The English Masterpiece

by Katherine Reay

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.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Fiction, Audiobook, Art, Historical, Thriller

500 pages, Library Binding

First published June 10, 2025

About the author

Katherine Reay is the national bestselling and award-winning author of several novels and one full length non-fiction work. Her novels have been chosen as “One Book, One Community” reads and her writing has appeared in publications such as Criminal Reads, The Daily Beast, Redbook, and USA Today, among others. She holds a BA and MS from Northwestern University. She lives with her husband and too many dogs in Montana.

You can meet her at www.katherinereay.com or on Facebook: KatherineReayBooks, Twitter: @katherine_reay or Instagram: @katherinereay.

Reviews

[Teres · Rating 4 out of 5]

Art is a lie that makes us realize the truth. ~Pablo Picasso

Set in the art world of London against the backdrop of Pablo Picasso’s death in April 1973, The English Masterpiece is my first novel by Katherine Reay.

At the opening gala of the prestigious Tate Modern’s Picasso Commemorative, featuring some of the artist's most iconic and intimate works, the assistant to the curator exclaims, “That’s a forgery!” while viewing Picasso's Woman Laughing.

Oopsie!

London tabloids love a good scandal and the accusation sends shock waves throughout the international art community.

Everyone becomes suspect, including the young lady who made the outrageous proclamation.

Both a police and insurance investigation provide fascinating insights into the technical aspects of forgery detection: examining brushstrokes, provenance documents, and paint composition.

While a wonderful whodunit, the novel’s central theme revolves around various forms of authenticity — in art, in relationships, and in personal identity.

Fans of The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt; B.A. Shapiro's The Art Forger; and Daniel Silva's Gabriel Allon series (raises hand high) will enjoy this one.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's 1970s London and 27-year-old Lily is excited to have her dream job.



Lily was recently made assistant to Diana Gilden, keeper of the Tate Gallery's 'Modern Collections'. Diana is the first female keeper at any major British institution, and it's unprecedented to have two women at the top.




Tate Modern

Diana and Lily take the opportunity to burnish the reputation of the 'Modern Collections' when Pablo Picasso dies in 1973. Diana decides they'll install a small Picasso exhibition that will be intimate and exclusive. Some of the artist's showstoppers, but mostly an exhibit that will focus on Picasso's favorites, personal pieces with meaning.



When the Picasso exhibit is ready, Lily is walking on clouds. She thinks, "This exhibit is as much my triumph as it is Diana’s. We did this together. We pulled off the impossible: a highly personal, highly curated farewell to the twentieth century’s greatest and most famous artist—within a fortnight of his death."



On opening day, Lily dons a new dress and fashionable kitten heels, takes a glass of champagne from a waiter, and happily circles the exhibition.



Lily pauses to look at 'Woman in an Armchair' and 'Woman Laughing' - which are hanging side by side - and she discerns an obvious truth. Indicating the latter picture, Lilly blurts out “That’s a forgery".





There's a sudden silence, the art patrons are shocked, and people head for the exits.



Three people are furious with Lily:

Diana Gilden, who authenticated 'Woman Laughing' and insists it's genuine;



British manufacturing scion Edward Davies, who recently bought 'Woman Laughing' for a half million pounds. Davies was planning to sell the picture for a million pounds, and is embarrassed to (maybe) have a fake;



and Director Richard Browning, who's in charge of the Tate Gallery and fears for its reputation.



There's a big kerfuffle, Scotland Yard is called in.....



......and since Davies is making an insurance claim, an American insurance investigator shows up as well.



Lily is confronted by everyone about her 'forgery' proclamation, and fearing the loss of her job, tries to take it back. But the die is cast and the painting is sent to experts for verification. Once the Picasso forgery issue explodes, things take a dark turn for Lily, who's in danger of losing her job and perhaps more.



The chapters alternate between Lily's perspective and Diana's perspective, and as the narrative develops, we learn about both women.

Lily lives with her parents and worries about her mother, who's in a wheelchair, and her father - who's having employment issues. Lily also has a distant relationship with her older sister Daisy, who's currently pregnant with her third child. Much of Lily's fretfulness harks back to a childhood incident she can't forget.



