The English Masterpiece

A Novel

By: Katherine Reay

Narrated by: Fiona Hardingham, Saskia Maarleveld

"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

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.

Critic reviews

'A taut and thrilling game of cat and mouse ensues in Katherine Reay's THE ENGLISH MASTERPIECE, a story of reality, illusion, and imposters set in the winding streets of seventies London. Reay is a master at the top of her game!'

'An exhibit honoring the recently deceased Picasso and an alleged forgery at the Tate sets the stage for this historical page-turner. Just when you think the stakes couldn't get any higher Reay ratchets up the tension even more. With an eye for the telling details, this author transports the reader back to London in the 1970s. Art lovers and historical fiction fans alike will find this book impossible to put down.'

'An exhilarating tale that will keep readers spellbound until the very last page, THE ENGLISH MASTERPIECE is a fresh and thought-provoking read. In a story that explores what it means to live and create authentically, Katherine Reay has given us an underdog heroine to root for as she navigates London's prestigious, and increasingly dangerous, art scene, unraveling a mystery where nothing is what it seems. I could not put this book down.'

'Art . . . London . . . Seventies Glam . . . Yes, please. THE ENGLISH MASTERPIECE by Katherine Reay has all the goodies--especially for historical fiction lovers and art aficionados. One young woman, an art curator's assistant at a famed national gallery, is in way over her head as she races to expose the truth behind a Picasso masterpiece: Is it a forgery? Will she jeopardize her budding career and take down those around her in the process? Buckle your seatbelt as all hell breaks loose. Readers will relish Reay's stylish prose and rich, unforgettable characters amid a propulsive cat-and-mouse chase into the opulent and obsessive world of multi-million-dollar art and deception.'

'Crackling with tension from the very start, Reay's latest is a twisty, smart read infused with the heady atmosphere of the 1970s London art world. The novel deftly explores the nature of artistic genius, the ethics of deception, and the cost of speaking up for what is true. A gem of a read!'

'From first page to last, Lily and Diana's personalities and the backstories that brought them together grab hold and do not let go until long after the page-turner ending. Recommended.'

'Like a true Picasso, Katherine Reay's THE ENGLISH MASTERPIECE is layered, compelling, imaginative, and filled with intrigue.'

'Reay's (THE LONDON HOUSE) intricately woven tale combines an intriguing art mystery with one young woman's journey of self-discovery. Her descriptions of 1970s food, art, fashion, and luxurious interiors are evocative, the story is fast-paced, and the dialogue fizzy. A stylish historical that will appeal to art-loving readers and fans of strong women characters.'

Thrilling and detailed

Thank you Katherine Reay for another exciting adventure full of well-developed characters, interesting perspectives, and unique storylines. So far I have absolutely loved every book of hers, this one included. A thrilling adventure into the world of art, deception and trust, complex relationships among family and coworkers, redemption and forgiveness, and new love.

Wish it had been a longer book!

Love the Character Lily. She should get a sequel. All the characters could make another pleasurable 5 star listen or read.

loved this! is it optioned yet for a film? very visually dramatic!

I enjoyed this so much! the characters were interesting as well as the story and narration. I especially loved the descriptions and ways the dofferent genres pf art wete described .

Enjoyable

This novel provided a breath of fresh air. It couldn't have been better. Best listen all year

A Book about masterpieces by a genuine master

This author’s books just keep getting better! I loved the relatable characters and loved the twisty plot about forgeries