I will confess to not being that pumped to read this book. (I blame the dull cover and title.) But I was pleasantly surprised to find a twisty story involving a battle of wits between two fascinating, well-rounded characters.

Hannah Cole is a recently widowed owner of a confectionary shop (a very cool, very well researched premise...in fact the whole book is meticulously researched) who meets and finds herself drawn to William Devereux, a dashing investor.

What starts out a standard mystery (who murdered Hannah's husband?) and aspiring romance (is it too scandalous for Hannah to be attracted to William?) takes some serious turns as the book progresses.

Even though this is historical fiction, the characters have modern sensibilities that makes it easy to connect with them (particularly the entrepreneurial Hannah who knows what she wants, and isn't afraid to get it.)

There is a healthy cast of characters in this book, (but they're surprisingly easy to keep track of) and the whole story moves along with a nice clip. It has a very "cat and mouse" /"battle of the sexes" flavor that keeps the reader on the edge of your seat. I found it charming as hell.

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for granting me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.

Oh, my. The twists and turns in this book! Told in alternating points of view, the suspense ratchets up on every page. Who will see what the other is doing? To give any details would reveal too much. I don't do spoilers. But I highly, highly recommend this one!

The Art of a Lie is a story that will constantly take you by surprise. It's historical crime fiction at it's best - clever, complex, interesting, immersive, atmospheric... I could go on. This is the story of Hannah, who is determined to keep her confectionary shop running after her husband was murdered. However, it's 18th-century England and not all men believe that Hannah should be (or is capable of) taking on this mammoth task. With Henry Fielding investigating the murder, he puts a hold on the inheritance money being released, leaving Hannah desperate for the police to solve the case and get out of debt. Then she meets William.

The descriptions of Georgian era England were fantastic, and, as much as I loved following Hannah and the murder investigation, I also loved hearing about all of the sweets and puddings and ice cream being sold at Hannah's shop! A brilliant historical mystery with incredibly strong characters and plenty of suspense!

This isn’t a romance, and there’s no tidy ending—but it is a gripping, emotionally tense historical mystery that I couldn’t put down.

Set in 1750 London, the story follows Hannah Cole, a widowed confectioner whose husband’s murder pulls her into a dangerous game of secrets and suspicion. The historical detail is rich and immersive. You can feel the grime of Piccadilly and taste the sweetness of Hannah’s shop. Real historical figures—like Henry Fielding—add even more texture without ever feeling like a history lesson.

The structure is unique, with alternating first-person sections from Hannah and William Devereux, her husband’s friend. Their perspectives unfold slowly, layering truth and deception in equal measure. Each step forward felt like sinking deeper into quicksand, and I couldn’t see a clean way out for either of them.

This is a story about choices—bad ones, desperate ones, and the kind that leave lasting damage. The characters unravel in fascinating ways, not toward redemption but deeper into their own gray morality. And yet, it never feels cynical. Just real.

It's not a love story, but it's absolutely a story worth loving. Dark, tense, and full of twists, this one will stay with me for a long time.

4.5 stars. Wow, this book impressed me!

The first chapter or two felt slow. I briefly thought of DNFing. And then I turn the page and - well, that’s a twist I didn’t see coming. And then another one. And another one.

I really liked Hannah: she was a woman ahead of her time. She knew her worth and that she was the best in her field. The mystery surrounding her husband’s death becomes central to three very different people, with all of them seeking to profit in different ways. The writing was excellent, giving a snapshot of Georgian England without being too heavy on the exposition.

I can’t really explain too much more without spoilers, but I guarantee that this historical fiction is as suspenseful as a modern-day thriller. I can’t say enough good things about this book!

Thank you to NetGalley, Laura Shepherd-Robinson, and Atria Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

As the old saying goes “what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive”, and that’s very true for this book! Set in mid 18th century England, Hannah Cole runs a confectioners shop that was her grandfather’s. Married to an abusive husband, when he is found murdered, she is prime suspect number one. Trying to keep her shop afloat, she makes the acquaintance of smooth-talking gentleman William Deveraux, who promises to try and help her solve the murder. But both have secrets, and both use the other to that end.

I have to admit, at first I didn’t like either character - they are both liars! But, thinking of that time-period and how it must have been for a widowed woman facing possible eviction from the only home she had ever known, I can better understand her choices. Lots of twists in this one - it will keep you interested in knowing the full story. Thanks to Netgalley and Atria Books for an ARC; all opinions are my own.

The Art of a Lie is a fun historical gem. It tells alternating voices of Hannah Cole and William Devereaux during the late 1700’s. Hannah owns a confection shop and continues running it after the murder of her husband. William is a business man who is trying to help her solve the crime. This book contains one of my favorite tropes – the cat and mouse, just who is chasing who story. So many things (and people) are not quite what they seem. If you enjoy a story that takes place in a unique time period while still teaching some history, and also contains characters that are very layered and nuanced, I recommend this fun, quirky read.

Clever, clever, clever! Let the games begin! It's 18th-century England and a game of wits ensues when Hannah Cole's husband is murdered, and her confectionary shop is struggling. The magistrate, Henry Fielding, is threatening to confiscate her husband's bank account and William Devereux, a mysterious friend of her husband offers to help!

Being a woman and having a business is hard work, especially during a time when female owned businesses are frowned upon. There are many, including her suppliers, who do not want Hannah to succeed. When Henry Fielding begins his investigation, he suspects her husband was not on the up and up and threatens to take his bank account as the money in it may have been made by illegal means. Hannah needs all the money she can get to pay her suppliers and keep her shop open! It is not an easy time to be a woman, a widow, or a female business owner!

William Devereux offers to help and even introduces Hannah to an Italian delicacy called Iced Cream! It is a hit, and her business may just yet survive! Iced Cream, can you even imagine? Such a tasty treat! People are curious, and she is getting customers! But not so fast Hannah, the gossip mills are spinning overtime! Hannah's relationship with the charming and devilishly handsome, Devereux has caught everyone's eye and as the gossip reaches Henry Fielding, he takes a closer look at Hannah!

This book is told through the POV of both Hannah and William. This was a very nice touch, and readers learn quite a bit about each character with each chapter! Oh, how I loved reading their thoughts and motivations. Each character was fascinating and as the book progressed, I found myself becoming more and move invested in the plot. Both characters are very clever, very resourceful, and quick thinkers.

I enjoyed the descriptions of 18th-century England and how investigations were conducted. I also enjoyed the many twists and turns that occurred along the way. I found this to be a very clever and captivating game of wits and wondered who would come out on top!

Wonderfully written, with descriptions that will have readers feeling as if they are right there in the confectionary shop on Piccadilly trying Iced cream for the first time! Secrets, lies, manipulation, power plays, tasty treats, and quick wits are the name of the game in The Art of a Lie!

Laura Shepherd-Robinson's "The Art of A Lie" unfolds like a masterful game of chess where every character's move conceals deeper strategies beneath. After loving "The Square of Sevens," I pounced on this advance copy with high expectations—and found myself rewarded with something even more intricate.

Don't be fooled by the deliberate pacing of those opening chapters—by the end of Chapter 3, Shepherd-Robinson springs her trap, and from that moment, putting this book down became impossible. The pages practically turned themselves as I raced to discover who was manipulating whom in this labyrinth of deception.

Hannah Cole emerges as one of the most fascinating protagonists I've encountered in historical fiction this year. Navigating 18th century England as a woman already presents formidable challenges, but Hannah's determination to rise above societal constraints while grappling with her husband's murder creates a character of remarkable complexity. What makes her journey so compelling isn't just her cunning, but how she maintains her humanity while playing a dangerous game where showing weakness means certain defeat.

Then there's William—a character I simultaneously wanted to trust and suspect. His chameleon-like ability to transform himself based on circumstance left me constantly questioning his motives, creating that delicious tension that keeps you analyzing every word and gesture for hidden meaning.

Sophie Roberts and Justin Avoth's audiobook narration elevated the experience further, their voices capturing both the refined veneer of Enlightenment England and the raw emotions simmering beneath polite society's surface.

This brilliant con game disguised as historical fiction asks the ultimate question—in a world built on artifice, who's truly playing whom? A chess match of a read that I can't recommend highly enough.

Massive thanks to Atria Books, Simon & Schuster Audio, and NetGalley for the advance copies. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

The Art of a Lie by Laura Shepherd-Robinson is a smart historical mystery set in Georgian London. It follows Hannah Cole, a widowed confectioner trying to save her business while uncovering the truth about her late husband. The story switches between her point of view and that of William Devereux, a smooth-talking gentleman with a hidden past and unclear motives. His chapters add a layer of tension because I was never certain of his motivations. The writing is rich in detail, especially around the history of sugar and trade, and the setting feels real. There are strong twists and a good pace throughout. The character of Henry Fielding, the real-life magistrate and novelist, brings legal and social weight to the plot. Some of the switches between characters can feel a little abrupt, but overall the plot holds together well. The book does a great job balancing suspense with emotional depth. If you enjoy historical fiction with mystery and well-drawn characters, I can recommend this book.

I adored the writing style of the author, perfectly crafting the different vocal styles of the protagonists, it almost felt like two different writers were involved. The characters themselves were complex, I was constantly changing my opinions on them from intrigued, dislike but with also an understanding of why they were the way they were. This is perfect for those who love cat and mouse thrillers within an historical fiction setting and who doesn’t love ice cream being thrown in with the mix.

A tale of a group of con artists who target rich widows. This is during a time when women being able to own anything was very iffy. I loved the historical references and the story definitely kept me interested.

A first-rate historical novel that plunges you headlong into Georgian London. I love a story that makes me feel like I've actually occupied the location and era in which it is set! I could practically taste the iced cream. I fell in love with both Hannah and Billy, cheering for both of them (and for the two of them together) throughout. The unusual structure of changing perspective at key moments int he plot kept me riveted, and also made me much more aware of both of the characters actions and emotions, even when the scene was not in their point of view. The twisty con and suspenseful murder mystery kept me riveted, and sudden revelations made me gasp or cheer out loud more than once. Truly delightful from start to finish.

