Just finished this book and still processing everything learned, and implied, from it.

Camden McTavish has been called back to the family's home, Ashby House, after being away for ten years following the death of his adoptive mother, matriarch Ruby McTavish. Along with Cam's wife Jules, they head back into the lion's den - so to speak - to the family who doesn't feel like Cam deserved the entire inheritance and has made no secret of their disdain for the "golden child".

Cam has no disillusions about who his family is and how they view him, but regardless, it's time to put the past to rest - and he has a few things he's been keeping close to the chest. They all have.

The audiobook was wonderful. With four different narrators, they all really brought their A-game. Special shout out to the person who narrated Ruby's parts. She just had such an elegance of voice that harkened back to the 1940's which is the era in which Ruby grew up. I really think listening to this book is the way to go as each narrator infuses their reading/dialogue with all the things said...and unsaid.

I think this is one of Rachel Hawkins' best - at least so far. It really recalls Hawkins' The Villa in the idea that there's always more to the story than surface level. One of the most interesting aspects of the story was seeing how certain events are viewed differently by different people. We switch from Ruby's past recollections and revelations to the present moment with Jules and Cam's points of view on the return to Ashby House. Intermingled with all of that are newspaper articles giving an outsider's perspective into the McTavish family.

Let's face it, families are complicated. Throw on top of that a family with generational wealth and an "image" and name to uphold and you have this added layer of pressure to keep that affluence - no matter the cost.

Then there are certain expectations that come with it. Just being a McTavish establishes those societal expectations, but in Ruby's case she survived a traumatic kidnapping and gained a notoriety afterwards that followed her around into adulthood where a string of dead husbands furthered her mythology.

I found myself more interested in Ruby's sections of the book as I was very interested in unravelling the mystery. I felt like it all kind of revolved around her so it makes sense that her part would be the highlight. Cam and Jules are both caught up in what she created after all though they are carrying their own set of secrets.

Jules' sections are interesting because she really pulls the reader into the narrative by breaking that "Fourth Wall" so to speak and talking directly to the reader. This is used to the best effect in the audio version. It makes you feel like you're in on whatever it is that's going on or that she's appealing to the reader for some kind of sympathetic ear.

It's the type of book where it's difficult to know who the real villain is. The twists come at a pretty steady pace which caused me to keep updated my opinion on this character or that.

The pacing was so quick. It helps that the chapters are relatively short, but also I just got so pulled into this story! Something would happen or would be revealed and I just had to keep reading to see how things would continue on with this new knowledge.

I'll say that there were a few twists that weren't as surprising as maybe they were supposed to be, but then I think Rachel Hawkins was setting us up for the big reveals, the ones that get to the meat of who these characters are and who they've grown into. And I'll say I like the sinister feeling the runs underneath the surface. Like you don't really know where everyone stands and maybe that's a commentary on how we really only see as much about people as they want to show us.

It's definitely a story that I've sat with for a couple of days now replaying all that transpired and rethinking how things connect. All I'll say is if a book can have my attention, keep my attention, and continue to replay in my head even after finishing, I'd say it's a pretty good read.

I just finished The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins, and I have goosebumps! This gothic mystery thriller kept me guessing until the very end. I am a big fan of multiple POVs, and I love how this was told through main characters Camden and Jules, and letters left from Camden’s adoptive mother, Ruby. The letters tell of Ruby’s sordid past, and I was feeling all the feelings over them. The whole book is kind of an emotional roller coaster, in the best way. The author does a great job of making it easy to like certain characters despite some of their seriously questionable decisions. Full of complicated family situations, small town vibes, a fated love story, suspense, a little creepy, and a whole lot of crazy, all done with great writing - I couldn’t get enough. I’m a little sad it’s over for me, but I hope you enjoy it just as much as I have if you listen or read to it! I am so glad I was able to listen to the audiobook thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio because the full cast of amazing narrators brought the whole story and everyone in it to life. This is a voluntary review and my own.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ALC and ARC. I read and listened to it. LOVED it!!! So freaking good. I did like the narrators but there's new articles, diary entries, etc that I think reading it was easier! This will be a book i recommend to everyone!

