A common plot device for keeping characters in conflict with each other, and incidentally not solving the main plot arc, is to add a sprinkling of dishonesty. This might take the form of a withheld truth, a deliberate lie for good or ill intentions, or even the dreading 'big misunderstanding'. This week the dragons take a look at how each of these tropes work and where they fail. On the slab this week The Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon, Piano of the Forest and many more, including Jules' and Madeleine's own work. Join them as they look at the art of deception in fiction.

Title music: Ecstasy by Smiling Cynic