The Art of a Lie

Clever, clever, clever! Let the games begin! It’s 18th-century England and a game of wits ensues when Hannah Cole’s husband is murdered, and her confectionary shop is struggling. The magistrate, Henry Fielding, is threatening to confiscate her husband’s bank account and William Devereux, a mysterious friend of her husband offers to help!

Being a woman and having a business is hard work, especially during a time when female owned businesses are frowned upon. There are many, including her suppliers, who do not want Hannah to succeed. When Henry Fielding begins his investigation, he suspects her husband was not on the up and up and threatens to take his bank account as the money in it may have been made by illegal means. Hannah needs all the money she can get to pay her suppliers and keep her shop open! It is not an easy time to be a woman, a widow, or a female business owner!

William Devereux offers to help and even introduces Hannah to an Italian delicacy called Iced Cream! It is a hit, and her business may just yet survive! Iced Cream, can you even imagine? Such a tasty treat! People are curious, and she is getting customers! But not so fast Hannah, the gossip mills are spinning overtime! Hannah’s relationship with the charming and devilishly handsome, Devereux has caught everyone’s eye and as the gossip reaches Henry Fielding, he takes a closer look at Hannah!

This book is told through the POV of both Hannah and William. This was a very nice touch, and readers learn quite a bit about each character with each chapter! Oh, how I loved reading their thoughts and motivations. Each character was fascinating and as the book progressed, I found myself becoming more and move invested in the plot. Both characters are very clever, very resourceful, and quick thinkers.

I enjoyed the descriptions of 18th-century England and how investigations were conducted. I also enjoyed the many twists and turns that occurred along the way. I found this to be a very clever and captivating game of wits and wondered who would come out on top!

Wonderfully written, with descriptions that will have readers feeling as if they are right there in the confectionary shop on Piccadilly trying Iced cream for the first time! Secrets, lies, manipulation, power plays, tasty treats, and quick wits are the name of the game in The Art of a Lie!

Thank you to Atria Books, Edelweiss, and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.