Of course, their efforts aren't completely altruistic. Though Baldassare isn't a regular client of the Old Priory Guesthouse, Magdalene and her women refuse to allow his death to go unavenged. She and her women are expected to engage in a number of sinful activities, but bloody murder isn't one of them until Baldassare, the messenger, dies. Life in the twelfth century leaps into vivid focus.Magdalene la Batarde is the madam of the Old Priory Guesthouse in Southwark. 'In A Mortal Bane, Roberta Gellis has created a medieval cozy with a wonderfully unique cast of characters.

Entwined in the ingenious ploy is an honest, emotional thread that tugs at the heartstrings.' -Susan Wiggs, author of The Charm School 'Roberta Gellis has crafted a superb story of passion, betrayal, and mystery. You'll love every minute of this tightly woven mystery.' -Catherine Coulter, author of The Countess 'In Gellis's new series, she has created a superb female medieval sleuth with a sexy knight for a sidekick. I couldn't put it down.' -Amanda Scott, author of Dangerous Lady A Mortal Bane vibrates with sharp, witty, memorable characters Magadalene and company are uniquely qualified as historical detectives, and as always, Roberta Gellis is incomparable! This one's a page-turner. 'Brother Cadfael, move over and make room for Magdalene. 'synopsis' may belong to another edition of this title. Sure that she is involved in the messenger's death right up to her beautiful eyebrows but unable to believe she's a killer, Bellamy must find out how and why Baldassare died-or watch the mysterious Magdalene meet her fate on the gallows. Bellamy is instantly captivated by his chief suspect but is also convinced that she is hiding something. The bishop of Winchester, who was served for many years by Baldassare, orders Bellamy, his most trusted knight, to investigate the murder and tells him that Magdalene has been accused of the crime.

Into this sea of intrigue steps the handsome Sir Bellamy of Itchen. Chances are if they don't find the killer, they will be assumed guilty because they are whores, and they will be gutted and hanged.

Though Baldassare wasn't a regular client of the Old Priory Guesthouse, Magdalene and her women refuse to allow his death to go unavenged. She and her women are expected to engage in a number of sinful delights, but bloody murder isn't one of them-until Baldassare, the messenger, dies. Magdalene la Bâtarde is the madam of the Old Priory Guesthouse in Southwark. Roberta Gellis, acclaimed author of The Roselynde Chronicles, brings medieval London to life-and death-with her latest tale of splendor and squalor.

A Mortal Bane by Roberta Gellis