4 stars

This is my fourth book by this author, and I'm happy to report that it's also my favorite. Folks who enjoy sinister characters, a dash of gothic, and a few twists will have a fun time with this one.

Camden and Jules have been happily married for ten years, but like all good married couples in this genre, they each have secrets and some level of mystery surrounding their respective pasts. This is all made more sinister by what - otherwise - really does appear to be a fairly healthy relationship. Ten years is a long time to fake it, so it's fascinating to find out what each is hiding, how they have changed over time, and whether or not they'll be able to grow and shift together, especially when there are so many examples in this novel of that not working out at all (for other pairings).

Both characters share perspectives, and there are also fascinating interludes in the form of Ruby's (Camden's mother via adoption) letters. Readers - and the characters - learn a lot from all of these sections. Everybody in this novel has secrets, and while some can be easily guessed, others may take folks a bit more by surprise!

I always enjoy Hawkins's novels, but I have often felt like there was something unfinished or underdeveloped that hampered my overall enjoyment, and that was not the case with this one. This is a great balance of twisty, creepy, varied in style and perspective, and speedy to read. I really enjoyed this read and look forward to whatever Hawkins has in store for us next!

I love rich people problems stories and this is such a perfect addition to the list. From our hero, forced into an impossible position by the manipulative title character, to his wife who is not who she seems, everyone is in pursuit of a fortune that could be snatched away at a moment’s notice. Very tidy, organized read.

Rachel Hawkins' upcoming novel, The Heiress, is a captivating story that delves into the intricate lives of a wealthy family with a multitude of hidden secrets. While it may not be an adrenaline-pumping thriller, the book offers an entertaining narrative that keeps readers/listeners engaged from start to finish.

One of the standout features of The Heiress is the audiobook's multiple narrators, which truly bring the story to life. The use of different voices adds depth and authenticity to the characters, allowing listeners to fully immerse themselves in the world Hawkins has created. The narrators' performances enhance the overall experience, making it an enjoyable listen for audiobook enthusiasts.

Although The Heiress may not be classified as a thrilling page-turner, it compensates with its exploration of the complexities within a wealthy family. Hawkins skillfully weaves together a web of past secrets, creating an atmosphere of intrigue. . As the layers of the family's history are gradually peeled back, readers are drawn deeper into the story, eager to uncover the truth and find out more about this family.

The novel's pacing is steady, allowing readers to savor the unfolding of the plot and the development of the characters. Hawkins' writing style is engaging..

While The Heiress may not offer heart-pounding action, it excels in its portrayal of complex family dynamics and the discovery of long-held secrets. In conclusion, Rachel Hawkins' The Heiress is a compelling novel that combines elements of mystery, family drama, and secrets. The multiple narrators in the audiobook version enhance the storytelling experience, bringing the characters to life. While it may not be a thrilling rollercoaster ride, it is an entertaining and thought-provoking read that will leave readers pondering the power of secrets within families.

Note: This review is based on an advanced reader copy of the book courtesy of NetGalley and Macmillan Audio. I'd give this one a solid 4 stars.

This was Knives Out meets The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and I really enjoyed this!

This is essentially about a wealthy & notorious woman named Ruby McTavish who was not only abducted as a baby and then returned to her family, but she has also left a trail of dead husbands. Her sister and her son/grandchildren despise her for inheriting the family fortune, and then subsequently leaving it all to her adopted son, Camden.

Camden is now an adult and even though his mom Ruby died years ago, he’s beckoned back to the estate after his uncle dies and is there to handle some final business with his wife Jules at his side.

This book had a lot going on, but it was absolutely engrossing. Between Ruby’s letters detailing her experiences and secrets, to the mysterious and secretive family members I was hooked. Everyone had their secrets and no one was as innocent as they seemed. Down to the very last page the revelations kept coming and my mind was blown.

Told in a multi-pov, multi-timeline and mixed media style, this story was so unique and a total delight from Rachel Hawkins. I also had the pleasure of getting to listen to this in advance on audio and the multiple narrators kept this so engaging and exciting. The narrator who voiced Ruby deserves all the praise.

My only complaint is that the twists weren’t THAT unpredictable, and like I said, there was a lot going on in this one. All in all though, this was fantastic.

