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Albert Smith's Culinary Capers #1-10
Albert Smith's Culinary Capers: The first 10 Recipes
Baking. It can get a guy killed.
‘When Steve Higgs writes, he hits it out of the park. I find myself laughing out loud and often.’
When a retired detective superintendent chooses to take a culinary tour of the British Isles, he hopes to find tasty treats and delicious bakes …
… what he finds is murder, mayhem, and mystery everywhere he goes.
His dog, Rex Harrison, a former police dog fired for having a bad attitude, does his best to steer the humans in the right direction, but he cannot understand why they don’t just use their noses – the answers are right there if they would just employ their strongest sense!
However, solving a few mysteries won’t get them out of trouble, for there is a master criminal behind many of the crimes they encounter, and they’ve just caught his attention.
Their adventure is getting deadlier with every destination, but these two sleuths are not going to be put off. With Rex’s keen sense of smell and Albert’s decades of experience as a detective, this pair are on the trail.
Or are they being lured into a trap?
One thing is for certain, they had better figure it out soon or they might be the next victims.
‘This series has it all; everything I want in a story and series ... humour, suspense, and colourful characters. It’s one of my top all-time favourite series.’
Books contained in this boxed
Pork Pie Pandemonium
Bakewell Tart Bludgeoning
Stilton Slaughter
Bedfordshire Clanger Calamity
Death of a Yorkshire Pudding
Cumberland Sausage Shocker
Arbroath Smokie Slaying
Dundee Cake Deception
Lancashire Hotpot Peril
Blackpool Rock Bloodshed
This series of books contain no cussing and graphic descriptions of violence or bedroom activities.
‘When Steve Higgs writes, he hits it out of the park. I find myself laughing out loud and often.’
When a retired detective superintendent chooses to take a culinary tour of the British Isles, he hopes to find tasty treats and delicious bakes …
… what he finds is murder, mayhem, and mystery everywhere he goes.
His dog, Rex Harrison, a former police dog fired for having a bad attitude, does his best to steer the humans in the right direction, but he cannot understand why they don’t just use their noses – the answers are right there if they would just employ their strongest sense!
However, solving a few mysteries won’t get them out of trouble, for there is a master criminal behind many of the crimes they encounter, and they’ve just caught his attention.
Their adventure is getting deadlier with every destination, but these two sleuths are not going to be put off. With Rex’s keen sense of smell and Albert’s decades of experience as a detective, this pair are on the trail.
Or are they being lured into a trap?
One thing is for certain, they had better figure it out soon or they might be the next victims.
‘This series has it all; everything I want in a story and series ... humour, suspense, and colourful characters. It’s one of my top all-time favourite series.’
Books contained in this boxed
Pork Pie Pandemonium
Bakewell Tart Bludgeoning
Stilton Slaughter
Bedfordshire Clanger Calamity
Death of a Yorkshire Pudding
Cumberland Sausage Shocker
Arbroath Smokie Slaying
Dundee Cake Deception
Lancashire Hotpot Peril
Blackpool Rock Bloodshed
This series of books contain no cussing and graphic descriptions of violence or bedroom activities.
2317 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 22, 2021
4158 people are currently reading
416 people want to read
About the author
Steve Higgs
540 books791 followersLet's start this off with an invitation to get some FREE books. No, you didn't read that wrong, we are talking about multiple free books. I love giving away free books because once people delve into the fast-paced mystery thrills I write, they go on to buy lots more.
All I need from you is an email address to send them to. Here's the link you need - https://mailchi.mp/fd47a6eb4ae5/patri...
When I wrote my first novel, Paranormal Nonsense, I was a Captain in the British Army. I would love to pretend that I had one of those careers that has to be redacted and in general denied by the government and that I have had to change my name and continually move about because I am still on the watch list in several countries. In truth though, I started out as a mechanic. Not like Jason Statham, sneaking about as a contract killer, more like one of those greasy gits that charge you a fortune and keep your car for a week when all you went in for was a squeaky door hinge.
At school, I was mostly disinterested in every subject except creative writing, for which, at age ten, I won my first award. However, calling it my first award suggests that there have been more, which there have not. Accolades may come but, in the meantime, I am having a ball writing mystery stories and crime thrillers and will claim to have more than a hundred books forming an unruly queue in my head as they clamor to get out.
Now retired from the military, I live in the south-east corner of England with a pair of lazy sausage dogs. Surrounded by rolling hills, brooding castles, and vineyards, I doubt I will ever leave, the beer is just too good.
Links:
Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Higgs/...
Website: https://stevehiggsbooks.wordpress.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/stevehiggsau...
All I need from you is an email address to send them to. Here's the link you need - https://mailchi.mp/fd47a6eb4ae5/patri...
When I wrote my first novel, Paranormal Nonsense, I was a Captain in the British Army. I would love to pretend that I had one of those careers that has to be redacted and in general denied by the government and that I have had to change my name and continually move about because I am still on the watch list in several countries. In truth though, I started out as a mechanic. Not like Jason Statham, sneaking about as a contract killer, more like one of those greasy gits that charge you a fortune and keep your car for a week when all you went in for was a squeaky door hinge.
