THE ENGLISH MASTERPIECE is a thoroughly enjoyable novel to sink yourself into. Lily and Diana are terrific POV protagonists, and the differences between their lifestyles are immediately noticeable. I had a little bit of a hard time believing Lily's outburst, which serves as the inciting incident, but I suspended my disbelief and was able to immerse myself into the story. The 1970s art world in London is vividly conveyed, and the mystery surrounding the alleged forgery kept me turning the pages. The resolution is completely satisfying. This is another winner from Katherine Reay. Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction and women's fiction. You don't need an interest in art to enjoy the novel, but readers who do have such an interest will find much of interest here.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-galley; all opinions in my review are 100% my own.

This an exceptionally well-crafted story about a Picasso art forgery set in London Museum. The story was engaging and Reay developed the characters so that the reader really cared about them. This book falls in line with Jeffrey Archer’s art mysteries and I suspect this will be a breakout hit for this author. I have read a couple other titles by Katherine Reay and loved them and this makes me want to find all her backlist titles so I can read them.

#TheEnglishMasterpiece #NetGalley

I absolutely loved this story! From the very first page, the suspense was gripping, and it was masterfully sustained throughout, keeping me on edge until the very end. The pacing was excellent—every twist and turn felt deliberate and well-timed, making it impossible to put the book down.

I also appreciated the thoughtful execution of the romance subplot. It was beautifully woven into the narrative, adding emotional depth without overpowering the central themes. In particular, I loved that the romance complemented, rather than overshadowed, the theme of women’s empowerment—one that I can never read enough of. The protagonist’s journey was both inspiring and compelling, and it was refreshing to see a strong, multifaceted female lead navigating challenges with resilience and intelligence.

This was my first time reading a book by Katherine Reay, and it certainly won’t be my last. Her storytelling captivated me, and I can’t wait to explore more of her work.

Overall, The English Masterpiece is a brilliant blend of suspense, romance, and empowerment, delivering an unforgettable reading experience. Highly recommended!

I love art and especially books about art. What I didn't expect was for this to be an absorbing thriller!

The story takes place in 1973 when Lily, an art aficionado is hired to assist the Tate's Modern Collections keeper, Diana Gilden. Lily is thrilled when she is asked to set up a last-minute art installation showcasing Picasso's work as the artist had recently died. Everything is set, everything is perfect. But it's not and Lily sees it. What she doesn't expect is that it may cost her reputation.

The details in this story had me referring to the internet constantly to see the artwork described in the book. It was not only a fun read but super interesting as well.

Lily has her dream job. She is the assistant to Diana Gilden at the Tate Modern Gallery in London. She's working on a big assignment. It's a memorial display of Picasso's paintings from around the world, following his demise. But in looking at one of the paintings, Lily blurts out that it's a fake. That's not a good thing to do in front of the press, her boss and the owner of the painting.

Things are tough at home and Lily really needs to keep her job. So, she sets out to prove that the painting is, indeed, a fake, and to find out who is behind it. But things get complicated when the police think that she is the forger.

This well-written novel was a pleasure to read. The characters are well-developed. The plot moves along at a smooth pace. The ending isn't a real shocker, as we are introduced to the real forger early in the book. But, like a good episode of Columbo, it only adds to the level of intrigue as the mystery is solved. I highly recommend this book.

THE ENGLISH MASTERPIECE by KATHERINE REAY is the extremely well written story of Lily Summers, a talented young woman who loves art, seeing a flaw in a Picasso painting which is part of a special exhibition at the Tate Gallery, causing mayhem in the art and insurance worlds, as well as involving Scotland Yard, and a search for the forger.
Lily works under Diana Gilden who is the first woman Keeper of Modern Collections and feels guilty for causing the person who has done so much for her to lose her job. Still she is sure she is right. She has always followed Diana’s tastes and directions assiduously until she is in trouble and realizes she needs to be her real self and trust her own opinions and feelings. This is true in her painting and in her family life. She needs to be more accessible to her family and friends and trust in her own ability rather than copy famous artists……
The story is gripping as the author takes us through these two women’s emotions, and we wonder at the outcome.
There are other interesting characters as the author, who is obviously knowledgeable about London’s art scene in the 1970’s and passionate about art, creates a scenario that is full of mystery, even going back to the Nazi’s art thefts during World War 11…….
I cannot recommend this interesting and exciting novel strongly enough.
I waa given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Harper Muse. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