Career-wise, Lily yearns to be a professional artist. She has talent and some training, and she hoped to show her work in Diana's upcoming 'British Emerging Artists Exhibition.' That seems unlikely to happen now.


*****

Diana was a professional painter but now devotes herself to the Tate Gallery. Diana lives in luxury with her (much older) husband Heinrich, an artist who's often up in his studio painting.



The 1970s were still very much a man's world, and Heinrich used his influence to get Diana elevated to keeper of the Tate's 'Modern Collections'. Nevertheless, Diana deserves the position and is good at it.



Lily provides a glimpse of Diana's personality by describing Diana's office desk: " It’s massive, imperious, and simply stunning. It’s not fluted or curved, as George IV designs aren’t frilly, but its formidable bulk, wood inlays, and detailing convey delicacy nonetheless. Power too. A dichotomy held in perfect balance by both this impressive desk and the woman who owns it."



About midway into the book we learn what's going on and why, and it's surprising and fascinating.

Note: Art forgery is a billion dollar business and the book elucidates some of the methods used by forgers, such as faking provenance and using canvases, paints, etc. that are authentic to the time period. In the book - and real life - World War II boosted the forgery industry because the Nazis confiscated jillions of artworks. Some of the paintings were lost, and - at war's end - the forgery industry could 'find' these missing pictures (created by forgers) and make millions.


Nazi looted art

In an author's note, Katherine Reay mentions that the book was inspired by one of the most prolific forgers of all time, Wolfgang Beltracchi. If you're interested, you can watch "Wolfgang Beltracchi, the greatest art forger" on YouTube and/or the film "Beltracchi: The Art of Forgery (2014). Both are very good.



Getting back to 'The English Masterpiece', the plot is compelling but the story moves much too slowly. It needs more action and less introspection in my view. Still, the novel is worth reading if the subject interests you.


A Bullfight (1934) - Pablo Picasso

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Fiona Hardingham and Saskia Maarleveld, who do a fine job.

Thanks to Netgalley, Katherine Reay, and Harper Muse Audiobooks for a copy of the book.

You can follow my reviews at http://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com

[Dab · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can count on Katherine Reay to write a compelling story enriched by a stunning historical setting.

This book started off slow, but the second half had me at the edge of my seat. Lily and her boss, Diana, organize a Picasso exhibition. During the opening, Lily notices something strange about one of the paintings, and before thinking better of it, she blurts out, It’s a forgery!

Both Lily and Diana were complex, intriguing characters, and so was their dynamic. This is a story about the world of art and its capricious nature, where one sentence uttered by an unknown person can change everything. It’s also about the post-war era when people were trying to get back to normalcy, and art was one of the ways they did it.

But woven into that are also themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and hope — the kind I so value in this author’s writing. She has a tactful, subtle way of sharing life wisdom that makes her books great comfort reads, which is no small feat given how action-packed and fast-paced they often are.

I also appreciated the romance subplot — because books with no romance don’t count. 😀

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

——



Yessss, approved!! 🥳🥳🥳 Thanks NetGalley, Harper Muse and Katherine Reay❤️

🎅🎄❤️ Xmas miracle alert ❤️🎄🎅

I wished for the arc on NetGalley and received an email that I can now request the book 🥳😃😍

I don’t have the arc yet, but it’s the first time that the “Wish for it” button actually did something.

So, wish for things, kids, you never know!

[Shantha (ShanthasBookEra) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"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.

[Gigi Ropp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never given Katherine Reay less than 5 stars and The English Masterpiece brings that streak to 4 books. I’m not sure anyone does historical fiction better than Reay. The characters? Beautifully developed. The setting? Perfect. The plot? A moment for the plot… spectacular. The pace? Unputdownable. Do yourself a favor and dive in to this one asap.

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Reay’s exploration of happiness and career fulfillment.

Both Diana, as Tate Gallery’s Keeper of Modern Collections, and Lily, as her assistant, have broken all barriers in the UK as the first female keepers in a major institution. Their personal lives are as curated as their workplace. When Lily discovers that happiness isn’t what she does but how she feels about what she does, she’s willing to undertake gasp-worthy moves! The art of sacrifice kept me intrigued.

