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Albert Smith's Culinary Capers #14
The Gastrothief
Every journey might start with a single step, but where does it end?
Albert Smith and his faithful dog, Rex Harrison, have been on the road for far longer than they ever expected, but they can’t go home yet.
Not until they solve one final case.
Following a near-invisible breadcrumb trail of clues to find a character they know only as ‘The Gastrothief’, the man and dog duo find themselves in a remote village on the Welsh coast. Miles from home and without a friend in sight, do they really stand a chance against this invisible enemy and his merciless agents?
Of course they don’t. But in their darkness hours and against their greatest challenge, maybe, just maybe, one old man and his dog can prove good will always triumph …
If you like twisty, exciting mysteries, and stories involving dogs, you cannot afford to pass this series by.
Albert Smith and his faithful dog, Rex Harrison, have been on the road for far longer than they ever expected, but they can’t go home yet.
Not until they solve one final case.
Following a near-invisible breadcrumb trail of clues to find a character they know only as ‘The Gastrothief’, the man and dog duo find themselves in a remote village on the Welsh coast. Miles from home and without a friend in sight, do they really stand a chance against this invisible enemy and his merciless agents?
Of course they don’t. But in their darkness hours and against their greatest challenge, maybe, just maybe, one old man and his dog can prove good will always triumph …
If you like twisty, exciting mysteries, and stories involving dogs, you cannot afford to pass this series by.
267 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 26, 2023
339 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
About the author
Steve Higgs
547 books808 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 107 reviews
April 18, 2024
This was a very good end to the Gastrothief saga. Albert is so endearing and this book exemplifies that. Rex is as funny as ever. There are a few short stories that go with this series and I will read those too as I am not ready to leave Albert and Rex behind.
February 15, 2023
The Gastrothief
Now I have to re-read all the first 13 books! Otherwise I don't remember all the characters who came to Albert & Rex's rescue! I loved this book, but I'm also sad because this series is almost finished! Albert & Rex are two of my favorite characters of all the books I read! The stories aren't too shabby either!! 😉 It's a bonus for me that most of these books include recipes for the Star Dish of the book title! I've written every one of them in a notebook! Although I would like to see new books coming out for a long time, I am also looking forward to the next one in line! I guess I'm an oxymoron!
Now I have to re-read all the first 13 books! Otherwise I don't remember all the characters who came to Albert & Rex's rescue! I loved this book, but I'm also sad because this series is almost finished! Albert & Rex are two of my favorite characters of all the books I read! The stories aren't too shabby either!! 😉 It's a bonus for me that most of these books include recipes for the Star Dish of the book title! I've written every one of them in a notebook! Although I would like to see new books coming out for a long time, I am also looking forward to the next one in line! I guess I'm an oxymoron!
February 6, 2023
Albert & Rex are the Best
Steve Higgs is a prolific writer and his Culinary Capers is the best of his best. Unputable down action, welcome humor, talking hero dogs make this my favorite Higgs series and Ive read all his books but The Realm of Gods*. Some series get stale as they continue on.
Gastrothief may be one of the last books in this series but one of the best of Higgs Albert & Rex adventures...need to read all! Praying there is another culinary series for the two after this....in Europe? In America? South America? No delightful end in sight.... to find out what happened to Tanya?
*Felicity Philips • second favorite again w talking cats and dogs
Patricia Cruise series • third favorite although Patricia gets annoying
Blue Moon • these can be slow and repetitive, like reading someone's hourly Twitter account or diary
Blue Moon Sacramento • macabre • can give one nightmares
Steve Higgs is a prolific writer and his Culinary Capers is the best of his best. Unputable down action, welcome humor, talking hero dogs make this my favorite Higgs series and Ive read all his books but The Realm of Gods*. Some series get stale as they continue on.
Gastrothief may be one of the last books in this series but one of the best of Higgs Albert & Rex adventures...need to read all! Praying there is another culinary series for the two after this....in Europe? In America? South America? No delightful end in sight.... to find out what happened to Tanya?
*Felicity Philips • second favorite again w talking cats and dogs
Patricia Cruise series • third favorite although Patricia gets annoying
Blue Moon • these can be slow and repetitive, like reading someone's hourly Twitter account or diary
Blue Moon Sacramento • macabre • can give one nightmares
April 11, 2023
Almost the end, and justice at last!
