What a rich, layered, and utterly delectable read! The Art of a Lie swept me straight into the world of 18th-century London, and I didn’t want to leave. Laura Shepherd-Robinson is a master of immersive historical fiction, and this novel is no exception—it’s dripping with atmosphere, laced with suspense, and brimming with emotion.

Let’s start with the writing: the descriptions are absolutely exquisite. I could taste the candied violets, smell the sugar bubbling in the backroom of Hannah’s Piccadilly shop, and feel the cold shock of the first bite of iced cream. And beyond the confections, Shepherd-Robinson brings every corner of this story to life, from the shadowy alleys of London to the nuanced, beating heart of each character.

Hannah Cole is a heroine I won’t forget anytime soon. Her grief is rendered so beautifully and honestly—not as one flat note, but as a complex, ever-shifting tide. She’s sharp and steady one moment, unraveling the mystery of her husband’s death, and hollowed out with heartache the next. I loved that complexity. It made her feel so real, so human.

And while the mystery is gripping, what really struck me was the way every relationship—whether friend or foe—carried the tension of hidden motives. The stakes always felt high, and the final unraveling was satisfying, if just a touch more grounded than twisty. My only small critique is that some moments, especially with the magistrate Henry Fielding, leaned more cerebral than thrilling—but even that felt in tune with the tone of the novel.

All in all, The Art of a Lie is smart, emotionally resonant, and lush with detail. If you love historical fiction that balances heart and intrigue with a heroine you can root for, this one’s a must-read. Just maybe keep a sweet treat nearby—you’ll be craving something sugary within a few chapters.

Thank you Atria books for this arc.

I went into this book expecting one thing and ended up getting something much better but still different. But now I’m not sure how to review it without revealing spoilers.

There are detailed notes at the end of the story that detail how the intricate plot came into being as well as how many historical events, people and places are included. This should not be read until after the story is finished though. There are twists and turns here that will be spoiled and ruined by reading it too soon.

This is a gritty, grimy London. Hannah is a tradeswoman and somewhat awed by gentry and aristocrats. She’s also sharp and extremely dedicated in doing everything she can so that her shop, which was originally her father’s, succeeds in the face of all opposition. As a woman, she is subject to much more gossip and speculation than any man would be. William Deveraux is a gentleman who begins to spend more and more time with Hannah as he gets to know her and is impressed by her. William is also very smart and very clever.

I enjoyed the book but I can easily see that due to the extensive historical details and the twisty murder investigation that this might not be everyone’s cup of tea. I do strongly urge that readers avoid anything marked as spoilers if they want to get the full impact of what happens. B

A clever page turning tale. Hannah's husband Jonas was not a good man and now he's dead but by whose hand? Henry Fielding (yes, him) is investigating not only the murder but also how Jonas came by the large sum of money Hannah needs to keep her confectionary going. William Devereaux seems like a godsend, a man who gives her the recipe for iced cream and who is romancing her. Except that he's an experienced confidence man who has made his living by conning widows. They both tell this story and it's a cracking good one. It's quite atmospheric (imagine getting your ice Hannah does and what might be in the ice) and tricky. Lies abound. Hannah is more determined, it turns out, than William. No spoilers from me on how this evolves but there are surprises. The characters, all of them, leap off the page and will keep you guessing. Don't skip the afterword! Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. This is a great read for fans of historical fiction.

In this well crafted piece of historical fiction set in Georgian England, Hannah Cole, recently widowed at the age of 29, owns a confection shop, inherited from her father. As a widow and a woman, she has little money or power under the law in London in 1749. Luckily, William Devereux, a gentleman friend of her late husband Jonas, arrives at the shop with welcome news of an investment dividend and the idea for a new confection to increase her business - "iced cream." Unluckily, Henry Fielding (yes, Henry Fielding the famous author), chief magistrate of Westminster, arrives soon after Devereux's departure with the unwelcome news that Fielding is investigating Jonas Cole's death. Fielding suspects Jonas knew his killer rather than being the victim of a random robber. So begins a game of cat and mouse, passion and betrayal, and lies and love.

Shepherd-Robinson excels at writing historical fiction featuring complex plots fueled by deception, grounded in excellent research and historical detail. The story is narrated in alternating chapters by Hannah and William, revealing their stories bit by bit. But who is best at the art of a lie? Readers drawn to well written historical fiction will be anxious to learn the answer.