I’ve really enjoyed this and Hawkin’s last release, The Villa, from her the most. She’s a master storyteller and will always be an autobuy author for me!

Thank you NetGalley & St. Martin’s Press for the ARC and MacMillan audio for the ALC. This publishes on January 9, 2023!

Entertaining family drama with lots of secrets and lies to uncover along the way. Complex and a little confusing at times, trying to sort out the relationships and family ties between the different characters across multiple timelines. The narrators of the audio version did a great job keeping me engaged and helping me distinguish which character's point of view I was listening to.

This is quite possibly my favorite Hawkins book to date. It is dark and twisty and clever and chock-full of secrets. It kept me engaged and interested and just when I thought I had everything figured out, the story pulled the rug right out from under me. And let me tell you, I love it when that happens! This audiobook is narrated by multiple narrators and they did an outstanding job bringing all of the characters to life. Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel Hawkins and Macmillan Audio for an ALC in exchange for my honest opinion. I really enjoyed this one!

When she was 3, Ruby McTavish was kidnapped and returned to her family 8 months later. As one of the wealthiest women in the Carolinas, upon her passing she left everything to her adopted son, Camdem. Camdem wants nothing to do with what’s left of the McTavish family and has spent the past decade putting as much distance between himself and where he grew up. When he’s summoned back to take care of the family estate, he opens up old wounds and may finally have the answers he’s long sought.

Alternating between Cam’s POV, his wife Jule’s POV, and letters from Ruby; this was an entertaining thriller filled with unlikable characters, secrets, and backstabbing. I wasn’t entirely sure at first how much I liked the alternating POVs but I ended up really enjoying the way all three played together. Ruby was by far my favorite character, and had all the attributes of ‘black widow’ but I found her to be brilliant and a women ahead of her time.

I primarily listened to this one, and the audiobook narration was fantastic. Each of the narrators truly captured the unique personality of the characters, and Ruby’s narration is exactly how I would have imagined her to sound. Personally, I’m a big fan of multiple narrators when it comes to audiobooks.

While The Heiress might well be my favorite Rachel Hawkins book so far, it ended up as a 4-star read for me. This is an entertaining, fast paced thriller, and if you enjoy twisted family dramas or even shows such as Succession, then you’ll certainly enjoy this book!


The Heiress comes out January 9, 2023. Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio for my advanced copies in exchange for my review. If you liked this review, please let me know either by commenting below or by visiting my Instagram @speakingof.books.

I received an audio ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

To begin - the audio production of this book was excellent. The rotating cast of voices used suited the characters and really added to the story as a whole. I would recommend it.

I also really enjoyed the novel itself. I feel like the comparisons to Evelyn Hugo will be inevitable - a rich woman who has many husbands throughout her life - but this is a darker version with the twists that Hawkins is known for.

I think the plot is cleverly executed, unfolding in layers the further you progress. If I have any criticism, it's that the story almost felt too fast. I think more could have been added to really build towards the ending.

📚Rachel Hawkins' novels have been hit or miss for me, but The Heiress was a definite hit. I loved the multiple POVs, which were each very distinct. I loved the how all the storylines neatly intersected by the end. I loved the final twist. I listened to this one, and enjoyed the narration, but I'd recommend reading it. There are letters, articles, etc, included in the story that I would have preferred to see rather than hear. By far my favorite Hawkins novel.

🩺The matriarch of the family has had four husband die under unusual circumstances. One by suffocation. The main signs of death by smothering/suffocation include foreign matter in the mouth and nose, facial bruising, and bloodshot eyes. Deaths by suffocation are rarely accidental or suicidal.

Thank you Netgalley and MacMillan Audio for the early opportunity to listen and review this novel.

Thank you NetGalley and Rachel Hawkins for an ARC of The Heiress. This book was truly an amazing read. I didn’t want to stop listing. The narrators also really helped with bringing the characters to life. This book is told through 3 POVs. First, Camden, an orphan boy who inherits the fortune from the McTavish family. Second, Jules who is Camden’s wife. Third perspective is through letters left behind by Ruby McTavish the heiress and “husband killer” who has passed away. Primary set in the Ashby House, this book was well paced out and full of twists. I highly recommend this book if you’re a thriller or mystery lover who loves multiple POVs and twists.

