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DCI Kett #5
Run Rabbit Run
He has always been the hunter. He is about to become the prey.
For years, DCI Robert Kett has tracked down the country’s most dangerous kidnappers and serial killers, earning a reputation as the best man to call to catch the bad guys.
The tables are about to turn.
When somebody starts brutally murdering the criminals that Kett has put behind bars—and the ones that he wasn’t able to catch—it seems as if there is a vigilante on the loose.
Tasked with keeping one of these criminals alive, Kett starts to understand that something far more dangerous is going on.
And the killer isn’t just coming after the bad guys. He’s coming after Kett, too.
For years, DCI Robert Kett has tracked down the country’s most dangerous kidnappers and serial killers, earning a reputation as the best man to call to catch the bad guys.
The tables are about to turn.
When somebody starts brutally murdering the criminals that Kett has put behind bars—and the ones that he wasn’t able to catch—it seems as if there is a vigilante on the loose.
Tasked with keeping one of these criminals alive, Kett starts to understand that something far more dangerous is going on.
And the killer isn’t just coming after the bad guys. He’s coming after Kett, too.
336 pages, ebook
First published December 1, 2020
2469 people are currently reading
609 people want to read
About the author
Alex Smith
25 books665 followersAlex 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 these two books he has published twelve other novels for children and teenagers under his full name, Alexander Gordon Smith—including the number one bestselling series Escape From Furnace, which is loved by millions of readers worldwide and which is soon to become a motion picture. He lives in Norwich with his wife and three young daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
December 5, 2020
Absolutely brilliant! I couldn't hardly put it down! So many twists and turns and an excellent follow on to the rest of the books! Can't wait til April!
July 19, 2024
Es wird wirklich immer besser!
June 14, 2021
Run Rabbit Run was not my favourite book of the series for a couple of reasons. I almost rated as 1 star or 'Did not like' but I did read it all so bumped it up.
First off, I loved the sound of the plot but when I realised that it was once again tied back into the Pig Man plot, I was immediately disappointed. So my enjoyment was tainted from the off, which didn't help. I'm even now wondering whether I'll pick up the next book in the series as nothing has been resolved. It has gone on far too long and with far too little progress, it should have ended when Billie returned.
Secondly I found this one harder to believe than others in the series which have included a man behaving as a dog and eating people and a Pig Man. Take that as you will, perhaps it was because so many elements were a bit of a stretch at once so it all felt a bit much.
I found it hard to believe that the
bad guys were so capable in mimicking writing, voices and appearances that they fooled everyone including police officers of all ranks.
I also didn't believe that Clare, Porter and Savage would so quickly and thoroughly decide that Kett was behind it all. The whole time I just kept wondering why he would link it back to himself by so openly stating his name at the crime scenes. It was such an obvious marker that it wasn't Kett and became frustrating that their disbelief was such a strong obstacle.
Then in direct contrast to that put of nowhere distrust, they let him attend every scene and talk to witnesses and victims etc. It was so confused that I wanted to shake the book.
Probably because of my initial feelings of disappointment that the series plot was still on going, I also got annoyed with the constant tea and poo jokes that have been a constant rheiugh the series. It was funny in the first book but now I'm over it. Pete can't make tea. Fine. Clare doesn't know what tossing means. Fine. Evie needs a poo. Fine. New jokes please.
I just think I need more significant progression or a conclusion to this Pig Man/people in power are all out to get Kett plot to go back to enjoying the series.
First off, I loved the sound of the plot but when I realised that it was once again tied back into the Pig Man plot, I was immediately disappointed. So my enjoyment was tainted from the off, which didn't help. I'm even now wondering whether I'll pick up the next book in the series as nothing has been resolved. It has gone on far too long and with far too little progress, it should have ended when Billie returned.
Secondly I found this one harder to believe than others in the series which have included a man behaving as a dog and eating people and a Pig Man. Take that as you will, perhaps it was because so many elements were a bit of a stretch at once so it all felt a bit much.
I found it hard to believe that the
bad guys were so capable in mimicking writing, voices and appearances that they fooled everyone including police officers of all ranks.
