'I am loving this series. Mystery, crime, and some comedy. It is all I could ask for and a whole lot more.'
After the drama in Biggleswade, our crime-busting duo head to York for the annual Yorkshire pudding competition and a well-earned rest …
… well fat chance of that because they interrupt a robbery before they can even get to the venue.
When Albert realises he’s stumbled across something much bigger than a random mugging, he decides, for once, to leave the crime-solving to the locals. Fate, however, laughs at his plans, thrusting him and faithful canine companion, Rex Harrison, into the thick of things just as the first body is found.
Is the coveted prize for the best Yorkshire pudding driving the competitors to the most extreme lengths? Will the team attempting to break the world record for the biggest Yorkshire pudding succeed or is someone trying to scupper their chances?
One thing is for sure - one body always leads to another.
There’s mystery afoot, and Rex has his nose to the ground. He’ll solve the crime to be sure, but will he be able to lead the humans to the criminals in time?
Don’t miss out! Grab your copy now and join the adventure as Rex and Albert take on their craziest mystery yet!
Let'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.
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.
Death of a Yorkshire Pudding by Steve Higgs is book 5 in the Albert Smith's Culinary Capers series. Retired policeman Albert Smith and his "assistance" dog Rex Harrison, together with his son Gary, visit York to attend the Yorkshire Pudding museum and witness the Guiness book record attempt of baking the largest Yorkshire pudding, when they foil the attempted mugging of one of the curators and find that someone is trying to sabotage the event. A very enjoyable and entertaining book with Rex starring as always. I love the bond that Albert and Rex share and their communication attempts. An excellent mystery that is a lot of fun.
There was a little too much going on in this one but it was still entertaining. Much the same as others so far in the series. Rex was a little wild in this one but still so very funny. Albert continues to be such an endearing character.
If you are looking for a fun, cosy mystery, then this book is a must for you!
This tender and playful story had me giggling and chuckling over and over again. I really enjoyed it.
Red Harrison; the main character Albert Smith's, headstrong alsatian dog; who has got a bad track record in the police; is currently having the time of his life, chasing people, vehicles, cats, and the occasional gang of squirrels; is in big trouble. He has been deep in the thick of things. And when I say a crew of fire fighters was what it took to get him, quite literally, out of a very sticky situation he managed to get himself into; I am not exaggerating!
Albert, as a retired Policeman, knew that Rex had a rough police record when he failed his training program to become a police dog. He failed due to being too headstrong. He has a mind of his own and quite often takes the decisions away from his owner.
Alfred is incredible as a retired Police officer. He had been a detective and as such, he had a tendency to find mysteries everywhere he went. On this occasion, Alfred and his son Gary are on a trip to Yorkshire to sample the delights of the best Yorkshire pudding there was; and somehow got roped into a mugging, a string of murders and someone sabotaging the attempt at the Guinnes World Record Book for the biggest edible Yorkshire Pudding in the World.
Albert helps out financially when proceedings are seriously interrupted by a grisly murder. Rex has all the answers to 'who did what to whom', but no one can understand him; although Albert has a jolly good try to grasp what Rex's grunting and huffing mean. Rex tries hard to impart to Albert, the memory he has of the nasty administered Ipecac he had been given when he had eaten the wrong thing as a puppy. Suddenly Ipecac syrup is uppermost in Rex's mind, and it's connected to a murder.
This story was adorable and fascinating at thebsame time.and kept me smiling the whole time it took me to read it.
Alfred and Rex are my all time favourite duo. Way better than Batman and Robin.They are the perfect blend of ultra headstrong dog with a seriously focussed Albert as he goes over and over the clues he's gathered on the case he's found himself involved in. I think if you decide to read this book, you will be very happy.
I believe this is the best series by Steve Higgs so far. The main characters - Albert and Rex - are great together and I just love to read how Rex relates to his human, it´s hillarious!!! And to tell the truth sometimes I keep on looking at a dog´s face and I think they might say what Rex says about us humans. As always Albert is an exemplary person, always trying to help, teaching, leading and doing good. We have to learn to look at our elders as people who can still contribute to society and not as people who should be kept indoors and quiet as they have done a lot already. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series and learn what this duo is going to do! As a member of the author´s ARC team I received a free copy of this book and this is my honest review.
I laughed till my ribs hurt, in some places. I love Albert and Rex! Albert is learning how to "read" Rex's tells. Rex tries to impart to Albert about what is going on right under his "nose". Good twisted story that leaves you trying to put together the clues, and find the culprit! Poor Rex, he didnt get to do his usual- "Take a bite out of Crime" via the bum! But I think he gets an "A" for effort in doing the " Nip it in the Bud1" via Nip it in the Bum. we know from having right and wrong taught by that swat on the hiney-bo, gets the idea up to your brain!! This is a must read series!!! Read books in order, you will learn how they are developing as a team!
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.
These books are a delight. Rex's antics are hilarious and I love how we hear the dog's thoughts and how he attempts to communicate with octogenarian Albert.
