On the HahaFiction shelf
Pork Pie Pandemonium
Albert Smith’s Culinary Capers · Book 1 · 2020
Audiobook available
After his wife’s death, retired detective Albert Smith sets off to learn the dishes Britain’s towns are famous for. His first cooking stop is Melton Mowbray. A human thumb among the pork-pie ingredients gives Albert and his former police dog, Rex Harrison, a reason to investigate.
From the author’s blurb
“written with heart and humour”Read the full description at Steve Higgs, Crime Fiction Lover interview
Paid link · We earn commissions from qualifying Amazon purchases. Affiliate disclosure
What makes it funny?
Rex can smell the clues and struggles to understand why Albert keeps missing what seems obvious. Readers hear the dog’s sarcastic thoughts as his attempts to steer the investigation repeatedly go astray.
The comedy at work
The two viewpoints give readers information Albert cannot hear. His years of police experience carry him part of the way, while Rex waits impatiently for human reasoning to catch up with his nose.
Try this if…
British cooking, a retired widower finding a new purpose and an opinionated dog share the attention. Rex’s internal commentary is a major part of the appeal, so a taste for an animal viewpoint will help.
Good to know
The opening discovery involves a severed thumb, and the investigation puts the pair in danger. Higgs promises that Rex stays healthy throughout the series. A pork-pie recipe and the dish’s history appear at the back.
A few distinguishing details
- A culinary tour interrupted by a crime in the pie ingredients
- A former police dog whose thoughts the detective cannot hear
More funny cozy mystery
Sources & further reading
- Reader report
Reader discussion
- Independent review
Review
- Author bibliography
Author commentary
- Author interview
Author commentary
Something we should correct? Let us know.