At school, I was mostly disinterested in every subject except creative writing, for which, at age ten, I won my first award. However, calling it my first award suggests that there have been more, which there have not. Accolades may come but, in the meantime, I am having a ball writing mystery stories and crime thrillers and will claim to have more than a hundred books forming an unruly queue in my head as they clamor to get out.
Now retired from the military, I live in the south-east corner of England with a pair of lazy sausage dogs. Surrounded by rolling hills, brooding castles, and vineyards, I doubt I will ever leave, the beer is just too good.
Links:
Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Higgs/...
Website: https://stevehiggsbooks.wordpress.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/stevehiggsau...
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
August 21, 2023
An enjoyable but silly series of stories.
This is light reading. Although there are a lot of killings they can't be taken seriously. Each story is self contained but the plot makes more sense if each book is read in sequence. (But it does make any proof reading errors more obvious.) An elderly, widowed, retired senior police officer, Albert, travels with his dog, Rex, to various places in England and Scotland to sample, and if possible, learn how to make the culinary delights for which each town is famous. Rex is the star of the show. He is a very large German Shepherd, ex police dog, who thinks he knows better than humans. His antics, inner thoughts, attempts to communicate with humans, and his supposedly actual ability to communicate with animals is laugh out loud funny. At each stop on their journey Albert and Rex uncover and help to solve a crime, or two. The plots are ludicrous, but it really doesn't matter.
This is light reading. Although there are a lot of killings they can't be taken seriously. Each story is self contained but the plot makes more sense if each book is read in sequence. (But it does make any proof reading errors more obvious.) An elderly, widowed, retired senior police officer, Albert, travels with his dog, Rex, to various places in England and Scotland to sample, and if possible, learn how to make the culinary delights for which each town is famous. Rex is the star of the show. He is a very large German Shepherd, ex police dog, who thinks he knows better than humans. His antics, inner thoughts, attempts to communicate with humans, and his supposedly actual ability to communicate with animals is laugh out loud funny. At each stop on their journey Albert and Rex uncover and help to solve a crime, or two. The plots are ludicrous, but it really doesn't matter.
February 10, 2024
Fun distraction from more serious murder mysteries. Especially if you like dogs
October 17, 2022
An entertaining mystery with a dog and his human
Albert Smith, a retired police officer, and his German Shepherd, Rex Harrison, are on a gastro excursion eating their way across Great Britain. In every new place they visit, they stumble across crime and set out to solve the mystery and in some cases mysteries. The stories are told from the alternating view of Albert and Rex, a former police dog who is highly intelligent. Man and dog have a unique relationship that any reader would love. These stories will make you smile, laugh out loud and cheer for our heroes as they take on the bad guys!
Albert Smith, a retired police officer, and his German Shepherd, Rex Harrison, are on a gastro excursion eating their way across Great Britain. In every new place they visit, they stumble across crime and set out to solve the mystery and in some cases mysteries. The stories are told from the alternating view of Albert and Rex, a former police dog who is highly intelligent. Man and dog have a unique relationship that any reader would love. These stories will make you smile, laugh out loud and cheer for our heroes as they take on the bad guys!
January 2, 2023
Set of the first 10 books in the Albert Smith's Culinary Capers mystery series.
1. Pork Pie Pandemonium. Really enjoyed this one, would give it 5 stars. Loved Albert, 78 year old retired detective superintendent, and Rex Harrison, his "assistance dog" (also a retired police dog who actually got fired for a bad attitude!). They make a great team.
2. The Bakewell Tart Bludgeoning. The Bakewell Tart is the star of this book. There was lots of action, murder & attempted murder, mystery with a B&B, a class in baking the famous Tart (or pudding? Excellent historical aside about the difference).
3. The Stilton Slaughter. So many interesting facts about Stilton cheese but the mystery was delightful. It takes place first the most past in Stilton, a small town in Cambridgeshire, England, where the cheese is made and celebrated at an annual festival. Alfred is scheduled to take a tour of a dairy to see the process of making Stilton. He arrives just before the scheduled cheese festival as the dairy learns all their Stilton has been stolen. Without the cheese the town can't stage the Stilton race where rounds of the cheese are rolled down the main street. Albert meets a young police constable, the only police presence in the town, who is the butt of bullying by the Chief Superintendent. With Albert's assistance the Constable sets out to solve the theft. Great story, delightful repartee between the two, with Rex the faithful German Shepherd close behind.
4. Bedfordshire Clanger Calamity. Hysterically funny, like a Marx brothers movie, I could picture every scene: the delusional master mind behind the kidnapping and murder and his two pathetic henchmen up against Arthur's superior brain and Rex's brawn (& brain too actually). The Clanger was a revelation, another addition to the unique culinary experiments of the British Isles (reading the history and recipe at the end of the tales is always an additional treat!).
