What do you think?
Rate this book
Albert Smith's Culinary Capers #12
Eton Mess Massacre
Baking. It can get a guy killed.
When the chef tipped to win this year’s annual Eton Mess competition falls to his death in mysterious circumstances, Albert races to investigate - surely this is the work of the Gastrothief again.
However, Albert barely makes it out of the train station before his detective’s brain sees something most other people would never spot – a crime is about to take place and there’s no way he can ignore it.
Instantly shackled with a new problem, Albert attempts to solve both cases simultaneously, but is he up to the task?
It’s a good thing he has trusted partner Rex Harrison, the oversized former police dog, ready to lend a paw because this time he’s going to need all the help he can get.
New sidekicks to meet, new dishes to taste, and yet another deadly adventure awaits as Albert and Rex try to give the bad guys their just desserts!
When the chef tipped to win this year’s annual Eton Mess competition falls to his death in mysterious circumstances, Albert races to investigate - surely this is the work of the Gastrothief again.
However, Albert barely makes it out of the train station before his detective’s brain sees something most other people would never spot – a crime is about to take place and there’s no way he can ignore it.
Instantly shackled with a new problem, Albert attempts to solve both cases simultaneously, but is he up to the task?
It’s a good thing he has trusted partner Rex Harrison, the oversized former police dog, ready to lend a paw because this time he’s going to need all the help he can get.
New sidekicks to meet, new dishes to taste, and yet another deadly adventure awaits as Albert and Rex try to give the bad guys their just desserts!
223 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 29, 2022
344 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
Steve Higgs
547 books806 followersLet's start this off with an invitation to get some FREE books. No, you didn't read that wrong, we are talking about multiple free books. I love giving away free books because once people delve into the fast-paced mystery thrills I write, they go on to buy lots more.
All I need from you is an email address to send them to. Here's the link you need - https://mailchi.mp/fd47a6eb4ae5/patri...
When I wrote my first novel, Paranormal Nonsense, I was a Captain in the British Army. I would love to pretend that I had one of those careers that has to be redacted and in general denied by the government and that I have had to change my name and continually move about because I am still on the watch list in several countries. In truth though, I started out as a mechanic. Not like Jason Statham, sneaking about as a contract killer, more like one of those greasy gits that charge you a fortune and keep your car for a week when all you went in for was a squeaky door hinge.
At school, I was mostly disinterested in every subject except creative writing, for which, at age ten, I won my first award. However, calling it my first award suggests that there have been more, which there have not. Accolades may come but, in the meantime, I am having a ball writing mystery stories and crime thrillers and will claim to have more than a hundred books forming an unruly queue in my head as they clamor to get out.
Now retired from the military, I live in the south-east corner of England with a pair of lazy sausage dogs. Surrounded by rolling hills, brooding castles, and vineyards, I doubt I will ever leave, the beer is just too good.
Links:
Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Higgs/...
Website: https://stevehiggsbooks.wordpress.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/stevehiggsau...
All I need from you is an email address to send them to. Here's the link you need - https://mailchi.mp/fd47a6eb4ae5/patri...
When I wrote my first novel, Paranormal Nonsense, I was a Captain in the British Army. I would love to pretend that I had one of those careers that has to be redacted and in general denied by the government and that I have had to change my name and continually move about because I am still on the watch list in several countries. In truth though, I started out as a mechanic. Not like Jason Statham, sneaking about as a contract killer, more like one of those greasy gits that charge you a fortune and keep your car for a week when all you went in for was a squeaky door hinge.
At school, I was mostly disinterested in every subject except creative writing, for which, at age ten, I won my first award. However, calling it my first award suggests that there have been more, which there have not. Accolades may come but, in the meantime, I am having a ball writing mystery stories and crime thrillers and will claim to have more than a hundred books forming an unruly queue in my head as they clamor to get out.
Now retired from the military, I live in the south-east corner of England with a pair of lazy sausage dogs. Surrounded by rolling hills, brooding castles, and vineyards, I doubt I will ever leave, the beer is just too good.
Links:
Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Higgs/...
