To say this book surprised me is an understatement. The English Masterpiece is not something I’d normally pick up, but the moment I saw London and art and the 1970s? I was in!!

I was fully sucked into this world from the words “That’s a forgery”. The way this story wove in real historical events and figures with such an addictive plotline was just so well done. I couldn’t stop flipping pages (or well, listening…because the audiobook? 10/10. Fiona Hardingham and Saskia Maarleveld? Obsessed).

Lily was such a standout for me. So passionate and dedicated, and really just trying to clear her name while everything around her is spiraling. I really felt for her. And Diana? She’s brilliant and calculating and tragic, truly one of those characters that lingers in your mind long after. Her marriage? Let’s just say… yikes. Run, girl.

Also, the whole forgery/museum/exhibition mystery gave this story such energy. I didn’t expect to be so hooked by art crime, but now I’m like… tell me everything about post-war London’s art scene. The details about the Tate, Picasso’s legacy, exhibition logistics, throw in some Warhol, talk about randomly fascinating!

And let’s not forget the romance thread between Lily and Connor because let’s be real, it had to have at least a hint of romance. It was sweet and subtle and exactly what I needed in between all the twists. A perfect little balance.

This book made me feel like I was right there wandering around the Tate, uncovering secrets, and getting lost in a world of art. Katherine Reay has definitely earned a permanent spot on my TBR.

I will start by saying that Katherine is always one of my go-to authors. She is able to deep dive into the world of historical fiction in the most thoughtful and captivating ways. I will pick up anything she puts out.

The cover of this story is stunning. My eye is so drawn to the beautiful red and creative suggestion of the British flag. I also spent a year teaching art history, and this was a fabulous capstone for me personally after really living in that zone.

This story had a bit of a slow start, but Katherine never lets me down with a good story, and about a third of the way in, I was hooked and couldn't put it down. It's set in the 1970s at the Tate Modern, and it has quite the mystery when Lily finds out her "authenticated" Picasso painting is a forgery. I've been fascinated by this concept and more curious after studying the effects of WWII on art with the significant amount of stolen pieces and foregeries that came about as Hitler sought to control culture through art. This story is a nod to those events and the long-term ripples they caused.

I couldn't stop until all the details were ironed out. This had a similar vibe to The London House with the nod to fashion and a dash of romance. This was another fabulous novel from Katherine and a great story to kick off the summer!

I received a complimentary copy of the author's story to read and review. All thoughts contained here are my own.

Her position in the world is precarious

In 1973 in London, two women who work at the Tate Gallery have just heard that Pablo Picasso has died and they propose pulling together an exhibit of his work to honor him. The women could not be more different in many ways. Diana Gilden is the keeper of the Tate's Modern Collections (the first woman to hold a keeper's position at any major British institution), has an enviable reputation in her field, and with her impeccable sense of taste and fashion she is rumored to be from a family with old money. Her assistant keeper Lily, on the other hand, is from an extremely humble background, has no formal art training, and in fact was originally hired as Diana's secretary before the unheard-of promotion to the assistant keeper position. To Lily, Diana is everything she wants to become and she has been molding herself in her mentor's image. The Picasso exhibit they work feverishly to assemble in just a few weeks' time is on the verge of being a smash success, until Lily blurts out that one of the paintings on loan to them from a nouveau riche businessman is a forgery. To say it aloud was bad enough....to say it aloud in public, when the painting's owner, the Gallery's director, and someone from the London Times is there to overhear it is unforgivable. Who, after all, does Lily think she is to say such a thing? The scandal is immediate and spreads like wildfire. Lily's job, and in fact both her career at the Tate and her dream of having her own art shown in such a place one day, seems doomed, and Diana's reputation and possibly her job and future are also in jeopardy. When an insurance investigator arrives on the scene it will be a race to determine whether or not the painting is a forgery; if it is, are there more forgeries floating around in these post WWII times; and if there is a forger, who is behind it all? Lily, with no social clout, is the most obvious person at whom to point a finger....she and her family clearly are in need of money, and it would neatly close the case. But not everyone involved is who they seem to be, and if Lily can't identify the true forger she will be losing more than just her job.
The English Masterpiece is historical fiction with elements of a thriller woven into the storyline. The two main characters, Lily and Diana, are interesting women who are working hard to establish themselves in a male dominated field, one that is cutthroat but glamorous, and where background and connections are even more important than talent and ambition. Lily, whose family has endured multiple tragedies, is desperate to be accepted in this environment, but this need makes her vulnerable to exploitation and manipulation. She has emotional walls which keep everyone, including (perhaps even especially) her family, at a distance...only Diana has penetrated those barriers. Diana, meanwhile, is married to Heinrich, a domineering artist who has helped mold her into her current image, and has secrets in her past that must stay hidden if she is to continue to thrive in her career. The plot centers around the art world in this dynamic period, and around the culture of art forgery about which it is fascinating to read. With well-developed characters, an intriguing plot full of twists and turns, and a fascinating period used as its backdrop, The English Masterpiece is a very entertaining read, one likely to appeal to readers of Kate Quinn, B. A. Shapiro and Fiona Davis. My thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for allowing me access to the novel in exchange for my honest review.