5. Death of a Yorkshire Pudding. This was the most convoluted of the mysteries so far, and it was great fun following Albert and Rex in solving it. Albert and his son, police superintendent Gary, have traveled to York in Northumberland to see the Yorkshire Pudding baking contest and also for Albert to learn how to bake them himself. Skulduggery and murder ensued. I am looking forward to trying the recipe included at the end of the book. As an aside note, I traveled from York to Harrogate to the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District in Northern England. In Harrogate I had Sunday dinner at the hotel where Agatha Christie was located after an eleven day disappearance and ordered roast beef and Yorkshire pudding. It was fabulous!
6. Cumberland Sausage Slaughter.
Dedication at the start of this book:
"If there's a dish For which I wish
More frequent than the rest,
If there's a food
On which I brood
When starving or depressed,
If there's a thing that life can give
Which makes it worth our while to live,
If there's an end
On which I'd spend
My last remaining cash, It's sausage, friend,
It's sausage, friend,
It's sausage, friend, and mash."
Another great installment in the retired police superintendent's travels through the UK searching for cooking classes to learn about specific UK culinary treats...in this case Cumberland Sausage. I really had little interest in the sausage making...I never found a sausage worth eating in the UK...but the history surrounding the regional sausage was interesting. Rex was very much involved in this caper and his human was getting better at figuring out what message Rex was giving him based on his superior olfactory skills. Albert met a fellow sleuth with her own former police dog in the small town of Keswick, Cumbria. But solutions to the next murders and disappearances were elusive until Alfred had his epiphany.
7. Arbroath Smokie Slaying.
Arbroath, a town in Scotland up the eastern Scottish coast northeast of Dundee, is famous for its smoked herring (smokies). Albert and Rex head there because of a photograph including the Master Gastrothief's two henchmen who met their demise in a prior episode. Although that clue didn't yield any answers, there was murder and corruption in high places which Albert was determined to solve. This book had me on the edge of my seat to find out what happened including Rex's ongoing battle with the seagulls. It was a great mystery but Albert figured it out with help from his B&B landlady and other townsfolk. The ending was a cliffhanger with another kidnapping. Meanwhile Albert & Rex arrived heading for Dundee.
8. Dundee Cake Deception.
"Dedication: There once was a man from Dundee who took to the town for high tea but a gust from nowhere raised his kilt in the air and solved a long-term mystery." [I couldn't resist!]
Dundee is a beautiful city often winning prizes for its flowers. Albert meets Greta in this episode who is much than an eighty three year old lady in distress. They get involved in some hijinks that nearly gets them killed while Rex is "the one" who saves the day. Such a good boy.
9. Lancashire Hotpot Peril.
Albert and Rex are back in England where Albert wants to find the best Hotpot (a kind of lamb stew). He was drawn to the site of the "best hotpot" where he discovered crime scene tape that prevented his admission. A famous chef who had been filming his TV cooking show on the same premises had been found murdered earlier that day thereby closing the restaurant for the forseeable future. Of course Albert and Rex must get involved in finding the solution to a complicated puzzle where characters from the Chef's past and present present many motives for the murder. Along the way Albert attaches himself to the most incompetent police constable in Lascastershire trying to improve his detecting skills while using him to help solve the murder. As usual this was a great romp. I was not interested in the recipe for the Lancaster Hotpot as it contains lots of lamb including lamb's kidneys...a big turnoff for me!
10. Blackpool Rock Bloodshed.
Albert and Rex have gone to the popular seaside resort Blackpool because Albert has childhood memories of spending time there. Soon after arriving Albert comes across a protection scam underway while he was in a sweet shop. He learned a boardwalk busker was killed by one of the bad guys who were trying to take over the protection business. The busker was known as the Wolf Man because his constant companion was a wolf. The wolf was determined to wreak vengeance on the killer. Meanwhile Albert ran into his old sergeant George while his Rex was on the run aiding Wolf in his pursuit. Albert with help from George spend most of the book trying to get Rex back.
This was a very exciting story and I stayed up late finishing it. It was also laugh out loud hysterical. Fortunately the next books in the series are in Kindle Unlimited so I can move right on to #11 to see if Albert and Rex are able to solve the "gastrothief" kidnappings that have been occurring throughout the series.
1. Pork Pie Pandemonium. Really enjoyed this one, would give it 5 stars. Loved Albert, 78 year old retired detective superintendent, and Rex Harrison, his "assistance dog" (also a retired police dog who actually got fired for a bad attitude!). They make a great team.
2. The Bakewell Tart Bludgeoning. The Bakewell Tart is the star of this book. There was lots of action, murder & attempted murder, mystery with a B&B, a class in baking the famous Tart (or pudding? Excellent historical aside about the difference).
3. The Stilton Slaughter. So many interesting facts about Stilton cheese but the mystery was delightful. It takes place first the most past in Stilton, a small town in Cambridgeshire, England, where the cheese is made and celebrated at an annual festival. Alfred is scheduled to take a tour of a dairy to see the process of making Stilton. He arrives just before the scheduled cheese festival as the dairy learns all their Stilton has been stolen. Without the cheese the town can't stage the Stilton race where rounds of the cheese are rolled down the main street. Albert meets a young police constable, the only police presence in the town, who is the butt of bullying by the Chief Superintendent. With Albert's assistance the Constable sets out to solve the theft. Great story, delightful repartee between the two, with Rex the faithful German Shepherd close behind.