Well, it has been a long time coming. A journey of culinary delight, theft, kidnapping, and even murder. Albert moving from crusader to criminal, and finally, hero.
What a great climax - the call for help accidentally sent to many people who all responded - some with their pets. Some interesting characters coming together to fight evil - and winning! I could sympathise with Rex and his suffering from an abundance of food and wine, and it was good that he could be reunited with some acquaintances from the past.
One has to feel a little sad for the Chief Inspector from Kent - well, not really. It all blew up I. His face.
A worthy ending to the Gastrothief mystery, and one more adventure in Dorset to come. What an enjoyable read!
Well, it has been a long time coming. A journey of culinary delight, theft, kidnapping, and even murder. Albert moving from crusader to criminal, and finally, hero.
What a great climax - the call for help accidentally sent to many people who all responded - some with their pets. Some interesting characters coming together to fight evil - and winning! I could sympathise with Rex and his suffering from an abundance of food and wine, and it was good that he could be reunited with some acquaintances from the past.
One has to feel a little sad for the Chief Inspector from Kent - well, not really. It all blew up I. His face.
A worthy ending to the Gastrothief mystery, and one more adventure in Dorset to come. What an enjoyable read!
March 11, 2023
Sad that Albert and Rex's adventures have come to an end.
Steve Higgs is an exceptional story teller. Albert and Rex have kept me enthralled over the whole series,, I have lost many hours sleep as I couldn't stop reading so I could find out what was going to happen next. Lyme Regis seems to be Albert's Last adventure,but an adventure it turns out to be. I can only hope that inspector Quinn is now reading parking meters. Horrible man!! I would love to see this series made into a TV series. Would be amazing to watch. Brilliant series from start to finish with quite a few laughs along the way. I can't wait to see what Stevs Higgs comes up with next. It will take some imagination to top this. 1000 stars is what is deserves.
Steve Higgs is an exceptional story teller. Albert and Rex have kept me enthralled over the whole series,, I have lost many hours sleep as I couldn't stop reading so I could find out what was going to happen next. Lyme Regis seems to be Albert's Last adventure,but an adventure it turns out to be. I can only hope that inspector Quinn is now reading parking meters. Horrible man!! I would love to see this series made into a TV series. Would be amazing to watch. Brilliant series from start to finish with quite a few laughs along the way. I can't wait to see what Stevs Higgs comes up with next. It will take some imagination to top this. 1000 stars is what is deserves.
December 15, 2023
He Caught The Culprit
Following a near-invisible breadcrumb trail of clues to find a character they know only as ‘The Gastrothief’, the man and dog duo find themselves in a remote village on the Welsh coast. Miles from home and without a friend in sight, do they really stand a chance against this invisible enemy and his merciless agents?Of course they don’t. But in their darkest hours and against their greatest challenge, maybe, just maybe, one old man and his dog can prove good will always triumph.
Albert gets what he came for. He caught the Gastrothief but at some point he wished he hadn't.. The culprit was pathetic.
I borrowed this book from KindleUnlimted. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
Following a near-invisible breadcrumb trail of clues to find a character they know only as ‘The Gastrothief’, the man and dog duo find themselves in a remote village on the Welsh coast. Miles from home and without a friend in sight, do they really stand a chance against this invisible enemy and his merciless agents?Of course they don’t. But in their darkest hours and against their greatest challenge, maybe, just maybe, one old man and his dog can prove good will always triumph.
Albert gets what he came for. He caught the Gastrothief but at some point he wished he hadn't.. The culprit was pathetic.
I borrowed this book from KindleUnlimted. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
February 11, 2023
I’ve read all of the books in this series and thoroughly enjoyed all of them. Capers is the right word for this book - it’s filled with ridiculous capers that had me laughing out loud and suspending disbelief. I could really imagine all the silliness actually happening.
