This seemed like more of a family drama than a thriller, but the plot still had some satisfying twists and turns. The characters are rather flat, so I never felt really invested in what was happening with them, though. 3 stars. Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy!

This was a highly addictive read full of unexpected twists and turns! The book alternates between three main points of view. Ruby McTavish, whose four husbands mysteriously died, Camden, who rejects the family's money and tries to move away for a different life, and his wife, Jules. Each of these characters have their own motivations and secrets that they would rather keep to themselves, which we learn more about as the story unfolds.

The story really picks up when Jules and Camden arrive at Ashby House, the family home, after Camden's uncle dies. This is a family that is incredibly dysfunctional and conniving!

I enjoyed this book more than The Villa, and both books share a rich and immersive setting that has you keep reading more to learn what happens next.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC!

The Heiress is a thriller that follows the legacy of Ruby, a woman who was lost in the Blue Ridge Mountains when she was three years old. Found a year later, her family moves on from the tragedy and life returns to normal. Throughout Ruby's life, she was married four different times, each husband having died mysteriously. Left her family's wealth and without children from any of her husbands, Ruby adopts Camden as her only son. Years later when Ruby dies, Camden is left the family's wealth much to the dismay of Ruby's sister. Told from the point of view of Camden, his wife Jules, and letters from Ruby that reveal the story of her life and untimely deaths of her husbands.

I really enjoyed this book! It was well written, well paced, and held my attention the entire time. I would recommend this book to lovers of thrillers and rich people drama.

A turn pager for sure. The story was interesting from page 1 to then end, an ending I did not see coming.

I wanted to love this book, but I found myself pretty bored throughout.

I think the premise is cool, I love an unreliable narrator - but I kept wanting more. At no point was I really excited to pick this book back up.
you to St. Martin’s Press for the e-arc. All thoughts are my own.

This is an author that I always enjoy reading so when this became available on Net Galley I had to get it. This was an interesting tale and that had me on the edge from the very beginning. Ruby had so many secrets as well as all the other people in the "family". Is Ruby blood or bought? Is she a murderess or unlucky wife. If she's not blood then what effect would that have on the will and family fortune. I loved and disliked most of the players in this twisted tale and still loved the story.

Rachel Hawkins has proven to be a reliable author of suspenseful stories. As with all of her other books I’ve read, “The Heiress” had me continuously reaching for it wanting to find out what was going to happen next.

I would gladly post a more thorough public review if St. Martin’s Press would publicly denounce the racist acts of their employee and share how they intend to support their employees and readers who have been impacted by this. Unfortunately, the response that was received from St. Martin’s Press was incredibly disappointing and so at this time I will not be reviewing further.

I do wish St. Martin’s Press would listen to its readers and reviewers and understand that they can take a stance without giving any personal details of the employee in question, as we all do love the books that St. Martin’s puts out and are eager to get back to reviewing.

This book was excellently written, and one that I thoroughly enjoyed enough to read almost entirely in one sitting.

From the beginning, we are met with Camden and Jules, a couple married for a decade now and still renting a small house in Colorado. We learn that Camden was an orphan and was the adopted son of none other than the famed Ruby McTavish, heiress of the great Ashby House, and one of the wealthiest women in North Caroline, whom is also known rather widely as 'Mrs. Kill-More' because of the deaths of each of her four husbands throughout the years. Camden became the adopted son and project of Ruby, as she wanted to ensure that her fortunes were left to someone other than her sister and her children. She takes Camden in, teaching him ways to be successful and survive, all while he was bullied and suffered the torment from his cousins, Ben and Libby, and their grandmother, also his aunt Nelle, all of whom never considered him to be 'one of them' Camden grows up resenting the fortune, and goes to college in California to get as far away from North Carolina and Ashby House as he can. Cam meets Jules, and they move to Colorado where they currently live. He's avoided Ashby House for a decade when he makes the return with Jules, after the death of Aunt Nelle's only son, in order to assist with some issues with the house and disrepairs that need addressing. Little do we know, there are ulterior motives in the minds of several characters throughout the story.

Ruby, whom was kidnapped at the age of 3, and was found several months later, grows into a fearless and brilliant young woman, learning quickly how to expand the wealth of her father, and earning the spot of sole heir when he passes away, leaving her sister with nothing. Ruby lives her life, marrying four times, widowed four times, and throughout the story, we get a sneak peak of her life through letters that she wrote before sending to an unknown recipient. We learn many of the skeletons in Ruby's closet throughout the story, with each letter leaving you ready for more.

We also follow along with the viewpoint of Jules throughout the story, and get a glimpse into her thoughts and feelings. Jules is eager to go to Ashby House, finally, and shares tidbits of her lifelong obsession with those who reside there, with secret social media accounts and countless hours of google searching mentioned over the years. Jules is supportive of Camden, however, her desire to make their home at Ashby House goes against every fiber of desire to stay far away for Camden.

Rachel Hawkins has brought together a tale so perfectly written that will have you excited to turn to the next page. As my first Rachel Hawkins read, I am thoroughly excited to continue with her other stories with hopes of similar writing and ideas. Many thanks to NetGalley, as well as St. Martin's Press and the author for the opportunity to read the ARC in return for an honest review.

