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DCI Kett #7
Every Mother's Son
It's the Mother of All Crimes.
DCI Robert Kett’s efforts to return to a normal life are dashed after he receives a phone call from his mother, Mary—a woman he hasn’t spoken to in almost two decades. When she invites him and the girls to visit her in the isolated village where she has been staying, Kett sees an opportunity to heal their fractured relationship.
But this is no family reunion.
Mary Kett needs his help. A young couple have been brutally murdered and their newborn son is missing—a note left in his crib saying that the baby will die if the police are called.
Forced to go undercover with Porter and Savage, Kett discovers that somebody here has everything to hide and nothing to lose. And with time running out fast—not just for the missing child, but for an entire community—Kett must solve one of the darkest and most terrifying mysteries of his life.
A mystery that threatens to tear his own family apart.
Relentless action, compulsive mystery and dark humor abound in the internationally bestselling series that Thrilling Fiction calls "Heart-stoppingly gripping!" from the million-selling author that James Patterson described as "fresh and ferocious!"
Binge the series
Paper Girls
Bad Dog
Three Little Pigs
Whip Crack
Run Rabbit Run
Stone Cold Dead
Every Mother’s Son
Sweet Briar Rose
Jaw Breaker
Knock Knock
King Rat
Knuckle Bones
Lucky Number Seven
Alex Smith wrote his first book when he was six. It wasn’t particularly good, but it did have some supernatural monsters in it. His latest books, the DCI Robert Kett thrillers, have monsters in it too, although these monsters are very human, and all the more terrifying for it. In between these two books he has published thirteen other novels for children and teenagers under his full name, Alexander Gordon Smith—including the number one bestselling series Escape From Furnace, which is loved by millions of listeners worldwide and which is soon to become a motion picture. He lives in Norwich with his wife and three young daughters.
DCI Robert Kett’s efforts to return to a normal life are dashed after he receives a phone call from his mother, Mary—a woman he hasn’t spoken to in almost two decades. When she invites him and the girls to visit her in the isolated village where she has been staying, Kett sees an opportunity to heal their fractured relationship.
But this is no family reunion.
Mary Kett needs his help. A young couple have been brutally murdered and their newborn son is missing—a note left in his crib saying that the baby will die if the police are called.
Forced to go undercover with Porter and Savage, Kett discovers that somebody here has everything to hide and nothing to lose. And with time running out fast—not just for the missing child, but for an entire community—Kett must solve one of the darkest and most terrifying mysteries of his life.
A mystery that threatens to tear his own family apart.
Relentless action, compulsive mystery and dark humor abound in the internationally bestselling series that Thrilling Fiction calls "Heart-stoppingly gripping!" from the million-selling author that James Patterson described as "fresh and ferocious!"
Binge the series
Paper Girls
Bad Dog
Three Little Pigs
Whip Crack
Run Rabbit Run
Stone Cold Dead
Every Mother’s Son
Sweet Briar Rose
Jaw Breaker
Knock Knock
King Rat
Knuckle Bones
Lucky Number Seven
Alex Smith wrote his first book when he was six. It wasn’t particularly good, but it did have some supernatural monsters in it. His latest books, the DCI Robert Kett thrillers, have monsters in it too, although these monsters are very human, and all the more terrifying for it. In between these two books he has published thirteen other novels for children and teenagers under his full name, Alexander Gordon Smith—including the number one bestselling series Escape From Furnace, which is loved by millions of listeners worldwide and which is soon to become a motion picture. He lives in Norwich with his wife and three young daughters.
325 pages, Paperback
First published July 23, 2021
1839 people are currently reading
471 people want to read
About the author
Alex Smith
25 books677 followersAlex Smith wrote his first book when he was six. It wasn’t particularly good, but it did have some supernatural monsters in it. His latest books, the DCI Robert Kett thrillers, have monsters in them too, although these monsters are very human, and all the more terrifying for it. In between these two books he has published twelve other novels for children and teenagers under his full name, Alexander Gordon Smith—including the number one bestselling series Escape From Furnace, which is loved by millions of readers worldwide and which is soon to become a motion picture. He lives in Norwich with his wife and three young daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
March 9, 2025
Favourite Quote: What the hell is that, Pete? Why would you buy decaffeinated tea? What’s wrong with you? Porter frowned at the box. How do you know it’s decaffeinated? Decaf,” Kett said, pointing at the enormous word on the box. I didn’t know that’s what it meant. What else could it mean? I thought it was just regular tea from a café. De. Caf. Like, I’m going to get a cup of tea from de caf.
Favourite Quote: If he wasn’t such a tossing peacock then we could all wear a normal bloody suit, it’s his bloody fault. Why should my crotchal area suffer? Uh, Clare? Kett said. I’m pretty sure this isn’t who you think it is. Kett?” Clare said. Tossing hell, I thought you were my wife. She’s been calling all morning about the wedding.
My absolute favourite detective series; These books sent shivers down my spine and were so captivating that I couldn’t stop reading. The main characters are both amazing and hilarious, making the series incredibly entertaining. The humour shared among the characters is the highlight. Moira, Evie, and Alice captured my heart, and just thinking about the characters makes me smile. The books feature dark and intense plots, along with well developed characters. It’s amazing how much emotional depth they bring to the crime thriller genre. It’s quite astonishing to discover that Kett has a mother. It's truly touching to hear that they've reconnected, and she has become an integral part of her grandchildren’s lives. I don’t want the ‘Detective Chief Inspector’ series to end. I can’t wait to see what journey awaits the detectives in the upcoming books. These books are a compelling read for fans of gripping detective crime thrillers.