The English Masterpiece by Katherine Reay is a fantastic story about the possible forgery of a famous Picasso painting in 1970s London.
We meet Lily, the assistant to Diana, who runs a Collections Gallery. Picasso has recently passed away so they create a collection by bringing in Picasso art to display. This is where Lily thinks she can see one of the paintings as a forgery.
This story had me captivated from the start. I loved the characters in this novel.
I really didn't know much about Picasso's work and was intrigued. I found myself looking him up online so I could see his paintings.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and received an advanced complimentary copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was an excellent historical novel that dove into the art world in London. I learned much about the business of selling and acquiring artwork, from the perspective of a “keeper” at the Tate Museum. The mystery at the heart of the novel kept me intrigued until the end and the subplots of family, identity and romance added to the story. It was nice to read a historical fiction not completely surrounded by war, despair and heartbreak.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC and an honest review of the book.

When you finish a book and you are sad to leave the characters, you know it was a good read! The setting was wonderful, descriptions well done, and characters interesting (even if the main character drove me crazy at times!). I loved the delve into the art world and there is a fun surprise cameo in this book too! 🧐 There’s a bit of a twist that is slowly revealed, cleverly and I loved the two POVs that told the whole story.

I got an #arc of this book thanks to @netgalley and this review is my honest opinion. I already have an #ebook, but I will be getting a physical copy too! It comes out in June, so go pre-order now!

I’m a sucker for @katherinereay and this book just solidified it even more. I would recommend this book - first 5⭐️ read of 2025!! 🎉

This worked well as a mysterious and historical element going on, it had that plot element that I was looking for and enjoyed the concept of this. It was great that Picasso was being used and how it was used in the story. The characters had that feel that I was looking for and enjoyed going on this journey with them. Katherine Reay wrote this perfectly and thoroughly enjoyed what was happening.

#TheEnglishMasterpiece #NetGalley

Lily works for an art museum and is a closed door artist herself. When a Picasso painting looks slightly off, Lily blutlrts out that it is a forgery.
An investigation insues, and there are times Lily wonders if she only imagined the forgery.
Her boss Diana is temperamental and thinks everything will blow over. At leasť that's what she is telling herself.
This is a fast-paced read that was so hard to put down.

This emotional and fascinating novel takes place 1973, right after the death of Pablo Picasso. If you’re an artist or art student, you won’t have to be looking up on the Internet the various pieces of art mentioned, or the less well-known artists. I’m not, and I did have to, but I still enjoyed reading the book. It is fast-paced, and full of searching questions and insights about forgeries, secrets, revenge, guilt, love, trust, being in control or letting others in to help, and more. There are wonderful characters, and not so wonderful ones, and figuring out which group some fit into becomes a challenge!

“I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own." #TheEnglishMasterpiece #NetGalley

Katherine Reay’s books are almost always five stars and this one did not fall short. The well-researched historical aspects of the artists and the time period, the wonderful sensory details, the unfolding of the mystery, all of it was so great.

***I received an advanced copy of the book from NetGalley/the publisher in exchange for my honest feedback.

A real life Thomas Crown Affair! Lily is an assistant keeper at the Tate museum in London, helping her boss with an exhibition of Picasso’s work days after his death. When the exhibition opens, Lily utters the words that set in motion an art forgery cat and mouse game of epic proportions. I came for Katherine Reay, I stayed for this delightful romp with a cameo by Pierce Brosnan and a fun nod to his movie The Thomas Crown Affair. There’s suspense, family drama, a little romance, all interwoven together deftly. Truly a fun read!

