A Game of Masquerade

by Shani Cossins

Everyone has heard of Jack the Ripper the Whitechapel serial killer whose identity remains a mystery to this day.
But what if there is more to this mystery than meets the eye? What if the identity of the murderer is more than
human? A fugitive from another world who joins forces with Scotland Yard is soon to discover that past and future
events have created a monster, which ignites fear and outrage on the streets of the East End.
To stop the murderous rampage in 1888, Professor Orlando Delbrotman must solve one of the most brutal mysteries of the 19th century…without changing history…

336 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 28, 2025

Reviews

[Agnes Odek]

A Game of Masquerade by Shani Cossins is a historical crime fiction novel that uncovers a serial killer under the alias Jack the Ripper. Professor Delbortman is determined to uncover the killer. With his eloquence, charm, and style, everyone willingly disclosed their sightings in exchange for coin. The killer is smart and targets women from brothels interconnected with his past; he justifies his killing while sending the professor and lieutenants on a goose chase. Yet the group remains relentless, hoping to free the town from the fear of the ripper.

Cossins is an author who clearly mastered the art of writing as she weaves two worlds together, forming a beautiful blend in the narrative. I found her writing to be vivid and descriptive, leaving no room for question. I was mostly impressed by her ability to integrate past and future yet retain the flow of the story. I found the plot to be nothing but exceptional as it unfolds.

The author's humor shines through as the characters come to life. I enjoyed reading this book, as it managed to grab my attention from start to end. The twists and turns made this novel more enjoyable as I found myself questioning everything, hoping to be right about who the killer is. Its fast-paced nature makes it interesting and engaging, a quality I found myself loving. Before getting into the flow, one may find the introduction of different characters to be challenging, as the book contains a wide array of characters.


I highly recommend lovers of history and fiction get this book with the promise of being entertained. This book is a representation of how our pasts may determine the people we are in the future if we do not take time to look within. Revenge, justice, and deceit are the themes in the book, which I found intriguing, and so would lovers of this genre. An awesome, creatively written narrative that deserves a space in a reader's library.

[Skye Daniels]

This was a departure from my usual reads, but I found myself completely drawn into the story. It hooked me right away, and if it weren’t for work and sleep, I would have finished it in one sitting. I can’t wait to read more from this author.

A Game of Masquerade is a unique take on the Jack the Ripper story, mixing mystery, sci-fi, and horror in Victorian London.

The story follows Professor Delbrotman, a mysterious man from another world, as he works with Scotland Yard to track down a killer. The deeper the investigation goes, the more twists and questions arise.

I really enjoyed the dark atmosphere and fresh spin on a famous mystery. The blend of genres kept the story interesting, and I was eager to see how it all unfolded.

Overall, this was an entertaining and original read that kept me turning the pages. I highly recommend no matter what your normal genre may be. You won’t be disappointed.

[Grace Ventura]

A Game of Masquerade by Shani Cossins is a captivating historical science fiction crime thriller (yes, every one of those genres finds its way into this book) that completely blew me away. It's a true page-turner, the kind you don't come across as often anymore, and it kept me hooked.

Set in the shadowed streets of 1888 Whitechapel during the Jack the Ripper murders, the story takes you right into Victorian London's East End. The atmosphere was so well described that I could practically hear the thick Cockney accents as I read the dialogue.

What surprised me most was how easily Cossins blends historical fiction with sci-fi elements, including an alien piece that could have felt out of place but somehow worked perfectly. I instantly became a fan of the main characters, especially Professor Orlando Delbrotman, an alien fugitive who gets pulled into the investigation. His outsider perspective adds such fresh intrigue to a classic mystery without ever overshadowing the human drama or the true-crime aspects.

The writing is fun and pulls you into another place and time. Cossins weaves in real historical details with speculation in a way that's inventive and chilling. I enjoyed every part of this genre mash-up.

If you're looking for a dark one-of-a-kind read that reimagines a legendary mystery with clever twists, this is one that will stick with you.

[Sarah Nantais]

The scene is 1888 Whitechapel, England. This is most well known for the Jack the Ripper serial murders that remain unsolved to this day. There are many theories, some more outlandish than others, but what if the truth was even more spectacular than those? In A Game of Masquerade by Shani Cossins we are presented with an unexpected possibility: time travel conducted by aliens. While it may initially sound unusual once you begin reading, the potential is laid out so smoothly you might forget you’re reading fiction.

