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The Art Of Deception
Adam Haines was an artist visiting the Fairchild mansion to do some undercover digging, and that was a problem for a man who preferred to be straightforward. An even bigger problem was Kirby Fairchild, daughter of the world-famous painter he'd been sent to investigate. She was part child, part elf, and the most fascinating woman he'd ever encountered. However, Kirby had a disconcertingly fluid sense of right and wrong -- one completely at odds with Adam's own code of ethics. Adam wished he wasn't wrapped quite so tightly around her little finger....
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1986
3217 people are currently reading
2437 people want to read
About the author
Nora Roberts
1,178 books59.2k followersNora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels, including Hideaway, Under Currents, Come Sundown, The Awakening, Legacy, and coming in November 2021 -- The Becoming -- the second book in The Dragon Heart Legacy. She is also the author of the futuristic suspense In Death series written under the pen name J.D. Robb. There are more than 500 million copies of her books in print.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 288 reviews
May 21, 2023
This is a great book which involves a person stealing and destroying art in order to find an other piece of art. It is very cleverly written. I highly recommend it.
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May 25, 2025
The Art of Deception is a stand alone romantic suspense by Nora Roberts. This is light on the suspense compared to her more recent work. This was originally published in 1986 and it was obvious by the nature of the language. I picked this book up years ago at a library book sale and decided to finally read it as part of my personal challenge to read a paperback off my shelf each month. I am a long time fan of Nora Roberts but this one, mostly just due to the dated content, didn’t hold my interest as much as others have.
Kirby Fairchild lives in her ancenstral home with her father who is a renowned artist and very eccentric. Kirby is also an artist, preferring sculpture rather than the oil paintings her father is known for. It’s not unusual for her father to invite other artists to come and stay with them to work so she wasn’t surprised to learn that the very well known painter, Adam Haines, was coming for a month long stay.
Adam is already well known for his art but there is another reason for his visit to the Fairchild’s home. It was this that kept me turning the pages, wanting to discover just what his objective was. But one thing Adam hadn’t planned on was the beautiful Kirby. Their first meeting, he didn’t know who she was but was drawn in by her eyes. Try as he might, he couldn’t stop his attraction to Kirby. She was carefree, spirited, stubborn, and so passionate about everything she did.
“You’re a woman who brings men to their knees with the bat of an eye. I’m not partial to kneeling. And, I’m just as used to getting my own way as you are.”
“Then again, I haven’t batted my eyes at you yet.”
Neither of these two had ever really been in love before. Their feelings grew fast and strong. But there are so many secrets here. Adam has secrets. And Kirby is protecting her father and his secrets. At the same time, there is danger lurking in the Fairchild home.
This was a pretty quick read and I did enjoy it. Just not nearly as much as her more current work. It had a sweet ending and left me feeling satisfied.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Kirby Fairchild lives in her ancenstral home with her father who is a renowned artist and very eccentric. Kirby is also an artist, preferring sculpture rather than the oil paintings her father is known for. It’s not unusual for her father to invite other artists to come and stay with them to work so she wasn’t surprised to learn that the very well known painter, Adam Haines, was coming for a month long stay.
Adam is already well known for his art but there is another reason for his visit to the Fairchild’s home. It was this that kept me turning the pages, wanting to discover just what his objective was. But one thing Adam hadn’t planned on was the beautiful Kirby. Their first meeting, he didn’t know who she was but was drawn in by her eyes. Try as he might, he couldn’t stop his attraction to Kirby. She was carefree, spirited, stubborn, and so passionate about everything she did.
“You’re a woman who brings men to their knees with the bat of an eye. I’m not partial to kneeling. And, I’m just as used to getting my own way as you are.”
“Then again, I haven’t batted my eyes at you yet.”
Neither of these two had ever really been in love before. Their feelings grew fast and strong. But there are so many secrets here. Adam has secrets. And Kirby is protecting her father and his secrets. At the same time, there is danger lurking in the Fairchild home.
