A Mortal Bane

Hmmm. Well-written, excellent illustration of royal and religious politics in Stephen's reign, interesting characters (a whore (self-described, many times) and a knight of the bishop's), a complex mystery...and it just didn't grab me. I read it, I wanted to finish it and find out what happened...but other books kept being more interesting, so it took me over a month to read. I think I would like to read more in the series - Magdalene and Bell are clearly going to have more adventures, even leaving aside the development of their relationship - but I don't feel any interest in rereading this one.

Mystery historical about prostitutes. Not as charming as some of her other books, I think the Rosalynde books and the early Greek fantasy are my favourites. But quite a gritty-feeling depiction of medieval life and religion, for her. I didn't know whores were excommunicate.Lots of good oldfashioned words for sex. Futtering. I like that. But I didn't quite buy the House of Handicapped Whores. Needs more backstory.

A bit too full. No Brother Cadfael, although I did love the character of Magdalene.

See book 5, A Confusion of Sins

Una noche de abril de 1139, Baldassare, un emisario del papa Inocencio II, llega a Londres y es asesinado en el recinto abacial donde se encuentra la Old Priory Guesthouse, una antigua posada convertida en una casa de citas de lujo. Una bella e inteligente mujer, Margarita la Bastarda, regenta con autoridad el local, del cual es propietario el obispo de Winchester. Ante el temor de ser acusada, ella o sus pupilas, del crimen, sobre todo por la vecina comunidad de monjes que la desprecia por su profesión, Margarita decide involucrarse en el caso para encontrar al verdadero culpable. Con la ayuda de Bellamy de Itchen, hombre de confianza del obispo, ambos desentrañarán con perspicacia, sobre un fondo de complejas intrigas políticas y show more religiosas, los oscuros móviles que han costado la vida a tan noble caballero como Baldassare. show less

Un peu long à se mettre en route puis on se prend dans l'histoire. écriture peu fluide ce qui rend parfois la lecture un peu difficile. Mais ça vient peut être de la traduction. Pas de la grande littérature, mais l'intrigue est prenante.