My Guilty Pleasures Binge Read Style: Alex Smiths DCI Robbie Kett series

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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. 

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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'. 

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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. 

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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. 

Available here