Death in Delft

A 17th Century Historical Murder Mystery (Master Mercurius Mystery Series, Book 1)

By: Graham Brack

Narrated by: Alex Wyndham

Three missing girls. Only one body. Where are the others?

1671, Delft

Three young girls have been abducted from their homes. The body of one has been found in a shallow grave. The other two are still missing. The murder has shocked everyone in the peaceful city of Delft, and the mayor is desperate to catch the perpetrator before panic can spread any further.

With the bitterly cold January weather intensifying, it is doubtful that the other two girls are still alive. But whoever took them is still at large.

The mayor requests the help of Master Mercurius, a gifted cleric from a nearby university, and local artist Vermeer, who uses his skills to sketch the crime scenes.

Can they find the missing girls before it's too late? Will Mercurius be able to track down the killer?

Or will more victims succumb to Death in Delft?

©2020 Graham Brack (P)2021 Tantor

1671 Three Missing Girls in Delft

Interesting historical fiction account of a young girl buried in a shallow grave and two more missing in the seventeenth century in Delft. The mayor of the quiet city enlists the help of Master Mercurius, a gifted cleric from a nearby university, as well as local artist, Vermeer. While Vermeer sketches the likeness of each girl, Mercurius continues the hunt for the two living girls. Rich with atmospheric details of the period, this story will keep you listening if you are either a fan of historical fiction or an art lover.

Surprised by all the good humor

There were so many moments that I found myself chuckling or laughing out loud. All I can say is women are women in any century. Plus one of my favorite narrators, Alex “of the sexy husky voice” Wyndham, was reading. Oh.. the swooning 😏

Funny but satisfying mystery

I was surprised by historical characters that appeared in this book and really like the main character's voice. More please.

Good listen!

I really enjoyed it and especially liked the narrator and dry humor. I have visited Leiden and Delft and thought the area and era were well portrayed.

Wonderful

I loved the story. I loved the way it was told. I really liked the narrator’s voice and he seemed to read it with feeling like he was the character. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. I want to read more from the author

And he said there wasn't such a painting.

And yet there is one very close. You have to reach the end to know. Excellent book. worth a listen.

Most delightful Mystery of late

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Alex Wyndham brought the main character to life and gave great rhythm to the presentation.
The story is original and yet comfortably typical. It is surprisedly funny and has a feel of reading a personal journal in which the writers personality shines through.
Already started the second book and I am liking it even more.
Well done!

Witty medieval mayhem!

These books are written in a jocular first person, full of wit. The historical and geographical context is spot on in 17th century Holland and Europe, with genuinely intriguing mysteries! One continues to cheer on Master Mercurious' efforts to back respectfully out of a leader's room without damaging his bum on a doorknob!

Delft in the past

A historical fiction mystery set in 1671. One of the main reasons I picked this up was that I happened to visit Delft this summer, a wonderful place. The book did not go into detailed descriptions about the city so it didn't make me feel like I was there again but I enjoyed its inclusion of Vermeer and was pleased to learn about Antonie van Leeuwenhoek which plays a small part as well.

The story is short and simple, the characters are likable and at times intriguing. Even though it covers the kidnappings of children it doesn't go into emotional turmoil or graphic violence, it's all very PG13. The time it is set in is interesting (and for me it was a bit refreshing to read historical fiction that isn't set in WW-2 France).

The plot is maybe so and so but at least it isn't convoluted. A little bit like a Sherlock Holmes for beginners. You do at times question the morality of the whole thing and readers may not totally like the conclusion, but perhaps that questioning is a good thing and gives substance.

A VERY PLEASANT SURPRISE

Not what I expected, thouroughly enjoyed. Nice twist. Well written eager to read the other 2.