A new favorite from Katherine Reay! This was a fast-paced, extremely interesting look into the 1970s art scene that focused on a possible Picasso forgery and I absolutely LOVED that the author was somewhat inspired by the Thomas Crown affair film. Great on audio and highly recommended for fans of books like The Paris Deception by Bryn Turnbull. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

"The English Masterpiece" by Katherine Reay is a historical mystery novel set in the glamorous and sometimes perilous London art world of 1973. The story follows Lily Summers, a newly promoted assistant at the Tate Gallery, as she helps her esteemed mentor, Diana Gilden, organize a world-class Picasso exhibit to honor the recently deceased artist. However, at the grand opening, Lily, an artist herself, makes an unthinkable and public declaration: a newly discovered Picasso masterpiece, a centerpiece of the exhibition, is a forgery. This shocking claim throws the art world into chaos, jeopardizing not only Lily's budding career and Diana's reputation, but also sparking a wider panic about post-war art acquisitions across Europe. As Lily races against time to uncover the truth behind the suspected forgery, she finds herself in a dangerous cat-and-mouse game, risking her freedom to prove she was right and expose the real culprit. The novel delves into themes of authenticity, deception, and the courage it takes to speak truth to power, all while immersing the reader in the vibrant atmosphere of 1970s London.

The English Masterpiece is a wonderfully written historical novel that combines, intrigue, romance, and family dynamics. The characters are well developed with layers that are slowly revealed as the action unfolds. This would be a great pick for a book club discussion. Thanks to NetGalley, Katherine Reay, and Harper Muse for the gifted eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

April 8, 1973, Pablo Picaso dies, and Tate's Modern Collections keeper Diana Gilden starts to plan a Picaso exhibit. Diana’s assistant is touring the exhibit and does the unthinkable, shouts out “It’s a forgery” when viewing one of the Picaso masterpieces that in on loan. The investigation into this piece starts to unravel more than one life.

Katherine Reay always brings us a great story. Always. The characters aren’t always who they seem to be. I read this book in two sittings because I didn’t want to put it down. Art and a mystery to solve, perfection in my book.

Thank you NetGalley & Harper Muse #TheEnglishMasterpiece #NetGalley.

The English Masterpiece by Katherine Reay is a great art thriller. The book is set in London in the 1970s. I would recommend this story to everyone but especially historical fiction lovers. Good author who never disappoints.

It starts out with an art exhibit of Picasso’s works, as a tribute to him as he had recently passed away. Lily and her boss Diana put on this amazing show of art until something goes horribly wrong. Lily accidentally blurts out that one of the paintings is a forgery causing pure chaos. This forms the basis of the ensuing events. There are many things dealt with, that come out in this story like guilt, blame, loyalty, a little romance, love of family, and it shows that once words are spoken they can’t be taken back. It is a twisty novel that makes you want to keep reading to see what will happen next.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for an advance copy of this book for an honest review.

The English Masterpiece by Katherine Reay is a fast-paced historical mystery that offers a refreshing departure from the usual war-centric narratives. Set in the art world shortly after Picasso’s death, the novel delivers an engrossing mix of suspense, drama, and intrigue.

