REVIEW: The Art of a Lie by Laura Shepherd-Robinson
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.
Dear Ms. Shepherd-Robinson,
I went into this book expecting one thing and ended up getting something much better but still different. But now I’m not sure how to review it without revealing spoilers. Here goes.
Hannah Cole is a new widow in 1749 London. Her decision to reopen her luxury confectionary shop after the murder of her husband by street thugs raises eyebrows though. Women have long run shops in the City of London but it’s unusual in the new suburb of Piccadilly. Hannah needs to keep it open though as she owes money to tradesmen. The wait for her husband’s estate to be released is wearing on her.
Then a man appears in her shop with news that her husband had invested money with him and he, William Deveraux, has come to pay her a dividend. As he leaves, he tells her about something that his mother used to make — iced cream. Always on the search for something new to offer her patrons, Hannah questions him and he sends her a note with instructions then takes her to a chemistry demonstration where they learn the secret needed to turn cream into iced cream. Soon Hannah’s store is swamped. But she’s still waiting on Jonas’s estate to be settled. Now Henry Fielding tells her that he’s taken over the investigation into her husband’s murder. Until he’s satisfied, he’s not going to release the money. William Deveraux is attentive and helpful but Hannah’s got no idea what will happen next.
There are detailed notes at the end of the story that detail how the intricate plot came into being as well as how many historical events, people and places are included. This should not be read until after the story is finished though. There are twists and turns here that will be spoiled and ruined by reading it too soon. One thing I do know is that there is a lot of cursing in the book.
This is a gritty, grimy London. Hannah is a tradeswoman and somewhat awed by gentry and aristocrats. She’s also sharp and extremely dedicated in doing everything she can so that her shop, which was originally her father’s, succeeds in the face of all opposition. As a woman, she is subject to much more gossip and speculation than any man would be. William Deveraux is a gentleman who begins to spend more and more time with Hannah as he gets to know her and is impressed by her. William is also very smart and very clever.
Now I’m going to include some information under spoiler tags.
Spoiler: Show
I enjoyed the book but I can easily see that due to the extensive historical details and the twisty murder investigation that this might not be everyone’s cup of tea. I do strongly urge that readers avoid anything marked as spoilers if they want to get the full impact of what happens. B
~Jayne
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This book sounds very interesting, I do like me a good historical mystery. My library doesn’t have it, either in hard copy or via Libby, but I’ve put tags on to let me know if they do acquire it.
@Susan/DC: This author has another book already out that also sounds interesting to me. Luckily my library has a paper copy but it will be awhile before I could try it.