This was a pretty quick read and I did enjoy it. Just not nearly as much as her more current work. It had a sweet ending and left me feeling satisfied.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
November 16, 2015
Just Nora Roberts
A bit of Nora Roberts every week or two is just awesome. The grass is greener the sky is bluer the days are nicer and the nights are restful. It doesn't matter which of her books you read or the trilogies you get lost in it is a wonderful and spellbinding trip. I am a male. 85 years old with at least 50 of Nora's books on my kindle and I consider her one of the very best writers and each and every one of her books a five star read thank you
A bit of Nora Roberts every week or two is just awesome. The grass is greener the sky is bluer the days are nicer and the nights are restful. It doesn't matter which of her books you read or the trilogies you get lost in it is a wonderful and spellbinding trip. I am a male. 85 years old with at least 50 of Nora's books on my kindle and I consider her one of the very best writers and each and every one of her books a five star read thank you
May 15, 2020
I thought that this book was cute
October 12, 2020
I adore these oldies from Nora. They're just ooey gooey romance with some mystery and suspense. Sex scenes aren't graphic at all, they border on purply. I didn't give it five stars because I thought the heroine was a bit of a dolt during the climax and wrap-up. I absolutely loved her otherwise - she's a total Mary Sue mixed with the best parts of a Manic Pixie Girl. And the hero was your typical alpha-in-touch-with-his-emotions, as usual with Nora Roberts' early work.
It's pure candy and I love it. I also understand if it's totally not your thing.
It's pure candy and I love it. I also understand if it's totally not your thing.
February 28, 2012
I have to say this was my least favorite Nora Roberts. It was a struggle to get through. I couldn't connect with the characters, I really didn't care what happened to them. The writing was good and I was interested in the plot.
June 1, 2014
I got this book as part of the Whispered Promises compilation.
The gist: Kirby’s father is a famous painter. Adam is a well-known painter. Adam comes to stay in their house for a few weeks. Kirby’s dad does forgeries of famous, classic paintings. It’s fraud, but he’s not a bad guy. Anyway, a Rembrandt painting has been stolen and Adam is there, secretly, to find the Rembrandt. Kirby and Adam fall in love. There are a couple attempts made on Kirby’s life. The whole plot with the Rembrandt is unraveled.
This one was alright, but it’s definitely not my favorite Nora book. I’m a serious Nora fan, I own almost all of her books. This one is definitely subpar. BUT, it is one of her earlier books and she has definitely gotten A LOT better the more she’s written!
I chuckled quite a bit because Kirby and her dad are eccentric and they’re sort of whackadoodle. There’s this whole bit with a cat and dog that had me rolling with laughter.
Kirby and Adam fall in love with each other within a few days of knowing each other and that whole aspect was a stretch considering the characters.
The plot with the Rembrandt was somewhat suspenseful. How it unraveled was exciting. But the whole reasoning and stuff for the Rembrandt plot seemed just weird and weak for me.
If you’ve never read one of Nora’s books, I wouldn’t recommend starting with this one, or even this compilation. She’s a BRILLIANT artist and she has MUCH BETTER works of art than this one! You can look through my book lists on goodreads to find several I absolutely loved. I will continue to read her stories because she truly is one of the very best in the business, but this one isn’t a very good example of her brilliance and domination of the romance genre.
The gist: Kirby’s father is a famous painter. Adam is a well-known painter. Adam comes to stay in their house for a few weeks. Kirby’s dad does forgeries of famous, classic paintings. It’s fraud, but he’s not a bad guy. Anyway, a Rembrandt painting has been stolen and Adam is there, secretly, to find the Rembrandt. Kirby and Adam fall in love. There are a couple attempts made on Kirby’s life. The whole plot with the Rembrandt is unraveled.
This one was alright, but it’s definitely not my favorite Nora book. I’m a serious Nora fan, I own almost all of her books. This one is definitely subpar. BUT, it is one of her earlier books and she has definitely gotten A LOT better the more she’s written!
I chuckled quite a bit because Kirby and her dad are eccentric and they’re sort of whackadoodle. There’s this whole bit with a cat and dog that had me rolling with laughter.
Kirby and Adam fall in love with each other within a few days of knowing each other and that whole aspect was a stretch considering the characters.