Although I’ve read plenty about the art world during the Nazi regime, it was good to see how Reay linked this to equality and freedom for women in the workplace. It was equally interesting to learn about the art of forgery and the life of Picasso.

This story about risks, scandal, and personal/professional growth will resonate with many; especially those who take time to peel back the veneer.

I was gifted this copy by Harper Muse and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Samantha | samanthakreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

This was a lighter historical fiction story with mystery, intrigue, art, and hints of romance. Katherine knows how to write a compelling story with beautiful writing that immerses the reader into the art world. I found this book overall interesting, but I found it to be a bit slow for me personally. I got more invested in the second half with the twists and turns, wanting to know how it would end. I thought the audiobook was great, and loved the narrators!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for the ARC in exchange for an honest review; all thoughts are my own.

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lily Summer is Diana Gilden’s assistant at Tate’s Gallery in London, and their holding a Pablo Picasso exhibit to honour the great artist and he died two weeks ago. On the opening night, everything is perfect, a crowd of rich art enthusiasts has gathered and are sipping champagne and chatting, when Lily does the unthinkable. She stops in front of the masterpiece Woman Laughing and hears her own voice say, "It's a forgery." The gallery falls silent and Lily knows she’s in big trouble and can't believe she was so stupid.

Diana has worked hard to become the trusted voice in London's modern art scene and respected across the Continent and this was to be her biggest achievement and Lily ruined it. Diana advised an investor Edward Davies to buy the newly discovered work and how could it possibly be a dud.

Lily’s rash statement, causes not only a scandal but an investigation, and there has always been a grey area around post World War Two paintings, when they suddenly appear out of the blue and were they stolen by the Germans or are they fakes, and there are also rumours of an underground worldwide forgery business.

I received a copy of The English Masterpiece by Katherine Reay from HarperCollins Focus and Edelweiss plus in exchange for an unbiased review. At first I found the story a little slow, but it certainly amps up and once an American insurance inspector Conor Walsh and Scotland Yard become involved.

A historical thriller about art and forgery, set in glamorous London during the 1970’s, both Lily and Diana have secrets and hidden pasts and the tension builds and one woman has to prove she’s innocent and has been set up.

Four and a half stars from me, while reading this mystery you discover all is not what it seems and it comes to a dramatic and satisfying conclusion and I recommend.

[ABCme · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lily and her manager Diana are having the best time organizing exhibitions for Tate London. It's The Seventies and art is having a moment.
The book starts out in a light, fun tone, showing the museum as the place to be.
But then Lily trips, one small action that has huge consequences.
The tone of the story changes to dark, unfair, anxious. Some characters are not who they're supposed to be. I keep looking over my shoulder and holding my breath.
Forgery, greed, betrayal, dominance, the usual suspects for a great psychological thriller.
Lily's creative nature is the tiny spark in this dark space. Seeing her evolve into her authentic self is a beautiful thing to watch.
The English Masterpiece is an attractive read, well written and properly paced.
After all that excitement I found the ending quite predictable.

Thank you Netgalley and Harper Muse for the ARC.

[Paris (parismaereads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars, rounded up for Goodreads

My Quick Takes:
- 4.5/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
- Language 🤐 none
- Spice ❤️‍🔥 none/one kiss
- Content 🤔 past tragic accident

Finding a book that feels like it was written just for your interests is such a treat.

The English Masterpiece takes place at the Tate Modern Art museum in London during the 1970’s. I moved to London for my Art History master’s program and had so much fun burrowing back into all the artists and paintings I’ve studied over the years.

This book is very art heavy, which I personally loved, but to the average reader may come off as a bit too niche or slow in some areas. The added discussion of nazi looted art and lingering effects of WW2 in 1970’s London added an additional historical fiction layer to the story. I really enjoyed the character development that took place with the female main character, a story of self acceptance and the strengthening of familial bonds and forgiveness.

I listened to this on audio and it has a dual narration that was very successful and narrated by one of my favorites, Saskia Maarleveld. I’ve read one other book by this author, The London House, which I enjoyed, and loved this one even more.