I also didn't believe that Clare, Porter and Savage would so quickly and thoroughly decide that Kett was behind it all. The whole time I just kept wondering why he would link it back to himself by so openly stating his name at the crime scenes. It was such an obvious marker that it wasn't Kett and became frustrating that their disbelief was such a strong obstacle.
Then in direct contrast to that put of nowhere distrust, they let him attend every scene and talk to witnesses and victims etc. It was so confused that I wanted to shake the book.
Probably because of my initial feelings of disappointment that the series plot was still on going, I also got annoyed with the constant tea and poo jokes that have been a constant rheiugh the series. It was funny in the first book but now I'm over it. Pete can't make tea. Fine. Clare doesn't know what tossing means. Fine. Evie needs a poo. Fine. New jokes please.
I just think I need more significant progression or a conclusion to this Pig Man/people in power are all out to get Kett plot to go back to enjoying the series.
April 7, 2021
Another excellent instalment In the DCI Robbie Kett book series.
June 1, 2025
Run Rabbit Run by Alex Smith is the 5th book in the DCI Robert Kett series. Criminals that DCI Robert Kett has put away are being killed, with information given that it was on Kett's orders. Soon it seems that those linked to him are in danger as well as himself. A fast paced, action-packed thriller where it seems that no one is safe and powerful, anonymous people linked to the online community linking his previous cases seem to be pulling the strings. Despite losing his job, Kett seems to be unable to get away from the criminals. A brilliant, unputdownable crime thriller.
August 28, 2024
These books seem to get better every time. This is number 5 inches fabulous series and I couldn't put it down.
February 3, 2025
This. Series. Kicks. Ass.
I remember writing in the reviews for each of the previous titles in this series, that I really wanted Alex Smith to make the 'DCI Robert Kett' books a bit longer than the ~270 pages they had been coming in at; because I was enjoying the stories a lot and really wanted to spend a bit more time immersed in them. I could tell that Smith would be more than capable of writing longer books but had figured that it was more to do with having to keep to the edicts issued by publishing houses, who know that in the digital era of 'TikTok' and 'Twitter' (with its character limit for those who don't pay for a subscription) attention spans aren't what they used to be. They don't want to scare people off with anything too long. There's also something to be said for the likelihood of a casual reader coming back to purchase subsequent instalments in a series if they haven't felt like they've had to slog through the previous one.
I have noticed however that Smith's 'DCI Robert Kett' books have been getting gradually longer, at increments of about 10 pages at a time, so that this fifth book is 309 pages long on Kindle. (There are extra pages giving a sneak-peak at the first chapter of the next book - always a good marketing strategy - but the actual story takes up 309 pages.) This gradual increase in length is probably a good way to get people to get over their aversion to a larger page count, but for me it just means I get to enjoy more bang for my book (pun intended). It also gives more space to allow for a more complex plot to open up. And this fifth book in the series definitely upped the stakes with a dizzying amount of action, a greater number of characters, and some confounding details that simply didn't add up. Not at first anyway.
Kett has made some rather scary and powerful enemies of late. He found his missing wife and took down the Pig Man, only to find that by chopping down that particular head of the Hydra, many more have sprung up in its wake. The network of criminals he and his colleagues have intercepted, apprehended, or just plain wiped off the earth, has farther reaching tendrils of evil than any of them realised. It kind of makes me think of that bit in 'Fight Club' where Tyler Durden says:
"Remember this. The people you're trying to step on, we're everyone you depend on. We're the people who do your laundry and cook your food and serve your dinner. We make your bed. We guard you while you're asleep. We drive the ambulances. We direct your call. We are cooks and taxi drivers and we know everything about you. We process your insurance claims and credit card charges. We control every part of your life."
Because that's exactly how this network of criminals operates. They're everywhere. And some of them, they're rich and connected enough to get away with just about anything. I'm not going to give anything away because you deserve to read this for yourself...and if you're anything like me, you'll find it incredibly hard to put this book down until the very end. But Kett has an even more difficult time of things in this instalment, as loyalty, friendship and the support of his colleagues all gets stretched to breaking point.
Can they trust him?
Can he trust them?
Can any of them really trust one another?
When push comes to shove, whom can any of us really rely upon?
