Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Christine de Pizan Mystery #1

In the Presence of Evil

Rate this book
Introducing scribe sleuth Christine de Pizan in the first of an intriguing new historical mystery series set in 14th Century France

Paris, 1393. Recent widow Christine de Pizan became a scribe to support her family, but when she is called to the palace to work, she dreads going. There, everyone fears the king's attacks of unreason and they believe the charlatans who claim they can cure him with vile potions. But when a mysterious book of magic leaves a trail of real murdered bodies in its wake, Christine has more than black magic to worry about.

Then one of the king's favourites, Hugues de Precy, is found murdered and his wife Alix de Clairy is blamed. Can Christine prove Alix's innocence and save her from being burned at the stake?

240 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2018

20 people are currently reading
177 people want to read

About the author

Tania Bayard

10 books6 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
18 (12%)
4 stars
31 (22%)
3 stars
63 (45%)
2 stars
18 (12%)
1 star
9 (6%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Melisende.
1,247 reviews145 followers
November 25, 2018
I was drawn to this cozy-mystery as it featured one of medieval Frances' better known women - Christise de Pizan.

Set in France in 1392 during the reign of mad King Charles VI, recently widowed Christine, is employed as a scribe for the French Queen, Isabeau of Bavaria. The French Court in this period was a hot-bed of political and sexual intrigue, with the various factions fighting for control of both the government and the King (think Wars of the Roses). Into this, Christine, who grew up at the Court, insinuates herself and embarks on an investigation into the death of one of the King's favourites, the Chamberlain, Hugues, whose 16yo wife Alix stands accused.

"... when women set out to do something, they are smarter and shrewder than men .."

What is the link between a young local prostitute, a mysterious book, a hooded figure, and the mad King's brother, Louis Duke of Orleans. At the French Court no-one is whom they appear to be - it is a place haunted by intrigue, secrets, magic and superstition. Bear in mind, the miracle of Joan of Arc is only a few decades away!

As a first novel, this make a nice change from most historical mysteries which have been predominantly set on the other side of the English Channel. I would be interested to read the next in the series to see how the characters develop and the storyline tightens up - sometimes less is more in storytelling.
Profile Image for Ruhani.
363 reviews7 followers
October 18, 2023
What I really liked about this book is that it actually showed how difficult it is for a woman to play the role of detective in social contexts where their freedom and agency is limited - as is true of most historical periods. Yet, this protagonist manages to crack the mystery and (more or less) free the suspect. Loved all the characters, especially Christine's mother, children, the household helper and the monk. I'm curious to see how the mysteries play out in the rest of the series. Will she find someone in the royal household who will ask her to solve mysteries from now on (that is generally what happens in other series)? I definitely want to find out.
Profile Image for Michaela (Journey into Books).
294 reviews73 followers
August 16, 2018
This book is set in 1393 Paris and follows the story of Christine who is working as a scribe in order to support her family and is currently working for the Queen of France. However, a string of murders have been taking place and when another woman of the court's husband is found dead she is accused of the murder Christine sets out to prove her innocence. While this book sounds interesting it just wasn't for me and I DNFed it at 25%. I couldn't seem to get invested in the story and the characters felt quite bland and I couldn't connect to them.
Profile Image for JaNel.
614 reviews2 followers
April 22, 2020
Five stars for the heroine, Christine de Pizan. She’s one of my personal historical heroes and definitely deserves to be better known and her writings thoroughly studied. I also loved the general historical context, the allusions to Christine’s real life, the quotes from Christine’s actual writings. and of course, the overall theme of how difficult it must have been to challenge social roles which the real Christine managed to do quite admirably by all accounts. However, the plot was a little convoluted with a few too many characters, and I found the writing a bit choppy. Definitely worth reading the second in the series though.
882 reviews3 followers
March 16, 2021
What many people liked about this book was one of the things that I did not like. Christine De pizan was a real person and her story this fascinating to me. I don't think that the character in this book does her justice at all. It would have been much better to have the real Christine involved in some and to have the title character be someone entirely fictional.

On the other hand, some people have complained about the relationship between the title character and her mother Francesca. Francesca is a superstitious woman who wants her daughter to learn how to cook and clean and take care of a household rather than working as a scribe. But it seems to me, given the time in which the book is set, that this would be entirely reasonable.

While it is nice to have a feminist character in the 15th century, Christine is not as fascinating as the real life Christine or the mystery series character of Sister Fidelma. Overall, though, the book kept my interest and I will probably be reading the next book in the series.

