This book combines many of my favorite elements: art, mystery, history. Lily and Diana are running an exhibition at the Tate Museum of Picasso’s paintings shortly after he dies in the 1970s. Everything quickly turns chaotic and there’s a race to see who is responsible. Compelling story!

Genre: Historical Fiction
Setting: 1970s London, in the art world’s elite spaces
Themes: Art forgery, legacy, post-war trauma, obsessive admiration, truth vs reputation
Source: ARC via NetGalley – all opinions are very much my own
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Plot Snapshot

Set in the textured, evocative art world of 1970s London—just after Picasso’s death—we meet Diana Gildon, the sophisticated & enigmatic keeper of the Tate Modern Collection. Her eager assistant Lily, a bit of a wide-eyed ingénue, is thrilled (and slightly obsessed) to be working under Diana’s formidable wing.
When the two prepare for a grand event showcasing some of Picasso’s work, Lily spots what she thinks is a forgery… and does the very worst thing one can do in an elite art crowd: she blurts it out loud. Cue spiralling reputations, personal reckonings, and a slow unraveling of both professional and emotional threads.
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Characters Worth Examining (and Exhibiting)
• Lily starts off a little beige, honestly. There’s a deliberate emotional distance with her family (there’s a complex history, she’s carrying guilt and she’s kind of self-exiled from it all). Naïve, cautious, and a little underwhelming at first… but stick with her. She grows into her role.
• Diana? Now this is a character. Steely, brittle, and mysterious. Her past gradually unfolds in the story making her multi-layered. Her relationship with her husband is compelling. Lily might be the protagonist in the story, but it’s Diana who owns every page she is on in my opinion.

Their dynamic? Lily idolises Diana to a possibly unhealthy degree, and watching that play out is one of the book’s quieter thrills.
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Setting the Scene

Reay nails the historical context. The echoes of WWII are still sweeping through London’s streets, especially for Lily and her family. The art world? In a period of change, as evident in the emergence of new styles but still snobbish and pretentious. It’s all very atmospheric, with a tangible sense of place and time.
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What Worked / What Didn’t

What worked:
• The setting is vivid and believable—clearly well-researched.
• Diana’s characterisation = exquisite.
• The themes of authenticity and identity felt fresh and compelling.

What didn’t quite land:
• The pacing drags in places. I did find myself skimming some chapters in the first third of the book.
• Dialogue occasionally sounds off—not quite right for the 1970s London vibe it’s going for.
• Lily’s initial blandness makes it a slow start.
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Final Thoughts

This one didn’t fully sweep me off my feet, but I can absolutely see the craftsmanship here. If you enjoy art-themed historical fiction with a female lead, then you’ll probably enjoy this. Just know it’s more about subtle shifts and psychological intrigue than high-stakes thriller vibes.
Maybe it was my mood, or maybe it was a slight reader-to-book mismatch—but I still think it’s worth a read for fans of the genre.

Katherine Reay writes a coming of age story set in the 1970s London art scene that is a character driven mystery. Told using two points of view, the pacing increases as the plot thickens making for an emotional and tense read. Lily, one of the main characters, learns some valuable life lessons about family and identity. I am not an art fan, yet I enjoyed the behind the scenes look at the Tate, the art world, and forgery.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Fans of historical fiction and lovers of art will enjoy Katherine Reay's new novel, The English Masterpiece. Set in 1970s London, the story follows Lily and Diana, alternating between their points of view. Diana is the keeper of the Tate's modern collections, and Lily is Diana's secretary-turned-assistant keeper. Following Picasso's death, an exhibition is hastily thrown together to honor him, and it is at the exhibition opening that Lily makes a statement that really sets off a whirlwind of a novel. I loved all the references to artists and the art world. I also liked the inclusion of Lily's family and friends and found the ending of the novel quite satisfying.

The English Masterpiece is a fast-paced forgery scandal set in the 1970s art world in London. It’s a fascinating time for arts and culture, still on the heels of World War II. I enjoyed the story, but I wish the characters had been more fleshed out. I wanted to know so much more how Diana and Lily felt, about their work and each other, and who they were as people and not just pawns in this story. The characters just felt a bit too two-dimensional in service to the plot. Overall, I liked the book.

