Laura Shepherd-Robinson – författare

THE DAZZLING SECOND GHOST STORY COLLECTION FROM THE CREATORS OF THE HAUNTING SEASON, NOW AVAILABLE IN PAPERBACK.'Terrific - every bit as good as an MR James collection' ROSIE ANDREWS, author of THE LEVIATHANFeaturing new and original stories from:Bridget Collins Imogen Hermes Gowar Kiran Millwood Hargrave Andrew Michael Hurley Jess Kidd Natasha PulleyElizabeth Macneal Laura Purcell Susan Stokes-Chapman Laura Shepherd-Robinson Stuart Turton Catriona Ward The tradition of a haunted tale at Christmas has flourished across the centuries. These twelve stories - authored by some of today's most loved and lauded writers of historical and gothic fiction - are all centred around Christmas or Advent, boldly and playfully re-imagining a beloved tradition for a modern audience. Taking you from a haunted Tuscan villa to a remote Scottish island with a dark secret,, these vibrant haunted stories are your ultimate companion for frosty nights.So curl up, light a candle, and fall under the spell of winters past . . .

'A triumph' - Janice Hallett, bestselling author of The AppealThe Sunday Times Top Five BestsellerA BBC Two Between the Covers Book Club PickA Guardian Best Crime and Thrillers of the Year PickAn epic and sweeping mystery set in Georgian high society, Laura Shepherd-Robinson's The Square of Sevens is a dazzling story of intrigue, heartbreak, and audacious twists.This is your story, Red. You must tell it well . . . A girl known only as Red, the daughter of a Cornish fortune-teller, travels with her father making a living predicting fortunes using the ancient method: the Square of Sevens. When her father suddenly dies, Red becomes the ward of a gentleman scholar.Now raised as a lady amidst the Georgian splendour of Bath, her fortune-telling is a delight to high society. But she cannot ignore the questions that gnaw at her soul.Who was her mother? How did she die?And who are the mysterious enemies her father was always terrified would find him?These mysteries take her on a perilous journey from Cornwall and Bath to London and Devon, from the rough ribaldry of the Bartholemew Fair to the grand houses of two of the most powerful families in England. And while Red's quest brings her the possibility of great reward, it also leads her into grave danger . . .'Wonderfully inventive . . . one twist in her tale after another' - The Times and Sunday Times, Best Historical Fiction of the Year'One of the most intriguing books I have ever read' - Liz Nugent, author of Strange Sally Diamond'I doubt I'll read a better book this year' - Chris Whitaker, author of All the Colours of the Dark

'Now's the time to curl up with a ghostly tale - and this collection should be your go to!' Fabulous'This cracking collection of spooky tales is perfect for the season of darkling nights' Mail on SundayFROM THE CREATORS OF THE HAUNTING SEASON AND THE WINTER SPIRITS COMES A BRAND NEW COLLECTION OF GHOSTLY TALESFeaturing new and original stories from:Michelle PaverStacey HallsBridget CollinsImogen Hermes GowarKiran Millwood HargraveAndrew Michael HurleyJess KiddNatasha PulleyElizabeth MacnealSusan Stokes-ChapmanLaura Shepherd-RobinsonStuart TurtonCatriona Ward_________There is something peculiar about the hour after midnight.It is the time when darkness reigns.And strange things roam the earth.In this dazzling collection of original haunted tales, thirteen bestselling and much-loved authors bring the old superstition of the witching hour to new and vivid life.Transporting you from the smog of London to the freezing mists of Svalbard, from an Irish town riddled with rumour to a sinister English boarding school, these thirteen stories will serve as your spinetingling companion to the long hours of winter.So curl up, light a candle, and wait for the clock to strike . . .

