The Mask (Stevens novel)

Publishers Weekly called The Mask "underwhelming" and "slow-grinding," indicating that "The fight scenes, though well choreographed, seem at times like an afterthought, thrown in when the plot frequently stalls."^[1] Further, they found the setting to be "under utilized" as though the book "could be set anywhere."^[1] However, they cited Munroe as a highlight of the novel, noting that "her propensity for rage remains a believable part of this series as she mixes her intelligence with her extreme martial arts skills."^[1]

Kirkus Reviews agreed that "Stevens takes longer to develop the action than usual," though they conceded that "any Munroe is better than none at all."^[2]

Booklist and Library Journal also reviewed the novel.^[3][4]

The Mask won the 2016 Barry Award for Best Thriller.^[5]