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Best book yet by @laurashepherdrobinson 💚 This is a brilliantly intricately woven tale of deceit in Georgian London. The violent death of Hannah Cole's husband leaves her running her confectionary shop as a widow, alone and vulnerable to those on the take. In steps charming William Devereux, a friend of her late husband, who suggests Hannah makes iced cream, a delicacy from Italy which could transform her fortunes.

With Hannah standing to inherit her late husband's money the eyes of the law fall on her, and others seek to take advantage of this windfall. But Hannah is more canny than it first appears to these men, she can more than hold her own in a man's world.

I've enjoyed my time in this world so much, and next time I'm in London I'll be looking up all the locations that are still there - and so well preserved in many cases. The author's notes at the end of the book are also well worth reading 💚

What a delicious triumph of a book.
Set in 18th-century England, it tells the tale of Hannah, a widowed confectioner drawn into a twisted world of love, betrayal, and intrigue, following the murder of her husband.
Laura Shepherd-Robinson has created a mouth-watering confection of crime, romance, wit, and intrigue that will keep you guessing right to the end.
This is a beautifully written book, rich in period detail and atmosphere.
The intricate story is wonderfully clever and well-researched, so much so that I felt I could see and smell the streets of Georgian London. It really would make a great movie or TV series.
I've loved all of Laura Shepherd-Robinson's books, but I think this has to be my favourite so far.
With thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for an ARC

I'm a fan of historical fiction, especially based in England in mid 1800's. Enjoyed this novel and the twists and turns throughout. Well written and researched, some interesting characters. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.

Oh Laura, I absolutely loved this story and the way that Hannah and William danced around each other, playing the game was extraordinary, I thoroughly enjoyed myself going one way then the other, the art of a lie indeed!

The Art of a Lie is the latest book by Laura Shepherd-Robinson and centres round Hannah Cole and William Deveraux. Hannah Cole is trying to get her life and her business back on track after the murder of her husband. This is not easy as women in business are not trusted, and everyone is trying to take advantage to ensure that she fails. William Deveraux claims to be a friend of her late husband and when it appears that the police are getting nowhere with the investigation into Hannah’s husbands murder, he offers his assistance in both the investigation and saving her business.
Hannah Cole is quite an intriguing character. On the surface she seems tough and determined, something she has to be if she wants to make her confectionary business a success. She also does not trust Henry Fielding to solve her husbands murder, something she needs a quick resolution to if she is to be able to settle debts with the money he left behind. What is clear is that she is quite often underestimated and taken advantage of due to her being a woman and a recently widowed one at that. As her story unfolds both through her voice and that of others it is not long before we see that there are secrets, she wants to keep hidden at any cost.
William Deveraux comes across as someone who just wants to help Hannah get what she deserves but appearances can be deceptive and his reasons for helping her are purely selfish and wont end well for Hannah if he succeeds. He is not totally callous however and does not mean to leave her destitute until his acquaintances make it clear he has no choice.
The story is told from the perspective of both Hannah and William and these two voices certainly open the readers eyes to their true character and has you wondering how this will all end. With Henry Fielding digging into things both would rather leave alone there are quite a few twists and turns in this book that will keep you guessing right to the end. This is a book that shows a real battle of wills and cunning. Hannah and William want the same outcome for totally different reasons, and it is a race to see who will come out on top. All I can say is the outcome was not quite what I expected but once again Laura Shepherd-Robinson allowed her readers to delve into a book that is complex and compelling with characters that will draw you into their story.

Another fascinating story from Laura Shepherd-Robinson, this novel does not disappoint! Delving into the Georgian world of shop keepers, widows and con artists, the story winds and twists building to a crescendo of shock and awe. I loved this story- starting slowly with a widows tale of the loss of her husband and those who either wish to blame her for his death or gain from it. Will she prevail or will others bring her down?
The authors research shows clearly in the writing, bringing the streets and businesses of Georgian London to life with vivid detail. I really enjoyed the historical details explaining the confectionery trade and particularly the manufacture of iced cream during this time. The characters are well-written springing to life on the page, I found myself thoroughly engaged in their battle of wits, and keen to find out how this story would end.
Overall this book is a fascinating and engaging historical tale of greed, hate, lust, love and despair. Highly recommended!

