Season 9, Episode 9 - Katherine Reay

Written By Colin Mustful

In this episode of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host Colin Mustful sits down with Katherine Reay, author of The English Masterpiece. Set in 1973 London, this gripping historical novel follows Diana Gilden, the first female keeper of the modern collections at the Tate Gallery, and her assistant, Lily Summers, as they navigate the high-stakes world of art forgery. When Lily identifies a Picasso painting as a forgery, a scandal erupts, threatening careers and the reputation of the Tate Gallery. Katherine shares her meticulous research process, from exploring the archives of the Tate Gallery to interviewing art insurance experts. She also delves into the fascinating history of forgeries, the psychology of forgers, and the challenges of weaving historical, thriller, and romantic elements into a cohesive narrative. Tune in to hear Katherine discuss her creative process, her love for history, and her upcoming project, The Undercover Bookshop.

About the Author

Katherine Reay is a national bestselling and award-winning author of twelve novels and one non-fiction work. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Northwestern University, her writing has appeared in numerous publications, including Redbook, USA TODAY, The Daily Beast, Criminal Element, and many more. She holds a master’s in marketing from Northwestern University as well. Katherine is also a co-founder and host of the What the Dickens Book Club on Facebook and The 10 Minute Book Talk on Instagram. She is a mother of three and lives in Montana with her husband and their dogs. Her latest novel, THE ENGLISH MASTERPIECE will release on June 10, 2025, and centers upon a young woman framed for forging a Picasso found in London’s Tate Gallery in 1973.

The English Masterpiece

Set in the glamorous art world of 1970s London, The English Masterpiece follows Lily, a young assistant at the Tate, as she risks her career and freedom by declaring a Picasso masterpiece a forgery during a prestigious exhibit. Her shocking claim throws the art world into chaos, threatening her mentor Diana Gilden’s reputation and sparking a race against time to uncover the truth. Full of secrets, lies, and high-stakes tension, this fast-paced thriller is perfect for fans of Kate Quinn and Ariel Lawhon.

Colin Mustful

Colin Mustful is the founder and editor of History Through Fiction, an independent press dedicated to publishing historical narratives rooted in factual events and compelling characters. A celebrated author and historian whose novel “Reclaiming Mni Sota” recently won the Midwest Book Award for Literary/Contemporary/Historical Fiction, Mustful has penned five historical novels that delve into the complex eras of settler-colonialism and Native American displacement. Combining his interests in history and writing, Mustful holds a Master of Arts in history and a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing. Residing in Minneapolis, Minnesota, he enjoys running, playing soccer, and believes deeply in the power of understanding history to shape a just and sustainable future.

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Season 9, Episode 8 - Jillian Forsberg