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Albert Smith's Culinary Capers #4
Bedfordshire Clanger Calamity
Baking. It can get a guy killed.
In the small Bedfordshire town of Biggleswade, retired detective Albert, and former police dog, Rex, are enjoying a peaceful break from the murder and mayhem of the last week. Until the waitress serving him is arrested for murder …
… and he discovers she killed the café’s owner three days ago. But Albert saw her eyes when the police came for her – she is innocent!
With evidence stacked against her, no alibi, and both motive and opportunity, she will carry the blame unless someone can prove otherwise. Left holding her dog when the police took her away, Albert does what he does best … he snoops.
There is something very odd going on, that’s for sure, and as he starts to investigate, the woman’s checkered past comes to life. Is she guilty after all?
In no time at all Albert becomes the target and this time it will take more than Rex to keep him safe. Is there a master criminal working behind the scenes? What possible motive could he have? One thing is for sure … this is no underdog tale!
'This book is laugh out loud funny! Rex Harrison the dog steals the show continually.’ ‘The adventures he and Rex get into are hilarious. You will not want to put it down and will be begging for the next book. Steve Higgs is a masterful storyteller!’
In the small Bedfordshire town of Biggleswade, retired detective Albert, and former police dog, Rex, are enjoying a peaceful break from the murder and mayhem of the last week. Until the waitress serving him is arrested for murder …
… and he discovers she killed the café’s owner three days ago. But Albert saw her eyes when the police came for her – she is innocent!
With evidence stacked against her, no alibi, and both motive and opportunity, she will carry the blame unless someone can prove otherwise. Left holding her dog when the police took her away, Albert does what he does best … he snoops.
There is something very odd going on, that’s for sure, and as he starts to investigate, the woman’s checkered past comes to life. Is she guilty after all?
In no time at all Albert becomes the target and this time it will take more than Rex to keep him safe. Is there a master criminal working behind the scenes? What possible motive could he have? One thing is for sure … this is no underdog tale!
'This book is laugh out loud funny! Rex Harrison the dog steals the show continually.’ ‘The adventures he and Rex get into are hilarious. You will not want to put it down and will be begging for the next book. Steve Higgs is a masterful storyteller!’
211 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 25, 2020
609 people are currently reading
192 people want to read
About the author
Steve Higgs
547 books806 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 108 reviews
January 4, 2022
Albert and Rex make another stop on their culinary tour of England, this time to Bedfordshire for a class on making clangers. While there, they’re pulled into yet another murder investigation, and find themselves trying to clear the name of a young woman, the girlfriend of the man killed. Albert finds himself taking care of not only Rex, but also a snarky dachshund who belongs to the young woman.
The author is drawing the storyline of this series together by continuing to involve a behind the scenes mafia-like character who’s driving these murders. It will be interesting to see how this develops in future books.
This book involves not only murder, but kidnapping, employee one-upmanship and dissatisfaction, and dogs’ jealousy of each other.
I listened to the audiobook version of this and loved it. It’s well-written by the author and perfectly performed by the narrator. It had me chuckling out loud more than once. The antics of the dogs and Albert’s sleuthing are phenomenal.
I highly recommend this book and the entire series.
I received a free 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.
The author is drawing the storyline of this series together by continuing to involve a behind the scenes mafia-like character who’s driving these murders. It will be interesting to see how this develops in future books.
This book involves not only murder, but kidnapping, employee one-upmanship and dissatisfaction, and dogs’ jealousy of each other.
I listened to the audiobook version of this and loved it. It’s well-written by the author and perfectly performed by the narrator. It had me chuckling out loud more than once. The antics of the dogs and Albert’s sleuthing are phenomenal.
I highly recommend this book and the entire series.
I received a free 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 24, 2020
A delightful, quick read.
Long retired police superintendent Albert Smith continues his culinary tour of England, along with his former police dog, Rex, who is the real star of the book in my opinion.
Albert has just completed his class in clanger making, when all hell breaks loose once again. The owner of the restaurant has been killed and his girlfriend is arrested, thanks to a phone call from a nasty employee who has plans of taking over the business. Albert sees the look in the woman's eyes as she is arrested and knows she is innocent. He works with her brother to get her released from jail.
