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

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 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. ( )

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. ( )

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. ( )

Prince of Wales is the detective. Okay. ( )