The Art of a Lie

The Art of a Lie is my favorite book of 2025 so far! I was drawn in by the main character's eighteenth-century confectionery shop and treated to a page-turner full of more twists and turns than a Hitchcock film. Historical fiction can be hit-or-miss for me, based on how real the setting feels, but in The Art of a Lie, Shepherd-Robinson completely transports her readers into a well-researched 1749 London world. Learning so much about daily life and customs during this time period was a highlight, but the storyline also constantly kept me on my toes—even gasping with surprise at several parts. I'd tell you more of the plot, but I think it's best to go into this book with no prior knowledge, like I did. Check it out if you enjoy history, mystery, or just a well-told story.