The Art of a Lie will make you gasp. Painfully researched and perfectly executed - I defy you not to read in one sitting. My only complaint is that it wasn't longer

Struggling to keep her luxury confectionery business viable after the untimely death of her husband, Hannah Cole welcomes the arrival of William Devereux, a lively and generous friend of her late husband’s. Hannah soon comes to rely on Devereux’s charm and expertise but more especially his idea of producing iced cream which brings in customers to the Punchbowl and Pineapple many of whom are excited to try this new delicacy, a delight which intrigues Georgian London.

However, there is more to this clever tale than the manufacture of iced cream, although Hannah’s ingenious method of production and subsequent flavours were tantalising, the tangled web of deceit which the author weaves together so skilfully is where the real crux of the story lies. Who do we believe in this twisted tale of greed and corruption, the grieving widow charmed by a handsome face, or a handsome charlatan with an eye for the main chance.

Gloriously written with all the skill which this talented author brings to her stories, Georgian London with all its idiosyncrasies comes to life. From the undeniable greed of the gambling hells, to clever little secrets which, if left unchecked, will fester and gain momentum, especially when Henry Fielding, Westminster’s chief magistrate, starts to investigate Hannah’s husband’s suspicious death, with dramatic consequences.

There’s so much I loved about this fascinating story which fired my imagination from the start, I loved the small details of everyday life, the suppliers who kept Hannah’s confectionery business afloat, the hackney carriages which scurried about the city and the swarming underbelly of crooks and villains. Teeming with life, rich in history, and alive with deceit and corruption The Art of a Lie is another master class in historical crime writing from an author who makes the history of ordinary people seem vivid and vital.

The Art of a Lie is a twisty historical novel set in Georgian London and it took me completely by surprise. I was expecting some sort of murder mystery as widowed Hannah Cole and new acquaintance William Devereux investigate the life of Hannah’s murdered husband Jonah but what I got was so much more than that.
It starts off straight forwardly enough but as we get deeper into the novel and the POV chapters alternate between the two main characters, we realise that neither of them are quite what they seem.
The setting and historical detail as with the author’s previous novels is exceptional. You really feel that you are in the heart of Georgian London with its sights and smells and I loved the inclusion of Henry Fielding who was determined to find out the truth about Jonah’s murder and how he came to have so much money in his account.
I loved the idea of the novel and the battle of wits between Hannah and William. However the POV chapters felt a bit uneven and while Hannah’s chapters really engaged me, it was harder to feel involved so much with William’s POV. This was partly due to the number of characters in his chapters especially as they all seemed to have at least one alias.
The novel is full of twists and surprises including the ending which I really didn’t see coming but still felt right. The author’s notes at the end of the novel also added to my enjoyment.
This was such a clever, immersive historical novel and I am very grateful to Net Galley and the publishers, Pan MacMillan for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this historical crime romp, full of twists, turns, and rich period detail. The world of Georgian London, from its confectionary shops, to its pleasure gardens to its seedy underbelly, is vividly imagined.

Despite some intriguing characters, ultimately, I found The Art of a Lie more predictable than Laura Shepherd-Robinson's previous novels: it moves through each sequence of the story with a sense of inevitability. Maybe I just had high expectations, but it doesn't compare to The Square of Sevens' wonderfully devious layering.

Still, it’s a fun and compelling read with a lot to enjoy—and fans of historical mysteries will find plenty to sink their teeth into.

The 18th century is often overlooked in historical fiction and, reading the wonderful The Art of a Lie, it’s difficult to know why.

The story surrounds Hannah, a recent widow who is trying to keep her confectioner’s shop open. Her husband has been murdered and the magistrate and novelist Henry Fielding is investigating. Henry Devereux, a previously unknown friend of her husband, is offering his help to ensure she gets her share of her late husband’s surprisingly large estate and to build her shop with a recipe his mother used to make, the new and exciting iced cream.

