A Game of Masquerade-Shani Cossins
Author Interview Questions – Shani Cossins
About the Book
-
A Game of Masquerade blends historical thriller with science fiction. Can you introduce us to the story and its unique twist on Jack the Ripper?
Cue foggy streets of the London, 1888...
The East End is gripped by fear as Jack the Ripper stalks the streets. Into this chaos arrives Professor Orlando Delbrotman—a fugitive from another world, who arrives purely by accident. When he discovers the brutal murders unfolding around him, he’s drawn into the hunt for the infamous killer, joining forces with Scotland Yard.
Armed with knowledge of the future, the Professor must tread carefully: solve the crimes without disrupting the course of history. But as the investigation deepens, a chilling possibility emerges—the Ripper may not be human at all.
-
The novel is set in London, 1888. How did you approach capturing the atmosphere and societal details of that time period?
The East End of London in the 19th century is a rich character all its own! I have always had a fascination with the history, and whilst my story has fantastical elements, I also wanted it steeped in a reality. I researched details about the Ripper mystery and the victims, as well as the politics of the time. It was all over the papers (the social media of the day!) and even Queen Victoria was outraged. She sent numerous letters to the police and the government!
I also delved into the hardships of those living in the East End; how people survived such a tenuous existence, the opportunists preying on the vulnerable, the attitudes of the time – there is so much detail that the story takes on a life of its own.
-
You introduce a fugitive from another world who teams up with Scotland Yard. How did you develop this character and their otherworldly perspective?
I wanted to create an outsider who would view the people in the East End with an initial detached curiosity but then gradually learn to immerse himself in the time period. There is something fascinating about someone experiencing history firsthand - being brought face to face with the people who are living it as present day. It’s quite a different scenario than simply picking up a book and reading about the past. Suddenly these people are real and no longer a footnote in history. But stepping into history means there is a risk of altering established events – if you change one thing then what happens to the future you expect to happen? -
What themes do you hope readers take away from this blend of history, suspense, and speculative fiction?
I would say the core themes are crime and mystery with this reimagined version of Jack the Ripper.
The conflicts and problems encountered by its people are prevalent too. In the case of the Ripper, he has his reasons for killing which can never be condoned, yet these reasons have left damaging psychological scars. But it is his choices, made of his own free will, which creates the monster. It’s an interesting element to explore and makes for great storytelling.
Fear and prejudice play their part in relation to the poverty and exploitation of the time.
The elements of time and fate – what if history is changed. There is also the element of “the outsider”; how the Professor fits in and finally the fantastical element of science fiction that weaves the story together.
-
If you had to describe A Game of Masquerade in three words, what would they be?
Hard to choose just three! But here goes…
Alien, Ripper lore (hope I can count that has one!), thriller
Inspiration & Process
6. What first inspired you to combine historical crime with a science fiction twist?
6. What first inspired you to combine historical crime with a science fiction twist?
I have always had a huge interest in stories involving time travel ever since I was a child, particularly going back in time to visit history. Another enduring fascination of mine is the mystery surrounding Jack the Ripper. Even if his identity had been discovered, the brutality of his crimes would still engender interest, but the fact that he was never caught, maintains the mystery which invites endless speculation and gives a writer the chance to think outside the box.
7. Are there particular novels or authors you revisit for inspiration, especially when blending genres?
Stories like HG Wells The Time Machine springs to mind, where you have a 19th century man building his own time machine to visit the future. I’m very fond of Mark Twain’s A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court – a very clever piece of work.
Regarding history, I love the books of Charles Dickens although he didn’t blend science fiction as such – but there is the fantastical element to his A Christmas Carol which is a favourite of mine!
8. How do you balance historical accuracy with imaginative, speculative elements?
It’s a good idea to do some research on the time period so the story feels grounded and gives readers something familiar to latch onto. That way, they can better understand and appreciate the era written about. But since it’s fiction, you’ve got room to play—your imagination can really take off. As long as you describe the setting well and paint a vivid picture, readers will be right there with you.
Characters & Themes
9. Jack the Ripper is infamous, yet you give the story a new angle. How did you approach retelling history while keeping suspense and intrigue?
9. Jack the Ripper is infamous, yet you give the story a new angle. How did you approach retelling history while keeping suspense and intrigue?
As Jack the Ripper was never caught, he remains an enduring mystery, so I went with the idea of “what if” as you can literally do anything with such a thing. From an early stage in the novel, the reader knows that there has to be something more to the serial killer than meets the eye, but the reveal is a gradual process to heighten the suspense. Eventually the reader learns what happens but then, adding a twist within the twist hopefully adds another surprise.
10. Without giving spoilers, what was the most fun or unexpected moment for you while writing this story?
Whilst the book explores some dark themes, I actually enjoyed injecting a little humour here and there to lighten the mood. From the barman who is more brawn than brains; to Douglas —an aspiring actor stuck in an amusingly dreadful play at a second-rate theatre. It’s fun to add these things in to create texture to the story.
11. How do your characters challenge the social norms or expectations of Victorian London?
It shows how vastly different the class system was. The upper class with their wealth and power and the lower class who had limited freedom and a tenuous existence. There were also the intolerant attitudes of the time that play a huge role which are entirely in keeping with the time period. I use my protagonist, the Professor to witness these things firsthand and challenge these attitudes.
Writing & Publishing Journey
12. What was the most rewarding part of seeing this story come to life on the page?
12. What was the most rewarding part of seeing this story come to life on the page?
I could hear the characters voices in my head and could see them in my mind. Sometimes I felt as if they were writing the story! But my most rewarding moment was when my mother finished the book. She is one tough critic and despite being her daughter, she would never compliment me unless she had reason. She said she missed my characters when she put the book down! That’s high praise from her and I cherish that.
13. Were there any challenges you didn’t anticipate while writing or researching the period?
I wrote periodically over many years as real life kept getting in the way so I guess you could say “time” was a challenge! I needed a real time machine! I also initially had a different vision for the protagonist but then completely changed the character, so the challenge turned to inspiration.
I wrote periodically over many years as real life kept getting in the way so I guess you could say “time” was a challenge! I needed a real time machine! I also initially had a different vision for the protagonist but then completely changed the character, so the challenge turned to inspiration.
14. What advice would you give to authors trying to blend historical fiction with speculative elements?
Do your research but balance that with your imagination to give your story a unique perspective.
Do your research but balance that with your imagination to give your story a unique perspective.
15. Are there any upcoming projects or stories you’re excited to share next?
I wasn’t intending on starting another book so soon, but I have! I am a little way into a murder mystery that’s very different from Jack the Ripper. Separately to that, I also have some ideas as to where I can take Professor Delbrotman. I wish I had more time in the day to write but I do most of my writing on the weekend as I work in the music and performing arts department of a school during the week. Again, I need that time machine to have more time!
Fun & Quickfire
16. If you could visit Victorian London for a day (safely, of course), where would you go first?
16. If you could visit Victorian London for a day (safely, of course), where would you go first?
I love London! I visited in 1991 and 2007 but if I could go back in time to the Victorian period, I would love to spy on The Ten Bells (with an armed guard with me!).
I would also love to visit The Crystal Palace as it would have been an extraordinary exhibition to see. I’m a huge fan of Sherlock Holmes so I would have to meet Sir Arthur Conan Doyle too!
17. Writing fuel: tea, coffee, or something else?
Nice cup of hot black tea for me! I’ve always been a tea drinker and that keeps me going. Or as a pick-me-up snack – a chai latte with oat milk
18. One word to describe the fugitive from another world.
Noble
19. One word to describe the novel.
Thriller
20. One thing you hope readers feel as they close the final page of A Game of Masquerade.
I hope they get a sense of closure in part but also wonder what will happen next!