Monday, June 16, 2025

THE ENGLISH MASTERPIECE by Katherine Reay, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise



PAULA'S REVIEW:
“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.*5 stars and a clean read 
 
BackCover Blurb
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.
 
Harper Muse Publishing, June, 2025
Available in digital ebook, paperback, library binding, and audiobook:

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