Favourite Quote: If he wasn’t such a tossing peacock then we could all wear a normal bloody suit, it’s his bloody fault. Why should my crotchal area suffer? Uh, Clare? Kett said. I’m pretty sure this isn’t who you think it is. Kett?” Clare said. Tossing hell, I thought you were my wife. She’s been calling all morning about the wedding.
My absolute favourite detective series; These books sent shivers down my spine and were so captivating that I couldn’t stop reading. The main characters are both amazing and hilarious, making the series incredibly entertaining. The humour shared among the characters is the highlight. Moira, Evie, and Alice captured my heart, and just thinking about the characters makes me smile. The books feature dark and intense plots, along with well developed characters. It’s amazing how much emotional depth they bring to the crime thriller genre. It’s quite astonishing to discover that Kett has a mother. It's truly touching to hear that they've reconnected, and she has become an integral part of her grandchildren’s lives. I don’t want the ‘Detective Chief Inspector’ series to end. I can’t wait to see what journey awaits the detectives in the upcoming books. These books are a compelling read for fans of gripping detective crime thrillers.
January 18, 2023
What can I say about this fantastic series that I haven’t already said in my other reviews ?.
It’s another rollercoaster of a book that had me so shocked I just couldn’t believe what I was reading, the last quarter of the book was on another level! Talk about thrilling 😍.
It’s another rollercoaster of a book that had me so shocked I just couldn’t believe what I was reading, the last quarter of the book was on another level! Talk about thrilling 😍.
August 3, 2021
I laughed, I cried, I chewed my nails...LOVED IT!
Alex Smith is one of my very favorite authors, and if I had my way he'd have to produce a new Robbie Kett book every other day. Of course, then I'd never get anything done. After a harrowing ordeal with some seriously evil people, Robbie Kett is out of the police force and living a charmed life with his funny, charming family. Until a voice from the past calls, dragging him into another dark, difficult situation. The plot is solid and the dialogue believable and, at times, hysterical. This series is not for the faint of heart, but if you can handle it, the ride is definitely worth it.
Alex Smith is one of my very favorite authors, and if I had my way he'd have to produce a new Robbie Kett book every other day. Of course, then I'd never get anything done. After a harrowing ordeal with some seriously evil people, Robbie Kett is out of the police force and living a charmed life with his funny, charming family. Until a voice from the past calls, dragging him into another dark, difficult situation. The plot is solid and the dialogue believable and, at times, hysterical. This series is not for the faint of heart, but if you can handle it, the ride is definitely worth it.
August 12, 2021
I downloaded this book and started it the day it released. This is quite the story and continuation of the Kett saga. This book was in a very different way. It is a great story and intriguing . But there are some surprising twists in this tale and something very much expected.
If you have been fallowing the saga of DCI Kett this book is a must read. If you happen to be a fan of rough and tough action you will almost certainly enjoy this novel. And the other books in the series. This is the eighth of the DCI Kett stories that I have read, the seventh novel, and Kett made a brief appearance in The Harder They Fall, the first of the Softley Series of books. A previous volume, Whip Crack, makes reference to Six Days, Six Hours, Six Minutes, which is by far the darkest and grittiest of Smith’s mystery thriller novels. All of his mysteries link together in some fashion. This book is different than the others in the series, this still has intense action and an even stranger mystery feel. Kett is officially off the force, but has been called to a religious community by his estranged mother to help solve a double murder and get back a kidnapped baby boy. He calls in his old boss and a few of his team to help try and get the child back on the QT. But things do not go well. And not all in the community welcome their presence or help.
I have stated before and say it yet again, each of the Kett novels are great crime mystery novels, and terribly interesting reads. They capture that British Crime Thriller feel very well. They are however, dark books with terrible crimes. And in this one the clock is ticking, to get back the abducted infant.
In some ways I am always a little nervous about where the series will go next. Kett has had a bit of a break. Some time to recover. But things are not as they seem. And the danger and crimes are far more sinister than at first we suspect. And as we have all been waiting, the force realizes things are getting darker, more dangerous, and more out of control. And sometimes you need a monster to hunt a monster. And DCI Kett is that monster!
I will be blunt and again state that this book and this series is not for all readers. It is very dark, gritty, and very intense. They are great thrillers. But not for all readers. Over ten years ago, I read and loved the Lockdown series published primarily for a young adult audience by Alexander Gordon Smith. And I loved those books and still recommend them often. But I now love the Kett books even more.
This is a great British Crime thriller, an excellent read in a dark series. A great read.
If you have been fallowing the saga of DCI Kett this book is a must read. If you happen to be a fan of rough and tough action you will almost certainly enjoy this novel. And the other books in the series. This is the eighth of the DCI Kett stories that I have read, the seventh novel, and Kett made a brief appearance in The Harder They Fall, the first of the Softley Series of books. A previous volume, Whip Crack, makes reference to Six Days, Six Hours, Six Minutes, which is by far the darkest and grittiest of Smith’s mystery thriller novels. All of his mysteries link together in some fashion. This book is different than the others in the series, this still has intense action and an even stranger mystery feel. Kett is officially off the force, but has been called to a religious community by his estranged mother to help solve a double murder and get back a kidnapped baby boy. He calls in his old boss and a few of his team to help try and get the child back on the QT. But things do not go well. And not all in the community welcome their presence or help.