Have you ever read a book and felt like you read it before? That's how I felt reading this. The best parts of the book were told in Ruby's pov, but those chapters are very reminiscent of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. The rest of the book was very convoluted and slow.

3.5 stars
This was a twisty, rich people behaving badly story with some mysterious happenings thrown in too. I enjoy the accessibility of Rachel Hawkins’ writing- she always hooks me in quickly with her books! In “The Heiress”; everyone’s personalities come across clearly. I enjoyed how well orchestrated the plot/character developments were along the way. I don’t want to spoil anything as this is one to jump right into without reading too many advance details. If you’re listening to the audiobook, I loved the narration and definitely recommend listening!

The Heiress

The Heiress is about a rich family with complex problems. Ruby, the title character, has been deceased for about 10 years at the beginning of the story. With a series of flashbacks revealed through correspondence, you come to find out how twisted the story is. She had been kidnapped as a small child and was married four times. She adopted a son after all of her marriages and made him her sole heir, which of course upset her family.

This is a great story with lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced copy of the audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion..

Yes!! Hawkins you keep me entertained! While The Villa was not all I hoped it to be this one was very entertaining. I soaked it up. It did have a TJR Evelyn Hugo vibe with all the husbands and even the cover made me think of it too. Interesting fun twists. I enjoyed the ride. The narration was great for separating the characters. Great cast! Thank you for the chance to listen ALC!

Buy it. Just do yourself a favor and buy it.

Rachel Hawkins is a wonder with words.

Dan Bittner, Eliza Foss, John Pirhalla, and Patti Murin give an excellent performance breathing life into these characters.

Thank you to #NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.

The Heiress is a story about Ruby McTavish, heir to the McTavish wealth, mother to Camden, and widow to many husbands who died mysterious deaths. While Ruby’s story is being told, there are news flashes from that time accompanying her story. We also meet Camden. The boy Ruby adopted as she birthed no children. Jules is another main character that is Camden’s partner. After Ruby’s death is announced and it is revealed that Camden is the sole heir, the McTavish family guilts Camden into visiting the Ashby House to tie up all loose ends. Except Camden cut ties with the McTavish family and hasn’t touched any of his mother’s fortune. After some persuading, Camden and Jules head to the Ashby house where ALL is revealed.

Jules and Camden get to North Carolina and are immediately feeling unwelcomed. Camden wants to cut his losses and leave. Jules thinks they should stick it out. Ruby is…it’s all a mess. But in the best way.

From cover to cover, this book had me hooked. I went in having no expectation of being shocked. I thought this would be a regular degular read. BOY WAS I WRONG. The ending has my mind STILL working a mile a minute. I had to replay the epilogue more h the a once.

Something that made me happy without spoiling anything, Jules IS that girl!

I have to eat my crow. I thought this would be a rendition of Evelyn Hugo. But let’s put it this way. EH is on Cartoon Network and The Heiress is on Adult Swim. This book had me audibly gasping at work.

When the main twist was revealed, there should’ve been a disclaimer to buckle up. At no point did I ever see the additional, and equally significant, twists that happened.

I really dislike when people say there’s a twist because I’m looking out for it. But my goodness, you will not be disappointed with this book. If you’re like me, who tries to solve the mystery before the author reveals it to readers, then you need to buy this book. Don’t just listen/read. PURCHASE IT.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ARC of The Heiress, the latest from Rachel Hawkins.

WOW. The Heiress was incredible! I could not stop listening. This book had so many dark family secrets that left me wanting more and more.

The Heiress is released on January 9, 2024. Make sure you add it to your TBR shelf immediately.

I am always a sucker for a fiction novel that is set in opulence and wealth that leads to death and this author has mastered telling a really thrilling story and captivating her audience from beginning to end. Without giving too much away, I will say there are twists that are unexpected, lies that take you by surprise, and an ending I didn’t expect.

Listening to the audiobook made me not want to put this down. The narrators had a great cadence and inflection in their voices that fit perfectly with the characters in the story. They really helped in keeping me engaged and interested in the story and I truly enjoyed their performance.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ALC