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  • A Personal Devil

  • A Magdalene la Bâtarde Mystery
  • By: Roberta Gellis
  • Narrated by: Nadia May
  • Length: 10 hrs and 54 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (151 ratings)

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A Personal Devil cover art

A Personal Devil

By: Roberta Gellis
Narrated by: Nadia May
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Summary

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)

What listeners say about A Personal Devil

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A good listen !

Another story in the lives of the women in 11th century London. A good plot and also an excellent explanation of the history of the times.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Another Good Story!

Mediaeval town life was mostly dirty and dangerous but Magdalen and Bel triumph again.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Prostitutes in the English 1200's.

it was so nice to hear about Prositutes in England in the 1200's who weren't all mistreated.
These ladies were like family who looked after each other.
Most were intelligent and several had disabilities.
So when ladies defend and support each other anything is possible.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

An enjoyable listen

Nicely paced, good to follow next chapter of familiar characters who are reassuringly, in essence either good or bad, historical note at end was very good to hear, giving the context for the story.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Gutted

Listened to the first two books and enjoyed them. Can't believe that the 3rd and 5th installments of the series can't be downloaded ?!?! What's going on Audible... ?

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent story and narrator.

I’m always wary about three books on audible but this one is really enjoyable and the narrator was excellent. Great combination and thank you very much to both of you.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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A compelling read. Confused ending

Initially enjoyable . Like her books and good narration. A little confusing at the end.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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great book

I really have enjoyed both these books . My only criticism is that there are so many characters that at times it got a little confusing but over all a good story well narrated. Fans of Candace Robb and Peter Elliot should enjoy these.

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Engaging medieval mystery

I enjoyed the variety of characters and engaging story.
Interesting historical detail. Especially all the food!

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Okay for a freebie

Quite enjoyed the story, but found it difficult to follow at times. I had to reduce the narration speed to its lowest setting in order to grasp the names of the characters and their connections to the story. Unfortunately, this made the narration rather long and drawling, but at least made it easier to follow. The ending was rather strange, though. There didn't seem to be a clear conclusion ... or did I miss something? The author's notes at the end of the book was good, but would have been better told at the start in order to put the story in context.

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