[Dana Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Keri Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe I read about the author Katherine Reay in someone’s post. I looked at her books and reviews of her newest book, and put the audiobook on hold. I’m so glad I did, and look forward to more of her books.

Our main character Lily works at the Tate Museum, in the 70’s London art world. She had tremendous respect for her boss Diana, who is the Tate’s modern art keeper; a true accomplishment for a woman at this time. Lily loved her job, working among all the art and being a part of exhibitions. She is excited for the upcoming Picasso exhibition, just weeks after his death.

When Lily sees one of his paintings during the event, she is oddly moved. In secret, she has been painting and learning techniques by copying the Masters. She feels the painting on display isn’t right… technically it could be his, but she believes it’s missing his wild passion. Without even realizing it, she blurts out that it’s a forgery!

This sets off a chain of events, and she is in the middle of the mystery. Here, we get to know more about Diana, Lily, and Lily’s family. For me, I couldn’t help like Lily… she takes so much on herself and appears so confident, but underneath we see her vulnerability. I wasn’t sure if I would be pulled into a story about the art world and the mystery with the painting, but I was completely engaged and really enjoyed listening to this one. Even the author’s comments at the end were entertaining.

Can anyone suggest other books by this author that you’ve especially enjoyed?

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy of this novel.

I received it early on and I Adore the author. I truly loved her last novel London House. Unfortunately, this book did not hold my interest and it took months for me to engage with it.

First and foremost, my BIGGEST GRIPE with this book is for historical fiction, its main theme is written in 2025 slang. Several times Lily had to “Suss out” things and not only could two things be simultaneously true… the author held onto that 2025 ideal ALL the way to the very end.

If you’re going to write a full novel set in 1973, then don’t make it sound like it belongs on TikTok in 2025. 🤷🏻‍♀️

The plot is thin, however its biggest weakness is exposed within the body of this work. The plot holes redeem itself that way. It was all too convenient, however at this point the pace ramps up and I finally got through the end of the book much quicker than I started.

I did like Lily and her family. Though, I have my doubts they would have waited this long to tell her how they really felt. That being said, I adored her sister and her mom.

Lily has a tremendous ARC and I loved it. I adored Paddy and Conor as well. There’s some Easter eggs hidden inside the story which I enjoyed.

If you love art and the movie the Thomas Crown Affair (Brosnan version) you’ll really enjoy this story!!

It’s written well and it did inspire me to do more research on Picasso and other artists.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

London, England 1973

Twisty and engaging!

Art assistant Lily declares the painting Woman Laughing a forgery. Lily believes it was not created by the recently deceased master Picasso that her boss Diana is seeking to honor at the Tate Art Museum. Lily blurts out her thoughts without thinking and her exclamation sets in motion a series of events.

Lily is a closet artist and treasures the beauty of art. She would never purposely create the firestorm that ensues. As the museum goes under scrutiny, Lily does as well. The way the facts unravel is such an adventure. While a bit of a side story, I loved Lily's reconciliation with her family that is a pleasant byproduct of the art forgery drama.

Nice job by narrator by the narrators.

My gratitude to Harper Muse Audiobooks for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Jeannine · Rating 4 out of 5]

An assistant curator at the Tate realizes a painting is a forgery and blurts it out at an opening event. The press goes wild, her boss is in fear for her job, and the assistant is suddenly framed as the forger! She has 24 hours to clear her name before the investigator for the insurance company turns her in after she thwarts Scotland Yard's attempts to take her into custody.

This was such a fun, entertaining book, but with wonderful secondary stories about family and responsibility. The format has the POV switching between Lily and Diana every chapter or two. This can be a little irritating at first because Lily is clearly our FMC and Diana isn't likeable, but things even out a little bit as you get to see why Diana is the way she is through her chapters.

I thought the inclusion of Pierce Brosnan was just a nod to The Thomas Crown Affair, but the author notes that he was studying across the street from one of the locations in the book at the time this story is set. How funny!

One note: I got this as an ALC (Advanced Listener Copy) and I found the male voice of Lily's narrator pretty irritating. This is clearly a personal thing, but it definitely affected my enjoyment of the book. The love interest's voice shouldn't make you wish you had a physical copy to read instead!