4. Bedfordshire Clanger Calamity. Hysterically funny, like a Marx brothers movie, I could picture every scene: the delusional master mind behind the kidnapping and murder and his two pathetic henchmen up against Arthur's superior brain and Rex's brawn (& brain too actually). The Clanger was a revelation, another addition to the unique culinary experiments of the British Isles (reading the history and recipe at the end of the tales is always an additional treat!).
5. Death of a Yorkshire Pudding. This was the most convoluted of the mysteries so far, and it was great fun following Albert and Rex in solving it. Albert and his son, police superintendent Gary, have traveled to York in Northumberland to see the Yorkshire Pudding baking contest and also for Albert to learn how to bake them himself. Skulduggery and murder ensued. I am looking forward to trying the recipe included at the end of the book. As an aside note, I traveled from York to Harrogate to the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District in Northern England. In Harrogate I had Sunday dinner at the hotel where Agatha Christie was located after an eleven day disappearance and ordered roast beef and Yorkshire pudding. It was fabulous!
6. Cumberland Sausage Slaughter.
Dedication at the start of this book:
"If there's a dish For which I wish
More frequent than the rest,
If there's a food
On which I brood
When starving or depressed,
If there's a thing that life can give
Which makes it worth our while to live,
If there's an end
On which I'd spend
My last remaining cash, It's sausage, friend,
It's sausage, friend,
It's sausage, friend, and mash."
Another great installment in the retired police superintendent's travels through the UK searching for cooking classes to learn about specific UK culinary treats...in this case Cumberland Sausage. I really had little interest in the sausage making...I never found a sausage worth eating in the UK...but the history surrounding the regional sausage was interesting. Rex was very much involved in this caper and his human was getting better at figuring out what message Rex was giving him based on his superior olfactory skills. Albert met a fellow sleuth with her own former police dog in the small town of Keswick, Cumbria. But solutions to the next murders and disappearances were elusive until Alfred had his epiphany.
7. Arbroath Smokie Slaying.
Arbroath, a town in Scotland up the eastern Scottish coast northeast of Dundee, is famous for its smoked herring (smokies). Albert and Rex head there because of a photograph including the Master Gastrothief's two henchmen who met their demise in a prior episode. Although that clue didn't yield any answers, there was murder and corruption in high places which Albert was determined to solve. This book had me on the edge of my seat to find out what happened including Rex's ongoing battle with the seagulls. It was a great mystery but Albert figured it out with help from his B&B landlady and other townsfolk. The ending was a cliffhanger with another kidnapping. Meanwhile Albert & Rex arrived heading for Dundee.
8. Dundee Cake Deception.
"Dedication: There once was a man from Dundee who took to the town for high tea but a gust from nowhere raised his kilt in the air and solved a long-term mystery." [I couldn't resist!]
Dundee is a beautiful city often winning prizes for its flowers. Albert meets Greta in this episode who is much than an eighty three year old lady in distress. They get involved in some hijinks that nearly gets them killed while Rex is "the one" who saves the day. Such a good boy.
9. Lancashire Hotpot Peril.
Albert and Rex are back in England where Albert wants to find the best Hotpot (a kind of lamb stew). He was drawn to the site of the "best hotpot" where he discovered crime scene tape that prevented his admission. A famous chef who had been filming his TV cooking show on the same premises had been found murdered earlier that day thereby closing the restaurant for the forseeable future. Of course Albert and Rex must get involved in finding the solution to a complicated puzzle where characters from the Chef's past and present present many motives for the murder. Along the way Albert attaches himself to the most incompetent police constable in Lascastershire trying to improve his detecting skills while using him to help solve the murder. As usual this was a great romp. I was not interested in the recipe for the Lancaster Hotpot as it contains lots of lamb including lamb's kidneys...a big turnoff for me!
10. Blackpool Rock Bloodshed.
Albert and Rex have gone to the popular seaside resort Blackpool because Albert has childhood memories of spending time there. Soon after arriving Albert comes across a protection scam underway while he was in a sweet shop. He learned a boardwalk busker was killed by one of the bad guys who were trying to take over the protection business. The busker was known as the Wolf Man because his constant companion was a wolf. The wolf was determined to wreak vengeance on the killer. Meanwhile Albert ran into his old sergeant George while his Rex was on the run aiding Wolf in his pursuit. Albert with help from George spend most of the book trying to get Rex back.
This was a very exciting story and I stayed up late finishing it. It was also laugh out loud hysterical. Fortunately the next books in the series are in Kindle Unlimited so I can move right on to #11 to see if Albert and Rex are able to solve the "gastrothief" kidnappings that have been occurring throughout the series.
July 13, 2023
Moronic blather written on a fourth grade reading level
November 23, 2025
DNF. I try not to waste my time or Audible credits on books that can’t even keep my interest for a full chapter. I barely made it past the first chapter in this book. I still have 54 hours left.
