A Mortal Bane

By: Roberta Gellis

Narrated by: Nadia May

Magdalene la Batarde is the madam of the Old Priory Guesthouse in Southwark. 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. Though Baldassare isn't a regular client of the Old Priory Guesthouse, Magdalene and her women refuse to allow his death to go unavenged. Of course, their efforts aren't completely altruistic. Chances are if they don't find the killer, they will be assumed guilty, because they are whores, and will be gutted and hanged.

Into this sea of intrigue steps the handsome Sir Bellamy of Itchen. The bishop of Winchester, who was served for many years by Baldassare, has put Bellamy, his most trusted knight, in charge of the murder investigation and ordered him to prove Magdalene is the killer. Bellamy is instantly captivated by his chief suspect but also convinced that she is hiding something. 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.

©1999 Roberta Gellis (P)2002 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"In this top-notch production Nadia May uses different cadences to effectively denote different characters. Her mellifluous voice and accents are perfect for the story. The authentic historical detail, mystery, romance, and well-defined characters work together to create a memorable story." (AudioFile)

at first I didn't want to continue

Once I got into it I didn't want to put it down, it was a good story with a Who Done It.. I didn't feel bad every time they were called Whore, but I also laughed some

A real pleasure

This book translates very well to the audio format. The narrator is terrific. The book keep my interest both because of the well crafted mystery and the many details about life in that time.

whores & heros

medieval england is alive with intrigue, emotion and the not so everyday trials and tribulations of life in a whorehouse. it's easy to find a kinship with these characters whose lives are so distant in time, but similar in the need to survive.

Very Good

This is a great listen. The characters are well developed and the plot is interesting and not twisted. Nadia May does a terrific job with the voices.

Word where wore a little thin

Not a bad story but I got the profession of the women very early in the book. Narration was a little fast. I slowed it down and it seemed better.

Like Brother Cadfael!

Very good story! I like that old English words and phrases were used when appropriate to make it more timely.

A Mortal Bane

Loved the performance, but I got a bit bogged down with names and positions, etc. I was working and listening to the end and will have to go back an relisten to the end to see "who did it".

Medieval Murder Mystery

This is the medieval equivalent of a fun summer beach read. A little murder mystery, a little action, a little crush, and women's empowerment for the win. The performance is very good with unique voices for all the characters. I enjoyed this book.

great medieval mystery

As a long time fan of Roberta Gellis, I was delighted to see this new series. Its different but there are audio issues that audible should address.

Delightful

A beautifully crafted historical mystery, which gives a real sense of the period, while maintaining a tight and intriguing story line. The characters are as well realised as their setting, and their actions and underlying motivations are believeable and natural. The pace of the book is gentle, this is not a swashbuckling romp, but what there is is gripping enough. I am not sure what vague dissatisfaction made me drop the rating from a five to a four, but I can whole heartedly recommend it as a companion for the 10 hours it will take to finish.