Bertie and the Tinman

After experiencing the late 1800s in France (with Murder on the Eiffel Tower), I hopped across the Channel to follow along with Albert Edward "Bertie", Prince of Wales and later Edward VII, on his detective adventures.

The story is told by Bertie himself and chronicles his investigation of the death of noted jockey Fred Archer, who was proclaimed to have committed suicide while unhinged by typhoid fever. Bertie, however, is not convinced that this is the truth, especially because he has had personal experience of typhoid and Fred's symptoms and physiological state on the day of his death do not jibe with this theory.

I greatly enjoyed this mystery; it is easily my favourite of the Lovesey novels I've read. Bertie has a distinctive show more narrative voice -- not quite as light-hearted and wordplay-laden as another well-known literary Bertie (Wooster), but still very diverting. He does puff himself up but is also not shy about admitting some of his limitations (it is rather difficult for heirs to the throne to conduct discreet investigations). And for those of you who like to try to solve the mystery yourselves, Bertie is thoughtful enough to dedicate a chapter to recapping all of the important clues so that you can make your own deductions.

Recommended for those who enjoy historical mysteries, particularly those set in the Victorian period (this takes place while Bertie is still the Prince of Wales) or the Edwardian period. Its horse-racing theme may also appeal to fans of Dick Francis, as one of the front-cover blurbs on my copy suggests. I hope to get my hands on the other two Bertie books sometime. show less

To be clear, I am a huge fan of Peter Lovesey and I had hoped that I would eventually read everything he ever wrote. I picked up Bertie and the Tinman and was looking forward to a historical mystery that I could sink my teeth into. Unfortunately, I was disappointed with the book and will not be reading any further in this series that features HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales.

The story takes place in 1886 and concerns the death of a famous jockey, Fred Archer, who apparently committed suicide. The Prince is suspicious. He knew and admired Archer so he decides to investigate further into the mystery. I found it rather unbelievable that the Prince of Wales could wander around the country as freely as he was able to. But my biggest show more quibble with the book was I didn’t really like HRH and disliked having to spend so much time with him.

Although the book is well written I just wasn’t that interested in the world of horse racing or in Bertie’s bumbling ways. The author remains a favorite however and I will continue to explore his other series and stand-alones. show less

When a famous jockey nicknamed "The Tin Man" (for his avarice) commits suicide, a puzzled Prince Albert Edward decides to investigate. Historical pastiches usually have a very annoying tone and are notorious for giving the main characters modern attitutdes, but Lovesey tries hard to make his characters seem true to their time and he succeeds rather well.

1886 and Albert Edward, AKA Prince of Wales is known as a playboy, sportsman, socially active in events for country and his mother, Her Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria. When the most famous jockey, Fred Archer, nickname the Tinman, commits suicide, the Bertie adds detective to his resumé.

Being such a high profile person, investigation can be very difficult, especially if his mother got wind of it. From country manor houses to music halls, Bertie finds himself searching for answers and ending up in some extremely awkward situations. One which involves and exotic bird!

Written from his point of view, it is entertaining with humour and a good pace.

Enjoyable mystery' light and breezy with sufficient violence to avoid being a cozy , a fun plot, a hint of the supernatural and period color

I kind of like the main character, Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (who would go on to become Edward VII), fondly known to his friends & family as Bertie. He has a very tongue-in-cheek way of sharing a story, and I give some kudos to Mr. Lovesey for using him as a fictional character.

The story is based on the real-life death of one Frederick Archer, probably the most famous & most successful jockey during the time of Queen Victoria up until his death at age 29. In real life, of course, the Prince of Wales wouldn't have been a detective sniffing at the truth of the matter, but in this book, it is Bertie himself who refuses to believe that Archer shot himself after a bout of typhoid (which the fictional coroner said made him of unsound show more mind) and gets involved in trying to figure out what happened.

If you read this book, you'll join Bertie from the music halls of London to the race track to his home in Sandringham with his wife and children. It's a fun way to spend a few hours and by golly, I have all of the other Bertie books & plan to go through them all. I think British mystery fans would like it, as would fans of mysteries set in the Victorian period. Fun stuff! Go read it. show less

Publisher's Summary

It is 1886 and the greatest of all jockeys, Fred Archer, has put his gun to his head and shot himself. An inquest is arranged with indecent haste. His mind was unhinged by typhoid, say the jury, despite conflicting evidence.
The Prince is suspicious. He admired Archer. He knows the Turf better than anyone on that jury and he has personal experience of typhoid. When he learns that Archer’s last words were, ‘Are they coming?’ he decides on action. He will turn his unique talents to solving the mystery and tell us in his inimitable fashion how he does it.

My review:
Better as a satire (monarchy / the royalist) than as a mystery. Slightly reminiscent of Woodhouse at it´s best.