The Haves and the Have Nots.

Laura Shepherd-Robinson presents a full-out creative take on life in 1749 in London. The streets are filled with crested carriages carrying the rich to their destinations. And in the backstreets and alleys are those begging for a coin or two while being ignored. If the rich turn their heads, poverty just seems to disappear.

Women faired no better than the poor on the streets. Hannah Cole has had her life turned upside down since her husband was murdered on those same streets. The magistrate, Henry Fielding, questions the large sum of money in her husband's bank account. How did he acquire that much wealth? Until that question is answered, Hannah will have no access to that money. Sadly, women rarely inherited anything either way.

Now Hannah is one industrious woman. She runs a confectionary shop where she works from dawn to dusk trying to make ends meet. But soon her suppliers are cutting off her credit from bills not paid. With her back against the wall, Hannah is open to suggestions.

Then William Devereaux walks in with his handsome face. He claims to be a friend of her late husband......and he has one big suggestion. He wants Hannah to replicate a certain delicacy that he had while in Italy. Ice cream, anyone? Not so fast......and not so easy.

The Art of A Lie stretches to a panoramic view of falsehoods being spread a mile a minute in jolly old England. Even Hannah herself is not presenting the full story. William shuffles masks every nano second as well. And how did Hannah's husband accumulate all that money on his own? Tall tales and a delightful storyline that keeps the pages turning. And who is conning who?

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Atria Books and to Laura Shepherd-Robinson for the opportunity.

This isn't a spoiler. Don't trust anyone in this book! Hannah and William are terrific, complicated characters. Each of them has secrets, and secrets upon secrets. As their relationship develops, you can't help but hope they will be able to find an island of trust and peace. But reader, beware. Nothing is quite what it seems!

London, 1749, is depicted in all its grimy glory. The book features the real life author and magistrate Henry Fielding.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Absolutely Fantastic! Never read her before now I’m going to read albl her books. Historical fiction at its best seamlessly integrating the history of the time with the fiction this book is not a mystery but is more in the vein of an intelligent Hitchcockian thriller. The writing is great as is the pacing. The characterizations are also flawless. Can’ t say enough good things about this book and its author. Highly Recommended.

This was absolutely fantastic and I cannot say enough good things about it. Checked so many boxes for me:

✅️Historical fiction about a period I don't often read about
✅️Morally ambiguous characters
✅️Plot twists that actually surprised me
✅️A dash of romance

Truly so much fun and I almost wish it was longer, but the pacing was just right. Hannah Cole is the absolute coolest (pun intended) protagonist I've read this year, and I absolutely loved the setting and entire cast of characters. There were several reveals that had my eyebrows travelling allllll the way up my forehead, and I loved the way the plot played out.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

Thank you Netgalley & Atria Books for an eARC ♥️


🌟 A Deliciously Twisty Treat – Loved It Even More Than The Square of Sevens! 🌟
Okay, confession time: I adored Laura Shepherd-Robinson’s *The Square of Sevens*, so when I heard she had a new historical novel set in 18th-century London, I sprinted to get my hands on it. And let me tell you—this book did not disappoint.😍 In fact, I might love it even more (which I didn’t think was possible).
Hannah Cole is my new favorite historical fiction heroine—a sharp, stubborn widow trying to keep her confectionery shop afloat while dodging scheming suppliers, nosy magistrates (looking at you, Henry Fielding), and the mystery behind her husband’s murder. Enter William Devereux, a charming ally who brings iced cream into her life (yes, please!) and helps her unravel the truth—but of course, nothing is that simple.
The writing is lush and immersive—I could practically smell the sugar boiling in Hannah’s shop and feel the grime of London’s streets. The intrigue is perfectly paced, with just the right mix of romance, betrayal. And can we talk about the FOOD? The descriptions of Hannah’s confections (and that tantalizing iced cream) had me craving sweets the whole way through.
If you love strong female leads, Georgian-era drama, and mysteries with a side of slow-burn romance, this is 100% your next great read. Laura Shepherd-Robinson has done it again—this is why she’s an auto-buy author for me.♥️
A five-star confection of a book—sweet, surprising, and impossible to put down. 🍰🔍💔
P.S. If you haven’t read *The Square of Sevens* yet, DO IT. Then come back for this one.🫶🏼

In Georgian London, a widowed Hannah Cole is determined to keep her business afloat. She became sole owner of the confectioner’s shop in Piccadilly after her husband was found murdered. Magistrate Henry Fielding (yes, that Henry Fielding) is investigating his death, and has withheld the proceeds of his estate in probate. She is less concerned with solving the murder and more focused on meeting demands of her suppliers and customers.

