The Magister’s Mask

In Deborah Fredericks’ The Magister’s Mask, Shenza’s first case as a Magister involves the slaying of the First Lord.

The First Lord is murdered, an innocent old man is framed, and the Chief Peacekeeper is pressuring Shenza to close the case. Determined to impart Justice and Truth, Shenza tenaciously interviews the witnesses and reviews the evidence. The Magister’s Mask ingeniously renders the iron will that will not be corrupted or bullied by those who seek only to promote themselves.

Juss is doubtful regarding Shenza and annoyed with her refusal to go to the ward and interview the suspect. However, as he observes her steadfast unearthing of foul play, he supports her investigation into the First Lord’s violent demise. Deborah Fredericks adroitly depicts Juss’ transformation from a trusting peacekeeper to a person willing to stand up for Justice and Truth.

As Shenza delves deeper into the homicide, the killer prepares to strike again. Though she realizes he is a professional assassin, she lacks a motive. With the assassin’s identity unknown and time running out, Shenza plans to use his arrogance to reveal himself. Deborah Fredericks cleverly drops tidbits of information throughout the saga reeling the reader in without giving away the plot.

The Magister’s Mask is a fast paced, gripping suspense with a shocking conclusion. Deborah Fredericks cunningly wrote a mystery full of magic, angry spirits, and politics. I hope that she will write about Shenza and her Garden City again.

Reviewed by: Dena