Maybe it was the writing style I wouldn’t know because I’m not looking at the written version of the book or maybe it was just the narrator, however I was bored instantly.
I understand the authors desire to make the characters interesting, however, my first instincts of Albert and his loveable not so loveable assistant dog Rex was not a good one. Albert is a broken, retired cop who adopts a disobedient cop dog that was fired for his bad attitude and they are now joining forces to solve mysteries.
In theory, this concept may seem interesting, until you start the book and Albert is decribed as losing his hearing, losing his eyesight, being forgetful, Albert pretty much waddling around like he’s a 90-year-old and then we have Rex who is an ex police dog that could never be trained and was fired and rehomed. Makes for interesting partnership when it comes to solving crime.
Maybe I’m too set in my ways about the cosy mysteries that I do like but when I downloaded this set of books, which should typically have around 5 to 6 hours of listening each, I thought it was wonderful until the narrator started talking. The narrator itself is an older gentleman, which is great because the story’s main character is an older gentleman, but either the narrators narration style or the written book makes the narration very disjointed and hard to listen to.
Maybe it was the writing style I wouldn’t know because I’m not looking at the written version of the book or maybe it was just the narrator, however I was bored instantly.
I understand the authors desire to make the characters interesting, however, my first instincts of Albert and his loveable not so loveable assistant dog Rex was not a good one. Albert is a broken, retired cop who adopts a disobedient cop dog that was fired for his bad attitude and they are now joining forces to solve mysteries.
In theory, this concept may seem interesting, until you start the book and Albert is decribed as losing his hearing, losing his eyesight, being forgetful, Albert pretty much waddling around like he’s a 90-year-old and then we have Rex who is an ex police dog that could never be trained and was fired and rehomed. Makes for interesting partnership when it comes to solving crime.
Maybe I’m too set in my ways about the cosy mysteries that I do like but when I downloaded this set of books, which should typically have around 5 to 6 hours of listening each, I thought it was wonderful until the narrator started talking. The narrator itself is an older gentleman, which is great because the story’s main character is an older gentleman, but either the narrators narration style or the written book makes the narration very disjointed and hard to listen to.
October 9, 2023
I first read the Patricia Fisher books by Steve Higgs. They were great BUT ALBERT SMITH CULINARY CAPERS are better. This author is just fun to read. I plan to read every book he has written. I finished the first box set of 10 and went right to the second box set of 5. Rex and Albert make a good team. They started out to visit the sites in England famous for a food product like Stilton and its famous cheese. Everywhere they go they find a murder. Since Albert is a retired Chief Inspector and Rex is a trained police dog, they find clues where the local police see none. The stories are terrific, every one is a 5 star. I hope there will be more. Both box sets are available in Kindle Unlimited or you can buy them so you can easily read them again. Treat yourself to some good writing and good humor. Steve Higgs is the author. He has lots of books under his name. Every one is excellent. ENJOY!!!
May 21, 2024
Overall: 4.6
Pork Pie Pandemonium: 5
Bakewell Tart Bludgeoning: 5
Stilton Slaughter: 4
Bedfordshire Clanger Calamity: 4
Death of a Yorkshire Pudding: 5
Cumberland Sausage Shocker: 4
Arbroath Smokie Slaying: 5
Dundee Cake Deception: 5
Lancashire Hotpot Peril: 5
Blackpool Rock Bloodshed: 4
On the anniversary of Albert Smith's wife's death, he and his faithful companion, Rex Harrison, a former police German shepherd, began a tour to visit various sites of England's culinary dishes. This collection includes the first ten stops, each incorporating a criminal event they investigate.
This Cozy Animal Mystery is stimulating. All of the stories have intriguing situations. Danger. Wild Geese. Red herrings. Yet, through proper police procedures, the culprit is discovered.
Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Funny. Great world building. Haunting. Romantic. Scary. Tragic. Twisted. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.
Pork Pie Pandemonium: 5
Bakewell Tart Bludgeoning: 5
Stilton Slaughter: 4
Bedfordshire Clanger Calamity: 4
Death of a Yorkshire Pudding: 5
Cumberland Sausage Shocker: 4
Arbroath Smokie Slaying: 5
Dundee Cake Deception: 5
Lancashire Hotpot Peril: 5
Blackpool Rock Bloodshed: 4
On the anniversary of Albert Smith's wife's death, he and his faithful companion, Rex Harrison, a former police German shepherd, began a tour to visit various sites of England's culinary dishes. This collection includes the first ten stops, each incorporating a criminal event they investigate.
This Cozy Animal Mystery is stimulating. All of the stories have intriguing situations. Danger. Wild Geese. Red herrings. Yet, through proper police procedures, the culprit is discovered.
Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Funny. Great world building. Haunting. Romantic. Scary. Tragic. Twisted. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.
