London, 1749. Following the murder of her husband in a violent street robbery, Hannah Cole is struggling to keep her head above water. The Punchbowl and Pineapple, her confectionary shop on Piccadilly, is barely turning a profit, and her suppliers are conspiring to put her out of business. So when she learns that her husband had a large sum of money in his bank account that she knew nothing about, the surprise is extremely welcome. And when William Devereux, a friend of her late husband, tells her about a new Italian delicacy called “iced cream”, Hannah believes it might transform the fortunes of her shop.
But her husband’s unexpected windfall attracts the attention of author-turned-magistrate Henry Fielding, who suspects the money was illicitly acquired. Unless Hannah can prove otherwise, her inheritance will be confiscated. As she and Devereux work to uncover the secrets of her husband’s double life, their friendship opens Hannah to speculation and gossip, locking her into a battle of wits more devastating than anything, even her husband’s murder.
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The Art of a Lie by Laura Shepherd-Robinson is published on 10 July 2025 by Pan Macmillan. My thanks to the publisher who sent my copy for review.
Fans of historical fiction are in for such a treat with this one! I have read all of this author's novels now and can honestly say that this is her best yet. A clever and compelling thriller with a cast of characters headed up by a strong feisty female, researched impeccably and delivered with style.
In Georgian London, Hannah Cole is recently widowed. Her husband Jonas was murdered in a street robbery and Hannah is struggling to keep her high-end confectionary shop; Punchbowl and Pineapple going. A lone woman in business can be a target and there are some suppliers who would happily see her out of business.
Two events change Hannah's outlook. The discovery that Jonas had a large sum of money in his account when he died and a visit from William Devereux; a man who claims to be an old friend of Jonas and who introduces Hannah to iced cream. This new delicacy from Italy seems perfect for Hannah's shop and she goes about producing her own.
Meanwhile, Henry Fielding, novelist and now magistrate is looking into the late Jonas' affairs. He is convinced that the money in the account should not be there and is threatening to block the account.
This is an immersive and detailed story, beautifully written and filled with tension. This author brings Georgian London to life with her colourful and evocative descriptions. I was impressed by the structure of this novel; the author chooses to tell her tale using two voices; Hannah and William. These two narratives are so different yet work so perfectly together.
The title of this novel is perfect. The story is filled with lies, with treachery, with confidence tricksters. It is superb and highly recommended by me.
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