SOLVED. Mystery. Pre 2000. In an art auction people discover paintings about tortures and the buyer wants to know if the people in there are real or fictional

[Noah]

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

What's the mystery?
Series?
Is there a detective?
Where and when is it set?

[Noah]

I found the book! It’s the cutting room by Louise Welsh so you can close this thread. Thank you!

[Bargle]

Link The Cutting Room by Louise Welsh.