Read
June 4, 2022The author, Steve Higgs, claimed he wrote either one of ten (or all ten, I'm not certain) in two weeks. Either way, he kept me turning pages. Nevertheless, he fell into the same trap that I have found in just about all of the cozy mysteries I've tried. Eyebrows, Eyebrows. EYEBROWS! I am so tired of eyebrows shooting to the top of the forehead! He also went overboard with adding in packs of dogs, cats, and birds. Sticking with Albert Smith's dog Rex would have been sufficient. As clever and prolific a writer as Higgs is, he could have/should have cleaned these up a bit. I can't deny that I am waiting to see how Albert Smith and Rex find the Gastrothief. I only gave the set of ten a three-star because of the eyebrows and packs of other animals. I seldom laugh out loud as I read, but Steve Higgs's writing left me no option.
October 31, 2021
This collection of stories are simply the best! A dog who talks - although his master does not understand him most of the time -, a retired Police Superintendent who is traveling through Britain to learn how to make his preferred dishes. While eating and trying to learn how to cook, Albert gets involved with a lot of crimes and gets solving all of them with Rex's help. Some of the passages and Rex's comments are hilarious and you can get a good laugh imagining those situations.
Steve Higgs makes the plots believable, the characters very interesting and the result is a very entertaining and good reading! Download and enjoy!
I downloaded a free copy of this collection and this is my honest opinion!
Steve Higgs makes the plots believable, the characters very interesting and the result is a very entertaining and good reading! Download and enjoy!
I downloaded a free copy of this collection and this is my honest opinion!
November 25, 2022
The whole series is page-turning entertaining! Rex is a worthwhile police partner. Albert Smith is the well meaning volunteer sleuth who inadvertently detects. I’m learning about police procedures and old fashioned gourmet British comfort foods. The suspense is astoundingly clever and the action scenes are full of perceptive believable moves. So far, each story is tucked within a frame of a greater unseen criminal scenario and recurring characters. I came upon the package suggested by the publisher and I’m delighted to have discovered this author. I’m also an owner of two German Shepherd dogs and a fan of stories incorporating them as sidekicks.
April 19, 2023
Loved these!
I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed a book series so much, and I am a Constant Reader. The adventures of Albert & Rex were clever and absorbing…I stayed up too late several nights to find out what was going to happen. I became emotionally involved with Rex and Wolf especially. I loved reading about the small English villages, perhaps an homage to the Queen of Mystery, Dame Agatha??
I’m looking very forward to reading about the Gastrothief, and learning more about Rex’s view of the world.
Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys mysteries, and English mysteries especially.
I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed a book series so much, and I am a Constant Reader. The adventures of Albert & Rex were clever and absorbing…I stayed up too late several nights to find out what was going to happen. I became emotionally involved with Rex and Wolf especially. I loved reading about the small English villages, perhaps an homage to the Queen of Mystery, Dame Agatha??
I’m looking very forward to reading about the Gastrothief, and learning more about Rex’s view of the world.
Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys mysteries, and English mysteries especially.
August 27, 2024
Captivating
I think I'm in love with Rex Harrison! And that only took a few pages to happen. Once I began reading I was sucked into Albert Smith's world and couldn't get out, didn't want to get out until I was forced to after the epilogue to Chapter 10. Other than following Albert and Rex, I was compelled to learn the fate of Wolf, shed tears, held my breath more than once, and read far longer and later than I should have trying to gather up all the clues and then wept again when the last chapter was finished...because it was finished. And as soon as I finish here, I will purchase and download the next book. Thank you, Mr. Higgs for a thoroughly fun ride!
I think I'm in love with Rex Harrison! And that only took a few pages to happen. Once I began reading I was sucked into Albert Smith's world and couldn't get out, didn't want to get out until I was forced to after the epilogue to Chapter 10. Other than following Albert and Rex, I was compelled to learn the fate of Wolf, shed tears, held my breath more than once, and read far longer and later than I should have trying to gather up all the clues and then wept again when the last chapter was finished...because it was finished. And as soon as I finish here, I will purchase and download the next book. Thank you, Mr. Higgs for a thoroughly fun ride!
March 8, 2025
“Human” and his retired police dog solve crimes
A charming story solving crimes while traveling around England on a culinary tour. The retired police detective somehow figures out the crimes much to the dismay of every police force he encounters. He is aided by his three children, active police detectives who check up on his travels and occasionally “look up” information from afar. His german shepherd, Rex Harrison, was trained as a police dog, but failed out of the academy for not following the program. As the stories progress, you listen in on the conversations between Rex and other animals he encounters, filling in pieces of the story. Utterly charming!
A charming story solving crimes while traveling around England on a culinary tour. The retired police detective somehow figures out the crimes much to the dismay of every police force he encounters. He is aided by his three children, active police detectives who check up on his travels and occasionally “look up” information from afar. His german shepherd, Rex Harrison, was trained as a police dog, but failed out of the academy for not following the program. As the stories progress, you listen in on the conversations between Rex and other animals he encounters, filling in pieces of the story. Utterly charming!