I have stated before and say it yet again, each of the Kett novels are great crime mystery novels, and terribly interesting reads. They capture that British Crime Thriller feel very well. They are however, dark books with terrible crimes. And in this one the clock is ticking, to get back the abducted infant.
In some ways I am always a little nervous about where the series will go next. Kett has had a bit of a break. Some time to recover. But things are not as they seem. And the danger and crimes are far more sinister than at first we suspect. And as we have all been waiting, the force realizes things are getting darker, more dangerous, and more out of control. And sometimes you need a monster to hunt a monster. And DCI Kett is that monster!
I will be blunt and again state that this book and this series is not for all readers. It is very dark, gritty, and very intense. They are great thrillers. But not for all readers. Over ten years ago, I read and loved the Lockdown series published primarily for a young adult audience by Alexander Gordon Smith. And I loved those books and still recommend them often. But I now love the Kett books even more.
This is a great British Crime thriller, an excellent read in a dark series. A great read.
March 13, 2023
Every Mother's Son is book seven in the DCI Kett series by Alex Smith. One day, DCI Robert Kett received a call from a woman he had not spoken to for ten years asking to visit her new home. He thought it would be an excellent opportunity to heel the relationship for his children. However, on arrival, his mother only wanted his help to solve a murder and find their baby boy. To find the answers, and the race was on to find the baby, DCI Robert Kett and his team needed to go undercover. The readers of Every Mother's Son will continue to follow DCI Kett and his team to discover what happens.
I am pleased that I have found another excellent series to read. The way Alex Smith portrays his characters, there is no way you can not laugh at their antics. I love Alex Smith's portrayal of his characters and their interaction with each other throughout this book. Every Mother's Son is well-written and researched by Alex Smith. I like Alex Smith's description of the settings of Every Mother's Son, which allows me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Every Mother's Son will learn about the dangers of a religious cult on families and communities. Also, Every Mother's Son's readers will know how guilt can destroy a family and the importance of communicating with others.
I recommend this book.
I am pleased that I have found another excellent series to read. The way Alex Smith portrays his characters, there is no way you can not laugh at their antics. I love Alex Smith's portrayal of his characters and their interaction with each other throughout this book. Every Mother's Son is well-written and researched by Alex Smith. I like Alex Smith's description of the settings of Every Mother's Son, which allows me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Every Mother's Son will learn about the dangers of a religious cult on families and communities. Also, Every Mother's Son's readers will know how guilt can destroy a family and the importance of communicating with others.
I recommend this book.
July 18, 2025
Every Mother's Son by Alex Smith is the 7th book in the DCI Kett Mystery series. After having been estranged from his mother for 20 years, Robert Kett receives a sudden phone call asking to see him and finds his mother living in an isolated commune where two new parents have been murdered and the baby kidnapped with a warning that police not be called in. A brilliant thriller where Kett goes undercover with his friends in a race to find the baby. Plenty of humour despite the horrors and suspense and unstoppable action. A fabulous and very addictive series.
June 3, 2025
Love it, from the start to finish. Gripping, exciting read, with a good humour. Very much enjoyed it.
July 8, 2022
Another brilliant story.
I have followed DCI Kett from the very beginning and all I can say at this point, after finishing this book in one sitting, is that you, Mr. Smith, certainly knows how to write. I was on the edge of my seat at various points, then crying with laughter the next. Please give this author's books a go, you are in for a treat. Right, when's the next one due? 😊
I have followed DCI Kett from the very beginning and all I can say at this point, after finishing this book in one sitting, is that you, Mr. Smith, certainly knows how to write. I was on the edge of my seat at various points, then crying with laughter the next. Please give this author's books a go, you are in for a treat. Right, when's the next one due? 😊
October 24, 2021
I very much enjoyed the plot of Every Mother's Son. It offered up a break from the overarching series plot and was both unique and tense. The setting was atmospheric and lent itself to the mounting tension.
I would say that the first half was largely just set up, and the plot didn't really start picking up until over halfway so my interest did waver in the first half. I also felt that some elements were quite repetitive. Not just the plot events (Reg the Revver and his many faints, the stone walling etc) but sometimes the language used was even almost identical. For instance, whenever Kett got pissed off and 'the anger inside him flared like the birthday candles of an octogenarian' - or whatever the similie happened to be but was effectively this.
I also grew a bit weary of the jokes in this one - I just didn't get why Clare wouldn't have changed before he left? Like, literally just didn't get it at all, it just felt like a clunky way to get jokes in.
But still. I do like this series and I'll look out for the next one.
I would say that the first half was largely just set up, and the plot didn't really start picking up until over halfway so my interest did waver in the first half. I also felt that some elements were quite repetitive. Not just the plot events (Reg the Revver and his many faints, the stone walling etc) but sometimes the language used was even almost identical. For instance, whenever Kett got pissed off and 'the anger inside him flared like the birthday candles of an octogenarian' - or whatever the similie happened to be but was effectively this.
I also grew a bit weary of the jokes in this one - I just didn't get why Clare wouldn't have changed before he left? Like, literally just didn't get it at all, it just felt like a clunky way to get jokes in.
But still. I do like this series and I'll look out for the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2022
Ooh this is a great read.
Kett gets a call from his Mum asking for help. She won’t say what the problem is over the phone but asks to see him. He’s not seen her for many years so it’s a bit awkward but he soon realises the village where she lives is in trouble.
A couple have been murdered and a baby is missing but the community can’t involve the Police, or else the baby will be killed.