Reviews are for readers. I received an advanced copy on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Elizabeth of Silver's Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a fake!!

Three little words, but words heard by everyone at the exhibit including a reporter.

How could this Picasso painting worth 500 million dollars be a fake?

Now no one will buy it once the press release goes out.

Lily can't believe she said what she said.

She was told to immediately leave.

She HAS to get her job back - can she?

And can she prove that it is or is not a fake?

We follow Lily as she tries to figure it all out.

There are some evildoers and lots of tension that come on the scene after a very slow start so don’t give up too soon.

Fans of the art world and mystery fans will devour this book. 4/5

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Colleen Chi-Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this suspenseful, unputdownable audiobook, which is my first novel by author, Katherine Reay. It was so enjoyable that immediately following this novel, I read The Berlin Letters by Reay (which I also loved)....completely different than this one.

The English Masterpiece features two professional women in the art world of NYC in 1973. First, we meet a young woman, Lily, who works relentlessly for her busy and glamorous boss, Diana Gilden, who is having a Picasso art exhibit following his recent death. The posh opening is being held at the Tate Modern, which as you can imagine is a big, big deal in the art field and in both Diana and Lily's lives. A dream come true for both women.

As Lily is checking the exhibit once again, and walking by a particular, new-to-them painting, something jars Lily and, in her shock, she shouts out that it's a forgery. People freak out, the exhibit is immediately shut down, and the papers get news of it. DISASTER! Lily can't believe her huge faux pas and her apologies do nothing to help assuage her guilt and Diana's fury. It could have been such a glamorous and memorable event...

Reay created deep, interesting, and flawed characters that you love to hate and just plain love. You'll meet them along the way in this fast-paced thriller narrated brilliantly by both Fiona Hardingham and one of my very favorites: Saskia Maarleveld.

There's a slight romantic interest, some unscrupulous people, and Reay keeps you guessing until the end. Don't miss this one.

My thanks to NetGalley, Harper Muse Audio and Reay for this ARC and opportunity. The release date is June 10, 2025!

[Susy C. *MotherLambReads* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a delightful/ light read full of mystery and just the right amount of romance. I felt like it was very different for Reay but she did it well. Set in 1970 London, it’s a suspenseful story about an art forgery.

An art aficionado would love this book- many references to art masterpieces. Loved the England scene and nods to her other books and loves. As always she makes me feel like I am there on the London streets!

It’s also a story of finding yourself and being real! Things are always deeper than they seem.

Special thanks to the author for my own signed copy! All thoughts my own!


𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘵:𝘩𝘵𝘵𝘱𝘴://𝘸𝘸𝘸.𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮.𝘤𝘰𝘮/𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘴/

[Elise · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

An intriguing read, but it's all over the place and back again. The synopsis describes the book as follows: "A thrilling read that will keep you on the edge of your seat till the very end." That is simply not true. It almost describes it as a generic thriller, but this is not that. It'such more of a personal justice story. I didn't want a thriller, so I'm happy with the actual content of the book, but it is just not marketed properly. I don't really feel like this is a spoiler, but the reader is let in on the forger of the painting relatively soon, and that's a good thing. But it does make it unsuitable to call it a thrilling read.

Some subplots didn’t land for me. The protagonist suddenly develops a crush during one of the most stressful days of her life, which feels out of place. A decades-long conflict with her sister is resolved in the time it takes to boil water. And while there’s potential to explore Lily's parent's hardships, they’re barely explored.

Still, I’d recommend the book. The setting is fun, and the scandal at its core is well-crafted. Just don’t expect too much from Lily’s personal life.

