The Art of a Lie by Laura Shepherd-RobinsonSynopsis: “That’s the trouble with stories, especially the ones you write for yourself. Sometimes you think they’ve ended, when they’ve barely begun…
London, 1749. Following the murder of her husband in what looks like 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. Henry Fielding, the famous author and new magistrate, is threatening to confiscate the money in her husband’s bank account because he believes it might have been illicitly acquired. And even those who claim to be Hannah’s friends have darker intent. Only William Devereux seems different. A friend of her late husband, Devereux helps Hannah unravel some of the mysteries surrounding his death. He also tells her about an Italian delicacy called iced cream, an innovation she is convinced will transform the fortunes of her shop – if only she can learn how to make it. But their friendship opens Hannah to speculation and gossip and draws Henry Fielding’s attention her way, locking her into a battle of wits more devastating than anything, even her husband’s murder.“

My Review

This was another superb book by Laura Shepherd-Robinson, and one of my favourites this year! 

This was a wonderful historical fiction set in Georgian London. I got swept up in all the fantastic historical details, and felt that I was there as the story about Hannah Cole, her confectionery shop, and the mystery of her murdered husband unfolded.

I really liked Hannah and William Devereux, and enjoyed the brilliant twists and turns their stories took me on. This is definitely a story that is best to go in blind as spoilers would definitely ruin it.

The narration by Justin Avoth, a new-to-me narrator, was superb, he was William Devereux to me! Sophie Roberts’ narration was good, but she’s not one of my favourites.

Laura Shepherd-Robinson has once again confirmed that she is one of my favourite authors, and I can’t wait read or listen to her next book!

Highly recommend this on audio if you enjoy historical fiction.