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.

Super fast read! Hard to put down. Really liked the Appalachia/blue ridge setting. There’s something lovely and creepy about the mountains of NC.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for an honest reviews. All opinions are my own.

Rachel Hawkins once again keeps you on the edge of your seat. This was another enjoyable read!

I kind of enjoyed this book, especially reading about Ruby’s life and loves. A few twists were interesting though I didn’t like the character of the young wife and her machinations.

This book was amazing. It had all the things you would expect from Rachel Hawkins, with an Evelyn Hugo vibe. An easy 5 stars for me. I don't want to risk giving away too much, but I loved the feel of this book. I loved that many characters were good and evil in equal measure. I also love the old house/wilderness/isolation aspect. I would recommend this book to any one that likes a mystery, a good twist and shocker ending.

Not my favorite but it was an enjoyable read. It just didn’t draw me in like I was hoping, it may have been more me than the writing but the format didn’t grab me. The story was clever though and I would read more by this author

This was more of a slow burn with heaps of family drama thrown in than an action-packed thriller. It took me a little longer to get into this one, but once the drama hit, I moved through it a little more quickly! The characters are conniving, crass, dysfunctional, devious, and determined to win. I did enjoy the multiple POVS, and the mix of past, present, newspaper clippings, and letters.

While not a favorite for me, I would still recommend The Heiress if you’re looking for a domestic family drama with a little suspense.

This was the only book by Rachel Hawkins that I can whole heartedly recommend so far. I'm not sure what she did differently, usually she does a great job with settings but the writing and characters fall flat for me. I liked the characters in this story and she always nails the setting.

Hawkins expertly crafts a chilling atmosphere, weaving a tapestry of suspense with the help of a brooding, mysterious protagonist and a cast of intriguing characters with hidden agendas. The pacing is masterful, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page. While the plot may be familiar to fans of the gothic genre, Hawkins breathes new life into the formula with a clever twist that will keep readers guessing until the very end. This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good old-fashioned gothic thriller.

This was such a good twisty read! Being from NC it was fun to read a book that was set right outside of Asheville, NC. I do love reading about rich people and their problems. A fun thriller!

I’m pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this book! The audiobook was a real treat with the cast of narrators- so well done! I enjoyed the intrigue of this story and that it had a few twists. I felt the characters were well developed and I enjoyed the multiple perspective storytelling. Would recommend!

Not my favorite of Hawkins, but still a great book discussion book. A quick read with a pace that sets the stage for what’s to come.

The Heiress is a gothic mystery set against the perfect backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina. When famed and notorious (kidnap victim and 4 dead husbands) heiress Ruby McTavish dies her incredible fortune and home are passed along to her son Camden, whom she adopted later in life. After growing up in that toxic family, Cam wants very little to do with Ruby's money, home or town. He leaves North Carolina and begins a modest life teaching in Colorado, marrying Jules and settling into a life far away from the grip of the McTavish's. Nearly ten years later, Camden's uncle passes away and his family begs him to return home to help settle the estate. Jules is in awe of the views and Ashby House but soon the couple realizes the demons of the past are awake and Cam loathes the idea of staying. Jules, however, learning more and more about this twisted family and their secrets becomes determined for Cam to take everything he's entitled to and more. That is easier than it sounds as Ruby's will and reasons are as complicated as she was-and still is-beyond the grave. Rachel Hawkins weaves a a chilling story about family, money and the lengths people go to to protect what they perceive as theirs. Pick this up today and settle in for a fun ride!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.