Somehow Albert is handed the woman's miniature dachshund to care for, and initially the tiny pup compensates for his small size and bullies huge Rex. We understand the insults the dogs are hurling at each other, but as much as he tries, Rex cannot get his owner to understand. A pity because the dog constantly gives Albert good advice. "He's here! The bad guy is right here. Can't you smell him?"
It seems there is a tie between this and the last book, although Albert is still unaware of the connection.
Long retired police superintendent Albert Smith continues his culinary tour of England, along with his former police dog, Rex, who is the real star of the book in my opinion.
Albert has just completed his class in clanger making, when all hell breaks loose once again. The owner of the restaurant has been killed and his girlfriend is arrested, thanks to a phone call from a nasty employee who has plans of taking over the business. Albert sees the look in the woman's eyes as she is arrested and knows she is innocent. He works with her brother to get her released from jail.
Somehow Albert is handed the woman's miniature dachshund to care for, and initially the tiny pup compensates for his small size and bullies huge Rex. We understand the insults the dogs are hurling at each other, but as much as he tries, Rex cannot get his owner to understand. A pity because the dog constantly gives Albert good advice. "He's here! The bad guy is right here. Can't you smell him?"
It seems there is a tie between this and the last book, although Albert is still unaware of the connection.
September 25, 2020
I enjoy so much reading this series, Rex is the best – his canine thoughts make me laugh so much! In the previous book they were working with cheese and in this one they are involved with clangers (I had to look up in the dictionary for this word) and I believe they are yummy!!! Oh well! Rex, Albert and the new, transienty addition to their team – Hans, find the culprits for murder and the story has many descriptions of smell, sounds and looks of food and beverages that leave you wanting to test what the characters are drinking and eating. I´m looking forward to reading the next book in this series to find out how they manage to identify who is behind all the killings.
As a member of the author´s ARC team I downloaded a free copy of this book through Bookfunnel and this is my honest review.
As a member of the author´s ARC team I downloaded a free copy of this book through Bookfunnel and this is my honest review.
September 2, 2025
This is a solid cozy mystery series. You can always depend on it to be entertaining and a good time. Albert and Rex continue with their gourmet tour of England when they witness a woman being arrested for murder. Kate insists she didn't do it, and Albert, who believes her, decides to investigate. They also end up watching her dachshund, Hans. Rex and Hans' frenemy relationship was adorable. The mystery wasn't as strong as some of the others due to the character who ended up being guilty. I am not sure I can totally buy into their motive. Other than that, it was good.
September 30, 2023
Starting to wear thin, the novelty is going.
Plus, the lack of continuity bothers me. Rex was really hurt at the end of the previous book so his incredible rebound to 100% health and activity 3 days later is preposterous. Not important, I know, but it bothers me none the less.
*sigh* I'll keep going, at least for a while, because I enjoy the recipes.
Plus, the lack of continuity bothers me. Rex was really hurt at the end of the previous book so his incredible rebound to 100% health and activity 3 days later is preposterous. Not important, I know, but it bothers me none the less.
*sigh* I'll keep going, at least for a while, because I enjoy the recipes.
November 2, 2024
Another in the surprisingly good series about a retired detective who travels England learning how to cook all his favorite foods. The character development--him, his sons and daughters, his dog--is what makes it enjoyable for me. The mysteries are good, too, and the action decently acted. The only complaint I have, as I said previously, is him insisting on switching to the "bad guys" POV. It ruins the mystery.
Otherwise, very enjoyable.
Otherwise, very enjoyable.
March 5, 2024
The dogs stole the show in the one. I loved their interactions. The mystery part was a little weak. Albert seemed a little off his game in this one but he is still very endearing so I cut him some slack. Another good segment is the series.