Soon Kett, Porter, Savage and Clare are together trying to find the missing baby.
This is a great crime thriller with some humour to lighten it up.
Kett gets a call from his Mum asking for help. She won’t say what the problem is over the phone but asks to see him. He’s not seen her for many years so it’s a bit awkward but he soon realises the village where she lives is in trouble.
A couple have been murdered and a baby is missing but the community can’t involve the Police, or else the baby will be killed.
Soon Kett, Porter, Savage and Clare are together trying to find the missing baby.
This is a great crime thriller with some humour to lighten it up.
February 2, 2025
Was a bit slow to begin with but the ending was enjoyable. Looking forward to next Robert Kett book.
September 28, 2024
All I can say is that these books just keep getting better and better. They are all different but, incredibly exciting.
June 14, 2023
→ my rating: 4.0 ★
“ But even good people can do terrible things, can’t they? If they believe they’re doing it for the right reason. „
Another great story in this series— super fast paced and so difficult to stop once you’ve started. The ending, as always, was so good & I’m excited to continue onto the next book!
“ But even good people can do terrible things, can’t they? If they believe they’re doing it for the right reason. „
Another great story in this series— super fast paced and so difficult to stop once you’ve started. The ending, as always, was so good & I’m excited to continue onto the next book!
January 23, 2024
Dark Side Of The Commune.
Can't believe that's book 7 done already. I'm absolutely flying through this series (despite each subsequent title being a little bit longer than the one before - something I was really hoping would happen, back when I was on book 2 and already hooked on these stories and characters) and I just know that if I don't try to reel my enthusiasm in a bit, I'm going to find myself suddenly having finished book 14 and feeling at a loss as to what to do with myself, once the supply dries up. With any luck, Alex Smith is already well on the way to getting book 15 written and ready for publication (if his previous schedule is anything to go by, we're hopefully going to see another one released mid-to-late spring) although for all I know, number 14 was the last in the series and I'll only know once I've read it.
Please say it ain't so, Mr Smith? *Gulp!*
Anyhow, this instalment was another slightly different chapter in the 'DCI Robert Kett' universe. This time Kett no longer being an actual police officer worked to his advantage as it meant he was approached by a family member who needed help locating a missing baby...from a remote, secluded, religious community who didn't trust the official police channels not to disrupt their private, communal, traditional way of life. If course, when there's a missing baby, time is of the essence, so Kett manages to rope in a bit of assistance from the usual suspects. Savage, Porter (and even Superintendent Clare in some hilarious wedding garb) turn up to try and locate the missing child before the end of the day, when Colin "Tossing" Clare says that he'll have no choice but to bring in the reinforcements. (Kinda weird that he'd give Kett, Savage & Porter even until the end of the day to find the missing child, but it's easy enough to play along with some of the more far-fetched aspects of this series when the overall entertainment factor, - made up of action, humour, in-house and genuinely likeable characters - feel you in and keep you glued from start to finish.)
Of course things turn out to be a little less harmonious in this quiet, contemplative paradise, than they first appear to be. There are the marauding gang of miscreants from the next village over who seem hell-bent on ruining the peace and quiet here in Whytetail. The pastor is old, on his last legs, with a couple of younger men butting heads in an attempt to become heir apparent to their god-fearing patriarch. And then there's the curiously abandoned old part of the village, which over time has become wild and overgrown, difficult to even find a route in or out again. Once more in this series we get a glimpse at some Norfolk folklore, ancient mythological beliefs and at points you do start to wonder when Kett is going to find himself imprisoned in a giant wicker man, ready to be burned alive. I actually enjoy these little ventures into the old ways of country folk (although I'm pretty sure Porter wouldn't agree, lol) as they give the overall series a certain flavour that makes the books stand out, in the vast, unending sea of police procedural, crime fiction titles out there.
The entire story only takes place over one day (not including the final chapter that in good Alex Smith fashion, sets us up for the next book in the series) and as usual things are rarely as straightforward as they initially seemed, with a Kett-tastic crescendo of chaos, catapulting the squad to a successful finale. Was it as good as the previous 2 books in this series to which I gave the full 5 stars? Not quite. It was still a thoroughly enjoyable read and I totally understand the way in which Alex Smith shifts up the pacing in these books (the turbo-powered fully batshit titles need some slightly less intense ones to contrast against, because how else would the reader feel that added injection of action, if not by being able to compare them to something a little different and less chaotic?) But - and maybe I'm in the minority of readers here - I'm dying to have Kett thrust back into the overarching storyline that connects Pig Man and his associates, to something even bigger than he or we have been exposed to, thus far. Something tells me I won't have long to get that wish.
So I'm awarding this title a solid 4 stars; maybe add an extra half star in there too for letting Norman Balls make another appearance - I think he might become quite the useful font of esoteric knowledge in future instalments. (And I for one very much hope we see more of him and his www.normanballsknowsalls.com website in the upcoming titles!)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Can't believe that's book 7 done already. I'm absolutely flying through this series (despite each subsequent title being a little bit longer than the one before - something I was really hoping would happen, back when I was on book 2 and already hooked on these stories and characters) and I just know that if I don't try to reel my enthusiasm in a bit, I'm going to find myself suddenly having finished book 14 and feeling at a loss as to what to do with myself, once the supply dries up. With any luck, Alex Smith is already well on the way to getting book 15 written and ready for publication (if his previous schedule is anything to go by, we're hopefully going to see another one released mid-to-late spring) although for all I know, number 14 was the last in the series and I'll only know once I've read it.