When Pablo Picasso dies, Diana Gilden, Tate Modern’s esteemed Collections Keeper, rushes to organize a tribute exhibit in his honor. What should be the crowning achievement of her career is suddenly overshadowed when her assistant, aspiring artist Lily, publicly declares one of the featured paintings a forgery—right in front of a stunned crowd and the press.

In a post-war world where the provenance of artworks traded during the Nazi era is already under scrutiny, Lily’s accusation sends shockwaves through the art community. Fearing for both her reputation and Diana’s, Lily dives into an investigation to uncover the truth. But the deeper she digs, the more the evidence seems to point to her as the forger. To clear her name, Lily must unravel the mystery before everything she holds dear is destroyed.

Brimming with art history, layered family dynamics, and a hint of romance, The English Masterpiece hooks readers from the start. Katherine Reay has crafted a smart and compelling novel that will satisfy fans of historical fiction and art-world thrillers alike

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Muse, and of course the author Katherine Reay for the advanced copy of the book. The English Masterpiece is out Tuesday, June 10th. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing this ARC to me in exchange for an honest review. I liked this book and it definitely gave me “Charade” vibes even before the reference. Part of that is probably because the narrator’s voice reminded me of Katherine Hepburn.

The English Masterpiece is a fascinating mystery about art forgery. It weaved between two perspectives- Diana and Lily's. I'm almost wishing it stayed with Lily's perspective throughout the whole. And maybe leaned into more of the romance with Conner and Lily. I did like the family elements weaved into it with Lily's family and the 70s time period. Overall an enjoyable, fun read!
Thanks to #NetGalley and #HarperMuse for the ARC.

An epic historical fiction art extravaganza.

I've read several Katherine Reay novels and, once again, she's delivered an engrossing women's fiction story.

I enjoyed Lily's journey of transformation despite the huge mess she makes of many parts of her life. As Reay often does, she set us up for Flummoxville before pulling on, threading and tying up all the necessary threads in the canvas. Moving from slightly confused and unsure to being completely absorbed in Lily's story happened without me realising, and I finished this story feeling satisfied and wishing for more.

Many of the side characters had me thinking, rethinking and reimagining what Lily and Diana experienced. I appreciated seeing Diana behind closed doors, but I still couldn't find it in my heart to hold much hope for her. But I did hold hope in my heart for one particular Irish-American in Lily's world. 😉

A semi-intellectual novel with all things art, heart and healing.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Katherine Reay has long been an auto-read author for me. I love her storytelling, her characters, and her unique historical settings (and fun literary references!). This is such a beautiful addition to her collection of historical novels. The story is engaging from the first page and I couldn't read fast enough to discover how it all comes together!

The dual perspectives were both beautifully written and so compelling to experience. I loved getting to know Lily. Her dedication and passion for art were exquisitely developed. As we add pieces of her story throughout the novel, her humanity and relatability only increased. She carries a lot of guilt from her past and seeks to control her present and future. But she is also willing to change and faces some tough questions about her life over the course of the novel. I was rooting for her as she seeks the truth to absolve her name. Diana was a truly fascinating character. From her public personas to her impeccable attention to detail, she creates her identity to fit each situation she finds herself in. As we learn more about her background and personal life, I was in awe of her strength and her courage. Life has not been easy for her, but she has not wallowed because of her trials. She fights for her future and creates the world she wants to live in, no matter the potential cost.

I really enjoyed the London setting (one of my favorite places) set in a new to me time period of 1973. Having this fantastic city as a backdrop to such a fast paced mystery was lovely. This moment in time was also so interesting. Many things were changing and developing making the world smaller. Yet people still remember the years of WWII and the changes that came because of that war as well. I loved the combination of the Tate Gallery setting and the art world of this time period.

The fast paced mystery at the heart of this story was fascinating. I did not realize that Picasso died in the 1970s! His modernity was so interesting to learn about. Learning about the process of creating an exhibition was fascinating including all the details needed to borrow pieces from other museums. And then there is the forgery. From the details that lead Lily to call it a forgery to the specifics of how it was created, Woman Laughing had such a compelling and engaging history. I was riveted by the story, the discovery of who created this forgery ,and why that changed so much for so many people.