'Now's the time to curl up with a ghostly tale - and this collection should be your go to!' Fabulous'This cracking collection of spooky tales is perfect for the season of darkling nights' Mail on SundayFROM THE CREATORS OF THE HAUNTING SEASON AND THE WINTER SPIRITS COMES A BRAND NEW COLLECTION OF GHOSTLY TALESFeaturing new and original stories from:Michelle PaverStacey HallsBridget CollinsImogen Hermes GowarKiran Millwood HargraveAndrew Michael HurleyJess KiddNatasha PulleyElizabeth MacnealSusan Stokes-ChapmanLaura Shepherd-RobinsonStuart TurtonCatriona Ward_________There is something peculiar about the hour after midnight.It is the time when darkness reigns.And strange things roam the earth.In this dazzling collection of original haunted tales, thirteen bestselling and much-loved authors bring the old superstition of the witching hour to new and vivid life.Transporting you from the smog of London to the freezing mists of Svalbard, from an Irish town riddled with rumour to a sinister English boarding school, these thirteen stories will serve as your spinetingling companion to the long hours of winter.So curl up, light a candle, and wait for the clock to strike . . .

FROM THE CREATORS OF THE HAUNTING SEASON AND THE WINTER SPIRITS COMES A BRAND NEW COLLECTION OF GHOSTLY TALESFeaturing new and original stories from:Michelle PaverStacey HallsBridget CollinsImogen Hermes GowarKiran Millwood HargraveAndrew Michael HurleyJess KiddNatasha PulleyElizabeth MacnealSusan Stokes-ChapmanLaura Shepherd-RobinsonStuart TurtonCatriona Ward_________There is something peculiar about the hour after midnight. It is the time when darkness reigns.And strange things roam the earth.In this dazzling collection of new and original haunted tales, thirteen bestselling and much-loved authors bring this hour to vivid, spine-tingling life. So curl up, light a candle, and wait for the clocks to strike . . .

‘A page-turner of a crime thriller . . . This is a world conveyed with convincing, terrible clarity’ – C. J. SansomBlood & Sugar is the thrilling debut historical crime novel from Laura Shepherd-Robinson.June, 1781. An unidentified body hangs upon a hook at Deptford Dock – horribly tortured and branded with a slaver’s mark. Some days later, Captain Harry Corsham – a war hero embarking upon a promising parliamentary career – is visited by the sister of an old friend. Her brother, passionate abolitionist Tad Archer, had been about to expose a secret that he believed could cause irreparable damage to the British slaving industry. He’d said people were trying to kill him, and now he is missing . . .To discover what happened to Tad, Harry is forced to pick up the threads of his friend’s investigation, delving into the heart of the conspiracy Tad had unearthed. His investigation will threaten his political prospects, his family’s happiness, and force a reckoning with his past, risking the revelation of secrets that have the power to destroy him.And that is only if he can survive the mortal dangers awaiting him in Deptford . . .

‘A page-turner of a crime thriller . . . This is a world conveyed with convincing, terrible clarity’ – C. J. Sansom, bestselling author of DissolutionWinner of the HWA Debut CrownWinner of the Specsavers Debut Crime Novel AwardBlood & Sugar is the thrilling debut historical crime novel from Laura Shepherd-Robinson for fans of C. J. Sansom and Andrew Taylor.June, 1781. An unidentified body hangs upon a hook at Deptford Dock, London – horribly tortured and branded with a slaver’s mark.Some days later, Captain Harry Corsham – a war hero embarking upon a promising parliamentary career – learns that an old friend, passionate abolitionist Tad Archer, had been about to expose a secret that he believed could cause irreparable damage to the British slaving industry. He’d said people were trying to kill him, and now he is missing . . .To discover what happened to Tad, Harry is forced to pick up the threads of his friend’s investigation, delving into the heart of the conspiracy Tad had unearthed. His investigation will threaten his political prospects, his family’s happiness, and force a reckoning with his past, risking the revelation of secrets that have the power to destroy him.And that is only if he can survive the mortal dangers awaiting him in Deptford . . .'Epic, harrowing, thrilling, brutal, addictive' – C. J. Tudor, author of The Chalk ManShortlisted for the CWA New Blood DaggerShortlisted for the CWA Historical DaggerLonglisted for the Theakston's Crime Novel of the Year

‘A page-turner of a crime thriller . . . This is a world conveyed with convincing, terrible clarity’ – C. J. Sansom, bestselling author of DissolutionWinner of the HWA Debut CrownWinner of the Specsavers Debut Crime Novel AwardBlood & Sugar is the thrilling debut historical crime novel from Laura Shepherd-Robinson for fans of C. J. Sansom and Andrew Taylor.June, 1781. An unidentified body hangs upon a hook at Deptford Dock, London – horribly tortured and branded with a slaver’s mark.Some days later, Captain Harry Corsham – a war hero embarking upon a promising parliamentary career – learns that an old friend, passionate abolitionist Tad Archer, had been about to expose a secret that he believed could cause irreparable damage to the British slaving industry. He’d said people were trying to kill him, and now he is missing . . .To discover what happened to Tad, Harry is forced to pick up the threads of his friend’s investigation, delving into the heart of the conspiracy Tad had unearthed. His investigation will threaten his political prospects, his family’s happiness, and force a reckoning with his past, risking the revelation of secrets that have the power to destroy him.And that is only if he can survive the mortal dangers awaiting him in Deptford . . .'Epic, harrowing, thrilling, brutal, addictive' – C. J. Tudor, author of The Chalk ManShortlisted for the CWA New Blood DaggerShortlisted for the CWA Historical DaggerLonglisted for the Theakston's Crime Novel of the Year

'The best historical crime novel I will read this year' – The Times'This is right up there with the best of C. J. Sansom and Andrew Taylor' – Amanda Craig, author of The Golden RuleFrom the pleasure palaces and gin-shops of Covent Garden to the elegant townhouses of Mayfair, Laura Shepherd-Robinson’s Daughters of Night follows Caroline Corsham as she seeks justice for a murdered woman whom London society would rather forget . . .London, 1782. Desperate for her politician husband to return home from France, Caroline ‘Caro’ Corsham is already in a state of anxiety when she finds a well-dressed woman mortally wounded in the bowers of the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens. The Bow Street constables are swift to act, until they discover that the deceased woman was a highly paid prostitute, at which point they cease to care entirely. But Caro has motives of her own for wanting to see justice done, and so sets out to solve the crime herself. Enlisting the help of thieftaker Peregrine Child, their inquiry delves into the hidden corners of Georgian society, a world of artifice, deception and secret lives. But with many gentlemen refusing to speak about their dealings with the dead woman, and Caro’s own reputation under threat, finding the killer will be harder, and more treacherous, than she can know . . .'Spectacularly brilliant . . . One of the most enjoyable and enduring stories I have ever read' – James O'Brien, journalist, author and LBC Presenter

'The best historical crime novel I will read this year' – The Times'This is right up there with the best of C. J. Sansom and Andrew Taylor' – Amanda Craig, author of The Golden RuleFrom the pleasure palaces and gin-shops of Covent Garden to the elegant townhouses of Mayfair, Laura Shepherd-Robinson’s Daughters of Night follows Caroline Corsham as she seeks justice for a murdered woman whom London society would rather forget . . .London, 1782. Desperate for her politician husband to return home from France, Caroline ‘Caro’ Corsham is already in a state of anxiety when she finds a well-dressed woman mortally wounded in the bowers of the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens. The Bow Street constables are swift to act, until they discover that the deceased woman was a highly paid prostitute, at which point they cease to care entirely. But Caro has motives of her own for wanting to see justice done, and so sets out to solve the crime herself. Enlisting the help of thieftaker Peregrine Child, their inquiry delves into the hidden corners of Georgian society, a world of artifice, deception and secret lives. But with many gentlemen refusing to speak about their dealings with the dead woman, and Caro’s own reputation under threat, finding the killer will be harder, and more treacherous, than she can know . . .'Spectacularly brilliant . . . One of the most enjoyable and enduring stories I have ever read' – James O'Brien, journalist, author and LBC Presenter

‘The best historical crime novel I will read this year’ – The TimesFrom The Sunday Times bestselling author of The Square of Sevens, Laura Shepherd-Robinson’s Daughters of Night follows Caroline Corsham as she seeks justice for a murdered woman whom Georgian London society would rather forget . . .London, 1782. Desperate for her politician husband to return home from France, Caroline ‘Caro’ Corsham is already in a state of anxiety when she finds a well-dressed woman mortally wounded in Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens. The Bow Street constables are swift to act, until they discover that the dead woman was a highly paid prostitute. But Caro has motives of her own for wanting to see justice done.Enlisting the help of thief-taker Peregrine Child, Caro sets out to solve the crime herself. Their inquiry delves into the hidden corners of Georgian society, a world of artifice and deception. But with many gentlemen refusing to speak about their dealings with the dead woman, and Caro’s own reputation under threat, finding the killer will be more treacherous than she can know . . .‘Spectacularly brilliant . . . One of the most enjoyable and enduring stories I have ever read’ – James O'Brien, journalist and author of How They Broke BritainPraise for Laura Shepherd-Robinson:‘This rich, complex and haunting Dickensian epic is a triumph of the Gothic genre’ – Janice Hallett, bestselling author of The Appeal, on The Square of Sevens‘A page-turner of a crime thriller . . . This is a world conveyed with convincing, terrible clarity’ – C. J. Sansom, bestselling author of Tombland, on Blood & Sugar

‘The best historical crime novel I will read this year’ – The TimesFrom The Sunday Times bestselling author of The Square of Sevens, Laura Shepherd-Robinson’s Daughters of Night follows Caroline Corsham as she seeks justice for a murdered woman whom Georgian London society would rather forget . . .London, 1782. Desperate for her politician husband to return home from France, Caroline ‘Caro’ Corsham is already in a state of anxiety when she finds a well-dressed woman mortally wounded in Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens. The Bow Street constables are swift to act, until they discover that the dead woman was a highly paid prostitute. But Caro has motives of her own for wanting to see justice done.Enlisting the help of thief-taker Peregrine Child, Caro sets out to solve the crime herself. Their inquiry delves into the hidden corners of Georgian society, a world of artifice and deception. But with many gentlemen refusing to speak about their dealings with the dead woman, and Caro’s own reputation under threat, finding the killer will be more treacherous than she can know . . .‘Spectacularly brilliant . . . One of the most enjoyable and enduring stories I have ever read’ – James O'Brien, journalist and author of How They Broke BritainPraise for Laura Shepherd-Robinson:‘This rich, complex and haunting Dickensian epic is a triumph of the Gothic genre’ – Janice Hallett, bestselling author of The Appeal, on The Square of Sevens‘A page-turner of a crime thriller . . . This is a world conveyed with convincing, terrible clarity’ – C. J. Sansom, bestselling author of Tombland, on Blood & Sugar

‘A triumph’ — Janice Hallett, bestselling author of The AppealThe Sunday Times Top Five BestsellerA BBC Two Between the Covers Book Club PickA Guardian Best Crime and Thrillers of the Year PickAn epic and sweeping mystery set in Georgian high society, Laura Shepherd-Robinson's The Square of Sevens is a dazzling story of intrigue, heartbreak, and audacious twists.This is your story, Red. You must tell it well . . .A girl known only as Red, the daughter of a Cornish fortune-teller, travels with her father making a living predicting fortunes using the ancient method: the Square of Sevens. When her father suddenly dies, Red becomes the ward of a gentleman scholar.Now raised as a lady amidst the Georgian splendour of Bath, her fortune-telling is a delight to high society. But she cannot ignore the questions that gnaw at her soul.Who was her mother? How did she die?And who are the mysterious enemies her father was always terrified would find him?These mysteries take her from Cornwall and Bath to London and Devon, from the rough ribaldry of the Bartholomew Fair to the grand houses of two of the most powerful families in England. And while Red's quest brings her the possibility of great reward, it also leads her into grave danger . . .‘Wonderfully inventive . . . one twist in her tale after another’ — The Times and Sunday Times, Best Historical Fiction of the Year‘A sweeping Dickensian tour de force’ — Susan Stokes-Chapman, author of Pandora‘One of the most intriguing books I have ever read’ – Liz Nugent, author of Strange Sally Diamond‘I doubt I’ll read a better book this year’ — Chris Whitaker, author of All the Colours of the Dark

'A sprawling, exquisite, outright triumph. The Square of Sevens dazzles with heart, mystery and breathtaking detail. I doubt I’ll read a better book this year' — Chris Whitaker, bestselling author of We Begin at the End'A sweeping Dickensian tour de force of a novel, The Square of Sevens is an immaculately researched piece of fiction with all the twists and turns of a fortune teller’s wheel, cementing the author’s place as the queen of modern Georgian literature' - Susan Stokes-Chapman, bestselling author of PandoraLaura Shepherd-Robinson's The Square of Sevens is an epic and sweeping novel set in Georgian high society, a dazzling story offering up mystery, intrigue, heartbreak, and audacious twists.‘My father had spelt it out to me. Choice was a luxury I couldn’t afford. This is your story, Red. You must tell it well . . .’A girl known only as Red, the daughter of a Cornish fortune-teller, travels with her father making a living predicting fortunes using the ancient method: the Square of Sevens. When her father suddenly dies, Red becomes the ward of a gentleman scholar.Now raised as a lady amidst the Georgian splendour of Bath, her fortune-telling is a delight to high society. But she cannot ignore the questions that gnaw at her soul: who was her mother? How did she die? And who are the mysterious enemies her father was always terrified would find him?The pursuit of these mysteries takes her from Cornwall and Bath to London and Devon, from the rough ribaldry of the Bartholomew Fair to the grand houses of two of the most powerful families in England. And while Red's quest brings her the possibility of great reward, it also leads into her grave danger . . .'Laura Shepherd-Robinson is a brilliant, brilliant writer, up there with CJ Sansom and Andrew Taylor' - James O'BrienPraise for Laura Shepherd-Robinson, author of Blood & Sugar and Daughters of Night'A page-turner of a crime thriller . . . This is a world conveyed with convincing, terrible clarity’ – C. J. Sansom, number one bestselling author of the Shardlake series'The best historical crime novel I will read this year' - Antonia Senior, The Times'Shepherd-Robinson would be advised to clear her shelves for future awards' - Financial Times'Here’s one where the pages turn all by themselves and the plot doesn’t let you go' - Diane Setterfield, bestselling author of Once Upon A River

‘A triumph’ – Janice Hallett, bestselling author of The AppealThe Sunday Times Top Five BestsellerA BBC Two Between the Covers Book Club PickA Guardian Best Crime and Thrillers of the Year PickAn epic and sweeping mystery set in Georgian high society, Laura Shepherd-Robinson's The Square of Sevens is a dazzling story of intrigue, heartbreak, and audacious twists.This is your story, Red. You must tell it well . . .A girl known only as Red, the daughter of a Cornish fortune-teller, travels with her father making a living predicting fortunes using the ancient method: the Square of Sevens. When her father suddenly dies, Red becomes the ward of a gentleman scholar.Now raised as a lady amidst the Georgian splendour of Bath, her fortune-telling is a delight to high society. But she cannot ignore the questions that gnaw at her soul.Who was her mother? How did she die?And who are the mysterious enemies her father was always terrified would find him?These mysteries take her from Cornwall and Bath to London and Devon, from the rough ribaldry of the Bartholomew Fair to the grand houses of two of the most powerful families in England. And while Red's quest brings her the possibility of great reward, it also leads her into grave danger . . .‘Wonderfully inventive . . . one twist in her tale after another’ — The Times and Sunday Times, Best Historical Fiction of the Year‘A sweeping Dickensian tour de force’ — Susan Stokes-Chapman, author of Pandora‘One of the most intriguing books I have ever read’ – Liz Nugent, author of Strange Sally Diamond‘I doubt I’ll read a better book this year’ — Chris Whitaker, author of All the Colours of the Dark

‘A triumph’ – Janice Hallett, bestselling author of The AppealThe Sunday Times Top Five BestsellerA BBC Two Between the Covers Book Club PickA Guardian Best Crime and Thrillers of the Year PickAn epic and sweeping mystery set in Georgian high society, Laura Shepherd-Robinson's The Square of Sevens is a dazzling story of intrigue, heartbreak, and audacious twists.This is your story, Red. You must tell it well . . .A girl known only as Red, the daughter of a Cornish fortune-teller, travels with her father making a living predicting fortunes using the ancient method: the Square of Sevens. When her father suddenly dies, Red becomes the ward of a gentleman scholar.Now raised as a lady amidst the Georgian splendour of Bath, her fortune-telling is a delight to high society. But she cannot ignore the questions that gnaw at her soul.Who was her mother? How did she die?And who are the mysterious enemies her father was always terrified would find him?These mysteries take her from Cornwall and Bath to London and Devon, from the rough ribaldry of the Bartholomew Fair to the grand houses of two of the most powerful families in England. And while Red's quest brings her the possibility of great reward, it also leads her into grave danger . . .‘Wonderfully inventive . . . one twist in her tale after another’ — The Times and Sunday Times, Best Historical Fiction of the Year‘A sweeping Dickensian tour de force’ — Susan Stokes-Chapman, author of Pandora‘One of the most intriguing books I have ever read’ – Liz Nugent, author of Strange Sally Diamond‘I doubt I’ll read a better book this year’ — Chris Whitaker, author of All the Colours of the Dark

THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLEROne of The Telegraph's greatest books of 2025‘Astonishing. A rare and wonderful story’ – Chris Whitaker, author of All the Colours of the Dark‘Fiendishly clever and completely gripping’ – Jennie Godfrey, bestselling author of The List of Suspicious Things'Laura Shepherd-Robinson takes delight in pulling the rug out from under her readers’ feet . . . in this cleverly structured and consistently enjoyable novel' - The TimesLondon, 1749Hannah Cole's world shatters following her husband’s brutal murder. Her confectionary shop, the Punchbowl and Pineapple, teeters on the brink of ruin. Just as she uncovers a hidden fortune—money her husband secretly possessed—a new nightmare begins.Magistrate Henry Fielding, the renowned author, suspects illicit gains. To save her inheritance, her shop, and her very reputation, Hannah must delve into her late husband's secret life. But as she unearths a labyrinth of lies and deceit, she finds herself entangled in a battle of wits far more dangerous than she could ever have imagined.From Sunday Times bestselling author Laura Shepherd-Robinson comes a twisty, immersive thriller where the truth is a luxury Hannah Cole can’t afford, and every secret is a step closer to her own undoing.A 2025 BBC Radio 2 Book Club Pick.Praise for The Art of a Lie‘This deliciously devious tale of skulduggery, questionable motives and untrustworthy appearances will keep you gripped’ – Daily Mail‘A twisty confection as subtle and delicious as one of Hannah's iced creams. I loved it’ – Ruth Ware, author of The Woman in Cabin 10‘An absolute treat of an historical crime novel. Sheer perfection’ – Janice Hallett, bestselling author of The Appeal‘[Laura Shepherd-Robinson's] best yet, and I don’t say that lightly’ – Harriet Tyce, bestselling author of Blood Orange

THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLEROne of The Telegraph's greatest books of 2025‘Astonishing. A rare and wonderful story’ – Chris Whitaker, author of All the Colours of the Dark‘Fiendishly clever and completely gripping’ – Jennie Godfrey, bestselling author of The List of Suspicious Things'Laura Shepherd-Robinson takes delight in pulling the rug out from under her readers’ feet . . . in this cleverly structured and consistently enjoyable novel' - The TimesLondon, 1749Hannah Cole's world shatters following her husband’s brutal murder. Her confectionary shop, the Punchbowl and Pineapple, teeters on the brink of ruin. Just as she uncovers a hidden fortune—money her husband secretly possessed—a new nightmare begins.Magistrate Henry Fielding, the renowned author, suspects illicit gains. To save her inheritance, her shop, and her very reputation, Hannah must delve into her late husband's secret life. But as she unearths a labyrinth of lies and deceit, she finds herself entangled in a battle of wits far more dangerous than she could ever have imagined.From Sunday Times bestselling author Laura Shepherd-Robinson comes a twisty, immersive thriller where the truth is a luxury Hannah Cole can’t afford, and every secret is a step closer to her own undoing.A 2025 BBC Radio 2 Book Club Pick.Praise for The Art of a Lie‘This deliciously devious tale of skulduggery, questionable motives and untrustworthy appearances will keep you gripped’ – Daily Mail‘A twisty confection as subtle and delicious as one of Hannah's iced creams. I loved it’ – Ruth Ware, author of The Woman in Cabin 10‘An absolute treat of an historical crime novel. Sheer perfection’ – Janice Hallett, bestselling author of The Appeal‘[Laura Shepherd-Robinson's] best yet, and I don’t say that lightly’ – Harriet Tyce, bestselling author of Blood Orange

*The Instant Sunday Times Bestseller**A BBC Radio 2 Book Club Pick of the Summer *'Astonishing. A rare and wonderful story' – Chris Whitaker, author of All the Colours of the Dark'Fiendishly clever and completely gripping' – Jennie Godfrey, bestselling author of The List of Suspicious Things'Laura Shepherd-Robinson takes delight in pulling the rug out from under her readers' feet . . . in this cleverly structured and consistently enjoyable novel' – The TimesLondon, 1749.Hannah Cole's world shatters with her husband's brutal murder. Her confectionery shop, the Punchbowl and Pineapple, teeters on the brink of ruin.Just as she uncovers a hidden fortune - money her husband secretly possessed - a new nightmare begins.Magistrate Henry Fielding, the renowned author, suspects illicit gains. To save her inheritance, her shop and her very reputation, Hannah must delve into her late husband's secret life. But, as she unearths a labyrinth of lies and deceit, she finds herself entangled in a battle of wits far more dangerous than she could ever have imagined.From Sunday Times bestselling author Laura Shepherd-Robinson comes a twisty, immersive thriller where the truth is a luxury that Hannah Cole can't afford and every secret is a step closer to her own undoing.Praise for The Art of a Lie:'A twisty confection as subtle and delicious as one of Hannah's iced creams. I loved it' – Ruth Ware, author of The Woman in Cabin 10'This deliciously devious tale of skulduggery, questionable motives and untrustworthy appearances will keep you gripped' – Daily Mail'[Laura Shepherd-Robinson's] best yet, and I don't say that lightly' – Harriet Tyce, bestselling author of Blood Orange

*The Instant Sunday Times Bestseller**A BBC Radio 2 Book Club Pick of the Summer *'Astonishing. A rare and wonderful story' – Chris Whitaker, author of All the Colours of the Dark'Fiendishly clever and completely gripping' – Jennie Godfrey, bestselling author of The List of Suspicious Things'Laura Shepherd-Robinson takes delight in pulling the rug out from under her readers' feet . . . in this cleverly structured and consistently enjoyable novel' – The TimesLondon, 1749.Hannah Cole's world shatters with her husband's brutal murder. Her confectionery shop, the Punchbowl and Pineapple, teeters on the brink of ruin.Just as she uncovers a hidden fortune - money her husband secretly possessed - a new nightmare begins.Magistrate Henry Fielding, the renowned author, suspects illicit gains. To save her inheritance, her shop and her very reputation, Hannah must delve into her late husband's secret life. But, as she unearths a labyrinth of lies and deceit, she finds herself entangled in a battle of wits far more dangerous than she could ever have imagined.From Sunday Times bestselling author Laura Shepherd-Robinson comes a twisty, immersive thriller where the truth is a luxury that Hannah Cole can't afford and every secret is a step closer to her own undoing.Praise for The Art of a Lie:'A twisty confection as subtle and delicious as one of Hannah's iced creams. I loved it' – Ruth Ware, author of The Woman in Cabin 10'This deliciously devious tale of skulduggery, questionable motives and untrustworthy appearances will keep you gripped' – Daily Mail'[Laura Shepherd-Robinson's] best yet, and I don't say that lightly' – Harriet Tyce, bestselling author of Blood Orange

';Astonishing. The Art of a Lie is Laura Shepherd-Robinson at the height of her considerable powers. Of course it's beautifully written and richly detailed, but it's also fiendishly twisting and properly thrilling. A rare and wonderful story.' Chris Whitaker, New York Times bestselling author In 18th-century England, a widowed confectioner is drawn into a web of love, betrayal, intrigue, and a battle of wits in this ';twisty' (Ruth Ware, New York Times bestselling author) historical novel from the author of the USA TODAY bestseller The Square of Sevens. London 1749: Following the murder of her husband in a violent street robbery, Hannah Cole is struggling to turn a profit at her confectionary shop on Piccadilly as her suppliers conspire to put her out of business. So when she learns that her husband had a large sum of money in his bank account, the surprise is, at first, extremely welcome. But her financial windfall attracts the attention of author-turned-magistrate Henry Fielding, who believes the money might have been acquired through ill-gotten means and seeks to confiscate it. Endeavoring to prove otherwise, Hannah enlists the help of William Devereux, a friend of her late husband, who also tells her about a new Italian delicacy called ';iced cream,' which she believes might transform the fortunes of her shop. As she and Devereux delve into the mysteries of her husband's double life in Georgian London's gambling dens, Hannah unravels secrets even more devastating than his murder.