This fast-paced historical mystery set in London 1970s was such an entertaining read! Lily is an assistant at the Tate Gallery and helped her boss, Diana, set up a tribute exhibit for Pablo Picasso, who had just died. As Lily was looking at the paintings during the exhibit opening, she realized that one of the paintings didn't look right. Was it a forgery? From there, the story takes off as Lily begins to piece together what was going on behind the scenes. Lily also begins to process why she was so disconnected from her family. She works to bridge the divide with her sister, Daisy, and her mother that has lasted for many years. As a budding artist herself, Lily studies and tries to copy the masters to practice her skills at a small, very small, studio at St. Martins School which creates suspicion about her involvement in the possible forgery. The conclusion of the story was very satisfying for me, but I don' want to give up any spoilers.
Even though this is a shorter book, there is a lot packed in with many interesting characters. Lily took a deep dive into her personal development. One secondary character, Paddy was a charming man. He was a custodian at St. Martins who helped Lily in her artistic journey. I enjoyed reading about all of the famous paintings mentioned. I spent a lot of time looking them up to see what they looking like, from the Picasso's to the Mondrian's and that was fun and informative. Bonus point for this book was a surprise cameo by Pierce Brosnan. I'll let you read to find out how the author creatively included one of my favorite actors in this story.
If you are looking for a non-war related historical mystery, I highly recommend this one.

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

I can always count on an amazing read that I can’t put down when I pick up a book by Katherine Reay (@katherinereay), and The English Masterpiece was no exception! I love how much research she puts into the historical aspect, and she writes with such eloquence of speech. The mystery of this story kept me on the edge of my seat, and I learned quite a bit about art history in the process.

I’ll be recommending this one just like all the other books by Reay that I’ve been sharing with my friends. I can’t wait to get my copy to add to my collection when it releases in June.

Set in the weeks after the famed Pablo Picasso’s death, the English Masterpiece follows a storm ignited when Lilly speaks aloud one single thought at the Picasso Commemorative Exhibit at the Tate Museum in London. What should be the celebration of a near possible feat opening new career opportunities for both women, instead launches them into a self-discovery journey as expressed through relationships. By the story's end, they exemplify Picasso’s meaning when he declares, “Art is a lie that makes us realize the truth.”    

Katherine Reay is a master at depicting messy relationships. As is true for so many of her books, the reader is left considering the blessings and challenges of family, community, and work relationships longer after finishing the book. You should not expect anything different from the English Masterpiece. Block time on your calendar to escape into the 1973 art world and learn from Lilly and Diana’s life journeys. Lovers of art, post-WWII fiction, and psychological thrillers are sure to enjoy this masterpiece of a novel.

This was a slow build, but it is definitely worth hanging in there! I liked the way it started, but the slow pace of the development was getting a little frustrating. Still, I was highly intrigued by the premise (I LOVE The Thomas Crown Affair!) and was very curious to see where things were going given the teasers in the blurb, so just keep moving forward. I'm SO glad I did, because this turned into a wild ride that had me furiously flipping pages in no time.

This is a fantastic tale full of well-developed characters, an intricate conspiracy, and lots of references to art that I had to search Google to fully understand. It was worth those searches, because it really helped me to grasp the artistic flavor of the story (I'm not very well-versed in art history of this period). I loved the interplay between the professional and personal sides of Lily's - and Diana's - lives. Watching the perspective shift between these two women, whose wildly different circumstances lead to so many of the life-changing decisions they make, was fascinating. I loved the way secrets and lies were teased out slowly - the very slow build that I found frustrating at first came to be one of the elements I most appreciated by the end.

This was a fabulous book and I will definitely be telling those at my library about it!

I don't know much about art, but I really enjoyed this new novel by Katherine Reay. She does an excellent job of bringing the art to life through her descriptions. This was a mystery/thriller that kept me flipping pages into the night. It was difficult to put away the book to sleep. I liked that it was set in 1973, so the characters couldn't use technology to help them solve the mystery. I highly recommend this book.