The Heiress is a winner! So many twists and turns- right up to the last page. Cam and Jules are the sweetest couple that you can’t help rooting for in their crazy life. Ruby and Nelle were beyond insane. Yet I still kind of loved Ruby. Not only could I not put this book down, I am thinking about reading it again soon!

The Heiress is an engaging and enjoyable mystery for which the often-cliched phrases “ I couldn’t put it down” and “ the plot twists make me anxious to read it again” for once ring true. The surprising twists took me right to the edge of feeling cheated but the skillful writing never crossed that line. The self-centered, self-important, dysfunctional family faced with mysterious deaths reminded me of Knives Out, the manner in which the interesting back stories of Ruby’s husbands were revealed reminded my favorably of The Seven Wives of Evelyn Hugo and Cameron’s story of a poor orphan “rescued” by an eccentric, wealthy benefactor had hints of Great Expectations for me. This one is definitely worth a read.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me an advance copy in exchange for my impartial review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy of Rachel Hawkins’ newest thriller.
Just when you think you’ve figured out the mystery at the heart of this story, there’s another twist. This is my favorite kind of story: one where I’m kept guessing until the very end.
This story is told from alternating perspectives between Camden, his wife Jules, and letters from Ruby, the intriguing and mysterious central character. Reading Ruby’s letters gave me Evelyn Hugo vibes, another story I loved.
This may be Hawkins’ best work yet.

Ten years ago, the enigmatic yet notorious widow (times four), Ruby McTavish Callahan Woodward Miller Kenmore, died at her palatial mansion in Tavistock, North Carolina. Kidnapped at the young age of three, her life had been one mixed with intrigue and heartbreak. Unless the rumors and gossip were to be believed. Could it be possible that one of the richest women in the Blue Ridge Mountains was actually a murderess? Surely some mysteries just might be too scandalous to be true.

When Ruby died, however, the money—rumored to be in the high eight figures—passed down to her adopted son, Camden. But sick of the McTavishes and their spoiled ways, he decided to walk away from the money and his surviving family members to forge his own way out west. There he met the down-on-her-luck Jules who he quickly fell head over heels for. The two married and settled down far from the McTavishes and their greedy ways.

Ten years later, Camden is living a happy if not spartan life in Colorado with Jules. Until he learns of his Uncle Howell’s passing, that is. Once again, the McTavishes aim to pull him—and his rather large bank account—back into the fold. Taken by the idea of a twenty thousand square foot home in the mountains of North Carolina, Jules convinces him to visit the grand estate once more. After all, there’s always been a piece of him that seemed out of reach. Maybe visiting his past will release the ghosts that seem to follow him even now.

Setting foot on the grounds, Jules is overcome with Ashby House and its breathtaking vistas. Once inside, however, the McTavishes are hardly welcoming and she starts to see why Camden ran away all those years ago. Even more worrisome are the rumors about the former matriarch that still haunt its halls. Was Ruby’s abduction and eventually return really as straightforward as everyone claimed? Did her four husbands truly die by accidental or natural causes? Or could the rumors about “Mrs. Kill-more” actually be true? Most puzzling of all, why did the widow adopt Camden out of the blue? One thing is for sure, however. Now that Camden is back within Ashby House’s walls, leaving won’t be nearly as easy as it was the first time around.

Holy guacamole! I always knew that Rachel Hawkins was the queen of suspense, but, after finishing The Heiress, I was stunned into silence by what I’d just read. Deftly combining dual POVs, letters, and various news articles into one twisted, twisted tale, I was totally floored. Let me just tell you, Hawkins has reached a new level of awe-inspiring writing, in my opinion, with this domestic thriller being a downright masterpiece of the written word.

Starting from the top, the characters were simply sublime. Mildly eccentric in an Agatha Christie-esque way, they still felt wholly believable to this avid reader. With dark motives and equally disturbing behaviors, every twist and turn revealed a new secret waiting to be exposed. And while none of the characters were exactly innocent (and quite a few rather unlikeable), I still connected with one or two, which made me hope they came out on top. Just the same, my loyalties flip-flopped throughout the richly layered plot until its stunning conclusion managed to shock even this veteran thriller lover.

The plot itself was oh so devious, but only in the best possible way. With all of the various revelations about both the past and the present, it was impossible to see where it was all heading before the immaculate twists were laid bare. Just the same, the ever ratcheting suspense and foreboding meant my fingers simply flew through the pages while I lost track of time. Quite frankly, this just might be Hawkins’s best novel yet as I was thoroughly addicted to these characters and their altogether crazy antics.

With short chapters, a puzzle of a plot, and a brilliant gothic mystery at its core, I was thoroughly spellbound by this fast-paced winner of a book. Of course, I mustn’t forget about the dysfunctional family and perfectly drawn setting as I continue to rave about this hole in one. Just know that you shouldn’t trust ANYONE in what was a devilish, unputdownable good time. Now I’m just going to cross my fingers and pray that The Heiress makes its way onto a screen near me someday soon. Perfect for adaptation, I’d wager it would be a sellout for sure. So if you haven’t already, be sure to add this book to your 2024 TBR ASAP. After all, it’s not one to be missed. Rating of 5+ stars.

