What a great book! I have enjoyed all of this author’s books and The Heiress was no exception. It had plenty of suspense and mystery that I couldn’t put it down. Thanks Netgalley for this arc.

This is an interesting read for the most part, although there is an over-abundance of deceit in this book. It may as well be its own character. A young couple living in Colorado travel back east to the husband's childhood estate after the death of his uncle. There, we discover that the husband, who is the sole heir to the estate, is really not wanted by his relatives, even though he was summoned by them. From that point, everything unravels and the story becomes a bit far-fetched.

I'm sorry to say that there is not one likeable or sympathetic character in this book. That fact, for me, makes the twists, turns and reveals rather anticlimactic. Who are these people? Not anyone I can relate to or would want to. The ending, although contains some surprises, wraps up a little too neatly for my taste.

Three stars for keeping me reading to see what happens. The author has quite an imagination, I'll say that.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the complimentary e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars.

I have read and enjoyed all of Rachel Hawkins’ books, but this one is my favorite yet. I tore through it in one day – fully engaged the entire time. I thought I knew what was coming, but the twist was a shock that completely threw me for a loop in the very best way.

Very entertaining and much different from this author’s previous books. I highly recommend this one. Don’t miss it.

My thanks to @stmartinspress and @netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book before its publication date.

3.5 stars ⭐️. I thought this was an entertaining read and loved the setting so much! It had a few too many plot twists for my preference, but, still enjoyable. I could not like a single character, even when all was said and done.

I have read some other books by Rachel Hawkins and enjoyed them more. She is an author I will continue to add to my TBR. Just too many greedy people in this one.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital copy to read for review. I recommend this to readers who like creepy settings, reading of the will kind of plots, big houses in the woods, everybody hates everybody and is trying to do everyone else in plots. Everyone is lying and is an unreliable narrator. Enjoy!
10 likes

"The Heiress" by Rachel Hawkins is a captivating read that expertly weaves together past and present, keeping readers hooked with its twists and turns. The writing is skillfully executed, allowing the story to unfold with surprises that maintain the element of suspense. The seamless transition between timelines adds depth to the narrative, while the book's ability to keep readers engaged and anticipatory showcases its captivating nature. If you're seeking a novel that combines intricate storytelling with an enthralling plot, "The Heiress" certainly delivers.

Thank you Negalley for an ARC of this book!

WOW! I am a big fan of these type of books and have really enjoyed all of Rachel Hawkin's previous books I have read, so I went in with high hopes and it did not disappoint. This one may be my new favorite of hers. The story is told from 3 different narrators; Camden, his wife Jules, and letters written by Ruby, Camden's adopted mother. This can sometimes be confusing in books, but the way Rachel Hawkins has written them they flow very nicely and connect well with little confusion. I found myself finishing a chapter and need to read the following right away to get answers! This book sucked me in from the beginning and kept me hooked throughout. I cannot wait for this to be published for everyone to get to experience reading this book!

This was a very interesting story that had a lot of interesting twists that kept you guessing as to where the story would go. For me, this started as a really slow burn and then the last quarter of the book picked up a lot and was hard to put down.
It reminded me a bit of Evelyn Hugo but with a darker edge and more of a mystery vibe. While it may not be a full-blown thriller, it is mystery that's worth diving into.

Wow, I was so impressed with this one! It was fun, suspenseful, and mysterious. I enjoyed the fun twist near the end. The main characters are developed and interesting. Pace was swift enough for me not to lose interest, as it's not action packed. Overall very fun read.

This book kept me engaged and I enjoyed the central mystery with slightly gothic tropes. I didn't really get into it though and it might have been with the way it was put together with articles interspersed with letters and two characters perspectives. I found the articles really drew you out of the mystery and I eventually just wanted it to end.

The ending of this had my head spinning!!

It took me a few chapters to really get into it, but once this book got its claws into me I absolutely FLEW through it. It was so addicting I have stayed up half the night now just because I HAD to see what happened at the end! All while getting whiplash from the twist after twist. The characters all had such great depth that you don't know who to cheer for, which I find is HARD to come across. From the estranged Cam, the secretive Jules, the bully and rude cousins and the evil aunt, I found myself just wanting more more more!

I cannot tell you the last time a thriller sucked me in the way The Heriess did. As it's the first book I've ever read by Rachel Hawkins, I was surprised how much I truly enjoyed it! Definitely one of the best psychology thrillers I've read this year.