I do have to comment about the cover art for the audiobook. It does not appear very appropriate to the time. The hardcover book cover is appropriate though.
Profile Image for Lisa.
953 reviews80 followers
May 26, 2020
In The Presence of Evil is the first book in Tania Bayard’s medieval mystery series featuring the celebrated medieval author Christine de Pizan investigating murders in France at the turn of the 15th century. Employed as a scribe to the queen of France, Christine takes it upon herself when her friend, Alix, is accused of murdering her husband and is set to be executed. The evidence seems to suggest an open and shut case but Christine cannot believe her friend is a murderer and must find the evidence to exonerate her.

I tend to have a love/hate relationship with historical crime – often, I think they’re a potentially great idea but the execution is often cartoonish as if the author is like, “wow my concept is SO bizarre and hilarious, I need a troupe of stock comedic relief characters” and the mysteries themselves are rarely engaging. All the same, I was excited to stumble over this series – Christine de Pizan is a fantabulous choice for a detective and an often overlooked and underappreciated historical figure, plus this is set in France during the reign of Charles VI, about some of the most shocking events of his reign and features Isabeau of Bavaria as a supporting character. I was sold!

For me, In The Presence of Evil was a fun but imperfect read. The first chapter was a bit overwritten and while that improved later on, the writing never blew me away. The construction of the mystery and the way Christine solves it seemed to rely too much on coincidence. She just stumbles over people who coincidentally witness events and can definitely say that the accused is innocent but they can’t come out and say whodunnit because they’re unreliable witnesses per medieval France. That said, something did click with me because at some point, the book became a page turner and I was running through the pages to find out what happened.

For me, the biggest disappointment was the domestic scenes. I found Christine’s children annoying non-entities (in fairness, writing children is hard, especially when they don’t neatly fit into the type of story you’re telling) who instantly made it difficult to track what was going on and who was who in the scene. The maid, Georgette, was a waste of space – a useless, gossiping maid the family is always picking up after which seemed to be for comedic effect. Worse was the relationship between Christine and her mother, Francesca. Francesca is deeply superstitious, has a serious case of internalised misogyny and disapproving of Christine’s attempts to earn a living, forever trying to make Christine act like a proper lady while Christine is the proto-feminist she’s known for being and even remarks how lucky it was that her father taught her to believe women can do anything. I get that the interpersonal conflict is needed and maybe Christine de Pizan’s parents really were like that but… to me, it was just the same as those tired, cliched stories where a woman is strong because her father/brother/husband/assorted male relatives taught her she was just as good as a boy while the other women in the story either dead or trapped by not having a Cool Male Relation to show them what it means to be a Cool Girl – whoops I meant a Strong Female Character – and therefore the annoying nag who keeps telling the Cool Girl to be more of a victim of the patriarchy. It’s a type of trope I’m so tired and bored of, one that insists that women can only be strong if they have a man teach them how and that other women are threats to their independence and strength, and I find it hard to comprehend that Christine de Pizan’s mother was so starkly traditionalist and full of internalised misogyny.

The other big disappointment was that Isabeau of Bavaria didn’t appear a lot BUT her characterisation seems pretty sympathetic so hopefully we’ll get to see more of her in the coming volumes.

Another disappointment was the poulaine shaming. Poulaines are cool.

As I said, this was fun and I was sad to end it. Having said that, I had the second book in the series in my TBR pile already so I moved on to it straight away.
Profile Image for Kimberly Ann.
1,658 reviews
June 12, 2019
1393, Christine works as a scribe for Queen Isabeau...

When she comes across a prostitute carrying a bundle while being chased by a big barefoot man, the story takes shape. Christine gets a fleeting glimpse at the cover of the book, leather bound w/ odd symbols stamped into the cover.

Later the same man breaks into the brothel, tearing it apart finds the bundle and takes it to King Charles, who is suffering from severe bouts of maniacal fits.

Later when visiting the palace, Christine finds the man dead, stabbed to death by a familiar dagger behind a large chest, book missing.

After the wedding festivities of one of the Queen's ladies turns into a flaming nightmare, Christine's friend, Alix de Clairy' is found face down next to her husband, who has been poisoned; Alix's hand over the flask.

Christine knows her friend Alix is innocent and sets out to prove it. With the help of a local prostitute, Marion and against the urging of most everyone, Christine investigates the murder of the mysterious man & Alix's husband.