February 25, 2024
Fun and silly
December 17, 2024
Bedfordshire Clanger Calamity by Steve Higgs is the 4th book in Albert Smith's Culinary Capers series. Continuing their culinary tour of Britain, retired policeman Albert Smith and his "assistance" dog Rex Harrison travel to Bedfordshire for a class on making clangers only to find the owner of the cafe has been murdered. Another fun book in the series where they are joined by a dachshund Hans, whose owner has been arrested for the murder. I loved the interactions between the two dogs who become friends at the end after trading insults initially. I loved that Albert is able to continually help out and enjoy himself in the process. An excellent and very entertaining mystery.
February 1, 2023
Another amusing caper with Albert accompanied by his faithful sidekick Rex.
This time they set out to clear the name of a murdered man’s girlfriend. Plenty of humour. I love this series.
This time they set out to clear the name of a murdered man’s girlfriend. Plenty of humour. I love this series.
January 25, 2023
This is the 4th in the Albert Smith's Culinary Capers mystery series that I read in a boxed set that includes #1-10 and where I reviewed each book.
September 30, 2020
This story was light-hearted, and full of interest and a fair bit of dog chasing action.
Albert Smith, a retired police officer and his ex-police dog Rex Harrison, are going around all of Great Britain on a culinary journey. Albert's late wife was the one who did all the cooking, and since her death Albert has found that his culinary skills were lacking. Therefore the trip around the British Isles to learn how to make different counties famous foods.
This times it's the turn of Bedfordshire, with its famous Bedfordshire Clanger; a pastry that is either sweet or savoury, and can be one half sweet and the other half savoury.
After learning how to make the pastry in a lesson held in a bakery that specialises in the Clanger, as Albert is finishing a meal of a sweet/savoury Clanger, a pair of police officers come in and arrest the owner of the business, Kate Harris, on suspicion of murdering her boyfriend, Joel Clement, who co owned the establishment with her.
Albert sees her shocked face as she is cuffed and led away, immediately believing his gut instincts that she is completely innocent. Thus begins a mystery that will wet your appetite and move your little grey cells in a pleasing and fruitful way.
Albert and Victor Harris, Kate's brother, who works in the bakery making the Clangers, agree that Albert should investigate the situation. Albert and his dog Rex, along with Kate's little dachshund Hans, actively pursue some leads which result in both dogs chasing and biting bad guys in an exciting way as they are getting closer to the truth of why Joel Clements had to die.
I loved this book's back story, which leads neatly on from the previous book and the cases Albert has been involved in through one maniacal man.
This book was by turns, seriously good, filled with humour, and almost slapstick like action scenes. And I spent far too long engrossed in it, to the extent that the housework and supper, were late getting done, to my great embarrassment. But it was well worth it!
Albert Smith, a retired police officer and his ex-police dog Rex Harrison, are going around all of Great Britain on a culinary journey. Albert's late wife was the one who did all the cooking, and since her death Albert has found that his culinary skills were lacking. Therefore the trip around the British Isles to learn how to make different counties famous foods.
This times it's the turn of Bedfordshire, with its famous Bedfordshire Clanger; a pastry that is either sweet or savoury, and can be one half sweet and the other half savoury.
After learning how to make the pastry in a lesson held in a bakery that specialises in the Clanger, as Albert is finishing a meal of a sweet/savoury Clanger, a pair of police officers come in and arrest the owner of the business, Kate Harris, on suspicion of murdering her boyfriend, Joel Clement, who co owned the establishment with her.
Albert sees her shocked face as she is cuffed and led away, immediately believing his gut instincts that she is completely innocent. Thus begins a mystery that will wet your appetite and move your little grey cells in a pleasing and fruitful way.
Albert and Victor Harris, Kate's brother, who works in the bakery making the Clangers, agree that Albert should investigate the situation. Albert and his dog Rex, along with Kate's little dachshund Hans, actively pursue some leads which result in both dogs chasing and biting bad guys in an exciting way as they are getting closer to the truth of why Joel Clements had to die.
I loved this book's back story, which leads neatly on from the previous book and the cases Albert has been involved in through one maniacal man.
This book was by turns, seriously good, filled with humour, and almost slapstick like action scenes. And I spent far too long engrossed in it, to the extent that the housework and supper, were late getting done, to my great embarrassment. But it was well worth it!
