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A Personal Devil: A Magdalene la Bâtarde Mystery Audiobook
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(3.05) - 200 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Roberta Gellis, the acclaimed author of The Roselynde Chronicles, is in top medieval form with this second tale of life—and death—in twelfth-century London.
Magdalene la Bâtarde is the madam of the Old Priory Guesthouse in Southwark. Together with the handsome Sir Bellamy of Itchen, she solved the murder of Baldassare the Messenger, but this time the murder victim is none of Magdalene's business.
She is not in the least bit sorry to learn that Bertrild, the unpleasant wife of Master Mainard, is dead. Bertrild once accused Magdalene of corrupting her father and causing his death. In fact, Bertrild was insulting to most people, making threats and 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 decides to investigate.
Fortunately, Sir Bellamy is back in London doing his master's business. Unable to refuse Magdalene, he agrees to help her, and the two set out to solve the murder.
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"Listened to this. Great reader. This is the first in a series of mysteries set in the 10th century in Britain. Really liked it. Characterization is very good with a great picture of the era. Will look for the next one. "
— Sandra (4 out of 5 stars)
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“Extraordinary talent.”
— John Jakes, bestselling author of Charleston -
“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 -
“A Personal Devil is an excellent blend of historical romance and mystery, with both sides equally balanced. The character of Magdalene is exceptionally strong and vivid, bound to please those who love both genres of fictions.”
— Romantic Times -
“Yet another authentically detailed medieval mystery featuring a proactive feminist as the detective.”
— Booklist
A Personal Devil Listener Reviews
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" Loved all Roberta Gellis books! "
— Elisabeth, 10/7/2013 -
" A harmless enough early medieval murder mystery, although the band of friendly prostitutes that are the main characters are somewhat preposterous. Good for a quick read on the bus! But sadly lacking in comparison to something like Cadfael. "
— Adrienne, 6/27/2013 -
" Interesting details about daily medieval life, but I didn't really like any of the characters. "
— Callista, 1/22/2013 -
" Excellent mystery, set in the 1100s. I love the language and details. This is an audio book. I love the reader... "
— Grace, 9/27/2012 -
" An enjoyable audio historical mystery (read by Nadia May) set in England during the reign of King Stephen. I really liked all the characters and the plot had enough twists and turns to keep my interest. "
— Sandi, 8/16/2012 -
" Second in the series. Gellis does a great job of depicting 12th century life in England -- politics and social dynamics. Looking forward to the third. "
— Sandra, 6/20/2011 -
" One of the worse books I have ever read. "
— Angela, 1/6/2011 -
" Good medieval mystery. The characters are interesting, if not probably historically correct--I think the bishop is more tolerant of women than a man of his time would be, but it kept my interest. I listened to it while helping to paint a friend's house. "
— Mary, 12/27/2010 -
" Luv this more than i can say...a must read "
— Amanda, 8/12/2010 -
" Casting a net for more medieval mysteries... Writing is clunky at times, but I liked it enough to go searching for the sequel. "
— Jenn, 8/8/2010 -
" Loved the subject, the characters, fun book. "
— Cherie, 6/9/2010 -
" Well-researched medieval mystery. Need to seek others in this series. "
— A., 1/14/2010 -
" good. setting:1100's brothel - protagonist: madame "
— Ruth, 12/30/2009 -
" Gellis is one of my favorite medieval authors. Excellent writing and terrific story-telling. This is the first in the Magdalene la Batarde series. "
— Anita, 11/10/2008
About Roberta Gellis
Roberta Gellis has master’s degrees in medieval literature and in biochemistry. She is the author of numerous novels and the recipient of many awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award for Historical Fantasy and the Romance Writers of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Roberta Gellis lives on Long Island with her husband of more than fifty years and her Lakeland terrier, Taffy.
About Wanda McCaddon
Wanda McCaddon (d. 2023) narrated well over six hundred titles for major audiobook publishers, sometimes with the pseudonym Nadia May or Donada Peters. She earned the prestigious Audio Award for best narration and numerous Earphones Awards. She was named a Golden Voice by AudioFile magazine.