A Mortal Bane

Rating:
Summary: Murder in the Middle Ages
Review: No one writes about the middle ages with the confidence of Roberta Gellis. In this book, the women of a high-class whorehouse are imperiled when a messenger from the pope is killed on the doorstep of the Church next door. They must find the killer or medieval views on the evilness of whores will see them hung. Gellis' book gives us a clear, unsentimental window into the workings of the world as it was -- without detracting from the charisma of her characters. The noble born whoremistress, the knight who serves the Bishop of Winchester, and even the nasty-but-holy pryor from the church next door fill this tale with color. And it's a darn good mystery, too.

Rating:
Summary: ROBERTA GELLIS IS THE BEST!
Review: Nobody brings the Middle Ages to life like Roberta Gellis! As a mystery/suspense fan, I'm ecstatic that this fabulous author has turned her talents to historical mystery. Her characters are original and totally engaging, as is the story.

Rating:
Summary: Can't wait for the next one
Review: OK I'm a BIG Roberta Gellis fan. She does it again. Real characters in real places and situations instead of cartoon characters and contrived plots. Had me guessing to the very end. Still want to know more about Magdalene and Bell but I can wait till next time.

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Summary: She's back - and she's at the top of her form
Review: Roberta Gellis has been a favorite for years, and this medieval mystery showcases her skills at their finest. This is a fantastic read, and I can't wait for the next one!

Rating:
Summary: You are the Very Very Best! Sensational
Review: Roberta Gellis is the one who encapsulated me into the world of medieval history and romance. Thank GOD for her, who can take an historically beautiful and significant time period and turn it into a love storey that leaves you wanted volumes 2 and or 3! This is exclusely "Gellis". I have read all of her novels and am absolutely WAITING for more. The ones that hooked me were a long time ago, called the Rosalynde Chronicles, and since then have waited patiently for all others. She is the best and A MORTAL BANE is awesome.. I can't wait for another. Please keep writing always. You bring joy and dreams to those who read!

Rating:
Summary: You are the Very Very Best! Sensational
Review: Roberta Gellis is the one who encapsulated me into the world of medieval history and romance. Thank GOD for her, who can take an historically beautiful and significant time period and turn it into a love storey that leaves you wanted volumes 2 and or 3! This is exclusely "Gellis". I have read all of her novels and am absolutely WAITING for more. The ones that hooked me were a long time ago, called the Rosalynde Chronicles, and since then have waited patiently for all others. She is the best and A MORTAL BANE is awesome.. I can't wait for another. Please keep writing always. You bring joy and dreams to those who read!

Rating:
Summary: The beginning of yet another enthralling series from Gellis
Review: Roberta Gellis just gets better and better! In A Mortal Bane, she opens a window into Medieval society in several different areas - ranging from the employees and patrons of a high-class brothel, to the higher and lower levels of the religious hierarchy, and to the noblemen and knights who interact with both of the previous groups. The characters are fully developed, with diverse personalities that ring true. From Magdalene (the owner of the "Guesthouse"), her three "ladies" and devoted servant (each with a liability that in Magdaline's line of work becomes an asset); to Brother Paulinus and the Bishop of Winchester, Churchmen with diametrically opposing views of sin and sinners; from the wonderful hero, Sir Bellamy, to Magdaline's rough and ambitious patron, William of Ypres -- all characters act and interact so believably that the reader feels a part of the action. And there is plenty of action, with both fascinating mysteries to solve and a subtle romance growing between Magdalene and Sir Bellamy. I highly recommend this book, and all others by this author.

Rating:
Summary: Wow - Really Really Good
Review: Roberta Gellis of the Roselynde Chronicles in a different guise! This is a mystery rather than a romance, but such a good mystery that I didn't care! I am reminded of the Brother Cadfael series on PBS with Derek Jacobi - I guess because of the setting. The book wasn't what I expected, but so very very good that I can recommend it anyway.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful New Medieval Series
Review: Roberta Gellis was not a name known to me from her other writings. However, I found A Mortal Bane to be among the better medieval mysteries I have read in the past several years. Gellis captures the flavor of the time in nice detail, yet keeps the story moving, providing an especially nice consistency of characterizations. One sees the influence of modern values, but they are nicely couched in the background of the historical period. I look forward to the next installment in this series.

Rating:
Summary: Exquisite!
Review: This is a remarkable mystery story. Excellent! I expected a Gellis Romance story and discovered a rich and extremely well told Gellis mystery. Filled with fun and wry situations, the clash between church, state and public (and private) morals are revealed in this story as they revolve around the murder of a Papal Messenger in 1139. The story is superbly told, the plot so well crafted you know not who the guilty part is until the very end. This is a prime example of the writer's craft; a well-structured story that pulls the reader along, making him/her continue to turn the pages, lifting curiosity, and delaying the answers to the curious. The Characters are well drawn and the reader comes to know them well. There are no shallow characters here. This is a good story and well worth the time. I did not know Gellis wrote mysterys, but I know it now and will be looking for more.