I’m going to say nothing more about the plot because it twists and turns right from the start, with both Hannah and Henry brilliant and surprising characters. Laura Shepherd-Robinson brings London to life as a noisy, thriving city with vast wealth and poverty living together in a world full of exciting new novelties but fuelled underneath by corruption, greed and crime. The author’s historical note at the end shows how much of what she writes, including the character of Henry Fielding and his desire for a police force, the craze for ice cream, the position of women in the age, are all taken from detailed research and it shows in how convincing the world she creates is. The story itself is also beautifully plotted and full of surprises, completely impossible to put down.

I loved The Square of Sevens so I was interested to see if this could be as good and it very much is, if not better. Highly, highly recommended.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in return for an honest review.

In 18th century London, Widow Hannah Cole is courted by handsome William Devereaux but both have secrets to hide and neither are quite what they seem. A story of mystery and intrigue and love and deception.

I loved the setting of a confectioners shop and the development of new treats such as ice cream.

I didn’t feel particularly connected to either of the main characters so felt my interest waning at times. As always though I do love the inclusion of a real historical character into the story and so enjoyed Henry Fieldings character as he tries to get to the truth.

It’s evidently taken a power of research and Laura takes that knowledge and weaves it through the story to create a very real and detailed world for the reader to get lost in.

Perhaps didn’t fully engage with this one quite as much as her previous novels but still a highly entertaining and recommended read.

The Art of a Lie is a multi-layered tale involving Hannah (first narrator) who has recently been widowed and is battling to keep the debtors from the door of her business. The second narrator is the enigmatic Sir William Devereux who approaches Hannah about her late husband, Joans, and he outlines his shady business dealings with him. He suggests that Jonas had invested money and he offers to help her get it. However, neither is what they seem- each with their own lies and subterfuge. Henry Fielding is a law enforcement figure who is based on a real-life character (a novelist as well as law enforcement figure). The Art of a Lie is a truly clever and absorbing tale. Set in Georgian London, the city is as much a character as Billy, Hannah and Fielding with corruption across all the classes along with poverty and the aristocracy. Absolutely loved it. Many of the places are still there including St James's Palace, as well as Fortnum and Mason. Clearly, a lot of research has gone into this book and it shows making this an authentic and satisfying read.

The Art of a Lie by Laura Shepherd-Robinson is a brilliant Regency ‘Who’s Zoomin’ Who?’

Hannah Cole is recently widowed when she meets the dashing William Devereaux. While she sets about making her confectioners shop successful with her innovative iced creams, magistrate and author Henry Fielding questions her husband’s death. As she, William, and Fielding become entwined, their stories unfold, along with a rich and strange cast of widows, orphans, conmen and hustlers.

Laura’s book is (as always) peppered with well-researched shady characters, set in 1700s London. Fiction is woven in seamlessly with fact after interesting fact.

I was immediately drawn into the narrative and by the end of Chapter 5, I was already WTF-ing to myself (oh, and a shout out for the impressive use of cussing) - it’s a fast-paced page turner.

Warning: I was drooling at so many delicacies I’d never heard of, and more than a little sad I’d never taste them. I immediately ran out and bought some custard doughnuts to make up for it, so be prepared.

Thanks to Netgalley and Mantle for a drc to review in my own words. It’s out in the UK on July 10.

#historicfiction #regency #georgian #fiction #con #crimethriller #bookrecommendation #bookreview #book #TheArtOfaLie #netgalley

I loved the premiss of this book, I don't want to give any spoilers, but one of the characters definitely gets a taste of their own medicine, and more!
The characters were interesting, but I didn't feel any sympathy for any of them as I don't feel that we really got to know them.
The middle section did feel like it was overly long, with too many characters to keep track of particularly as many were referred to by more than one name. However, I still felt compelled to carry on until the end and was rewarded with a very satisfying denouement, with an extra twist at the very end- worth the extra pages just for that.
Laura Shepherd-Robinson always includes wonderful historical detail in her novels, and this is no exception. I particularly enjoy her reveal of what is based on real life past. Definitely recommended for fans of the Georgian era, confidence tricksters , and independent women.

I absolutely devoured this book, it gripped me right from the start and drew me into Georgian London's world of con men and women and their elaborate schemes.
It centres around Hannah Cole's dessert shop, where she creates delicious treats and sweets. The descriptions and details are so vivid you feel as though you're right there seeing, smelling and tasting everything. William is a character you love to hate and hate to love with his charm and smooth talk.
I can't say any more without spoiling it, but read this book!!