And when you don't know whom - if anyone - you can trust, how do you plan your next move?
Whom should you call when you need help?
These are the questions being asked by a lot of the main players in this series. But maybe one of them isn't playing by the same set of rules as everyone else. Maybe they've been playing a game of their own the whole time.
This book had it all and despite picking up on a couple of clues that allowed me to figure out one bad apple, I didn't work it all out. Which is exactly how a good thriller should play out. Give the reader just enough to work with in order to feel satisfied at having figured out part of the story, but keep the proper big reveal hidden until the denouement. This story was totally gripping and written with the kind of skill required when creating what, in any other scenario, would be hard to believe. Alex Smith had me hooked from book 2 in this series, and this title (book 5) was the best one yet. Thankfully there are 9 other books to go, but at this rate, I'll be done with them all within a fortnight.
I'm awarding this book a much deserved 5 stars. It's the best title in the series so far and Smith has upped the ante to the point where it felt more like a grand finale. But I'm incredibly glad this wasn't the last outing for Kett. He's a great character and these well plotted books (with crumbs of details left like discreetly planted seeds in the all the previous titles, eventually coming to fruition in this book) are smart, fast-paced, action-packed and completely immersive. I am now fully subscribed to the 'Cult of Kett'.
Bring on the next one!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I remember writing in the reviews for each of the previous titles in this series, that I really wanted Alex Smith to make the 'DCI Robert Kett' books a bit longer than the ~270 pages they had been coming in at; because I was enjoying the stories a lot and really wanted to spend a bit more time immersed in them. I could tell that Smith would be more than capable of writing longer books but had figured that it was more to do with having to keep to the edicts issued by publishing houses, who know that in the digital era of 'TikTok' and 'Twitter' (with its character limit for those who don't pay for a subscription) attention spans aren't what they used to be. They don't want to scare people off with anything too long. There's also something to be said for the likelihood of a casual reader coming back to purchase subsequent instalments in a series if they haven't felt like they've had to slog through the previous one.
I have noticed however that Smith's 'DCI Robert Kett' books have been getting gradually longer, at increments of about 10 pages at a time, so that this fifth book is 309 pages long on Kindle. (There are extra pages giving a sneak-peak at the first chapter of the next book - always a good marketing strategy - but the actual story takes up 309 pages.) This gradual increase in length is probably a good way to get people to get over their aversion to a larger page count, but for me it just means I get to enjoy more bang for my book (pun intended). It also gives more space to allow for a more complex plot to open up. And this fifth book in the series definitely upped the stakes with a dizzying amount of action, a greater number of characters, and some confounding details that simply didn't add up. Not at first anyway.
Kett has made some rather scary and powerful enemies of late. He found his missing wife and took down the Pig Man, only to find that by chopping down that particular head of the Hydra, many more have sprung up in its wake. The network of criminals he and his colleagues have intercepted, apprehended, or just plain wiped off the earth, has farther reaching tendrils of evil than any of them realised. It kind of makes me think of that bit in 'Fight Club' where Tyler Durden says:
"Remember this. The people you're trying to step on, we're everyone you depend on. We're the people who do your laundry and cook your food and serve your dinner. We make your bed. We guard you while you're asleep. We drive the ambulances. We direct your call. We are cooks and taxi drivers and we know everything about you. We process your insurance claims and credit card charges. We control every part of your life."
Because that's exactly how this network of criminals operates. They're everywhere. And some of them, they're rich and connected enough to get away with just about anything. I'm not going to give anything away because you deserve to read this for yourself...and if you're anything like me, you'll find it incredibly hard to put this book down until the very end. But Kett has an even more difficult time of things in this instalment, as loyalty, friendship and the support of his colleagues all gets stretched to breaking point.
Can they trust him?
Can he trust them?
Can any of them really trust one another?
When push comes to shove, whom can any of us really rely upon?
And when you don't know whom - if anyone - you can trust, how do you plan your next move?
Whom should you call when you need help?
These are the questions being asked by a lot of the main players in this series. But maybe one of them isn't playing by the same set of rules as everyone else. Maybe they've been playing a game of their own the whole time.