One of the biggest pieces of the Jack the Ripper murders is how difficult it is to fathom a human committing these atrocities. But what if that is precisely the issue? That it wasn’t a human at all, but a being from another world? Our protagonist Professor Delbrotman isn’t human either, however after joining forces with Scotland Yard they set out to unravel the truth of Jack the Ripper with the caveat that history can’t be changed at all. So not only are those women to remain victims, the frustration and agony of chasing the ghost of Jack the Ripper must also be keenly felt.

The scenery feels alive and the story leaps off the pages as you read. A delightful spin on Jack the Ripper A Game of Masquerade by Shani Cossins blends two unexpected genres: historical fiction and science fiction into a wonderful and gripping tale that may just have you believing in another world out there.

[Claudia A]

A Game of Masquerade by Shani Cossins is an ambitious blend of science fiction and historical fiction set in Jack the Ripper’s London. The novel follows a professor from a futuristic world whose involvement in the Ripper mystery creates a dark, compelling fusion of time travel, alien influence, and Victorian crime.

The story is moody and immersive, with a strong sense of atmosphere, character, and historical setting. Part of the novel is written in diary format, which works well, giving the narrator a confident, intelligent, and morally reflective voice that helps ground the novel’s more speculative ideas. The characters feel fully realized, with their grief, exhaustion, and inner conflict conveyed naturally. The dialogue is authentic and engaging, with dialect handled carefully to preserve readability while still giving characters distinct voices. Emotional exchanges often feel tense and believable, adding depth to the narrative.

One area where the book could be further strengthened is in its pacing and structure. Streamlining some of the longer passages, reducing repetition, and smoothing transitions would allow the most powerful emotional moments to stand out more clearly. With these refinements and by trusting the reader to fill in more between the lines, the narrative’s impact could be even more compelling.

A Game of Masquerade is serious, thoughtful, and concept-driven fiction with a strong emotional core and a clear sense of purpose. With tighter structure, improved pacing, and greater restraint in explanation, the novel’s rich ideas and atmospheric storytelling could be even more powerful.

[Visionary Impart]

A Game of Masquera by Shani Cossins offers a brilliantly original twist on the enduring mystery of Jack the Ripper, blending historical intrigue with imaginative science fiction. The idea of an otherworldly fugitive aiding Scotland Yard adds fresh tension and depth, while the atmospheric East End setting heightens the sense of danger and urgency. Professor Delbrotman’s race to stop the killings without disrupting history promises clever stakes and compelling drama. A creative, genre-bending take on a legendary mystery that will intrigue fans of both historical thrillers and speculative fiction.

[Krista J. Leach]

 A Game of Masquerade is a heart-stopping tale for science fiction and true crime lovers. I have read or heard several stories about Jack the Ripper (fiction and nonfiction), but this one made my jaw drop. The serial killer haunted London's East End in the late 1800s and was never caught. This leaves room for a lot of speculation on who and what he really was. Shani Cossins does so well at blending historical facts with gripping, suspenseful fiction that her story feels somehow plausible.

This story really has it all, from romance and lynch mobs to space ships and serial killers. The characters and environment come to life in vivid detail from the very beginning.  The historical setting, otherworldly speculative fiction, and mystery are stitched so seamlessly that I couldn't stop reading. I finished the book in two days, and am excited to tell my book clubs about it. I hope to hear more from this author soon!

[Susana Mogensen]

A vivid Victorian mystery with a brilliant twist

A Game of Masquerade by Shani Cossins is a fascinating and imaginative historical mystery set in Victorian London, drawing inspiration from the enduring intrigue of the Jack the Ripper era. From the beginning, the story pulls you into the dark, gas-lit streets of Whitechapel, where secrets, danger, and unexpected possibilities lurk around every corner.

One of the things I enjoyed most about this book was the Cockney dialogue used throughout the story. It gives the characters an incredibly theatrical quality, almost as if the scenes are unfolding on a stage. I could clearly hear the voices of the characters and picture the narrow alleyways, the tension of the streets, and the personalities of the people inhabiting that world. The dialogue makes the setting feel authentic and brings Victorian London vividly to life.