I always enjoy Rachel Hawkins and this one may actually be my new favorite. I listened to the audiobook for most of this one (until the end and I just couldn’t wait anymore) and I think it greatly added to my enjoyment and probably bumped this from a 4 to 5 star for me so highly recommend listening to the audiobook. The narrators did an amazing job bringing their characters to life and the story was so much more dynamic when they read it. The book really looks at the age old questions is money the root of all evil, and based on the characters we meet here the answer just may be yes. The story is told from the perspective of Camden, adopted son and unwilling heir to his entire adopted family’s fortune, Jules Camden’s wife with a great desire to help him regain his legacy, letters from Ruby Camden’s adopted mother, and newspaper articles. Camden hasn’t looked back since he left Ashby, but when he gets an email from his cousin reminding him of responsibilities he and Jules decide a visit couldn’t hurt. But there is lots of things that hurt hiding in the past. Will the secrets of Ashby house destroy them or set them free?

Thank you @stmartinspress for my gifted eArc. My thoughts are my own.

This is a fun thriller read and, as an added bonus for me, it takes place about an hour away from my home, in the North Carolina mountains!

Told through newspaper article excerpts, letters from beyond the grave, and the alternating perspectives of Jules and Camden, this story kept my rapt attention from the beginning!

Ruby makes for quite the colorful character! The daughter of wealthy parents, she was kidnapped as a young child and then later returned to her parents. She was married four times, and each husband died under mysterious circumstances! Hmmm…

When Ruby dies, she leaves her estate and all of her money to her adopted son, Camden. The problem, Ruby’s resentful relatives still live in the mansion, and they are not happy when Cam returns to the estate with his young, idealistic wife, Jules.

I loved the building tension and the family drama in this one! The hatred and jealousy is real! The setting, a rambling old mansion, is perfect! I enjoyed the story so much I wanted it to continue on past the conclusion!

Read this if love books with:
Family Drama
Tension
Old Secrets
Colorful Characters
Old Family Mansions
Murder

This book gives truth to nothing is as it seems. Do we ever really know someone or their motives?! Even if it’s our own “family”. I really enjoyed the multiple POVs and little bits of time jumps with back story in the forms of letters and news articles. Thanks to Rachel Hawkins, St. Martins Press and NetGalley for the chance to read before publication.

This is my first book by author Rachel Hawkins, but it will not be my last. This mysterious, suspenseful story was a winner for me. I read it in a couple of days because I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. I liked the dual timeline and the use of newspaper clippings to tell the story. This was a very engrossing mystery with lots of twists and turns. Loved it!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Net Galley for the chance to read and review this book.

The Heiress was a must request after reading Rachel Hawkin’s The Villa last year and I can easily say I was not disappointed. I’m talking back to back to back plot twist all the way to the very end of this one and my brain was still turning this story around long after I read the epilogue. The multi perspective chapters were beneficial in keeping this twisted tale plot on track. The tale of a rich family with dark secrets that seem to never end. Much of the storyline talks of Ruby and her upbringing in a rich family after a tragic accident. After recounting Ruby’s history, Camden, Ruby’s adopted son and his wife Jules return to Ruby’s family home, Ashby House. In the house lies more secrets that were unaccounted for. An overall great and quick read with lots of problem solving.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Infamous heiress Ruby McTavish was the owner of Ashby House in North Carolina. When she died, she left it all to Camden, her adopted son. Ruby had survived all of her four husbands, each dying mysteriously. Yet the most intriguing part of Ruby's life was that she survived a kidnapping as a child. Ten years after Ruby's death, Camden is happily married to Jules and has stayed away from Ashby House. He has not spent any of his inheritance on himself. But Ashby House, where his aunt and cousins live, is in need of repair and Cam is asked to come home to review Ruby's will and help address the house's condition. Jules, who is privately pretty excited that they are owners of a grand estate, encourages a visit to Ashby House. She is hopeful that they might end up living there. But she's in for a bit of an awakening. Between dealing with the deteriorating house and Cam's dreadful relatives, Ruby's true story starts to emerge.

In The Heiress, Rachel Hawkins has created the ideal gothic setting for her latest mystery thriller. The story is told from Cam and Jules' points of view and through a series of amusing letters written by Ruby, which provide details on her life, including her multiple marriages. It's a clever and twisty tale where the surprises keep coming. A fast-paced, satisfying read to kick off the new year.

I really enjoyed The Heiress. The characters were well developed, the story had a few twists, and the ending left the reader satisfied. I couldn't tell if I liked Ruby or felt sorry for her, but I did like her adopted son Camden and his wife Jules. It's hard to review this book without giving away any spoilers but buckle up and enjoy the ride.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress for the ARC #TheHeiress by #RachelHawkins. This book is amazing from start to finish. I love all the drama and the amazing plot twist. So many things I didn’t see coming and the dofferent relationships. Highly recommend.