Description:

Master Mainard makes the blind Sabina his mistress, expecting that his wife Bertrild will be glad to be rid of him, since his face is horridly disfigured. Then Bertrild is murdered and Mainard is suspected. Magdalene la Bâtarde, whoremistress of the Old Priory Guesthouse, works with Sir Bellamy of Itchen to untangle the hatred and blackmail that resulted in Bertrild’s death. [2nd of the Magdalene la Bâtarde mysteries] Historical Mystery by Roberta Gellis; originally published by Forge ** ### From Booklist Twelfth-century whoremistress Magdalene la Bartarde returns to solve another whodunit steeped in intrigue and deceit. When beautiful, blind Sabina, one of Magdalene's former employees at the fashionable Old Priory Guesthouse, becomes embroiled in a perplexing murder investigation, it is up to Magdalene and the desperately smitten Sir Bellamy of Itchen to unravel a tangled web of treachery and blackmail. Though both Sabina and her hideously deformed lover, Master Mainard Saddler, are accused of stabbing Mainard's spitefully cruel wife to death, Magdalene and Bell uncover a host of probable suspects with even stronger motives than this staunchly devoted couple. Yet another authentically detailed medieval mystery featuring a proactive feminist as the detective. *Margaret Flanagan* *Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved* ### Review "*A Personal Devil *is an excellent blend of historical romance and mystery, with both sides equally balanced. The character of Magdalene is exceptionally strong and vivid, bound to please those who love both genres of fiction."--*Romantic Times * "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*