The English Masterpiece

Reviews / Votes

'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!' * Bryn Turnbull, author of THE BERLIN APARTMENT * '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.' * Renee Rosen, USA TODAY bestselling author of LET'S CALL HER BARBIE * '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.' * Kristin Beck, author of THE WINTER ORPHANS * '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.' * Lisa Barr, New York Times bestselling author of THE GODDESS OF WARSAW * '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!' * Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Stolen Queen * '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.' * Historical Novel Society * 'Like a true Picasso, Katherine Reay's THE ENGLISH MASTERPIECE is layered, compelling, imaginative, and filled with intrigue.' * Jenni Walsh, USA TODAY bestselling author of UNSINKABLE and ACE, MARVEL, SPY * '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.' * Library Journal * 'THE ENGLISH MASTERPIECE is a showstopper of a book. All the elements needed for a spectacular story: the drama and intrigue of the Tate Modern and the London art scene, a forged Picasso, and two women's careers caught in the balance. Reay has deftly crafted a fast-paced escapade that will propel readers from the gripping first pages through the satisfying conclusion. Not to be missed!' * Aimie K. Runyan, internationally bestselling author of THE WANDERING SEASON and MADEMOISELLE EIFFEL * 'THE ENGLISH MASTERPIECE is a stylish mystery that plunges the reader into the glamorous world of million-dollar art and the inner workings of a famed national gallery. A single sentence dooms the career of the young woman who utters it. As Lily Summers tries to clear her name, she discovers pieces of a puzzle that attract more danger. A thoroughly enjoyable, inventive plot that will keep you up all night.' * Janie Chang, author of THE PHOENIX CROWN * 'The story is told alternatively from Lily and Diana's viewpoints as the reader slowly learns who is behind the paintings and the cover-up. Reay weaves these details of the protagonists' backstories into the unfolding plot. The suspense builds . . . in this fascinating look behind the scenes of art dealings and the workings of the museum.' * Booklist *