This much anticipated thriller dropped on January 9th. I’m seeing tons of rave reviews and love that for everyone…but this wasn’t my favorite domestic thriller (or even my favorite by Hawkins.)

Ruby McTavish Callahan Woodward Miller Kenmore is famous for being the richest woman in North Carolina, being kidnapped as a child, and for having four deceased husbands. When she passes, her adopted grandson Camden is set to inherit the palatial estate. But the blood relatives have their claws out, ready to take Camden down. His wife Jules has her own motives and history with the estate that he doesn’t know about. Woven throughout are news articles and Ruby’s POV.

I love gothic thrillers and this setting was great. The house was its own character! I think this was less of a hit with me because I just listened to “A Likeable Woman,” where the past perspective was way more compelling for me. I also found the twists here unsurprising. It read more like a dysfunctional family mystery than a thriller. I much preferred Hawkins “The Villa” to this one. This was just fine for me.

✨Trigger Warnings: Murder, Domestic Abuse, Suicide, Kidnapping, Death of a Parent

Anyone else finish Rachel Hawkins books in 2 days or is it just me?
Sometimes having an inheritance is not all you thought it would be or had wanted. Cam and wife Jules are living a simple life when word comes that his adopted mother, Ruby, has passed away and left her entire estate to Cam. Only one problem, Cam wants none of it. Jules convinces Cam to drive up to the estate to visit estranged family and to sign off on what he thinks is the final paperwork. Little does Cam know what is in store for him. In preparation for her inevitable passing, Ruby has left Cam a family history letter of sorts that once read chages everything. Everytime I thought I knew where a character was heading to, plot twist! Having everything being written in Ruby's words as Cam is at the family estate was an amazing way to read the story. It kept everything tied together and you could actually picture each situation playing out. And having the big secret with jules?! I had to read that part twice, my eyes didn't believe it! This is definitely another bestseller!

Ruby McTavish was rich and infamous, and now she’s dead. Known best for 1- being kidnapped and then returned as a small child and 2- having been married four times to husbands who all passed unexpectedly, Ruby is the owner of the sprawling Ashby House. When she passes away, her entire estate is left to her son, Cameron- much to the disgust of the rest of the McTavish family. Cam was adopted by Ruby when he was a child, and in the eyes of this uppity family, not a worthy heir to her fortune. After years away from the mansion he grew up in, Cam returns to Ashby House with his wife Jules to settle things once and for all. But once there, this gothic mystery spirals into a vortex of family secrets where it seems that everyone has something to hide.

Ruby as a character truly embraced the dichotomy between villain and misunderstood do-gooder. She gave me Evelyn Hugo vibes- an elderly rich woman sharing the secrets of her past. My personal view of her changed so many times during the book depending on what letter of hers I was reading. Throughout the book, I found that the letters from Ruby get harder and harder to read. The secrets that she shared are heartbreaking and painful. And in the letters, I quickly noticed that they were not addressed to anyone specific, leaving me guessing who the recipient was throughout the majority of the book.

With short but satisfying chapters, I could have easily finished this book in one afternoon if I had the time to. I was hooked on finishing a chapter and seeing what the next would bring. The chapters switch between multiple points of view and include mixed media with inclusion of news articles, emails, and letters. This is one of my favorite ways for a book to be written, and Hawkins used the mixed media approach without flaw. As much as I needed to know what happened, I really didn’t want this book to end- I was enjoying it that much!

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, Rachel Hawkins, and NetGalley for a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Camden McTavish, for the past ten years, has been staying far away from his family — ever since his adoptive mother, Ruby, died. But Ruby wasn’t just a regular lady, she was an infamous heiress to a fortune. A fortune that is now Camden’s but that he wants nothing to do with because his extended family is toxic. However, with another death in the family, he is called home to deal with his responsibilities to the estate. But as the days pass, secrets slowly unfurl and ulterior motives emerge. What will be the fate of the McTavish line?

First, Rachel Hawkins is brilliant. When I saw she had another novel coming out, it was a no-brainer to pick up. And it did not disappoint. The structure of the novel — a mix of perspectives from Camden, his wife Jules, letters from Ruby before her death, and articles documenting events of the wealthy family — was absolutely perfect at providing just the right amount of need to know information to keep a person turning the pages. I also enjoyed the character building of each player in the story as we see how human nature affects their decisions and the ultimate truth they want to live by. A great story to gobble up and satisfy. 5 stars.

Thank you St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for sending this Uncorrected Digital Galley for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Loved this book! It was thrilling and an easy read. Unfortunately because it's published with Saint Martins Press I cannot review it on my social platforms. Please speak up and hold some accountably for your employees actions.

This was my first book by this author and I loved it! It had so many twists and turns that I did not see coming. I highly recommend this book.

I am so excited to say that this is Hawkins best work yet! After reading The Villa last year and not enjoying it I was a bit hesitant to go into this with any hopes but I'm so glad that I gave it a chance because I loved it!