The plot with the Rembrandt was somewhat suspenseful. How it unraveled was exciting. But the whole reasoning and stuff for the Rembrandt plot seemed just weird and weak for me.
If you’ve never read one of Nora’s books, I wouldn’t recommend starting with this one, or even this compilation. She’s a BRILLIANT artist and she has MUCH BETTER works of art than this one! You can look through my book lists on goodreads to find several I absolutely loved. I will continue to read her stories because she truly is one of the very best in the business, but this one isn’t a very good example of her brilliance and domination of the romance genre.
June 24, 2020
Esta interesante. Es un libro corto, pero entretenido y como siempre no supe quien era el villano/a hasta que llegué al final. Y la personalidad de la protagonista es efusiva y muy chispeante
September 21, 2016
Author: Nora Roberts
First published: 1986
Length: 328 pages
Setting: Contemporary. Rural New York.
Sex: Hand-wavy 80’s sex.
Hero: Painter / Investigator.
Heroine: Sculptor.
Nora Roberts i a very, very competent author. First published in 1986, The Art of Deception is engaging, funny, sexy, with just enough suspense. It’s an easy read. And it’s probably the sort of book Roberts can whip up in her sleep.
Overall, I liked it. There isn’t much to dislike. But it is eminently forgettable. There is nothing remarkable about it.
Fun-loving but independent Heroine meets respectful, strong and dark hero with secrets. InstaLove with a touch of intrigue so he can save her, and she can save herself. Add in the aforementioned secrets the couple will have to overcome and forgive to reach the expected HEA.
Formulaic. An airplane read. You can pick it up and be engaged, but not be irritated when interrupted.
References:
Author: http://www.noraroberts.com
(ISBN 978-0-263-87677-2)
-CR-
First published: 1986
Length: 328 pages
Setting: Contemporary. Rural New York.
Sex: Hand-wavy 80’s sex.
Hero: Painter / Investigator.
Heroine: Sculptor.
Nora Roberts i a very, very competent author. First published in 1986, The Art of Deception is engaging, funny, sexy, with just enough suspense. It’s an easy read. And it’s probably the sort of book Roberts can whip up in her sleep.
Overall, I liked it. There isn’t much to dislike. But it is eminently forgettable. There is nothing remarkable about it.
Fun-loving but independent Heroine meets respectful, strong and dark hero with secrets. InstaLove with a touch of intrigue so he can save her, and she can save herself. Add in the aforementioned secrets the couple will have to overcome and forgive to reach the expected HEA.
Formulaic. An airplane read. You can pick it up and be engaged, but not be irritated when interrupted.
References:
Author: http://www.noraroberts.com
(ISBN 978-0-263-87677-2)
-CR-
September 28, 2015
Não achei que fosse dos melhores, mas também não foi dos piores. Ainda me ri em algumas cenas, Kirby e o pai tinham umas saídas mesmo loucas e o cão e a gata juntavam-se à festa. ;D
Do que gostei mais foi que nem Kirby nem Adam fossem aquele tipo de personagem que resiste aos sentimentos e não se quer apaixonar e quando acontece recusa, etc...
Do que gostei mais foi que nem Kirby nem Adam fossem aquele tipo de personagem que resiste aos sentimentos e não se quer apaixonar e quando acontece recusa, etc...
July 3, 2022
I think my least favorite Nora Roberts book I've read 🥲 I liked it well enough but didn't feel connected to any of the characters. The plot was interesting but never really felt like a lot was at stake, even in the moments that should have been tense--again, I think that's because I didn't really care that much about the characters. But it was entertaining enough, and I did like that the characters had a very posh way of speaking and behaving while still feeling genuine and natural.
November 29, 2018
Cute story. It had some mystery to it.
February 14, 2013
Adam Haines was an artist visiting the Fairchild mansion to do some undercover digging, and that was a problem for a man who preferred to be straightforward. An even bigger problem was Kirby Fairchild, daughter of the world-famous painter he'd been sent to investigate. She was part child,
part elf, and the most fascinating woman he'd ever encountered. She also had a disconcertingly sense of right and wrong. Adam's own code of ethics was much broader. Is this relationship able to develop in spite of their differences. Or will he be able to do his job then walk away.
