Review: The Art of a Lie by Laura Shepherd-Robinson

Synopsis: 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.

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Set in Georgian England, against the ice cream craze, this historical fiction mystery provides for two narrators - the widow Hannah Cole, and the friend of her late husband, William Devereux.

The alternating narrative allows the reader to witness events from these two viewpoints, as Hannah's husband's shady dealings are revealed, bringing her to the attention of local magistrate Henry Fielding. What the reader will have to decide is which of these two are Hannah's enemy, or something darker at work.

Whilst well researched to bring 18th century Georgian England to life, I found my attention wavering and my interest in both the characters, the narrative and the mystery itself dwindling as the pages passed by. 

This period of historical fiction is out of my usual reading comfort zone, but that really was not the reason for my lack of engagement as I am open to new settings, both geographically and time-wise. Can't specifically put my finger on it, but it just wasn't enough for me. I am sure others will feel differently and devour with this eagerness.