This book had it all and despite picking up on a couple of clues that allowed me to figure out one bad apple, I didn't work it all out. Which is exactly how a good thriller should play out. Give the reader just enough to work with in order to feel satisfied at having figured out part of the story, but keep the proper big reveal hidden until the denouement. This story was totally gripping and written with the kind of skill required when creating what, in any other scenario, would be hard to believe. Alex Smith had me hooked from book 2 in this series, and this title (book 5) was the best one yet. Thankfully there are 9 other books to go, but at this rate, I'll be done with them all within a fortnight.
I'm awarding this book a much deserved 5 stars. It's the best title in the series so far and Smith has upped the ante to the point where it felt more like a grand finale. But I'm incredibly glad this wasn't the last outing for Kett. He's a great character and these well plotted books (with crumbs of details left like discreetly planted seeds in the all the previous titles, eventually coming to fruition in this book) are smart, fast-paced, action-packed and completely immersive. I am now fully subscribed to the 'Cult of Kett'.
Bring on the next one!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
January 21, 2021
It took me a while to start this book, almost a month, but once I did I could not put it down. I picked the book up a few days after it released but already had several books on the go. And some I had committed to review dates. So this one dropped out of view on my Kindle. It cam to mind and I read it in 3 sittings in under 18 hours over New years Eve. If you have been fallowing the saga of DCI Kett this book really is a must read. If you happen to be a fan of rough and tough action you will almost certainly enjoy this novel. This is the sixth of the DCI Kett stories that I have read, the fifth novel, and Kett made a brief appearance in The Harder They Fall, the first of the Softley Series of books. The previos volume, Whip Crack, makes reference to Six Days, Six Hours, Six Minutes, which is by far the darkest and grittiest of Smith’s novels. Now all of his mysteries link together in some fashion. This book is different than the others in the series, but still has that same intense action mystery feel. And I have a feeling based on the content, even though not directly a closer link to Six.
I have stated before that each of the Kett novels have been great crime mystery novels, and interesting reads. But they are dark books with terrible crimes. And in this one Kett is being blamed for forcing several people to commit murders. And the longer it goes on the more guilty he looks. Officially Kett has just been relieved of duty. But the next day his old boss calls him and and the race is on from there. The inquiry into his actions that led to his wife’s rescue, did not go his way, but he feels a sort of freedom from it. That is until the first body turns up, and then another, and another … when they find the hitlist many he convicted, and worked with are on a hit list, but conspicuously absent are his name and his wife’s.
The rabbit in the title has many meanings in the story. As does Kett’s own name. and both these facts play key roles in the story. The story is practically a race from the first body to a hilarious scene in the hospital at the end. I can honestly state I laughed out loud, which after all the tension, drama, and adversity in the series was a surprise.
I do admit that I love the Kett novels. His character. His strength. His drive. He is a man who puts it all on the line for others. And does it because of his love for his wife and children. But in this story, he needs to risk everything, his wife, his family, his reputation. All to get to the bottom of this mystery. And it is going to cost him far more than he ever bargained for. I must admit that author Jon Mayhew was much kinder in his character named Alex Smith, that Smith was to Mayhew.
I will be blunt and state it again this book and this series is not for all readers. It is very dark, gritty, and very intense. They are great thrillers. Over ten years ago, I read and loved the Lockdown series published primarily for a young adult audience by Alexander Gordon Smith. When I found out he had this new crime mystery series in the works I had visions of his skill turned to series like Wired in the Blood, or the Commander. There is always something extra appealing about a British crime drama or procedural, I was hooked from the concept. I have read each book as it became available and preordered the next as soon as it was available. I have a few friends who have given these books a try and they were just as hooked, part way through book one my boss ordered the whole series. Another great read in the sage of Kett.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Alex Smith. As well as author profile and interview with Alex as Alexander Gordon Smith.
I have stated before that each of the Kett novels have been great crime mystery novels, and interesting reads. But they are dark books with terrible crimes. And in this one Kett is being blamed for forcing several people to commit murders. And the longer it goes on the more guilty he looks. Officially Kett has just been relieved of duty. But the next day his old boss calls him and and the race is on from there. The inquiry into his actions that led to his wife’s rescue, did not go his way, but he feels a sort of freedom from it. That is until the first body turns up, and then another, and another … when they find the hitlist many he convicted, and worked with are on a hit list, but conspicuously absent are his name and his wife’s.
