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Art and Artifice

A Novella

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Art and Artifice

By: Owen Hebbert
Narrated by: Owen Hebbert
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Summary

When the nouveau-riche Peterkins invite an artistic couple to live and work in a disused wing of their country home, they unknowingly craft a cocktail of conflict, tension, and deceit.

This delightful social comedy is told from the perspective of Lancaster, the household's rigidly inhibited butler, who is torn between his principles of professional detachment and his love for the Peterkins.

©2025 Owen Hebbert (P)2025 Owen Hebbert Clean & Wholesome Contemporary Literature & Fiction Romantic Comedy
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Listener received this title free

Really enjoyed the plot and the story. Told through the eyes of a rather old-fashioned butler, it explored some rather modern-day, and serious, issues in a humorous and captivating manner. Loved the use of overly- polite English as a means of telling the story. A very unusual, and very enjoyable, style. First rate book.

Old-fashioned manners meets the modern day

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Listener received this title free

Owen Hebbert brings back a point of view that has been missing since Downton Abbey aired its final episode. Mr. Lancaster is quite a wonderful character and provides the Peterkins with a firm foundation. In fact, he provides the reader with the same calm stability one expects from a butler when things go south.
The other characters in the story are familiar to those who spend any time on social media, and Hebbert captures all of their quirks and foibles. Mr. Hoffman has a small role, but significant comedic impact, as well.
The framework of this fun, well-written, well-developed story is the element that I was most pleased with: the language. The words make a book, of course. But good words, chosen carefully, and used perfectly make a better book.
Hebbert did not disappoint me in his expertly used perlocution. I could drift to lofty heights of satisfaction simply enjoying the words before letting them sink in as a whole combining to move the story along. Which again made me happy I could follow along all the way to the end.
I look forward to Hebbert’s next work, be it the next in a Mr. Lancaster series, or just another opportunity to hear great, unique words used well. I applaud you, Mr. Hebbert.

What Amazing Words! Great Read!

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