London, England, 1973

“It’s a forgery.”

Recently, Lily was promoted to assistant keeper to Tate’s Modern Collection keeper Diana Gilden. Lily helps Diana plan and execute a world-class exhibit to showcase Picasso’s work after his recent death. This is everything that Lily is working towards to find her footing in the art world, which she wants to be a bigger part of.

Lily doesn’t tell anyone of her love of art, specifically her secret closet (a utility room) at St. Martin’s school, where the janitor, Paddy, has helped her create. Even her family has no idea.

The English Masterpiece is about authenticity, whether in the art world, your personal life, it’s about creating a believable facade around what you want others to believe about you that you start to believe the lies too. Once Diana realizes how easy it is to turn the blame onto Lily, her life turns into chaos.

This started slowly, but the layers kept coming, which kept me coming back. This was a darkish, slow-burning thriller in the art world, and I had no idea how addictive it would be for me. I loved how this centred around identity and who you are, without the influences that exist, whether we realize it or not. Recommended!

My gratitude to Netgalley and Harper Muse. All opinions expressed are honest and mine.

A historical fiction mystery fit for experienced art-lovers and novices alike! This mystery set in the 1970s London art world focuses on a Picasso: is the painting real, or the work of a master forger? The story-frame reveals well-drawn, nuanced and sympathetic characters who present mysteries of their own, including a budding artist and the tragic accident that haunts her family to this day, the transformation of a European immigrant into an art-gallery sophisticate (but is she a puppeteer or a marionette?), an art collector and purchaser of the Picasso (but is he a dupe or part of an audacious scheme?), and an art-educated law enforcement officer, on loan from New York. Author Reay also includes a broad-based look at many art masters and their works in a very satisfying and intriguing read. Don’t miss this one!

An engaging and surprising mystery in the upper echelons of the London art world of the 1970s. I loved its plucky heroine, her complicated boss, and shifting between their perspectives. Gorgeously evokes London at an interesting historical moment, as well as an important moment in the art world immediately following Picasso's death. So much fun!

Wow, wow, wow. I LOVED this book.

I have read & loved all of Katherine Reay's books & partly what I enjoy so much is they're all so different & unique. She does fantastic research to make sure everything is accurate to the time period & what she's writing about.

I don't know much about art, but I enjoyed this delve into a bit of the life of an artist or people who work in the art field.

The characters were well developed, well written & I enjoyed how the book played out. I felt for & empathized with the characters. I rejoiced & agonized with them & while some of it was heartbreaking & hard to read, that's also real life & I appreciated the author's insight.

I can't wait to reread the book, as I always catch different nuances a 2nd or 3rd time.

Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for this ARC Read. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and @HarperMuse for this ARC. Lily is working for Diana at the Tate when they find out Picasso has passed away. Wanting to pay tribute to the artist, Diana wants Lily to create an exhibit and luncheon with several of his prominent paintings. In two weeks time, she pulls together this amazing event but while enjoying the paintings, she spies one as a forgery and says it loud enough for others to hear. This unleashes a pandemonium at both the exhibit and in the entire art world. Everyone blames Lily and she must fight to get to the bottom of the forgery. Great read as always from Reay! #TheEnglishMasterpiece #KatherineReay #HarperMuse #June2025

Katherine Raey does it again! Her historical fiction novels have been an all time favorite (I mean, I love all her books, really). The English Masterpiece was a wonderful read. When I tell you I was not prepared for where this book went and how far it could go! It was thrilling, heartwarming and tackles some deep questions about originality and expressing one’s self. I love the family dynamic as Raey typically includes in her books. At first I was conflicted about how I felt about some characters but the ending made good. I can’t wait for Raey’s next novel.

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

Loved this fascinating, art-filled yarn set in London in the 1970s! The English Masterpiece was the first novel by Katherine Reay I’ve read and it certainly will not the last, as Reay is a master storyteller. This was such an enjoyable story! The characters are well developed. The plot is perfectly paced and kept me flipping pages eagerly. And Reay captures in expert fashion the city, the time period, and the arts world.

