The Price of Inheritance

by Karin Tanabe

After eight years in the American Furniture Department at renowned auction house Christie’s, twenty-nine-year-old Carolyn Everett’s star is on the rise. But one bad decision leads to a huge scandal, leaving her unemployed and broken. Desperate to piece her life back together, Carolyn escapes New York City to work in a tiny antiques store in Newport, Rhode Island.

Her new job takes her to a county auction, where she purchases a piece of Middle Eastern pottery for twenty dollars, on the hunch that it could be worth much more. Hoping to win back her spot in the rarefied art world, Carolyn sets out to uncover its provenance, and soon finds herself entangled with its prior owner, Marine Captain Tyler Ford, a notorious womanizer. Though they are from two different worlds, Tyler and Carolyn become increasingly obsessed with the mysterious relic, and each other, until the origin of the artifact starts to reveal Tyler’s dark past. Suddenly, what seemed like the key to Carolyn’s comeback could instead be her downfall—and the man she thought she loved may prove to be someone else entirely.

Set against a vibrantly drawn backdrop of gilded Newport society and the secret, dangerous world of black market art crime, The Price of Inheritance explores one woman’s decision to gamble her greatest asset: her heart.

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Mystery, Chick Lit, Suspense, Romance, Adult

384 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 5, 2014

About the author

KARIN TANABE is the author of six novels, including A Hundred Suns and The Gilded Years (soon to be a major motion picture starring Zendaya, who will produce alongside Reese Witherspoon/Hello Sunshine). A former Politico reporter, she has also written for The Washington Post, the Miami Herald, the Chicago Tribune, and Newsday. She has appeared as a celebrity and politics expert on Entertainment Tonight, CNN, and CBS Early Show. A graduate of Vassar College, Karin lives in Washington, D.C.

Reviews

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had to rate my own book five stars - it's author law. Hope you all enjoy it and happy beach reading!

[Georgia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recieved an advance version of this book and absolutely loved it!! You don't have to be an art fan to love this book. It's a great coming of age story with a great romantic element. In fact, the male love interest was one of the best I've read in a long time! I read it one sitting-- I couldn't put it down. The protagonist is chasing a mysterious object, which could be linked to the man of her dreams. I think fans of commercial fiction or upmarket women's fiction will enjoy this book. It was one of my favorites of the year.

[Jessica Turrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smart women's fiction that moves very fast. Perfect for the gal that loves thinking women's chick lit. I mean, I just call that literature, but...

I loved the twists and turns in this book. Really great character development and red herrings throughout.

If you loved the movie The Thomas Crown Affair, you will fall for this book. Or if you haven't seen it and just love art mysteries, then this is a good one too!

[Naomi Kelsey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another author's blurb on the cover praises this author as a major talent. Respectfully, I disagree.

Here's the issues with this book:

Everything that happens to the character is effortless. She happens to have a rich friend who she can stay with. Her mother (who is portrayed as awful, but yet is shown to be pretty decent by her actions) comes to help her when she loses her job. She gets a job in her hometown from a former boss who agrees to pay her commissions and lets her work the hours of her choosing. She finds not just one but two mysterious men who she's seeking, as well as the ex of her current flame. The guy she's dating at the beginning (who we know will be tossed aside like week old lettuce, it's so clearly telegraphed) disappears with only one irate conversation. And so on.

The main flaw with this type of easy breezy plotting is that it's not inherently wrong (see Bergdorf Blondes as exhibit A of it done well) but that's it's *wrong for this genre*. A thoughtful, moody thriller about the art world, big money, and going back home again should not be plotted like a candy coated beach read.

Moving on.

Issue 2 is that this heroine is....not likeable. Again, an unlikable heroine can be overcome (Karen Slaughter and Gillian Flynn both write prickly, odd, and unlikable heroines you somehow root for anyway), but not in this genre.

The author uses characters to show how beautiful and likable this girl is, creating an odd see-saw effect when their character integrity must be bent to do so. For example, a supporting character named Greg at first comes on to her, then changes into an antagonist, then in *one line* the heroine says she's aware she told him she hates him, but she needs him, okay? Okay, done. Jeez.

Issue 3 is the exposition/research. Research done well is terrific. It should be seamless. There were big chunks of writing that seemed very academic--about the art world, Islamic pottery, even the military (don't CARE!! don't CARE!! move on!!) and the way they do things.

