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Graham Brack
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Untrue Till Death: Murder in 17th-Century Europe (Master Mercurius Mysteries Book 2) Kindle Edition

by Graham Brack (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 1,764 ratings
Join Mercurius in another mysterious investigation! Perfect for fans of Andrew Taylor, C J Sansom, S J Parris and Ken Follett.

This time murder has hit close to home…

1674, Leiden, The Netherlands

After successfully solving the case of the missing girls in Delft, Master Mercurius has made a name for himself as a private investigator.

With unrest occurring both nationally and internationally, William of Orange is obsessed by plots against his leadership.

He calls on Mercurius to help spy on state officials. But before Mercurius has a chance to investigate, his colleague at the University of Leiden is killed.

And when one of William’s men is also murdered, Mercurius suspects there could be a serial killer on the loose…

Are the two deaths connected? Is there a plot against the Dutch ruler?

And can Mercurius successfully solve another murder case…?

Untrue Till Death is the second historical murder investigation in the Master Mercurius Mystery series: atmospheric crime thrillers set in seventeenth-century Europe.

‘Dramatic historical events and notable characters are skilfully woven into a tale of murder. Churchman turned reluctant sleuth Master Mercurius contends with threats to his life, cryptic messages, and the temptations of the flesh.’ Linda Stratmann, author of The Early Casebook of Sherlock Holmes series

THE MASTER MERCURIUS MYSTERY SERIES:
BOOK ONE: Death in Delft
BOOK TWO: Untrue Till Death
BOOK THREE: Dishonour and Obey
BOOK FOUR: The Noose's Shadow
BOOK FIVE: The Vanishing Children
BOOK SIX: The Lying Dutchman
BOOK SEVEN: Murder In Maastricht
BOOK EIGHT: The Moers Murders
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  1. Book 2 of 8
    Master Mercurius Mysteries
  2. Print length
    267 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    August 10, 2020
  6. File size
    2.7 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Graham Brack hails from Sunderland and met his wife, Gillian, in Aberdeen, where they were both studying pharmacy. After their degrees Gillian returned to Cornwall and Graham followed. This is now called stalking but in 1978 it was termed ""romantic."" They have two children, Andrew and Hannah, and three grandchildren, Miranda, Sophie, and Olivia. Gillian and Graham now live in Northamptonshire. Graham's foray into crime writing began in 2010 when he entered the Crime Writers' Association's Debut Dagger competition and was highly commended for Lying and Dying (previously titled The Outrageous Behavior of Left-Handed Dwarves), in which the world was introduced to Lt. Josef Slonský of the Czech police. Slaughter and Forgetting followed. Both have been republished by Sapere Books along with another four in the series, Death On Duty, Field of Death, A Second Death, and Laid in Earth. In 2014 and 2016 Graham was shortlisted for the Debut Dagger again. The earlier novel, Death in Delft (previously titled The Allegory of Art and Science), is set in seventeenth-century Delft and features the philosophy lecturer and reluctant detective Master Mercurius. Sapere Books published it in 2020.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B086PX34GY
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Sapere Books
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 10, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.7 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 267 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1913518929
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 2 of 8 ‏ : ‎ Master Mercurius Mysteries
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 1,764 ratings

About the author

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Graham Brack

Graham Brack

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Graham Brack has been writing for as long as he can remember, but now concentrates on crime fiction. Three times shortlisted for the Crime Writers' Association's Debut Dagger prize (in 2011, 2014 and 2016) he never quite managed to win it.

Graham lives with his wife Gillian in Northamptonshire and has two children and three granddaughters, who are too young to be allowed to read Grandad's books, so he provides other stories for them.

He trained and practised as a pharmacist and has also written about football, rugby, cricket and medical law. He is an ordained priest in the Church of England.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
1,764 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's prose outstanding and easy to read, appreciating its self-deprecating style and delightful dialogue. Moreover, the plot receives positive feedback, with one customer noting it provides an interesting glimpse of a different time. Additionally, the book features well-developed characters and subtle humor throughout. Customers find the book readable, with one noting it's better than the first book in the series.