A twisty, beautifully written historical mystery that surprised me until the very end.

From the title The Art of the Lie, I expected deception—but I was still caught off guard by the layers of secrets, twists, and emotional depth this novel delivered. The writing is absolutely stunning: atmospheric, immersive, and rich in detail. The characters felt real, flawed, and compelling, especially Hannah and Devereux.
The pacing was sharp, the tension well-crafted, and the final chapters left me breathless. I can completely see this being turned into a Netflix film or series—it has that cinematic quality, full of suspense and heart.
A brilliant read that lived up to and exceeded its premise. Highly recommend!

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 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.

Cleverly plotted mystery full of surprises.

Set in 18th century London, we meet newly widowed Hannah, who runs a confectionary shop. Her husband's recent bludgeoning murder is unsolved. Actual historical figure Henry Fielding, a magistrate, is investigating the crime. Into this mix comes the gentleman William Deveraux, a friend of Hannah's husband whom she did not know.

It's difficult to review this without spoilers. Suffice it to say everyone has their secrets and few are who they seem to be. Plot and counterplot, and layers of deception keep you reading until the surprise ending. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and Atria Books. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

Genre: Historical Fiction, Historical Mystery, Historical Suspense
Spice Level: Affairs and such are mentioned, but I really don't remember any of it on the page

THE ART OF A LIE caught me into a world of deceit, lies, and murder.

I was fascinated to read a book set in the 1700s instead of time periods I am more familiar with. The laws of inheritance, dreams and expectations, and what women were allowed to do all wove into this tale.

I was truly riveted through the entire thing.

And I felt like there were great twists.

Pick this one up! It's different than all the other historical mystery suspense novels on the market. And it's worth your time.

Happy reading!

Thank you to NetGalley for this arc.

I had seen this novel in the READ NOW section of where to find titles and I thought it would be interesting and it is, but I’m not sure it’s at the pacing of my taste. Definitely something for those who enjoy this genre to the fullest. The flow is nice, the author has a way of making you feel like you’re apart of this story and mystery going on. This is a novel I think I’ll have to come back to in the future.

3/5 ⭐️

I can tell the author did a lot of research on this and I appreciate that. I also can see that I am an outlier with my lower rating so it’s probably a me problem…
However, unfortunately I had a hard time getting through this book. Not only does it take place in a place (England), where the dialect is different (and I did know some things since I have family in England and have been there as well), but it also takes place in the mid-1700s. So, of course, the way the characters speak will be different. Each of the two points of view are written in the first person and we have to get in the mindset that we are looking through the eyes of someone living during that time. However, even reading the historical note at the end of the story made me realize that perhaps this author’s writing style, in general, is not for me.

Who:
Hannah, a widow who is trying to continue running her confectionery shop on her own as she is running out of money. She carries with her a secret that is at risk of being exposed and destroying everything she has.

William: a gentleman who enters into Hanna‘s life shortly after the death of her husband. He has his own secret. Is he truly intending to help Hannah or does he have his own personal agenda?

Through the dual perspectives, we learn who each person is. (There is a stark difference in the way each section is presented so it’s very clear whose mind we are in!)

What:
This book contains a little of many things: historical fiction (my favorite genre), psychological thriller, mystery, swindlers. mobsters, as well as lots of deception, manipulation, and of course, as the title suggests, so many lies!
I had high hopes for liking it. I did find some pieces interesting, including the “iced cream” piece of the story (especially the different types of flavors they created, as well as the creative things that they did with it!) and learning that it was fairly common for women to own businesses during that time period in England. The story itself is a great concept. I only wish it read more smoothly.

Thank you to Netgalley and Atria books for an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own.

The setting: 18th century London. Hannah Cole, a widowed confectioner--whose husband, Jonas, was murdered, is sturggling to keep her shop open. Henry Fielding, "...the famous author-turned-magistrate, is threatening to confiscate the money in her husband’s bank account because he believes it might have been illicitly acquired. William Devereaux--enters the scene a [supposed] friend of her late husband. He "...tells her about an Italian delicacy called iced cream" which she hopes will bring new fortune to her shop. And he seeks to entrap her in his web and steal her money--though he intends to leave her a bit. Deveraux has to pay his debts and also his accomplices --but is he a good soul? [he would like you to believe so as he plans not to take all of her inheritance].

Devereaux is a grifter par excellence!! His schemes, plottings, and intricacies are beyond! I was amazed how carefully he sculpted his plot!

Some great descriptions:
"beveined cheeks"
"wizened as a currant, to my mind hollowed out by an excess of malice"
"place was musty with the smell of ancient hatreds"

New words:
tatterdemalion
Lascar
scagolia

There is much cat and mouse play in this book [indeeed, at times I grew weary of it]. The worm turned multiple times which kept me wondering--to an extent. Hannah was deceived by love and his weaving of a trap/web was quite extensive/well-planned.

Would make a good movie.

In the distinct minority as I got tired of all the back and forth and [no spoiler] didn't ultimately believe Hannah was that smart [sorry; will not reveal more]. 3.5, on the cusp of rounding up because of all the twists [but were there?], ultimately a 3.