance, the layout of this book is different from the first one. The first one had clearly delineated chapter headings and beginnings; this one just starts a new chapter at the top of a page with a rather faint chapter title. Also, for some inexplicable reason, there are two completely blank pages in the book, both at the end of a chapter. And, I found several typos in the text.
The action starts as soon as he arrives in town, where the road to their bed and breakfast is blocked by a horrible accident involving a middle-aged woman being hit by a bus. Even though he didn't intend to get involved in the investigation - he really just wanted to learn how to make tarts - of course, he is drug into things nonetheless.
For the most part, I enjoyed the story, but a few things caught my attention: For instance, the layout of this book is different from the first one. The first one had clearly delineated chapter headings and beginnings; this one just starts a new chapter at the top of a page with a rather faint chapter title. Also, for some inexplicable reason, there are two completely blank pages in the book, both at the end of a chapter. And, I found several typos in the text.
November 20, 2023
Die Idee hat wirklich was - eine kulinarische Reise durch Großbritannien und bei jeder Station Halt zu machen, um zu lernen, wie man die entsprechende Spezialität kochen/backen kann. Gab es im ersten Band herzhafte Schweinefleisch-Pasteten, ist hier eher ein Nachtisch oder etwas zum Afternoon-Tea Gegenstand der Reise. Wobei so eine Tarte bzw. Pudding eine wirklich sehr süße Angelegenheit ist. Auch wenn hier kein Fondant um die Torte herum gewickelt wird, so ist diese Tarte wirklich, wirklich süß...
Der zweite Band hat mir gleich 2fach besser gefallen als der erste: zum Einen sind mir kaum Fehler aufgefallen und zum Anderen kam der Humor viel besser zum Tragen - ich habe mehrmals auflachen müssen 😉
Der Leser findet hier eine wunderschöne britische humorvolle und kurzweilige Cosy Crime Story vor. Genau das Richtige für die kältere Jahreszeit, um sich gemütlich in den Lesesessel mit einer Tasse Tee zurückzuziehen und mit diesem Buch die Zeit zu vertreiben.
Im Anschluss erhalten wir sogar noch eine Einführung in die Historie dieser speziellen Leckerei und natürlich auch das Rezept. - Vielen Dank dafür!
Ich gebe 09/10 Punkte.
https://sunsys-blog.blogspot.com/2023...
Der zweite Band hat mir gleich 2fach besser gefallen als der erste: zum Einen sind mir kaum Fehler aufgefallen und zum Anderen kam der Humor viel besser zum Tragen - ich habe mehrmals auflachen müssen 😉
Der Leser findet hier eine wunderschöne britische humorvolle und kurzweilige Cosy Crime Story vor. Genau das Richtige für die kältere Jahreszeit, um sich gemütlich in den Lesesessel mit einer Tasse Tee zurückzuziehen und mit diesem Buch die Zeit zu vertreiben.
Im Anschluss erhalten wir sogar noch eine Einführung in die Historie dieser speziellen Leckerei und natürlich auch das Rezept. - Vielen Dank dafür!
Ich gebe 09/10 Punkte.
https://sunsys-blog.blogspot.com/2023...
August 1, 2020
Retired detective superintendent Albert Smith continues on his culinary tour of England, this time with his police officer son, Randall, along to keep an eye on him.
They arrive at their B&B in Bakewell, only to find a number of emergency vehicles parked out front. The co-owner has been hit by a bus while crossing over to the Bakewell Tart kitchen across the street.
When Albert hears that the owner of the kitchen, where they were to take their tart making lesson, was murdered last night, he thinks the two incidents have to be related. Later that night Randall hears noises outside his window, and when he goes to investigate, he is hit over the head and ends up in the hospital with a concussion.
An unlikely helper for Albert in this book is a young Iranian man who drives him around in his rad car. Even though he can't understand half of what Asim says (he speaks youthful slang in otherwise accentless English) Albert likes the good natured young man and his cousin, and soon finds they have some hidden skills.
When matters come to a head, Albert calls on his other two police officer children and they come immediately to help him.
They arrive at their B&B in Bakewell, only to find a number of emergency vehicles parked out front. The co-owner has been hit by a bus while crossing over to the Bakewell Tart kitchen across the street.