Meanwhile, William Devereux introduces himself to Hannah as a friend of her husband. When he learns of her predicament, Devereux dedicates himself to solving the crime, thus releasing the inherited funds. He even shares a recipe for Italian iced cream, making her shop wildly popular, especially among the aristocracy.

The narrative alternates (in long sections) between Hannah and William’s points of view and the character’s voice could not be any more different. While they share the goal of getting her inheritance released from probate, it becomes clear their motives are not entirely the same.

"I was still frowning at his presumption when Theo returned. “Mr. Brunsden is come to settle his bill.” She set down a tray of lemon jellies and smiled at Mr. Devereux.

Restraining a sigh, I excused myself. As I passed through the shop, my little jewel box of gilt-edged mirrors and pistachio paneling, I exchanged a few words with my regular customers. Entering the hot, sweet hell of my kitchen, I found Oscar sweating over the pastry table, stamping out almond hearts. Not quite trusting Theo with the shop’s money yet, I told Oscar to watch the counter and to send in Felix to take the goods down to the cellar. Then I smoothed my apron, and walked out into the yard.

Roger Brunsden was resting upon his cane in the shade of the old vine that had colonized my back wall and those of the neighboring yards. His boys trooped in and out of the alley, grunting under the weight of sacks of flour and salt, sugar loaves wrapped in blue paper, boxes of dried figs and currants."

Author Laura Shepherd-Robinson sprinkles these bright gems throughout the novel full of tricks and twists. The story takes the reader to the underground rivers of London, pleasure gardens, a magistrate’s office before the days of a police force. Like the protagonist, she chooses perfect, scrumptious bites and wraps them in beautiful paper and ribbons for the reader’s enjoyment.

My thanks to Atria Books for the review copy. Read via NetGalley.

Thank you Atria Books @atriabooks and Laura Shepherd-Robinson @laurashepherdrobinson for this free book!
“The Art of a Lie” by Laura Shepherd-Robinson⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Genre: Historical Fiction. Location: London, England. Time: Summer 1749.
Hannah Cole (29) is struggling. Her husband was violently murdered. Her Piccadilly confectionary shop (The Punchbowl and Pineapple) barely turns a profit. Her suppliers want her gone-they don’t like women in trade. Henry Fielding (famous author-turned-magistrate) wants to confiscate her late husband’s bank account because he believes it was illicitly acquired. Then her late husband’s friend William Devereux helps Hannah investigate his death. He also tells her about an Italian delicacy called iced cream. She believes this will transform her fortunes. But their friendship draws speculation and gossip, and pulls Henry Fielding’s attention to her, locking her into a battle of wits.

Author Shepherd-Robinson’s book is about love, betrayal, and intrigue. Her world-building sets us in 18th century life: social hierarchies, confectionery skills, corrupt judges, the lack of rights for married women-and the art of the con. It’s meticulously researched. We learn the origins of ice cream, and also of the police. Her lead character Hannah is strong enough to make her own fortune, no matter what men say. Shepherd-Robinson includes a map of Piccadilly, and a floor plan of Hannah’s home and shop. (I wish all authors did this!) She uses dual narrators (so we know more than either narrator), and real Henry Fielding book quotes. The plot twists early, twists again, and then again. It’s a page-turner, I stayed up way too late reading it because I couldn’t put it down, so it’s 5 stars from me🌵📚👩🏼‍🦳#theartofalie #laurashepherd-robinson

Thank you to Net Galley and Atria Books for the chance to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.
Wow! The author must have worked very hard to bring this story together. Even though most of the characters were fictional, it was based on some real places and events. I am not going to give a summary of this book. It would just contain too many spoilers. All I will say is read it! I read it in one day. It is the kind of book that takes a minute to get into, but once you do you HAVE to find out what happens. Highly recommend! It will leave you thinking about the intentions of other people.

