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iswendle's review against another edition
3.0
Introduce "another" detective (as Brack says in his author's note) Master Mercurius, a lecturer at the University of Leiden in the 17th century. As a trained mind, Mercurius is tasked to solve the disappearance of 3 young girls in the city of Delft. He is just "another" detective, as during his work in Delft he relies on the help of 3 famous historical Dutchmen, who all lived at the same time in this small town: Reinier de Graaf, Johannes Vermeer, and Antoni van Leeuwenhoek. What unfolds is an exciting, albeit simple, detective novel that takes Mercurius around Delft and its surroundings in 1671.
This book shines in its references and their detail of Delft. Locations like the Oostpoort, Nieuwe Langedijk, Nieuw Kerk and even surroundings in The Hague, Rijswijk and Scheviningen make it a joy to read for those who know the area. The book is filled with the authors studies into the area, like the start of the novel that depicts Mercurius traveling past de Vliet from Leiden to Delft.
I must admit, I cannot predict how much enjoyment is left in this book when neither knowledge of Delft or a unique interest in is history is what you start reading with. The story is one of straightforward clues. Though it a good job of provoking feelings of sympathy by describing the living conditions and inequality of the time. Brack chose a format in which our protagonists writes his diary from his perspective, and chose his language to match. That is, the book reads much like an old tale, but with short, factual wording. I thought it added to the immersion, though I can see it can make the book very dry for another reader.
In short; locals with a taste for history will love this book, travellers to and from Delft may well too, but for a historical fiction detective I can imagine there are more lively examples.
This book shines in its references and their detail of Delft. Locations like the Oostpoort, Nieuwe Langedijk, Nieuw Kerk and even surroundings in The Hague, Rijswijk and Scheviningen make it a joy to read for those who know the area. The book is filled with the authors studies into the area, like the start of the novel that depicts Mercurius traveling past de Vliet from Leiden to Delft.
I must admit, I cannot predict how much enjoyment is left in this book when neither knowledge of Delft or a unique interest in is history is what you start reading with. The story is one of straightforward clues. Though it a good job of provoking feelings of sympathy by describing the living conditions and inequality of the time. Brack chose a format in which our protagonists writes his diary from his perspective, and chose his language to match. That is, the book reads much like an old tale, but with short, factual wording. I thought it added to the immersion, though I can see it can make the book very dry for another reader.
In short; locals with a taste for history will love this book, travellers to and from Delft may well too, but for a historical fiction detective I can imagine there are more lively examples.
ketekete's review
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.75
ja3m3's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this historical fiction mystery that takes place in the Netherlands in 1671. Not only is it detailed with life during this time period we also meet the famous Dutch Baroque painter Johannes Vermeer and Antonie van Leeuwenhoek "The Father of Microbiology." And the mystery isn't bad either (though I had it figured out). I will definitely continue with this series.
sandin954's review against another edition
3.0
A well done historical mystery that seamlessly incorporated real life characters (Vermeer and Van Leeuwenhoek) within the plot.
abibliofob's review against another edition
4.0
I was a little sceptical about reading this since it is not an era I am particulary interested in but it is a great story told by a fantastic author. I must thank Netgalley, Sapere Books and the author Graham Brack who has come to be one of my favorite authors. He is a master at descriping time and place. He also is great at finding humor in his stories. I stongly recommend that you try this and also his Josef Slonský series.
tuxedocatchronicles's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
jmatkinson1's review against another edition
4.0
In the Mid-17th century three girls disappear in the town of Delft. When one is found dead the town's Mayor contacts the University in Leiden asking for help, Master Mercurius is dispatched. The weather is bitterly cold and there is little hope of survival for the other two girls if he cannot solve the crime.
This is a simple and quite entertaining historical detective novel. The setting is unusual in that it is in a Dutch Republic that is just starting to be prosperous and where religious conformity is everything. The only discordant note for me was the shoehorning of known figures into the narrative, there was no great need to place Vermeer and Van Leewunheok into the story, I felt it was a novel device too far. In fact the story bounces along at a pace and this si a quick and undemanding read.
This is a simple and quite entertaining historical detective novel. The setting is unusual in that it is in a Dutch Republic that is just starting to be prosperous and where religious conformity is everything. The only discordant note for me was the shoehorning of known figures into the narrative, there was no great need to place Vermeer and Van Leewunheok into the story, I felt it was a novel device too far. In fact the story bounces along at a pace and this si a quick and undemanding read.
mdpbernal's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
3.5