[Paula Shreckhise · Rating 5 out of 5]

“There is right and wrong. There is black and white. And those colors do not create a game or a conundrum or a puzzle;they bring clarity and surety and strength.”
What a fascinating look behind the scenes at an art gallery and an exhibit at the Tate Gallery in London 1973 soon after the death of Pablo Picasso. It was so interesting to delve into the world of paintings, artists and forging.
Lily is an assistant to an art expert and says the right thing at the wrong time, putting not only her job in jeopardy but that of her mentor and calling into question the reliability of the whole gallery.
Full of intrigue, danger and complicated family issues, this was a realistic look at modern art, painting techniques and complex connections dating back to WWII.
With a fun cameo by Pierce Brosnan and an unexpected romantic twist, this was truly a masterpiece!
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Harper Muse through NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.*

[Beau · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Thank you to Harper Muse & Katherine Reay for a complimentary arc of this book. All opinions expressed are my own. *

As someone obsessed with stories featuring art crimes and forgeries, I was beyond excited when I got to read this early - and Reay didn’t disappoint.

The characters are complex and intriguing to get to know, and I didn't expect how invested I would get in their storylines when I first started reading. The more of Diana and Heinrich’s relationship that got revealed gave such a fascinating dynamic. Lily's storyline especially was riveting, as her growth was written in a way that felt so natural that at times I forgot I was reading fiction.
While the characters and the plot were written in a stunning prose, my favourite thing about the story was how beautifully Reay wrote about art. I paint every day, and love going to see art exhibits, and I found myself formulating my thoughts on art a little differently after I started reading this story.

The only "negative" thoughts I can find on the story, is how slow paced it was in the first 40-50% of the book - however, pushing through it was definitely worth it because I was thoroughly hooked for the second half.
Regardless, The English Masterpiece is a statement in itself as to how well Reay makes characters come to life, and the stunning historical setting she delivers.

[Brenna Ziermann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fine but not for me

[The Bookish Elf · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the smoky, glamorous art galleries of 1970s London, where champagne flows as freely as gossip and every painting holds secrets worth killing for, Katherine Reay delivers her most compelling historical mystery yet. The English Masterpiece is a masterclass in atmospheric storytelling that proves sometimes the most dangerous truth is the one spoken aloud.

Setting the Stage: London's Glittering Art World

Reay transports readers effortlessly into the prestigious corridors of the Tate Gallery, where ambition hangs as heavily as the masterpieces on the walls. The author's meticulous research shines through every detail, from the gallery's hierarchical politics to the intricacies of art authentication. Her London feels lived-in and authentic, with its Underground stations, cramped flats, and the stark contrast between working-class Hounslow and upper-crust gallery circles.

The 1970s setting proves particularly effective as a backdrop for art forgery. This was an era when the art world was still recovering from World War II's cultural devastation, when provenance could be murky, and when technology hadn't yet caught up with sophisticated forgery techniques. Reay uses this historical vulnerability to maximum dramatic effect.

Characters That Breathe Life Into Canvas
Lily Summers: An Unlikely Heroine

At the heart of the novel stands Lily Summers, recently promoted assistant to the Tate's Modern Collections keeper. Lily represents the classic outsider trying to belong, and Reay crafts her with admirable complexity. She's not just ambitious; she's desperately hungry for acceptance in a world that constantly reminds her she doesn't belong. Her working-class background creates an authentic tension that drives much of the plot.

Lily's artistic talent becomes both her greatest asset and most dangerous liability. The revelation that she's been secretly painting masterful copies of famous works adds layers to her character while creating plausible doubt about her innocence. Reay skillfully uses this artistic ability to blur the lines between admiration and forgery, inspiration and theft.

Diana Gilden: A Study in Contradictions

Diana emerges as perhaps the novel's most fascinating character. Initially presented as the epitome of sophisticated professionalism, she gradually reveals herself as someone equally trapped by her circumstances. Her relationship with her forger husband Heinrich creates a compelling dynamic of complicity and survival.

Reay excels at showing Diana's internal struggle between her genuine love for art and her participation in its corruption. The character serves as a cautionary tale about how small compromises can lead to moral catastrophe, yet Reay never reduces her to a simple villain.

Supporting Cast: Rich and Memorable

The supporting characters feel authentic rather than convenient. Conor Walsh, the Irish-American insurance investigator, brings both romantic tension and professional integrity to the story. His background growing up around art at the Met adds credibility to his detective skills while his family's law enforcement history explains his investigative instincts.