June 11, 2025
Albert Smith is a retired Detective; he and his retired police dog, Rex, are touring the country sampling the various cuisines of the local areas.
When the waitress who is serving his meal is arrested for the murder of the restaurant's owner.
Albert knows she is innocent, so he offers his services to help.
This was the first book I've read in this series, and also by this author.
I found the story to be overall very slow paced and quite a bit cheesy, (Pun intended).
The mastermind is a survivalist who believes that the world is on the verge of the apocalypse,
He is fortifying himself for the long run, and is 'saving' others by kidnapping them to force them to work for him and provide all of his needs.
If they are not satisfactory to his needs, he simply has them killed.
Farmers, cleaners, cooks (all the best in their specialty).
Along with animals, and foodstuffs to keep a small community running.
Why aren't there people looking for a massive number of people who have just disappeared?
Why focus on an elderly retired police detective and his canine (who should probably be dead since the detective is in his eighties)
When the waitress who is serving his meal is arrested for the murder of the restaurant's owner.
Albert knows she is innocent, so he offers his services to help.
This was the first book I've read in this series, and also by this author.
I found the story to be overall very slow paced and quite a bit cheesy, (Pun intended).
The mastermind is a survivalist who believes that the world is on the verge of the apocalypse,
He is fortifying himself for the long run, and is 'saving' others by kidnapping them to force them to work for him and provide all of his needs.
If they are not satisfactory to his needs, he simply has them killed.
Farmers, cleaners, cooks (all the best in their specialty).
Along with animals, and foodstuffs to keep a small community running.
Why aren't there people looking for a massive number of people who have just disappeared?
Why focus on an elderly retired police detective and his canine (who should probably be dead since the detective is in his eighties)
January 28, 2024
Überall, wohin Albert seine kulinarische Reise bringt, scheint es unerwartete Verbrechen zu geben, die mit eben jenen Spezialitäten in Zusammenhang stehen, die Albert auf seiner Reise zu lernen zuzubereiten gedenkt. Albert als pensionierter Polizist hat ein untrügliches Gespür für die Dinge und geht gemeinsam mit seinem Hund Rex auf eigene Ermittlungen, um den Fall zu lösen.
Selbstverständlich kommt es immer wieder zu Zusammenstößen mit der ermittelnden Behörde und natürlich den Gegenspielern, doch Albert und Rex sind ein gutes Team und erhalten bei diesem Fall sogar unerwarteten Beistand eines weiteren Vierbeiners.
Die Fälle sind jeweils humorvoll geschildert, spannend erzählt und bringen uns am Ende des Buches immer das Rezept zu der britischen Spezialität des jeweiligen Landstrichs.
Ich kann die Reihe wirklich empfehlen und sehe über die wenigen grammatikalischen Fehler hinweg. Von mir gibt es für Band 4 88/100 bzw. 09/10 Punkte.
https://sunsys-blog.blogspot.com/2024...
Selbstverständlich kommt es immer wieder zu Zusammenstößen mit der ermittelnden Behörde und natürlich den Gegenspielern, doch Albert und Rex sind ein gutes Team und erhalten bei diesem Fall sogar unerwarteten Beistand eines weiteren Vierbeiners.
Die Fälle sind jeweils humorvoll geschildert, spannend erzählt und bringen uns am Ende des Buches immer das Rezept zu der britischen Spezialität des jeweiligen Landstrichs.
Ich kann die Reihe wirklich empfehlen und sehe über die wenigen grammatikalischen Fehler hinweg. Von mir gibt es für Band 4 88/100 bzw. 09/10 Punkte.
https://sunsys-blog.blogspot.com/2024...
April 21, 2024
Crafty, Clever and downright hilarious
Albert is a retired policeman and he and his super dog, the charming and clever Rex are visiting a local cafe, when suddenly the sweet Proprietress Kate is arrested by the police for the murder of her sweetheart, so Albert temporarily accepts Hans, the dachshund belonging to Kate, and Albert sets about solving the mystery. It is a twists and turns tale with surprises I could never have anticipated as a reader but truly appreciated. Particularly when the smarty britches Inspector finds out exactly how wrong he was, show up by the super sharp sleuth Albert (in his 80s, loved it!) and the 2 super pups.
