The Art of a Lie by Laura Shepherd-Robinson
Set in the richly drawn world of Georgian London, The Art of a Lie introduces a society where appearances can be dangerously deceptive. At its centre is Hannah Cole, a widowed confectioner fighting to keep her Piccadilly shop alive while suspicion gathers around the circumstances of her husband’s death. As magistrates, creditors and supposed friends close in, Hannah discovers that her late husband’s past was far murkier than she ever realised. The arrival of the charming William Devereux brings both hope and uncertainty, pulling her deeper into a world of secrets, manipulation and the quiet power struggles that define the city’s upper and lower tiers alike.
The author excels at creating atmosphere and intrigue, threading her story with vivid historical detail and a strong sense of suspense. The novel becomes a clever exploration of honesty, survival and the stories people tell about themselves in order to endure. Hannah is a compelling protagonist, resourceful yet vulnerable, and her emotional journey is as engaging as the mystery unfolding around her. With its layered characters, sharp plotting and an immersive sense of place, The Art of a Lie delivers an absorbing historical mystery that feels both elegant and satisfyingly tense.