Its one of those books where you know how its gonna end, yet it sneaks up and bites you on the butt. So
many branches in this book, yet well written and brought together. Many surprises also. 5 star Roberts.
part elf, and the most fascinating woman he'd ever encountered. She also had a disconcertingly sense of right and wrong. Adam's own code of ethics was much broader. Is this relationship able to develop in spite of their differences. Or will he be able to do his job then walk away.
Its one of those books where you know how its gonna end, yet it sneaks up and bites you on the butt. So
many branches in this book, yet well written and brought together. Many surprises also. 5 star Roberts.
September 24, 2020
Adam Haines arrives at the mansion of eccentric painter Philip Fairchild and is greeted by Fairchild’s daughter, Kirby. Adam is staying at their home under the guise of working on his art, but he is actually in search of a missing Rembrandt. He quickly learns that it is not only Fairchild that has eccentricities, but all of those within the mansion. This book has some of Nora's more quirky characters and an ending that took me by surprise. To hear a full discussion of The Art of Deception listen to Season 2, Ep. #1 "Nora Roberts 1986: Tales of Intrigue", of Romancing the Shelf, a Nora Roberts podcast: https://romancingtheshelf.libsyn.com/
January 31, 2024
Cute little gem I somehow missed in the '80s when I started reading romance. Kind of cute how there was talk of cigarettes and transmitters since cell phones weren't that common back then and they were the size of a house...
Good plot, decent take on the art, liked both of the main characters. The FC was a little bit of a ditz at the apex of the plot but it was the 80's so we'll forgive her...
Good plot, decent take on the art, liked both of the main characters. The FC was a little bit of a ditz at the apex of the plot but it was the 80's so we'll forgive her...
July 10, 2021
Proof that not every author is perfect...I think this makes 2 of all the NR books I have read in life that I didn't enjoy! Just couldn't get into this one, too similar to other stuff of hers I have read!
February 8, 2012
Totally thought this book was new until the characters started smoking cigarettes and I realized it was a reprint. Enjoyed it well enough.
April 15, 2021
When Adam Haines is send to the Fairchild household to search for a missing Rembrandt painting, he couldn't imagine the family he will encounter. Philip Fairchild is an eccentric painter and his daughter Kirby is a really talented artist. So when Adam tries to infiltrate, he doesn't expect to fall in love with the enigmatic Kirby at all. And when an unexpected betrayal threatens to destroy them all, Adam must choose were his priorities really lie.
I remember reading this before and really liking it then, but now I couldn't find the appeal anymore. The characters are incredibly one-dimensional and you never learn anything about them really. So yeah, Philip and Kirby are weird and even though we hear that all the time, there never is a why for it. Adam himself was quite unappealing as a love interest and the whole story was just quite bland for me. It never really got exited and you can really see this is one of Nora's older books.
I remember reading this before and really liking it then, but now I couldn't find the appeal anymore. The characters are incredibly one-dimensional and you never learn anything about them really. So yeah, Philip and Kirby are weird and even though we hear that all the time, there never is a why for it. Adam himself was quite unappealing as a love interest and the whole story was just quite bland for me. It never really got exited and you can really see this is one of Nora's older books.
August 18, 2020
La trama es original y me encanta el mundo del arte que trata pero no es de los mejores de la autora. Los personajes están bien desarrollados y son interesantes, pero le falta desarrollo en general. Podría haber estado mucho mejor.
Ella una escultora, hija de un pintor de prestigio que puede hacer lo que quiera, desde desarrollar nuevas técnicas, imitar a los grandes autores o intentar emular a su hija y hacer una escultura...Él es un pintor que ha ido abriéndose camino en un mundo difícil y donde su reputación va afianzándose con cada cuadro que pinta.
Además hay que contar con una trama de intriga de cuadros desaparecidos y donde nadie es lo que parece.
Pasable pero poco más.
Ella una escultora, hija de un pintor de prestigio que puede hacer lo que quiera, desde desarrollar nuevas técnicas, imitar a los grandes autores o intentar emular a su hija y hacer una escultura...Él es un pintor que ha ido abriéndose camino en un mundo difícil y donde su reputación va afianzándose con cada cuadro que pinta.