I’ll admit to a weakness for historical fiction dabbling in cons and heists. Cast through the lens of time, when a con could cost your reputation, your livelihood, and often your life, it’s hard to resist the story of a well-executed stratagem , peppered with period details, rizzy characters and a few big corkscrew twists along the way. In skilled hands this can feel almost unbearably unsettling and yet, bracing . Laura Shepard Robinson neatly delivers this package in The Art of Lying. Cons usually involve a both a sense of agency and discontent in the chief players. But what happens in 18th century London, when Hannah Cole, a young widow, already pushing the boundaries of propriety as a female confection shop owner, finds she is soon to be coming into an unexpected fortune from her brutal late husband’s Jonas secret estate? The money could appease her many creditors and save the teetering business that was founded by her grandfather. However, there are a few wrinkles before Hannah can seize the dough, such as an investigation into Jonas’ suspicious death by robbery, her overbearing brother-in-law with a few schemes of his own, and the annoying fact that Hannah actually murdered her husband. Sniffing around the sweetshop is the pit bull of seeming propriety, Chief Magistrate and writer Henry Fielding (yes, that Fielding, author of Tom Jones). A fearsome truth extractor, he has impounded Hannah’s future fortune until the murderer behind Jonas’s death is found. Hannah does her best to aid in the investigation, pointing Inspector Fielding to possible suspects; and trying to sweeten things with her considerable charm and one of her amazingly inventive sweet shop treats And he’s not the only one with eyes on Hannah, the beautiful bounder, William Devereux, materializes, claiming to be an old friend of her husband. In reality he has never met her husband, but he has met her type: the vulnerable isolated widow, ripe for a new boyfriend who will charmingly extract her old or new money. Hannah is ripe for the picking and his elaborate con employs and an enormous cast and even brings in a young boy, his future ward, to quiver her maternal strings. William has his own kite string of secrets and creditors: an angry widow, a deadly neighborhood crime boss, his sidekick and associate who wants to quit the biz, and the memory specter of a cruel and difficult coming of age. The secondary characters-there are quite a few-have a distinct Dickensian flair and I would happily read a narrative devoted to any one of them.

Both Hannah and William cling to their artifices as they grow intimate and their creditors and pursuers grow closer. From a deliciously slow set up, the story picked up great velocity as it advanced, the con and crime and the fast and furious ending was expected and yet totally unexpected and unexpectedly poignant The author’s historical note at the end of the book is one of the best I’ve read for this format; in a few pages, she develops a lively historical tour guide for businesses, (especially those run by female proprietors), trade goods, and how the demand for sugar impacted slavery on a vast economic scale. She also touches on the early adaption of ice cream (made by a different method than we know) and the creativity of ice cream confectioners, including Parmesan and artichoke among the flavors. Usually when an excellent story is finished, its afterlife, usually involving the plot and characters, clings to the mind, but in this example, the setting made its indelible mark. In short, well done, Laura Shepard Robinson! I would recommend this book to just about everyone.

Thank you NetGalley and Atria for an advance readers copy to review.

This book drew me in and kept my unbroken attention straight through. For me, it really fit the publishers’ blurb ‘unputdownable,’ much as I hate that word.

The action takes place in 18th century London, mostly on Piccadilly Street, where artisans sell their wares from storefronts and reputation matters as much as craft. Confectioner Hannah Cole inherited her shop from her father, who had inherited it from his own. Many of the period’s businesses were passed down through generations, with at least one child being carefully trained in the necessary skills. While it was not unusual for women to be merchants, it was much harder than for men. Hannah is a superb candy-maker, but with her charming and wily husband Jonas newly dead, the young widow suddenly comes face to face with difficulties she had never imagined.

The most important is the gossip about the true cause of his death—was it really a random assault in the street, or was it something else more nefarious? Magistrate Henry Fielding—the famous writer (The History of Tom Jones) who really was a magistrate and aspired to a much higher position in the King’s court—despite his love for her confections, believes that she was involved. He is determined to pressure her into confessing, which would lead her to the gallows.