The writing is also very visual, which I loved. Many moments are described in such a way that you can easily imagine what is happening as the mystery unfolds. It almost feels like watching a period drama, with strong atmosphere and a sense of movement through the city.

Another highlight is the clever twist in the story. Just when the mystery seems to be heading in one direction, the narrative takes an unexpected turn that adds a fresh and imaginative layer to the classic Ripper legend. It’s a bold idea and makes the book stand out from other historical thrillers.

If you enjoy historical mysteries, Victorian crime stories, or creative interpretations of the Jack the Ripper mystery, this book is definitely worth picking up. The strong sense of place, engaging dialogue, and surprising twist make A Game of Masquerade a memorable and entertaining read.

Highly recommended for readers who enjoy historical thrillers with atmosphere, vivid characters, and an unexpected twist.

[Shae Noy]

I ended up liking this book waaaaay more than I ever anticipated I would.

We have here a retelling of Jack the Ripper, but with aliens! How cool is that? This came across my TBR in the form of a travelling book club and I have zero regrets. It is absolutely the weirdest book I've ever read and I'm so keen to read more of the Professors adventures.

The authors ability to world build effectively and efficiently when dealing with sci-fi themes is phenomenal. Her ability to make me care and empathise with characters that I really should not had me shook. I laughed, I cried and I spent a lot of the time in pure confusion. Read it.

[Tracy Booktalk]

Perfection

I loved this book! So much that I just ordered it.
This is the first book I have read from this author and I will definitely read everything she writes from now on.

[Emily L]

‘A game of Masquerade’ draws you in from the start. Set in the moody streets of Victorian England during the rampage of the serial killer, Jack the Ripper. However, this book cleverly reimagines the whole case, creating more mystery for the reader. Mixing an excellent amount of Sci-fi with horror and murder mystery.
In the book, we follow Professor Delbrotman - an intriguing, intelligent, and mysterious individual from a different world, who teams up with Scotland Yard to try and get to the bottom of who’s behind the heinous crimes leaving London in fear. Can our protagonist solve this age-old crime?
I found this book to be unique. The Jack the Ripper murders have always been interesting to read about. How he was never found, how can you imagine anybody committing these murders, clearly with no remorse. This story adds yet another twist to consider, making the reader question the already notorious and mysterious Jack the Ripper; maybe he wasn’t human?
I particularly enjoyed the mixture of genres in this book, and Cossins executed it brilliantly, keeping the reader hooked throughout. As the reader, you can almost place yourself in Victorian London, thanks to the descriptiveness of this book; you can feel the fear and question everything, just as the characters in the book do. I also enjoyed how well the writer gave the book a gloomy feel that you, as the reader, could be part of, immersing you in the story.
This book is a Great mystery, mixed with science fiction and set in moody Victorian London, with history, horror, and everything an avid reader could want from this genre.

[Emily]

When I first read the description for Shani Cossin’s A Game of Masquerade, I was thrilled by the concept. As a huge fan of historical fiction, and someone with a keen interest in true crime, this felt right up my street. The mystery of Jack the Ripper’s identity is popular amongst us true crime fans and I questioned how Cossin would be able to make a new story or bring a new idea into this tale.

However, with the seamless blend of historical fiction and sci-fi, A Game of Masquerades has quickly become one of my favourite recent reads. The writing is fluent, descriptive and engaging. The bones of the real mystery remain, but the additional elements charm and engage. Both time-travel and historical setting can sometimes be difficult elements to implement without plot holes, but this plot remains sturdy.

Cossin definitely has a talent for dark and suspenseful writing, and has an excellent instinct for timing. At times, I wished that the writing didn’t blatantly feed us as much information, as in a mystery, I feel as though most readers like to do some of the detective work themselves. This aside, it makes for a great mystery read.

