Katherine Reay has done it again! Her newest release, The English Masterpiece, has fully consumed me the past few days. I love the way this story developed, and though I’m usually not a fan of morally gray characters, this story pulled them off spectacularly.

The book takes place in the Tate Gallery of London in 1973. With one simple phrase, Lily Summers throws her carefully constructed world into chaos:

“It’s a forgery.”

The closest I’ve ever gotten to becoming an art connoisseur was a job as a writing tutor for an art history class in college, but I loved all the art history elements in The English Masterpiece. I feel like I learned a lot about how to consider and feel visual art through this book. The themes of authenticity, forgiveness, control, compassion, and integrity gave me a lot to think about and if anyone is up for a discussion about this story in particular, send me a DM. This is the kind of book that begs discussion.

I love how Reay uses POV to build character. We can talk about that too, if you like.

The English Masterpiece released earlier this month and is now available at all major book stores. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an electronic advanced copy and an advanced listening copy. The mark of a good read for me is resorting to hybrid reading (audio to ebook to print and back to audio) so I don’t have to put the book down. I absolutely needed all the forms of this story! As a side note, the audio was well done except the narrator’s voice for Conor was extremely unattractive, so those parts were better in print form.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this book!

London, 1973 historical fiction novel, art, suspense. What more could you want? Really enjoyed this novel and the narration was very engaging.

Thank you Netgalley for providing me a free audio ARC. This was a historical fiction set in 1970's London. There are two POVs and the story starts with a gallery exhibit of Picasso paintings right after his passing. There are family and marriage dynamics, modern art world, and a mystery of whether one of the paintings is a forgery or not. I would definitely not call this a thriller, perhaps a women's or historical fiction with a dash of mystery.
It has a slower pace and things are not what they seem to be. Fiona Hardingham and Saskia Maarleveld did a marvelous job of narrating this book on audio.

THE ENGLISH MASTERPIECE - KATHERINE REAY

Katherine Reay has a wonderful way of wisking you away to unexpected times and places! 1970's England, the cut-throat art world of art, and a young woman unsure of who her true friends are. The book was beautifully written and I didn't want to stop listening it was so perfectly performed!
Very entertaining all the way through. I look forward to reading more from Katherine Reay!

A CLEVER AND CAPTIVATING STORY

SUMMARY
Lily is an up-and-coming assistant at the Tate Museum's Modern Collection. She admires and emulates her boss, Diana Gilden. Together, they have created a superb Picasso exhibit to honor the artist’s passing, which occurred less than three weeks ago. However, on the morning of the commemorative exhibit opening, with a large crowd present, Lily, without thinking, loudly declares, “It’s a forgery” as she studies the Woman Laughing masterpiece.


In the aftermath of her declaration, Lily’s job, her boss's job, and the art world are all in peril. Was Lily correct? Diane had authenticated the painting, and now her reputation and place in the art world are threatened. Lily must deftly uncover the truth about this Picasso masterpiece before it is to late.



REVIEW
The English Masterpiece is a clever and captivating story. Was the Woman Laughing painting really a fraud or did Lily’s lack of experience get the best of her? Lily’s realistic character boldly propels the narrative. She was engaging, intense and smartly drawn.

The story is an exciting and twisting race to the finish. The writing is compelling and entertaining. The book features a diverse and engaging cast of characters, and I couldn't help but devour the story.

I enjoyed listening to the audiobook. The narrator’s distinctive voice, tone, and pacing align perfectly with this story of the art industry. Read it! Love It!

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance reading copy of this book. All opinions expressed here are my own.

ART IS A LIE THAT MAKES US REALIZE THE TRUTH.
-PABLO PICASSO



Publisher Harper Muse Audiobooks
Published June 10, 2025
Narrated Saskia Maarleveld, Fiona Hardingham
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com

Lily has just been promoted to help her boss Diana who is the keeper of the Tate’s collections and now they are creating a Picasso exhibit to celebrate his life (it’s 1974 and he has recently died). At the opening, while Lily is examining one of the paintings, she yells out “it’s a forgery” out of her surprise for the revelation. The domino effect of her words is so far reaching in the art and museum world (as well as Diana’s and her own life). Now Lily has to prove that the work is a forgery and who created it.

This one took me a bit to get into but I ended up really enjoying it. I love art mysteries (who knew that was a genre) and so this one was a perfect read on a Sunday for me. The mystery wasn’t so much who had done it (for the reader) but can Lily survive all the forces against her. This novel has elements of family dynamics, hidden identities, and love - familial, romantic and platonic. The audio on this one was excellent and I enjoyed listening to about half of this book.

