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Peter Marklin #1
Tinplate
Peter Marklin, owner of a Toy Emporium, finds his quiet life harshly interrupted when a collection of antique toys, worth over £20,000, is stolen. Faced with threats from their owner, he sets out to recover them but finds himself up against far more than the greed of unscrupulous collectors.
He’s in way over his head but at least the prospect of a countryside dig to excavate the remains of a crashed Spitfire can provide a little solace. Yet even this isn’t easy, and a growing resistance to the dig is being led by a local, indignant landlord.
When rather more than the plane and its pilot are unearthed, Marklin finds himself up to his neck in skeletons from the past — skeletons that lead to attempts on his life …
He’s in way over his head but at least the prospect of a countryside dig to excavate the remains of a crashed Spitfire can provide a little solace. Yet even this isn’t easy, and a growing resistance to the dig is being led by a local, indignant landlord.
When rather more than the plane and its pilot are unearthed, Marklin finds himself up to his neck in skeletons from the past — skeletons that lead to attempts on his life …
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 31, 1986
683 people are currently reading
320 people want to read
About the author
Neville Steed
22 books5 followersPseudonym of Norman Keith Sharam. He worked in advertising before setting up his own advertising agency. After six years he sold the business to become a novelist. He lives in Devon with his wife Kate Sharam.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 24, 2021
Another blast from the past unearthed by Lume press. This time mild mannered mystery featuring a layperson who becomes an investigator through a chain of circumstances.
This book had all the makings of a cozy, with the main mystery initially revolving around stolen toys. Not just any toys, the tinplate kind, vintage, collectible and quite valuable. The book’s protagonist is an expert in those, owns a dedicated shop that he lives above, collects some, knows all there’s to know about it…and one day he gets hired to purchase a large lot abroad. The lot disappears somewhere on the way back and Marklin (main guy, also toy brand of yesteryear) decides to find it himself, since the local cops are all but useless and he doesn’t have the 22K to pay out of pocket.
There’s a surprising number of tinplate toys collectors in the vicinity, but the chief suspicions land on the despicable, despicably wealthy local land baron, who, as it turns out, has other, darker secrets to hide outside of his toy obsession.
Throw in an entertaining sidekick and a budding love interest and you have a well rounded if fairly bland mystery. Despite some dark themes, the overall tone here is pretty light and jocular, Marklin fancies himself quite a clever and funny guy, meaning he gets very excited about coming up with referring to a bisexual person as ambidextrous. Things like that. What do you expect. The book is old enough, it’s impressive it isn’t straight out offensive with dated mores, lingo, etc. as some of those books tend to be…and Lume still publishes them too. Apparently the rampant sexism and casual racism can be written off as quaint for the sake of vintage. Sorry to digress…
Back to it, so this book is basically a perfectly decent, mildly entertaining diversion. It is quaint in its own way, very British, very mild…no, already said mild, whatever’s like mild, milquetoast? plain? forgettable? One of those. In a word, it’s fine. If fine’s enough for you, that’s your book. If you like Lume books, this is very much on par with their usual output. Perfectly acceptable for a freebie. First in a series, though not exactly the sort of attention grabbing thing you can’t wait to read more of. The toys were intriguing, though. Vintage mysteries might not hold up or excite modern interest all that much, but the toys always do.
This book had all the makings of a cozy, with the main mystery initially revolving around stolen toys. Not just any toys, the tinplate kind, vintage, collectible and quite valuable. The book’s protagonist is an expert in those, owns a dedicated shop that he lives above, collects some, knows all there’s to know about it…and one day he gets hired to purchase a large lot abroad. The lot disappears somewhere on the way back and Marklin (main guy, also toy brand of yesteryear) decides to find it himself, since the local cops are all but useless and he doesn’t have the 22K to pay out of pocket.
There’s a surprising number of tinplate toys collectors in the vicinity, but the chief suspicions land on the despicable, despicably wealthy local land baron, who, as it turns out, has other, darker secrets to hide outside of his toy obsession.
