The Art of a Lie

A Novel

By: Laura Shepherd-Robinson

Narrated by: Sophie Roberts, Justin Avoth

In 18th-century England, a widowed confectioner is drawn into a web of love, betrayal, and intrigue and a battle of wits in this masterful historical novel from the author of the “delicious puzzle-box of a novel” (The New York Times) and USA TODAY bestseller The Square of Sevens.

Following the murder of her husband in what looks like a violent street robbery, Hannah Cole is struggling to keep her head above water. Her confectionary shop on Piccadilly is barely turning a profit, her suppliers conspiring to put her out of business because they don’t like women in trade. 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. 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. 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 she can imagine.

Wonderful Book

Interesting book,lots of twists and turns.Amazing voices,and characters. Enjoy the book,have a dish of of ice cream ,

Love the intrigue and breadth of historical research.

Terrific story. Took me a bit to get into but the moment Book Two started I was hooked and barely paused listening until the end. If you enjoyed The Square of Sevens, you'll also enjoy this book. Delicious historical note and interview at the end, too. Ended up eating too much ice cream as I listened, IYKYK.

What a plot!

Full of twists, historical context and interesting characters this novel keeps you wondering which con will succeed all the way through. So well plotted and conceived, very much worth the time.

Exquisite writing and impossible to pause

Every inch of this story is a delight. The characters are so well developed; they became people I knew and rooted for. The twists were TWISTY. And now I shall dream of time-traveling back to Georgian London. SO good.

Great character personalities

I love this story. It needs to be on the big screen! Fantastic tale of romance, greed and trickery! The narrator’s did a wonderful job