Lily's family—particularly her sister Daisy—provides emotional grounding that prevents the novel from becoming purely plot-driven. These relationships feel genuine and serve important thematic purposes about authenticity and belonging.

Plot: A Masterful Mystery Unfolds
The Inciting Incident

The novel's central premise is deceptively simple yet devastatingly effective. When Lily declares a Picasso a forgery at the gallery's prestigious opening, she sets in motion a chain of events that threatens everything she's worked for. This moment feels both spontaneous and inevitable—Lily's artistic eye simply cannot ignore what she sees, regardless of the consequences.

Pacing and Structure

Reay demonstrates considerable skill in pacing her revelation. The investigation unfolds methodically, with each discovery adding another layer to the conspiracy. The author avoids the common mystery pitfall of withholding information from readers; instead, we discover clues alongside Lily, making us active participants in solving the puzzle.

The structure alternates between Lily's increasingly desperate investigation and Diana's mounting panic, creating parallel narratives that converge explosively. This dual perspective allows Reay to explore both sides of the forgery scheme without sacrificing suspense.

Climax and Resolution

The confrontation in Diana and Heinrich's home studio provides a satisfying climax that feels earned rather than contrived. The revelation of Heinrich's extensive forgery operation, hidden behind a bookshelf, creates visual drama while explaining the scope of their criminal enterprise.

However, the resolution, while emotionally satisfying, feels somewhat rushed. Heinrich's violent turn seems slightly at odds with his earlier characterization as more cerebral than physical. The resolution of Lily's professional situation also happens rather quickly, though this may reflect the author's focus on character growth over career logistics.

Writing Style: Elegant Prose with Period Authenticity

Reay's prose strikes an effective balance between literary sophistication and accessibility. Her descriptions of art and the gallery world demonstrate both research and genuine appreciation for the subject matter. She captures the era's voice without resorting to heavy-handed period slang or anachronistic modern sensibilities.

The author's background in literature shows in her layered character development and thematic sophistication. The novel operates successfully on multiple levels: as a straightforward mystery, a character study, and an examination of authenticity in both art and life.

Themes: The Nature of Authenticity
What Makes Art Valuable?

The novel's central question—what makes a painting valuable: its beauty or its attribution—resonates throughout the story. Heinrich's argument that his beautiful forgeries deserve recognition equal to originals challenges readers to examine their own assumptions about art's worth.

Reay doesn't provide easy answers. While the novel clearly condemns criminal deception, it also acknowledges the arbitrary nature of some aspects of art valuation. This thematic complexity elevates the book above simple crime fiction.

Personal Authenticity

Lily's journey parallels the art authentication plot. Just as she learns to distinguish genuine masterpieces from clever fakes, she must learn to embrace her authentic self rather than the polished persona she's created for the gallery world. Her relationship with her working-class family becomes crucial to this character development.

Class and Belonging

The novel effectively explores how class differences create barriers in supposedly meritocratic fields. Lily's constant awareness of not belonging, her careful modulation of accent and behavior, rings true for anyone who's tried to navigate cultural boundaries. Reay handles this theme with sensitivity, avoiding both condescension and romantic idealization.

Technical Craft: Research and Accuracy

Reay's research into 1970s London art world proves impressive. The details about gallery operations, insurance investigations, and art authentication feel authoritative without overwhelming the narrative. Her knowledge of Picasso's work and the broader art market adds credibility to the plot's central premise.

The author also demonstrates understanding of forgery techniques and the methods used to detect them. The scientific aspects of paint analysis and canvas dating integrate naturally into the mystery without becoming pedantic exposition.

Strengths That Elevate the Novel
Atmospheric Excellence

Reay creates a palpable sense of place and time. Readers can practically smell the champagne and paint fumes, feel the tension crackling through gallery corridors, and sense the weight of centuries of artistic tradition pressing down on the characters.

Character Complexity

None of the major characters are entirely heroic or villainous. Even Heinrich, the novel's clear antagonist, receives enough development to be understood if not sympathized with. This complexity makes the story more engaging and emotionally resonant.

Authentic Emotional Stakes

The consequences Lily faces feel real and significant. Her potential loss of career, freedom, and identity creates genuine tension that keeps readers invested in her success.