Highly recommended to lovers of 20th century art (especially Picasso’s works) and smart historical mysteries.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for the privilege of a complimentary ARC. Opinions are my own.

I am a fan of Katherine Reay and this story did not disappoint at all. It is a well written and exciting story set in the art world, a topic which I also find fascinating. There are a series of forgeries occuring with art masterpieces and the events surrounding that make up much of the plot.
I quickly got absorbed in the story and found it very compelling and engaging. I thoroughly enjoyed this historical fiction novel.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for the ARC.

Wow! I was sucked into this book set in the 1970s art world in London! It was truly a journey with twists and turns and healing from the past, and trying to discover who you are. I was completely invested and loved it all. I read and listened to the audiobook of this one. The narrator was fantastic. I was completely lost in the story while listening to her.

Whether you're an art aficionado or not, this one will have you turning the pages quickly to reveal all of the past and history of these characters and pieces of art. Stunning, mysterious, insightful, healing, beautiful, intriguing and much more!

Lily is a very intricate character and I loved how the layers of her character was slowly peeled back. Her heart is so sweet but troubled and she doesn't allow herself to fully achieve her dream because of something from her past. I loved her goodness and her torn loyalty to what was right, what she thought was her dream and protecting the people around her.

Things get a little crazy when she's at an exhibit she helped plan and she looks at a piece of art and says out loud, "It's a forgery!" This sends her life on a spiraling trajectory of lots of unknown. Her job. Her family. Her boss. Her dream. Her friends. Her heart. All of these having changing dynamics that feel like they are spinning out of control and she doesn't know how to hold it all together.

I love reading Katherine Reay's books. Every one of them has pulled me in and had me thinking deeply about life and relationships and finding joy. Her writing style is full of life and hope! And she's great at writing suspense! Get ready for an intriguing read that you won't want to set down until you have discovered all the ins and outs of the story and characters' lives!

Content: Some moments of mild peril.

I received a copy from the publisher, Harper Muse and Harper Muse Audiobooks, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading and Listening!!!

I absolutely loved The English Masterpiece. Not only was it an historical novel about the Art world of the 1960's but it was a great whodunit of a sort. The reader actually knows who but races against time with Lily the main female character to find out how. I loved the complicated characters. Lily who gradually comes to understand herself as her relationships with her family, her employer and her friends are revealed throughout the book. I was fascinated by the Art aspect of the book. I had my phone beside me looking up pieces I didn't recognise, so thanks for the education Katherine. An intriguing, exciting, fast paced, thriller that I am happy to recommend to anyone looking for an intelligent read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

"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.

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.

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.

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/

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

The Tate Gallery plans to hold a world-class exhibit to honor Picasso after his passing. For Diana Gilden, this will be the pinnacle of her career. Her assistant, Lily, is eager to do whatever she can to make the exhibit a success for the supervisor that she so admires. Then everything goes horribly wrong. The night of the opening, as Lily is walking among the guests, looking at all of the paintings, she stops in front of a masterpiece and hears her own voice say, "It's a forgery." The gallery falls silent. The fallout is immediate. Guests rush to leave, when Lily makes her outrageous declaration. Suspicion and scandal threaten everything Diana has achieved, as museums and collectors across Europe, already doubting most post-war acquisitions, fall into chaos and rumors of a world-wide forgery run wild. All Lily has ever wanted is to follow in Diana's footsteps and take the art world by storm in her own right. Yet one comment puts not only her own career at risk but also her mentor's. Eager to put everything right, and no longer sure what she saw, Lily must uncover the truth behind the Picasso before she loses not only the career she's always wanted, but her freedom.

This book was so good. It kept me engaged from start to finish. I adored Lily, and the book felt so real I felt like I was trying to solve the mystery of the painting right alongside her. This is a very fast-paced story that, although not based on real events, felt as if it could have really occurred. I highly recommend this one!

"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

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!

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

** “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 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 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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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 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.

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 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.

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.