Throw in an entertaining sidekick and a budding love interest and you have a well rounded if fairly bland mystery. Despite some dark themes, the overall tone here is pretty light and jocular, Marklin fancies himself quite a clever and funny guy, meaning he gets very excited about coming up with referring to a bisexual person as ambidextrous. Things like that. What do you expect. The book is old enough, it’s impressive it isn’t straight out offensive with dated mores, lingo, etc. as some of those books tend to be…and Lume still publishes them too. Apparently the rampant sexism and casual racism can be written off as quaint for the sake of vintage. Sorry to digress…
Back to it, so this book is basically a perfectly decent, mildly entertaining diversion. It is quaint in its own way, very British, very mild…no, already said mild, whatever’s like mild, milquetoast? plain? forgettable? One of those. In a word, it’s fine. If fine’s enough for you, that’s your book. If you like Lume books, this is very much on par with their usual output. Perfectly acceptable for a freebie. First in a series, though not exactly the sort of attention grabbing thing you can’t wait to read more of. The toys were intriguing, though. Vintage mysteries might not hold up or excite modern interest all that much, but the toys always do.
September 15, 2021
The world of antique toy collecting is an intriguing, if slightly unusual, setting for a murder mystery. The plot is fairly basic, you'll know who the villain is by chapter two, but there's some fun to be had along the way with motive and there is a genuinely gripping climax.
The book does suffer a little from the curse of the Kindle re-issue, with several uncorrected OCR errors.
Not a great book then but not a bad one. If you're looking for an undemanding read that you can get through in a weekend then look no further.
The book does suffer a little from the curse of the Kindle re-issue, with several uncorrected OCR errors.
Not a great book then but not a bad one. If you're looking for an undemanding read that you can get through in a weekend then look no further.
September 1, 2021
Tinplate was an interesting book, I read to the end then ordered the next one in the series.
I do wish there was less fluff in it though. The story could have been more concise with out all the repeats of "who was who"
It was a rather fun read because I didn't have to think too much about the story line.
ONE big gripe, as is my usual case. The typos and misspelling of words drives me up a wall.
such as "T(dot is a period) Again the "dot" is a period.he" what is "T." Oh you really meant "The". Also the sentences that started half way through the sentence, and you have to figure out what the beginning of the sentence was.
STILL it's a good, easy to read for enjoyment.
Also, I am 79 years old and go by "old school standards" sorry about that to the author.
I will recommend it.
I do wish there was less fluff in it though. The story could have been more concise with out all the repeats of "who was who"
It was a rather fun read because I didn't have to think too much about the story line.
ONE big gripe, as is my usual case. The typos and misspelling of words drives me up a wall.
such as "T(dot is a period) Again the "dot" is a period.he" what is "T." Oh you really meant "The". Also the sentences that started half way through the sentence, and you have to figure out what the beginning of the sentence was.
STILL it's a good, easy to read for enjoyment.
Also, I am 79 years old and go by "old school standards" sorry about that to the author.
I will recommend it.
April 11, 2019
Template of James Bond like narrative with a self-effacing bumbling main character so as, I can only imagine, to elicit a measure of rapport with a wider audience. The love interest is a bit too unlikely perfect to make of that aspect particularly absorbing and the constant allusions to James Bond could and probably should have been dispensed with, otherwise pretty good. Certainly much better than some of the fare I've had to deal with lately, particularly in SF. The one main character is dealt with in a focused and linear fashion - refreshing. There is a recognizable plot, albeit skewing off track toward the end - refreshing. Aside from the 'lovable' sidekick and Bing, the supporting cast is almost translucent - nice, at least from my point of view in wanting to focus on the storyline. Pretty good for a first effort.
February 14, 2025
Surprisingly, Entertaining Plot, Characters and Good Read
Initially after a few pages of old tinplate car descriptions (as bad as battle descriptions in War and Peace) I thought oh no! A mix of 1950’s Phillip Marlowe Detective speak based in 1980’s with a sense of longing for a bygone seaside era, Peter Marklin as opposed to Wimsley gained my trust. I suspended my disbelief as he takes me through the plot. A very enjoyable read. Only negative point as my pet hate is drink driving - too many boozy lunches were accompanied by the above.
Initially after a few pages of old tinplate car descriptions (as bad as battle descriptions in War and Peace) I thought oh no! A mix of 1950’s Phillip Marlowe Detective speak based in 1980’s with a sense of longing for a bygone seaside era, Peter Marklin as opposed to Wimsley gained my trust. I suspended my disbelief as he takes me through the plot. A very enjoyable read. Only negative point as my pet hate is drink driving - too many boozy lunches were accompanied by the above.
