Bertie: The Complete Prince of Wales Mysteries

Albert Edward, Prince of Wales #1-3

by Peter Lovesey

The Complete Prince of Wales Mysteries collects all three of Peter Lovesey’s charming and thrilling Bertie adventures in a single volume for the first time.

Albert Edward, Prince of Wales—Bertie, as he’s known—is the eldest son of Queen Victoria, and future King Edward VII. Bertie is a pleasure seeker, always searching out the best meals, the most beautiful women, and the most lavish parties.

As Prince Regent, Bertie is expected to behave like a proper royal and avoid scandal. Instead, his love of excitement leads him to a decidedly unprincely sleuthing. Bertie is not the best detective, but that does not stop him from trying to solve every case that crosses his path, including the feverish suicide of the greatest jockey of the century, the mysterious death of a member of the royal hunting party, and the murder of the son-in-law of an old friend.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical Mystery

648 pages, Hardcover

First published March 12, 2019

About the author

Peter Harmer Lovesey, also known by his pen name Peter Lear, was a British writer of historical and contemporary detective novels and short stories. His best-known series characters are Sergeant Cribb, a Victorian-era police detective based in London, and Peter Diamond, a modern-day police detective in Bath. He was also one of the world's leading track and field statisticians.

Reviews

[OLT · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Peter Lovesey has written many detective novels during his long career. His two best-known series are the Sergeant Cribb mysteries, with a Victoria-era detective in London, and the Peter Diamond mysteries, with a modern-day detective in Bath. But in the years from 1987-1993, Lovesey published three novels featuring Albert, Prince of Wales, as protagonist during the time Bertie was an underused and unappreciated (by his mother, Queen Victoria) heir to the throne.

Victoria regarded her son as frivolous, indiscreet and irresponsible, only assigned him ceremonial duties, and excluded him from any decision making and government power. So what was Bertie to do other than to enjoy life in his own way, with wine, women, horses, gambling, partying and good eats? Yet there was a good deal of charm and bonhomie to Bertie and Lovesey conveys this very well in his fictional account of a bored, frustrated heir to the throne filling up some of his time by trying to solve mysteries.

This book is a new compilation of the three Prince of Wales mysteries in one volume. It has an introduction by Lovesey followed by the three mysteries: (1) BERTIE AND THE TIN MAN, which takes place in 1886, (2) BERTIE AND THE SEVEN BODIES, taking place in 1890, and (3) BERTIE AND THE CRIME OF PASSION, 1889. All have many real historical personages and have references to actual incidents of the time period.

For example, the Tin Man was real famous jockey Fred Archer, who killed himself in 1886. In this version of events, Bertie is convinced that Archer was murdered and sets out to prove it. Along the way he meets up with many real and fictional secondaries and has a great adventure. The bit about how Princess Alexandra (Bertie's wife) ends up with her pet cockatoo is especially entertaining.

The second story has several real characters also but is such a broad parody of an English upper-class house party, complete with an Agatha-Christie-like sequence of murders, that it failed to engage me as much as the other two mysteries in this compilation. It is amusing, however, to observe the phlegmatic, stiff-upper-lip way each murder is faced by the surviving members of the party, but the body count is rather overwhelming and the lack of real reactions of horror at the deaths is maybe too tongue-in-cheek for me.

Perhaps my favorite mystery is the last one, which takes place in Paris and features actress Sarah Bernhardt as Bertie's crime-solving partner. In this one the future son-in-law of an old friend of Bertie's is killed on the crowded dance floor of the Moulin Rouge. Murdered in plain sight but no one saw who did it. But, of course, Bertie is sure he can solve the case.

That's the fun of these stories. Bertie is so sure that he's a better detective than even the best professionals in England and France. Well, he does manage to finally stumble onto the solutions eventually, but it's more in the manner of Inspector Clouseau than of Sherlock Holmes.

Lovesey has supplied us with some tongue-in-cheek, witty stories featuring a personable, charismatic Bertie, with a personality somewhat like what one assumes the real Prince Albert may have had. And, although the real Bertie was a great lover of women, never faithful to long-suffering wife Alix, and this fictional Bertie is also, Lovesey shows us some real affection between the two in these stories. One hopes that was the case in real life.

The whimsy and charm of future King Edward VII, who was a rather beloved monarch, even though he only ruled from 1901-1910, shows through in this fiction. Granted, it's charm with a great deal of upper-class entitlement, self-indulgence, a lack of self-awareness at times, and some obtuseness, but charm nonetheless.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave this three stars because I had no idea how to rate it. These three mysteries featuring narrator Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, are well-written (as you'd expect of Lovesey) and well-plotted, but they require you to spend a lot of time with HRH. As presented by Lovesey, he's an intelligent enough man who has been convinced by his upbringing that he is much more clever than he is. Reading these at length--and I did spread it out over several days--is like being cornered at a party by a guy who is convinced beyond dissuasion of his own charms. The last of the series, Bertie and the Crime of Passion, shows Bertie in Paris, with Sarah Bernhardt as his Watson as he tries to help an old pal whose daughter's fiancé has been murdered. La Bernhardt does act as an antidote to Bertie's self-importance, but he never does realize that he won't get any further with her than she will allow.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never read this series before and was really happy when I got this ARC.
It's an entertaining and enjoyable series, a page turner you cannot put down.
I loved Bertie and the cast of characters, likable and well written.
The historical background was well researched and detailed.
I loved the style of writing and the humour.
The mysteries are solid and they keep you guessing till the end.
I hope there will be further installment in this series as I really enjoyed these.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Soho Crime and Edelweiss for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book, all opinions are mine.

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since this is a bind up of three novels in one huge book, I suppose I will start off this review with ratings for each of the stories that are here.

Bertie and the Tin Man: 3 out of 5 stars.

I liked the idea of this story, but the detail to horse racing and the terms went over my head. I found that the author (or Bertie in this case) went on tangents a lot and described things about horse racing that was more an info dump than adding anything spectacular to the overall mystery. There were times that I nearly DNF-ed the book because I wasn't intrigued to continue on, and the writing left me rather disappointed.

However, when I discovered that the 'Tin Man' was a real case (more so in the way that it brought sensation to Britain), I found that my interest in finishing this story got stronger. One thing that I didn't like about this particular story was the fact that Bertie brought us out of the story by engaging the reader with tell alls (info dumps). I didn't much care for the characters because they were very flat, and the more that I got to know and understand 'The Tin Man', the more I found that I didn't like him.

Bertie and the Seven Bodies: 4 out of 5 stars.

This mystery was definitely more intriguing to me than the first book of the series. The characters were still a little flat, Bertie was guilty of info dumping, but overall, it was a great mystery. That said, the characters in this novel were a little more interesting than in the Tin Man, but I wish the author had made them more developed.

Bertie and the Crime of Passion: 4 out of 5 stars.

I think that out of the three novels in this collection that I actually liked Crime of Passion more than the others. The same problems that I had with the other two definitely existed in this book, but I think that I really liked the idea of the mystery and solving it alongside Bertie. One thing that I've noticed throughout reading this series is that there is a bit of anti-French ideology, and that ideology comes out more in this book. However, when we are thinking of the time Bertie came from, anti-French ideology (and anti-English ideology on the part of the French) was prevalent and wasn't at all uncommon.

Overall, I really enjoyed these novels and am happy to keep them on my British crime fiction shelf. They were fun reads with a very snarky and very British protagonist who is a detective (or becomes an amateur one). I loved the ideas of the stories, but wish the author put more development to his characters and to the plots themselves. Bertie as a protagonist was really refreshing when you consider the amount of criticism and bad press the historical Bertie received in his lifetime.