Please say it ain't so, Mr Smith? *Gulp!*
Anyhow, this instalment was another slightly different chapter in the 'DCI Robert Kett' universe. This time Kett no longer being an actual police officer worked to his advantage as it meant he was approached by a family member who needed help locating a missing baby...from a remote, secluded, religious community who didn't trust the official police channels not to disrupt their private, communal, traditional way of life. If course, when there's a missing baby, time is of the essence, so Kett manages to rope in a bit of assistance from the usual suspects. Savage, Porter (and even Superintendent Clare in some hilarious wedding garb) turn up to try and locate the missing child before the end of the day, when Colin "Tossing" Clare says that he'll have no choice but to bring in the reinforcements. (Kinda weird that he'd give Kett, Savage & Porter even until the end of the day to find the missing child, but it's easy enough to play along with some of the more far-fetched aspects of this series when the overall entertainment factor, - made up of action, humour, in-house and genuinely likeable characters - feel you in and keep you glued from start to finish.)
Of course things turn out to be a little less harmonious in this quiet, contemplative paradise, than they first appear to be. There are the marauding gang of miscreants from the next village over who seem hell-bent on ruining the peace and quiet here in Whytetail. The pastor is old, on his last legs, with a couple of younger men butting heads in an attempt to become heir apparent to their god-fearing patriarch. And then there's the curiously abandoned old part of the village, which over time has become wild and overgrown, difficult to even find a route in or out again. Once more in this series we get a glimpse at some Norfolk folklore, ancient mythological beliefs and at points you do start to wonder when Kett is going to find himself imprisoned in a giant wicker man, ready to be burned alive. I actually enjoy these little ventures into the old ways of country folk (although I'm pretty sure Porter wouldn't agree, lol) as they give the overall series a certain flavour that makes the books stand out, in the vast, unending sea of police procedural, crime fiction titles out there.
The entire story only takes place over one day (not including the final chapter that in good Alex Smith fashion, sets us up for the next book in the series) and as usual things are rarely as straightforward as they initially seemed, with a Kett-tastic crescendo of chaos, catapulting the squad to a successful finale. Was it as good as the previous 2 books in this series to which I gave the full 5 stars? Not quite. It was still a thoroughly enjoyable read and I totally understand the way in which Alex Smith shifts up the pacing in these books (the turbo-powered fully batshit titles need some slightly less intense ones to contrast against, because how else would the reader feel that added injection of action, if not by being able to compare them to something a little different and less chaotic?) But - and maybe I'm in the minority of readers here - I'm dying to have Kett thrust back into the overarching storyline that connects Pig Man and his associates, to something even bigger than he or we have been exposed to, thus far. Something tells me I won't have long to get that wish.
So I'm awarding this title a solid 4 stars; maybe add an extra half star in there too for letting Norman Balls make another appearance - I think he might become quite the useful font of esoteric knowledge in future instalments. (And I for one very much hope we see more of him and his www.normanballsknowsalls.com website in the upcoming titles!)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
August 16, 2021
Every Mother's Son is the 7th book in the DCI Kett series by Alex Smith. The book starts with Kett no longer a police officer receiving a phone call from his estranged mother Mary whom he hasn't seen or heard from in 20 years. She's living in an apparently sacred commune in the Village of Whytetail in Norfolk. The commune is called Our Lady of the Water because the Virgin Mary had blessed the couple with a baby after being asked to build a well for her in a vision to Lord Clifford.
There's been an incident that has occurred and she needs her son Robert's help. Kett doesn't know the gravity of the situation and takes his wife Billie and three kids Alice, Evie and Moira along to meet their grandmother although he doesn't tell the kids who she is yet in case it doesn't work out.
A young couple Caitlyn and Liam Brown have been murdered and their baby son Adam has been kidnapped and the killer warns that if the police are brought in the baby will be killed too.
The commune is run by Pastor Reginald Cairns and his wife Summer. They say that couples who are finding it difficult to conceive join their group and are blessed with a miracle baby.
Kett contacts his old boss Supt Colin Clare and tells him the situation and no uniformed police or baby Adam dies. They arrive and the investigation begins, the killer's note is handed over and Kett's disgusted at the amount of people to handle it.
As they start to dig into the killings and abduction everything is not as it seems as some of the inhabitants aren't happy at them being brought in. The pastor insists it's an outsider who's did this but Kett's not so sure.
There's a lot of clandestine secrecy and there's something not quite right and Kett can feel it in his bones. Who killed the Brown's and abducted their baby? Why were they killed? What secrets come out of the commune? Is the killer an outsider or is it one of their own? You'll have to read the book to find out.
There's been an incident that has occurred and she needs her son Robert's help. Kett doesn't know the gravity of the situation and takes his wife Billie and three kids Alice, Evie and Moira along to meet their grandmother although he doesn't tell the kids who she is yet in case it doesn't work out.
A young couple Caitlyn and Liam Brown have been murdered and their baby son Adam has been kidnapped and the killer warns that if the police are brought in the baby will be killed too.
The commune is run by Pastor Reginald Cairns and his wife Summer. They say that couples who are finding it difficult to conceive join their group and are blessed with a miracle baby.
Kett contacts his old boss Supt Colin Clare and tells him the situation and no uniformed police or baby Adam dies. They arrive and the investigation begins, the killer's note is handed over and Kett's disgusted at the amount of people to handle it.
