“The Art of Deception” is the third installment in the Lucy Lawrence series by Pam Lecky. Lucy and investigator Phineas Stone have reconnected and become engaged. Though Phin is deep into a long-term investigation involving stolen art, the couple joyously celebrates at their engagement party…until a body is discovered. Then Phin is the target of a murder’s bullet. Though he survives, Lucy is determined to bring the culprit to justice. She enlists the help of Phin’s brother Sebastian, Phin’s valet George, and her own maid, Mary, to assist. They are foiled at every turn. Soon another body shows up. It’s almost as if the killer knows what they are doing. Will they find the answers before it’s too late?

This is a twisty mystery with many layers of relationships and crime. Are people what they seem to be or are they hiding their true selves? This episode keeps the reader guessing at the connections and ultimate outcomes of the murders and the stolen art.

This story is great for readers who enjoy historical mysteries.

I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley and Storm Publishing, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Storm Publishing for the ARC of The Art of Deception by Pam Lecky.

I really enjoyed the first two books in this series, but for some reason I struggled with this one. I read the first two in one day each, but this one I struggled to pick up again over three days. It's the first time we spend in-depth moments with Lucy and Phineas, and I think just maybe their relationship didn't ring true for me? The first 20% of the book is entirely focused on their relationship, and then we move into the murder mystery. I think I was bothered by Phineas's continued defenses of his ex-fiancé, who truly does exhibit some unstable behaviors - it just seems odd given what we have been told about Alice in the previous two books, and, considering the situations she causes for Phineas I have a hard time understanding why his family would not cut off her family or something else of a more serious nature. It just felt very unrealistic and made me worry about whether he should be with Lucy. He also spent a lot of time trying to control Lucy, and not treating her like an equal, which, while of the times, does not make it feel like their relationship is based in trust.

Lucy also was a bit odd in this one - when she didn't buy insurance for new paintings, when Phineas is an insurance fraud investigator, I was very confused - do these two not talk at all about anything except crimes? It just felt odd as an addition to the story, and sort of more emphasis on how the two seem to keep each other locked out of any other details of each other's lives.

Finally, I think the mystery itself was a bit predictable once we reached the 50% mark - before that I wasn't fully sure where the story was headed, but once it set itself up it was fairly straightforward.

I think I would read another in the series because of how much I enjoyed the first two, but this one, while focused on bringing Lucy and Phineas together, wasn't a hit for me.

Title: The Art of Deception
Author: Pam Lecky
Rating: ★★★★☆
Genre: Historical fiction, mystery

Release Date: July 25th 2024

"The Art of Deception" by Pam Lecky is a thrilling Victorian-era mystery that artfully combines stolen masterpieces, dangerous secrets, and a touch of romance. Set against the backdrop of 1888 London, this novel is a delightful blend of intrigue and suspense that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.
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Lucy Lawrence has returned to London, adjusting to her new life with the added thrill of blossoming romance. Meanwhile, Phineas Stone is on a relentless pursuit of the notorious Apollo Syndicate, a gang notorious for their audacious thefts of art from esteemed collections across the country. When Phin enlists Lucy's help in his dangerous mission, she can't resist the allure of adventure.

However, their investigation takes a dark turn when the husband of Phin's ex-fiancée is found murdered at a house party, and Phin becomes the prime suspect.

As Lucy delves deeper into the case, she triggers a terrifying chain of events that threaten to engulf them both. With her dreams of happiness hanging in the balance, Lucy must navigate a treacherous web of deception to clear Phin's name and uncover the true culprit.

What I Loved:

1. Engaging Mystery: The plot is intricately woven with elements of stolen art, murder, and betrayal. The mystery keeps readers guessing with its clever twists and turns.
2. Historical Setting: Pam Lecky brings Victorian London to life with rich descriptions and historical accuracy, immersing readers in the era’s ambiance.
3. Strong Protagonist: Lucy Lawrence shines as a strong, intelligent, and resourceful protagonist. Her determination and courage make her a character to admire and root for.
4. Dynamic Duo: The chemistry between Lucy and Phineas is palpable, adding a delightful romantic subplot to the thrilling mystery. Their partnership is both endearing and effective in unraveling the complex case.
5. Suspenseful Plot: The stakes are high as Lucy and Phin race against time to clear his name. The suspense builds steadily, making it difficult to put the book down.
6. Intriguing Villains: The Apollo Syndicate adds a layer of danger and intrigue to the story. Their cunning and ruthlessness make for formidable adversaries.

"The Art of Deception" is a captivating Victorian mystery filled with danger, romance, and a richly detailed historical setting. Pam Lecky masterfully weaves a tale of stolen art, murder, and suspense that keeps readers enthralled until the very end.

Whether you're a fan of historical fiction, mystery, or romance, this book offers a delightful escape into the world of 1888 London, where every page brings a new twist and turn. Lucy Lawrence’s latest adventure is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a clever, thrilling, and thoroughly entertaining story.

Thank you to The Publisher Storm Publishing ,The Author Pam Lecky & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

I am devouring this series of books, this is book 2 of the collection and it is as good as the first. Lucy is this time in Egypt and trouble and mystery follow new overseas. The slightly tongue in cheek writing and not over glamourised murder is great to read. The book is written in a laid back and easy to read style which kept me galloping through the chapters. The same great character in Mary, Lucy’s maid is present along with some new characters in the egyptologists that Lucy meets on the dig. There is a real sharing of the passion of the discovery of the treasures of Egypt and the valley of the kings which goes down well. This is simply a lovely read.

The Art of Deception by Pam Lecky

London, 1888. When a brutal murder occurs at her engagement party, Lucy Lawrence finds herself pulled into a new investigation. All evidence points to a mysterious syndicate of thieves known only by a cryptic calling card left at their crimes: Apollo. With the police eager to pin the murder on an easy target, Lucy and Phineas Stone must unravel a tangled web of lies and misdirection to uncover the truth before the case ruins them.

From glittering Mayfair ballrooms to the deadly rookeries of London’s East End to a remote Scottish island, they follow the trail of secrets and deception. As the danger mounts, Lucy realises the key to solving the case might lie in a simple painting.
Back to the UK for the 3rd in the series and another great read it is. A great characters in Lucy and Phineas who as well as London are off to a remote Scottish island to solve this one.

I was prepared for the slow burn to drag out over many more books, but I am sure satisfied with the relationship development in this story!

Lucy continues to be smart and determined self, and Phineas continues to be frustrated by her stubbornness, even when it saves his bacon. In this installment, Phineas is trying to get to the bottom of a two-year investigation into art thefts. Lucy helped him make considerable advances, and Phineas’ brother Sebastian joins the cast in a more significant way. I hope Sebastian continues to be a secondary character because he is a delightful edition.

I was surprised to find out that Lucy‘s friend, Lady Sarah Strawbridge, is married to a Tory, but that man’s storyline is concluded in a way that is unfortunate for Sarah, but quite satisfying for anyone who knows anything about the Tories.

The art theft investigation introduces a new, secondary character, Kincaid. He is a former law-enforcement officer from Ireland and Mary knows him and is not happy to see him interacting with Lucy. I wonder if we will see Kincaid in future books.

This story has us back in London, but there is still travel involved as our friends go to Scotland for the big finale.

If it wasn’t evident, I have enjoyed the stories so much and will obviously continue to read them as long as Pam Lecky sees fit to give them to us.

The third book in the series sees the welcome return of Phineas Stone and the relationship briefly touched on in book one. Lucy and Phineas are a well matched couple and the ensuing tale challenges them both. Most enjoyable, I am looking forward to book four!