Chains of Folly

Magdalene La Batarde #4

by Roberta Gellis

That Nelda Roundheels had been murdered would have been of little interest to anyone - except that her body turned up in the bishop of Winchester's bedchamber with a letter to the bishop, from the king's most important enemy, rolled up in her breastband. The bishop and his knight, Sir Bellamy of Itchen, realize immediately that the purpose of putting the body in Winchester's bedchamber is to embarrass and discredit the bishop. And the reason for this attack on Winchester is his calling of a convocation to chastise the king for acting high-handedly against the bishop of Salisbury. Had the king himself ordered this outrage? Had the king's favorite Waleran de Meulan ordered it? Unfortunately the answer is not so simple to find; there are many other noblemen who want the king's favor and might attack Winchester to get it. To save Winchester's reputation it is urgently necessary to discover who killed the woman and who placed her in Winchester's bedchamber. Bell, to his mingled joy and distress, is ordered to ask Magdalene la Bâtarde, whoremistress of the Old Priory Guesthouse, once his lover but now estranged, to help him solve the mystery.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical, Medieval, Crime, Fiction, Historical Mystery

475 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Roberta Gellis has been one of the most successful writers of historical fiction of the last few decades, having published about 25 meticulously researched historical novels since 1964. She was married to her husband Charles for over 50 years and they lived together in Lafayette, Indiana with a lively Lakeland terrier called Taffy. She has one child called Mark.

Her page at the Internet Speculative Fiction DataBase

Reviews

[Michele bookloverforever · Rating 3 out of 5]

set during the perilous, dangerous intrigues of England during the reign of Stephen of Blois (who usurped the right of Henry I's daughter, Mathilda to rule). A whore is found dead in the solar of a well respected bishop while the bishop is away . who did it, why and why did they move the body to the bishop's place?

[Lorena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another solid entry in the series.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

A prostitute's dead body is found in the Bishop of Winchester's bedroom. Unfortunately for the pranksters, Winchester is not even in London, so the body is found by servants. A scandal is therefore not forthcoming. When the captain of Winchester's guard arrives with his employer, an investigation is launched. Who was the woman? Why was she dragged up a wall and over a window sill in order to seat her in Winchester's chair? Why was a letter from Robert of Gloucester to the bishop found in the woman's waistband? Sir Bellamy turns to Magdalene to answer his first question. With her help, he discovers a political plot, a den of plotters, a misguided marriage contract and many other fascinating bits of twelfth century London life. Gellis does such a good job of evoking her time and place.

[Carol Keogh (Goodfellow) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great adventure

I recently discovered this writer by chance it was a happy discovery. I love the characters especially the women who endure so much of the disapproval from the church. Bell is my new favourite hero. I recommend starting this series from the beginning, it is a great series and I reluctantly go to the fifth in this. Many thanks to Roberta Gollis for some great adventures.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought the Audible edition on sale. I did not like it as much as I the other books in the series. However, some of that was colored by the narrator - either she was one of the worst narrators I have ever heard or the person directing her was. My recommendation is to read the book and to start with the first one which I believe is superior.

[Sandra P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written mystery

This book is a masterful medieval mystery, one that does not lose itself in the details of the time nor compromise the characters. This is the 4th in the series. Her characters are very human and her writings have not failed to earn spaces on my bookshelves. I’m rereading as I add to my digital library.

[Zana]

I enjoyed this series, and I liked the wrapup of the romantic arc, though I wanted to know more about the historical figures and what happened next. The narration of this particular audiobook was not to my taste.

[Janette Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good tale

As always Ms Gellis sets a fine intricate and convoluted tale that leaves you satisfied. Like a well cooked roast with a fine red wine.

[Deborah Wysinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed the whole series. Hate to think this is the last one, but it seems it is. Roberta Gellis is always enjoyable.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well plotted and engaging. And a happy ending.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent mystery and look at the complex history and public norms of the period.

[Nav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please see review of first in series.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read it when it first came out in 2006. I just purchased the Audio book from Audible as I wasn't aware that it was available.

This series is one of my comfort rereads.

[Athena · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is probably the last of the Magdalene la Batarde mysteries, and that's probably a good thing.

As with the preceding books Chains of Folly follows Magadalene & her now-estranged lover Sir Bellamy of Itchen (Bell) as they are thrown together by circumstance (of course!) to solve another murder. William of Ypres makes no appearance in this book which was disappointing: Gellis' humanization of one of history's great mercenary generals has added an historical fillip of interest which I greatly enjoyed in the previous 3 books.

The murder is complicated, again as in previous books the characters talk talk talk about details we've already had described, and there is food ordered. There are some too-brief scenes of characters from the burgher class (the wealthier merchants): I'd've enjoyed this more if Gellis had used some of the Ellis Peters approach & followed the merchant's daughter Claresta a bit more than following her 'main' characters. It would have given more flavor to the novel, and taken the spotlight off the almost tedious relationship between Magdalene & Bell.

I'm glad to have read all 4 of the books, but equally glad there isn't a fifth.

[Lexie Conyngham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author is definitely at her best when she sticks to domestic murders - the political situations of the time are too convoluted for her plots. This one, therefore, is much better than the previous one in my view: it's a much more personal murder and setting. I do enjoy the brothel setting though I find its political correctness slightly improbable: aside from that the period is convincing and the humour is gentle and pleasant.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A whore is found dead in the bishop of Winchester's bedroom when he returns from his travels. She has an incriminating document on her. He tasks Bellamy of Itchen with identifying the woman, who put her in his room and where she got the letter from. This means Bell has to deal with Magdalene & they have been at odds since their trip to Oxford. The woman is fairly easily identified, but who put her there & where the letter came from takes a good deal more time.

[Nancy McLaughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great history lesson with heart

This book puts you face to face with some fascinating characters & right in the middle of the mystery. I've been so pulled in by the characters that I've looked online to see examples of both men 's & women's fashion for that time. When I find myself doing research then I know I'm hooked!

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the best one in the series, but it gives resolution to the relationship between Magdelene and Bell.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

next...

[Hapzydeco · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whore house - The Old Priory Guesthouse - center of the action. Good medieval fiction but Sedley is better.

[Lois Baron · Rating 4 out of 5]

So happy that Bell came back. I liked this book better than the last: fewer people to sort through, although there were still a lot of suspects.

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

My only regret is that the novel ended so soon, and if there is another book involving these characters. Highly recommend for fans of historical fiction.

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Gellis story dealing with the 12th century!

[Veronica Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last book in the series. Still as good as the first.

[Lindig · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved her Roselynde Chronicles and this series is interesting but seems a little formulaic.

[Deidre]

I keep trying...

[Jerrie]

Wish there were more