August 21, 2021
Quite The Surprise
Normally I don’t like the works of British Authors; but this one snuck up on me. Typically the slang, and pace put me off; but I gave this one a chance, because of the plot. It intrigued me, and the characters themselves were well developed. There wasn’t time spent on scene settings, but enough to keep the story going. I will consider the other works by this author.
Normally I don’t like the works of British Authors; but this one snuck up on me. Typically the slang, and pace put me off; but I gave this one a chance, because of the plot. It intrigued me, and the characters themselves were well developed. There wasn’t time spent on scene settings, but enough to keep the story going. I will consider the other works by this author.
August 26, 2021
This book was a surprise. A little bit Phillip Marlowe and a whole lot of new British detective who isn't a detective or private eye. No, he's an antique toys dealer who will teach you quite a bit about vintage toy automobiles and boats. Now, I don't know about you, but I thoroughly enjoyed it because I like learning something new while enjoying a good mystery. Yes, I am going to buy the second book in this series and hope there will be a third, a fourth, a fifth...you get the idea.
February 2, 2025
I just,loved this author, his writing was refreshing, amusing and sometimes flippant, in the opening when he was in France,the man he was meeting asked what he would like to drink, he asked for a Campari and soda and it was ordered “ but it was a small bar and the barman as already pouring it” That amused me from. the off and although it was a mystery he described all his characters so you could visualise them. A good first novel, looking forward to he next one.
August 26, 2021
Interesting, fast-paced, and quite British.
An antique toy dealer investigates the theft of his toy consignment. He can't afford to repay his client. An interesting tale, set mostly in the south of England. I'm used to British English variations in spellings, and I thought I knew many British sayings and slang. With this book I learned even more. Fun and fast paced.
An antique toy dealer investigates the theft of his toy consignment. He can't afford to repay his client. An interesting tale, set mostly in the south of England. I'm used to British English variations in spellings, and I thought I knew many British sayings and slang. With this book I learned even more. Fun and fast paced.
September 1, 2021
Delightful rainy day read.
Such a treat in a world full of Covid and political upheaval. The quick development of the characters and history lessons were wonderful. It kept my attention throughout and was a great read. The mention of the various locales was a bit stodgy so the reason why I gave 4 instead of 5 stars.
Such a treat in a world full of Covid and political upheaval. The quick development of the characters and history lessons were wonderful. It kept my attention throughout and was a great read. The mention of the various locales was a bit stodgy so the reason why I gave 4 instead of 5 stars.
September 12, 2021
Murder & Intrigue in the World of Toy Collecting
Loved the characters, the setting and the plot of this introduction to the world of Peter Marklin and the toy collecting fraternity.
Mixing WWII aircraft crash sites with the world of tinplate toys and cast of interesting characters this one was a real page-turner which never failed to entertain.
Murder and mystery at every turn
Loved the characters, the setting and the plot of this introduction to the world of Peter Marklin and the toy collecting fraternity.
Mixing WWII aircraft crash sites with the world of tinplate toys and cast of interesting characters this one was a real page-turner which never failed to entertain.
Murder and mystery at every turn
May 5, 2025
Good read for the child in all of us!
I actually got this book because of the title and the cover — being at that time totally ignorant of what I was getting into … about collectors and their toys. However, even though not my ordinary kind of read, it quickly grew on me! You will enjoy a truly different kind of read with the book as I did!
I actually got this book because of the title and the cover — being at that time totally ignorant of what I was getting into … about collectors and their toys. However, even though not my ordinary kind of read, it quickly grew on me! You will enjoy a truly different kind of read with the book as I did!
August 23, 2021
Tinplate
The story of an owner of a toy shop Anna old antique toys. He has a deal go bad and his entire way of life is threatened. In her twined with this tale of a crashed airplane from World War II
The story of an owner of a toy shop Anna old antique toys. He has a deal go bad and his entire way of life is threatened. In her twined with this tale of a crashed airplane from World War II
August 24, 2021
A proper every-man British story about a toy collector
I truly liked the British culture, landscape, and of course the main characters who brought a story about a theft of collectible toys and a downed WWII airplane to life.
