I honestly could not get into this book. I loved all the other books written by this author, but this one fell flat for me. It did give some juicy details about all the families throughout the book which was nice, but then once I got to the end of the book, I was over it because you already got some much juice. I gave it 3 stars I think but didn’t post it to my Instagram. I didn’t love it.

My last read of 2023 was THE HEIRESS and it was an easy 5 star read for me. Someone needs to come wake me up over here because I cannot believe I have been sleeping on this author’s work for so long!

THE HEIRESS captivated me from beginning to end. I absolutely love stories filled with drama about rich people behaving badly. I was so drawn into the story of Ruby McTavish Callahan Woodward Miller Kenmore and the McTavish clan that I lost all track of time. The character development was so well done, and I could picture all the despicable characters in my head.

My favorite part of the book were the letters written by Ruby McTavish to an unknown person. The letters were scattered throughout the book, and I could not wait until I came upon the next one. The letters gave me The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo vibe which I absolutely loved.

There also several bombshell twists that I never saw coming.

This book would make a great #netflixseries!

🖤 Rachel Hawkins has sealed a spot on my list of my favorite thriller authors, and I will read anything she writes.

Thank you @netgalley and @stmartinspress for this early read.

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This was SOOO GOOD! I was SO invested in the storyline! It was super easy to follow and it was beyond engaging! I loved the easy twists and turns and how well this novel flowed! I didn't see the ending coming which made me enjoy this one even MORE!

Great suspense & definitely had me guessing through the whole book. It started a little slow for me, personally but it did quickly get more interesting. Rachel Hawkins is easily becoming an instant buy/read for me. Reckless Girls was great & this comes up just underneath it.

This was just okay. There were certainly some twists and turns along the way I hadn’t guessed at and I’m not someone who needs characters to all be likeable, but I need to at least find redeeming qualities or be more entertained by them.

This book was so interesting that I was up into the wee hours of the morning reading. I could. It get enough of Ruby’s life and by extension Cam’s her adopted son. The story starts off with the disappearance of baby Ruby. Then it jumps to her life as an adult adopting Cam. Then it tells about the family of the McTavish’s and the greed of the remaining family members. Ruby was left the house and all the money by her father, she in turn leaves everything to Cam. This of course leaves the rest of the family feeling very mad about receiving nothing and especially none of the money.

The book was a little confusing when it would jump to different characters with each chapter and not knowing who was speaking for a bit, but you can figure it out within the first couple of paragraphs so it wasn’t too much of an issue. Other than that it was still a great read.

I highly recommend this book it really kept me guessing through the book all the way to the very last page.

I liked this author's last book and was excited to read this new one. I did not like this one nearly as much. There were lots of "bad" people killing other "bad" people and I found it hard to get attached to any of the characters. I did like the back and forth in time and in character perspectives. This was a 3 start read for me. Thank you to #netgalley for the arc.

An extremely smart and addictive read. I thought I had it all figured out, but then Rachel Hawkins gave me whiplash, per usual. Totally binge worthy...I loved reading about the families fortune and the haves vs. have-nots. Well done!

This book was enjoyable, but fine. There was nothing that shocked me, but it was a solid thriller. I liked learning about the family, and trying to decide over and over who the "bad guy" would be.

This book hooked me right from the beginning and I could not put it down! This complicated family story was so intriguing and really made me think about family dynamics. I cannot wait to read the next book by Rachel Hawkins.

"The Heiress" by Rachel Hawkins is a gripping contemporary novel that delves into the complexities of family dynamics, privilege, and personal growth. The story follows the protagonist, Avery Grambs, a seemingly ordinary girl who unexpectedly inherits a vast fortune from a billionaire benefactor.

Hawkins weaves a tale filled with intrigue as Avery navigates the challenges of her newfound wealth and the responsibilities that come with it. The novel explores themes of identity and self-discovery as Avery grapples with the sudden shift in her circumstances and the expectations placed upon her.

One of the strengths of the book lies in its well-developed characters, each with their own motivations and secrets. Avery herself is a compelling protagonist, relatable yet also undergoing a transformation as she learns to navigate the unfamiliar world of the ultra-wealthy.

The plot is paced effectively, keeping the reader engaged with twists and turns that reveal more about Avery's benefactor and his family. There's a good balance of suspense and character development, making "The Heiress" a page-turner that is hard to put down.

