The Art of the Lie

 The Art of the Lie is an incredible novel written by the Laura Shepard-Robinson.

Though every mystery novel has some kind of twist the reader should have seen coming which leads to the uncovering of the murderer this novel is even more deceptive than most.

The book opens with Hannah Cole trying to keep her small confectionary, the Punchbowl and Pineapple in business.  Her husband has ben found murdered and there is question that he was involved in something illicit.  When the magistrate freezes her husband, Jonas' estate Hannah is having trouble keeping the business open.  Along comes William Devereux, who seems like a gentleman and offers Hannah the recipe for a new frozen invention, ice cream.  Her business is exploding with customers and success.  

But Hannah and Devereux it turns out are not what they seem.  Each has a secret they are hiding.  As they are working it seems to together, there are dark forces working against them.  They are also working individually, pulling off their own illusions and deceptions. 

This is a story of truth and honesty and how being deceptive can destroy lives. The plot is so well written that the reader is surprised at each stage and the ending is a surprise.