Thank you to Harper Muse and NetGalley for the ALC to review

Book/audio Book Review: The English Masterpiece
By Katherine Reay Narrated By: Fiona Hardingham and Saskia Maarleveld
Book ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Narration⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Harper Muse Audio, Harper Muse, Katherine Reay and Netgalley for allowing me to review this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The story line and premise of this book were interesting! A forged painting discovered in the middle of an exhibit by someone who shouldn’t know so much- everything isn’t as it seems. I was interested and I definitely needed to know what would happen. That being said, there were several things about this book that got to me. First, Lily’s chapters were mostly in first person past tense, and Diana’s chapters were mostly in first person present. This made for a weird flow to the book. Maybe Mrs. Reay was trying to create the feeling of an unreliable narrator. Weirdly, it felt like a few times she even switched from past to present within Lily’s chapters. To me, this kept the story from flowing as well as it should have. I went in to this expecting it to be a Christian Fiction book because my experience with this author’s books are of Christian Fiction books. (I did not notice the publisher- so that is on me!). This book is NOT a Christian fiction book. Overall, I enjoyed the storyline and the concept. The main character, Lily was unlikable for most of the book but she did have a decent redemptive arc.

I listened to this book on audio. It was well done. The narrators did a good job narrating the story. The different narrators give the two main characters a clear distinction . They keep the story flowing. There are no lags in the story line.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes historical mysteries, especially if you love mysteries and art. I would not recommend this book if you are looking for squeaky clean because there are a couple of scenes that border on risqué.

#theenglishmasterpiece #netgalley

Atmospheric novel that feels appropriate to its time period and genre. Very authentic in that….
I loved the art element and found myself constantly looking up different works of art to picture in my mind as I read.
Immersive experience. Recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to preview this book!

The narrator contributed to my enjoyment of the story, and did not detract. I do listen at faster speed. I thought it easy to follow various characters.

The story itself was interesting, a bit suspenseful, and very entertaining. I’m not an art aficionado, and found this story interesting. The setting & time period (1970s) were fun, and I could transport myself there. The last part was gripping and I couldn’t wait to find out what happened.

Thank you to NetGalley & Harper Muse Audiobooks for a free ARC of the audiobook.

This smart and engaging book wonderfully combines coming of age, mid-century period piece, and what feels like a heist when our clever protagonist outsmarts the villains who would take advantage of her.

An absolute delight!

After a visceral response to one of Picasso’s masterpieces in the Tate Gallery’s Picasso Commemorative, shock rings through the gala. Lily realizes her words cannot be unsaid and that repercussions will reverberate throughout the art world. It becomes a race for time as Lily’s innocence and freedom are in jeopardy.

The English Masterpiece by Katherine Reay is utterly brilliant, and I could not put it down! The narration by Fiona Hardingham and Saskia Maarleveld brings the novel to life.

In a fascinating tour through the resplendent art world of the 1970s, Reay explores forgery, artistic identity and authenticity, and complicated familial relationships. I loved the allusions, especially the one to Pierce Brosnan.

Thank you to Harper Muse Audiobooks and NetGalley for providing an advanced review copy of the audio version of this title for an honest review.

I loved this one. It’s set in mid 1970s London at the Tate Museum. It has a Picasso that’s a forgery which leads to the mystery of finding the forger. It has two points of view: Diana and Lily.

Diana oversees the Modern Collections at the Tate. Lily is her assistant. The book shares past conflicts the women as individuals have faced which adds to the mystery of the forgery. It also enhances the layers of the read.

I loved stepping into the art world. I also loved all of the pop culture references of the time. The book also references War World II which is so interesting as I forget that there was less than 30 years between the War and the 1970s.

(Same review as the one I left for the digital copy.)

I feel like I need a proper cup of tea, a scrumptious biscuit and a trip to the Tate Modern!

For those of you who know me, willingly initiating a trip to an art museum is an uncommon occurrence, so this says something. Equally, you'll rarely see me turn down an opportunity to reminisce about all things London. The English Masterpiece delights with both!

This is an enjoyable story that dips into the world of art forgery, and it's a scandalous world indeed! Whether you are an art enthusiast or not, this mystery will keep you thoroughly entertained. You definitely get a sense of where this story is going, but it does not matter. You'll still want to see it through.

Thank you to Harper Muse for both the digital copy and the audiobook via NetGalley in return for an honest review. Now seriously. Gather a group of friends to read this book. Discuss over an afternoon tea or scones with cream and jam. Take it up a notch and channel your inner Picasso with a paint-your-own twist. There is some fun to be had with The English Masterpiece!

This book was fantastic—so much better than I expected, and easily a standout read! Set in 1979 London, it masterfully blends historical fiction, mystery, art history, and a touch of romance. The premise is so intriguing: a young woman finds herself in a race against time to uncover the truth behind a potentially forged Picasso masterpiece. From museum halls to dusty archives, and into the shadowy corners of the art world, every twist and turn kept me hooked.

I especially loved the parts centered around the forgers—it added a whole new layer of depth and suspense to the story. The writing is rich but accessible, and the balance of character development and plot was perfect. It’s a smart, atmospheric read that captures the thrill of uncovering long-buried secrets while also exploring personal identity, legacy, and the courage to speak the truth.

With no content warnings, a compelling romance subplot, and a strong heroine at the center, this is a perfect pick for historical fiction lovers, art enthusiasts, or anyone who enjoys a well-crafted mystery with heart.

This is my first book from this author and she’s got a new fan! This book was so well done. I loved everything about it. The dual POV with Lilly and Diana was excellent. I didn’t want to stop reading!

I was very intrigued by the description of the story. I loved studying art in high school, thanks to a beloved teacher and the historical setting of the 70s was also a draw. I don’t read many books set in this time and I was excited to see what the author would do with it. And the stunning cover too!

I loved Lilly. I can’t give many details but I can say that she is fantastic but also flawed. The author does an amazing job of showing Lilly’s past to explain the relationships of her family and friends and their motivations. I loved her family and the history behind events that changed them. They’re told so well. There is a very fun cameo in the story too and I adored the author’s notes about it. I had another favorite character, but not naming for fear of spoilers.

Lilly’s words, “It’s a forgery!” start a chain of events that turns her life and Diana’s around completely. I was left stunned so many times. It’s such an amazing story! The author does an incredible job of bringing it all together. And how Lilly outsmarts everyone was perfect.

The audio narrators Fiona Hardingham and Saskia Maarleveld were stunning. Both of them portray the women so well. Their take on the characters was so well done. I loved the variation of voices they used.

I received a NetGalley link for the audio and the ebook. Huge thank you to the publisher and #uplitreads #harpermuse

This is an enjoyable book with an above surface story and below surface story. Above surface— art forgery who done it, with the reader in the know, hoping Lily figures it out in time. Below the surface we have two women —Lily and Diana—who have had to make some tough decisions in life. The characters are well-drawn and interesting. I loved the period references which really grounded the story. And I liked the solve.

The narrators really made the story come alive. Well done! Thank you to for the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

I have read a handful of books by Katherine Reay. My enjoyment of those books are what led me to request The English Masterpiece. This book did not disappoint! Reay writes truly compelling historical fiction. The characters are wonderful and the mystery was captivating. I listened to the audiobook and the narration was beautifully done. After this book I am certain Reay will be added to my list of authors to automatically read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse Audiobooks for the advanced copy of this book. All honest opinions are my own.

The English Masterpiece by Katherine Reay (book cover is in image) is going to be a great read for fans of Fiona Davis. This fast paced mystery emerses the reader immediately into the search for the criminal who forges a Picasso.

The narration by Fiona Hardingham and Saskia Maarleveld was marvelous. They brought these characters to life; and while I was able to move seamlessly between the eBook and audiobook, I found myself going back to the audiobook because it was so engaging.

Thank you Harper Muse Audiobooks, Harper Muse, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this ALC and read this ARC. All opinions are my own.

Rating: 4 Stars
Pub Date: Jun 10 2025

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The English Masterpiece is escapism at its finest. Set against the backdrop of the art world in 1970’s London, this thrilling story is one for the historical fiction lovers and art aficionados. I especially appreciated the way the story is told alternating between Lily and Diana’s viewpoints. I highly recommend this fast-paced book, it is perfectly atmospheric and imaginative, and the audio narration is top tier.

4⭐
I've been looking for a good cozy mystery and this one stood up and delivered. Absolutely enjoyed this!

In 1970s London, Lily has recently been promoted to assistant to the Tate's Modern Collections keeper, however while planning a world-class Picasso exhibit to honor his passing, she discovers one of the pieces is a fraud, and she declares it causing a stir in the art community/industry.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Muse Audiobooks/Harper Muse for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.