In Georgian London, a widowed Hannah Cole is determined to keep her business afloat. She became sole owner of the confectioner’s shop in Piccadilly after her husband was found murdered. Magistrate Henry Fielding (yes, that Henry Fielding) is investigating his death, and has withheld the proceeds of his estate in probate. She is less concerned with solving the murder and more focused on meeting demands of her suppliers and customers.
Meanwhile, William Devereux introduces himself to Hannah as a friend of her husband. When he learns of her predicament, Devereux dedicates himself to solving the crime, thus releasing the inherited funds. He even shares a recipe for Italian iced cream, making her shop wildly popular, especially among the aristocracy.
The narrative alternates (in long sections) between Hannah and William’s points of view and the character’s voice could not be any more different. While they share the goal of getting her inheritance released from probate, it becomes clear their motives are not entirely the same.
I was still frowning at his presumption when Theo returned. “Mr. Brunsden is come to settle his bill.” She set down a tray of lemon jellies and smiled at Mr. Devereux.
Restraining a sigh, I excused myself. As I passed through the shop, my little jewel box of gilt-edged mirrors and pistachio paneling, I exchanged a few words with my regular customers. Entering the hot, sweet hell of my kitchen, I found Oscar sweating over the pastry table, stamping out almond hearts. Not quite trusting Theo with the shop’s money yet, I told Oscar to watch the counter and to send in Felix to take the goods down to the cellar. Then I smoothed my apron, and walked out into the yard.
Roger Brunsden was resting upon his cane in the shade of the old vine that had colonized my back wall and those of the neighboring yards. His boys trooped in and out of the alley, grunting under the weight of sacks of flour and salt, sugar loaves wrapped in blue paper, boxes of dried figs and currants.
Author Laura Shepherd-Robinson sprinkles these bright gems throughout the novel full of tricks and twists.
I was surprised by some of the outcomes for the characters, which is unusual for me. By the time a novel is winding down, I can generally see where everything is heading.
The story takes the reader to the underground rivers of London, pleasure gardens, a magistrate’s office before the days of a police force. Like the protagonist, she chooses perfect, scrumptious bites and wraps them in beautiful paper and ribbons for the reader’s enjoyment.
My thanks to Atria Books for the review copy. Read via NetGalley.
Publisher: Atria Books
Publication date: August 5, 2025
Print length: 304 pages (English)
ISBN-13: 978-1668083093