The rabbit in the title has many meanings in the story. As does Kett’s own name. and both these facts play key roles in the story. The story is practically a race from the first body to a hilarious scene in the hospital at the end. I can honestly state I laughed out loud, which after all the tension, drama, and adversity in the series was a surprise.
I do admit that I love the Kett novels. His character. His strength. His drive. He is a man who puts it all on the line for others. And does it because of his love for his wife and children. But in this story, he needs to risk everything, his wife, his family, his reputation. All to get to the bottom of this mystery. And it is going to cost him far more than he ever bargained for. I must admit that author Jon Mayhew was much kinder in his character named Alex Smith, that Smith was to Mayhew.
I will be blunt and state it again this book and this series is not for all readers. It is very dark, gritty, and very intense. They are great thrillers. Over ten years ago, I read and loved the Lockdown series published primarily for a young adult audience by Alexander Gordon Smith. When I found out he had this new crime mystery series in the works I had visions of his skill turned to series like Wired in the Blood, or the Commander. There is always something extra appealing about a British crime drama or procedural, I was hooked from the concept. I have read each book as it became available and preordered the next as soon as it was available. I have a few friends who have given these books a try and they were just as hooked, part way through book one my boss ordered the whole series. Another great read in the sage of Kett.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Alex Smith. As well as author profile and interview with Alex as Alexander Gordon Smith.
February 3, 2021
This is the fifth book in the DCI Kett series that I have read, and so far I have thoroughly enjoyed every book. I’m happy to report Run Rabbit Run is another excellent addition to an unmissable series, especially if you enjoy crime thrillers that are dark, gritty, and intense. Run Rabbit Run is another intricately woven, hard-hitting, read and It’s definitely a series I would start from the beginning, it’s such a brilliant series you don’t want to miss out and Kett has a horrifying back story that will make more sense if you read the books in order.
Alex Smith doesn’t give Kett an easy ride in this book, this case is personal! When someone starts brutally murdering the criminals that he’s put behind bars, and the ones that he wasn’t able to catch, it appears there’s a vigilante on the loose. It’s not looking good because this killer isn’t just coming after the bad guys. He’s coming after Kett, too! The thing that made this book such an exciting read is the way the author has incorporated characters and an ongoing theme from the previous books into the plot of Run Rabbit Run.
Kett is a character that I love, he’s everything you would wish for in a fictional Detective, he’s determined and driven, not afraid to break the rules. His desire to seek justice and put the perpetrators away for good means that more often than not he will risk his own life to save others, which leads to a whole host of problems! He’s also devoted to his family and the scenes and dialogue between him and his three young daughters lighten the mood of this intense crime thriller. Another character worth a mention is superintendent Clare. The relationship between him and Kett is brilliantly written, and his one liners are worthy of a standup act.
One of the joys of this book is that it is nigh on impossible to guess the perpetrator, it could be one of Kent’s friends, family, or a colleague or one of his long list of enemies! Alex Smith keeps you guessing until the final few chapters. Run Rabbit Run is a relentless, compulsive thrill a minute crime thriller, that’s impossible to put down. One of the reason I love this series so much is each plot has been unpredictable and there’s nothing I like more than the element of surprise. This series goes from strength to strength. If you consider yourself to be a crime thriller lover, then this is a series not to be missed.
Alex Smith doesn’t give Kett an easy ride in this book, this case is personal! When someone starts brutally murdering the criminals that he’s put behind bars, and the ones that he wasn’t able to catch, it appears there’s a vigilante on the loose. It’s not looking good because this killer isn’t just coming after the bad guys. He’s coming after Kett, too! The thing that made this book such an exciting read is the way the author has incorporated characters and an ongoing theme from the previous books into the plot of Run Rabbit Run.