January 18, 2022
Extraordinary Adventures of a Human & Dog Team
Steve Higgs has written a delightful series about a retired police detective Albert Smith, the human partner of Rex, a huge German Shepherd who used to be a police dog and now is Albert’s “assistant dog” (at least that’s what the vest on his harness says) as the duo tour Great Britain to learn how to make 10 famous British dishes, such as Yorkshire pudding and Stilton Cheese. Lots of humor and action with charming characters. I enjoyed learning the dishes’ history and recipes. As satisfying as a “full English breakfast.”
Steve Higgs has written a delightful series about a retired police detective Albert Smith, the human partner of Rex, a huge German Shepherd who used to be a police dog and now is Albert’s “assistant dog” (at least that’s what the vest on his harness says) as the duo tour Great Britain to learn how to make 10 famous British dishes, such as Yorkshire pudding and Stilton Cheese. Lots of humor and action with charming characters. I enjoyed learning the dishes’ history and recipes. As satisfying as a “full English breakfast.”
February 7, 2022
I can’t express strongly enough enough what a joy this series was. I am bereft it’s now finished and looking forward to Episode 11. I read the 10 books during a particularly difficult Covid episode and it gave me so much joy, humour, and remembered precious doggie moments, I laughed out laugh many times from the vivid writing and imagined (and very real) Rex and his human’s antics. A tour through the British Isles on a culinary adventure of my own could not have been more fun. I cannot wait for Episode 11. Thank you Steve 🙏👍🏼🏆 It’s gold!! 🤩
April 9, 2023
what fun, a really enjoyable read. A bit silly really, the thought processes of a dog being one of the main themes, but, I read all 10 books one after the other, and am going to get the rest. There were one or two typos, which I always find extremely annoying. but the stories delve into a bit of history of some of our great British food traditions and for those that are really keen there is a more in depth synopsis and a recipe with each book. Not great literary works but a very pleasant way to while away an afternoon.
May 20, 2023
Fantastic and brilliant!
I can picture my mother doing just this. Traveling with a dog and correcting both idiot criminals and the overconfident professionals with logic and out of the box thinking. I would love to have a Rex. Of course, I’ve always had brilliantly cunning cats, however, dogs and horses would be on my list, too. Truly a wonderful series and equally entertaining against Blue Moon, Patricia Fisher and I’m just starting the Caterer stories. All brilliant, funny and LOVE the animals!
I can picture my mother doing just this. Traveling with a dog and correcting both idiot criminals and the overconfident professionals with logic and out of the box thinking. I would love to have a Rex. Of course, I’ve always had brilliantly cunning cats, however, dogs and horses would be on my list, too. Truly a wonderful series and equally entertaining against Blue Moon, Patricia Fisher and I’m just starting the Caterer stories. All brilliant, funny and LOVE the animals!
June 9, 2023
This is a real gem . All the short stories are hilarious and the final five in the culinary capers series as Albert escapes the clutches of the local constabulary while on the hunt for the gastrothief. Rex has a starring role in a few too . The rapports Albert has with friends he meets along the way and his children’s devotion is great too as well as aiding with the sleuthing . Very well written and all standalone stories with the underlying end goal so an ideal beach/ holiday read imo
I received advance copies and my review is voluntary and my own words
I received advance copies and my review is voluntary and my own words
November 13, 2023
I enjoyed this set of ten books tremendously! Usually when I get a boxed set, typically of three books, after the first two, I have to set them down for a while because I need a break from the characters and the setting and I switch to another book or series before I come back for book number three in the original series. However, I could not get enough of Albert and Rex. I read straight through all ten books in this set and then went on to read the five books in the next set. I have never found another author that I wanted to do that with! Thank you Steve Higgs!
July 6, 2024
Most excellent.
Ten books of Albert and Rex gallivanting across England hunting excellent !same and inadvertently throwing a spanner into the plans of a crazy person preparing for the end of the world. 2300 pages of great plots, interesting characters, settings in various English towns and the beautiful relationship between a man and his dog. Five more in this series, then more with a different setting. Can hardly wait to find out what Rex and Albert get into next. Books 1-10. Highly recommend!
Ten books of Albert and Rex gallivanting across England hunting excellent !same and inadvertently throwing a spanner into the plans of a crazy person preparing for the end of the world. 2300 pages of great plots, interesting characters, settings in various English towns and the beautiful relationship between a man and his dog. Five more in this series, then more with a different setting. Can hardly wait to find out what Rex and Albert get into next. Books 1-10. Highly recommend!
January 7, 2025
I really enjoyed this.
Not the sort of booked of usually read but I thought I would try the first and thoroughly enjoyed the set. When I finished the last one I though "NO, it can't end there". Thank goodness there is another set as I have to find out how Albert and Rex catch the criminal they are after.
Rex is the star of these books and can imagine him having a conversation with himself.
I've now about to start of the next set to see how it all ends.
I am definitely going to try the other books by this author.
Not the sort of booked of usually read but I thought I would try the first and thoroughly enjoyed the set. When I finished the last one I though "NO, it can't end there". Thank goodness there is another set as I have to find out how Albert and Rex catch the criminal they are after.
