Philippa Stockley writes A Factory of Cunning , a story about a French aristocrat who shipped herself on English shores, dodging a trip to the guillotine along with her friends back in her scandal-torn home land. She takes the chance to re-establish herself under a new name, Mrs. Fox. And though she arrived in London destitute and homeless, it was not long until she found guileless but wealthy people to attach her claws to and take her place at the pinnacle of high society. The story is set in the late 18th century London, a time where strict morality were enforced yet sexual exploitation and cunning were at an all-time high. Mrs. Fox plans devious tricks and gets the upper hand among her peers. She influences men and women --though men most of all-- in her lies and incredible drama. The novel centers on how the infamous Mrs. Fox and her amoral tendencies just to get what she wants using her quick wit and powers of seduction. I'm just about finished with it and all I can tell you ...