Website: https://stevehiggsbooks.wordpress.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/stevehiggsau...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
August 23, 2022
This one starts slow but don't worry, it's back up to maximum entertainment well before the end. This series is great fun!
March 30, 2024
There were parts of this that were good but some I didn’t like as much. The lady dog and the old lady were a little over the top in some of there action. Eric was a little ridiculous and the police officer that is after Albert was just dumb. All that being said, I love Albert and will continue the series.
August 4, 2022
This is a wonderful addition to this cozy series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such an amazing read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such an amazing read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
December 7, 2023
Laugh out loud funny
I did enjoy this clean reads book by Steve Higgs. It is number 12 in a series but you could read them out of order without being too lost due to Steve's easy way of bringing you up too speed by mentioning past events in summary as needed. Albert and Rex continue on their quest to find the mystery man behind all the thefts of food, wine, cheese, and equipment around England. This book did not seen like Albert made a lot of progress in his quest. He got totally sidelined helping a lady with her own investigation. He did manage to stay a step ahead of the police officer who is now on his trail determined to arrest him and make trouble for his children. There are a lot of cute and funny moments in this book. It makes for a fun read. There are still some errors in what I would say are subject verb agreement in the book that I hope the proofreading would catch.
I did enjoy this clean reads book by Steve Higgs. It is number 12 in a series but you could read them out of order without being too lost due to Steve's easy way of bringing you up too speed by mentioning past events in summary as needed. Albert and Rex continue on their quest to find the mystery man behind all the thefts of food, wine, cheese, and equipment around England. This book did not seen like Albert made a lot of progress in his quest. He got totally sidelined helping a lady with her own investigation. He did manage to stay a step ahead of the police officer who is now on his trail determined to arrest him and make trouble for his children. There are a lot of cute and funny moments in this book. It makes for a fun read. There are still some errors in what I would say are subject verb agreement in the book that I hope the proofreading would catch.
October 5, 2022
Great fun, as the Albert Smith and Rex books always are!
Charlie is on the run from the police, as Chief Inspector Quinn is accusing him of involvement in a bombing. His 3 children have been suspended from their high positions in the force. He meets up with an undercover investigative journalist and helps her, even though he knows she is up to something.
Charlie and Rex stay overnight in the home of the journalist's grandmother, where Rex meets an adorable 5 month old German Shepherd puppy who thinks Rex is his dad. The little fellow idolizes Rex, who tells him that he could become a great police dog - as long as he doesn't let the humans know that he is smarter than they are.
Charlie is on the run from the police, as Chief Inspector Quinn is accusing him of involvement in a bombing. His 3 children have been suspended from their high positions in the force. He meets up with an undercover investigative journalist and helps her, even though he knows she is up to something.
Charlie and Rex stay overnight in the home of the journalist's grandmother, where Rex meets an adorable 5 month old German Shepherd puppy who thinks Rex is his dad. The little fellow idolizes Rex, who tells him that he could become a great police dog - as long as he doesn't let the humans know that he is smarter than they are.
April 15, 2024
Eton Mess Massacre by Steve Higgs is the 12th book in Albert Smith's Culinary Capers series. On the run from Inspector Quinn after being blamed for the Kent oyster explosion, Albert Smith and his "assistance" dog Rex Harrison rush to the Eton Mess competition when they learn about the death of a previous winner and suspect the gastrothief may still be at work. Another great adventure and I especially love the covers featuring the dish of the book. This time both Rex and Albert need to ward off romantic advances and I loved little Eric who adopts Rex as a father figure. Lots of fun and plenty of laughs as we have come to expect.
November 24, 2024
Like the other books in the series, this one is a mystery, a whodunit, that takes place in a culinary setting. And, like the other books in the series, this one contains some typos in the text as well as some layout issues. But, also like the other books in the series, if you like this type of story (and I do), you would enjoy reading this book. I did and I look forward to reading the rest of the books in the series.
If you've read any of the other books in the series, you will notice a change in the book's format, which I believe, makes it easier to read and helps to delineate the chapter headings in an easier-to-read manner.
If you've read any of the other books in the series, you will notice a change in the book's format, which I believe, makes it easier to read and helps to delineate the chapter headings in an easier-to-read manner.