Albert and Rex are in York this time. While waiting for Albert's son Gary (police superintendent) to arrive, they witness an attempted mugging. The mugger escapes by climbing down a ladder to the river, much to the pursuing dog's disgust, but the suitcase he tried to grab opens and Albert sees that it is filled with a lot of money.
When they go to the yorkshire pudding museum later with Gary, where they will take part in a contest and an attempt to make the world's largest ever Yorkshire pudding, they discover that the curator is the man they saved from the mugging.
As usual, Gary tries to keep his elderly Dad away from any crime action, but Albert and Rex will not be deterred.
The funniest, absolutely lol moment of the book comes when Rex leaps out the window of their B&B to chase a squirrel, without realizing that the squirrel is on a tree branch 40 ft above the ground. Rex makes friends with the firemen who come to rescue him. But that is not his last exciting experience with his new friends..... Who says dog's can't climb ladders?
These books are fun with some out loud laughs in the mix. Albert and his dog, Rex, are an entertaining duo. As one ‘being up there’ in age, Mr. Higgs observations are accurate and the family interactions are really interesting to observe. Traveling England to learn to cook the country’s famous dishes has involved Albert, a retired police detective superintendent, and his dog, Rex, a dismissed police dog for having a bad attitude, into some frightening and somewhat bizarre situations. I’ll be sad to reach the end of them although the author seems to be in no hurry to end the series. I’m very glad and still think it would be a popular TV series. Interestingly, the “authors note” at the end of the book gives the reader a wonderful glimpse of the author’s life and the way writers do their craft. It is admirable and appreciated that Mr. Higgs has chosen to focus his novel on an elderly person. We are usually invisible as we age. Perhaps it happens more often in the USA but it became apparent to me when shopping and the sales clerk asked me about a trip… which I wasn’t taking ….but the other gray haired lady was. We all look the same to those under 40. Anyway, thank you Steven Higgs for showing us in a positive light.
Der fünfte Band der Reihe um kulinarische Krimis hat mir sehr gut gefallen, einzig die Orthographie ließ zu wünschen übrig. Wörtliche Rede war leider nur vereinzelt als solche zu erkennen. Entweder, man lässt die "Gänsefüßchen" überall weg oder fügt sie überall ein, doch hier gab es vereinzelt Anführungszeichen unten und Ausführungszeichen oben, und sonst war die wörtliche Rede im Text enthalten, ohne Absatz, oder Einrückung. Das hat leider meine Freude am flüssigen Lesen getrübt und katapultierte mich ständig aus der Geschichte. Schade, denn sonst war die Story spannend geschrieben, und besonders die Sprache der Tiere hat es mir wieder angetan 😄
Schön fand ich auch, dass Gary, Alberts Ältester, trotz Skepsis aus erster Hand erfahren konnte, dass sein alter Herr keineswegs senil geworden war, sondern ein überaus gutes Gespür für detektivische Arbeit hat. Das wird ihn hoffentlich anspornen, künftig keine Bitten seines Vaters mehr abzuschlagen...
Alles in allem gebe ich diesem Buch 84/100 bzw. 08/10 Punkte
The hilarity continues. Albert, Rex and Albert's son, Gary, travel to York so that Albert can learn to make the quintessential British dish, a Yorkshire pudding. Albert is determined NOT to become involved solving a crime on this stop, but the fates intervene when Albert and Rex come upon a mugging. This cannot be ignored, so Rex gets to enjoy one of his favorite games, chase and bite. Rex has close encounters with two of his perennial antagonists, squirrels and a cat, both of which have riotous results. However, Albert begins to understand when Rex tries to talk to him, which contributes much to solving the current mystery and in catching the bad guys. Finally, Gary comes to the realization that Albert isn't approaching doddering old age, and may actually have an insight into the possible disappearance of missing chefs and missing foods. So it's on to Cumberland and great sausages. And a master criminal?
p.s. Be sure to read the Author's Note. Mr. Higgs certainly has an interesting life!
Love this series. A retired English policeman Albert Smith recently lost his wife and decided to go on a culinary tour of England to discover the origin of some of his favorite foods with his dog Rex (a failed K-9, but excellent crime solving dog) by his side. Re and Albert stumble into some crime involving the food at each location. As former police personnel they are drawn into the action. Lots of great character, getting, and a recipe well worth adding, to a great story. They read pretty fast, but I keep getting distracted by newer titles. I keep coming back to to these and am ready to start #6 Cumberland Sausage Stalker. Highly recommend to dog, English police procedurals, and food to give the series a try!
A cute cozy animal mystery. Albert and Rex are at their next stop in the culinary adventure. In York at the time of the Yorkshire pudding competition, they avert a mugging and then learn the victim is the competition's organizer. Various shenanigans get the crime-solving duo to solve the problems and murders.
The tale is excellent. The mysteries are convoluted. The big reveal is rewarding. And the end is superb.
I just finished this 5th book in that series...as h one had one tongue in check sarcastic line that made me burst out laughing...I mean a belly laugh is considered unseemly in a female. Each story is original, well composed quick reading and a pleasure. In the current state of affairs in our world this is the diversion one needs. I adore Rex and his side bar conversations with himself proving what I have always believed...if only humans could stop being so arrogant and take cues from our beloved and devoted canine and feline friends we would be better off. Do yourself a favor and read this series!
