Masquerade in Lodi by Lois McMaster Bujold

Penric and Desdemona (Publication order 9), Spectrum Literary Agency, 2020. ASIN: B08L88PCTP.
(Age: 15+) Highly recommended. Another novella in the Penric and Desdemona series is always welcome and this time Bujold takes us back to an earlier time in Penric's life. Falling between Penric's Fox and Penric's Mission, the story takes place in Lodi on Bastard's Eve, a time of celebration for the people living in this canal city. Penric is hoping for time off but finds himself called to minister to a madman who appears to have been taken over by a wild demon. What follows is a wild chase to try and capture the runaway man, and when this doesn't happen easily Penric asks for the help of the saint in finding him and taking the demon out of him.
Bujold has added another city to the wonderful world that Penric and Desdemona inhabit, and it was fun to follow Penric's adventures as he travels across to islands, uses canals and searches the warehouses of this water bound place. The saint too, is unexpected, a young inexperienced girl, who is intelligent and has hidden talents. Other characters are fully fleshed out, and some plot twists will keep the reader wondering what will happen next.
Fans of the series will enjoy the warmth of this novella; Bujold always manages to write a feel-good story that leaves the reader satisfied. Those new to the series would probably enjoy them more by starting with the first one, and reading them in chronological order, rather than the publishing order.
Pat Pledger