The English Masterpiece
by Katherine Reay
Narrated by Fiona Hardingham; Saskia Maarleveld
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Pub Date Jun 10 2025 | Archive Date Jul 11 2025
Harper Muse Audiobooks | Harper Muse
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Description
Set in the art world of 1970s London, 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.
Lily's boss, Diana, is polished perfection, schooled in art, and descends from European high society. She's worked hard to become the trusted voice in London's modern art scene and respected across the Continent. The Tate's Picasso Commemorative is to be her crowning achievement, featuring not only the artist's most iconic and intimate works, but a newly discovered painting--one she advised an investor to purchase. But 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. Unless . . . Was she right? With the clock ticking and the clues starting to pile up against her, Lily must uncover the truth behind the Picasso before she loses not only the career she's always wanted, but her freedom.
Block off your calendar and lose yourself in The English Masterpiece, a thrilling read that will keep you on the edge of your seat till the very end from the author who brought you The London House and The Berlin Letters.
Advance Praise
"Art . . . London . . . Seventies Glam . . . Yesss, please. The English Masterpiece by Katherine Reay has ALL the goodies--especially for historical fiction lovers and art aficionados . . . Buckle your seatbelt as all hell breaks loose."--Lisa Barr, New York Times bestselling author of The Goddess of Warsaw
Available Editions
EDITION | Audiobook, Unabridged |
ISBN | 9781400347292 |
PRICE | |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews

A breathtaking novel full of rich details in the world of art. Tate's Modern Collections, Diana Gilden is having a Picasso exhibit after his passing. Lily is tasked to help and this has been her dream.
During the event Lily makes a discovery which changes everything. She claims one of the paintings is a forgery. Is Diana or any of the arts donor's aware of the authenticity? The papers get a hold of her accusations, and Diana along with others are furious.
Lily has her own troubles, but she also has a couple of allies who believe her claim. A beautiful and vivid novel.
Thank you Harper Muse audio and the author an early ARC for our book club Beyond the Pages. We love her work. I had just finished the ARC. Listened to a bit for the narrators and they are perfect with their accents and inflection.

Katherine Reay delivers a captivating page-turner in The English Masterpiece. Set in the glamorous but cutthroat world of modern art, this story has it all—mystery, ambition, scandal, and heart. When Lily risks everything by declaring a Picasso a fake, the fallout is gripping and full of surprises. The writing is sharp, the pacing perfect, and the characters unforgettable. I also listened to the audiobook and loved the narration—it added so much energy and personality. If you enjoy clever thrillers with a touch of class, this one’s a must-read.
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