The English Masterpiece by Katherine Reay
Narrated by Fiona Hardingham & Saskia Maarleveld
Publisher: Harper Muse

Katherine Reay’s The English Masterpiece captured me from the moment Picasso was mentioned. With the backdrop of the Tate Gallery & the intrigue of a forged masterpiece set against the vibrant art scene of the early '70s, it presents a stunning canvas, pun intended, for an incredible story. Once you start listening, it’s nearly impossible to press pause—exactly what a great audiobook should achieve.

Set in London, England, in 1973, the art world is mourning the loss of one of its icons: Picasso. This pivotal event kicks off a whirlwind of excitement, especially when Lily, the assistant curator, daringly exclaims, “It’s a forgery” during the retrospective that she and her boss, Diana, have meticulously curated. From this moment, the narrative accelerates into high gear.

The novel unfolds through the contrasting perspectives of two extraordinary women: Diana Gilden, the first female keeper of the Tate's modern collection, & her assistant, Lily. The talented narrators, Fiona Hardingham and Saskia Maarleveld, breathe life into each character, their voices perfectly complementing the personalities they portray. The alternating chapters allow listeners to relish the evolving story from these two viewpoints, enhancing the overall flow of the narrative.

With a masterful blend of exceptional writing & engaging narration, the suspense intensifies with each chapter. As we uncover more about Diana & Lily, our curiosity as listeners deepens. I especially appreciated how the world of forged masterpieces in the 1970s resonated with the historical chaos of the art world, marked by the theft of masterpieces during the rise of the Nazi regime—a tumultuous period that left ownership in disarray, paving the way for forgers. While it may be the '70s, the societal structures of previous decades continue to cast their shadow over the art world.

This is my first encounter with Katherine Reay’s work, & it has sparked a desire to explore her other novels. Spending time immersed in the vibrant art scene of 1970s London is a journey you won't regret. I was also delighted by the references to past artists and those culturally significant during the '70s, including the iconic Andy Warhol. This audiobook is truly a gem.

Pub Date Jun 10 2025

It's a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ listen

Thanks are extended to Harper Muse and NetGalley for the advance copy of the audiobook

As soon as I read the description that this has an art forgery plot set in 1970's London, I was hooked.

4⭐s
Publish Date: 06/10/2025

We are following two perspectives of women working at an art gallery in London. During a gala at the gallery, one of the main girlies declares the displayed Picasso painting is a fake. From there, the story takes on a mystery subplot centered around the forged painting and character exploration of "standing on your own".

Katherine Reay put so much care and detail into her research for the time period and art history. I felt like I was learning about the art painting process, how museums send and borrow paintings, and also how a forgery could be committed. Reay's writing explores the emotional connection artists have to their work which was beautiful and altered my perception on the significance of art.

What was done well is the character development and exploration. Both of the main character perspectives see changes and growth in unique ways. Both characters have very relatable and real flaws. Their perspectives were refreshing and their personalities were at odds (one main girlie is rather unsure of herself and shy, and the other is fierce and confrontational). This added an intriguing contrast to their dialogue, interactions, and motivations.

Why wasn't this five stars? The mystery aspect of the story was more of a subplot. I had initially expected the mystery to take on more of a central role. There is also a romance element which could have been explored more to add higher-stakes drama to the story.

This is perfect for those who love:
• The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis
• The Art Thief by Michael Finkel

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Muse publishing for this digital ARC. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Absolutely loved this book! This is one of those books that has you asking early on “just how did this happen” and teases out the details little by little so you get the story at the same time as the main character.

Lily has her dream job as the assistant to the brilliant Diana Gilden, who is the head of a prestigious art museums collections. A single thoughtlessly uttered statement turns Lily, Diana and the museums life and reputation completely upside down. In the investigation that follows of a possibly forged masterpiece, Lily finds that there are some secrets the people would kill to keep buried. As she gets drawn deeper into the investigation, both as a witness and a possible suspect, Lily finds that art theft expert Colin may not only be the key to solving the mystery but also to resolving many unresolved issues in Lily’s past. In this book both people and paintings maybe forgeries and it is great fun teasing out what is real and what is not. A real page turner and great insight into the world of stolen art, forgeries and the politics behind it all.

Weird fact: I love documentaries about art theft and forgery. (Check out Made You Look or Beltracci on Netflix.)