[Thrifty Geek]

From the get go this book draws you in. Within the first chapter you witness one of Jack the Ripper’s murders and then the extraterrestrial called Professor shows up feeling the need to join the investigation for these murders. As a Doctor Who fan this book really spoke to that part of me. I liked the fact Shani Cossins depicted Victorian White Chapel in all its horrible seedy glory. She showed the hard truth of this area and didn’t hold back.
I loved how the shapeshifting Phymordans were described. Cossins handled describing the various forms these species shift into, which were other alien forms, and yet she managed to describe their looks enough in terms we understand so we can get the idea in our minds. I also thought it was interesting seeing humanity through aliens' eyes. Like when this one alien came across chocolate, but had never seen or heard of it before, so when he was trying to ask for more he just called it brown.
Cossins also gave us a great alien planet for the Phymordan’s to exist on, with its own unique history and customs. The juxtaposition between this future alien world and Victorian London was fascinating. It drew such interesting comparisons like how they were different in that one was more advanced than the other, but at the same time they were alike, with murder and prejudice still both prevalent and how those atrocities ended up having them crossover.
We had some great mysteries here like, who is the Ripper, why the Professor’s ship veered off course to this time, and why does that doctor eat so much? All of which were all wrapped up nicely and in sometimes unexpected ways.
Even though I absolutely loved this book, there were a couple of very small moments that briefly pulled me out of the story. In one scene, when the Professor and the detectives are speaking with the housekeeper, they introduce themselves and then, in the following paragraph, seem to be responding to information she’s given, though we never actually see her say anything. It felt a bit like a line of dialogue may have been intentionally skipped or trimmed, and I found myself rereading to make sure I hadn’t missed it.
There was also a minor, very personal preference of mine regarding the Professor’s name. Later on, it’s revealed that the name he uses isn’t his real one, just a shortened version because his actual name is quite long. I think I would’ve enjoyed learning that detail earlier, when we were first introduced to him, but it didn’t take away from my enjoyment overall.
These are truly small observations in an otherwise engaging, well-written story, and they didn’t stop me from thoroughly enjoying the book or recommending it. If you love a book where sci-fi meets history, where you take a trip across space and time, and history gets spun on its head… Then this is your book

[Book Reviewer]

A Game of Masquerade blends historical crime with speculative fiction, pulling Jack the Ripper out of the fog and into a stranger and darker light. The story follows Professor Orlando Delbrotman, a time-traveling outsider who stumbles into the grimy alleys of 1888 London. His mission is unclear even to himself at first, but soon he becomes entangled in the investigation of the Ripper murders alongside Scotland Yard. What begins as an observational trip turns into a dangerous game of survival, trust, and pursuit, with the Professor moving between the dim-lit taverns, cold morgues, and filthy streets of Whitechapel. The setting is thick with atmosphere, and the narrative swings between gritty human suffering and the strange detachment of an alien mind learning the limits of morality.

The writing carries the weight of the setting with vivid detail, but it also knows when to lean on humor or eccentricity. I liked how the author didn’t shy away from the brutal realities of the time. The women in the story aren’t romanticized; their hardship is tangible, and their conversations are raw. The Professor, in contrast, is formal, almost awkward, and I found that gap between his precise, alien perspective and the chaos around him strangely compelling. The pacing can be a slow burn in places, but that gave me time to sit with the tension rather than rush through it.

Some parts felt theatrical, almost like a stage play with its sharp entrances and dramatic exchanges. Sometimes it worked, adding color and energy, and other times it brought me out of the scene. Still, I admired how the book balanced historical authenticity with a speculative twist without letting one overwhelm the other. The Ripper mystery has been told in countless ways, yet this take felt fresh, partly because of the outsider’s-eye view and partly because of the relatable moments that broke through the gloom.

I’d recommend A Game of Masquerade to readers who enjoy historical mysteries with a speculative slant, particularly those who like their stories gritty yet occasionally whimsical. If you’re curious about what happens when history’s shadows meet something not quite of this Earth, you’ll find plenty to chew on here.

[Steven Finkelstein]

Even well over a hundred years after the Jack the Ripper killings, these audacious crimes continue to mystify and baffle. There are several credible theories as to who the killer was and why he went on his infamous spree, but what if all of them are wrong? That is the premise of this novel, where Professor Orlando Delbrotman, with an assist from Scotland Yard, must face down a killer who is considerably more than human. 19th century London comes alive as history gets upended. Here is a book that seamlessly blends genres to create something bold, new, and entirely captivating.