Katherine Reay does it again! I love her writing style and was engrossed in this mystery from the first chapter. A truly compelling story!

I loved this book. Unlike much historical fiction that focuses on World War II itself, The English Masterpiece is about one of its lingering consequences: the art stolen by the Nazis. It is 1973. The IRA is causing problems in Ireland. War is raging in Vietnam. Artwork stolen by the Nazis is coming back into the market. And Picasso dies. In the midst of this history is a story inspired by the London art world.

The Tate Gallery prepares a special exhibit to honor Picasso after his death. Scandal erupts over an accusation of forgery in the exhibit, setting off this story, which, after a bit of a lull, becomes a page-turner of intrigue, history, family drama, humor, danger, and a touch of romance. I particularly liked the theme of identity throughout the book. Identity lost, identity found, and what can happen when you let someone or something else define who you are.

P.S. When you come across some character named Pierce Brosnan, it’s really him!

THE ENGLISH MASTERPIECE by Katherine Reay is described by the publisher as "perfect for fans of Kate Quinn and Ariel Lawhon." Given that I enjoy their work (and Fiona Davis praised it, too) I truly expected to be able to recommend Reay's latest historical fiction/mystery. The cover is beautiful and eye-catching, but the story moves slowly and the alternating narrators, young Lily and her boss, Diana, who work at London's Tate Gallery, are not very engaging. Lily, especially, has issues of confidence and is constantly apologizing. Diana, though bravely battling misogyny in the 1970's curation and art world in Britain, also struggles for recognition, especially from her older husband. They put on a terrific exhibition, but Lily naively (and publicly) calls Picasso's Woman Laughing a forgery. Is it? Can she prove it? Will their careers survive? Why did she say that? Booklist calls THE ENGLISH MASTERPIECE "[a] fascinating look behind the scenes of art dealings and the workings of the museum;" hopefully, readers interested in that aspect (like the Historical Novel Society which recommended this title) will have more patience than I did.

The English Masterpiece by Katherine Reay

Thank You NetGalley and Harper Muse for a complimentary copy of this novel! All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. This novel takes place in London in the 1970’s. Lily serves as an assistant to Diana, who is the modern collections keeper at the Tate. Picasso having recently passed away, they are tasked with putting on an exhibition to honor him and his works of art. Included in this exhibition is one work titled, “The Laughing Woman”, a newly found piece and one Diana herself advised on to be bought.
However, on the night the exhibition opens, with people all around, drinks being served, lights flashing from photographers, Lilly realizes she loudly voiced a fleeting thought...”It’s a forgery!” What ensues is pure chaos after the initial shock from the surrounding crowd! Diana and Lily’s jobs ae now both on the line because of her loudly spoken comment. What possessed Lily to say that? As Lily first begins to question herself, she starts to realize she may be on to something. And that something could very well end up getting her in big trouble.
I really enjoyed this fast-paced novel set in the art world! There’s lots of secrets and lies and no one knows who is telling the truth until the very end!
AVAILABLE June 10, 2025

The English Masterpiece is an artful experience, to be savored and appreciated. Lily is a young assistant, far ahead of the professional norm of being a woman, to a woman boss, in a male dominated profession. Lily is creative and talented in her own right and immediately I got the sense she has layers of depth to her character, but has determined to study the masters and learn from her mentor, Diana. She has allowed others to shape her into who she thinks she is supposed to be. I love that this is a story of self-discovery and restoration to what was lost. Lily deeply loves her family and yet, being burdened by many things, feels like she cannot quite connect with them on an intimate level. I love how Katherine Reay uses art and the masters to draw out the characters and their strengths and imperfections. I also learned quite a bit about art along the way. There is a touch of romance, but it is not the center of the story and is just enough to bring an additional layer. There are historical elements woven throughout and the setting of the seventies came through accurately. This is a standalone, but I must confess, my thoughts have lingered on the characters once I finished and I would love another story with them.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley, and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

** “I’ve come to believe, however, you need to help when and where you can.” **

Katherine Reay delivers a great art thriller in “The English Masterpiece.”

“That’s a forgery.”