I very much enjoyed this next story of Albert & Rex's adventure and it was really great to get to know Gary, Albert's oldest son. I also enjoyed how Gary finally understood how is father's mind worked to gather all the information and work out the clues. In this 5th story Albert is starting to understand Rex to a certain extent. At one point Rex is telling Albert what he thinks is going on, then Albert tells Rex what Albert things is going on - which Rex replies "That's exactly what I just told you". I love to think that we can really communicate with our pets. The story reps up and Albert and Rex move on to the next town with a mystery.
I received my ARC from Mr. Higgs and, as usual, was not disappointed. In fact this book has exceeded the others in the Albert and Rex culinary series. The characters just keep on developing. Albert’s son, Gary, sees that his father is not a doddering old fool; Albert himself seems to be learning his dog’s language which Rex is delighted about. This is another story of how Albert just has to help when his Yorkshire pudding lesson takes a dangerous turn and he ends up in the middle of another killing spree. Fast paced, hilarious and totally enjoyable.
Involving a retired British detective and his police dog, Rex who failed its training.The old man is traveling around Great Britain learning to cook the Local famous foods. While doing so he comes across various crimes, solving them puts him in the crosshairs of a crazy nobleman crime boss. Rex helps ably in solving the crimes not understanding why his human doesn’t use his nose more. They make quite the dynamic duo. Highly recommend these fun stories.
I have read all 5 books and absolutely love them. Albert is still a superb detective but oh how I wish Red Harrison was real. I would adopt him any day - he really makes the books. One minute you're intrigued by the plot the next you're crying with laughter at his antics and he, like Albert, always gets his man! Wonderful books and number 6 will be a great start to next year. Thank you Mr Higgs and I hope your back is better soon.
Once again I set out to read a little bit and chose a Steve Higgs book, only to realize that the "little bit" has become hours and I have read the entire book! I couldn't stop laughing at the antics and adventures of Albert and his dog Rex Harrison. The book has the perfect proportions of humor, mystery, and storytelling. (Not to mention some wonderful recipes!)
Oh my! I love Rex! I laughed out loud reading about his adventures. Steve Higgs is one of my favorite authors. I'm a year older than Albert, so I can readily relate to his limitations - and then some. But like me, Albert is his own person and does not let his well-meaning children hold him back. I look forward to the next book. I especially like Steve's biographical snippets at the end of each story. Wonderful writing.
I believe Mr Smith increases his detective skills each day! He is one smart cookie! This case was definitely confusing and convoluted. I had a hard time keeping up with what each bad character was doing wrong 😑. I usually don’t have such a hard time and can generally decide which are the worst. This time is was much harder-just made me want to get to the next case that much faster 😂
It's disappointing that Albert is faking Rex's assistance dog status, and I somehow doubt that even an assistance dog would be allowed entry to a commercial food production facility. Also the fact that Albert lets Rex lick his (Albert's) plate in hotels and cafes makes my skin crawl. However, other than these few concerns I found the books to be decent light entertainment, as long as the reader is prepared to suspend reality somewhat.
I finished the last in this set of the first 5 books in the "Culinary" series entitled "Death of a Yorkshire Pudding". It was fun and tricky enough to keep you guessing and all the time making you laugh. I was a little upset with Arther this time because he had a police force who encouraged his participation, and yet didn't share his ideas with them. Jeesh!
I haven't purchased the next five yet, but will when I get caught up on some other books I have right now.
Rex and Albert are beginning to understand each other's antics. Albert has a harder time convincing his children that something is going on. In this story, I am unsure why Alan did not recognize the lady that was knocked down at his mugging. She was working at the festival. Rex's obsession with cats and squirrels gets him into some tight predicaments. I've tried making Yorkshire puddings and they seemed tasteless and boring. I may need to try the recipe in the back of the book.
Like the other books in the series, this one is a mystery, a whodunit, that takes place in a culinary setting. And, like the other books in the series, this one contains some typos in the text as well as some layout issues. But, also like the other books in the series, if you like this type of story (and I do), you would enjoy reading this book. I did and I look forward to reading the rest of the books in the series.
This is a brilliant read. Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start. Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable. Great suspense and action with wonderful world building. Can't wait to read what the author brings out next. Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. It’s probably my favorite in the series so far. Albert is finally learning to understand Rex and their partnership is really developing, so the crime solving is getting more interesting. Can’t wait to see what’s next on Albert’s culinary agenda.
I received an ARC copy of the book in return for an honest review.
I like this series more as it goes on. Albert is a retired detective traveling with his dog Rex who was a police dog.The series basically is Albert doing a culinary tour but there is mystery where ever he.goes that he gets involved in. The plot and subplots moved quickly,making it hard to put the book down. I can't wait for the next adventure!
5.0 out of 5 stars Love Albert and Rex! Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2020 I love Albert and Rex and all the characters that inhabit this book - even the bad guys are interesting. This story had plenty of twists and turns and Kept me guessing to the end. I can’t wait to see what Rex sticks his nose in next time! I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion