The English Masterpiece is a beautiful recollection of London in the 70s and the arts scenery. Diana and Lily share their knowledge and taste for art but are from two different stratum of life, Diana is the master and Lily is the follower. Both work at Tate's Modern Collection and weeks after Picasso's death they put together a commemorative showing bringing pieces from museums all over the world and private collections. Everything is going well until Lily, whilst in front of one of the paintings, declares it a forgery. The mystery and mayhem that follows that declaration will soon bring Diana and Lily out of their jobs and soon one of them will be targeted by the Police. But who is the real culprit and why? It's interesting to read how both characters grow, especially Lily's who will grow as a professional and a human being. The story also gives good insights into social class prejudices and society in general.
I thank the author, her publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.

Once again, Katherine Reay has written a compulsively readable story, enveloped in rich historical detail with a young heroine you'll be cheering for all the way.

Lily loves art but her career path and her family history are shaky at best. When she's promoted to assistant to the Tate Museum's Diana Gilden, keeper of the gallery's 'Modern Collections,' it seems like a dream come true. Diana is smooth, polished and glamourous, and Lily admires Diana as professional mentor with an artist's eye for perfection and beauty. Then, in 1973, Pablo Picasso's death inspires Diana to stage a tribute to the great artist, with Lily's invaluable assistance. But on opening day of the exhibit, staring at the painting titled "Woman Laughing," Lily utters the words that no one wants to hear in a museum - it's a forgery.

What follows is a high stakes cat and mouse game as the museum, Scotland Yard, and American insurance investigator, converge on the scene to determine how this painting ended up in the exhibit. The chapters alternate between Lily's perspective and Diana's perspective, as we learn about both women's past and present lives.

There is family drama combined with 1970s art and fashion in London, a little romance, and a surprise cameo appearance by a young Pierce Brosnan that will make you want to run out and watch his remake of the Thomas Crown Affair. Lily's life has been traumatic, her relationships with her older sister and her parents in tatters, but I loved watching how they pull together with love and forgiveness.

As always, the author's notes at the end are not to be missed. Reay shares her research on art, art forgeries, and stolen art as well as the history behind including Brosnan in the novel. It may not have had the same intensity or looming danger as some of her recent novels, but I thoroughly enjoyed The English Masterpiece and can highly recommend it.

The English Masterpiece by Katherine Reay is a delightful historical fiction romance that delves into the intrigue and mystery of the art world right after Picasso’s death. Dealing with an influx of forgeries and stolen art this book will sweep you right along through the sophisticated world of art in the 1970’s. I highly recommend this book and greatly enjoyed it. I give this book 5 stars. I received a complimentary review copy of this book and am writing this review voluntarily.

Katherine Reay is an author I can count on to deliver an outstanding plot each and every time. Her latest, The English Masterpiece, was absolutely wonderful. Here, we step into the world of art, complete with forgeries, a framed crime, and a hint of romance. I delighted in every turn of the page as Reay expertly held my imagination spellbound. Both entertaining and educational, The English Masterpiece is just that - a masterpiece.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

The English Masterpiece is indeed a masterpiece of a book. So beautifully written, amazing characters, strong independent women, and a forgery like no other.

Pablo Picasso is dead, and museums are going crazy trying to honor the legend with special exhibits. Diana Gilden, the Tate Museum's current keeper, is pulling all the stops and stacking up the favors in order to make this exhibit "The" exhibit that will get her to her next postion. Her assistant, Lily, loves her job and worships Diana. Lily has her whole career riding on this exhibit as well. The big day arrives, and all the excitement and anticipation will finally come to life in this exhibit. However, Lily realizes that one of the major paintings is a forgery, and she says it outloud.
Everyone is pissed, the attendants are confused, and here begins the real story.

You will love this book, the glamour, the women, their intricate lives, the fabulous world of art, and the war that started the world of forgeries.

Thank you, Netgalley and Harper Muse, for this ARC. All opinions are entirely my own.

Lily has been asked to help create a Picasso exhibit in 14 days. She and her boss, Diana, work together to get this astonishing exhibit up and running. The night of the opening, Lily is walking by and studying the paintings and she suddenly burst out “This is a forgery!” This simple statement puts her job and her life in jeopardy!

Lily is a fabulous character. She is a little bit of everything, naïve, strong, smart! She also has a few hang ups where her family is concerned. This really endears the reader to her character. And her smarts come out when she is accused of the forgery. She pulls out all the stops to save herself. And believe me, this sends a reader on a quest you won’t soon forget.

I loved The Berlin Letters. And this book is very good. It just didn’t seem to have the emotional drama that took place in The Berlin Letters. I highly recommend you read both.

The narrators, Fiona Hardingham; Saskia Maarleveld are spot on. Perfect for the energy that runs through this book!

Need a super good tale which has you chasing time…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel for a honest review.

I always love Katherine Reay's books, and this one was so fascinating. It is a great mix of art, a bit of mystery, an interesting time period (1970s), and a bit of romance.

Lily works at an art museum, and she helps her boss put together a Picasso exhibit. At the grand opening, she looks at a painting and blurts out that it's a forgery. This causes a chain reaction as secrets and lies are exposed.

The beginning of the story felt slow, but I stuck with it and I was hooked!

Thank you to Katherine Reay, NetGalley, and Harper Muse for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

Immerse yourself in the 1970’s London art world where evidently forgery is a common problem and uncovering the truth of a Picasso could land aspiring artist Lily in prison. She is quite an insightful character who has many layers of complex emotions. From her high-profile job to her family life, everything she holds dear is beginning to unravel. I found this novel very difficult to put down, as the storyline was incredibly compelling and the flow was excellent. The viciousness of the art world is exposed by Lily’s boss Diana who will stop at nothing to keep her perch in the hierarchy of the art profession.
I have read several of Katherine Reay’s novels and would not hesitate to recommend anything in her backlist. She writes historical fiction, has a passion for Dickens and is an accomplished national bestselling author. My favorite of hers is Dear Mr. Knightley, a delightful expository novel that is a must read.
I received an early e-copy of this book from Net Galley, and 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 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

The English Masterpiece by Katherine Reay

Katherine Reay has created a masterpiece through her telling of forgery and deceit occurring in the London art scene during the 1970s. The story is the perfect blend of mystery and suspense as we follow Lily on her quest to uncover the truth of a forged Picasso. In finding the truth, she hopes to uncover who is behind the creation of the forged painting and its path to Mr. Davies, a wealthy man looking to build his collection of fine art.

We see Lily discover much about herself, her family, and the lengths she will go to in order to discover the truth. This is a must read for historical fiction lovers as well as those who enjoy a good mystery.

Thank you to UpLit Reads, Harper Muse Books, and Katherine Reay for the opportunity to read The English Masterpiece!

I’m a huge fan of Katherine Reay’s books and was very excited to read this one! It’s a bit different from a lot of her other books that I’ve read, more of a historical mystery. It is set in London, in the 1970’s, following the death of artist Pablo Picasso. I loved the art history/forgery aspect. It was a fun plot!
A dual perspective book, I thought the characters were interesting, and I especially enjoyed Lily’s POV. 

After a slow build start, things really ramped up in the last half of the book, and it was full of tense moments, daring escapades, intrigue and a satisfying conclusion. It also has great themes of hope, finding oneself and healing within a family. It also has a light romantic subplot that was just the right touch. 4.25/5 stars

[Thanks to the publisher, Harper Muse and NetGalley for the advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.]

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.