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

This historical fiction focuses on Lily, a passionate art lover working as the assistant to Diana, the recently promoted Modern Collections keeper at London's Tate museum in the early 1970's. On opening night of a Picasso exhibit, she determines that one of the paintings on display, Woman Laughing, is a forgery and blurts out her discovery in front of a reporter and many important patrons of high society and the art world. Scandal ensues and before long, Lily finds herself in the center of the investigation. Can she discover the truth behind Woman Laughing before she finds herself behind bars?

The English Masterpiece is my first Katherine Reay book and now I can't wait to dive into her backlist. It was well written, with lots of details about the era and the art world that made it feel authentic and immersive. I enjoy art museums but don't know anything of substance about art, artists, or the various movements or styles. Despite my own ignorance on the specific subject matter, this was a tremendously enjoyable read. I enjoyed these characters, most of whom were lovable despite their flaws, and I was invested in Lily's pursuit of the truth behind the painting.

I read this thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse Audiobooks, and I'm grateful for the chance to do so prior to its publication in exchange for this honest review.

Is the Picasso a fake? Lily has just said that it is and she's turned so much upside down, not the least of which is her own reputation. Sure, she's quite junior at the Tate but her boss Diana is not and this cuts at Diana. Lily sets out to find the truth about the painting and discovers a bit about the underworld of art forgery, I liked the 1970s London atmospherics and the twists this takes. And as a fan of both the Tate and Picasso, it was a treat. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

Reay has become one of my favorite historical fiction novelists over the last few years. Her latest, The English Masterpiece, is a thrilling look at the underbelly of art forgery. Set in the 1970s, I learned so much about art, the Tate Museum in London, and the ways the art world was in an uproar after WWII Nazi thefts were being discovered. Plus I loved all of the little details Reay included about fashion, culture, and current events that were like little Easter eggs. Such a compelling and propulsive story that you won’t want to put down!

Not my favorite Katherine Reay, but still a great read. I loved the setting, liked the characters, and enjoyed how the puzzle came together at the end.

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

Thank you to Net Galley and Harper Muse for the chance to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed the mystery that takes place in the art world. I thought it started a little slow, but it soon took off. Diana and Lily have staged a Picasso exhibit right after his death. Things are going great until Lily notices one of the paintings is a forgery. She not only notices it, but she says it outload. This sets off the mystery that is involved in this story. I learned some things about the art world from this story. There is a lot of things that go on behind the scenes. I also enjoyed seeing Lily learn to connect more with herself and her family. Please read this if you like stories involving art heists.

"The English Masterpiece is a fast-paced read to the end, full of glamour and secrets, tensions, and lies, as one young woman races against the clock to uncover the truth about a Picasso masterpiece. Perfect for fans of Kate Quinn and Ariel Lawhon.

As the recently promoted assistant to the Tate's Modern Collections keeper Diana Gilden, Lily helps plan a world-class Picasso exhibit to honor the passing of the great artist--and she's waited her whole life for this moment. The opening is beyond anyone's expectations--the lighting, the champagne, the glittering crowd, and the international acclaim--until Lily does the unthinkable. She stops in front of a masterpiece and hears her own voice say, "It's a forgery." The gallery falls silent."

This historical mystery had me completely captivated from the very first page! The tension that is created when Lily claims it's a forgery puts herself, her boss, and The Tate in jeopardy. I could not put this down. There is also a family saga combined with 1970's art and fashion in London, and a little romance mixed in. All the elements are seamlessly woven together to create a memorable story with characters that I will remember. Be sure to read the author's note for more background on art, art forgeries, and stolen art as well as the history behind including a famous celebrity in the novel. Grab your bell bottoms, some Abba music, and possibly a disco ball in a room with some paintings, and you've created the perfect setting to immerse yourself into The English Masterpiece! 🎨

The audiobook performance by Saskia Maarleveld and Fiona Hardingham is excellent and added to the depth of enjoyment of the novel.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Harper Muse Books, UpLit Reads, and Katherine Reay for an advance reader's copy and an advance listening copy in exchange for my honest review.

#TheEnglishMasterpiece #KatherineReay #bibliophile #HarperMuseAudiobooks #NetGalley #GiftedByUpLit #ARCreview #HistoricalMystery #5starbooks #2025TBR #BestBooks #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookstagram #booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #booklover #bookworm

Katherine Reay delivers a compelling novel, that masterfully blends mystery and art history.
The English Masterpiece follows Lily Summers, a gifted young woman working under the formidable Diana Gilden at the Tate Gallery. When Lily declares a Picasso painting a forgery at a high-profile exhibition, she sets off a gripping chain of events involving the art world, insurance agencies, and even Scotland Yard.
Set in post-war London and steeped in the 1970s art scene, this novel is rich with historical detail and layered characters. Reay skillfully explores themes of self-discovery, loyalty, and integrity through Lily’s journey as she learns to trust her instincts-both in art and life.
Equal parts thriller and thoughtful character study, The English Masterpiece is a fast-paced, and a truly absorbing and satisfying novel..

Reay again nails historical women’s fiction with The English Masterpiece. I absolutely loved The Berlin Letters and had high hopes for this one. Luckily the author didn’t disappoint. With dual POVs from both women, readers can compare their backgrounds and how they became successful despite hardships they endured. Both backstories are heartbreaking. But the author shows how each woman’s path led them to where they are and how this incident defines them for the rest of their lives.

The author delivers on authenticity with the art history. She weaves it in a way that places it at the core of the story without outshining the characters. Lily truly thrived once she let go and became true to herself. And it was so fun and satisfying to watch. Packed with suspicious and memorable characters, a mystery to solve, a coming-of-age aspect, and a touch of romance – readers will want to add The English Masterpiece to their reading list.