The story had its merits, its plot held my interest. But I found the characters, other than Marion, bored me; they were flat and not particularly likable.

Christine's children were mannerless brats whom she did not discipline, the daily girl was lazy and was allowed shoddy work and manners, her mother disrespectful of the fact that Christine worked because otherwise there would have been no money to keep the household going.

I'll not be reading another.
Profile Image for Samantha.
48 reviews14 followers
April 3, 2019
There are a few things I thoroughly enjoyed about this book.
First and foremost, the main character Christine is a strong willed, well educated, and sensible woman in a time that such things were not only frowned upon, but considered downright wrong. While this is a work of fiction, Christine de Pizan was a real person. It would seem that the version of her portrayed in the book is in line with who she was in real life.
Secondly, I like the Monk Michel and how he encourages and contributes to Christine’s overall success in figuring out the “who dun it?”. I’ll admit, there were times throughout the book when I thought he may have been the murderer so I was quite pleased to discover that he was truly just a good friend and supporter of Christine.
Third, the prostitute known as Marion, who does not conform to society’s rules and helps Christine discover the truth. An amiable character, she does not let her social standing get in the way of helping her friend.

Downsides to this book, it moves really slow. It does not have a “page turner” effect but I became so fond of Christine, especially after discovering she was a real person, that I had to see it through to the end. Also I felt Christine’s mom, The Duke of Orleans, Georgette, and a handful of characters were poorly written.

Profile Image for Asterope.
809 reviews10 followers
August 24, 2023
I actually never heard of Christine De Pizan before and after doing a bit of research, she does seem like an interesting woman ahead of her time! And this book does seem to follow historical events (the deadly masquerade for example, the king's mental health, etc). I plan to read some of her (real) writings in the future as I am now interested in the real Christine De Pizan. At the least, I can thank the book for that.

That being said, the book wasn't the best written. It sort of dragged on in parts. There was a lot about the mandrake and I got tired of that. 😒 Though it was interesting to glimpse at the beliefs and superstitions of people back then. Must have been a terrifying time to live - seeing bad signs, demons and negative things in everything. 👀 Seems tiring honestly 😂. I am glad Christine wasn't as superstitious as her mother, maid and others around her. The end started to move pretty quickly. The killer was not who I thought it would be. I'd be open to reading more books in the series. Hopefully the writing is a bit better though.
Profile Image for Jacqie.
2,003 reviews105 followers
October 29, 2018
Thanks to Netgalley for providing a copy of this book for review.

I know enough about Christine de Pizan to be interested in her as a woman who spoke her mind, traveled, and wrote in medieval France. I'm up for some feminist historical fiction/mystery.

What I'd say about this one is that the author is still learning her craft. It was hard for me to feel that the characters were real, although some effort was taken to bring them to life. The plot felt a bit like video game informational encounters, with people giving clues without being prompted directly or not, because that was what the plot called for at the time. I might have enjoyed this more without the mystery, honestly, just learning more about Christine and her family. The author has clearly researched the period and that shows, but it feels a bit more like a stage set than a lived in setting. I'd give the author a try again later, though.
172 reviews3 followers
July 12, 2018
Christine De Pizan, widow and mother of 3 small children, grew up playing with the, now, deranged King of France. She is often found visiting those who reside in the castle. One day she stumbles upon a body of a man who was to deliver a book to the Duke of Orleans, and is then drawn into the mystery of what has happened to the missing book. Soon, another death rocks the castle, and Christine's friend Alix is charged with the murder. Now Christine wants to clear her friend's good name as well as find the missing book. Are the 2 crimes connected somehow? Can solve the mystery before her friend is burned to death at the stake?

I've read a few French based historical mysteries, but this one has been the best thus far. The characters are nicely developed and the plot quite twisted. I look forward to reading more in this series.
Profile Image for Kristen.
2,621 reviews89 followers
January 9, 2024
I tried this because I'm attempting to expand my reading to other genres and types of books. This period (the 1300s) isn't one I'm familiar with so I gave it a try, but it wasn't a good fit for me, and it ended up a DNF.

I liked that the main character is a strong, smart, capable woman in an unorthodox role for her society as a female scribe.

The problem for me was that everything about this book was dark and depressing. Everyone in it was having an awful life and the world was dark and hard. It just got too oppressive for my tastes, although it could be a good read for someone more used to this world. It just wasn't good for me.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
479 reviews4 followers
May 25, 2018
Although I can't claim exhaustive knowledge of Christine de Pizan, I have at least heard of her, and that, combined with my love of medieval mysteries, drew me to this title. Ms. Bayard seems to be sticking pretty close to what is actually known of this late medieval author, a widow who wrote to support herself and her family, although in this novel Pizan is a scribe and not yet an author. When another young woman at the French court is accused of murder, Pizan seeks to clear her name. I found the beginning of this mystery rather slow, but enjoyed some of the supporting cast (especially Marion), and found the end satisfying. This is listed as first in a series, and I will be interested to see how Ms. Bayard develops the character in following books.

Many thanks to Severn House and NetGalley, who provided a digital ARC in exchanged for an honest opinion.
3,011 reviews
August 2, 2025
I enjoyed this medieval mystery novel. The research was extremely well-executed and the plot was intriguing enough for me to actually care about the outcome of the story...which is something noteworthy considering the amount of garbage mysteries that are published nowadays. I appreciated the author's creativity in choosing Christine de Pizan, a real historical figure and early feminist, to be the starring sleuth for this series. I will definitely read more by this author.
Profile Image for Susan.
7,330 reviews69 followers
July 26, 2018
Paris 1393 and scribe Christine de Pizan discovers a body, one that has been stabbed. Later Hugues de Precy, is found murdered, poisoned and his wife is accused. But Christine believes her innocent.
Unfortunately I struggled to finish this as I do enjoy historical mysteries of various kinds. I found it difficult to engage with the characters and therefore the story.
A NetGalley Book

3,371 reviews23 followers
April 13, 2021
Surprisingly slow-moving at times, this is a fascinating medieval mystery, using a historical character, Christine de Pizan, as its "detective". When Alix, the young wife of a courtier is accused of murdering her husband, Christine is positive that she is innocent, and sets out to prove it, despite the danger it might put her in. Recommended.
Profile Image for Maya Ch.
157 reviews3 followers
July 18, 2021
Christine de Pizan was a fascinating person. The title, featuring her, immediately have drawn my attention to the book. Truth be told, the main character would have been named anything. Quite light historical layer, barely visible except major names of the time.
Nevertheless it might be enjoyable beach reading.
Profile Image for Patrice Fischer.
358 reviews4 followers
October 11, 2019
My goal was to read some fiction based on places I would be seeing on our recent trip to Paris & central France. For that purpose this book succeeded. The Middle Ages is not my favorite historical time period, but Christine (who is evidently an historical woman) seems very interesting.
Profile Image for Nancy H.
3,150 reviews
October 26, 2020
This is an excellent medieval mystery featuring the poet Christine de Pizan. The setting is well-researched and seems realistic for the time period, the characters are excellent, and the plot is intriguing and very good. For those who like historical mysteries, this one is for you.
Profile Image for Becky.
294 reviews1 follower
July 22, 2021
I really wanted to like this book but it’s just so bad.
I love Christine de Pizan, I’ve read a lot of her own work and the character portrayed in this book is so… not the woman who wrote Debate of the Romance of the Rose. Even the historical tidbits couldn’t interest me in this book.
606 reviews15 followers
August 13, 2022
I gave up a little over halfway through. It was getting tedious and I really didn't care whodunit. It's unfortunate because Christine De Pizan was an interesting woman and medieval Paris is a great location (I miss Sharan Newman's wonderful series).
346 reviews
February 13, 2019
Interesting time period of late middle ages in France and all the superstitions that existed and people believed. Looking forward to the next one.
Profile Image for Moriah.
470 reviews6 followers
June 6, 2019
I really liked that this was set during the late 1300's and in France
1,777 reviews16 followers
May 3, 2021
Ok mystery about a real person, Christine De Pizan, an influential writer in the court of France during the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Lots of historical detail helps the plot, and quotes from De Pizan's writings are interspersed throughout. Although well performed by Steven Crossley, I would have preferred a female voice for this narration.
54 reviews
November 29, 2021
I thought I'd love this book, but I got about a third of the way through and gave up. Flat characters and plotting that made little sense.
3 reviews
Read
January 12, 2025
A wonderful suppsense mystery that was hard to put down.
25 reviews2 followers
May 22, 2018
Loved this book. It really brought the period and places to life for me. The plot is brilliant, characters are engaging and some of them are really ripe for development into subsequent books (please!).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.