Magdalene la Bâtarde was madam of the Old Priory Guesthouse in Southwark, where Baldassare, the messenger, was murdered. Sir Bellamy of Itchen, a most trusted knight, was sent to investigate who killed Baldassare, and why. Failing to succeed, Sir Bellamy could see the beautiful and mysterious Magdalene hanged for a crime she did not commit. Medieval Mystery by Roberta Gellis; originally published by Tor

In 12th-century London, the Bishop of Winchester, head of St. Mary Overy Church, has made a most unusual pact with Magdalene la Batarde, a widow who rents from him the church's Old Priory Guesthouse next door. There she runs a quiet, elegant whorehouse whose staff includes blind Sabina, slightly simple Ella, mute Letice, and deaf cook Dulcie. Magdalene no longer plies her trade, but a steady, wealthy clientele keeps the house prosperous. Onto this peaceful scene comes a handsome strangerby misdirection, it appearswho turns out to be papal messenger Baldassare de Firenze. In the very early morning he's found, stabbed to death, on the porch of the church next door, and the fanatically pure Sacristan Paulinus accuses the women of murder. The Bishop of Winchester appoints Sir Bellamy of Itchen (more often called Bell), his right-hand man, to investigate the killing and to find the pouch the dead man was carrying. Matters grow more complex with the discovery of' thefts from the church's collection of gold and silver objects. The denouement, when it finally arrives, makes a heroine of Magdalene but carries little conviction. Burdened with endless details of church rituals and politics and a set of rather dull minor characters, this first mystery by fantasist Gellis is heavy-going despite its intriguing heroine. -- Copyright ©1999, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

"A superb storyteller of extraordinary talent." --John Jakes

"A master storyteller." --Romantic Times

"Brother Cadfael, move over and make room for Magdalene. A Mortal Bane vibrates with sharp, witty, memorable characters; Magdalene and company are uniquely qualified as historical detectives, and as always, Roberta Gellis is incomparable! This one's a page-turner. I couldn't put it down." --Amanda Scott, author of Dangerous Lady

"In Gellis's new series, she has created a superb female medieval sleuth with a sexy knight for a sidekick. You'll love every minute of this tightly woven mystery." --Catherine Coulter, author of The Countess

"Roberta Gellis has crafted a superb story of passion, betrayal, and mystery. Entwined in the ingenious ploy is an honest, emotional thread that tugs at the heartstrings." --Susan Wiggs, author of The Charm school

"In A Mortal Bane, Roberta Gellis has created a medieval cozy with a wonderfully unique cast of characters. Life in the twelfth century leaps into vivid focus." --Kathy Lynn Emerson, author of Face Down Among the Winchester Geese

"Roberta Gellis and the medieval mystery are a perfect match. In A Mortal Bane, Gellis has created a rich, believable world and peopled it with fascinating characters." --Jo Beverley, author of Forbidden Magic

"A Mortal Bane has a full cast of fascinating characters, a complex mystery plot, and a stunning sense of time and place. Wonderful!" --Jill Churchill, author of Fear of Frying: A Jane Jeffry Mystery