Además hay que contar con una trama de intriga de cuadros desaparecidos y donde nadie es lo que parece.
Pasable pero poco más.
July 12, 2025
En av mina absoluta favorit böcker under tonåren. Håller inte riktigt måttet idag men fortfarande rolig att lyssna på igen. Tror att den kan vara bättre på original språket. Gillar romansen och hur mysteriet nystas upp. Blev lika stockad av vändningen i slutet som första gången.
July 23, 2018
Art, artists, creativity and deception
Another winner from Nora Roberts. With her usual skill, Nora Roberts has given us a mystery that I didn’t solve until she showed us the solution. We have a cast of talented and eccentric artists, a castle without a moat, but with a butler and maid who run the place. Most of all she has given us wonderful descriptions of works of art and process of creating them.
After just a few pages, I was caught up in the people and place and couldn’t put it down.
Another winner from Nora Roberts. With her usual skill, Nora Roberts has given us a mystery that I didn’t solve until she showed us the solution. We have a cast of talented and eccentric artists, a castle without a moat, but with a butler and maid who run the place. Most of all she has given us wonderful descriptions of works of art and process of creating them.
After just a few pages, I was caught up in the people and place and couldn’t put it down.
December 1, 2024
This was NR at her finest but many years ago. It did have a good story but I stumbled over the dated references to cigarettes and other items.
July 1, 2024
Just as good as I remembered
July 14, 2025
Eu gosto da Nora Roberts, já li inúmeros livros dela, mas esse foi chato. História sem graça, personagens que não conectam… demorei meses pra terminar e ainda pulei alguns trechos no final pra terminar de uma vez.
June 17, 2013
I was disappointed by my last two books so I decided to return to an old favorite who I knew would give me a quick, romantic, easy read and I wasn’t disappointed. I’m a pretty big fan of Nora Roberts because I think she does romance without being trashy and every girl could use more romance in her life (trashy has its place as well.) Side note: two of my favorite romance series are Roberts’ Bride Quartet and the Inn Boonsboro trilogy. Check them out! This novel introduces us to the feisty Kirby, the mysterious Adam, and the lovable Fairchild. The latter may be at the top of my list of favorite characters. He is adoring, quirky, brilliant, and hilarious. He may be why I liked this book so much. All three main characters are artists who live in a “world of restrained wealthy where champagne fizzed quietly and dignity was an essential as the proper alma mater.” There is a certain level of intrigue and mystery to this love story and the dialogue is full of witty banter and biting sarcasm. Sure, there were parts that were predictable but I found myself surprised by at least one twist. The only thing that bothered me a little was the point of view would change rapidly from focusing on one character for a long period of time to another with very little warning. I caught myself doing a couple double takes to figure out who was thinking/talking. Overall, this book was a very entertaining, quick read. P. 168
August 11, 2014
I enjoyed this one. The love story was pretty conventional and it bugged me that, with all the secrecy around Adam's true reason for being there, the actual secret turned out to be the least interesting part of the book, but I liked it.
I find I seem to enjoy Roberts' criminals with a heart of gold a lot, and the banter and odd sort of dramatic gameplaying of the father/daughter duo was fairly enjoyable although I might find it exhausting in real life.
I find I seem to enjoy Roberts' criminals with a heart of gold a lot, and the banter and odd sort of dramatic gameplaying of the father/daughter duo was fairly enjoyable although I might find it exhausting in real life.
November 3, 2015
Este livro provocou em mim reacções ambíguas. Se por um lado gostei do Adam, por outro achei a Kirby e o pai meio loucos. Já para não falar do cão e do gato e da sua relação estranhíssima... Não é mesmo dos melhores livros de Nora Roberts.
April 3, 2020
This was a fabulous book. Even in the land of the famous there is deception of so many types. I love how it entwines with Art itself. Nothing is what you think it was or is. I found myself going back and forth for who to trust and who not to.
August 25, 2015
This book captured me! I love the character of Kirby Fairchild! She's strong and crazy but also vulnerable and loving! A great combination!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 288 reviews