Overall, Rachel Hawkins delivers a thought-provoking novel with "The Heiress," blending elements of mystery, drama, and personal growth into a satisfying narrative. It's a compelling read for anyone interested in stories about wealth, identity, and the complexities of family relationships.

So good!! This book felt like a combination of all the things I loved about the Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and Daisy Darker. So atmospheric and it kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time.

I absolutely loved this book. It had me hooked from the beginning, and I just couldn't put it down. The story is packed with twists, drama, and some seriously juicy secrets that really keep you guessing.

It stands out as a unique thriller, weaving a captivating tale of wealth and family secrets, all set against the backdrop of a glamorous yet sinister Southern estate.

Hawkins does an amazing job of creating characters that feel real and relatable, even when they're caught up in the wildest situations. The plot moves at a perfect pace, with enough suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat without ever feeling rushed.

If you're looking for a book that will keep you up all night because you just have to know what happens next, this is definitely the one. It's a thrilling, addictive read that you won't be able to get enough of.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC!

Wow. That is the first thing you’re going to say after you read the final sentence of The Heiress, the latest Rachel Hawkins novel that released earlier this year. Set mostly in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, this story is built upon secret after secret, which may include a side dish of murder.

The heroine/villain of the novel, Ruby McTavish is not only rich, she’s had four husbands, all who have died under mysterious circumstances, and an adopted son who she’s left everything to (including Ashby House and the ‘relatives’ who come as part of the deal.)

Told from the points of view of the surviving heir (Camden and his wife Jules) the past is revealed through letters from Ruby to someone whose identity is never revealed until the end of the novel, and newspaper stories written about Ruby and the McTavish family.

If you enjoy novels that lead towards the dark side and weave a never ending web of secrets, you’ll want to pick up a copy for yourself.

Oh boy, Ashby House! What a wild ride this book was! I couldn't put it down and read it in 2 nights!
The plot focuses on the McTavish family, their skeletons in the closet, their secrets and twists not just for the remaining living family, but the secrets from the grave!
Rachel Hawkins does it again with this one. Great read!

Cam inherits a fortune from his infamous mother Ruby and after being estranged from his family for years, Cam's wife Jules wants to go to his childhood home/mansion to learn more about him and his past. 4 stars. Quick read.

What a fun, addictive thriller! I truly could not put this down. I’ve been a fan of Rachel Hawkins ever since I read The Wife Upstairs years ago, and she really is the best when it comes to wild mysteries, tangled pasts, and potentially unlikeable female characters. She brings it again with this saga of an absurdly wealthy North Carolina family, who just might have more secrets than they do money. I was in a bit of a reading slump before picking this up, and I knew Hawkins could break me out of it!

I had a very hard time getting into this book and staying invested. I honestly had to DNF about halfway through just because I had other ARCs I was more excited to read. I’m not sure this would be at the top of my recommended books however I can understand how others may have enjoyed it. Thank you for the opportunity to read it.

"The Heiress" by Rachel Hawkins is a captivating psychological thriller that blends elements of family drama, mystery, and gothic suspense. The novel follows Camden, the adopted son of the wealthy and notorious Ruby McTavish, as he reluctantly returns to his family's estate, Ashby House, after years of estrangement.

Hawkins masterfully weaves together past and present narratives, using multiple perspectives and epistolary elements to unravel the complex history of the McTavish family. The story is particularly engaging through Ruby's posthumous letters, which reveal her wickedly clever and somewhat villainous nature, making her a compelling character even after her death.

The novel explores themes of greed, power, family dynamics, and moral ambiguity, keeping readers guessing about the true motivations of each character. While some plot twists may be predictable for seasoned thriller readers, the sharp writing and intriguing character development maintain interest throughout.

Hawkins' writing style is praised for its wit, humor, and ability to create a suspenseful atmosphere reminiscent of Daphne du Maurier's gothic works. The pacing is well-executed, balancing the unfolding of family secrets with moments of tension and revelation.

While the novel could have potentially benefited from a stronger emphasis on the atmospheric elements of Ashby House, "The Heiress" remains a highly entertaining read that successfully combines mystery, family drama, and psychological suspense. It's particularly recommended for fans of Rachel Hawkins' previous works and those who enjoy thrillers with complex family dynamics and morally ambiguous characters.