As she works to complete her magical mask, one of the outward symbols of her position as a newly qualified Magister, Shenza Waik is aware that it is only a matter of time before she is given her first investigation. She had no idea that her first task would be to investigate the rather gruesome murder of the First Lord.

As she is taken to the scene of the crime she is told that the culprit has already been apprehended and she only has to convict him of the murder. However it soon becomes clear that rather than this is not the open and shut case she has been led to believe - the truth is much more complex. For not only is the supposed criminal an innocent pawn, but it seems that the true killer possesses great magical skill and will not hesitate to kill again if he believes it to be necessary.

Shenza soon finds herself in the middle of a treacherous plot and realises that she must discover the true identity of the killer before she too becomes a victim. But first she must discover who is friend and who is foe.

The Magister's Mask is essentially a murder mystery set in a fantasy world where the use of magic is commonplace and, rather than using finger prints and scientific analysis, an investigator uses a magical mask and other enchanted items to discover the truth behind crimes.

The Magister's Mask is a superbly original fantasy story that pits the investigative abilities of a newly qualified Magister against a vicious devious killer who will stop at nothing to prevent her from discovering his true identity.

Very often I find that fantasy stories follow a fairly traditional path: the muscular hero strides across the pages beating seven shades out of the bad guy and getting the girl in the end. This book is very different. Rather relying on brute force to defeat the enemy, Shenza uses her wits and magical tools to carry out a true investigation that even has touches of forensic analysis.

Another refreshing difference compared to traditional fantasy is the relationship between Shenza and peacekeeper Juss. It would have been all too easy to write a level of sexual tension between the two criminalists but Deborah Fredericks doesn't do this. Instead she allows Juss to feel concerned for the welfare of the young Magister but, as a happily married man, his concern is purely professional.

I love fantasy stories. I also enjoy crime/mystery stories so, for me, this book is a perfect combination of the two genres. On a personal note it is probably a good thing I started to read this on a Saturday as it meant I could keep reading through Sunday morning without feeling guilty!

This is a genre-spanning tale incorporating the best elements of a good murder-mystery with fantasy. And it's a stunningly good fantasy-mystery with a superb twist in its tail.

Synopsis
Shenza Waik of Tresmeer is a young woman who has just completed her training as magister, a school of sorcery with a specialty in criminal investigation. Then the first lord who rules her home is shockingly murdered, and an innocent man is arrested for the crime. Political factions begin maneuvering for a resolution that is favorable to them. The enigmatic nature spirits want revenge for the slaying. In order to prove her worthiness to become a magister, Shenza must carry out justice while resisting pressure to wrongly convict the accused man.

Meanwhile, the killer remains free.

Shenza must find him before she becomes his next victim.