Rex is the star of these books and can imagine him having a conversation with himself.
I've now about to start of the next set to see how it all ends.
I am definitely going to try the other books by this author.
November 3, 2025
Amazing.
The Albert Smith books are amazing. An intricate web of cosy detective, police procedural and laugh out loud humour. The culinary capers of Albert, a retired 78 year old detective superintendent and his German shepherd Rex ( the only dog to be fired from the police for having an attitude problem) , are spellbinding. A must read for anyone with a sense of humour that likes mysteries. A bonus at the end of each story, is a brief history and recipe for the food item that Albert has been researching.
The Albert Smith books are amazing. An intricate web of cosy detective, police procedural and laugh out loud humour. The culinary capers of Albert, a retired 78 year old detective superintendent and his German shepherd Rex ( the only dog to be fired from the police for having an attitude problem) , are spellbinding. A must read for anyone with a sense of humour that likes mysteries. A bonus at the end of each story, is a brief history and recipe for the food item that Albert has been researching.
January 4, 2022
Very Entertaining and Who Doesn't Love a Good "Who Done It"?
Excellent writing and funny to boot! Steve Higgs has quickly become one of my favorite authors. I've read almost all of each series and look forward to new books as they come out. The man's fingers must be on fire! Highly recommend giving this series of books and all the others a read. You will be entertained and find yourself laughing out loud.
Excellent writing and funny to boot! Steve Higgs has quickly become one of my favorite authors. I've read almost all of each series and look forward to new books as they come out. The man's fingers must be on fire! Highly recommend giving this series of books and all the others a read. You will be entertained and find yourself laughing out loud.
January 10, 2022
There are lots of emotional times in his books, but the ones I remember most are the ones which made me laugh hilariously. The pairing of Rex and Albert is perfect, each bounces off the other. Dog owners will know how some dogs react to commands and discipline and to vet visits. Rex and the vet after consuming forbidden food? I could not stop laughing. I have read other books by Steve, but these are the best.
January 26, 2022
Quick reads. Loved the stories & looking forward to book 11. Albert is an elderly retired cop who adopted Rex. Rex is a trained police dog who was never put into service because he was “bad”. In reality, Rex is very intelligent & is always trying to communicate with his human. I love “hearing” Rex’s conversations. It’s debatable which one, dog or human, is the better detective. Together they make a great team catching the bad guys.
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August 15, 2022I started to read these books with some scepticism, however I could not put them down, and read one a day until I finished the current series.
They are beautifully written, with drama, humour and pathos, page turning plots with a unique slant on the relationship between dog and man.
I have absolutely loved them, they made me laugh cry, and fear for the heroes in equal measure.
An absolute triumph of a story.
Loved it and cannot wait for the next adventures of Albert and Rex xx
They are beautifully written, with drama, humour and pathos, page turning plots with a unique slant on the relationship between dog and man.
I have absolutely loved them, they made me laugh cry, and fear for the heroes in equal measure.
An absolute triumph of a story.
Loved it and cannot wait for the next adventures of Albert and Rex xx
April 6, 2023
Great fun with DCI Albert and Rex Harrison
At least a half dozen times in this series, I found myself laughing out loud at the antics of retired DCI and police dog Rex Harrison.
The premise of the crime is hilarious and the food related travels are charming. I tried a few of the regional recipes, and each was satisfactory.
If you are a fan of cozy British mysteries, be sure to stop in here.
At least a half dozen times in this series, I found myself laughing out loud at the antics of retired DCI and police dog Rex Harrison.
The premise of the crime is hilarious and the food related travels are charming. I tried a few of the regional recipes, and each was satisfactory.
If you are a fan of cozy British mysteries, be sure to stop in here.
April 22, 2024
K-9, Retired Cheif Detective Inspector, Food and mystery?
This series covers almost 95% of my interests. Food and mystery go well with the story lines of this series . The Detective and his retired (for possession of a bad attitude) K9 Assistance 🐕🦺 find themselves serendipitously involved in number of entertaining situations and investigations 🔎. I found it to be a really fun read, AND it has recipes at the end of each book.
This series covers almost 95% of my interests. Food and mystery go well with the story lines of this series . The Detective and his retired (for possession of a bad attitude) K9 Assistance 🐕🦺 find themselves serendipitously involved in number of entertaining situations and investigations 🔎. I found it to be a really fun read, AND it has recipes at the end of each book.
December 12, 2025
Albert Smith 1-10
I love Steve Higgs’ stories! This set is about a retired police detective out to learn to make or just taste his favorite food, but everywhere he goes he happens on a mystery. Some of the best parts are listening to his dog’s thoughts about humans! Together they get into trouble, and also solve the mystery and save the day, and it was such fun to take the journey with them!
I love Steve Higgs’ stories! This set is about a retired police detective out to learn to make or just taste his favorite food, but everywhere he goes he happens on a mystery. Some of the best parts are listening to his dog’s thoughts about humans! Together they get into trouble, and also solve the mystery and save the day, and it was such fun to take the journey with them!
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