December 14, 2025
Albert and Rex thought they were hot on the train of the Gastrotheif after reading that another factory had one of their factory workers die, presumably while being chased by the Gastrothief's goons. When Albert saw a man following Jessica, he and Rex followed and just as he and another person were going to grab Jessica, Rex gave chase. Jessica worked at the Mess Factory as an executive assistant so Albert was having a hard time understanding why the Gastrotheif would be targeting her. The exciting day had so many twists and turns - Albert was nearly caught by Chief Constable Quinn who seems to think Albert is some kind if International criminal. The story was delightful!
August 4, 2022
I know the book is supposed to be more about Albert, with Rex as his sidekick, but I absolutely love how Rex is getting more and more wordplay! He is such a funny, cool character.
Albert and Rex, hot on the trail of the Gastrothief, see something nefarious about to happen. Rex gets to chase and bite which makes him happy, but the Gastrothief trail gets a bit muddied here.
Actually, things get way confusing here for Rex, and that had me laughing out loud.
I love books that give you a warm, feeling and make you laugh. This is one.
Albert and Rex, hot on the trail of the Gastrothief, see something nefarious about to happen. Rex gets to chase and bite which makes him happy, but the Gastrothief trail gets a bit muddied here.
Actually, things get way confusing here for Rex, and that had me laughing out loud.
I love books that give you a warm, feeling and make you laugh. This is one.
June 10, 2024
Oh ja, spannend ist dieses Buch allemal, und für alle Hundefreunde unter uns von besonderem Interesse, denn Rex übernimmt für kurze Zeit die Vaterrolle für einen Welpen als Neben-Job. Und Albert hat alle Hände voll zu tun, unter anderem auch, weil er unter dem Radar bleiben möchte. Und eigentlich wollte er nach Cornwall, aber dann ergibt sich plötzlich eine andere Situation...
Ich kann die Reihe wirklich empfehlen und gebe 86/100 bzw. 09/10 Punkte für dieses Buch.
https://sunsys-blog.blogspot.com/2024...
Ich kann die Reihe wirklich empfehlen und gebe 86/100 bzw. 09/10 Punkte für dieses Buch.
https://sunsys-blog.blogspot.com/2024...
September 12, 2025
I wish Eric had been older. A German shepherd has 6 months between heats, with Eric only 4 months old Delilah should not have been in estrus yet.
The author's note mentioned that he had a lot of interruptions while writing this book. He has mentioned that in other books, the reader can tell. Life does have a way of interrupting.
Albert has found himself in the middle of a real mess he thinks the Gastrothief is attacking a company but everything does not add up. Rex and Albert both have to navigate amorous females.
The author's note mentioned that he had a lot of interruptions while writing this book. He has mentioned that in other books, the reader can tell. Life does have a way of interrupting.
Albert has found himself in the middle of a real mess he thinks the Gastrothief is attacking a company but everything does not add up. Rex and Albert both have to navigate amorous females.
November 8, 2025
So much excitement!!!
I couldn't put this one down to I finished it. It's 3:30am!
The humor at some and the action from others rounded out this fun story.
Now, don't get me wrong,I love all the books I've read up to this one. You really must read them. They are fun to get caught up into and can fill up your days quite easily. Oh, if you haven't yet, you must read the Patricia Fisher series. Then the other one is with Felicity Philips and her very funny pets. They are fun to read. You won't be disappointed. Enjoy!
I couldn't put this one down to I finished it. It's 3:30am!
The humor at some and the action from others rounded out this fun story.
Now, don't get me wrong,I love all the books I've read up to this one. You really must read them. They are fun to get caught up into and can fill up your days quite easily. Oh, if you haven't yet, you must read the Patricia Fisher series. Then the other one is with Felicity Philips and her very funny pets. They are fun to read. You won't be disappointed. Enjoy!
August 5, 2022
Hey lads! Fancy a bit of romance? Hmmm?
They just can't catch a break. There are so many twists to this story that it kept me reading way into the night each night until I finished it - with some laugh out loud moments that had me holding my mouth shut! I love how we get to see into the minds of both Rex and Albert...how they think...how they try to understand one another...and their devotion to one another. They compliment each other perfectly!