Three little words forever change the life of Lily Summers. When Pablo Picasso dies in 1973, Lily is tasked with helping her boss, Diana, create an art installation celebrating his life at the Tate Gallery. But when she notices some discrepancies in one of the pieces they are showing, she blurts out those three little words without thinking, setting off a crazy course of events.

Can Lily figure out the truth behind the painting? Will she be implicated in the possible fraud? And will art inspector Conor Walsh believe her and her innocence?

Reay develops a great, twisty thriller that also has heart. She creates characters that you can’t help but root for, as well as some with questionable traits and some that will fool you. She also fills “The English Masterpiece” with a number of great themes, like having to live with extreme guilt and blame; words are powerful; love and loyalty are gifts; you can never take back what you say or do; and letting go of control and power.

Fans of authors like Rachel McMillan, Kate Quinn and J’nell Ciesielski and series like the “Marion Lane Mysteries” by T.A. Willberg, “The Secret Detective Agency” by Helena Dixon and “Evelyne Redfern” by Julia Kelly will love “The English Masterpiece,” which is due out June 10.

Five stars out of five.

Harper Muse provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.

At the top of the high stakes world of art, there are two kinds of egos: the artists and the wealthy people who spend millions to collect them. Not surprisingly, when so much money is involved, lives can be shattered easily - especially when a young staffer at London’s Tate Modern stands in front of a painting at an exhibit of work by Picasso and declares, “it’s a forgery.”

For an art lover like me, reading this book was like eating a rich piece of cake. I gobbled up all of the delicious information about the artworks, the artists and the museums. Because I am a former arts administrator, I also loved the behind-the-scenes look at exhibit planning and curation. The fact that it was set in London, one of my favorite cities, and at the Tate Modern, one of my favorite museums, was (to strain the metaphor) icing on the cake.

Reay either knows her subject intimately or does excellent research, because the information about art and artists was spot on. An example is the explanation behind a tube of paint found in an artist’s studio, and why that particular paint exonerated the artist. But I also really loved the character development, which is central to the mystery and cleanly justifies the decisions each character makes. It’s this character development, I feel, which will make the book satisfying even to those who know little about art.

Many thanks to Harper Muse and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

THE ENGLISH MASTERPIECE
BY: KATHERINE REAY

This was my first time reading anything by Author, Katherine Reay, this was a novel called, "THE ENGLISH MASTERPIECE," which was marketed as Historical Fiction, but it was at times so fast paced I felt as if I was reading a mystery-thriller novel because of both the plot's intensity once I got involved in this story that takes place in the London Art world which begins on April 9, 1973. Lily finds a note on her desk when she arrives from her London home, which she shares with both her parents on her desk at work on a Monday morning. It's from the woman she directly reports to named Diana. It's a request for Lily that is recognizable that's been written in Diana's distinct handwriting that states for Lily to go directly to see her which she does. Since they work closely together they have developed a custom where Lily enters Diana's office quietly after announcing herself. This habit prevents Lily from interrupting Diana as in this particular case she sits down in a chair directly across from Diana's impressive, ornate, antique desk she's admiring as she also observes at the same time Diana's stern facial expression while waiting for Diana to finish her telephone conversation.

Lily sits with her notepad in her lap with her pen waiting to take notes wondering what could have gone wrong already this early on a Monday morning. As Lily sits there waiting, since the call is taking longer her thoughts and eyes start to wander. Diana is the Tate Gallery's Keeper of Modern Collections. Diana is the first female keeper in the U.K. at any major organization or institution, and her beautiful office mirrors her stature and her impeccable style. I emphasize this since Lily's focus is again on the, stunning, massive desk that despite sitting across from it hundreds of times it never fails to impress her. The author is signifying to the reader, and Lily that Diana has a non-frilly George IV design antique desk made of wood in it's formidable bulk, wood inlays and detailing give an impression of delicacy but also Power. The Contrast between delicacy and power that this desk represents is also a reflection of Diana the owner, since if she didn't own it, and it belonged to the Gallery's collection, such a valuable antique would be utilized by Director Browning's office instead of hers.

