The Art of Deception by Pam Lecky is the third instalment in Pam Lecky’s Lucy Lawrence Mysteries series, set in Victorian London of 1888. The narrative follows widow Lucy Lawrence, who, after returning from her adventures abroad, becomes entangled in a complex investigation when a murder occurs at her engagement party. The evidence points towards a mysterious syndicate known as Apollo, leading Lucy and her fiancé, Phineas Stone, on a perilous journey through London’s high society and its underbelly, as well as to a remote Scottish island. Their mission: to unravel the web of lies and deceptions before it destroys them. Lucy’s partnership with Phineas Stone is one of the highlights of the book.

The plot is intricately woven with elements of stolen art, murder, and betrayal. The mystery keeps readers guessing with its clever twists and turns. The atmospheric depiction of Victorian London, from the opulent ballrooms of Mayfair to the gritty streets of the East End, immerses readers in the era. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The Art of Deception delivers a gripping Victorian-era mystery, following Lucy Lawrence as she navigates a web of danger, deception, and murder. Returning to London to start anew after her travels, Lucy's life is upended when an assassin's bullet targets her fiancé, leaving him gravely injured. Determined to uncover the truth, Lucy joins forces with Phineas Stone to unravel the mystery behind a shadowy criminal syndicate known only as Apollo.

Set against the backdrop of London's high society and gritty East End, the novel expertly combines suspense, intrigue, and well-crafted historical details. Lucy is a strong and resourceful protagonist, and her chemistry with Phineas adds a nice layer of tension and emotional depth to the story. The plot itself is rich with twists and turns, keeping the reader on edge as Lucy follows the clues across different locales, including a chilling Scottish island.

The pacing is fast and filled with suspense, and the addition of art and a cryptic painting as key elements of the case adds a clever twist. However, there are moments where the plot feels a bit convoluted, and some secondary characters could have been fleshed out more.

Overall, The Art of Deception is a captivating historical mystery that will keep fans of the genre thoroughly entertained with its intricate plot, engaging protagonist, and atmospheric setting.

There are more books after this one but this was the last that I read one after the other. We are back to England after the trip abroad and misunderstandings have been laid to rest. Phin Stone is in the picture again and he is serious about Lucy.

Mr Stone is after art thieves and this gets in the way of more romantic plans. This is a clean romance so we do not have any over-the-top demonstrations of affections. Unlike the first two books this one was quite easy to guess the pieces of. I liked the investigation part as well and the glimpses into life in that time period, but the mystery itself was quite obvious. The way the story unfolded, there was no other way things could have gone. I liked the overall writing in this one, which is probably why I am rating this the same even though my reaction to the mystery itself was different from the others.

This is a historical mystery series and as befits the setting, things move slowly and there is a lot of talking. These are not necessarily bad things, but I would recommend the series to readers who like this format for their books.

The author has done a good job of showing the setting of the stories and how it impacts the plot itself. I would read other books by the author if I get the chance.

The Art of Deception, the third book in The Lucy Lawrence Mysteries finds Lucy newly returned to London and ready to establish herself in her new home, accompanied as always by Mary, her maid.

Lucy finds she is once again involved with a gang; this time it is one that steals art from homes across the country. But how do they do it?

A particularly brutal murder occurs at a house party Lucy and Phin attend. The victim is the husband of a troublesome former fiancée of Phin, and he is soon suspected of the crime.

Lucy must use all her deductive skills to prove Phin innocent and find the true culprit.

The Art of Deception is as entertaining as the previous books in the series.

Thank you for allowing me to review this book. The third instalment in the series about Lucy Lawrence, a young widow & Phineas Stone, a Private Investigator. In this book, Lucy has recently returned from Eygpt (book 2) and has brought a house. Her relationship with Phineas is also progressing well. As the scene is set in Victorian England Phineas is accused of murder. Lucy and Sebastian his brother work together to prove his innocence. A fast moving story which holds interest throughout.
Pam Lecky has a nice writing style. I look forward to the next book is released.

This was a really interesting book. When Phineas is accused of murder he is convinced it will be alright but Lucy isn't so sure. When she decides to take matters into her own hands and investigate thing take a very interesting turn. I liked how Lucky has stepped out of the mold that women were put in at that time and has decided to live her life on her terms. The characters are well rounded and the book flows really well. I look forward to the next one.