We have the classic rich people mystery involving a child abduction except the child in question was found and returned years later.Now that child has grown into a woman who isn't very fond of the family she is part of and decides to give all the family fortune to her adopted son on her passing. Now enter Cam, the adopted son who also wants nothing to do with the estate and family he was adopted into but has to go back to take care of paperwork and remodeling and whatnot. He brings his wife, Julia who is also hiding some skellies in her closet and we meet cousins Ben and Libby who are jealous of Cam having the money and also trying to prove that Ruby, his mother, is not who everyone thinks she is.

We also get letters written from Ruby that are so good. They tell of her marriages to her 4(!) Husband's and what befell them and reveal oh so many scandalous secrets.

While this wasn't the most shocking mystery, it definitely was fast paced and drama filled and entertaining.

If there is one thing I wanted more of it'd be the ambience. Maybe a scene in the woods surrounding the house because it's talked about a lot. Maybe another death or two. Maybe a conclusion on that small snippet we get at the end!

Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy!

Fast paced, twisted family, and well developed characters! The Heiress shows how much money cannot buy happiness and can actually just cause bigger problems! One of the better books I have read by this author and definitely one I would recommend to others. The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins. #NetGalley

Everything and everyone has secrets in this twisted book! Ashby House has secrets, the dead Ruby McTavish had a ton of them and even the current occupants and townsfolk have secrets that they are holding close to their chest. I liked how the plot was twisted around the theme of an inheritance and secrecy, but I really liked getting to know the characters and what made each of them choose the way they did. The book has a dual timeline, relating Ruby’s storied past from her own diary or letters and then returning to the present day with Camden and Jules having arrived at Ashby House from Colorado. Cam is level-headed but he is also fearful about something that is slowly revealed. His wife Jules is a teacher who would prefer to be an heiress so is determined to convince Cam to stay at the house in the Blue Ridge and claim his inheritance. His Aunt Nelle is sneakily evil while Libby and Ben just want the easy life they are accustomed to and don’t care what they have to do to get it. Everyone has a hidden motive for their choices and reading past my bedtime to find out these motives for their manipulations was a real pleasure. Rachel Hawkins has done it again with this book that leads you to believe one thing and then reveals another. The plot is masterfully written to deceive the readers as it also leaves red herrings and fake trails for the most clever reader to be fooled. This is one of the best books that I have read as far as being captivated and enjoying being fooled. Well written with interesting and dynamic characters, this book begs to be read and then read again to look for the clues I missed the first time!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book I from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

After reading The Villa last year I was excited to see what Hawkins' next book would entail. I can happily report The Heiress does not disappoint. I couldn't get enough of this book, and I was desperate to know how it would end. A multi-generational, gossipy, edge-of-your-seat thriller that made me thankful I have my family's problems instead of the main character's. The twists were so well done, and I could never predict what would happen next. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a juicy beach read or an enticing thriller.



****Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for an eARC in exchange for my honest review. ****

The Heiress tells the story of Ruby McTavish, the heir to the McTavish estate/fortune. At 3 years old, Ruby wanders off from the family picnic and is later found across the country in the home of a former worker at the McTavish estate, Ashby House. But something is off with Ruby. Her sister, always jealous of Ruby, can tell and never gives up finding out the truth. Decades later, Ruby has passed away, leaving everything to her adopted son, Camden, and the blood entitled family members just can't seem to let it go. Camden is summoned back to Ashby House, the house he tried to escape from, the house that seems to draw him back with its secrets. Everyone seems to have secrets, but who's secrets are the deadliest of all?

I really enjoyed this book. I especially liked the setting, the Blue Ridge Mountains here in NC. The story is told from multiple points of view, by Camden and his wife, Jules, and through letters from Ruby that give us a bit of history and is her way of being able to tell her story. And with any Hawkins novel, the twist! I felt like I had an idea of where things were heading, but it wasn't just one twist, there were a couple of subtle ones that all seem to compound to the final resolution. I definitely recommend this to anyone that is a fan of Rachel Hawkins, or a good twisty, family secret, mystery.

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Rachel Hawkins, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for the eARC of The Heiress!

This was such a captivating story that had many twists and turns. It kept me interested, and I wanted to keep reading to find out more about this wealthy family from North Carolina. Would definitely recommend to those looking for a quick read!

I’ve read and loved all of Hawkins’ thrillers and now this one will be added to the list. Ruby McTavish is kidnapped as a child but then returned to her wealthy family when she is found. Later, she becomes known around town when all her husbands start dying mysterious deaths. Eventually she adopts a son, Camden who is the heir of the estate. But when Camden returns there with Jules, his wife, secrets are revealed in a series of letters from dead Ruby.