So I thought The English Masterpiece would be right up my alley. It's a book about a young museum employee who, at a Picasso retrospective at the Tate Museum shortly after Picasso's death, blurts out to all the attending press and art lovers that one of the painting is a forgery. Me: what? This might have been the least believable part to me.

But I found it a bit slow going, though every time I'd want to give up something unexpected would happen, like Pierce Brosnan showing up in the middle of the story. Or a caper with four identical dresses. Or a romance popping up.

So I have decided that even if this book wasn't the best fit for me, I will keep an eye on the author as I liked her quirky style!

3.75 stars rounded up!

This novel is brilliant, intriguing, and delightful from beginning to end. This story and its characters drew me in and had me think about art in a way I hadn’t before. I knew nothing about the art world before, during, or after WWII. It was fascinating to discover how things worked in the art world during the different stages of history.

This is a complex, character-driven tale of hope, recovery, and sacrifice. If you've never read this author before, I highly recommend it for your reading group or as an exciting escape. Make sure you read the author's notes to the reader. This is an incredible story that you will not soon forget.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

Set in 1973 The English Masterpiece follows the plight of Diana, the Tate Gallery’s Modern Collection Keeper and her junior assistant as they prepare a memorial exhibition to honor the recent death of Picasso. Unfortunately, Diana’s assistant Lily publicly suggests the pinnacle painting in the exhibit is a forgery. The fallout from this sends dominos flipping causing a career spiral for both Diana and Lily.

Through the investigation of authenticity of the painting, and dealing with the ripple effect of the exposure, the author also explores the challenge of women holding positions in a male-dominate field and their particular struggles from two very different social and economic situations.

The book is in two points of view which works really well to unfold the secrets and the little sparks of romance. It’s a smooth easy read, and the pages turn quickly as the reveals on the masterpiece come to light touching on other historical periods to tell the story, including the vast Nazi thefts of art in WWII.

A must read for 1970s art fans, historical fiction readers, and lovers of a twisty mystery in an intriguing setting.

Katherine Reay is the author of one of my favorite Historical Fiction books, A Shadow In Moscow. It is completely different in subject and tone but I still liked the style and FMC of this story as well. Set in the 1970's London art scene where even a whisper of the possibility of a forgery can be the beginning of the downfall of whoever is involved , this was a great time. I loved learning about the paintings and the painters as well as the art scene. The pacing felt a tad uneven at times and brought my rating down just a bit.

Really enjoyed this one. It was such a unique setting and I loved the dive into the art world. Perfect for those who prefer light romance.

4.5 stars

In The English Masterpiece Kathrine Reay has expertly combined art, mystery, valuable life lessons, and just the right amount of romance. The story is intriguing, the characters are well developed, and the imagery is rich.

Lily was working her dream job at The Tate Gallery in the Modern Collections that is until she uttered three little words, “It’s a forgery!” Those three words sent her on search for truth. She discovered more that just where the painting came from. She learned we need our family and friends. She learned to stop shutting people out, to forgive the past, to stop blaming herself for things out of her control. She learned that “In art, as in life, success lies in holding nothing back.”

The book is full of mystery, forgery, greed, revenge, and betrayal. But it is also full of life, love, beauty, and so much art! I did a lot of internet searches to look up all the pieces mentioned. The first 30-40% of the book was a bit slow but the rest of the book more than made up for it!

I cannot say enough good things about this book. Take my word for it, you will want to read it when it releases June 10, 2025.

Thank you Harper Muse for the advance copy of this incredible book! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This historical fiction mystery is set in the 1970's at London's Tate Museum. At the opening of a Picasso exhibit, a young assistant declares a major painting a forgery. I found the first half of the book slow and filled with too many details about artists, painting, and fashion. The plot became suspenseful and moved quickly in the second half of the book. The conclusion with Lily's family seemed out of place.

Thank you, Harper Muse and Net Galley, for the advanced copy of this book. I have read other books by Katherine Reay and enjoyed them, and I look forward to reading more of her work.