Kett is a character that I love, he’s everything you would wish for in a fictional Detective, he’s determined and driven, not afraid to break the rules. His desire to seek justice and put the perpetrators away for good means that more often than not he will risk his own life to save others, which leads to a whole host of problems! He’s also devoted to his family and the scenes and dialogue between him and his three young daughters lighten the mood of this intense crime thriller. Another character worth a mention is superintendent Clare. The relationship between him and Kett is brilliantly written, and his one liners are worthy of a standup act.
One of the joys of this book is that it is nigh on impossible to guess the perpetrator, it could be one of Kent’s friends, family, or a colleague or one of his long list of enemies! Alex Smith keeps you guessing until the final few chapters. Run Rabbit Run is a relentless, compulsive thrill a minute crime thriller, that’s impossible to put down. One of the reason I love this series so much is each plot has been unpredictable and there’s nothing I like more than the element of surprise. This series goes from strength to strength. If you consider yourself to be a crime thriller lover, then this is a series not to be missed.
July 14, 2022
I’m loving this series and can’t wait to read the next one.
In this book DCI Kett is fired from the Police but there is a killer impersonating him.
Clare, Savage and Porter know deep down that Kett is not killing people but with the notes left and description from witnesses fitting Kett to a tee, they start to have their doubts.
This is a clever crime thriller that really kept me on my toes as the killer was so devious.
A great read.
In this book DCI Kett is fired from the Police but there is a killer impersonating him.
Clare, Savage and Porter know deep down that Kett is not killing people but with the notes left and description from witnesses fitting Kett to a tee, they start to have their doubts.
This is a clever crime thriller that really kept me on my toes as the killer was so devious.
A great read.
December 15, 2020
Here I go again with my binge read ... this time it's Alex Smith's turn with his Detective DCI Robbie Kett. So far there are 5 books in this series, with the sixth, I believe due to be released in April 2021 - I for one can't wait.
So, what made this series for me? I'd be lying if I told you it wasn't mainly
because of DCI Robbie Kett himself. What a character he is - an so very different from most of the detectives doing the rounds at the moment. Kett is a single parent to three young girls (all under the age of 7). He's been thrust unexpectedly into this role after his wife is abducted. Paper Girls, the first in the series, takes up a few months after her abduction when Robbie and his small family move to Norwich to try to make things easier for himself and his girls whilst the investigation into his wife's disappearance continues in London.
Seeing this detective - one lauded by the London Met for his ability to get the job done and find missing people - grieving and out of his depth - as he struggles to look after his three children in his wife's absence is both heart rending and poignant, but laced with humorous moments
too. Alice, the eldest is only seven and is autistic, Evie who is the middle daughter is in continual need of 'a poo' and Moira the baby just wants 'booby'.
In and among this heartbreaking situation Kett manages to make friends, keep his family together and begin to help Norwich police with their investigation into the disappearance of some Paper Girls.
Kett, is determined and driven. His desire to find missing people and to put the perps behind bars leads him into hazardous situations and often puts him on the wrong side of the law. As a reader you have to admire him, as a parent you will feel for him, as a partner you will cross your fingers and hope he finds his missing wife ... but you'll have to read the entire series to find out more.
Believe me, Kett is as addictive as chocolate and the characters Smith has
created that make up Kett's new family are brilliantly well drawn. His new boss Colin Clare is a 'tossing' funny man (you'll need to read the books to get the in joke) who likes to keep his team on their toes and under his gruff exterior has a heart of gold. Being reacquainted with an old colleague who has his back helps Kett to balance his home and work life.
These books are hard hitting, intricately woven, darkly humorous and really quite addictive. I for one can't wait for the next one. Please dip into Robbie Ketts life and i'm sure you'll be as emamoured as I was.
So, what made this series for me? I'd be lying if I told you it wasn't mainly
because of DCI Robbie Kett himself. What a character he is - an so very different from most of the detectives doing the rounds at the moment. Kett is a single parent to three young girls (all under the age of 7). He's been thrust unexpectedly into this role after his wife is abducted. Paper Girls, the first in the series, takes up a few months after her abduction when Robbie and his small family move to Norwich to try to make things easier for himself and his girls whilst the investigation into his wife's disappearance continues in London.