The only problem is my memory is not so good so I couldn’t remember all the characters from previous books which were mentioned in this book. I can’t wait to read them all again. Please keep writing Steve Higgs - I can’t wait to read the next in this series or even the next in your other series. They’re all hysterically funny. 😂😂😂
The only problem is my memory is not so good so I couldn’t remember all the characters from previous books which were mentioned in this book. I can’t wait to read them all again. Please keep writing Steve Higgs - I can’t wait to read the next in this series or even the next in your other series. They’re all hysterically funny. 😂😂😂
April 18, 2023
A lovely wrap up
This has been my favorite adventure with Albert and Rex! What a fun and wonderful wrap-up to the Gastrothief mystery. Bringing in characters from previous books and even other series (Mike Atwell) always adds an extra element of enjoyment to a story for me. I love that Steve Higgs often allows his characters to walk outside their own series and crossover into another. It gives you an extra level of connection to them and new insight into them as you see them interact in a different setting.
Again, the perfect wrap-up. Just what you wanted to see for Albert and Rex. Hopefully, this is not the end of their adventures together.
This has been my favorite adventure with Albert and Rex! What a fun and wonderful wrap-up to the Gastrothief mystery. Bringing in characters from previous books and even other series (Mike Atwell) always adds an extra element of enjoyment to a story for me. I love that Steve Higgs often allows his characters to walk outside their own series and crossover into another. It gives you an extra level of connection to them and new insight into them as you see them interact in a different setting.
Again, the perfect wrap-up. Just what you wanted to see for Albert and Rex. Hopefully, this is not the end of their adventures together.
May 21, 2023
I loved this book -and the whole series (although I still have 1 left but the main plot is over). Ok so it is not a literary masterpiece, Dostoevsky needn't needn't tremble in his grave, however, it is well written, cleverly plotted and most importantly thoroughly enjoyable. Having enjoyed the company of highly intelligent German Shepherds, Rex Harrison really does fit the bill, making these books quite different from the norm, plus of course, for those so inclined, there is a recipe so you can make the particular food item that story features.
Very pleased to read the author's notes that there will be more series featuring Albert and his dog, I shall definitely be reading them.
Very pleased to read the author's notes that there will be more series featuring Albert and his dog, I shall definitely be reading them.
February 3, 2023
OMG! I love Albert and Rex
As the title implies, Albert and Rex are close on the heels of the once imagined, now very real, Gastrothief. As usual things aren’t simple and being a fugitive from the law is only one of the obstacles in the way of Albert solving the case. Of course, Rex is way ahead of Albert in the mystery-solving department. Desperate for help Albert sends a roundabout message to his children. That call for help has interesting and unexpected consequences. A real triumph!
I received an arc copy of the book.
As the title implies, Albert and Rex are close on the heels of the once imagined, now very real, Gastrothief. As usual things aren’t simple and being a fugitive from the law is only one of the obstacles in the way of Albert solving the case. Of course, Rex is way ahead of Albert in the mystery-solving department. Desperate for help Albert sends a roundabout message to his children. That call for help has interesting and unexpected consequences. A real triumph!
I received an arc copy of the book.
March 9, 2023
Spectacular!
Having read all of the 13 previous books in the series, this wraps up the over-arching story line in just the best possible way. The first 13 books are great. This one is just spectacular. Read them in order though or you’ll miss out on the best literary ride ever! Albert and Rex are brilliant characters. The thrills of the chase are in every book. This wraps everything up beautifully - except for the missing assassin. Next book is already downloaded and ready to go. Thank you, Steve Higgs, for a spectacular ride through the UK!
Having read all of the 13 previous books in the series, this wraps up the over-arching story line in just the best possible way. The first 13 books are great. This one is just spectacular. Read them in order though or you’ll miss out on the best literary ride ever! Albert and Rex are brilliant characters. The thrills of the chase are in every book. This wraps everything up beautifully - except for the missing assassin. Next book is already downloaded and ready to go. Thank you, Steve Higgs, for a spectacular ride through the UK!
December 2, 2024
The Gastrothief by Steve Higgs is the 14th book in Albert Smith's Culinary Capers series. Retired policeman Albert Smith and his "assistance" dog Rex continue on the trail of the Gastrothief. This book sees the conclusion to Albert's hunt for the criminal stealing and hoarding the best foods and chefs of Britain. It was wonderful to see many of the characters from the past books come together. Rex is superb as always. Plenty of laughs and fun and I'm happy that the two of them are not ready to settle down yet.
February 4, 2023
What a brilliant journey it's been so far!