When Albert hears that the owner of the kitchen, where they were to take their tart making lesson, was murdered last night, he thinks the two incidents have to be related. Later that night Randall hears noises outside his window, and when he goes to investigate, he is hit over the head and ends up in the hospital with a concussion.
An unlikely helper for Albert in this book is a young Iranian man who drives him around in his rad car. Even though he can't understand half of what Asim says (he speaks youthful slang in otherwise accentless English) Albert likes the good natured young man and his cousin, and soon finds they have some hidden skills.
When matters come to a head, Albert calls on his other two police officer children and they come immediately to help him.
December 17, 2020
Albert and Rex continue their culinary tour of England in this charming cozy mystery. As they arrive at their bed and breakfast, they learn that their landlady has just been hit by a bus . . . and a neighbor, the owner of the cooking school where Albert had intended to take his class, has been murdered. Unable to bake, Albert and Rex find themselves involved in trying to solve the murder, and stopping another murder from happening.
What a fun book. The writing is filled with humor and concern. The narration is spot on, making each character come to life. I could believe that octogenarian Albert and his dismissed police dog, Rex, are on the case. This time, Albert’s children, all police officers, also get involved. The situation is believable, and the writing and narration will draw you in.
This is definitely a book that will keep you listening and wanting to know what happens next.. I look forward to future books in this series.
I received an Audible code for this book from the author. I thank him for his generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
What a fun book. The writing is filled with humor and concern. The narration is spot on, making each character come to life. I could believe that octogenarian Albert and his dismissed police dog, Rex, are on the case. This time, Albert’s children, all police officers, also get involved. The situation is believable, and the writing and narration will draw you in.
This is definitely a book that will keep you listening and wanting to know what happens next.. I look forward to future books in this series.
I received an Audible code for this book from the author. I thank him for his generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
October 23, 2020
Episode two of Albert Smith's culinary tour takes him to Bakewell in Derbyshire. (I am blown away to discover there really is a town called Bakewell.) Along, as usual, is Smith's "assistance dog" Rex Harrison, and accompanying them is Smith's youngest son, Randall, a Chief Inspector in the Kent Police. The food this time is the Bakewell Tart (oops, no, it's a pudding). Travel is never without unexpected changes so when the bus which was to transport them to their B&B is delayed, they meet Asim, a truly unconventional young man who drives a mash up of a vehicle which Randall believes is illegal. (The author's previous life as a mechanic bleeds through in every story.) Albert and company encounter an intriguing mystery as they arrive at the B&B, and there is danger and hilarity in equal measure. Of course there will be a happy ending. But will Albert and Randall solve the mystery before Rex? This story is so much fun. I laughed so hard in a couple of places I could hardly draw breath.
Can't wait for the next installment.
Can't wait for the next installment.
October 25, 2022
A perfect blend of hard-core mystery, family bonds and man and his dog humor. Having mildly like the first book of the series, I decided to try this one. It is far better. Retired police detective superintendent Albert is 78 years old and his dog Rex who was kicked off the force for attitude are more tightly written than in the first book. This time they are joined on their culinary tour of England by Albert's younger son, an active duty officer. This let's us see them interact as both family members and police officers. They are almost immediately find themselves with two young and apparently silly sidekicks at the outskirts of a murder mystery. Here Albert is portrayed more mentally robust than before. He is still a superior detective who body just got old. Rex Harrison the dog is more of a main character than plot device. I really liked his view point on human strengths, weaknesses, and relationships.
July 29, 2023
Bakewell Tart Bludgeoning by Steve Higgs. Another cute crime novel involving a retired detective and a former police dog named Rex Harrison. It is funny and entertaining. Albert still has it even if he is 78 years old. These are just fun reads. I expect to see Patricia Fisher show up to assist in solving the crime but she is one of the author’s other series. All are fun to read. In this one, Albert and his youngest son, Randall, travel to Bakewell in hopes of learning how their famous tart is made. Of course, they stumble on a crime. Rex gets hurt by the bad guy as does Randall. Now Albert is mad and will solve the crime. His son and dog were targeted. So, he sets about to get to the bottom of why a murder occurred, followed by a terrible accident (turns out to have been on purpose) and who hurt his son and dog. After getting to the bottom of the crime, they attend class and learn how to make the famous tart, errr make that pudding.
August 6, 2020
Rex Harrison is the bomb!
Rex Harrison is Albert Smith's service dog. Not really-Albert got Rex's credentials online, so he could take him everywhere. Lol.
Albert, his son Randall and Rex are staying at the Kensit House in the town of Bakewell, right accross from the Bakewell Kitchen, where they plan to make famous Bakewell Pudding.
Then the owner of the Bakewell Kitchen is murdered, and one of the twins who owns Kensit House has an accident under a bus. Wth?
Randall sees a prowler at night and follows him. He ends up in the hospital with a concussion.
A certain person really wants to buy Kensit House and Bakewell Kitchen. And it seems they will do anything to get what they want.
Albert wants to collar whoever hurt his kid. Good thing Rex is really good in a fight.
Loved it!
Rex Harrison is Albert Smith's service dog. Not really-Albert got Rex's credentials online, so he could take him everywhere. Lol.
Albert, his son Randall and Rex are staying at the Kensit House in the town of Bakewell, right accross from the Bakewell Kitchen, where they plan to make famous Bakewell Pudding.
Then the owner of the Bakewell Kitchen is murdered, and one of the twins who owns Kensit House has an accident under a bus. Wth?
Randall sees a prowler at night and follows him. He ends up in the hospital with a concussion.
A certain person really wants to buy Kensit House and Bakewell Kitchen. And it seems they will do anything to get what they want.
Albert wants to collar whoever hurt his kid. Good thing Rex is really good in a fight.
Loved it!
May 16, 2024
Bakewell Tart Bludgeoning : By Steve Higgs.
The second one of these gentle cozy crime capers, with Albert and Rex at the centre of the fun.
This was a solid, fun read as we follow retired senior police officer Albert and his ex police dog, German Shepherd Rex on their culinary tour of Great Britain.
Before long they are mixed up in a mystery involving a murder, an attempted murder and Bakewell puddings (not tarts)
The mystery is fairly easy to figure out, but the fun is watching Albert come to the same conclusions as Rex's nose! The action and drama are there but it's all very 'Sunday afternoon' action. The comedy is what sells here, as Rex does what he does best and Albert uses his age and people's preconceived ideas of it to 'bumble' along to the answer.
Of particular fun was the interaction between Albert and Asim the young taxi driver come ninja gamer! All in all a really fun light read.
The second one of these gentle cozy crime capers, with Albert and Rex at the centre of the fun.
This was a solid, fun read as we follow retired senior police officer Albert and his ex police dog, German Shepherd Rex on their culinary tour of Great Britain.
Before long they are mixed up in a mystery involving a murder, an attempted murder and Bakewell puddings (not tarts)
The mystery is fairly easy to figure out, but the fun is watching Albert come to the same conclusions as Rex's nose! The action and drama are there but it's all very 'Sunday afternoon' action. The comedy is what sells here, as Rex does what he does best and Albert uses his age and people's preconceived ideas of it to 'bumble' along to the answer.
Of particular fun was the interaction between Albert and Asim the young taxi driver come ninja gamer! All in all a really fun light read.
June 29, 2020
I think this is the best Steve Higgs book I have read yet. An action packed whodunit with loads of humour flung in from two “out of the box” characters, Asim and Afshin. Albert certainly knows how to be in the right place at the wrong time, needing the help of his family, as well as his faithful assistance dog, Rex Harrison, to solve suspicious accidents in Bakewell where he planned to learn how to make their famous tart. A thoroughly enjoyable story that doesn’t tax your brain to read and brings a smile to your face. It also contains the recipe for Bakewell Tart for all you bakers who fancy trying a real English recipe.
Thank you Mr. Higgs for my ARC and this is my honest opinion. Looking forward to the next in series. Can you top this one? :)
May 6, 2022
Albert and failed police dog Rex are a hoot!
I just discovered a new series, although I’m a longtime fan of the author! Albert is a retired Detective Superintendent, now on a tour of the British Isles after his wife passed on, hoping to learn how to bake. The antics of his taxi-driver and the thoughts of Rex Harrison, his dog, make this book so much fun to read! Arriving at his B&B, he discovers one of the owners involved in a bus accident, amazingly alive. When it turns out this is the second “accident “ in just two days, he decides to investigate! A great cozy with really memorable characters and a fascinating plot!
I just discovered a new series, although I’m a longtime fan of the author! Albert is a retired Detective Superintendent, now on a tour of the British Isles after his wife passed on, hoping to learn how to bake. The antics of his taxi-driver and the thoughts of Rex Harrison, his dog, make this book so much fun to read! Arriving at his B&B, he discovers one of the owners involved in a bus accident, amazingly alive. When it turns out this is the second “accident “ in just two days, he decides to investigate! A great cozy with really memorable characters and a fascinating plot!
May 11, 2022
Bakewell Tart Bludgeoning by Steve Higgs is the second book in Albert Smith's Culinary Capers Mystery series. Retired policeman Albert Smith and his "assistance" dog Rex Harrison together with his youngest son travel to Bakewell to continue his culinary tour of the British Isles, only to find that their landlady has met with a serious accident and the owner of the cooking class had been murdered the previous day. A delightful cozy mystery with Albert and Rex investigationg after his son is assaulted. They make a great team and I enjoyed the book very much. Asim, their unconventional driver was especially entertaining. Lots of fun.
August 9, 2022
Another great read by Steve E. Higgs! I loved the well-developed characters, especially failed, snarky police dog, Rex Harrison, who often lets us in on what he is thinking (and smelling!), and his person, 78-year-old retired Police Superintendent, Albert Smith, who were key in the unfolding of the mystery surrounding a murder and an attempted murder in the small town of Bakewell, site of the famous Bakewell Tart, dating from the 1830s, or perhaps even earlier. The story deserves 5 stars, in my opinion, but because of the apparent lack of careful editing, resulting in numerous dropped tense endings, and other grammatical and spelling mistakes, I felt I could only rate it 4 stars.
January 21, 2023
These books were a lot of fun to read. It was especially nice to have a 75+ aged hero that hasn't lost his intelligence and is still so full of life and willing to try new things on his own. Basically living his best retirement life despite the loss of his long time wife.
The writing is humorous and the situations that Albert and his trusty former police dox Max get into are not your typical mystery scenarios. These books are very enjoyable. If you are an audiobook lover, the English narrator, Charles Robert Fox, is great and brings additional authenticity to the locations and culinary delights that drive the stories.
The writing is humorous and the situations that Albert and his trusty former police dox Max get into are not your typical mystery scenarios. These books are very enjoyable. If you are an audiobook lover, the English narrator, Charles Robert Fox, is great and brings additional authenticity to the locations and culinary delights that drive the stories.
May 2, 2023
3.5 or so stars.
This, the second book in the series, is a good story. Higgs does well by his protagonist, a 78-year-old former police investigator: Albert is always his age, feels it, and is limited by it. Realistic. He meets good-hearted younger people who are charmed by him and want to join his adventure. Rex, his highly intelligent K9 failure/service dog, is always a step ahead - literally and figuratively. I shaved off some points because the author writes this from an omniscient point of view that dives into first person point of view and shifts abruptly to another person and his point of view. I'm not a big stickler about this sort of thing, but here it felt like whiplash.
This, the second book in the series, is a good story. Higgs does well by his protagonist, a 78-year-old former police investigator: Albert is always his age, feels it, and is limited by it. Realistic. He meets good-hearted younger people who are charmed by him and want to join his adventure. Rex, his highly intelligent K9 failure/service dog, is always a step ahead - literally and figuratively. I shaved off some points because the author writes this from an omniscient point of view that dives into first person point of view and shifts abruptly to another person and his point of view. I'm not a big stickler about this sort of thing, but here it felt like whiplash.
June 9, 2023
I Love Rex!
This series of murder mysteries are so much fun to read.
In the style of Agatha Christie or "Murder She Wrote," throw in a large, sassy ex-police dog, led by an almost 80 year old retired chief inspector whose curiosity didn't retire when he did, and you have the recipe for a great romp across the English countryside.
Don't forget to read the history of the Bakewell Tart and Pudding, and the recipe, included at the end.
I would rate this book PG-13, there's mild language, alcohol and drugs mentioned, and of course death and some violence.
I recommend this book.
(Read with Kindle Unlimited subscription. )
This series of murder mysteries are so much fun to read.
In the style of Agatha Christie or "Murder She Wrote," throw in a large, sassy ex-police dog, led by an almost 80 year old retired chief inspector whose curiosity didn't retire when he did, and you have the recipe for a great romp across the English countryside.
Don't forget to read the history of the Bakewell Tart and Pudding, and the recipe, included at the end.
I would rate this book PG-13, there's mild language, alcohol and drugs mentioned, and of course death and some violence.
I recommend this book.
(Read with Kindle Unlimited subscription. )
February 2, 2025
Murder and mayhem
Book 2 is just enjoyable as the first one. Albert Smith and his dog, Rex continue learning to cook delightful British foods around the country. His son, Randall, is with him as Albert's children don't trust him to stay out of trouble. After all, Albert is 78 years old. All four of them are police officers. Of course, Albert is retired but his brain and instincts are very good. This time a murder and an attempted murder are also present. Many twists and turns occur before the crimes are solved and he is able to make a Bakewell Pudding. I really appreciate the history and recipe at the end. Enjoy.
Book 2 is just enjoyable as the first one. Albert Smith and his dog, Rex continue learning to cook delightful British foods around the country. His son, Randall, is with him as Albert's children don't trust him to stay out of trouble. After all, Albert is 78 years old. All four of them are police officers. Of course, Albert is retired but his brain and instincts are very good. This time a murder and an attempted murder are also present. Many twists and turns occur before the crimes are solved and he is able to make a Bakewell Pudding. I really appreciate the history and recipe at the end. Enjoy.
June 3, 2020
Albert and Rex are in Bakewell, a small market town in th Derbyshire Dales district of Derbyshire, England.
Albert has his son Randall with him, as well as Rex his assistance dog. Randall is along to keep his dad out of trouble. Well that is the plan anyways haha.
Right from the start things aren't looking good at the little B&B they are booked in to.
Murder, mystery, and a whole lot of laughing will have you hooked from start to finish. I'm loving this series, and look forward to reading the books as fast as they are written.
Albert has his son Randall with him, as well as Rex his assistance dog. Randall is along to keep his dad out of trouble. Well that is the plan anyways haha.
Right from the start things aren't looking good at the little B&B they are booked in to.
Murder, mystery, and a whole lot of laughing will have you hooked from start to finish. I'm loving this series, and look forward to reading the books as fast as they are written.
June 20, 2020
As the second book in this series, Steve Higgs has outdone himself again. Action beginning right from the start, Albert and Rex, once again have case to solve and a tart to bake. Oh wait, a pudding to bake. Mustn’t mix them up. Easily works as a stand-alone and can be read in an afternoon.
Albert is now traveling with his son and of course, the wonderful failed police dog, Rex. The escapades start early and continue throughout the book. It’s definitely worth the time to read. It’s a rollicking fun roller coaster ride.
Albert is now traveling with his son and of course, the wonderful failed police dog, Rex. The escapades start early and continue throughout the book. It’s definitely worth the time to read. It’s a rollicking fun roller coaster ride.
June 20, 2020
Albert, Randall and Rex Harrison travel to Bakewell so Albert can learn how to make a Bakewell Pudding...never call it a tart. A murder, an accident and a bludgeoning make for a less than happy adventure.
Mr. Higgs has given us delightful characters in a wonderful short story. I wish it had been longer. It's impossible not to get hooked by these characters and this series. I look forward to the next episode.
Fabulous. Highly Recommended
Given to me as and ARC book...this is my honest review.
Mr. Higgs has given us delightful characters in a wonderful short story. I wish it had been longer. It's impossible not to get hooked by these characters and this series. I look forward to the next episode.
Fabulous. Highly Recommended
Given to me as and ARC book...this is my honest review.
July 6, 2020
Bakewell Tart Bludgeoning is the second book in the Albert Smith's Culinary Capers Recipe series and is a fabulous addition to the series.
Albert, his son, Randall, and Rex continue on their culinary tour of the British Isles, they find another mystery to solve before there is another "accident" in Bakewell. This story has quirky characters, an engaging storyline, mystery, intrigue, and suspense. I love reading Rex's thoughts on the crime as he works the case.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
Albert, his son, Randall, and Rex continue on their culinary tour of the British Isles, they find another mystery to solve before there is another "accident" in Bakewell. This story has quirky characters, an engaging storyline, mystery, intrigue, and suspense. I love reading Rex's thoughts on the crime as he works the case.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
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