As they start to dig into the killings and abduction everything is not as it seems as some of the inhabitants aren't happy at them being brought in. The pastor insists it's an outsider who's did this but Kett's not so sure.
There's a lot of clandestine secrecy and there's something not quite right and Kett can feel it in his bones. Who killed the Brown's and abducted their baby? Why were they killed? What secrets come out of the commune? Is the killer an outsider or is it one of their own? You'll have to read the book to find out.
September 28, 2021
Back in touch!
I can't believe I read this book a month ago and I've just go around to reviewing it, the story so powerful and emotionally challenging and plausible its impossible to scrub from my mind!
It actually made me think of many years ago when many cults started popping up around the world that was my first impression anyway, but it didn't last as the plot got more and more sinister and dark, some of the characters made my flesh crawl, it was impossible to put down as the fear for DCI Robbie Kett escalated. He was no longer working and a call from his mother whom he hadn't spoken or heard from for many years called asking for his help, simply because he no longer worked for the police.
He was on his own!
His mother was living in an isolated village, miles from anywhere and difficult to find, find a missing baby and a murderer who killed the parents is Kett's task. The village seems nice, idyllic in fact, genuine quiet and happy people though a little guarded including his mother, but Robbie could sense a sinister undercurrent he couldn't put his finger on!
Porter, Savage and Colin Clare the big boss (in a pink suit) turn up to help when they hear of the missing child and murders, after all it is police business, regardless of what the villager hierarchy are demanding!
The story gets considerably darker and more sinister the more you read, of course there are the funny giggly laugh out loud episodes running through the book which I've come to love from this author ,ultimately lightening the seriousness of the gut clenching storyline!
I absolutely love this series, fabulous characters you just want more of, their personal lives you want to be part of, stories you can believe are true and the dialogue between the main characters brings them all to life add the comedy courtesy of Kett's daughters and you have a reader/author match made in heaven!
Just brilliant!
I can't believe I read this book a month ago and I've just go around to reviewing it, the story so powerful and emotionally challenging and plausible its impossible to scrub from my mind!
It actually made me think of many years ago when many cults started popping up around the world that was my first impression anyway, but it didn't last as the plot got more and more sinister and dark, some of the characters made my flesh crawl, it was impossible to put down as the fear for DCI Robbie Kett escalated. He was no longer working and a call from his mother whom he hadn't spoken or heard from for many years called asking for his help, simply because he no longer worked for the police.
He was on his own!
His mother was living in an isolated village, miles from anywhere and difficult to find, find a missing baby and a murderer who killed the parents is Kett's task. The village seems nice, idyllic in fact, genuine quiet and happy people though a little guarded including his mother, but Robbie could sense a sinister undercurrent he couldn't put his finger on!
Porter, Savage and Colin Clare the big boss (in a pink suit) turn up to help when they hear of the missing child and murders, after all it is police business, regardless of what the villager hierarchy are demanding!
The story gets considerably darker and more sinister the more you read, of course there are the funny giggly laugh out loud episodes running through the book which I've come to love from this author ,ultimately lightening the seriousness of the gut clenching storyline!
I absolutely love this series, fabulous characters you just want more of, their personal lives you want to be part of, stories you can believe are true and the dialogue between the main characters brings them all to life add the comedy courtesy of Kett's daughters and you have a reader/author match made in heaven!
Just brilliant!
August 6, 2021
Short overview:
Robert Kett is finally settling into a ‘normal’ life out of the police force when he receives a desperate call from someone he hasn’t seen nor spoken to in 20 odd years. His mother is in need of help regarding two murders and a missing baby, a note was left demanding for police to not be involved. Kett after learning of the missing baby can not turn down the plea for help and travels to the religious commune of Whytetail, everything seems off about the place from the start but can Kett use his impressive detective skills to find the missing baby? Will things take a turn nobody expects and land our favourite trio in a sticky situation?
Ahhhhh I cannot begin to say how much I LOVED this instalment of the DCI Robert Kett series.
I’d even go so far as to say this is my favourite so far!
I also found this book to be so intense that I could not put it down, it really did have me on the edge of my seat.
I really enjoyed the introduction of our new character Mary Kett and the insight into Robbie’s past that came with.
And I cannot wait for the next instalment!
Great job Alex, keep up the brilliant work!
Robert Kett is finally settling into a ‘normal’ life out of the police force when he receives a desperate call from someone he hasn’t seen nor spoken to in 20 odd years. His mother is in need of help regarding two murders and a missing baby, a note was left demanding for police to not be involved. Kett after learning of the missing baby can not turn down the plea for help and travels to the religious commune of Whytetail, everything seems off about the place from the start but can Kett use his impressive detective skills to find the missing baby? Will things take a turn nobody expects and land our favourite trio in a sticky situation?
Ahhhhh I cannot begin to say how much I LOVED this instalment of the DCI Robert Kett series.
I’d even go so far as to say this is my favourite so far!
I also found this book to be so intense that I could not put it down, it really did have me on the edge of my seat.
I really enjoyed the introduction of our new character Mary Kett and the insight into Robbie’s past that came with.
And I cannot wait for the next instalment!
Great job Alex, keep up the brilliant work!
February 20, 2023
A vast improvement!
So Kett is still persona non grata in the police, but still poking his nose in and physically suffering because of it.
Having had no contact with his mother since his father's death, and having nothing good to say about her, her phone call comes as a total surprise.
She asks if he is still a policeman and is relieved when he says no. She needs his help, but it can't involve the police.
She asks him to go to Whytetail where she is living asap. Eventually he agrees to go the next day and takes his family with him.
