Laura Shepherd-Robinson

The Art of a Lie offers an excellent, multi-layered plot filled with surprises from beginning to end. Each time I though I'd really pinned down where the novel was headed—Bam! I'd be hit with a new complication or realize I had badly misunderstood some earlier event. Shepherd-Robinson's novel will get you into the "just one more chapter" loop. Her depictions of 18th Century London are detailed and, as far as I can tell, accurate. If you enjoy novels where brilliant minds are pitted against show more one another, you're in for a treat with The Art of a Lie.

I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via Edelweiss; the opinions are my own. show less

"Oh, what a tangled web we weave,
When first we practise to deceive!"

֎ from Marmion by Sir Walter Scott ֎

And what a supreme yarn of deception this is. Set in London's Georgian period, this story shines light upon the rising merchant class in juxtaposition to the established aristocrats. The aristos are taken at their word while the rising middle class has everything to prove - no one more so than widow, Hannah Cole.

Hannah can ill afford to remain in mourning for the full prescribed two show more years. She has a confectionary shop requiring her utmost attention as there are bills to pay and apprentice mouths to feed, along with her own. Then in walks William Devereux. He makes light mention of his mother's much enjoyed iced cream recipe - an Italian fad of the moment. Meanwhile, alighting upon the shop's doorstep is Chief Magistrate of Westminster, Henry Fielding (of literary fame). He is hell-bent on getting to the bottom of the murder of Hannah's husband. Can Hannah keep her wits about her, shield her heart from handsome William, and stay out of Fielding's crosshairs? Only time will tell.

This was a story of increasing deception. The story is told through both Hannah's and William's perspectives. The writing is strong and the historical research which went into its telling is Herculean. One got a strong sense of life in the latter part of 18th c. London and especially the challenges faced by women merchants. This story was pure confection and delight. I only wish that the recipes were included as well.

I am grateful to Atria Books for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.

Publisher: Atria Books
Publication date: August 5, 2025
Number of Pages: 304 pages
ISBN: 978-1668083093 show less

Didn’t I tell you that every person is capable of murder, under the right circumstances? from The Art of a Lie

What could be more fun? Set in 1749 London, a battle for survival between a con man and a murderess, with Henry Fielding, novelist and magistrate, investigating the crime!

Recently widowed Hannah Cole is running the confectionary shop that is her family legacy. A handsome stranger gives her money that he claims was earned through an investment made by her murdered husband. He show more befriends Hannah. She learns to trust him, and eventually falls for him. William is a confidence man and she is his next victim. But Hannah, like William, is not what she appears to be.

This page turner delighted me. Especially for its colorful portrayal of 18th c. London. Crime is rampant and so is bribery of those in power. We meet denizens of the criminal class and discover the complicated ruses used to hook and rope victims. Fielding is pushing to develop an organized police force to replace underpaid, easily corrupted parish appointed constables.

So many people impoverished, leading sad and brutal lives. Little wonder, really, that some of them turn to villainy. from The Art of a Lie

“It all comes down to the art of a lie, the right story for the right woman,” William says. He convinces himself that he does the widows a service with his love making, and always leaves them enough to live on to show he is not heartless. He owes money to a man who regularly skins men alive for nonpayment. But Hannah’s life is also on the line. One of them is going to be hung for the murder of her husband.

A great read for historical fiction lovers and for anyone who loves a good tale of grifters and con men, love and betrayal.

Thanks to the publisher for a free book through NetGalley. show less

Orphan Red is brought up in the household of a wealthy man of Bath but she never forgets her father, an itinerant fortuneteller, not the skills he taught her. When her guardian dies Red discovers that she may be the heir to one of the richest families in the land but when her birth mother rejects her she is caught up in a legal process that may lead her into danger.
Many years a go I read a book called 'The Quincunx' and I found this novel so reminiscent in terms of the legal battle over a show more will and the families at war. However this book is so wonderful that it sits apart in terms of clever plotting and twists and turns, even to the very last chapter. The sense of time and place is great but that has also characterised the author's previous novels, here there is a freedom to the plotting that allows the book to really sing. show less