Seeing this detective - one lauded by the London Met for his ability to get the job done and find missing people - grieving and out of his depth - as he struggles to look after his three children in his wife's absence is both heart rending and poignant, but laced with humorous moments
too. Alice, the eldest is only seven and is autistic, Evie who is the middle daughter is in continual need of 'a poo' and Moira the baby just wants 'booby'.
In and among this heartbreaking situation Kett manages to make friends, keep his family together and begin to help Norwich police with their investigation into the disappearance of some Paper Girls.
Kett, is determined and driven. His desire to find missing people and to put the perps behind bars leads him into hazardous situations and often puts him on the wrong side of the law. As a reader you have to admire him, as a parent you will feel for him, as a partner you will cross your fingers and hope he finds his missing wife ... but you'll have to read the entire series to find out more.
Believe me, Kett is as addictive as chocolate and the characters Smith has
created that make up Kett's new family are brilliantly well drawn. His new boss Colin Clare is a 'tossing' funny man (you'll need to read the books to get the in joke) who likes to keep his team on their toes and under his gruff exterior has a heart of gold. Being reacquainted with an old colleague who has his back helps Kett to balance his home and work life.
These books are hard hitting, intricately woven, darkly humorous and really quite addictive. I for one can't wait for the next one. Please dip into Robbie Ketts life and i'm sure you'll be as emamoured as I was.
September 18, 2021
Well here I am again reviewing yet another Robert Kett story. This once I read in under 24hrs completely consumed it.
I tried to put it down but couldn’t. I am totally hooked by this series. Totally brilliant and captivating. Laced with dark humour and grit.
Must read from the start though these stories bleed into each other so don’t skip through. Can’t wait to start the next one.
I tried to put it down but couldn’t. I am totally hooked by this series. Totally brilliant and captivating. Laced with dark humour and grit.
Must read from the start though these stories bleed into each other so don’t skip through. Can’t wait to start the next one.
April 21, 2024
Série dočtená. Příběh, stejně jako všechny předchozí díly, byl výborný. Jen z konce jsem rozpačitá. Asi jsem čekala trochu víc. Ale i tak jedna z nejlepších detektivních sérií, co jsem četla. Výborné zločiny, zápletky, od knih se nešlo odtrhnout.
August 19, 2021
Another amazing DCI Kett novel. The mystery and suspense is at a perfectly high level that ment I couldn't put it down and I was suspicious of everyone. Even waking up at 3am to finish the last 2 chapters. Some of the story line I was suspicious off as it seemed fare fetched but I am sure it will be explained in the next book. On to the next one, I really don't want this series to end but I am not sure what more can happen to this poor man and his family.
May 4, 2025
Järjest hirmsamaks raamatud lähevad, “Põgene, jänes, põgene” on sarja viies osa. Ja lisa on tulemas.
Seekord peetakse jahti Kettile endale ja lõpp jällegi üllatav.
Seekord peetakse jahti Kettile endale ja lõpp jällegi üllatav.
September 6, 2022
Super far fetched and it seems like the story continues…
March 10, 2023
Bookish Books Reading Challenge
December 6, 2020
Roller coaster ride.
The usual cast of characters including the three Kett children who provide the humor are back in this tense and complicated case. Is it believable? Maybe not entirely so but it is entertaining, suspenseful and action packed. If you haven’t read any of the Kett books it is best to start with the first and enjoy each book.
The usual cast of characters including the three Kett children who provide the humor are back in this tense and complicated case. Is it believable? Maybe not entirely so but it is entertaining, suspenseful and action packed. If you haven’t read any of the Kett books it is best to start with the first and enjoy each book.
March 10, 2021
Solid 3. Fast paced, entertaining, lots of tension, but also... kind of dumb? Completely over-the-top, I had a hard time suspending my disbelief, and it got a bit frustrating, so I can't go 4. Also, it feels like we will never get to the bottom of what's going on, who is pulling the strings and why. The overarching plot is so drawn out, without even a hint that resolution is in the future.
That said, I'm eager to read the next book in the hopes that maybe THAT will be the one where things are revealed and the story can move on.
That said, I'm eager to read the next book in the hopes that maybe THAT will be the one where things are revealed and the story can move on.
