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!

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.

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.

Answers Several Unanswered Questions

To me, the plot of this book was not nearly as engaging as the first book in the series was. The mystery wasn't particularly mysterious and it did not capture and hold my attention. However, I appreciated the background information about Magdalena included in this installment. It made her character far more understandable. I also liked the additional information included about her co-workers.

These are not, edge of your seat nail-biting mysteries to me. Rather the author does a great job (I think) of capturing a time and place, giving the reader a better understanding of each, along with those that inhabit it ... then throws a bit of mystery into the mix.

I will continue with this series, at least through the next book. After that, the change in narrator means I will switch to the e-book.

So, if you enjoy a great deal of historical ambiance, with fascinating, well developed characters, and a little mystery on the side, I recommend this book.

Another wonderful Roberta Gellis novel

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

A life medieval

The Gellis' books have brought to life the many details of a 12th century life that are often overlooked by the academic accounts. And again, she brings to life the people who make life in King Stephen's reign seem real and believable. This tale, however, is the weakest of the three about Madeleine and her knight Sir Belamy. Although the resolution of the mystery is a stretch, it does not dilute the rich flow of the tapestry formed by the complex relationships that were part of human life then, and even now.

Wonderful Period Who Dunnit!

If you like historical mysteries, this one is a delight. The premise is unique, and the characters are so well written that I find myself thinking about them long after the book is done. (I have a total crush on Bell.) There are 3 of the series available here, but the 4th is out -- "Chains of Folly." Once you finish the last book, do what I did, and write to Audible and ask for the 4th. (Roberta Gellis is writing the 5th, "Bishop to King, Check!" even as I write this. By the way -- Nadia May is brilliant! Her various characters voices linger in my mind even now. Great Book!

Wonderful Series! One of my favorites!

Roberta Gellis has written four wonderful mysteries set in medieval London. They all revolve around a very unique whore house and the woman who runs it.

Magdalene La Batard, the owner of the whore house, is an educated lady. Once married to a jealous and abusive husband, she flees when he is murdered, fearing to be blamed. Alone in a world where women are nothing more than chattel, Magdalene is determined not to be hung for the murder, or at best, to be forced to marry another man. Instead she uses her body, beauty and brains to make her own fortune and to be her own mistress.

But this is not a novel about a whore house. It's about an intelligent and courageous woman who is respected by the men and women in her life. She is involved in the life of a medieval town, and she is also engaged with men of power during that period.

With the help of a wealthy and powerful protector, she establishes her business in a former convent adjacent to a priory, where her women cater to the wealthy men of the city. Her customers pay a high price for the unique and special services her house provides.


I love all 3 of the books as read by Nadia May. Unfortunately, the 4th book, Chains of Folly, is narrated by Susan Duerdan and she really ruins it. It isn't available on Kindle or in paperback yet, but you can find it at the public library.

One more great performance by Nadia May!

What did you like best about A Personal Devil? What did you like least?

I love the settings of these books featuring Magdalene and her girls, and most of all I like listening to Nadia May. The story itself was confusing and not too interesting.

What was most disappointing about Roberta Gellis’s story?

The story.

Which scene was your favorite?

Oh my goodness!

Could you see A Personal Devil being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Agains, for heaven's sake, I don't know

Any additional comments?

No