Lily pulled me right into this story set in London in the 1970’s she tries to prove her worth to her boss, Diana, in the art world. Diana and Lily are from different worlds and when Lily is promoted to Diana’s assistant. They are showing the Picasso exhibit when Lily looks at one of the paintings and says out loud that it is fake…This sends everyone into a tailspin and all of the patrons who have loaned them paintings want them to be tested. Lily is now under the microscope and her own paintings are making it look like she could be behind creating forged copies. Will she be able to not only prove her innocence but who the real forger is?

I love stories about the art world and this one was so engaging. We see Lily grow as a character in her home life and in her work life. I wanted to like Diana because you could tell she was uncomfortable with the arrangement with her husband, but then at the end, her true colors were revealed when she was only cared about his painting. I thought she was going to win me over but the ending sealed her fate with me. The backstory into the way they can test a painting to see if it is a forgery was extremely interesting!

Thanks to Harper Muse for an advanced copy of The English Masterpiece by Katherine Reay.

I enjoyed this 1970s art-focused historical fiction. Set in London at the Tate Modern, Lily is the assistant keeper of collections and with Picasso's death, she's helping to plan an exhibit honoring him with her boss, Diana. At the opening, as Lily is looking at one of the paintings, she says it's a forgery and it's a domino effect from there...

This was a fun look at 1970s London and seeing Lily find herself. The beginning was a little slow, but once we got more into the mystery of the forgery, it started to pick up. This book looks at forgveness, trusting yourself and family all in a fun art mystery.

If you like art and London you'll enjoy this book.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy

The English Masterpiece by Katherine Reay is a mixed first and third person-POV historical set in 1970s London. Lily is an artist working at the Tate Museum for Diana, one of the people in charge of exhibits and authenticating art. When Lily blurts out that a Picasso is a forgery, ruining the reputation of the painting, the buyer, and the museum, she’ll need to figure out who is responsible.

This is very firmly set in its time and place and you can tell based on the worldbuilding (there’s different streets and districts of London mentioned) and the mentions of WWII and what was going on at the time. About thirty years after the war, there is still a question mark over the art that the Nazis took from citizens, especially Jewish citizens, and what is going to be done, if anything, to compensate them. This and broader conversations around the impact of the war play a large part in how the art business works because this is a question that has been asked often and is still being asked.

Lily is fairly stuck in her own head and doesn’t see much except what is right in front of her. Through her conversations with her family, we learn details about her personality as they perceive her and the ways she tries to keep control over everything because she blames herself for her mother’s accident. Lily keeps a lot of things close to the chest which is directly opposed to her often spitting out whatever comes to mind and then regretting it almost immediately. I think as frustrated as her family is with her, it’s not hard to understand why she makes the choices she does and how she wants the world to not move on without her even if it hurts the people she cares about.

Diana and her husband Heinreich are very interesting to me. There’s a layer of distance between them that has built up over time and it is fascinating how they are still a married couple who know each other and yet feel quite separated. It’s almost like they’re strangers living in the same house who happen to be married. The way their relationship links to the grander plot is foreshadowed well and Heinreich in particular felt like he belonged in his role.

I would recommend this to fans of historicals depicting the art world and readers who like a suspense element in their historicals

Thank you Harper Muse and Harper Muse Audio for the ALC and ARC.

This is my first Katherine Reay.
Excellent writing. It allowed me to live the atmosphere of the high society Art scene of the 1970s. Vivid characters, engaging plot, fabulous atmosphere and consistent pacing.
And while I despise Picasso; I enjoyed how his legacy and art were used to drive the plot.
The relationship between Diana and her husband is a lesson for the ages.
Fiona Hardingham and Saskia Maarleveld do an excellent job bringing the story and characters to life.

Incredibly moving characters and storyline from literary author Katherine Reay make a sensory delight. Tense snowballing action, combined with the likable Lily, brings sympathy pains for the main character. Be aware of the subtle and overt, important life messages.

I received an advanced copy of the book without obligation for a positive review. This is my own opinion.

The English Masterpiece is just that...a masterpiece. The protagonist, Lilly, is the assistant to the director of the Tate Museum in 1973, London, England. Picasso has just died, and Diana, the director of the Tate, honors him by having an exhibit of his art. Lilly, while looking at one of the paintings, blurts out, "This is a forgery." And thus, this is where all the action begins. It is a spellbinding book that kept me captivated until the very end. This novel has mystery, family issues, and a bit of romance, all culminating in an exciting read. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher, and this is my honest opinion.

The English Masterpiece by Katherine Reay

Rating: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Harper Muse, Netgalley, and the author for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

The English Masterpiece was absolutely brilliant! A delightful read that expertly blends historical fiction, mystery, art history, and a little bit of romance to formulate a story that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat to the very end.

Set in 1970s London, Lily is thrilled to have her dream job. She recently became an assistant to Diana Gilden, who is at the helm of Tate Gallery's Modern Collections. Lily and her boss decide to organize a Picasso exhibition. During the opening, Lily notices something strange about one of Picasso’s paintings and, before thinking it through, she exclaims that it’s a forgery. From that moment on, chaos ensues all around.

Both Lily and Diana are excellently written characters. Their complexities, along with their unique dynamic is evident throughout the story. This is a novel centered in the art world that highlights its often volatile nature, as can be seen in how one sentence spoken by Lily changes everything. Furthermore, the post-war era setting works to demonstrate how people utilized art to try to return to a sense of normalcy. The English Masterpiece addresses topics of introspection, self-acceptance, and hope. Also, the romance subplot was great and further enhanced the story.

Overall, The English Masterpiece is magnificent and is a literary masterpiece that all historical fiction/art aficionados would greatly appreciate. Katherine Reay has an incredible storytelling ability that works to fully immerse the reader into the world crafted within the novel.

Katherine Reay books never disappoint and The English Masterpiece is definitely no exception. 1970's England are world is not a typical setting for historical fiction. The history is so well researched and relayed in a very compelling manner. The two main characters Lily and Diana are both complex and flawed and very intriguing. The story is suspenseful and entirely engaging. I couldn't put it down.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Muse and the author for the opportunity to read for my honest review.

I enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down. First I love art and was thrilled with the descriptions of paintings and artists. Secondly the plot carried me along. Near the end I figured out some of what would happen, but still enjoyed watching. the book unfold.

THE ENGLISH MASTERPIECE completely swept me off my feet, in the best kind of way. From the very first page, I was hooked. The suspense kicked in early and didn’t let up, and I found myself flipping pages long after I should’ve been asleep. Every twist landed just right, and the pacing was chef’s kiss—tense, deliberate, and so satisfying.

And the romance? Subtle, emotional, and beautifully done. It added a softness that balanced the high-stakes tension without ever pulling focus. I loved that it supported the bigger themes—especially women’s empowerment. That thread ran strong through the whole story, and it was honestly such a joy to see a female lead who was smart, layered, and resilient in a way that felt both grounded and deeply inspiring.

This was my first book by this author, and now I’m wondering how I’ve gone this long without her on my shelf. Her storytelling had me completely immersed, and I already have my eye on what to pick up next.

If you’re into stories with heart-pounding suspense, meaningful romance, and a fierce female lead at the center of it all—The English Masterpiece deserves a spot on your TBR. I’m still thinking about it.

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
________________________________________
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.
________________________________________
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.
________________________________________
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.
________________________________________
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.
________________________________________
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/