Whip Crack

DCI Kett Crime Thrillers, Book 4

By: Alex Smith

Narrated by: Tim Bruce

Every time you hear his voice, another child will die.

DCI Robert Kett’s family may be whole again, but he is a broken man.

Suspended from duty, he takes his girls out of the city for a much-needed holiday on the Norfolk Coast.

Instead of the peace he desperately needs, however, Kett finds a community in chaos. Four teenagers are missing, and time is running out before they meet a horrific fate.

Kett must follow a deadly trail of clues left by the man who took them, the only person who knows where they are.

There’s only one problem.

The kidnapper is already dead.

The most gripping installment yet in one of the hottest new crime series of the year, perfect for fans of JD Kirk, LJ Ross, Val McDermid, and Ian Rankin.

Alex Smith wrote his first book when he was six. It wasn’t particularly good, but it did have some supernatural monsters in it. His latest books, the DCI Robert Kett thrillers, have monsters in them too, although these monsters are very human, and all the more terrifying for it.

In between, he has published 12 novels for children and teenagers under his full name, Alexander Gordon Smith - including the number one best-selling series Escape from Furnace, which is loved by millions worldwide and is soon to become a motion picture. He lives in Norwich with his wife and three young daughters.

©2020 Alex Smith (P)2022 Alex Smith

5

The publisher's blurb lured me into trying out this one. It is so well plotted and written that time flew by as I listened. The narrator does such a fine job! Worth a credit :-)

Not Enough

I have listened to every book with DCI Kitt. Yes at first the kids seem annoying, but then they are kids and you get use to them they make up so much of it the books. I cannot continue unless the books are audible. If I can't listen then I miss so much, narration is a big part of making this series special. Children are so often part of real mysteries life offers, just reading doesn't capture the attention like hearing a child's voice. Please Mr. Smith continue narration with this series. I truly applaud all the narrator's.

Phenomenal Seriea!

DCI Kett and his Band of Brothers continue a winning streak! He has the heart of a true policeman and does his best to get his man (or woman). I especially enjoy the description of the areas of England he finds himself working in. I was jealous of a certain appliance mentioned at the end, as I have been searching far and wide for one with no success. You'll have to read the story to see what it is:) Can't wait for the next read!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 – Another Outstanding Entry in a Fantastic Series

Whip Crack is another exceptional installment from Alex Smith that delivers everything fans of the series have come to expect—an engrossing mystery, memorable characters, and a relentless pace that keeps the pages turning. Smith expertly balances suspense with character development, making it easy to become invested in both the investigation and the people behind it.

The case is cleverly constructed, with enough twists and red herrings to keep you guessing without ever feeling forced. The tension steadily builds toward a satisfying conclusion, and the emotional stakes make the story even more compelling. The dialogue feels natural, the pacing is excellent, and the atmosphere is vivid throughout.

One of the series' greatest strengths continues to be its characters. Their relationships evolve naturally with each book, adding depth beyond the mystery itself. Whether you're here for the investigation or the personal dynamics, Whip Crack delivers on both fronts.

Pros

Fast-paced and impossible to put down.

A well-crafted mystery with surprising but believable twists.

Strong character development that adds emotional weight.

Excellent balance of suspense, humor, and police procedural elements.

A satisfying ending that ties the investigation together while leaving you eager for the next installment.

Cons

A few secondary characters could have been explored in greater depth.

Some longtime readers may identify one or two plot developments slightly before the final reveal, though this doesn't lessen the enjoyment.

Overall, Whip Crack is another five-star winner from Alex Smith. It's an engaging, entertaining crime novel with compelling characters and a mystery that keeps you hooked from beginning to end. Highly recommended for fans of British crime fiction and anyone looking for a thrilling detective story.

Great series!

I have loved this series! The relationships between Robbie and his family as well as the bonds between him and his work colleagues just add to the suspenseful story lines. His daughters are hilarious- nice amount of comic relief! Can’t wait until the next book!