I really enjoyed this well crafted family drama mystery. I was enthralled and did not guess any of the twists.

I really enjoyed this book. It has so many of my favorite things-a creepy old house, dual timelines (in a way, by way of old letters), multiple POVs, and dark family secrets.

The character of Ruby McTavish is fascinating character with a tragic, twisted darkness about her.

Highly recommend picking this one up when it debuts in January 2024. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

I chose this book solely because it was based in my home state, NC! I am so glad I did. This book was amazing in so many different aspects! It mentions several well known places in NC to include the Biltmore House, which I love. It discusses the Blue Ridge Parkway mountains and how they truly are breathtaking!
Now for the storyline, wow I couldn’t put the book (kindle) down. It was written from multiple POVs. I loved all the main characters in this story and loved reading their thoughts! In between the chapters there were letters from Ruby telling her story. I could read a whole book solely from Ruby’s POV about her past! It also jumps back to the kidnapping when she was 3 years old to include news articles. This story had so many different twists I was not ready for. The ending I definitely did not see it coming!
If you love a storyline with murders, some historical fiction, family drama, MANY twists and a little bit of romance, then this book is for you!!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I have read other books by this author and this is my favorite one. I loved all the different point of views given. Everyone involved had their own agenda going simultaneously. The twist that happens was one i didnt see coming. The only point of view that would have made the book better would have been the nanny or the young Ruby in the woods. But otherwise I thought the book was a great read.

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

I thought I was good at keeping secrets, but the characters in The Heiress know how to take them to their graves!

Jules Brewster is finally going to get a chance to see her husband Camden’s famous family home, Ashby House, which was left to him by his even more famous mother, Ruby McTavish. As they leave their modest life in Colorado behind to take care of the estate, Jules and Cam become unwillingly swept up in the McTavish family drama. While Camden wants to leave the drama–and the entire estate–far behind him, Jules realizes that she wants to fight for Camden’s inheritance–a fight that threatens to leave death and destruction in its wake.

Told from the perspectives of Jules, Camden, and Ruby (in the form of letters written before her death), The Heiress proved to be a novel that was difficult to put down. I thought the pacing was really good, and the three perspectives really built off of each other and maintained suspense. I generally liked all three characters’ chapters equally well, which isn’t always the case. There were some twists, but nothing too surprising or shocking, and indeed I didn’t rate it five stars because I thought the book was a bit predictable. Overall, a great book.

3.75 out of 5 ⭐️

This is my first book by this author, but will not be my last! It was definitely a slow burn but about halfway, I couldn’t put it down! The letters from Ruby was one of my favorite things from the book. I also enjoyed the dual timeline with snapshots of the past every now and then. I was able to guess the major plot twist but I loved that there were a few hidden towards the end of the book. The author did a great job of keeping the reader guessing as to who was the true villain in the end. J did hope for more of Jules’ backstory instead of it all being crammed and rushed in the end. Overall good read and can’t wait for the release!

The Heiress is character driven and focuses on a family with many flaws. I loved the incorporation of Ruby’s letters and news articles to tell her story. There were enough twists to keep you interested. Overall, an entertaining, quick read.

This was my first book by the author and to me it just felt like an okay read. It didn’t really wow me or stun me. Sadly, I was just kind of underwhelmed with it. I’m sure if you are a huge fan of the author’s, you might really enjoy it. But it just wasn’t for me. All opinions stated are solely my own! Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for a copy of the arc in return for an honest review!

Rachel Hawkins always delivers! I love a wealthy family with secrets, and this one lives up to the dream.

Synopsis:
Camden and Jules are your average couple enjoying life in Colorado. Cam teaches at the local high school and Jules works as a reenactor at their local history museum. Their ten years together have been loving, pleasant, and simple. When Cam receives an email from his estranged cousin asking him to return to the luxurious family estate - Ashby House - in North Carolina, the secrets he’s run from are set on a collision course with the perfectly normal life he and Jules have created. However, once they arrive, Cam’s secrets aren’t the only ones that threaten to spill out. Every one of his family members still living at Ashby House have something to hide - including Jules. It’s only a matter of time before they all explode.

Thoughts:
Rachel Hawkins has quickly become a favorite thriller author of mine as she subtly weaves the macabre into ordinary life. The fact that Cam and Jules are relatable, ordinary people for most of the book makes the twists and turns so exciting. It almost feels as if these wild occurrences could happen to anyone if we make one small decision differently. I’m still thinking about this book days after I’ve finished.