Not expecting two corpses and a missing baby, he contacts Clare, Porter & Savage for unofficial assistance. Something isn't quite right, they all feel it, despite the fascia of a religious commune and the idyllic countryside, complete with meandering river, the undercurrents of secrets predominates.
So what is going on? Where is the missing baby?
It's a good storyline, lots of leads and plenty of dead ends, a definite improvement on the past couple of books in this series.
So Kett is still persona non grata in the police, but still poking his nose in and physically suffering because of it.
Having had no contact with his mother since his father's death, and having nothing good to say about her, her phone call comes as a total surprise.
She asks if he is still a policeman and is relieved when he says no. She needs his help, but it can't involve the police.
She asks him to go to Whytetail where she is living asap. Eventually he agrees to go the next day and takes his family with him.
Not expecting two corpses and a missing baby, he contacts Clare, Porter & Savage for unofficial assistance. Something isn't quite right, they all feel it, despite the fascia of a religious commune and the idyllic countryside, complete with meandering river, the undercurrents of secrets predominates.
So what is going on? Where is the missing baby?
It's a good storyline, lots of leads and plenty of dead ends, a definite improvement on the past couple of books in this series.
October 3, 2021
I loved this book. Like all the other Robert Kett books it’s gritty and tough going at times. It’s edge of your seat but omg it’s hilarious in places. Robbie’s kids are so funny but my gosh are they exhausting to read about hehehe. This book saw Kett back in action (unofficially) and reunited with his mother. I wasn’t sure how that was going to play out and I was geared up to hate the reunion but well… you read it I refuse to spoil it for you.
These books really need to be read in order it’s not a matter of jumping in halfway or wherever because one story bleeds on from the next quite literally in a lot of cases. I have a complaint… and that is that I have now caught up and I don’t want to stop 🤣 please Mr Smith release the next one earlier … go on we know you wanna!!!!
Loved them all and will no doubt love the next one. Can’t wait!!!
These books really need to be read in order it’s not a matter of jumping in halfway or wherever because one story bleeds on from the next quite literally in a lot of cases. I have a complaint… and that is that I have now caught up and I don’t want to stop 🤣 please Mr Smith release the next one earlier … go on we know you wanna!!!!
Loved them all and will no doubt love the next one. Can’t wait!!!
December 4, 2021
Keep telling yourself this is fiction!
I have read the 6 prior books in this DCI Kett series & can't help wondering why I come back for more....I'm not mentally disturbed, just an ordinary person but feel compelled to know what happens next to DCI Kett, Porter & Savage & Clare...How do they keep going with the most horrendous crimes being committed!...I've found all these books hard to put down, always wanting to know what happens next, will they get away safe, live to save more bad guys...(ok, & gals!)...I love the characters, which after reading 7 books now feel real, like I know them...They are human & want to bring the criminals to justice & you know they will. They are the dream team & I love to see justice done, even if it's only in a book....Look forward to reading Book 8
I have read the 6 prior books in this DCI Kett series & can't help wondering why I come back for more....I'm not mentally disturbed, just an ordinary person but feel compelled to know what happens next to DCI Kett, Porter & Savage & Clare...How do they keep going with the most horrendous crimes being committed!...I've found all these books hard to put down, always wanting to know what happens next, will they get away safe, live to save more bad guys...(ok, & gals!)...I love the characters, which after reading 7 books now feel real, like I know them...They are human & want to bring the criminals to justice & you know they will. They are the dream team & I love to see justice done, even if it's only in a book....Look forward to reading Book 8
October 10, 2021
What a great read this was. Of course, the stars of the series are the Kett children- 'Farty Cheese Butt' to you too. Ever Mother's Son introduces us to Kett's mum and reveals some more of his backstory as she enlists his help to recover a child stolen from his murdered parents in her closeted religious community.
With some laugh out loud moments involving trousers (enough said) and and Kett's 'toss off' ex boss Claire, this was still dark and atmospheric as well as full of some beautifully orchestrated action scenes.
Smith paints his characters with a delicate brush that really brings them to life and I couldn't put the book down - read in two sittings. Now I'm waiting impatiently for the next in the series.
With some laugh out loud moments involving trousers (enough said) and and Kett's 'toss off' ex boss Claire, this was still dark and atmospheric as well as full of some beautifully orchestrated action scenes.
Smith paints his characters with a delicate brush that really brings them to life and I couldn't put the book down - read in two sittings. Now I'm waiting impatiently for the next in the series.
November 13, 2025
Očekávání byla splněna. Nepříliš propracované, nikterak složité. Velice čtivé krátké kapitoly, ve druhé půli slušné tempo. Staré známé postavy a prostředí náboženské komunity, kde došlo ke zločinu, ale postupně vyplují na povrch další tajemství.
Některé vtipy byly dost repetitivní, setkání náhodná a prakticky celá kniha měla takový trošku neuvěřitelný nádech. Snaha o atmosféru byla někdy také až křečovitá.
I přes všechna negativa mě tahle kniha ale dost bavila a přinesla přesně, co jsem chtěl. Jednoduchou, svižnou zábavu na několik hodin. Žádný skvost se čekat nedal, typická konzumní detektivka.
Některé vtipy byly dost repetitivní, setkání náhodná a prakticky celá kniha měla takový trošku neuvěřitelný nádech. Snaha o atmosféru byla někdy také až křečovitá.