Issue 4: Tyler Ford, our brooding hero is A FLAMING ASSHOLE. Other than his much vaunted looks and his ability to f---the brains out of our heroine, he has ZERO redeeming qualities. Honestly, it's borderline creepy and abusive. He lies, he disappears, he ignores her clearly stated boundaries, he refuses to explain a very damning story about him, he is revealed as a thief (not a spoiler, it's hinted at strongly early on and on the back flap). I don't see anything I would consider the basis for a real, mature, long lasting relationship and I HATE that it's presented as more desirable than her "boring" prep school guy who actually acts like a decent guy.

Issue 5: Minor character we meet once (and offstage) is villain. 'Nuff said.

Issue 6: Through lines of interaction are brought up and dropped. The husband of a friend hates Tyler, the love interest. Next scene: (the next DAY) they're on a boat with two other couples, laughing and having fun. Fight never resolved.
Jane, a childhood friend of the heroine, and the heroine get into a stupid, drunken, one sided fight, and then the next day the heroine just goes to work ("wearing one of Jane's cashmere sweaters from my desk drawer"). Does Jane have any function in this book except to act as a sounding board for the heroine's mental state? Come on.


I could go on and on about this book but at the risk of sounding unhinged, I'll leave it there.

If you're trapped on a bus with only this book, I'd say go ahead and read it. You won't be enraptured but you won't want to fling it across the room.

[Jami M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Possibly my favorite book of the summer. I started this one on a whim and am so thrilled it turned out to be an interesting read.

The book beings a little heavy on the chick lit side with a lot of witty dialogue and a protagonist that is quick talking and a bit too frenetic. In spite of this, I loved the accuracy of the auction house sales floor and the energy of the big sale that sets the stage for what follows in the latter half of the book.

The story changes in tone after the main character finds herself in an ethical dilemma regarding a furniture sale she has coordinated. This part of the book is more serious and the theme switches to high stakes art intrigue. I am such a sucker for art crime novels.

An overall well written book with a little bit of something for everyone: romance, mystery, coming of age and family drama. I liked this one quite a bit but that’s probably because it ticks all the boxes for me. Great summer read.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was loaned this book by a friend to read because she came upon it while looking for a different book I had asked to borrow from her. I must say that I am really glad I had the opportunity to read this one. It had me hooked from the very beginning. I enjoyed the main characters ups and downs and the fact that there was just enough of a little mystery, romance and average every day life to keep you interested.

[Mary-Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just like The Goldfinch, only sans depression! Art crime, romance, LOL moments, history-- Even intense sleepiness could not stop me from devouring this book. It is highly un-put-downable. As in her debut novel, The List, Tanabe treats you to a peek into worlds otherwise completely closed to the public: this time it's art theft, auction houses and storied New England old money. Tanabe successfully telescopes the epic story of a fascinating 800-year-old object with just enough to satisfy armchair historians, through the lens of Carolyn's hilarious and grounded inner monologue. I definitely will echo the great reviews here: I definitely wanted a sequel, loved the ending, and enjoyed Carolyn's "late coming-of-age" trajectory. I won't say too much more for fear of spoilers, just read it! :)

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Price of Inheritance by Karin Tanabe

2014

I received this ARC from NetGalley for review.

This is a story about the risks one must take in life and love. The decisions made ultimately have consequences. It impossible to predict if the outcome will be worth the risk. After an embarrassing departure from her job in New York, Carolyn attempts to start over in a tiny antique store in Rhode Island. When she purchases a piece of Middle Eastern pottery at an auction, her curiosity gets the better of her. She begins a journey to find the original owner of the item. She isn't prepared for the story she uncovers and the decision she faces about her future.

[Fee Roberts · Rating 2 out of 5]

My Review of The Price of Inheritance I received this book in exchange for an honest review. The Price of Inheritance was a very well written book and the characters were well fleshed out, but there were too many useless details that made the story too long and drawn out. I became bored with this book and wanted to stop reading it, but I read it just to see if anything substantial happened. Nothing exciting ever happened and I feel that it was a waste of my time. If you're into valuable antiques, then this book is for you. I give this book two stars just because it was well written.

[Kristin Dow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the subject matter and style of the writer. The story surprised me with its mystery elements and how the romantic relationship progressed and resolved. Strong writing, flowed well, good use of setting, and made time in my day to read this book. Smart heroine with an interesting background; she was accessible, even though she resides in an exclusive world. Flawed, but was on her side the whole time. Plan to read Tanabe's other works.

[Patsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

After eight years in the American Furniture department at Christie’s, twenty-nine-year-old Carolyn Everett is a rising star. But one wrong decision and a scandal leaves her unemployed and broken. Desperate to piece her life back together, Carolyn leaves New York City to work in a tiny antique store in Newport, Rhode Island.

One day at a small county auction, she discovers a piece of Middle Eastern pottery, which she purchases for twenty dollars on a hunch. Curiosity sends her on a mission to find its original owner, and she eventually winds up in the town’s United States Navy Base—and in a relationship with notorious womanizer Marine Sergeant Tyler Ford, who claims the relic came to him as a gift from his translator during the early days of the Iraq War. From two different worlds, Tyler and Carolyn become obsessed with the mysterious relic—and each other—until the origin of the art comes under intense scrutiny and reveals a darker side of Tyler’s past. Carolyn still feels like there’s more to the story, but can she risk attaching herself to another scandal—and does she truly know the man she’s fallen in love with?

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intense story of Carolyn Everett’s fall from the pinnacle of her career as an appraiser and expert in American Antiques at Christie’s auction house to finding what she thinks is a fake middle eastern treasure bowl, when she goes home to lick her wounds in Newport, Rhode Island. The bowl brings her into the sphere of Tyler Ford, All American Marine Corp captain with a very bad reputation. Everyone told her not to get involved with him, but she just could not help herself, even when she learned dark secrets.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the history of the bowl. I also enjoyed learning about auctions and auction houses.

There were some things that were unnecessary. Like why did she go sailing with Carter, who she doesn't even like? I thought it was so the chair she bought at auction could be taken from her car. But no, unless that's when the note was placed there.

I was disappointed in Tyler. I'd hoped he was a hero.

Also, I don't get the title.

[Carla McKelvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I have read in quite awhile. The story was engaging; the characters well developed; the writing excellent. It made me want to immediately move to another book by the same author.

The book is about an art dealer who for various reasons comes across a piece of what may or may not be a rare piece of work. The story behind it and how it is told keeps the reader turning the page.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the background info about how the art world and auction houses work. I thought that was really interesting. Unfortunately, the rest of the story was only so so. I really did not care for the main character’s wealth worship and idealization of the Dalbys. I thought that was a huge turnoff.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was not entirely sure what to expect from this novel. Loved the auction world details. The Newport setting was a treat. I really liked Tanabe’s voice and writing style. This was the first that I have read by her. This book flowed very nicely. The readers guide/ discussion questions/book club enhancements were a really nice addition to the book. Can’t wait to read more by Karin Tanabe!

[Maura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked this story about a young women from Christie’s auction house accused of selling fake antiques. Her main love interest was a bit of a mess but I enjoyed the scenes in Newport and her wealthy neighbors’ storyline.

[Brigid · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this, but admittedly I also recently completed a project with the Iraq Museum--who's looting is central to this book. So, I'm going to be a little more interested in this topic than most. It's an interesting mix of rich people, classist behavior, extremely toxic love interest, and mystery.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the main character to be a bit annoying and very hard to feel sorry for. The story also felt like it got unnecessarily complicated at the end and just not pulled together well. The book is fine for a beach read, but I didn't ever feel like it was a page turner.

[Nanette Littlestone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strong and sweeping

The auction scenes are so descriptive you get caught up in a flood of excitement and detail, hanging on the narrator’s every breath, every beat of her heart, every moment of action. Absolutely splendid!

[Elvira A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

just ok

This novel never clicked for me, perhaps because Tyler’s character was not well developed, although most of the other characters were. It was an interesting look at the field of high art, but not worth the time.

[Lindsay Urban · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the Christie’s/auctions element of this, and the Newport setting, but the romance storyline gave me the ick, and once the book turned more heavily toward that I completely lost interest. DNF @ 60%.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The start of this book was excellent, and then it unraveled.

[Marcy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting. Kept my attention. Very light reading.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Couldn't stop reading! Wish it had better closure.

[luisa m oliveira · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a beach road light on real content like the concept set in RI art world but not too challenging.

[Aimée · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book had a strong start, but it didnt hold up well for me. Maybe 2.5 stars.

[Jeannie Adams · Rating 2 out of 5]

I kept listening to the book because I thought something interesting was about to happen. And yet, for me it never did.

[Pcox · Rating 3 out of 5]

consistent with my expectations

[Nancy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I might give this writer another chance, but this book was seriously lacking in so many areas that I can’t figure out where her positive reviews come from.