Art thefts comes close to home!

Lucy has returned to London and bought a lovely house in Kensington.
It needs furnishing and Lucy buys a couple of Miller seascapes to lend interest. As it happens she’s casing an art dealers gallery for Phineas.
Phineas is consulting with an Insurance Company tracking down an art thief who’s been operating for the past couple of years in England and Ireland.
It’s off to a house party at the Stone’s country residence. Phin’s brother Andrew gives Lucy short shrift but his brother Seb is delightful.
Alice Vaughan’s husband Edward is murdered, Phineas is blamed and Lucy finds herself fighting for his good name. When he’s shot her anger and determination knows no bounds. The surprise of who is involved is awful.
Quite a good storyline and I’m in sympatico with the characters. I continue with their journey and am anxious for their continued relationships and adventures.
A racey good read!

A Storm ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

It was 1888 and Lucy Lawrence was celebrating her engagement to Phineas Stone. Lucy had arrived home to London from Egypt after her adventures, and reacquainted herself with Phineas. Their engagement was exciting and they were both looking forward to their upcoming wedding. But at the engagement party, a sudden scream alerted everyone to something dreadfully wrong, with the brutally murdered body of one of their guests discovered. Soon, Phineas and Lucy were involved in the investigation, and when Phineas was shot, the stakes rose higher.

Tangled up with art thefts, which Phineas had been investigating; was the murder and subsequent attack on Phineas connected to the heists? As Lucy came closer to the answers they needed, the danger was escalating. Someone was intent on keeping the secrets they held, without the police, Lucy or Phineas unearthing those secrets. Would Lucy be able to draw the killer out before anyone else died?

The Art of Deception is the 3rd in the Lucy Lawrence Mysteries by Pam Lecky and it was an excellent read. Fast paced, filled with suspense and tension, as well as brilliant characters, this historical mystery has everything I love in this genre. Highly recommended (but start from #1)

With thanks to NetGalley & Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read and review.

Lucy's relationship with Phineas Stone is moving in a positive direction until a tragic death threatens it. We meet a selection of new characters in this third book in the series. Phin needs the help of his brother and Lucy to fight for his freedom and reputation in this twisty art-themed mystery. This story has an intriguing mix of darkly motivated crimes, forging of friendships and a little lighthearted banter that makes it an enticing read. I like the atmospheric settings, the mystery with many surprising twists, and the deepening emotional relationship between Lucy and Phin, which adds to the intensity when things go wrong. I enjoyed the atmospheric and suspenseful conclusion to this story.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Art of Deception by Pam Lecky is book three in the Lucy Lawrence Mysteries it picks up about 10 months after the end of No Stone Unturned and immediately throws the readers into a brand new case about high-end art theft. Along the way, the husband of leading man's ex-fiancee is killed and the ex-fiancee throws herself at the leading man in front of a roomfull of people, begging to know why he killed her husband; wanting to know if he killed him for her - when the party is supposed to be an engagement party for the two leading characters.

When the leading male is determined to be innocent through evidence shown in the ongoing investigation, he is shot and the leading female is once again taking up the reigns, only this time she has help from from her soon to be brother-in-law until her fiancee is awake and out of the hospital. Only things don't go quite as planned when he gets out. They are supposed to go to Scotland together and bring in who they believe is the culprit, but the leading male leaves his fiancee at the hotel because he's too worried about her going along, leaving his Valet to watch over her. However, both the leading female and the Valet have a bad feeling about the leading male being by himself on the island with the culprit, they manage to follow after him during a severe rain storm even the locals refuse to go out in. But when they reach the leading male, it's almost too late. The culprit and one of his accomplices have him drugged in a boat, taking out to sea, where they throw the leading male overboard, and the culprit follows just minutes later committing suicide, allowing his accomplice to try and get away.

After the leading male is feeling well enough, the group goes back to London until the time of the wedding where they go to the leading man's family estate the country.. As the new husband and wife start on the first leg of their honeymoon, the leading male gets a message just before they pull away from the house about to send them on a brand new mystery.