I přes všechna negativa mě tahle kniha ale dost bavila a přinesla přesně, co jsem chtěl. Jednoduchou, svižnou zábavu na několik hodin. Žádný skvost se čekat nedal, typická konzumní detektivka.
August 7, 2021
Scary - but real! Brilliant and gripping.
The storyline in this book is so true and scarily very possible, and maybe , probable these days.
To say I was gripped would be an understatement! The Kett family have been through so much but they are together and care deeply for each other. And the rest of the team are an extension of the family. The scrapes that they get into in this book have had me with tears in my eyes. Some from sadness, some from sheer humour and picturing Clare in those trousers!! I'm so glad there will be another book with Robbie, the family and team.
The storyline in this book is so true and scarily very possible, and maybe , probable these days.
To say I was gripped would be an understatement! The Kett family have been through so much but they are together and care deeply for each other. And the rest of the team are an extension of the family. The scrapes that they get into in this book have had me with tears in my eyes. Some from sadness, some from sheer humour and picturing Clare in those trousers!! I'm so glad there will be another book with Robbie, the family and team.
August 9, 2021
Robbie Ketts has promised his wife that his policing days are done. He gets a call from his estranged mother who is now living in a religious community asking for help following the murder of a young couple and the kidnapping of their two week old baby. Ketts rallies help from his ex colleagues but the deeper they delve, the more obvious it is that something sinister is happening. Deep and involving another excellent addition to the Ketts series. And the visuals of Colin Clare are hilarious, I'll never look at a hamster the same way again 😆🐹
August 9, 2021
Absolutely Brilliant
What a story! I loved it! Again Alex has brought us something different. There's lots of action and lots of atmosphere in this story - as well as humour! DCI Kett and his team are well drawn, likeable characters. Kett is physically and emotionally strong and his team are loyal to him. This time we meet his mother which brings another dimension to his character. If you haven't read any of Alex's books before you could still read this one, but to fully enjoy the story you should read them from book 1. I highly recommend.
What a story! I loved it! Again Alex has brought us something different. There's lots of action and lots of atmosphere in this story - as well as humour! DCI Kett and his team are well drawn, likeable characters. Kett is physically and emotionally strong and his team are loyal to him. This time we meet his mother which brings another dimension to his character. If you haven't read any of Alex's books before you could still read this one, but to fully enjoy the story you should read them from book 1. I highly recommend.
August 21, 2021
Darkness in the countryside
This book pretty much picks up where the last one finished or feels like it even though there’s a few weeks in between and we’re immediately back in the thick of it. Kett and his team go quietly in to the jaws of the lion.
It’s a great story, rattling along at quite a pace which is interesting given the timeframe the story covers.
As always it’s fairly emotionally charged and has you laughing and crying. Great writing from a very interesting storyteller.
This book pretty much picks up where the last one finished or feels like it even though there’s a few weeks in between and we’re immediately back in the thick of it. Kett and his team go quietly in to the jaws of the lion.
It’s a great story, rattling along at quite a pace which is interesting given the timeframe the story covers.
As always it’s fairly emotionally charged and has you laughing and crying. Great writing from a very interesting storyteller.
August 24, 2021
The seventh DCI Kett book and although its not as strange as some of the previous stories its still pretty odd. You really have to shelve any desire for realism when reading the DCI Kett sagas. The books are enjoyable as long as you treat them as pure fiction. Weird cults hiding very nasty crimes, police officers - including a senior officer posing as civilian investigators, an ex detective police officer umm acting as a police officer? Really -- leave reality behind and just enjoy the journey.
October 8, 2022
I'm enjoying Alex Smith's DCI Kett series.
Here Kett finds himself searching for truth in a religious cult, where miracle babies appear to be born.
All the usual characters are here - Savage, Porter, Clare and Kett's wife and children.
There's plenty of action and mystery too. It's all a bit breathless up to the penultimate chapter. The final chapter takes us on into a new future, one that will no doubt be just as exciting.
Readers of J D Kirk like myself will almost certainly love the Kett series.
Here Kett finds himself searching for truth in a religious cult, where miracle babies appear to be born.
All the usual characters are here - Savage, Porter, Clare and Kett's wife and children.
There's plenty of action and mystery too. It's all a bit breathless up to the penultimate chapter. The final chapter takes us on into a new future, one that will no doubt be just as exciting.
Readers of J D Kirk like myself will almost certainly love the Kett series.
June 5, 2023
This book redeemed itself from the last one. Kett is still not on the force but out of the blue his estranged mother contacts him asking for help as long as he is not a policeman. A baby has been stolen it's parents killed at the commune she is living in. No police demands the kidnapper/murderer. So Kett agrees, he and Savage and Porter (and Grace who bring some humor)& the pathologist go to help undercover. Solving a murder with no technology. I enjoy the addition of Balls and glad there was way less annoying children in this book. Great read.
January 12, 2024
A great story. We get to meet DCI Kett's mom and her wacky commune friends. Loved the story and while I didn't quite guess the dodgy thing the cult were up to, I did now they were totally unto something dodgy.
This is also the first book that Kett's kids didn't annoy me to death...which I feel absolutely horrible saying because I know the three girls in the story are inspired by the authors own three daughters. Sorry Mr. Smith.
And finally, we get a tossing ending that fans of the series have been waiting for!
This is also the first book that Kett's kids didn't annoy me to death...which I feel absolutely horrible saying because I know the three girls in the story are inspired by the authors own three daughters. Sorry Mr. Smith.
And finally, we get a tossing ending that fans of the series have been waiting for!
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