ANNOTATION

New to town, Anna is happy to find a friend, even if it is the bossy and quarrelsome Lindy, and is pleased to be allowed to join the secret society run by Lindy's older brother until she commits a "crime" that the society won't forgive.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

New in town, Anna Cotman wants nothing more than to find a friend. But when bossy Lindy Miller persuades her to join her older brother's secret society, Anna becomes uneasy. She knows that beneath the secret codes, strange rituals, and frightening masks, the society is just a game. But when Anna breaks the rules and is threatened with punishment, she finds the game has gotten seriously out of hand.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

In this suspenseful novel, a game becomes a frightening contest when a new member joins the secret Society of Masks. Ages 10-14. (May)

School Library Journal

Gr 5-8-- Anna isn't sure why bossy, manipulative Lindy wants her as her ``best friend,'' but as a newcomer she's grateful to be included in the secret ``Society of Masks'' formed by Lindy's older brother and his friends. The girls soon find themselves left out, however, when a new member, the mysterious Yellow Lord, begins to change the whole tone of the group. Trying to protect a younger boy who is being terrorized by the others, Anna finds herself on trial as the game suddenly takes on a scary reality. Alcock, who delights in introducing the unusual into the ordinary lives of her characters, can be relied on to create a story that is both exciting and thoughtful. Building up atmosphere through action rather than description, she rounds out her characters in swift, telling phrases touched with wry humor. Readers will, of course, be attracted by the strangeness of the masks and rituals, but what they will remember above all is unlikable Lindy standing up for Anna when she needs her most. --Ruth S. Vose, San Francisco Public Library