I truly liked the British culture, landscape, and of course the main characters who brought a story about a theft of collectible toys and a downed WWII airplane to life.
September 1, 2021
A great read
Another new author for me and glad I found him a book that will keep you interested all the way through with a lot of twists will be looking for more of his books .I hope this helps happy reading
Another new author for me and glad I found him a book that will keep you interested all the way through with a lot of twists will be looking for more of his books .I hope this helps happy reading
September 7, 2021
Good read
I enjoyed reading this book. I gave it a four star rating because I did not like the explicit sex in the book. In my opinion that does not add to the storyline, it detracts. The story it's self is well written and very suspenseful at the end.
I enjoyed reading this book. I gave it a four star rating because I did not like the explicit sex in the book. In my opinion that does not add to the storyline, it detracts. The story it's self is well written and very suspenseful at the end.
September 10, 2021
Good thriller
A good book with a great story. I may not be familiar with the area the writer talks about but that makes little difference as the main characters interact and the mystery unravels. Certainly worth reading.
A good book with a great story. I may not be familiar with the area the writer talks about but that makes little difference as the main characters interact and the mystery unravels. Certainly worth reading.
October 1, 2021
Nice read, interesting twists
Written in a rather personal manner reflecting the main character nicely. The plot is not your usual who done it but rather why. That in itself remains a mystery for much of the length of the book. Very satisfying outcome.
Written in a rather personal manner reflecting the main character nicely. The plot is not your usual who done it but rather why. That in itself remains a mystery for much of the length of the book. Very satisfying outcome.
October 3, 2021
Just ducky
The story is spun so well you hardly expect where it might go. The Toy Empirical as main setting is very unique and imaginative. As usual though the Bits seem to understate the actions and emotions until all hell breaks loose. Like it! Thanks for a fun ride.
The story is spun so well you hardly expect where it might go. The Toy Empirical as main setting is very unique and imaginative. As usual though the Bits seem to understate the actions and emotions until all hell breaks loose. Like it! Thanks for a fun ride.
February 3, 2025
Not my taste. Tinplate was an odd little book. None of the handful of characters was very real; they were just outlines waiting to be filled in. I found the ending to be totally unbelievable and bizarre.
Gave the book 3 stars because I finished it.
Gave the book 3 stars because I finished it.
May 20, 2025
Interesting book with some spins along the way. I didn’t know that the world of toys was as complex or as popular. It was an education as the main character engaged with the most unlikely criminal to solve cases that the police did not one existed. Easy reading add thoroughly enjoyable.
August 27, 2021
Who knew there could be such intrigue around antique toys? An enjoyable mystery.
September 3, 2021
Easy read
Enjoyable to read with some witty lines. Also learnt a fair bit about tin plate toy cars and boats. Look forward to the next book.
Enjoyable to read with some witty lines. Also learnt a fair bit about tin plate toy cars and boats. Look forward to the next book.
November 1, 2021
Read previously
I read this book quite a while ago. It is an okay read but not really my kind of book.
I read this book quite a while ago. It is an okay read but not really my kind of book.
January 11, 2022
Dnf @58%. I'm still giving it 3 stars because it was interesting but I just couldn't finish it.
May 1, 2022
Good mystery
Readers will enjoy the creativity of using antique toys to tell a mystery. I was confused early but soon got hooked from thievery to murder.
Readers will enjoy the creativity of using antique toys to tell a mystery. I was confused early but soon got hooked from thievery to murder.
December 21, 2023
ok book, it was for a prompt with a plane on the cover or i doubt i would have read it
June 3, 2025
Action Quirky
A strong mix of character development, action, and quirkiness. A most enjoyable read in the British mystery tradition. Sort of a downhome Holmes meets Marple.
A strong mix of character development, action, and quirkiness. A most enjoyable read in the British mystery tradition. Sort of a downhome Holmes meets Marple.
June 27, 2025
Irritating, skim read it
Started off okay but soon changed with far too much details and not enough of the action. Read like a "boys own adventure" .
Started off okay but soon changed with far too much details and not enough of the action. Read like a "boys own adventure" .
November 27, 2025
A great read
I do enjoy a fun mystery when there is a lighter side to the story and good prevails. I will definitely read more from this author.
I do enjoy a fun mystery when there is a lighter side to the story and good prevails. I will definitely read more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews