The Crime Writers’ Association

Historical Dagger 2026

Shortlisted


Laura Shepherd-Robinson

The Art of a Lie

Edited by: Maria Rejt

Published by: Pan Macmillan - Mantle

Judges’ comments

Eighteenth century London is a difficult place for a businesswoman. When Hannah Cole’s husband is killed Hannah finds herself threatened by competitors, investigated by Henry Fielding, and assisted by her dead husband’s friend William Deveraux. As the plot unravells, Cole and the reader must try to figure out who if anyone is tellng the truth.

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