They just can't catch a break. There are so many twists to this story that it kept me reading way into the night each night until I finished it - with some laugh out loud moments that had me holding my mouth shut! I love how we get to see into the minds of both Rex and Albert...how they think...how they try to understand one another...and their devotion to one another. They compliment each other perfectly!
August 6, 2022
Delightful
Rex is finally the star of the story. I laughed out.loud.several times as Albert & Rex got into "trouble" with the ladies. Sooo funny.
Glad. we.are.getting close.to.catching the gastrothief! A missing hard drive holds the key to Eaton Mess,but where is it? Can Albert actually make an Eaton Mess?
This book was so much fun & so hilarious & Rex gets to meet his son! Loved it!! You will too!!!
Rex is finally the star of the story. I laughed out.loud.several times as Albert & Rex got into "trouble" with the ladies. Sooo funny.
Glad. we.are.getting close.to.catching the gastrothief! A missing hard drive holds the key to Eaton Mess,but where is it? Can Albert actually make an Eaton Mess?
This book was so much fun & so hilarious & Rex gets to meet his son! Loved it!! You will too!!!
February 21, 2023
What a wonderful set of books to read. So different from other mystery series. The entire series has been delightful.
Rex and his human have non-verbal exchanges which pull you right into the stories.
I would recommend these books to all readers who like mysteries and dogs.
Read the first book and you’ll have difficulty stopping at #1!
Keep you internet handy to look up the ‘local famous foods’ in the books unless you know English cuisine.
Rex and his human have non-verbal exchanges which pull you right into the stories.
I would recommend these books to all readers who like mysteries and dogs.
Read the first book and you’ll have difficulty stopping at #1!
Keep you internet handy to look up the ‘local famous foods’ in the books unless you know English cuisine.
August 4, 2022
amusing cooking competition
Hilarious Elton mess making competition, and lots of excitement for Rex and Albert. The story is fun, and you do need to have read the previous stories to fully make sense of it, but even if you haven’t, it is a good clean funny mystery, within a bigger mystery.
Hilarious Elton mess making competition, and lots of excitement for Rex and Albert. The story is fun, and you do need to have read the previous stories to fully make sense of it, but even if you haven’t, it is a good clean funny mystery, within a bigger mystery.
August 15, 2022
Fun with Rex and Albert. Not as much fun as usual because Rex suddenly finds he has a 'wife and son'. And their mistress seems to have designs on Albert. The plot is s little thin for Steve's usual books. However, meeting Eric, the pup who wants to learn from his 'dad' Rex, is worth the read. Recinnebded.
October 18, 2022
Laugh out loud fun!
Albert Smith & Rex get in over their heads, again, and make me laugh and smile the whole way!!! Steve Higgs, writing from both the perspective of Albert and his ex-police K9 Rex, keeps the action flowing and the laughs and smiles coming. I only hate having to wait for the next outing!!!!!!
Albert Smith & Rex get in over their heads, again, and make me laugh and smile the whole way!!! Steve Higgs, writing from both the perspective of Albert and his ex-police K9 Rex, keeps the action flowing and the laughs and smiles coming. I only hate having to wait for the next outing!!!!!!
May 22, 2023
How can you not adore Rex? In this book we get to see the nurturing side of the oversized Shepherd. He is a good mentor for Eric. I enjoyed how Steve was able to devote about half of the story to Albert’s canine companion while still engaging us with a mystery. The characters are all extremely likable with the exception of Inspector Quinn. Good read, extremely entertaining.
June 10, 2023
Everything Steve Higgs writes is wonderful. Don't read at night. I can't stop reading. I have enjoyed three series so far and I intend to read everything he ever wrote, or writes.
You have everything...laughter, suspense, intrigue, romance...I'm not good at expressing myself, but just know you won't be disappointed at all.
You have everything...laughter, suspense, intrigue, romance...I'm not good at expressing myself, but just know you won't be disappointed at all.
October 29, 2023
Another great addition to this series. Albert and Rex seem to be putting themselves in more dangerous situations that are life threatening. The plot is fresh and the characters very human with all the baggage that comes with being human, both good and bad traits. I am sad to be coming to the end of this series, each book was unique and thoroughly enjoyable.
October 31, 2023
The most fun of all the Culinary Capers
This is my favorite Steve Highs novel. Rex Harrison is a bit of a cad with his "slam bam, thank you mam" attitude towards Deliah, a female he just met. However, the story is delightful and I mentally forgave Red when he took her pup under his wing and taught him to follow the scent of killers.
This is my favorite Steve Highs novel. Rex Harrison is a bit of a cad with his "slam bam, thank you mam" attitude towards Deliah, a female he just met. However, the story is delightful and I mentally forgave Red when he took her pup under his wing and taught him to follow the scent of killers.
December 13, 2023
Not Related
Jessica's case was not related to Albert's Gastro thief. It was in fact a case all it's own. She was trying desperately to get the lowdown on a case of pollution. It was much more involved than that.
I borrowed this book from KindleyUnlimted. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
Jessica's case was not related to Albert's Gastro thief. It was in fact a case all it's own. She was trying desperately to get the lowdown on a case of pollution. It was much more involved than that.
I borrowed this book from KindleyUnlimted. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
February 1, 2024
Unputdownable!
What can I say apart from its midnight and I've had terrible problems laughing quietly for the past twenty minutes.
It was nice on volume 12 having a slightly different theme. After reading this series I now have to listen more carefully to the things my dog tells me!
What can I say apart from its midnight and I've had terrible problems laughing quietly for the past twenty minutes.
It was nice on volume 12 having a slightly different theme. After reading this series I now have to listen more carefully to the things my dog tells me!
March 10, 2025
Good book. Love books with dogs.
The dog in this book is Rex Harrison. He is a retired police dog. Albert Smith is a retired policeman. Albert is a widower, and his wife always teased him because he absolutely does not know how to cook. So they are visiting many places overseas where the great cooks are.
The dog in this book is Rex Harrison. He is a retired police dog. Albert Smith is a retired policeman. Albert is a widower, and his wife always teased him because he absolutely does not know how to cook. So they are visiting many places overseas where the great cooks are.
August 7, 2022
Eton mess
I feel like Albert and Rex are old friends so was delighted to find this latest story popping up. Higgs is particularly good at dog dialogue and in this one he gets that of an excited puppy down perfectly.
I feel like Albert and Rex are old friends so was delighted to find this latest story popping up. Higgs is particularly good at dog dialogue and in this one he gets that of an excited puppy down perfectly.
August 7, 2022
wish I could bake
Because the regular highlighted foods in these stories always sound yummy. The narrative is engrossing and mystifying trying to determine how Rex and Albert will escape the pickle they are in. Worth to read the whole series.
Because the regular highlighted foods in these stories always sound yummy. The narrative is engrossing and mystifying trying to determine how Rex and Albert will escape the pickle they are in. Worth to read the whole series.
August 8, 2022
In many ways this is Rex’s book. Oh, Albert is there, too, but Rex is really the one finding clues and taking down bad guys. The hunt for the Gastrothief goes on but there is still some way to go to a solution. I loved this book.
I received an ARC copy of the book.
I received an ARC copy of the book.
August 9, 2022
Sometimes Two Wrongs do make a Right
I loved this story! It has it all: action, adventure, criminals, amazing Rex, and lots of pudding. It will be tough waiting for the next adventure.
I loved this story! It has it all: action, adventure, criminals, amazing Rex, and lots of pudding. It will be tough waiting for the next adventure.
August 10, 2022
Rex has friends!
I am so glad I found this series!! Albert and Rex make me laugh. I am a dog lover with 10 dogs of my own with 1 weenie in the pack. She is the smartest one here!. I love the wat the dogs think and work together for rhe sake of the not so bright humans!
I am so glad I found this series!! Albert and Rex make me laugh. I am a dog lover with 10 dogs of my own with 1 weenie in the pack. She is the smartest one here!. I love the wat the dogs think and work together for rhe sake of the not so bright humans!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews