SOLVED. British inspector trying to solve the princes in the tower historical mystery [s]

[Hillary]

This was a family favorite but we have lost track of title. A British inspector who is an expert at reading faces is stuck in bed with broken leg. To entertain him someone brings him a few portraits including one of King Richard III and he reads says "This man did not kill children" and starts to try to solve the mystery of the princes in the tower.

My grandmother read it so published in 1990s at very latest, probably earlier. Another family member thought PD James maybe.

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Pretty sure it's not P.D. James, unless it was just the tiniest part of the plot.

Is the princes in the tower mystery the main plotline of the book, or a side plot?

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey?

[Bargle]

Lobstergirl wrote: "The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey?"

Seconding "The Daughter of Time". Fine book.

[Hillary]

That's got to be it, the 1995 date on the book now made me think not, but original publication was 1951.

Thank you Goodreads! now I can read it and know what my family is talking about.