A Game of Masquerade, by Shani Cossins, is a combination of sci-fi and historical fiction, with more than a dash of horror thrown in as well. It’s like “Back to the Future” meeting up with the novels of Caleb Carr. There are also elements that might remind some readers of the Stephen King book 11/22/63.

There have been many spins on the Jack the Ripper killings, but Cossins takes it in a direction that’s genuinely fresh and unexpected. History and time travel collide as the author envisions a killer who’s so difficult to catch precisely because of his nonhuman nature. Matched up against him is Professor Delbrotman, who is also a man of mystery and contradictions. Watching him match wits with the Ripper, with the authorities trying gamely to keep up with the chaos unfolding in their streets, is a real treat.

What elevates this premise, though, are the moral dilemmas intrinsic to the plot, combined with an impressive skill by Cossins to capture the feel of late 19th century London. The author did her research well, and the language she uses is incredibly evocative. Under her deft touch, it’s easy to envision each of the episodes that compose the book’s central action. As the plot picks up and things become more frenzied, her skill in plotting a complex narrative comes to the forefront.

Ultimately, this book is a lot of fun. It’s suspenseful, eerie, and imaginative in turns, and the emotions it’s able to conjure up are undeniably well earned.

[Taylor Oser-Lakins]

A Game of Masquerade by Shani Cossins reimagines the Jack the Ripper mystery through a bold blend of historical crime and science fiction. Set in foggy 1888 London, the story follows Professor Orlando Delbrotman, a mysterious outsider who becomes involved with Scotland Yard during the infamous murders. As fear grips Whitechapel, Delbrotman uncovers clues suggesting the killer may be more than human. The novel moves through brothels, laboratories, and shadowed streets, mixing real historical detail with speculative elements. The plot builds tension around identity, time, morality, and the dangerous cost of altering history during a violent era.
A Game of Masquerade succeeds most in its overall story and genre-blending, even when there are occasional pacing issues. Shani Cossins captures late nineteenth-century London with evocative language, making the grime, fear, and social unrest feel immediate and lived-in. Professor Orlando Delbrotman is an intriguing protagonist, defined by intelligence, restraint, and moral conflict, and his outsider perspective gives familiar history a fresh angle. The central theme of whether one should interfere with history adds weight beyond the mystery itself.
The book’s strengths lie in its originality and worldbuilding. Blending true crime, speculative science fiction, and light horror is risky, yet Cossins essentially pulls it off. The dialogue often carries dry humor, and the supporting characters, including members of Scotland Yard, feel purposeful rather than decorative. At times, the large cast and layered concepts slow momentum, and some scenes linger longer than necessary. However, these moments also deepen immersion and tension.
Overall, the novel is suspenseful, imaginative, and emotionally engaging without relying solely on shock. Readers who enjoy historical mysteries with unconventional twists will find this a rewarding experience. It balances entertainment with thoughtful questions about humanity, justice, and responsibility itself.

[Alianna Durham]

A Game of Masquerade by Shani Cossins is a different and interesting take on the Jack the Ripper story that blends historical fiction with speculative elements. Set in 1888 London, the book captures the dark, uneasy atmosphere of the East End really well: the fog, the fear, and the sense that something terrible is always just around the corner.
The story follows Professor Orlando Delbrotman, who ends up working with Scotland Yard to investigate the murders. From fairly early on, it’s clear this isn’t a traditional historical mystery. The book goes in a more imaginative, speculative direction, which honestly surprised me at first. If you’re expecting a straightforward, realistic retelling of the Ripper case, this book definitely isn’t that.
That said, once I adjusted my expectations, I found the story engaging and creative. The speculative angle gives a fresh perspective to a mystery that’s been told countless times, and I appreciated that the author was willing to do something a little bold and unconventional. It’s different in a way that won’t work for everyone, but it does make the book stand out.
One of the strongest aspects is the atmosphere. The setting feels gritty and tense, and the fear surrounding the murders feels very real. I also liked how the story made me think about how much of history we really understand and how easily events can be reinterpreted through a different lens. There were moments where the pacing felt a bit uneven, and I wished some characters were explored more deeply, but those things didn’t take away from the overall experience for me.
Overall, A Game of Masquerade is unusual, creative, and interesting. It’s not a typical historical mystery, but if you enjoy stories that mix history with a twist and don’t mind something a bit outside the box, it’s definitely worth a read.

