Bone of Contention

As with the two previous books in this mystery series, I'm fascinated by the lead characters (an educated "whoremistress", the women who work for her, and the men in her life), I love the writing, and I love being immersed in 12th-century England for a while. But much of the time, I can't follow the......more

Ancient history trumps current events When my tolerance for today's ugly version of American politics fails me, I like to retreat into the terror of 12th century England or Scotland. Roberts Gellis' series featuring Magdalene la Batarde provides a glimpse into the life of an independent woman of the......more

Magdalene's protector Lord William of Ypres summons her to Oxford to set up a secret meeting place during a King's Conference. Working out of a less classy whorehouse than her own, Magdalene and Sir Bellamy maneuver to get Lord William's man Sir Niall safely married to an heiress; then track down th......more

I thought this was a more coherent mystery than either of the first two and a better book than the second. The best feature: Magdalene goes to Oxford. There she meets interesting new people; lives in the much maligned "common stew" (though with her own fancy, private accommodations) and we, as reade......more

Unorthodox viewpoint for historical fiction - which makes it doubly entertaining. Fantastic characters. (view spoiler)[I was a little disappointed in the final chapter when the mystery was solved partially due to the killer's attempt to take the life of Magdalene. I always feel that this is too convenient an end t (hide spoiler)]......more