Areas for Improvement
Secondary Plot Resolution

Some secondary characters and subplots receive less satisfying conclusions. Edward Davies's arc, while important to the mystery, feels somewhat underdeveloped in its resolution. The implications of the wider forgery ring could have been explored more thoroughly.

Romantic Subplot

While Conor and Lily's relationship feels natural, it occasionally threatens to overshadow the more interesting professional and family dynamics. The romantic elements work best when they illuminate character rather than when they drive plot.

Historical Context

While the 1970s setting works well, the novel could have benefited from more explicit exploration of how this particular historical moment affected the art world. The post-war displacement of artworks and changing authentication techniques deserve more attention.

Final Verdict: A Worthy Addition to Historical Mystery

The English Masterpiece succeeds admirably as both historical fiction and mystery novel. Reay has crafted a story that honors the complexity of both art and human nature while delivering the satisfaction readers expect from the mystery genre. The novel's exploration of authenticity—in art, relationships, and personal identity—provides thematic depth that elevates it above typical genre fiction.

While not without minor flaws in pacing and subplot resolution, the book delivers on its promises: glamorous 1970s London atmosphere, compelling characters facing genuine stakes, and a mystery that feels both surprising and inevitable. Reay demonstrates why she's become a reliable voice in historical fiction, combining meticulous research with emotional intelligence and storytelling craft.

[Natasha Niezgoda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very slow start, but the last 40% was a fun cat and mouse game! I’ve never read a historical fiction surrounding art, so that was interesting as well. I very much enjoyed the plot. Just wish the pacing was better. I legitimately paused listening to this book for over a month. 😅

[Jen Ryland (jenrylandreviews & yaallday)]

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 paintings is a forgery.

Me: she did what? This might have been the least believable part of the story. First, that she did it and secondly that all these experts are so obsessed with what some random twenty-something thinks. As if!

While I found the book 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!

Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!

[Syrie James · Rating 5 out of 5]

The English Masterpiece is a page-turning tour de force that brims with tension, mystery, secrets and lies, treachery and betrayal, romance, and the quest for connection in a complicated world. Impressively researched and beautifully executed, Katherine Reay’s prose is like an art piece in itself. I loved it!”

[Karen R · Rating 5 out of 5]

A riveting tale set in 1973 London centered around the shady world of art forgery.
Mystery, intrigue, and hints of romance kept this fast-paced story interesting. Lily's eye-opening experience to the world around her after she accidentally blurts out loud, "It's a forgery!", becomes a time of personal epiphany as she sees herself in a new light. Being authentic, cherishing family and friends, and being true to your own dreams become new themes in her life. The scene towards the end was terrific, with some action, and worth the wait.
This was a good clean read, one that made me think, plus the nods to real people and places made it a fun 'getaway' read.
Recommend! 4.5 stars

(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)

[Chris Jager · Rating 4 out of 5]

Assistant Lily is helping planning an exhibit to honor Pablo Picasso as news of his passing sweeps the world. Everything has gone as planned until opening night. Lily walk passed Women Laughing and almost casually announces it is a forgery and a bomb goes off in the art world.
A very interesting book about the art world. I wasn’t sure I was going to like it, but I should have trusted Reay’s writing. She does her research and of course her writing is always a wonderful read. I found myself not only trying to figure out who dun it with our characters, I was enjoying learning about different art pieces.
Just plan and simply a good read.

[Michelle Ule · Rating 4 out of 5]

An impressive novel set in the 1973 London art world.

Reay's discussion of art is deep as this story follows the complicated politics of art forgery at a high level.

I happened to read this a few days after watching The Lost Leonardo--on the same subject--and I'm astonished and saddened that the art isn't loved for itself but for the money.

I, personally, don't like Picasso, but I looked up the paintings mentioned in this novel and thought a lot more about art than I have--well, I guess since three days ago!

Anyway, I read it in one very long sitting.

[Gretchen Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katherine Reay has an incredible ability to make you look in the mirror of your own soul through her storytelling.

Full review coming soon...

This title pairs well with Beyond the Far Horizon by Carolyn Leiloglou (middle grade but a compelling read for all ages!).