Art of Deception has all the excitement of the first two books and then some. Ms. Lecky does an excellent job bringing the characters to life, and making the readers feel as if they are living the adventures right alongside them instead of keeping the readers on the benches watching as everything unfolds around them. There are a few places readers will want to put the book down or throw it, shouting at one character in particular, or if the reader is feeling particularly violent, smack her in the back of the head and knock some sense into her.

Ms. Lecky has a superb knack for causing the readers to become instantly engrossed in her books. And, being that this is only book two, her talents should only get better with time. Book four, A Pocketfull of Diamonds will be out September 19, 2024 for the readers anxious to know what happens next. .

The 3rd installment of Lucy's adventures. She is reunited with Stone and their relationship takes off. Stone is struggling with a case that's been ongoing for over a year and a half. He enlists Lucy to help and it sets off a deadly chain of events. Stone is set up for a murder and then he ends up shot and left for dead. But the adventure doesn't end their of course. Lucy must save his life again while they solve the art thief mystery. The real question is will they make it to the alter? Stones family is introduced in this book, and his younger brother is an easily lovable character.

Can't wait to see what Mr and Mrs Stone get up to in Italy in the next one!

Thank you netgalley and Storm for this arc.

Pam Lecky books get better and better. This one was very entertaining even though there were some sad bits. The story flowed well, with lots of interesting characters. The kind of conclusion I really enjoy.

I do feel Lucy needs to start becoming more wary before looking for adventures and Stone needs to start accepting that Lucy is strong headed, instead of being shocked that she wants to solve the mystery. Despite that I liked that the book finally aims at both of them solving the mystery together and the way they are loyal to each other.

The Art of Deception, book three in The Lucy Lawrence Mysteries is the best one yet. I loved book one, missed Phineas in book two, but he is in all of book three. Hurrah! Book one could be summed up by saying it is all about Lucy and her plight, book three is all about Phineas and his. Additionally I couldn’t have been happier than how this book concludes, the perfect ending.

These characters have become dear to me both the main and several of the supporting especially Mary and George. What would Lucy and Phineas do without these two. For historical mystery fans this is one great series with The Art of Deception being a feather in Pam Lecky, the author’s cap.

I will say that it leaves the door open for more cases and mysteries which I do so hope happens. Lady Sarah needs some closure in her life and a story centering around Phineas’ younger brother would be a marvelous addition too. Compelling read that leaves you wanting more.

Thank you NetGalley for a copy of The Art of Deception.

After reading book #1, I had to know how the story of Lucy and Phineas ends. Although book 2 led Lucy on an Egyptian adventure, The Art of Deception finally continues the story of Lucy and Phineas. This book was a quick page turner - with suspense, barbed zingers, and romance.

Whew what a ride these two had to get to the altar! Definitely not recommended or for the faint of hearts!
Phineas aka Phin and Lucy will finally admit their feelings and take their relationship further by Lucy meeting Phin’s illustrious family!
Where everyone is not happy that they are a couple!
Lucy will discover that friends definitely have secrets that are earth shaking!
Once Lucy and Phin engagement is announced things quickly escalate in a missing arts case Phin was previously involved in and was unresolved!
The key players were people in both their past:Thomas Hardwicke and Alice Vaughn!
It definitely is not convenient when Edward Vaughn turns up gruesomely murdered at Phin & Lucy engagement party!
Could that be a sign? Undeterred these two attempt to celebrate their upcoming nuptials but the body count is rising!
When Alice the evil ex tried to implicate Phin on her husband’s murder all bets are off!
Lucy will do whatever it takes to clear her soulmate and the man she loves!
Phin takes risks to protect the woman he loves so will he survive to set a wedding date?
Bravo well done! Can’t wait for the honeymoon!

The third in the Lucy Lawrence Mysteries, The Art of Deception by Pam Lecky is an easily read, light, murder mystery. At first, I thought this would be the conclusion of the series, but definitely not with the cliffhanger. I look forward to further adventures of Lucy and Phin.