The book is twisty as hell. Surprises lurk around every corner, some of which you will figure out and others you won’t. I liked the dark, old estate atmosphere of the book and epistolary format interspersed with a multiple POV story. It makes you wonder the lengths one will one go to in order to preserve their fortune and keep it in the right hands.

Pick this up for a gothic thrill.

It's official, Rachel Hawkins is on my 'read everything they write' list. This is my third non-ya novel of hers and I swear they just keep getting better and better.

I had a fairly rough time last year finding thrillers that hit the right spot for me. It's my brain unfortunately. So when I find an author that keeps hitting the proverbial sweet spot, that auto notification for new releases, gets checked.

The Heiress is a psychological gothic thriller that takes the premise of a missing child and an affluent family and twists secrets and familial history into an addictive page turner. I had the ability to listen to the audiobook and loved the setup for this one. The audio is narrated with multiple POVs by the talented Dan Bittner, Eliza Foss, John Pirhalla and Patti Murin. I love when an audio has a large cast of voices, it brings a distinct flavor of voice to each character.

There are some parts that do move a little slow but Hawkins has a way of keeping me engaged as a reader. A little predictability in some of the overall plot but the drama and mystery made this book for me.

If you love thrillers and haven't tried Hawkins yet, I highly recommend picking one up as soon as possible.

The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins is the story of what happens when a rich heiress dies and leaves her entire fortune and estate to her adopted son who has no interest in the house, the money, and the drama that comes with it. Can and his wife finally go back to the house and we meet the twisted family he left behind. Ruby’s story is fascinating from childhood and throughout her multiple marriages ending in death of her husbands. I loved the NC setting, the twisty story, and the ending.

The Heiress might be my favorite book by Rachel Hawkins yet. Rich people behaving badly, murder, and family drama. Check this one out now!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the electronic advanced copy.

This is a book about secrets. It's a story about a family living in a house that is full of hidden agendas and lies - all for the sake of name and reputation. And, of course, money. Rachel Hawkins created a story about a house worth dying for, and even though the house isn't haunted, the house "haunts" all who have lived there. Nobody wants to leave and yet they all should.

The story begins with Cam and his wife Jules. They are two parts of a multiple POV story who tell the reader about why Ashby House is so important. After getting an email from a relative still living in the House, Cam and his wife Jules make their way back after a very long absence. Once they are there they are pulled right back into the drama and madness that have plagued Cam from the very beginning.

Another POV is from the Heiress herself, Ruby. We are given the back story throughout the book about Ruby and how she became the matriarch she is. The theory about Nature vs Nuture also plays a big part in this and we see how one family's actions affect so many other people.

Thankfully we are given the full story of what and why things happen and believe me, it's worth it. The secrets and lies never end, and Hawkins gives us a glorious finish. The only reason for the 4 stars not being 5 is because I felt that I was more consumed by Ruby's story than Cam's. I could have read an entire book solely about Ruby and it would have been fantastic. Having Cam's story was great too, but not as enthralling.

I loved reading about this family. Thank you to the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read it!

What would you do with deep, dark family secrets? Could you keep them, benefit from them, even perpetrate them? This book is about a mess of family secrets that begin to surface when a death in the family occurs. Money and infamy are driving factors for the choices that have and will be made. Dark and twisty, I did not predict the connects as they fell into place. Ultimately, does anyone know the whole truth?!

Thank you NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, St. Martin’s Press, and author Rachel Hawkins for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Despite having had multiple of her books on my TBR for years, this is somehow my first Rachel Hawkins book!! (Except for The Ex Hex series under her pen name Erin Sterling, which I enjoyed)

The Heiress is about Camden, who is the adopted son of the infamous Ruby McTavish. The late Ruby has a shady reputation, with many calling her “Mrs. Kill-more”, after her four husbands all died under mysterious circumstances. Camden has distanced himself from the McTavish family and refused to take any of the money Ruby left him. However, Cam is summoned back to the family home after his uncle’s death. He returns with his wife Jules, who is eager to have Cam accept the inheritance so they can live at the famous Ashby House. As Cam reintegrates with his estranged family, questions about Ruby’s past and her inheritance come to light.

I’m so mad at myself that I haven’t picked up a Rachel Hawkins book sooner!! I couldn’t put this one down. It was fast paced and had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. It also gave me The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo vibes (which is my favorite book), except with a dark and mysterious angle. I loved that the chapters were from multiple perspectives and I really enjoyed how news articles and letters from Ruby were incorporated. This book just came out yesterday so hurry to pick it up!!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!!

Thank you Netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed this one! Much better than Hawkins’ last novel, The Villa. This one is set in the mountains of North Carolina, at Ashby House, where a very dysfunctional family lives. The story is told in 3 POVs: Ruby who’s the heiress to the McTavish fortune, her adopted son Camden and Camden’s wife Jules. I thought this book was very entertaining as it tells the story of Camden returning to Ashby House after staying away for many years. It’s twisty & well-