I would definitely recommend these books to readers that want a British crime novel series to sink their teeth into, but advise that you take your time to read through the stories so that you can fully understand what is going on.

The overall rating I am giving this series is a solid 3 stars.

[Michelle Przekwas · Rating 3 out of 5]

This x-large book contains 3 stories. Bertie and the Tin Man, Bertie and the Seven Bodies as well as Bertie and the Crime of Passion.
The first with 'the tin man' focused on the death of a jockey. It is Bertie's (the prince of wales) first opportunity to dabble in the art of detection. Written very well but I still had a hard time getting into it. Mr. Lovesey obviously did his homework on Bertie as well as the horse racing profession. Unfortunately, that homework of his led to my skimming a bit....it made the story heavy to me.

The second story, 'Bertie and the Seven Bodies', is a first class murder mystery at a remote country manor during a house party. It was a WONDERFUL read!! Bertie, still trying his hand at amateur detecting, spends a week at a manor home for a hunting party and unfortunately is witness to the deaths of seven people over seven days. And for all his amateur skills, he cannot fathom how each person is dying while he is trying to catch the murderer. THIS STORY was well written, fast paced, comical at times with its dialogue and ...overall... pleasing to me. For those fans of remote location mysteries....read this one! Very enjoyable!!

The third story, Bertie and the crime of passion, will be one that I will return to at a later date. By the time I finished 'the seven bodies', I felt done. I needed to move on. In this third story, Bertie teams up to solve a murder with Sandra Bernhardt....the actress. It seems interesting. So, this one is for another time.

[Eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

2019 bk 201. Three books in one! I found this gem of an omnibus in a small bookstore in old Montreal. That alone will ensure that I keep this volume. The Bertie mysteries, as written by Peter Lovesey, are enchantingly told. Poor Bertie, trusted to not do anything well at all by his mother, turns out to desperately want something to do. When deaths among friends happen, what else is the Prince of Wales to do but to turn a hand at trying to solve the mysterious deaths. Along the way he makes a few missteps, but for a man raised in royal isolation he does surprisingly well. At each step he recruits assistance. These were well researched stories and the inclusion of actual letters from his wife add to the stories. All three novels make excellent stand alone books - but read together provide a more complete picture. Do not miss the forward by Peter Lovesey!

[Libby · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've only recently discovered Peter Lovesey. This anthology of his three Prince of Wales mysteries was a great introduction. The mysteries are intriguing and the character of Bertie is unique. I love mysteries that can still make me laugh; these did. I do think reading three in a row was a bit much. My recommendation: dip into these when you a break. There's no need to hurry through them, as it doesn't appear Lovesay will write more - understandable as one can only do so much with such a well-known, real person as detective. I do plan to go on to read Lovesey's other historical mysteries. Review based on an ARC through NetGalley.

[TammyJo Eckhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

My partner loves Sherlock Holmes so I got this book hoping it might appeal to him. We read it together, or I should clarify, he read it outloud to me and we discussed what was happening as he read.

We liked the characters and how well they were crafted. The information about their voices and attitudes, allowed my partner to really get into his reading.

A lot of the historical information didn't mean a lot to us as readers from the USA but content helped us with most of it.

The mystery elements were less than we hoped but then again, was the Prince of Wales a real detective? No, of course not, but as people who like mysteries, this felt lacking.

[Hannah F · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ugh SO wish it was funny or hilarious, as he has bern as a side character whrn briefly mentioned in other period mysteries. ..and I was promised hijinks.

NOTHING.

But he is dull and boring here ir intelligent dry with none of the fun loving personality or anything funny or droll or witty as he's known for

Shame indeed . I quit reading first story halfway thru as ut just droned on n on .

Maybe ill try another story but I have a feeling it'll be just as dull .

so disappointed .

[Regina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely delightful! Full of wit and humor, this book translates the reader to another time, a place inhabited by upper class and lower class individuals who come together in the three separate stories to commit crimes and to help solve them. The most prominent is the Prince of Wales, heir to the throne of England, a known roue and flouter of convention who delights us with his observations, interactions, and internal musings. Read it and you'll feel like you are back in Queen Victoria's Europe.