[Ryan and Sara Wendt]

Who was the mysterious serial killer Jack the Ripper? Everyone has heard of the legend of the 1888 Whitechapel serial killer. But, who and what was Jack the Ripper really? And why was this mysterious man never caught?

In A Game of Masquerade, Australian based novelist Shani Cossins uses vivid imagery in her writing, to blend true crime together with speculative intrigue. Through her descriptive writing, Cossins takes the reader on a thrilling adventure! The storyline is full of many unexpected twists and turns. This novel is surely a jaw dropping page turner!

Cossins also does a spectacular job weaving together historical facts with gripping suspenseful fictitious elements throughout her book. Cossin really does the book justice blending these two genres together. It keeps the reader hooked.

A Game of Masquerade by Shani Cossins is truly a literary masterpiece. It does an amazing job mixing several different kinds of genres together. It truly blew me away. I was truly impressed by Cossins ability and talent to blend many different kinds of genres into this book. I haven’t known very many authors who could do such a thing in their writing.

The fact that Shani Cossins could blend science fiction elements into this historical fictitious re-telling of the Jack the Ripper murders was also quite impressive. Her ability to mix these two different kinds of genres together with an alien piece was intriguing to me. At first, it seemed out of place, but somehow fit perfectly in the arch of the book’s narrative telling.

A Game of Masquerade by Shani Cossins is quite an innovative novel! I recommend this out-of-the-box literary masterpiece to anyone looking to read something fresh and new! It will blow your mind out of the water!

[D]

What do you get when you combine the haunting case of Jack the Ripper and Sci-fi? Well, you get the gripping and interesting tale of A Game of Masquerade by Shani Cossins. As someone who is a huge fan of Sci-Fi and True Crime, I was intrigued when I saw the premise. It is a strange combination, that is for sure, but it works, blending seamlessly together and creating a gripping tale.

For one, Cossins does a great job of making us feel like we are actually in England in the 1800s. The dialogue is spot on and never feels out of place. It truly feels like you are living in London during that time. You’d think you were actually there.

Then there is Professor Orlando Delbrotman, who is trying to solve the murder. He is awkward at times because he is an alien, and it comes across perfectly as you're reading. Never forced but natural enough so that someone who is in a new place with customs they do not understand.

Even with the Sci-fi and alien world aspect, it almost makes sense. The author writes it in a way that you could actually believe it happened if it turned out that this was the truth.

Historical fiction mixed with Sci-Fi can be a strange combination, but Cossins exudes it without any trouble. I just love the fresh spin on the Jack the Ripper killing. Never thought time travel would play a part in the hunt for one of the most notorious, unknown serial killers.

Having Jack the Ripper as someone who is… less than human was shocking, but it also made sense with how mysterious he is and how he was able to evade capture during the time he was alive. Seeing him go toe-to-toe with the Professor is truly a treat.

[Sheniya Jackson]

A Game of Masquerade by Shani Cossins is a tasteful fusion of historical and science fiction, practically smudging the lines between reality, time, and history as told. The unsolved mystery of the Jack the Ripper case is one that crime gurus and lovers around the world continue to research in hopes of answering the century-long question: whodunnit? Cossins provides a different perspective on the matter, offering a fresh and imaginative approach that adds a compelling new point of view to how the crimes may have taken place.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its exploration of moral responsibility when placed against impossible circumstances. The internal struggle between doing what is morally correct and risking unintended consequences adds depth and tension, making the story both engaging and thought-provoking. People often think, “If I were there, I would…” but the novel effectively challenges that assumption by showing how complex such choices truly are when faced firsthand. The added stakes make the reading experience even more immersive.
Cossins does an excellent job with world-building, transporting readers directly into the atmosphere of Whitechapel and making the setting feel vivid and alive. The characters are well fleshed out and come alive on the page in a way that is cleverly and clearly defined. This is a story that will resonate with readers who enjoy “what if?” scenarios and speculative takes on historical events that remain unresolved.
A Game of Masquerade is a novel that encourages readers to stretch their imagination and consider theories that fall outside the box when it comes to this infamous moment in history.

[Lb]

The author does a great job with building the world for the time period with bits of the future added into it, I wasn't quite sure what to expect as I occasionally will read a true crime book but have never read a blend of historical fiction + true crime + science fiction this was a truly unique take on the story of Jack the Ripper which kept me turning pages to find out what would happen next... this mystery has captivated the world for over 100 years who is to say there wasn't a bit of the paranormal involved.

There are many characters introduced throughout the story, and it took me a bit to get used to the writing style as it is written how the people would speak and bounced around to multiple different characters but once I got used to this it flowed well for me.

As the Professor begins to figure out what is really going on the mystery unfolds with twists and turns that kept me interested from beginning to end.

book blog: https://elbyslibrary.blogspot.com/202...

*Murder Mystery *Historical Fiction *Science Fiction *Aliens *Other Worlds *Future Technology

*Time Travel *World Travel *Trigger warnings (it is about Jack the Ripper)

[Kate Laurie]

Wow! I have never read a book like this before! From the very first chapter, I was swept away. Shani Cossins captures 19th Century London so vividly I could almost smell the fog and hear the clatter of carriage wheels on cobblestones. This story twists the Jack the Ripper horror into something extraordinary, a thrilling blend of history and time travel with compelling characters and moral dilemmas. Professor Delbrotman, a time traveler, joins forces with Scotland Yard and they set out to unravel the murder mysteries without changing the course of history. The mix of danger, suspense, and emotional depth kept me turning pages into the wee hours of the night. Every scene felt alive, every twist unexpected. It’s one of those books that leaves you thinking long after you turn the last page. A haunting, imaginative journey through the darker corners of East End where nothing, and no one, is quite what they seem. A brilliant debut and I can’t wait to see what Cossins delivers next!

[Megan Brame]

“A Game of Masquerade” by Shani Cossins reimagines the Jack the Ripper mystery with a supernatural twist, where the Whitechapel killer might not be human at all. A fugitive from another world teams up with Scotland Yard as Professor Orlando Delbrotman races to stop the serial murderer without altering history. Past and future events have unleashed this monster on London’s East End, fueling terror and outrage amid the fog-shrouded streets.

Cossins blends historical detail with interdimensional intrigue for a fresh take on a classic tale, keeping the suspense tight as Delbrotman navigates time-sensitive clues and brutal crime scenes. The high-stakes “no history changes” rule adds clever tension to every decision. Some readers might find the sci-fi elements jarring against the Victorian setting, but it amps up the otherworldly chills. Perfect for fans of alternate-history thrillers who love Ripper lore, cosmic horror, and clever puzzles.

[Alana]

This was an utterly fascinating and fantastical take on how Jack the Ripper may have come to exist; and who he may have been. Just think of how experiences shape someone. Now, add in an otherworldly influence, the ability to time travel, and BOOM, you have an intriguing historical fiction mixed with true crime and a splash of science fiction.

I don't know if Shani meant to take me on a mental deep dive into past actions, how they affect the future, the differences between the butterfly effect and the ripple effect, and whether the otherworldly professor of this story is a large nod to "The Doctor." In the end, she did just that. The theories behind Jack the Ripper are vast, but this particular take is utterly unique. The facts from the spree he took in 1888 remain. This is not a "clean" twist on the potential of his origins, but it certainly was fun.

High praise for Shani's ability to transport us back in time in our own minds, all the way down to the cockney accents from so many of the characters. If you are a fan of Jack the Ripper theories, this is a fascinating take on the mystery that continues.

[Barbara Young]

Shani! I must congratulate you. A Game of Masquerade is a triumph. A Sci-Fi/Historical Mystery Fiction that shattered my expectations. I also wish to highlight Demi Akinrowo the Narrator who did an excellent job of bringing the story to life. I was taken back to the East End of London during a sad time in history. The plot is immersive and so different, love the "Jack the Ripper" theme with the twist of Alien Invasion, an absconder Professor and Time Travel conponents that make this uniquely brilliant. Readers, I highly recommend the Audiobook it will give you such an experience, the detailed storytelling will have you escaping back in time The only negative is that I was sad when the story ended, but.... I will be waiting in anticipation for the continuation of Professor Delbrotman story.

[Nicki]

Very different twist on a story I already know. Really enjoyed the sci fi element to the tale