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Anyone wanting a laugh with a mystery included will have all they can handle in this hilarious read!

Snoozing on the train ride into Dundee, a horrified scream tears both Albert and Rex from their dreams and back to reality …

… where they discover a woman has just witnessed a murder.

It would be easy to dismiss her claim; she saw something in the window of a house as the train went by, but when there are dangerous men waiting for her at Dundee station, Albert has to accept she might be onto something.

With the Gastrothief trail gone cold, Albert and Rex are in Dundee to sample the famous cake and learn how to make it. That might happen, but stepping in to defend the woman on the train, they soon find themselves embroiled in something far more sinister than they could have imagined.

Baking. It can get a guy killed.

666 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 18, 2021

689 people are currently reading
172 people want to read

About the author

Steve Higgs

541 books793 followers
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.

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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5 stars
953 (58%)
4 stars
485 (29%)
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161 (9%)
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20 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
988 reviews5 followers
March 13, 2024
I was disappointed that this story didn’t continue the loose ends from the last one but there were some good parts too. The whole “Rex the super dog” thing was a little over the top. I did like the geriatric dynamic duo - that was funny stuff. The cat and snake were great bit characters as well. Entertaining and a little exciting at the end so an overall fun read.
63 reviews
June 23, 2023
would be great as a tv series

Albert and Rex have quite the adventure in this series of books. The characters are so lovable and the mysteries they solve would make for a great series.
Profile Image for R.
360 reviews5 followers
March 26, 2021
From one county to the next, Albert and Rex find culinary contentment and crime galore.

As well known as Albert Smith, ex-police Detective; and his former police dog; Rex Harrison, who happens to be a German Shepherd; seemed to be becoming, there still appear to be places they can visit where they can enjoy good food in peace and anonymity. However, this county is just not one of them!

Together they are on a culinary tour of the British Isles. Where Albert is learning to cook some of the UK's finest delicacies, and Rex is disguised as an assistance dog and goes everywhere Albert goes.
They are now visiting the area known as Dundee; which is in Scotland; where the cakes of the same name are lovingly made.

On the train travelling to Dundee, Albert and Rex are relaxing and enjoying the trip; when suddenly there is a piercing scream from the seat opposite Albert.

Albert of course jumps up and does his best to calm the terrified middle aged woman who screamed, who states that through the train windows she witnessed the murder of one man at the hands of two others in a building they passed. She is convinced of what she saw and she says the two men who killed the other young man, saw her face; which of course means that now she is scared to be left alone. So, of course, Albert offers to stay with her until the police arrive.

The lady introduces herself as one of the baker's working in a bakery with her two sisters in Dundee. Her name is Miss Greta Gable.

When they all get off the train, Albert goes to answer natures call, asking Greta to wait nearby for him. But while he is occupied, Greta is attacked on the street by three men, who try to pull her into a van to kidnap her. Thankfully Rex comes to the rescue, chasing off the attackers until both Albert and then the police arrive to help her.

At this point the story gets more and more interesting as a range of very confusing clues are discovered by Albert; and Rex has a weird conversation with two police dogs who refer to him as 'the one'. Rex is confused but goes back to Albert. But Rex's interactions with other dogs has only just begun.

This story was fantastic! I absolutely loved it.
But if it sounds to you like just any average type of mystery story, that couldn't be farther from the truth, because it really isn't. The story is very funny, and lots of very unexpected things happen in the book that made this story one of my all time favourite of this author's books. It is definitely worth a read.
Profile Image for Joan.
966 reviews
March 30, 2021
Oh, my gosh. What a wild ride of a story!

While on the train to Dundee, where Albert hopes to learn to make the perfect Dundee Cake, he and Rex (a GSD former police dog) are dozing when he hears an elderly woman scream. When she claims to have witnessed a murder, she is strangely precise in her description of the perpetrators.

Greta has to ask Albert three times where he is staying in Dundee before he reluctantly tells her. The next morning he is surprised to find her in the breakfast room. Rex discovers that the old lady is travelling with a cat and a 10 foot boa constrictor. Who is this old woman really?

A couple of local police dogs ask Rex if he is "The One". They have heard the wild tale of his taking on the seagulls in Arbroath with the help of the feral feline population. They promise to come if they hear the call.

Rex's thought processes, his skills, and his occasional grumpiness and sense of humour are a joy.
1,299 reviews16 followers
March 26, 2021
What starts out as a trip to Dundee for a slice of cake and a tutoring lesson becomes a dangerous, exciting and murderous adventure. Rex has a bigger part in this story and that's all for the better.
After all, he is a handsome star named after a handsome star. We meet some nasty men, an 83 year old "undercover cop" and gripping scenes that will no doubt send shivers down your spine. Witty banter and dynamic writing as only Steve Higgs can do. Outstanding and First-Rate.
Very Highly Recommended.