Released July 25th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher. This is the third book of the Lucy Lawrence mystery series. Lucy has come back from her adventure in the previous book and has found herself a new home. She and Phineas have been spending more time together. When apart Phineas is looking for an art thief named Apollo who has been leaving calling cards behind. When Phineas is injured Lucy makes it her mission to solve the crime and find who is responsible. She gets help not only from her faithful maid Mary but also from Phineas’ brother Seb. This was another delightful read of Lucy’s adventures. It even has a marriage in it. I look forward to her next adventure.

Excerpt:

Pam Lecky's The Art of Deception is a captivating Victorian mystery brimming with suspense and rich historical detail. With a compelling protagonist and a plot full of twists, it's a must-read for fans of the genre.

Full Review:

Pam Lecky’s The Art of Deception delivers a thrilling plunge into the heart of Victorian London, weaving an intricate tale of mystery, romance, and suspense that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

Fresh from her adventures abroad, Victorian widow Lucy Lawrence returns to London, eager to begin a new chapter with her fiancé. However, her world is turned upside down when an assassin’s bullet strikes him, setting off a chain of events that plunges Lucy into a dangerous investigation. The novel opens with a shocking murder at Lucy’s engagement party, propelling her and the enigmatic Phineas Stone into a quest to uncover the truth behind a syndicate of thieves known as Apollo.

Lecky’s vivid depiction of 1888 London is both atmospheric and immersive. From the glittering ballrooms of Mayfair to the grimy rookeries of the East End, the setting is richly detailed, adding depth and texture to the story. The journey to a remote Scottish island further enhances the sense of adventure and peril that permeates the novel.

Lucy Lawrence is a compelling protagonist. Her determination to unmask the assassin and save her fiancé is both admirable and relatable. Her partnership with Phineas Stone is one of the highlights of the book; their dynamic is marked by sharp wit, mutual respect, and an undercurrent of romantic tension that adds an extra layer of intrigue.

The plot is expertly crafted, with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing. The mystery of the Apollo syndicate and the cryptic calling cards left at their crimes are tantalizing elements that drive the narrative forward. Lecky skillfully balances suspense and revelation, ensuring that each chapter brings new surprises and developments.

While the novel is rich in historical detail and character development, it is the suspense and pace that truly stand out. The climax, with its revelations and the resolution of the central mystery, is both satisfying and thrilling.

However, some readers might find the abundance of secondary characters and subplots a bit overwhelming. At times, the intricate web of lies and misdirection can be challenging to follow. Despite this, the core story remains engaging and compelling, with enough momentum to carry through any convoluted moments.

In conclusion, The Art of Deception is a captivating historical mystery that will delight fans of the genre. Pam Lecky’s ability to blend historical authenticity with a gripping narrative makes this a standout read. Lucy Lawrence’s adventures are far from over, and readers will undoubtedly be eager to see where her journey takes her next.

For fans of: Tasha Alexander’s Lady Emily books, Deanna Raybourn’s Lady Julia Grey books
Genre: Historical Mystery
Violence: 🔪(off page)
Spice: 🔥

Synopsis: England, 1888. Lucy Lawrence is back in London for the 3rd mystery in Lecky’s new series and celebrating her engagement! Phin struggles to catch an elusive art thief who enters undetected, leaves empty frames in locked rooms, and deposits a cryptic calling called signed ‘Apollo.’ When the husband of his former fiancée is murdered at his and Lucy’s engagement party—and Phin is the main suspect—the thefts seem inconsequential. But are the two crimes unrelated?

Thoughts: Each outing in the Lucy Lawrence series just gets better. The mystery was pleasingly complex, as the story layered in the art thefts, the murder, and an attempted assassination while leaving their connection opaque. Clues dropped throughout the story, some more subtle than others, leave hints for the careful reader. We continue to see the progression of Lucy’s confidence and investigative skills, even as she makes mistakes. The evolution of her relationship with Phin is likewise realistic, as we see him struggle against his protective instinct when Lucy demands an egalitarian partnership. There is a bit of a “data dump” at the end, as the disparate pieces of the mystery are resolved, that would have been more engaging if dramatized. But overall the story was strong and the mystery the best one yet.

The 1st three books in the Lucy Lawrence series are out 7/25—and available on Kindle Unlimited—with the 4th book due 9/19.

Thank you to @stormbooks_co and @netgalley for the #gifted copy of this book.