This is a twisty historical mystery that will keep you guessing as you try to keep up with the main characters. Hannah is trying to keep her London shop afloat after the murder of her less than honest husband, and she soon gets caught up in multiple overlapping schemes. The writer makes brilliant use of the switch between narrators to help the characters advance their own plots with the reader not quite as aware as they think. It’s an engrossing page turner with characters that are engaging if not entirely appealing and a plot that draws the reader in quickly. I understand why the book had to end as it did, but the somewhat ambiguous resolution is just not my favorite style as someone who reads partly for escapism. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy. All views are entirely my own and offered voluntarily.

Thank you to Atria Books for providing this ARC for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The Art of a Lie by Laura Shepherd-Robinson is a story that blends historical fiction, thriller, and crime drama. The story interjects the colorful details and intriguing characters of Georgian London into a game of cat and mouse, in which both of the narrators are very much in both roles. I was delighted to find that the author did a significant amount of research on the middle-class tradespeople of the era and included fictionalized accounts of real-life figures; chiefly Fielding. I appreciate when authors take the time to make an effort when crafting a reasonably authentic image of a setting. The setting of a confectionary was also a really fun and compelling choice; who doesn’t love crime and ice cream?

I liked that this book was committed to keeping the reader on the back foot. In switching narrators, the reader gets lulled into the sense they have an idea of all of the information, but like the characters, they’re often scheming based on false assumptions or lies. I thought this book would be a murder mystery set in a frilly ice cream parlor, but was actually pleasantly surprised when it veered in a different direction. While the “iced creams” may be the constant, the intrigue seems to shift quickly through the story.

Overall, I thought this was a very fun read. I think for fans of historical fiction that want a break from princesses or war stories, this is a great choice. I think fans of thrillers and mysteries may also find this a pretty engaging choice that’s slightly lower stakes than other options. For me, it’s a very solid 4/5 stars.

I’m going on vacation in a few weeks, and part of me wishes I had saved The Art of a Lie for beach reading. While the topics it addresses are serious and not the typical beach read fluff, the story itself, along with how it’s told, is immersive. The detailed descriptions of the Punch and Pineapple, with its brightly colored decor and exotic desserts, make me wish I could hop into a time machine, walk up to the counter, and order my own pistachio iced cream.

The story’s characters are as compelling as the setting. Hannah Cole is a woman who, while grappling with her own immense loss, spends her life trying to honor her family’s legacy and bring joy to others. She’s creative, courageous, smart, and passionate in a time when these qualities were frowned upon in women, and I love how determined she is to carve out a life that’s hers and hers alone. Her narrative counterpart, William Devereux, is the consummate trickster. He’s perfected the part he must play to get what he wants, but there are plenty of small cracks in that carefully constructed facade where we can see his humanity peek through. Like everyone in the world, he too has a story, and though he may not be a character we wish to emulate, he is a character we can certainly empathize with.

Because each character is so well-crafted and interesting, I appreciated the author’s choice to allow both of them to play a role in narrating the story. Doing so allows readers to connect with each character, and from a functional standpoint, it creates an opportunity for dramatic irony while still preserving the story’s twists and turns.

My only complaint about the story is its ending. While I appreciate why it had to happen, I’m also a little sad not to get the ending I wanted- a finish that I thought the characters deserved, too.

4.5 stars! (I really, really wish we could give half stars!)

Thanks to Atria and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The Punchbowl and Pineapple was a confectionery shop on Piccadilly in the Georgian London of 1749. Hannah Cole, proprietor, had been schooled in anticipating a shopper’s wants and needs, tempting her clientele with mouthwatering creations. The late night violent robbery and murder of her husband Jonas would impact her ability to keep the business afloat. It was clear that the suppliers of flour, salt and sugar did not appreciate women in trade. Neither did the fruiterer or the egg-man. Two visitors would soon grace Hannah’s shop, each with a distinct agenda.

William Devereux ingratiated himself into Hannah’s company by complimenting her Persian Sherbet. He offered condolences on the death of her husband then explained that he was the monetary advisor who helped Jonas secure sound investments. Hannah would be provided with monetary relief since there would be forthcoming stock dividends. William was a well practiced con-man who cunningly encouraged widows to part with their money. He informed Hannah that Jonas had amassed 1500 pounds. Were these funds earned or were they ill gotten gains from gambling dens? If William could con Henry Fielding then hoodwink Hannah, he would be able to generously help himself to Hannah’s money.

Henry Fielding, the Chief Magistrate of Westminster, visited the Punchbowl and Pineapple to discuss Jonas Cole’s murder,. Fielding was “a gentleman disordered in his own life and habits seeking to impose order upon others.” He was determined to “out” the murderer. He ran his courtroom from his home. Henry’s theory was that Jonas had been afraid for his life due to villainous activity. A fish “hell” token denoting dealings at a high end gambling den, nightly filled with corrupt politicians, was discovered in Jonas’ garment when his body was fished out of the Thames.

It seemed that both Hannah Cole and William Devereux worked to “out-con” each other. Henry Fielding, meanwhile, was hot on the trail of the culprit in this historical cat and mouse thriller. Devereux’s nefarious agenda was not without kindness. He introduced Hannah to the art of making iced cream using the “frigorific” method. Makeshift ice tubs could keep the flavored creams frozen. Salt mixed with the surrounding ice caused an endothermic reaction that lowered the freezing temperature of the liquid ice surrounding the individual iced cream portions. The Punchbowl and Pineapple’s capacity to freeze the creams was enhanced by the underground river that flowed beneath Piccadilly and emptied into the Thames, along with Jonas Cole's body that had previously been thrown into the cavity of the underground well.

Jonas was a despicable con-man. "A man didn’t get into parliament without buying off the right people.” With a change of plan, he intended to abscond and leave Hannah penniless. The Devereux method, however, was to wine and dine the widow Hannah to achieve his monetary windfall. In “The Art of the Lie” it was difficult to cheer for any protagonist. Corruption, lies and deception ruled. This read of multiple twists and turns had delectable iced cream included!

Thank you Atria Books/Simon and Schuster and Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This takes place in 18th century England. It was interesting to read the history, which was well written. A young widow trying to hold on to her business.

It was not my favorite I didn’t realize that this book was taking place far back I’m not sure if I’m into books like that

"She'd lied to me over and over. Me, who prided myself on the art of a lie."

Oh my goodness. #theartofalie is one of THE best books I've read this year, and I've read some good ones! Seriously, Ms. Shepherd-Robinson does a fabulous job with these characters, immersing the reader in 18th century England, too. A time when a woman was almost completely dependent upon her husband - his successes, his whims, his lies. I enjoyed reading about confectionary - what a neat occupation for Hannah Cole. And the interplay between Hannah and William/Billy?? Whiplash - inducing. Terrific read, highly recommend. Now, where is my copy of The Square of Sevens??

P.S. Thanks to #netgalley for the ARC.

Very captivating! Thank you for this ARC! I was able to fly through this book in one sitting, this book is so engaging and this book has everything you want, betrayal, humor, love! It was a perfect book for my flight :) 4.5 stars!