Excellent historical thriller set in Georgian England. This book follows the perspective of two characters, recently widowed Hannah Cole, managing her family confectionery business, The Punchbowl and Pinneapple and William Devereux, a conman claiming to be the friend of her late husband.

What follows is a tangled web of deception and lies, as the two main characters play an intriguing game of cat and mouse, culminating in a tragic end. Well written with compelling characters and lots of twists and turns to keep the reader’s interest, this book was an enjoyable 4 star read for me!

Thanks to NetGalley and Pan MacMillan for the ARC!

#TheArtofaLie #NetGalley

'The Art of a Lie' by Laura Shepherd-Robinson is an excellent book, full of twists and turns. Set in the 1800's, recently widowed Hannah Cole, is trying to keep her confectionary shop going, and her head above water. However, the manner of her husband, Jonas's, death, means Henry Fielding (renowned author and real life magistrate at this time) wants to investigate, and the inheritance she is dependent upon is held up while he does. Will William Devereux, a man arriving at her shop with some profits from an investment and knowledge about icecream, be Hannah's saviour?

I am a big fan of Laura Shepherd-Robinson. All of her books are heavily researched, well plotted and full of characters that pull you in. This book is no exception. Coming to the end of it was upsetting, not just because of the conclusion, but also because my time reading it had ended. I would highly recommend this book.

A good and engaging read. This one really stands out from the typical historical mystery – blending a clever cat-and-mouse game between two sharp protagonists with a richly atmospheric depiction of 18th-century London. The setting is vivid, the plot smartly constructed.

The Art of a Lie tells the story of widowed confectioner Hannah Cole, who, determined to save her failing shop, becomes entangled in a dangerous conspiracy tied to her late husband’s secrets and the enigmatic William Devereux.

First off, I have to say the book is extremely well-researched – it's clear the author put great care into portraying 18th-century London with historical accuracy. That attention to detail makes the setting feel incredibly authentic and grounded. The writing is also smooth and skillful, which adds to the overall enjoyment.

As for the story itself, it's tightly plotted, and the mystery is constructed in an engaging way. At its heart, it’s a psychological chess match between Hannah and William, each trying to outmaneuver the other – without realizing the other is doing the same. What keeps the reader hooked is the suspense of discovering who will ultimately come out on top in this duel of wits. It’s an intriguing narrative approach, as it relies on the reader knowing more than the characters do from early on. I found this structure really interesting at first and enjoyed how much insight it gave into both characters. However, as the story progressed, I realized I tend to prefer mysteries that hold back a bit more and unravel their secrets gradually. Since I already knew both sides’ intentions, I sometimes felt a bit "ahead" of the characters, which slightly reduced the tension for me. So, while I appreciated the cleverness of the dual-perspective setup, it wasn’t entirely my favorite type of narrative structure. That said, the story is still very well-executed and wrapped up in a satisfying way.

Even with a few minor reservations, I genuinely enjoyed the read and would happily recommend it to anyone looking for a historical mystery that dares to do things a little differently.

Thank you NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was overall a good book, but unfortunately I didn't enjoy it quite as much as Laura Shepherd-Robinson's previous books.

As usual, Shepherd-Robinson's is very skillful with her settings and her descriptions of the historical period. I always learn something new and I really feel like I am really in the 18th-Century. I especially liked the details of how it was to keep a business, and the details about the making of ice cream were also a nice, original touch.

As for the characters, I really liked Hannah, the main character, and I followed her chapters with interest. I also really liked Henry Fielding, who appears in the novel as the magistrate who is investigating her husband's murder. While he wasn't likeable, he was very well drawn and I always enjoyed his scenes.

Unfortunately I really didn't like the other main character, William. While I appreciated how Shepherd-Robinson characterized him, and I obviously saw the point of his narration, I liked his chapters a lot less than Hannah's, and I found myself getting a bit bored towards the middle. The ending, however, was really good and I especially liked how everything wrapped up. It was very satisfying and for me it was a perfect ending for the story.