1970's London is a hotbed for the art world, where glamor and secrets sit side by side. Forgeries abound as the aftermath of WW II floods the market with unseen masterpieces thought lost or destroyed. Suspense and danger lurk around every corner as the truth seems impossible to find and even harder to bring to light. How can an unknown assistant and painter possibly find the answers everyone is looking for before the danger catches up with her?
The Tate is set to launch into the upper echelon for art with a tribute to Picasso. Everything the newly installed Modern Collections keeper and her assistant want seems to be within reach. Diana is polished and knows her stuff, the first woman in the prestigious keeper position. Acclaim and success are waiting for her after the Picasso installment thrives. Lily wants to be just like her boss, refined and respected in the art world. After helping with the Picasso tribute she wants to linger and enjoy. Then comes the fateful words she doesn't even realize are spoken out loud, "This is a forgery." Now everything has been thrown into chaos, dreams are about to be shattered, and the danger is just starting.
The depth of the characters add such dimension to the story. It brings the learning and danger to life, either cheering or booing for each person. Learning how to find yourself, trust the right people, and listen to the hard fought for truth. Add in the wonderful way Katherine Reay brings the setting to life and this is a book you will not want to put down. Each layer builds on the previous, creating an amazing story with self learning, exposing wrong doing where ever it may appear and keeping the reader hooked until the last page. Katherine Reay has such an outstanding talent to bring stories to life and entertain readers through the entire thing. I always look forward to the next story that comes from Katherine Reay. Another book I happily recommend. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

“… in Art as in life, success lies in holding nothing back.”

This was a trip down memory lane for me and brought back fond memories of my time spent as an expat in London: Eaton Square, St. Martin’s School of Art, and the Tate Museum (where my young family rang in 2000 along the banks of the Thames).

In quintessential Reay style, we are immediately dropped into the 1970s London Art scene! Pablo Picasso has just died and Diana Gilden, the Tate Modern Museum Collections keeper, hastily puts together a special exhibition of his works. On opening night Diana’s assistant Lily blurts out, “It’s a forgery”, setting the story of intrigue, greed and corruption into motion.

This is Lily’s story and as we discover her background, we find her motivation to stay true to herself as she tries to avoid taking the fall for the rich and powerful players in the industry. The supporting cast of Lily’s friends and family added some levity to the seemingly insurmountable road blocks.

A single timeline historical fiction novel was unique, and I found the exception refreshing and enjoyable. I am a self proclaimed lover of London, art stories and the seventies so Ms. Reay’s latest felt like it was written for me!

Many thanks to Net Galley and Harper Muse for the early copy in exchange for my honest review.

/5 stars: This is Reay's Historical Mystery stand-alone which is set in England 1973 and is written in multiple POV tale with the main POV following a recently promoted assistant to the Tate's Modern Collections keeper finds herself in the cross hairs after declaring a Picasso a forgery during the opening of the exhibit commemorating the artist's career after his recent death. The other POV features her polished and perfect boss who she idealizes but she's keeping secrets and the young woman will have to decide who she can trust as she races against the clock to uncover the truth before she loses not only the career she's always wanted but her freedom too. While Reay's writing and character work are well done and this is an intriguing plot this just wasn't a book for me; leading me to DNF it at 19%.

I received this eARC thanks to Harper Muse in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

"The English Masterpiece" is another excellent historical fiction book written by Katherine Reay. Her storytelling and writing just keep getting better and better with each book she writes. This book takes place in 1973, right after Pablo Picasso passes away. Right from the first few lines of the book, the reader is engaged in the story, art, culture and most of all - a mystery.

I really liked the main character Lily and the character growth she experienced in the book, especially with the relationship she has with her sister. There is a romance subplot which is a wonderful addition, adding to the entire story arc. There is also a cameo of a world famous actor in the story which was inspired from his real life - I loved that little surprise in the book!

The author's research and details about artists, paintings, paints and everything that went into this story made it super interesting. I really enjoyed reading the tidbits about the artists' techniques and how the main character used inspiration found in art to try and capture a suspect in the story. The author added details on the Nazi art thefts, WWII events as well as the Cold War era struggles of 1973. The aftermath and emotions people of London were still dealing with 18 years after the end of the WWII was evident in the storytelling as the story progressed. All of these details made for such a rich story, I just couldn't put down the book.

Thank you to Harper Muse for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

I loved this book set in 1970s London at the Tate in London centered around a forged work of Picasso. Lily herself is a talented artist and calling out the forgery does not sit well with her boss, Diana, and the mystery just unfolds from there. Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for a chance to read this one early in exchange for an honest review.