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Writing qualityPlotCharacter developmentHumorReadabilityPacing
15 customers mention "Writing quality"15 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, finding the prose outstanding and easy to read, with self-deprecating humor throughout. One customer particularly appreciates the delightful dialogue, while another notes the author's intuitive understanding of people.

"...Mercurius is a wonderfully warm character, with a ready wit (much of it unspoken) and an intuitive understanding of people as well as how justice..." Read more

"...It is interesting to learn more about Holland and environs...the cultural and language differences from the rest of Europe in the Kate 1600'==s, as..." Read more

"...I highly recommend the series by Graham Brack, as he's an amazing writer, and we all need to relax and laugh these days." Read more

"...torn, because I also didn't want the story to end, but the writing is so easy to read that it was over before I knew it...." Read more

14 customers mention "Plot"12 positive2 negative

Customers enjoy the plot of the book, finding it well done and interesting, with one customer noting it provides a fascinating glimpse into a different time period.

"...The mystery is well done complete with coded clues and false turns that keep Mercurius busy travelleing between towns trying to solve first one..." Read more

"...His adventures with the lute player and the entangled story line are so enjoyable when Mercurius tells the reader his thoughts and fears in a..." Read more

"Mercurius as secret agent for the Stadhouter. I really enjoyed this story...." Read more

"...The plot was decent, but it's the character of Mercurius, l really like." Read more

8 customers mention "Character development"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one review noting the well-written characters and another highlighting the gentle clergyman character.

"...Mercurius is a wonderfully warm character, with a ready wit (much of it unspoken) and an intuitive understanding of people as well as how justice..." Read more

"You can’t help but like Mercurius. He is a gentle clergyman who is good at detection...." Read more

"...The setting and characters were interesting and varied...." Read more

"This is a very different cast of characters than usually found in a mystery novel...." Read more

8 customers mention "Humor"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's humor, describing it as witty with subtle humor, and one customer notes its ascerbic wit.

"...For murder and mayhem to include such a subtle and sometimes not so subtle humorous bent is a nice change!..." Read more

"...series ('Death in Delft') the tale is told by Master Mercurius in his humorous and self-deprecating manner, which makes him so likeable...." Read more

"...His witty thoughts that are interjected throughout make the books 📚 a delight to read...." Read more

"...well as vicious murders while at the same time giving the reader some hilarious insights into his personal viewpoints...." Read more

8 customers mention "Readability"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable and enjoyable, with one customer noting it's better than the first book in the series.

"...A good book to read when you just want to have fun." Read more

"I love Master Mercurius! This is the second in the series and does not disappoint at all...." Read more

"if anything this was even better than the first book in the series. Master Mercurius is someone I feel I would like to have known...." Read more

"I read the first three books and enjoyed every single one. I am looking forward to more. Keep them coming!" Read more

4 customers mention "Pacing"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the pacing of the book, with one mentioning that Master Mercurius is delightful and another noting that the character is an interesting mix.

"I highly recommend these Master Mercurius mysteries - I am going to read the next one as soon as I have finished this review! I usually read..." Read more

"...Master Mercurius is an interesting mix, being ordained as a Catholic priest and a Protestant minister...." Read more

"I have come to throughly enjoy the spirit and merit of Master Mercurius as he leads the reader along, not only on one of his adventures, but his..." Read more

"...And Master Mercurius is delightful - quick-quitted and self-deprecating." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • carolynfromoz
    5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting and enjoyable historical mystery
    Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    After solving the case of the missing girls in Delft in 1671, Master Mercurius has enjoyed returning to his quiet life as a lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Leiden, but it was not to be. In 1674, William of Orange is two years into his role of Stadhouder (ruler) of the Dutch Republic and is concerned about plots against him by the faction he ousted. After hearing of Mercurius' success as a discrete investigator he summons him to the Hague and asks him to travel to Utrecht to spy on his agent there and report back on any hints of unrest. However, the death of one of Mercurius' colleagues soon leads him into the hunt for a murderer on top of looking into a possible plot against William.

    As with the first novel in this series, this novel has a marvelous feel of both the place and the time. The descriptions of the journeys between towns, the towns themselves and surrounding countryside all make it come alive. Despite it being a complex period politically, this is all explained quite clearly and makes it possible to get a feel for the everyday life of the townsfolk and the people at the University.

    Mercurius is a wonderfully warm character, with a ready wit (much of it unspoken) and an intuitive understanding of people as well as how justice can be achieved. He also has an eye for the ladies (one in particular) and rues that he cannot marry, as although he is a protestant priest employed at a reformist University, he has also secretly been ordained as a catholic priest, something he could never divulge and keep his job.

    The mystery is well done complete with coded clues and false turns that keep Mercurius busy travelleing between towns trying to solve first one murder, then a second as well as looking out for those who would conspire against William. Mercurius also meets one of William's inquisitors and learns how prisoners are persuaded to give up their secrets. Definitely not a cosy mystery but one I'm guessing will lead to Mercurius being required as an investigator in the future now that William has observed his discretion and skill.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • pollymom
    4.0 out of 5 stars Master Mercury is a very special character wth very special characteristics.
    Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I am so happy to have discovered these books! For murder and mayhem to include such a subtle and sometimes not so subtle humorous bent is a nice change! It is interesting to learn more about Holland and environs...the cultural and language differences from the rest of Europe in the Kate 1600'==s, as well, to add some spice to social events conversations and feel as if one can contribute something new to the mix. Cannot wait to read the next three! Highlybrecommend.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent and frequently hilarious
    Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I highly recommend these Master Mercurius mysteries - I am going to read the next one as soon as I have finished this review!
    I usually read British novels, both mysteries and any others that are set in the Eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. It just occurred to me who author Graham Brack's writing reminds me of - Margery Allingham's Campion series, or perhaps Dorothy Sayers droll Lord Peter Wimsey.
    Not knowing anything about the books except that they are set in the seventeenth century, with a cleric as the protagonist, I jumped right in ..the first in the series somewhat strained belief, but as soon as I was laughing at the tongue in cheek attitude of Master Mercurius, I was hooked! And the ending left me with sweet tears.
    The second in the series went a little more smoothly. As I'd already gotten used to the Medieval Netherlands settings, it was easier to enjoy the excellent writing and quick paced action. I highly recommend the series by Graham Brack, as he's an amazing writer, and we all need to relax and laugh these days.
    One person found this helpful
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  • mdh
    4.0 out of 5 stars Light and fun mystery
    Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    You can’t help but like Mercurius. He is a gentle clergyman who is good at detection. Working at the local university, he gets entangled in a plot against William. His adventures with the lute player and the entangled story line are so enjoyable when Mercurius tells the reader his thoughts and fears in a humorous way. A good book to read when you just want to have fun.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Di
    5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping
    Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I love Master Mercurius! This is the second in the series and does not disappoint at all. The storyline revolves around the politics of the day, and consequently is about murder, intrigue and treachery. As in the first book of the series ('Death in Delft') the tale is told by Master Mercurius in his humorous and self-deprecating manner, which makes him so likeable. I couldn't book the book down, and was torn, because I also didn't want the story to end, but the writing is so easy to read that it was over before I knew it. I'm waiting in anticipation for the next in the series. My thanks to Sapere Books for the opportunity to read it.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • FeralCat
    3.0 out of 5 stars Second in Series = Letdown
    Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This book in the series had a little too much humor for my taste. I would give this 3.6 stars if I could. The writing gives this murder/ mystery more of a cozy feel than the dark, somber, who-done-it that I was hoping for. The setting and characters were interesting and varied. Master Mercurius is an interesting mix, being ordained as a Catholic priest and a Protestant minister. Working in a university setting allows him to avoid conflicts between the politics and dogmatism of the two faiths. I will read the 3d in the series to see the progression.
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  • virginia j denney
    5.0 out of 5 stars Mercurius
    Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Mercurius as secret agent for the Stadhouter.

    I really enjoyed this story. Holland in the 1670's was a dangerous place to be; territorial wars, political wars, and religious wars made life dangerous. Mercurius has to find the murders of the Stadhouter's loyalists and bring the traitors to justice.
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  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Witty with subtle humor
    Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This is the second book in this series. I look forward to book three. Master Mercurius is a Catholic priest in a Protestant, specifically Reformed, university. It is interesting how this came to be, but I will not spoil this for readers. He has a questioning mind, is a attached to the Department of Philosophy, and called upon to solve mysterious murders. His witty thoughts that are interjected throughout make the books 📚 a delight to read.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Rob van Schoonderwalt
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderfully engaging…
    Reviewed in the Netherlands on February 10, 2025
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Having read the first volume of the series and enjoying it tremendously, I read the second volume (and now tend to read them all). I don’t need to go into much detail because the positive reviews on Amazon say it all. It would only be more of the same. Let me suffice to say that this volume is interesting, written with humor and engaging at the same time. Being from the Netherlands makes it even more interesting because the recognition of the situation in my country, even in the period this story is placed in. Read these books and immerse yourself in times gone by. Forget the present day, if only for a while…
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  • Richard Latham
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Dutch Master?
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 28, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Having dipped into this series by reading the short story, “In Dulci Jubilo” earlier this week, I was tempted to read one of the substantive novels in this engaging series. Book two duly picked up and read. Now the review.

    These books are such an escape, just what good fiction should be.

    Being taken back to the 17th Century and the political realities within The Netherlands we have an excellent guide in Master Mercurius. The premise is that he is writing his memoirs and highlighting some of the more colourful aspects of his life.

    This second instalment is a wonderful account of the duplicity and intrigue of the time and how our protagonist finds himself in a struggle for survival on a secret mission to route out conspiracies and plots against the ruling authorities.

    When the body count begins Mercurius is tasked with finding the murderer and by consequence expose those out to overthrow the ‘government’ by violent action and rebellion.

    I love the qualities our narrator brings to the story. The self-deprecating humour and personal weaknesses are declared openly to us. All the time he carries secrets and a personal faith that puts him in conflict with those he serves.

    I enjoyed the story, the imagined milieu of the two Dutch towns he visits. This is entertaining historical fiction while having crimes and motives modern readers can easily identify with. The religious baggage and university pomp is mere decoration albeit a reflection of the time. I loved his shared view of martyrdom and sense of justice.

    At the time of writing in this instance he is about 36 so he has much to tempt him and challenge his direction in life. Unfortunately, his ability to investigate and uncover evidence around crime scenes and again in this story, murder makes him an unlikely but in demand detective. However, what I find his greatest strength is his inclusion of others of poorer and less educated ranks of society coupled with his humility and wisdom to approach sharper intellects and scientific minds to help solve his investigations.

    The final truth being I enjoy spending time in his company and seeing his time through his eyes.
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  • Typo 🐶
    5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining mystery
    Reviewed in Australia on August 27, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I enjoyed this novel set in the 17th century, Mercurius is a very likeable, normal sort of person. The reasoning he gives for his actions makes sense. The story flows well and I like the small bits of history included in the tale.
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  • Lars Stuyts
    4.0 out of 5 stars This Second in the series is even better
    Reviewed in Canada on September 14, 2020
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Wonderful historical mystery
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  • M. J. Smallcombe
    4.0 out of 5 stars History with humour
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 1, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    An enjoyable detective in Master Mercurius who despite being a university lecturer, a dutch reform minister and an undercover catholic, is prone to a good deal of sarcasm, self-deprecation and a healthy disregard for convention. Quite an advanced world view for the 17th century.
    Report

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