I appreciate the publisher allowing me to read this book. I really enjoyed this one the plot kept me interested until the end which is not easy, and the characters were engaging and believable. I highly recommend this book.

finally got to this book in my TBR and I'm so glad I did.... This book has it all.... a good and interesting mystery, historical facts and wonderful characters. There is also some dry wit - which honestly was a little lost on me. I don't know much about Dutch history, so I loved learning about this wonderful country.

Def. Want to go back and read the previous books and all subsequent ones. I loved reading this story.
I
Thank you Netgalley and publisher for allowing me the opportunity to review.

I want to start off by saying that this book is by no means a bad one. My rating reflects how involved I felt with the series thus far.
Master Mercurious is summoned again at the beginning of the book for another task that he is not technically qualified for. His presence is also required in the form of his alter-ego, that of a Catholic Priest. His dual role weighs heavily at this point, and he senses traps in every corner. He is forced to go and negotiate with people in Amsterdam. Once there, he realises the odd position he is in. He is unaware of many things about this trip, things that come to light slowly. He is not actively involved in untangling the case for their Stadhouder, but he does exert a lot of effort in trying to figure out the case of the missing children.
This latter part forms the bulk of the narrative, with missing Jewish immigrants' children being abducted. A lot of legwork is done to track the evidence and put the pieces together to arrive at a sort-of satisfactory conclusion.
Although the mystery part was well written, it did not seem new. The dialogues, descriptions and inner monologues continue to be entertaining, but I felt like this particular adventure has unfolded before in the series. I would recommend this series to fans of historical fiction mysteries based in different countries. The political intrigue is present but not overpowering, making it easy for someone like me (with no past knowledge of those events) to understand it all.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience of this book and the previous works by the author.

For some reason the Stadhouder William of Orange believes Master Mercurius is an excellent diplomat and so he asks him to go to Amsterdam and persuade the Mayors of the city that they need to pay taxes. Mercurius does not believe he is a great diplomat but it is not a good idea to refuse the Stadhouder so he goes to Amsterdam. His secondary mission is to find out if there are any plots against the capricious and paranoid William. Whilst there he discovers that three Jewish children have disappeared and he commits to helping that community.
As ever this is a fun and clever outing for Master Mercurius, the ordained Catholic priest and Reformed minister. Here the main setting is Amsterdam in the earlier days of the VOC, as the foundations for the Golden Age are being set. All the plot lines are neatly drawn and tidied up by the end but with a strong degree of political understanding. Here the plight of the Sephardic Jews is juxtaposed with the riches of the merchants and the instability of European politics, a heady mix and beautifully imagined

Graham Brack takes us back to Holland under the Stadtholder William, the future king of England. He employs Mercurius, university professor, to act as an envoy and settle problems. Mercurius is trying to get money from the merchants for William's wars and when some Jewish children go missing, William assigns him the task of recovering the Jewish children for their families. Excellent historical novel.

What an absolute delight to re-encounter Master Mercurius. He keeps on getting funnier and funnier and the plot lines are sleeker and sleeker.

Graham Brack has a wonderful deftness of touch in weaving real people, landscapes and history into these novels. You never feel he is regurgitating his research. Rather he enjoys the way the history adds a piquancy and backdrop to his stories.

Add to this a good mystery and this is a winning series.

I'd highly recommend this novel and the whole of the series. A complete delight.

*Many thanks to Graham Brack, Sapere Books, and NetGalley for arc in exchange for my honest review.*
Master Mercurius is yet again given a mission by Wiiliam of Orange. His task taskes him to Amsterdam where he tries to convince the 4 mayors of the city to rise taxes. In the meantime, he learns that 3 Jewish children have been abducted and Master accepts the challenge to solve the mystery and find the missing kids.
Another offering by Mr Brack which is well-researched and well-written, with lots of witticism and delicate humour. I especially appreciated the depiction of Amsterdam in the 1680s with its Jewish community, their origins and views on cohabitation with the Dutch community.

I was so glad to receive an ARC for this one. Right from its 1st book, Death in Delft, author Graham Brack has been hooked on his new series with his quirky writing, unique setting and distinctive story-lines. And as one would expect this latest entry continues and builds up on his world around his protagonist, Master Mercurius, however, in comparison, this one is more of a Political Thriller, while being light on the mystery element. Nonetheless, it doesn't make it a less of a read. Sure, like other entries of the series, the lack of historical knowledge about Netherlands/Holland might cause hindrance to some, until one realizes author Brack's writing is just too good to let go. #TheVanishingChildren #NetGalley

I received The Vanishing Children as part of a NetGalley giveaway.

In the late 17th century Netherlands, the covert Catholic priest Master Mercurius is summoned by the Stadhouder, William of Orange, to investigate two sensitive diplomatic missions in Amsterdam in order to ensure the stability of his reign. While undertaking these missions, Mercurius becomes aware of the disappearance of three young Portuguese Jewish boys, which brings him into contact with Amsterdam's Jewish population and the unique position within thecity. Will he be able to thread the needle of sensitive political intrigue while also determining the children's fate?

I've read several medieval mysteries recently, and Mercurius is probably my favorite "detective" of them all, even if he is a bit anachronistic in his views. I enjoyed his wry sense of humor and the pace at which the story moved. So often mysteries fall into the trap of constant circles of questioning, and the diplomatic/political storyline allowed it not to get mired down in its own storyline. On the other hand, it's a very short book; I polished it off in one afternoon. Given the dueling plots, it may have benefited from 50 or so more pages of exposition, as sometimes it seemed to be moving almost too quickly, particularly at the conclusion. Still, a fun read for a Saturday afternoon.

The Vanishing Children by Graham Brack is another chapter in the adventures of Master Mercurius written by himself in memoir form, this one in 1721, but taking place in 1680. Master Mercurius is an odd man, a lecturer at the university in Leiden, but a closet Roman Catholic priest with a penchant for figuring things out by accident. In this case he's been sent to Amsterdam by William of Orange, the reigning monarch, to ascertain why no taxes have been forthcoming and remedying the situation. As such, despite the tenants of his religion, he is given a carriage, a band of 20 soldiers to accompany him, a manservant, and a jeweled collar to identify him as William's messenger. Once in Amsterdam he was approached about the alleged kidnapping of three young boys from the Jewish quarter. The complaints of their parents having met deaf ears-the same mayors who were not paying taxes.

I found this book a little difficult to get started with, possibly because I haven't read any of the earlier tomes, but it didn't take too long before I had the players sorted and began to enjoy the story. Mercurius is an interesting man with an amazing inner life. His ongoing commentary is extremely entertaining, revealing a man of deep humor, and capable of much critical thought. He is able to be embarrassed by simple things that don't meet with his moral readiness, but a way of encouraging people to open up to him. He is a very interesting character. The matter of the taxes ended up being solved by William, with information supplied him by Mercurius but the kidnappings were solved by him alone in a fete of logic to be admired. This was an interesting book, set in a very interesting time. It contained a mystery perpetrated by one who was severely misguided and contained traces of the phobia against Jews that has been prevalent in Europe for centuries. I recommend it.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Vanishing Children by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #thevanishingchildren

The Master Mercurius series is perfect for those that enjoy historical mysteries. Brack can be counted on to provide a well thought out mystery, along with a strong sense of time and place, some philosophical discussion and lots of humor thrown in for good measure. This book continues to be just as entertaining as the prior four.
Once again, Mercurius has been called on by the Stadhouder. He is tasked with negotiating with the four mayors of Amsterdam who are refusing to pay the taxes due. This is new to Mercurius. As a university lecturer, he’s never been called upon to deal as an equal with the political bigwigs. But he’s smart enough to use his intellect and past experience to figure out how it’s done. “I was beginning to enjoy this. I do like a good argument. I was hampered to some extent by not having a clue what I was talking about, but I reckoned that if I simply contradicted everything Huydecoper said I would be able to keep my end up.” At the same time, he’s drawn into helping three Jewish families whose young sons have gone missing.
As in the prior books, Brack sprinkles in some real life renowned individuals, in this case John Locke. Make sure to read the Author’s Note, because almost all of the events are based on real occurrences.
It pays to read this series in order. Mr. Brack, please keep these books coming!
My thanks to NetGalley and Sapere Books for an advance copy of this book.

The Stadhouder William of Orange needs Master Mercurius to represent him in Amsterdam he sees plots everywhere against him, the local mayors are involved withholding taxes. Upon arrival Mercurius is more concerned by the disappearance of 3 Jewish children.
This is a great paced book with the ever changing map of royal plots intertwined with the changes in religion. Master Mercurius is a great character who is dragged into danger when investigating these mysteries. Working for William can become hazardous and Mercurius is a very reluctant participant. Mercurius trying to be a diplomat can certainly raise a smile. This story will be good use of whiling away an afternoon.
I was given an arc of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

‘Mercurius, As you love your country and your Stadhouder, please come at once.’

In this volume of his memoirs, dated 1721, Master Mercurius is now recounting events from 1680. He might have been enjoying his life in Leiden, but once again William of Orange wants his help. William is worried about possible plots against the King of England, and consequences for his country …

‘Where are you going, Mercurius? There’s more.’

… and he wants to raise money to go to war with France. So, he wants Mercurius to go to Amsterdam and meet with its four mayors and convince them to pay their taxes. They have refused, on the basis that war is bad for trade.

Mercurius travels to Amsterdam to meet with the mayors and also to gather information about any plots afoot.

‘However, I am not a moral philosopher for nothing, and one of the tricks of my trade is to harness the power of silence, especially when you have nothing useful to say, so I simply sat and waited for someone else to say something.’

But nothing is ever straightforward, and Mercurius finds himself caught in another mystery. Three Jewish boys have vanished in Amsterdam, and the authorities are doing nothing. Who abducted these boys, and why? Could other children be at risk?

This is another magnificent Master Mercurius mystery. Clever, witty, and full of historical detail. While it could easily be read as a standalone mystery, the series is just a delight. I am now looking forward to the next instalment.

Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Sapere Books for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

The Vanishing Children is the fifth instalment of the Master Mercurius Mysteries, but it is not necessary to have read the proceeding four books in order to read this one. Aside from the occasional passing reference, these are standalone mysteries.

This time, Mercurius is tasked with investigating the disappearance of three Jewish boys in 1680s Amsterdam. It is a captivating, well-researched tale.

Despite the slim page count, Graham Brack packs both plot and character writing into his novel. The plot is fast paced without ever feeling rushed or superficial. With his dry sense of wit, Mercurius is an interesting and likeable narrator and a joy to spend time with.

I look forward to the next book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sapere Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

1680 Master Mercurius has been summoned by William and sent to Amsterdam. As William is convinced that there are plots against him by the English exiles which is compounded by the Dutch merchants refusing to pay their taxes. An uphill mission for Mercurius to solve both problems. But on arrival he discovers that some children have gone missing and no action taken.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery. Another good addition to the series with its likeable and interesting main character.

4★
“‘If I string one of them up from a ship’s yardarm it’ll soon bring the rest in line.’
‘Thank you, Captain,’ I responded, ‘but I’d rather convince them than kill them.’
Pringle shrugged. ‘As you wish. But killing one is sure to convince the other three.’
Yours is a very straightforward world, isn’t it? I thought.”

My goodness, Master Mercurius is moving up! He has been sent by William of Orange, the Stadhouder (head of state of the Netherlands) to deal with four mayors whom he wants to tax. Mercurius is a cleric who teaches at the University of Leiden. His claim to fame (for our eyes only) is that he is both a Protestant minister and a Catholic priest. Shhh. . . You never know who’s listening, and it could be worth his life if revealed to the wrong party.

He’s done some jobs for William, not the least of which was smoothing the way for William to marry Mary, his cousin. This began as a smart move to seal their place as first in line to the English throne following their uncle, Charles II. William seems to have been satisfied with Mary,

“to the point where he had hardly any mistresses at all worth talking about, and I rather suspected that those he had were kept just so that he did not let the United Provinces down in any international rulers’ mistresses league.”

William is bent on going to war with France, but he needs money – hence the tax-raising mission – but he wants Mercurius to smooth the way here, too. He should obtain some kind of agreement.

“To William’s way of thinking, compromise meant accepting the other side’s abject surrender gracefully.”

To impress the mayors and the people of Amsterdam, where Mercurius is sent, William arranges a carriage, a guard, a servant, a badge, a cloak, in essence, all the trappings of a high-born individual.

Mercurius is initially uncomfortable, but like many of us, he begins to enjoy what little power he enjoys. He is able to speak on behalf of William and even give some orders. Captain James Pringle heads the troop that accompanies him, and it is he who suggests in the first quotation, a ‘statement’ by hanging someone from the ship’s yardarm.

It took a while for the story to move to the vanishing children. Mercurius has solved some crimes in the past, one of which involved missing girls, but this one is missing boys, very young boys, from the ‘Portuguese’ community in Amsterdam. This is a Jewish community – Jews who were hunted out of Portugal, and some of whom converted to Christianity to avoid the Inquisition.

Three little fellows disappeared – snatched, it seems – from their homes. All were very young, and Mercurius notices some other coincidences that point him in the right direction.

As always, Brack writes an entertaining tale full of history and historical figures, without ever seeming to dump information the way some authors are inclined to. I do find myself looking up more about William and Mary, and if I didn’t already know about the red-light district in Amsterdam with naked ladies in the windows, I’d probably have checked that for accuracy too!

[I read recently that the council is now moving it out of the CBD and may ban tourists from the ‘coffee shops’ that sell cannabis – but I digress.]

Suffice to say, Mercurius was warned what he’d be getting into, so he convinced himself he must accept the carriage and escort and yes, a bit of luxury, in order to make the right impression and succeed in reaching an agreement.

Needless to say, Mercurius does what he can, hoping not to torture anyone if he can avoid it, and hoping not to be attacked or stabbed either. It’s hardly the life he imagined for himself, but he’s getting pretty good at it. He is adamant he won’t tell anyone about his dual ordinations, because he’d lose his position.

“What else could I do? I am a philosopher. Those skills are not much use for anything else, and there is no call for freelance philosophers.”

I don’t know. It seems to me we could use a few more level heads these days. Thanks to the author, Sapere Books and NetGalley for the review copy from which I’ve quoted. I'll be queuing up with the rest of the fans for the next one. :)

The Dutch Stadhouder, William of Orange, has summoned Master Mercurius — and that is never good news. Mercurius has gained a reputation for himself with William for successfully undertaking diplomatic missions. And William is now paranoid that his own subjects and the English exiles living in the Netherlands are plotting against him. Mercurius is sent to Amsterdam to gather information, but he soon finds himself caught up in another mystery. Three Jewish boys have vanished, and the local magistrates are doing nothing to investigate their disappearances. Mercurius quickly realises something sinister is going on and promises to unravel the mystery before he has to return to Leiden.
Another engrossing read, this is the fifth in the series, it could easily be read on its own but to fully appreciate it I'd recommend reading the whole series. I love Mercurius & the witty asides, which don’t detract from the mystery. Another very well written book that has a captivating mystery interlaced with historical facts & a main character who is getting more comfortable with his missions
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

This is the fifth book in the Master Mercurius series by Graham Brack but the first of his books I have read. This story takes place in 1684 in the Netherlands. Mercurius works at the university in Leiden but is called upon by William of Orange, the Stadhouder to go to Amsterdam to carry out a diplomatic mission for him. Whilst he is there, he hears of an incident involving the disappearance of three young Jewish boys. This incident has been neglected by the mayors of the town so Mercurius undertakes to investigate.
The story is told as a memoir. The character of Mercurius is charming and the story, although relatively short was packed with incident. There was a great sense of the historical setting which was evidently well-researched. The tone was light and humorous and I found it a delight to read.

Thankyou NetGalley, Sapere Books and the author, Graham Brack, for the opportunity to read an advanced readers copy of The Vanishing Children in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
Master Mercurius has returned to the delight of this reader.
The storyline was well written with engaging characters and well described settings. Such a good read.
Worth a read.

Master Mercurius is back, this time testing his powers of diplomacy on behalf of William of Orange and also getting himself involved in more detective work, investigating the disappearance of three small boys. As usual his mixture of intelligence and naivety allow him to float over many dangerous waters and at the same time succeed in his allocated tasks.

I enjoy the way this series is told as episodes from Mercurius's own journal. There are frequent, funny asides when he feels his secretary does not appreciate the words he is dictating in the right way. He is also very free with his own views on the people he meets and the ways of the world. It is all very informative about life at the time, and I learn a bit of history with each book.

This book has it all - an interesting mystery, plenty of historical fact and good characters all written with Brack's delightfully dry sense of humour. I hope there will be many more.