Hannah is smart but Fielding’s gender and position gives him great power. Just as she begins to lose hope, and as neighbours and customers turn on her, William Devereux comes into her life. Handsome, kind, and extremely loyal to her deceased husband, who had been his best friend (unbeknownst to her), he seems to have been heaven-sent to deliver and to save her little shop. Because Fielding has frozen her husband’s assets—really hers, but registered in his name—he promises to lend her money before she is bankrupt . Innovation is another way to re-establish herself in the public eye, and perhaps even win over the gourmand Fielding. A sophisticated world traveller, he tells her about the wonders of a new Italian treat known as iced cream. Although some of the detail is overdone, the history of this new and persistent indulgence is fascinating, as is Hannah’s attempt to uncover the perfect recipe in those pre-refrigerated times.

As their attraction builds, however, Hannah begins to question Will’s sincerity. Does he want her or her shop? Meanwhile, Fielding uncovers details about her late husband’s character, and about their marriage that point more and more to some complicity in his death—maybe even Will’s. Was he really the best friend? She wonders this herself.

As Will brings her increasingly into his own world of high ranking individuals, some who do belong to the King’s court, she is drawn into a whole new world. But is it real? Or is it a lie?
But Hannah is not as innocent and vulnerable as she appears. She is capable of parrying his every move. All this dancing around true motives occurs even as they fall more deeply in love. The result is a gut-punch of a conclusion that will leave you stunned, possibly also in tears.

Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC of this novel. This type of novel is exceedingly rare, perfectly researched historical fiction combined with all the blind twists and turns of the best modern thrillers. The best of both worlds. I loved the novelist's first book, The Square of Sevens, also fantastically researched, if a bit more rambling. But she really ups her game here. This one is taut and so realistic that you feel like you are there. It doesn't fall into the trap of romanticizing earlier periods and creating the type of feminist hero that could not exist in that period. I don't think I've enjoyed a piece of historical fiction this much since David Liss' A Conspiracy of Paper.

Set in the mid 1700s, The Art of a Lie tells the story of Hannah, a widow trying to keep her business afloat, and William, a man of means looking to help Hannah out. As the title suggests, nothing is as it seems. The magistrate, the real historical figure Henry Fielding, is after the murderer of Hannah’s husband and is holding up the probate she desperately needs to survive. A cat and mouse game ensues, filled with deception, betrayal, and, of course, lies.

This is a well thought out story with some jaw dropping twists and turns. It switches points of view between Hannah and William, providing insight to the reader of what’s happening while the other characters are still in the dark. My only quibble is the absolute vulgarity in parts of the story. It’s there for shock value and does lend to the seediness of the scene, but most of it was unnecessary and was distracting from the story.

Overall I enjoyed the story and would recommend it to lovers of cons and mysteries.

Not family friendly due to profanity and sexual situations.

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

"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 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

This was a twisty book that was fun to read! What a great setup and plot line. It's well-written, feeding you bits and pieces of the characters along the way so that you don't have quite the full picture until the end.

I’m sure others will enjoy this book, but it’s not for me. I couldn’t connect with the author’s writing style or the main character. DNF ~15%.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

The Art of a Lie
Laura Shepherd-Robinson
08/05/2025
Atria
Step inside 1749 London and you’ll find yourself elbow-deep in sugar, scandal, and schemes. Laura Shepherd-Robinson’s The Art of a Lie doesn’t just recreate the past—it wraps you in it, from the grime of the streets to the tension in the gambling halls and the shady characters behind those doors. The level of historical detail is extraordinary, from the confectionery craft to the way characters speak and carry themselves. I was completely transported—lost among the pages in a world I did not want to leave.

Told in four parts from two sharply drawn points of view, we follow Hannah Cole, a recently widowed confectioner trying to survive in a man’s world, and William Devereux, a mysterious “entrepreneur” with his own secrets and connections to Hannah’s late husband. Their narratives twist around each other, full of guarded truths, a list of lies and secrets each character wants to keep guarded and unspoken tension, until the arrival of a third force—former author turned magistrate Henry Fielding (yes that Henry Fielding author of The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling, 1979) —ratchets up the stakes. What begins as a slow unraveling of a possible inheritance turns into a dangerous game of deception and survival.

This is more than a cat-and-mouse thriller—it’s a masterclass in manipulation, where trust is fleeting and everyone is vulnerable to being molded to someone else's purpose. Hannah and William are both prisoners of their past, haunted by the lies they’ve told and the truths they fear. As alliances shift and the pressure builds, the question becomes not just who will win, but who will survive the lies intact.