The description above is to give you an aspect to reflect and visualize a vivid representation of Diana's financial status, juxtaposed against Lily's to give you a taste of how superficially they are so different. This review is a very hard one to write without saying too much, but I do want to emphasize the contrast between the two in terms of the power imbalances financially, and their positions at this Gallery. Diana has impressed Lily the most not by her history and background of generational family wealth, but her reserved way of sharing it during their five years of working together. Her example has taught Lily that if you have wealth, status, and power you don't need to talk about it. "Rather you wear it lightly, effortlessly, like an Egyptian cotton shift on a warm summer day."

Art means everything to Lily, and what started out as Lily being Diana's secretary has become a career beyond her any dream imaginable. She admires Diana's success in the Art industry since Art is an industry at this time period struggle or stagger. Lily is beyond grateful, and loyal to Diana since Diana has paved the way for Lily to succeed, also. Diana promoted Lily from secretary to assistant keeper of the Modern Collections four months ago. A promotion that was not previously done or known to be that set off an explosion through the museum scene in London. After Diana hangs up with the person she was speaking to on the telephone she tells Lily that Pablo Picasso died yesterday.

Diana wants to honor Pablo Picasso with an exhibit within two weeks which is going to be difficult to get his paintings from different museums, including travel time from the United States could take at least seven days to arrive. That's if the different museums agree with loaning specific Picasso Paintings. They discuss getting the permission from the director first. They've also discussed that it's going to be a small intimate affair that Lily is going to arrange for the catering and champagne. The economy is bad and donors are not as forthcoming with their money. Diana mentions the room that she would like to use that will require another Keeper of Collections of a different type temporarily moved.

During the big night of their show that is the Picasso exhibition a privately owned painting by Picasso is on display that was acquired by an Art collector. Most people know that whenever you purchase a one of a kind painting by a World famous artist that the buyer is very concerned with having the provenance of it. At any rate the man who lent his Picasso painting to be on display in Diana's exhibit was a private citizen which he had it insured, and has lent it to the Gallery from which it was among the other Picasso paintings. Lily who is there since she's Diana's Assistant is studying it, and she blurts out loud while she's viewing it, without thinking that the painting is a forgery. This occurs during the exhibit which causes enormous problems for herself, and it affects several others. Nobody anticipated that Lily unintentionally set in motion what turns out to send a fire storm with a destructive domino affect that's consequences sends major shock waves throughout the international Art World. The incident appears written up in the press by The Times reporting it, and it ends up costing her more than her job, which she loved, and she feels devastated that she has caused Diana her beloved mentor to be affected, as well.

What follows is a roller coaster ride throughout the majority of the novel that is so thrilling and captivating that you won't be able to put this novel down. That's what I meant when I said that it felt at times like unraveling a mystery which it expertly does layer by layer. The reader learns things that I haven't even touched upon here since there is so much to this plot that is gradually revealed in a taut, suspenseful manner creating tension that never lets up. The Author, Katherine Reay, has written a very clever story that I also said made this feel like a thriller in the most fantastic, and pulse-pounding way. The narrative has superb character development on all of the characters making this a highly appealing reading experience. Not everything appears as it seems leaving you eager to keep turning the pages since it's rare to read historical fiction done so masterfully. "THE MASTERPIECE," offers such an innovative premise that includes both a brilliant plot, and characters with some you will love, and others central to this story that are unlikable.

My best advice to the reader is to try not to read too many reviews, because I didn't read any which I went in as blind as possible and thus had the most enjoyment with each new revelation rewarding me with so many unexpected surprises. You don't need to be an expert on Art, in fact this is about Art, but you will enjoy it even if you don't know anything. It will enlighten you. I highly, highly recommend this to all kinds of readers. It's that good, and the Author makes sure to explain things in a very easy to understand fashion. This is an update to add as I just saw that this is not just categorized as Historical Fiction, it's also being marketed as these two additional genres: Mystery & Thrillers, and Women's Fiction. I thought it felt mysterious as it kept me on my toes, but it also offers some small romance, but very light, and the slight romance was tasteful and clean. Which for me was executed in a perfect way, since that's done with class.

Publication Date: June 10, 2025

Thank you to Net Galley, Katherine Reay, and Harper Muse for generously providing me with my Spectacular ARC, in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own, as always.

#TheEnglishMasterpiece #KatherineReay #HarperMuse #NetGalle