The incredible journey of a man and his dog roaming the country for awesome recipes, has culminated in the conclusion of a manhunt of epic proportions! I am so honoured to have been on this journey from the very beginning. What an amazing journey it's been so far! Honestly, all I can say is wow!!! Left me feeling breathless! I can't wait to see what happens next!!!
The incredible journey of a man and his dog roaming the country for awesome recipes, has culminated in the conclusion of a manhunt of epic proportions! I am so honoured to have been on this journey from the very beginning. What an amazing journey it's been so far! Honestly, all I can say is wow!!! Left me feeling breathless! I can't wait to see what happens next!!!
February 5, 2023
Wow! A Smashing Comeuppance for the Gastrothief
This series is incredible. Rex, the German Shepherd, is the star and Albert Smith is its elderly hero. Warm and human people appear when he needs them and remind us we are not alone. When the chips are down, helpers appear. I'm delighted Albert is on his way to his next adventure. I'm going to start at book one and read the whole series again.
This series is incredible. Rex, the German Shepherd, is the star and Albert Smith is its elderly hero. Warm and human people appear when he needs them and remind us we are not alone. When the chips are down, helpers appear. I'm delighted Albert is on his way to his next adventure. I'm going to start at book one and read the whole series again.
February 5, 2023
I loved this series! Rex is the centerpiece of the stories - he is smart, funny, and protective of his human, Albert is roaming the country in search of the recipes for foods he loves so much, and at the same time, involves himself and Rex in trouble. Finding the Gastrothief is the ending of a saga, and what an ending it is!
Well done Steve Higgs! I'm so happy more stories about this duo will soon be published!
Well done Steve Higgs! I'm so happy more stories about this duo will soon be published!
February 17, 2023
The most entertaining series I've ever read in 73 Years!
This has to be one of the most entertaining series I've read in 73 years. My love and understanding of dogs thoughts may have been a big part of my enjoyment. I waited impatiently for each book to be written. It provided many laughs along with a good many mysteries. I am sure anyone who reads the series will entirely enjoy it. Thank you Steve Higgs for your wonderful talents and imagination to create this series.
This has to be one of the most entertaining series I've read in 73 years. My love and understanding of dogs thoughts may have been a big part of my enjoyment. I waited impatiently for each book to be written. It provided many laughs along with a good many mysteries. I am sure anyone who reads the series will entirely enjoy it. Thank you Steve Higgs for your wonderful talents and imagination to create this series.
December 27, 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. This is the next-to-the-last in book in this series, and so far I've enjoyed all the books, some more than others.
November 10, 2025
Great Read!
I know I've said this about the books in this series, but this one was the best. It is full of excitement, bad guys, and excellent good guys. Very enjoyable reading.
I know they can be read alone, but reading them in order is, I think, the better. There are still a couple of books left to read in this series, but I will get to them in a couple of days. Thank you, Steve Higgs, I love this series. 😀
I know I've said this about the books in this series, but this one was the best. It is full of excitement, bad guys, and excellent good guys. Very enjoyable reading.
I know they can be read alone, but reading them in order is, I think, the better. There are still a couple of books left to read in this series, but I will get to them in a couple of days. Thank you, Steve Higgs, I love this series. 😀
December 31, 2025
More adventures for Albert and Rex. In this book Rex gets separated from Albert and stumbles into the Gastrothief's underground bunker by accident. Albert looks everywhere for Rex but being unable to find his beloved dog, he sends out a text for help - accidentally sending the text to all his new friends. And they all drop everything to help Albert find Rex. A really great story, one I found it hard to put down.
February 6, 2023
Bets, Bad guys, and Bites
Trying to find the Gastrothief and yet, staying under the radar to avoid arrest, Albert and Red find themselves in a small village . Following a single clue, a betting slip from one of the Gastrothief's henchmen, the duo starts their inquires at the local betting shop. It's an exciting adventure from beginning to the end.
Trying to find the Gastrothief and yet, staying under the radar to avoid arrest, Albert and Red find themselves in a small village . Following a single clue, a betting slip from one of the Gastrothief's henchmen, the duo starts their inquires at the local betting shop. It's an exciting adventure from beginning to the end.
February 6, 2023
This is the book we have waiting for so long: Albert finally catches the Gastrothief. But he does not do it alone. When he accidentally sends out a group email asking for help, many of the people who have aided him in his previous adventures come rushing to his assistance.
An absolutely wonderful ending to a terrific series!!!!
An absolutely wonderful ending to a terrific series!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2023
Marvelous series end
Steve Higgs really got this book right. After thirteen adventures with Albert and Rex, this one tied up loose ends, reunited friends in a brilliantly conceived inadvertent technological way, and left me with a big, satisfied smile on my face. I love this series!
Steve Higgs really got this book right. After thirteen adventures with Albert and Rex, this one tied up loose ends, reunited friends in a brilliantly conceived inadvertent technological way, and left me with a big, satisfied smile on my face. I love this series!
February 9, 2023
The Gastrothief Revealed
On the run from the police and a warrant out for his arrest, Albert & Rex find themselves in an out of the way village in Wales. Follow Albert & Rex around this tiny village, it's countryside, and into the unsuspecting gastrothief's lair & all of Albert's friends who he!I make it happen. You'll love it!
On the run from the police and a warrant out for his arrest, Albert & Rex find themselves in an out of the way village in Wales. Follow Albert & Rex around this tiny village, it's countryside, and into the unsuspecting gastrothief's lair & all of Albert's friends who he!I make it happen. You'll love it!
March 7, 2023
The hunt for the gastrothief took him to a small town in Wales
At the beginning of this book, Albert Smith was in the final stage of his search for the gastrothief in a small village in Wales. I was so engrossed by this tale it was impossible to put down! The adventures of Albert Smith and his German Shepherd, Rex Harrison, were absolutely delightful.
At the beginning of this book, Albert Smith was in the final stage of his search for the gastrothief in a small village in Wales. I was so engrossed by this tale it was impossible to put down! The adventures of Albert Smith and his German Shepherd, Rex Harrison, were absolutely delightful.
March 8, 2023
The Albert Smith and Rex series is the most fun series I have read in ages.
The series is winding down now with just one more book left. This series is fantastic. I wish Albert were younger so he and Rex would have numerous more adventures. I thinks another series with the pair with be forthcoming in the future. I sure hope so. I have not laughed this much in years.
The series is winding down now with just one more book left. This series is fantastic. I wish Albert were younger so he and Rex would have numerous more adventures. I thinks another series with the pair with be forthcoming in the future. I sure hope so. I have not laughed this much in years.
April 2, 2023
A wonderful end to the Gastrothief!
This was a clever end for the Gastrithief and it was nice to put Quinn in his place, as well. There is still the escape of the assassin Tanya that has gone unresolved. Will she return to eliminate both Albert and Rex? I cannot wait to find out!
This was a clever end for the Gastrithief and it was nice to put Quinn in his place, as well. There is still the escape of the assassin Tanya that has gone unresolved. Will she return to eliminate both Albert and Rex? I cannot wait to find out!
August 28, 2023
Great finale
I like reading stories with wit and clever turns of phrase. It was refreshingly free of steamy scenes and raunchy language.
The heroes are a dynamic duo of canine and human, heartwarming and hilarious. I laughed so much during this series and can't wait to share it with my husband.
I like reading stories with wit and clever turns of phrase. It was refreshingly free of steamy scenes and raunchy language.
The heroes are a dynamic duo of canine and human, heartwarming and hilarious. I laughed so much during this series and can't wait to share it with my husband.
October 30, 2023
Well the Gastrothief has been located and all of the kidnapped people have been released. Rex got himself into a pickle but managed to escape once again and reunite with Albert Smith. Kind of sad, only one more book in this series. I have enjoyed each and every one, all the plot fresh and a good combination of new and old characters.
June 22, 2024
What a ride! The end of the road for Albert and Rex as they finally face the Gastrothief, and a great ending it is. I hope this is not the end for the pair though as they are a great partnership and I am sure they have other adventures to go on. Highly recommended, as are all Steve's books, so give this series a go, you won't be disappointed.
August 6, 2024
Wonderful Series
Once I started reading these books I couldn't stop! Yes there are murders but the interaction between the characters including Rex and the other animals is outstanding! The love Albert and Rex have for each other is very special. Those who have pets understand that!
Once I started reading these books I couldn't stop! Yes there are murders but the interaction between the characters including Rex and the other animals is outstanding! The love Albert and Rex have for each other is very special. Those who have pets understand that!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews