A Personal Devil

A Magdalene la Bâtarde Mystery

By: Roberta Gellis

Narrated by: Nadia May

In 12th century London, Magdalene la Bâtarde is the madam of the Old Priory Guesthouse in Southwark. She is not in the least bit sorry to learn that Bertrild, the unpleasant wife of Master Mainard, is dead. Bertrild was insulting to most people. She made threats, using terrible revelations as a weapon against those who would not bow down to her demanding ways.

However, when it seems that Mainard will be charged with Bertrild's murder, because no one accepts the oath of a whore that he is innocent, Magdalene, with her handsome friend, Sir Bellamy, decides to investigate.

©1999 Roberta Gellis (P)2005 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

"In addition to a well-crafted plot, moments of heart-stopping suspense, and a dramatic conclusion, the author provides poignant glimpses into the humanity of her characters, particularly the women of the guesthouse." (Publishers Weekly)
"Yet another authentically detailed medieval mystery featuring a proactive feminist as the detective." (Booklist)

As a modern sex worker, I love this series!

This story is the full package for me. Historical fiction mysteries are my favorite genre, and having a romance element that avoids melodrama and doesn't monopolize the plot is a breath of fresh air. And having a group of diverse professional companions at the heart or the story?! My heart is so happy!

Despite the being set in one of histories most brutal time periods, the tone remains light and even comical at times. There isn't a ton of emotional pull, but that's not a bad thing.

My only complaint with the book is a lack of glossary to explain all the medieval vocab. I don't know if I've ever had to Google so much during a single book before! The attention to historical accuracy is astounding and very interesting, but I had to pause frequently and relisted to keep up.

it is also very frustrating that Audible only includes the first 2 book BUT THEN SKIPS THE 3RD AND HAS DIFFERENT A DIFFERENT NARRATOR FOR THE FOURTH BOOK!

Intriguing 12th century Mystery

This is an excellent historical fiction mystery. Women had very limited choices bed(prostitution), wed or the convent. This really isn’t an exaggeration unfortunately—even widowhood didn’t always set a woman free to live her life. Our heroine is a 12th century madam of the Old Priory Guesthouse named Magdalene. (I think the author had a lot of fun with these names) Magdalene is the main suspect of the murder of a wealthy wife—a quite wretched woman with “a vicious tongue”, cruel to her servants and generally not well liked. But the word of a whore will not stand up. So along with her knight (yes, a knight is in love with her!) she sets about to solve this murder and clear her name. She has friends among the medical community (monks) and within society. Magdalene is known as a kind and gentle woman who treats her “employees & clients” well.

Time is marked by vespers and complines which adds authenticity.
There are many wonderful characters who are written with such life you care for them deeply. The settings whether of high or low borne are written so well you feel that you are there with them whether in estates or stables. The dialogue is delightful to read (or listen to) as it is revelatory and moves the story along brilliantly. The Narrator is outstanding! I will definitely be adding her to my follow list.

I look forward to reading this entire series. It’s refreshing to read something so well written. I highly recommend this book.

Another Triumph

This is one of the best historical mystery series.
This book has both great characters who are wonderfully brought to life by Nadia May and a plot that really is a mystery. Excellent!

Better than Ellis Peters

There are only four books in the "Magdal??ne la B??tarde" series of medieval whodunnits. Dammit. This is the fourth and last. Magdal??ne is the mistress of the Old Priory Guesthouse, in Southwark. A brothel. High class, and gentle with the employees... but a brothel all the same. Magdal??ne's relations with all other people are systematically defined by her status: known or unknown, and client or not client. She gets involved in murders. But she has friends, some in high places.
The mysteries are well plotted, but they are primarily backdrops for portraits and landscapes af great talent.
Highly recommended.

Another wonderful Roberta Gellis novel

The Magdalen stories never disappoint, and the reader is truly talented at evoking the flavor of the work.