If you want a good laugh - actually several good laughs - you must read Amber's Bust. Those wonderful cats and dogs will dive straight into your heart and remain there throughout this series. Hysterical dialogue, especially from Amber, energy and bravery galore this is one funny story and waiting for the next book will be torture. Very Highly Recommended.
228 reviews
March 26, 2021
The title of this book has been amended to "Dundee Cake Deception", deception being the key to the story. But who is deceiving who? Well done for showing that geriatrics have still got their “get up and go” as Albert teams up with another senior lady to investigate another sticky situation. A great story with Rex on form as usual and now being worshipped by other hounds. An added bonus is the short story of “Amber’s Bust” where Felicity Philips’ cat (Amber) decides to catch and unveil a team of burglars to the local constabulary with the help of Buster, the dog. This is a real hoot and fans will love it
Profile Image for Judi.
283 reviews4 followers
April 27, 2022
Mr. Higgs' books have quickly become my favorite reading. I already know that Felicity, Amber and Buster are my next series when I run out of Albert and Rex. Although they don't seem as smart as Rex, Amber and Buster seem endearing. (All of this is because there is a short story featuring them at the end of this book.) As for Rex and Albert, they solve another mystery despite the fact that Albert doesn't have a dog's nose for clues. And after Abroath, Rex is now a legend in Scotland. Although of course, the myth grows in the retelling. Enjoy another outing of the culinary capers. Recommended.
283 reviews
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.
54 reviews
February 23, 2024
Steve Highs writes delightful books! This one was no exception. It will make you laugh out loud and put a smile on your face. If you want an easy to read book or book series this would be one to try. The characters of Red the dog and his human retired former police detective supervisor are a lively pair. They show you just how much trouble one retired man and dog can get into without a wife to look after them! You will See if you read the series that it takes all of his four children and people in every village he visits. Along the way he and Rex do manage to solve crimes but they still need someone to look out for them.
2,870 reviews11 followers
April 23, 2024
Albert and Rex are hunting for the perfect Dundee Cake, or, at least, a great semblance of one. Unfortunately, he gets pulled into another mystery.

Cozy Culinary Mystery, Amateur Sleuth Mysteries, and Cozy Animal Mystery genres are combined to provide a marvelous tale. This story partially breaks the mold formed in the previous titles. Nonetheless, there are plenty of exciting scenes for both main characters. The solution to the crime is determined admirably.

Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Funny. Haunting. Scary. Tragic. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.

Part of "Albert Smith's Culinary Capers: The first 10 Recipes - A Culinary Cozy Mystery Adventure"
Profile Image for Sunsy.
1,902 reviews28 followers
May 17, 2024
Wären die vielen Fehler in der Übersetzung, Grammatik und Orthografie nicht, wäre das glatt einer der besten Bände dieser Reihe, denn die Story ist spannend und durch Rex Harrison, "den Einen", ein wundervoll tierisch-grandioser Krimi.

Kulinarischer Aufhänger dieses Buchs ist der Dundee-Kuchen, dessen Geschichte und Rezept im Anhang zu finden ist, bevor wir eine Kurzgeschichte zu lesen bekommen, die auf eine andere Reihe des Autors hindeutet. Auch in dieser sind die Tiere die Ermittler 😉

Nach reiflicher Überlegung gebe ich 08/10 Punkte.

https://sunsys-blog.blogspot.com/2024...
Profile Image for Claudete Takahashi.
2,624 reviews36 followers
March 27, 2021
I wish I could communicate with dogs, cats and all sorts of animals.... Rex behaviour towards his human is just so great, so much better sometimes than other humans that it´s a pity it´s all fantasy.... If you are willing to take sometime out from the duress of daily life, download a copy of this story and you´ll find mystery, action and loads of fun! I really enjoyed reading this story and look forward to reading the next ones! Rex & Albert are the best!!!
As a member of the author´s ARC team I downloaded a free copy of this book through Bookfunnel and this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Anastasia.
2,258 reviews102 followers
November 22, 2023
Dundee Cake Deception by Steve Higgs is the 8th book in the Albert Smith's Culinary Capers series. Travelling to Dundee by train, retired policeman Albert Smith aand his "assistance dog" Rex Harrison are woken by a woman claiming to have seen a murder. A fun and entertaining series with Rex having attained superhero status amongst the animals with his previous seagull attack. The covers depicting the latest dish from the culinary tour are so enticing and I love learning about the dishes along the way. There is never a dull moment on these adventures.
Profile Image for Keith Taylor.
272 reviews2 followers
October 20, 2025
Love the series in general and loved the Viz homage with the introduction of Finbarr Saunders (fnarr, fnarr) as one of the bad guys. I can even cope with the distracting theme of Rex Harrison the demi-God-dog. But there are an awful lot of typos and malapropisms in the books. "Coup-de-gras" if my school French holds true means a fat-blow. I think he meant coup-de-grace. And in the prior book, Hamish was "reviled" by the unspent money in his bank. Did he mean repulsed or revolted?
Good author needs competent editor.
1,103 reviews3 followers
December 10, 2025
This caper includes dangerous deception when Albert helps an elderly woman who witnesses a murder and then is nearly kidnapped by a dangerous gang of drug dealers. Always a gentleman, Albert comes to the rescue and nearly loses his life in the process. In the meantime, word of Rex's heroic fight with the seagulls has spread, his reputation is now that of a superdog, complete with super powers and an adoring following. The cast also includes a pet snake, two vicious Rottweilers, and of course a cat.