April 7, 2024
What a series!! So many twists and turns. The character development is brilliant. So much drama too in a fairly short book. Very well written and crafted. Would highly recommend this series but I would say you need to start at the beginning.
January 17, 2021
Ok. These stories go on and on with there never being any closure. The bad guys are still out there. No mystery solved, just a lot of people killed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2021
Not a bad thriller
Book 5 in the series and good story with plenty of twists and believable character development. The only think that lets it down is the "humour". The running jokes aren't that funny too start with. Otherwise I would have given it 4 stars
Book 5 in the series and good story with plenty of twists and believable character development. The only think that lets it down is the "humour". The running jokes aren't that funny too start with. Otherwise I would have given it 4 stars
May 13, 2021
I do like this series, and I do like Alex Smith’s writing style. I love how he takes you straight into the story right from the first page, and Run Rabbit Run was no exception.
Will mark a 3.5 stars for this one as it was clever and kept me guessing, although I was left still guessing at the end and I don’t like that.... I like things to be tied up so am hoping these loose ends will come together in the next book.
Also losing half a star as the kids featured more in this book and the dialogue with them drives me mad, personally I just don’t think it’s needed.
Will mark a 3.5 stars for this one as it was clever and kept me guessing, although I was left still guessing at the end and I don’t like that.... I like things to be tied up so am hoping these loose ends will come together in the next book.
Also losing half a star as the kids featured more in this book and the dialogue with them drives me mad, personally I just don’t think it’s needed.
September 9, 2022
I enjoyed this book very much.
Why? Because it has some great characters, loads of action, an engaging storyline and humour too.
Alex Smith's books are an ideal companion to those of JD Kirk and David Gatward. All three of them manage to combine the qualities I look for in a crime thriller.
Don't expect the complexities offered by Peter Robinson, Lynda Le Plante, Ian Rankin or Val McDermid. But instead, enjoy crime writing that has you turning the pages, staying up late, and laughing now and then.
Why? Because it has some great characters, loads of action, an engaging storyline and humour too.
Alex Smith's books are an ideal companion to those of JD Kirk and David Gatward. All three of them manage to combine the qualities I look for in a crime thriller.
Don't expect the complexities offered by Peter Robinson, Lynda Le Plante, Ian Rankin or Val McDermid. But instead, enjoy crime writing that has you turning the pages, staying up late, and laughing now and then.
June 8, 2021
Stretches too far
One of the most implausible plots I have ever encountered - so implausible that it almost entered shapeshifter status. I am also weary of never ending references to weak tea, tossing, Lett's monumental injuries, and the bratty behavior of the girls. This book really wasn't worth reading, so shame on me for sticking with it.
One of the most implausible plots I have ever encountered - so implausible that it almost entered shapeshifter status. I am also weary of never ending references to weak tea, tossing, Lett's monumental injuries, and the bratty behavior of the girls. This book really wasn't worth reading, so shame on me for sticking with it.
August 2, 2023
→ my rating: 4.5 ★
“ ‘It’s not…’ he started, refusing to say the same words he’d heard from countless criminals. It’s not what it looks like. „
I have never felt such a strong urge to continue reading a mystery as I did with this. The reveal was both satisfying yet terrifying and opens up the next book to so much & I’m dying to find out what happens next!!!!
“ ‘It’s not…’ he started, refusing to say the same words he’d heard from countless criminals. It’s not what it looks like. „
I have never felt such a strong urge to continue reading a mystery as I did with this. The reveal was both satisfying yet terrifying and opens up the next book to so much & I’m dying to find out what happens next!!!!
October 8, 2023
This story is never going to end. Looking at synopsises from further books, there are at least 5 more with the same overarching storyline. It gets more ridiculous and harder to stick with with each book. I'm done with this series.
December 8, 2020
No More for Me
This guy is sick. It takes a warped mind to create this crap.. I've tried, but this one is the final straw.
This guy is sick. It takes a warped mind to create this crap.. I've tried, but this one is the final straw.
August 15, 2022
A pretty good psychological thriller for a minute, but the end just veered into science fiction.
February 3, 2023
Definitely not my favourite. It was too much of a stretch..
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