[Cindy Ladensack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three mysteries featuring the Prince of Wales as detective of course require a certain amount of suspended belief, but even the stories themselves veered a bit in the far-fetched direction. Still, Lovesey’s writing is amusing and enjoyable; and given that the books were written thirty years ago about a man who lived over a century ago, certain things like a tendency towards misogyny can be overlooked.

[Mariel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its a bit long winged. Specially as the character tallks about people as if we know who he is talking about and then tells a long memory of that person which makes it somewhat boring at times. But his character is lovely and funny.

[Angie Boyter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A treat for fans of classic British mysteries
See my Amazon review: https://www.amazon.com/review/RHOEILN...

[Sharon Chase · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh

[Simone · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of three novels that reads like a cross between a very randy, very British Hardy Boy mystery and a Flashman novel. Great good fun.

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 novels in one book, this is quite enjoyable to read them all at once. Light humor, light history, and light mysteries that keep you entirely engrossed. Well worth the time!

[Cate Ruane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished the first novel in this three novel volume and I quite enjoyed it. Using the Prince of Wales, the future Edward VII, as an amateur sleuth was a clever idea and his personally is well developed and engaging (and, true to life, he’s an unrepentant womanizer), and very funny. The mystery at the heart of the novel is good, although it is obvious who the murderer is early on. Still, it kept my interest and I’m looking forward to reading the next two books. Those who like “Her Royal Spyness” series by Rhys Bowen will like this.

[Marfita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found while disinfecting books during the pandemic. What a great way to find reading material: taking each and every book off the shelf and wiping it.
I needed something light and Lovesey provides. I love a period piece and a touch of goofiness. Bertie is a middle-aged not-quite-a-monarch who spends his time in cheerful dissipation. He loves food and women and vague clues. He's always wrong and rarely admits it. Bertie and the Tin Man is an homage to Dick Francis's racing mysteries, Bertie and the Seven Bodies an homage to Agatha Christie, and Bertie and the Crime of Passion just an excuse to bomb around Paris with Sarah Bernhardt. Bertie's wife Alix puts up with everything but this detecting nonsense.
Lovesey's attention to period detail really adds to the stories. I enjoy wallowing in that more than watching Bertie make a royal horse's ass of himself. That makes me cringe a teeny bit. There's an excellent introduction by Lovesey explaining how the whole thing came about.
Second read four years later:
Bertie making a royal horse's ass of himself still cringe-y.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incorporating these three previously-published mysteries into one volume isn’t a bad idea; the reader easily slides from one into the next, and then wishes for more at the end. Amateur sleuth Bertie’s escapades (Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, son of Queen Victoria) are enjoyable; Peter Lovesey does nothing by halves. Bertie’s (true-to0-life) sense of entitlement shines through; if he’s less than brilliant he’s never going to admit it! Throughout this volume he investigates a jockey’s suicide, the death of a guest in a royal shooting party, and the murder of a friend’s son-in-law – all these in between his profound and delightful enjoyment of food, women and partying. These aren’t hard-boiled mysteries; they may be best described as “royal cozies”, but are nonetheless entertaining for fans of the genre. Lovesey’s introduction, explaining the premise behind each of the three books, is as fascinating to read as the mysteries are engaging. If you’re a history lover who’s looking for a light mystery, you’ll do well to pick up this book.
I received an advance reader copy of this title from NetGalley and the publisher; this is my honest review.

[Colin Naylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The detective memoirs of Bertie, the Prince of Wales, appear here, with the complete 3 book series collected as a single volume for the first time. The book contains an interesting introduction by the author, which provides insight into how he came to choose the Prince of Wales as his protagonist.
The three stories contain good detective stories, a great deal of humour and notable characters from the times.