The Girl In The Mask is once again a brilliant work of Jensen's - the storyline is from the point of view of a strong, independent female, as are her other books. The time era we are taken to this time is Georgian; the summer of 1715, to be precise. The plot is based loosely around the failed rebellion of that time - some important events are linked tightly to the riots themselves.

Sophia is a sharp, witty girl who shows more delight for shooting and Aphra Benn than dancing and embroidery. She detests the very idea of what is expected of her - manners and daintiness - everything she's not. For a time, she is happy with her cousin Jack, riding horses and reading plays together. But when her strict father returns from the West Indies, he is shocked to see his daughter outside, taking part in such boisterous activities. He gets a new guardian for her, sends Jack off to be in the army, and packs Sophia off to Bath with the dreaded goal - to find herself a husband.

Sophia hates the balls and masquerades, the dancing and gossip. The only thing that slightly lightens up her time is a mysterious young Mr Charleton; at times he appears to understand her frustration at the restrictions women have to face in the city. He helps her secretly read and watch plays, and sneaks her the clothes she is more comfortable in instead of the ridiculous dresses and shoes she has to wear.

When she is robbed by a girl named Jenny, she realized what freedom and excitement she could have if she had a more criminal life. She begins to sneak out, robbing coaches on highways - and gaining money out of it too! But all that changes when one particular coach belongs to Peter Charleton. He recognizes her, and begs her to stop; he says she doesn't know what dangers she's in. But Sophia takes Charleton's papers, not knowing that the riots would get far worse if they fell into the wrong hands.

At a later party, Sophia discovers things are far heavier than she'd assumed. The so-called trusted and respected Mr Charleton was a spy under the service of His Majesty the King, and the papers were top-secret. Horrified, she does all she can to help get them back. Through the danger, their relationship grows stronger; and when Sophia saves his life, it gives the reader an almost euphoric feel. Its ending is satisfying and there is general happiness all around.

Overall, I found it an enjoyable and thrilling book. It's slightly different from Jensen's other books in the fact that romance isn't such an important factor - it's more excitement and independence, which I thoroughly prefer. I recommend to anyone that likes historical fiction - a really good read.

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