There were points through the story where I was actually shrieking with laughter (much to the annoyance of my Sunday afternoon napping husband). It happened two additional times because Rex and Hans are mighty warriors in the fight to get the baddies and save their humans.
This was a crafty, clever and truly downright hilarious novel and an absolutely worthwhile read
Albert is a retired policeman and he and his super dog, the charming and clever Rex are visiting a local cafe, when suddenly the sweet Proprietress Kate is arrested by the police for the murder of her sweetheart, so Albert temporarily accepts Hans, the dachshund belonging to Kate, and Albert sets about solving the mystery. It is a twists and turns tale with surprises I could never have anticipated as a reader but truly appreciated. Particularly when the smarty britches Inspector finds out exactly how wrong he was, show up by the super sharp sleuth Albert (in his 80s, loved it!) and the 2 super pups.
There were points through the story where I was actually shrieking with laughter (much to the annoyance of my Sunday afternoon napping husband). It happened two additional times because Rex and Hans are mighty warriors in the fight to get the baddies and save their humans.
This was a crafty, clever and truly downright hilarious novel and an absolutely worthwhile read
October 9, 2024
Enjoyable hokum
Great story, loads of laughs but too many basic errors.
Why didn't Albert simply wait for the Police to come to the lock up?
How would the accused get a message from jail to kidnap her brother. I know she didn't but How could the Detective Sergeant even consider the possibility?I
Supermarket trolleys don't have dangerous parts, that would be a breach of health and safety rules.
How can a mad peer keep dozens of people prisoner without they doing something or anyone noticing?
Why isn't Rex ever able to catch the bad guy?I
Evidence against the girl too circumstantial and why didn't the Police try to work out how she was supposed to have got to Wales to dump her lovers body. At that stage no indication of possible accomplices
Poor old Albert's glass ceiling would have been to retire as a Desk Sergeant!
Finally, why tie the dogs up when Albert knew he was walking into a trap unarmed and unprepared! Should have phoned his son to get the Bedfordshire Police to raid the lock up, not rely on dim witted local plod.
Great story, loads of laughs but too many basic errors.
Why didn't Albert simply wait for the Police to come to the lock up?
How would the accused get a message from jail to kidnap her brother. I know she didn't but How could the Detective Sergeant even consider the possibility?I
Supermarket trolleys don't have dangerous parts, that would be a breach of health and safety rules.
How can a mad peer keep dozens of people prisoner without they doing something or anyone noticing?
Why isn't Rex ever able to catch the bad guy?I
Evidence against the girl too circumstantial and why didn't the Police try to work out how she was supposed to have got to Wales to dump her lovers body. At that stage no indication of possible accomplices
Poor old Albert's glass ceiling would have been to retire as a Desk Sergeant!
Finally, why tie the dogs up when Albert knew he was walking into a trap unarmed and unprepared! Should have phoned his son to get the Bedfordshire Police to raid the lock up, not rely on dim witted local plod.
November 3, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed reading
I have read several books in this series and I have enjoyed them. This last book I really enjoyed the interaction between the dogs. It was amusing and added to my enjoyment of the book. Of course no matter what town Albert visits he seems to be a trouble magnet. This book was no different right from the start. It starts to look like Albert will not be able to solve the murder case in time to leave to meet his son at the next town on his culinary tour. Events move a little faster and case is solved and Albert will just make his next destination. Rex the former police dog, now Albert's companion really shows how well trained he is and how good it is for Albert to have such a dog. What great protection a well trained dog can be for the elderly.
I have read several books in this series and I have enjoyed them. This last book I really enjoyed the interaction between the dogs. It was amusing and added to my enjoyment of the book. Of course no matter what town Albert visits he seems to be a trouble magnet. This book was no different right from the start. It starts to look like Albert will not be able to solve the murder case in time to leave to meet his son at the next town on his culinary tour. Events move a little faster and case is solved and Albert will just make his next destination. Rex the former police dog, now Albert's companion really shows how well trained he is and how good it is for Albert to have such a dog. What great protection a well trained dog can be for the elderly.