Great fun once again.
182 reviews6 followers
March 27, 2021
Albert and Rex are traveling from Arbroath to Dundee to learn how to make the famous Dundee cake. Before they reach the city their whole mission is diverted by a damsel in apparent distress. I liked this book but somehow it wasn’t as engrossing as the previous books. The plot was quite convoluted but simple, too. I hope the dynamic duo gets back on the trail of the Gastrothief in the next book.

I received an ARC copy of the book in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Billie.
5,783 reviews72 followers
April 9, 2021
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 found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
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 this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Geraldine M.
254 reviews1 follower
August 1, 2021
Why can't you smell ?

Off to another adventure as ALbert & Rex don't even make it I to Dundee before helping a distressed woman in the train. As the woman is almost kidnapped outside the station, a new series of adventures await. Rex finds out he's famous and that in itself leads in another direction. Albert meets a former acquaintance and it.seems all the dogs have gone crazy. You'll just have to read it yourself.
19 reviews1 follower
August 31, 2023
Such a delightful and fun adventure

Albert Smith, retired chief inspector of police, and Rex Harrison, washed out police dog, team up again to solve crimes in rural Great Britain. This is a perfect bed time mystery so one can go to sleep with a smile. Steve Higgs writes at least 3 series and all are different and easy. Higgs could be the perfect author for young readers just starting out. Enjoy!
453 reviews1 follower
November 22, 2025
Rex was definitely the star of this story. I loved that in each book we are introduced to a new and interesting character who ultimately helps Albert and Rex get to the bottom of the mystery. In this story it was Greta Gable, who is even a bit older than Albert. Albert is a true gentleman and feels he needs to help Greta solve the mystery she is trying to uncover. As what often happens, Albert gets into some trouble and Rex has to save his human. I am so enjoying these books!
Profile Image for Becky .
595 reviews15 followers
April 6, 2021
Well Albert sure knows how to step into the middle of things! This time being a gentleman just might have cooked his goose. And Rex, the hero of the last story, in my opinion,  has quite a quandary on his hands. A fun, quick read. And as usual there is history and a recipe for the Dundee Cake. Now if only I could bake. Haha!
7 reviews
April 10, 2021
Adventure continues for Albert & Rex

This series has all anyone could ask of a 'who-done-it'. Our intrepid crime solving duo, Albert and Rex are joined by another, who turns out to be a good fit for the case. I'd love for Greta (and her animals) to be recurring series characters.
561 reviews4 followers
April 14, 2021
Albert and Rex are so much fun to follow on their adventures.
Rex has a following, or celebrity status from his antics in the previous book, and this helps him out in this book.
Albert seems to be catching on to some of the clues Rex is constantly trying to show him.
This series is hilarious, and I snap each book up as soon as I can on Kindle Unlimited.
Absolutely love these books.
Profile Image for Heather W.
4,065 reviews35 followers
April 16, 2021
Dundee Cake Deception is the eighth book in Albert Smith's Culinary Capers.

I love this series. Albert and Rex are fabulous characters; and yes, Rex is quite the character, canine or not! This story is well-written and entertaining, with humour, mystery, and suspense.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
Profile Image for Frieda Thompson.
390 reviews6 followers
June 3, 2021
Another win for Albert & Rex

While not my favorite book of the series, I enjoyed it very much! I love following these two through their adventures! It's all here! Mysteries, pets, & food! Where else can you take part in an escapade then eat the Title? ;-) Mr. Higgs, you've done it again! Thank you!
1,629 reviews1 follower
October 26, 2023
I can't say enough good things about this series. It is fun to read, a bit light hearted but with plots complex enough to keep your interest. It probably is best to read these in order so you understand reference made to capers earlier in Albert Smith's culinary tour. This one has a added bonus of a short story that was kind of cute featuring animals.
275 reviews1 follower
March 14, 2024
still chuckling

These books are silly and very diverting. Despite that some of the action may be thoroughly improvable, I remain very entertained and am on to the next adventure. In the middle if each book, I find myself constrained to google the location of the action look at a map and the things to do in …. Dundee, or wherever and have a little side fun. Check it out.
507 reviews3 followers
March 28, 2021
Good series!

This is a fun mystery series of an elderly, retired police officer and his former police dog. The plot and subplots move quickly, making it hard to put the book down. I can't wait for Albert and Rex's next adventure.
679 reviews13 followers
March 29, 2021
I can’t even begin to describe how much fun this book is. I love just how much Rex has developed as a character and of course Albert is great too. There are some unexpected twists and turns in this story, just like the earlier books, which present you with a new and different adventure each time.
131 reviews
April 1, 2021
Enjoyable

A good read as always and an introduction to a new series . Rex has to use his cunning to survive. Albert meets his match in another geriatric sleuth. Like allHiggs books it worth reading
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews

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