Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.48 AVERAGE
3.48 AVERAGE
Fun and exciting
Love the thoughts of the dog and the tenacity of our hero. Good and quick read the sure built to an exciting conclusion.
Love the thoughts of the dog and the tenacity of our hero. Good and quick read the sure built to an exciting conclusion.
adventurous
funny
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
I was interested in this solely for the dog's POV but it was only ever random throw away paragraphs. The writing was so amateurish it was grating. I had already decided cozy mysteries weren't my thing but tried to read this in hopes the dog would make it bearable. Book club be damned, I can't finish this.
adventurous
challenging
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Albert is an old detective that is touring to learn how to cook. He travels with Rex, a dog that was trained by the police and has a very particular way to get people to submit. When they stop to learn how to bake pork pie, things get Interesting when a thumb is found on a pie. This is a light-hearted mystery and it's great to relax and enjoy an easy book.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is my first book written by Steve Higgs. This is surprising only when you realize that he has nine ongoing series and >205 individual titles. This is the first title in the “Albert Smith’s Culinary Capers” Series.
Albert Smith is a recently retired detective superintendent who has an ex-police dog named Rex Harrison “fired” for having an attitude and a fanatical fixation on food items that constitute his raison d'être after the death of his wife. Since he can’t cook he puts together an itinerary for an extended culinary tour of England. His first destination is Melton Mowbray and Agnews Perfect Pork Pie Emporium where he is scheduled to learn to recreate their “Gold Standard“ Pork Pie. The final class is interrupted by the discovery of a human finger atop the meat for one of the participants’ supplies resulting in an investigation by the Police and an escalation of a rivalry with a competitor specializing in an operation focused on quantity rather than the quality of a Gold Standard Pork Pie. Albert and Rex Harrison are drawn in to help out their new friends.
I originally became aware of this book when the cover featuring an adorable version of Rex Harrison. It is always a plus when you have a charismatic animal as a character and Rex Harrison is one of the best I have found in a while. Add in his senior citizen companion and you have a winning combination for a series of 15 culinary adventures. I had a little trouble getting into the book until we got past the setup with its gruesome kick off. After that, the story begins to focus on the characters and their reactions and relationships. This kept me involved in the story and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I would also recommend the audio version for the portrayal of Rex Harrison. Recommend to readers of cozy mysteries, crime, animals, dogs, contemporary British literature, and food.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Such a fun light read. Not only did it make me laugh out loud, but we as the reader get to know what Rex is thinking. Such a smart and HILARIOUS pooch.