November 3, 2025
In this adventure Albert and Rex travel to a small city cafe where the best clangers are made. Apparently a clanger is some kind of pastry that includes both savory and sweet in the same pastry. I'm really enjoying being introduced to all these new foods. Steve Higgs includes a recipe at the end of every book for the food that Albert is trying next. All beyond my skill of cooking but it's interesting to read the ingredients! We are also introduced to the person who wanted the Stilton Cheese. Albert and Rex find themselves uncovering the mystery of why the owner of the Cafe was brutally murdered, while trying the prove the innocence of the young woman the police have arrested. It was a non stop read for me!
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.
April 12, 2023
getting a bit weird
So the coincidences and now a super villain is taking a nice cozy crime fighting duo to an odd level of disbelievabilty. I mean none of us really believe that our retirees cops, captaians, novelist and antique dealers really just stumble over bodies right and left but the idea of a crazy Earl needing food for the apocalypse just one step ahead of our hero’s culinary journey beggars the imagination. The willingness to kill indiscriminately also feels a bit like cheating, no need to develop relationships or characters or lives if we have a crazy on the loose.
So the coincidences and now a super villain is taking a nice cozy crime fighting duo to an odd level of disbelievabilty. I mean none of us really believe that our retirees cops, captaians, novelist and antique dealers really just stumble over bodies right and left but the idea of a crazy Earl needing food for the apocalypse just one step ahead of our hero’s culinary journey beggars the imagination. The willingness to kill indiscriminately also feels a bit like cheating, no need to develop relationships or characters or lives if we have a crazy on the loose.
December 25, 2023
A charming, cozy animal mystery. In this fourth step in their culinary journey, Albert and Rex finish eating the Bedfordshire Clanger just before the police sweep in to arrest a waitress for murder. Having seen her eyes, Albert is convinced of her innocence.
This story is done in a style where the audience knows more about the case than the characters, who must catch up. Finding evidence proves elusive. The duo and others are endangered. But, eventually, the case is solved.
Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Tragic. Twisted. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.
Party of "Albert Smith's Culinary Capers: The first 10 Recipes - A Culinary Cozy Mystery Adventure"
This story is done in a style where the audience knows more about the case than the characters, who must catch up. Finding evidence proves elusive. The duo and others are endangered. But, eventually, the case is solved.
Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Tragic. Twisted. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.
Party of "Albert Smith's Culinary Capers: The first 10 Recipes - A Culinary Cozy Mystery Adventure"
September 18, 2020
Another great adventure for Albert and Rex. I liked the development of Rex’s character and the interaction between him and Hans the dachshund. An interesting connection between the Stilton adventure and this one. Looks like the thread is going to continue through the series. That should make for some interesting confrontations. Go Albert! You show ‘em that oldies still have that spark and don’t always want to be put out to pasture! The hilarious culinary tour continues with a good mystery thrown in.
September 29, 2020
Great story! Albert is embroiled in another mystery and with Rex and a ‘friend?’, they work to find the truth. I like Albert and the situations he gets involved in, but I really like Rex Harrison, and ‘his’ take on them. Rex’s nose knows. Now if he could make Albert understand.
I enjoy finding out how they solve the crimes and especially like the how of it.
I read an arc copy but as always, this is is my honest review. Five stars for a book that I would continue the series and follow the author.
I enjoy finding out how they solve the crimes and especially like the how of it.
I read an arc copy but as always, this is is my honest review. Five stars for a book that I would continue the series and follow the author.
May 16, 2023
Dear Mr. Smith,
We have read with much interest about your culinary travels and your success at solving murders in your last four locations. We see by our reservation records that you have plans to come to York and to sample our wonderful Yorkshire puddings.
Given that murder seems to follow you wherever you go, please do not come. We beg you, we plead with you, please stay away from York and our establishment. We appreciate your interest, but we just can't take the risk. If you come, you will find the doors locked and the building empty.
Sincerely,
The Yorkshire Pudding Company
We have read with much interest about your culinary travels and your success at solving murders in your last four locations. We see by our reservation records that you have plans to come to York and to sample our wonderful Yorkshire puddings.
Given that murder seems to follow you wherever you go, please do not come. We beg you, we plead with you, please stay away from York and our establishment. We appreciate your interest, but we just can't take the risk. If you come, you will find the doors locked and the building empty.
Sincerely,
The Yorkshire Pudding Company
August 24, 2023
Bedfordshire Clanger Calamity by Steve Higgs - These are just plain fun reads. Rex the German shepherd is the star. Although in this one he shares the limelight with Hans, the dachshund, belonging to the accused murderer. Of course, Albert doesn’t think she is guilty and decides to prove she didn’t do it. It is another delightful mystery with creaky knees (Albert is 78 yo) and other issues of aging but Albert gets it all done. Check out the collections by this author. So far I have enjoyed every book.
February 14, 2024
Great comment on human (dog) nature
This delightful and light story which stars a geriatric hero and an enormous dog, is funny in spite of 3 deaths. I love how Albert figures things out, how Rex helps him, the lessons learned and how Albert doesn’t rub in his success to the local constabulary. The food lore of the various British areas is also interesting and fun. In this episode Rex learns to tolerate and even appreciate another dog and maybe we can all learn something with him.
This delightful and light story which stars a geriatric hero and an enormous dog, is funny in spite of 3 deaths. I love how Albert figures things out, how Rex helps him, the lessons learned and how Albert doesn’t rub in his success to the local constabulary. The food lore of the various British areas is also interesting and fun. In this episode Rex learns to tolerate and even appreciate another dog and maybe we can all learn something with him.
September 26, 2020
I'm liking each book in this series better than the last!
In this book, Albert and Rex actually get to make and eat a Bedfordshire Clanger as they planned! When their waitress was arrested a small detour in plans was necessary, and Albert gets his first clue as to the Fact that there may be a Big Bad Guy behind all of this recent Food Crime wave.
I think I enjoyed this book the most so far in this series.
In this book, Albert and Rex actually get to make and eat a Bedfordshire Clanger as they planned! When their waitress was arrested a small detour in plans was necessary, and Albert gets his first clue as to the Fact that there may be a Big Bad Guy behind all of this recent Food Crime wave.
I think I enjoyed this book the most so far in this series.
October 23, 2020
I love these two characters! this is one of the funniest one I read-that is alot!!-I really enjoy that Albert is learning to "listen" to Rex. I really get a chuckle out of Rex, I enjoy knowing his logic, why he thinks and acts the way he does.
I love his version of "taking a BITE out of crime"!! I cant wait for the next book- Yea kindle unlimited! I also read the Patricia Fisher series and the Blue Moon investigations and highly recommend them to read as well!!
I love his version of "taking a BITE out of crime"!! I cant wait for the next book- Yea kindle unlimited! I also read the Patricia Fisher series and the Blue Moon investigations and highly recommend them to read as well!!
December 25, 2020
As a person of a certain age I can appreciate how Albert resents growing old and questioning what life holds for his future. I also understand how the younger ones around us think because of our age we are useless and know nothing. Experience is the best teacher and is an untapped resource which young people could learn from. Throw Rex into the mix and you have an hilarious series of books that have me laughing out loud. Great book Steve Higgs!
May 14, 2021
What a delightful read!!
Each of retired detective Albert's stories is intriguing, well populated, and appropriately plot-twisted. Each is a great stretch of a reader's emotions-- from concern for likable people in trouble to belly laughs at some of the intricately woven action scenes. Four books into the series, I'm trying to pinpoint the chapter where ex-police dog Rex took charge of things.
Each of retired detective Albert's stories is intriguing, well populated, and appropriately plot-twisted. Each is a great stretch of a reader's emotions-- from concern for likable people in trouble to belly laughs at some of the intricately woven action scenes. Four books into the series, I'm trying to pinpoint the chapter where ex-police dog Rex took charge of things.
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