I cannot wait for the next book!! A must read! The author really worked hard on the plot and developing the characters! You got to read this.

I love each and every one of Rachel Hawkins books. This one had such a beautiful cover too!! It drew me in and had such a thrilling premise. I couldn’t put it down. Each and every one of the characters had me questioning where the story would go. This was one of my favorite works by this author. A great summer thriller!!

I enjoy how Hawkins writes and has twists throughout her books.
This one was a slow build, but it is a good read. Family drama ensues.
Thanks NetGalley for this ARC.

Rachel Hawkins has done it again! This is a difficult to put down mystery about a family that’s full of secrets. The matriarch, Ruby Mc Tavish disappeared as a child and turned up 8 months later across the country living with another family. We follow her account of her life and her four marriages that all resulted in the death of the husbands through her letters as her adopted son and his wife return to the McTavish estate in North Carolina. Hawkins’ writing will keep you sucked in to the very last second. And *tiny spoiler alert* look for a small detail that tells us her last novel takes place in the same universe as this one.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC.

If you are expecting a thriller as I was, The Heiress is bound to disappoint you. If you are looking for family drama, however, The Heiress will deliver--and then some....

Cam and Jules have been married for 10 years, yet she knows little of his childhood or family (really???). So when in the wake of his uncle's death, when Cam's cousin sends an email asking him to come home to tend to the much-neglected family estate, Jules thinks this is the perfect opportunity for her to learn more about him, as well as for them to reclaim his rightful inheritance. The rest of the novel is a neo-Gothic drama, complete with a secluded mansion, high on a hill and a mysterious past full of secrets, lies, and murder. With four dead husbands and past shrouded in mystery, Ruby McTavish Callahan Woodward Miller Kenmore has always been more than she seems. She reigns as a virtual queen over her rural North Carolina town with a million-dollar fortune and a sharp mind and sharper tongue. As her adopted son, Cam inherits everything--both Ruby's fortune and her complicated legacy. But upon her death, he flees the family for Colorado, choosing to turn his back on both his legacy and his money to build an independent life as an English teacher with Jules at his side. But now, as Cam and Jules work to set Ashby House to rights, his cousins plot to keep the family's money for themselves, and perhaps come between Cam and Jules in the process.

This book is all about the family drama. The author's technique of unfolding the secrets of the past bit by bit through newspaper clippings and letters from Ruby is interesting. However, the early stages of book unfold at a very slow pace, and I had a hard time maintaining interest until about halfway through the novel. Many of the twists and turns of the plot were easy to see coming, so there was little to no tension in the narrative. The characters were interesting, but none of them were likeable. Ultimately, this book was just not nearly as good as good as others by the same author, but I'm not sure if this was because I was expecting this one to also be a thriller, or because it just wasn't up to the same standard as the others I've read. Sadly, this one is a pass for me.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book for my honest review.

Thank you to @netgalley and @stmartinspress for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. 🖤

The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins will be published January 9, 2024.

Pro: The twist is good.

Cons: Incredibly slow build up and the reveal is so convoluted.

I wouldn’t consider this a thriller. It’s more like a slow-burn family drama with a little bit of intrigue. It didn’t really keep me on the edge of my seat.

In Rachel Hawkins' masterfully crafted novel, "The Heiress," she weaves a mesmerizing story of mystery and suspense set against the backdrop of the enigmatic Ashby House. With an inheritance fraught with secrets, this gothic tale takes readers on a heart-racing journey through the twisted legacy left behind by North Carolina's most notorious heiress, Ruby McTavish Callahan Woodward Miller Kenmore.

Ruby's life was a captivating blend of wealth, tragedy, and intrigue. Her infamous kidnapping as a child and the untimely deaths of her four husbands earned her a reputation as both a victim and a femme fatale. As she passes away, leaving behind a vast fortune and the Ashby House, her adopted son Camden inherits the tangled web she weaved. But Cam, now leading an ordinary life in Colorado with his wife Jules, wants no part in the eccentric world of the McTavishes and their wealth.

However, fate has other plans, and a summons draws Cam and Jules back to Ashby House, where the stunning views and elegant rooms belie the darkness that has haunted the estate for generations. Jules, intrigued by the family's secrets, becomes determined to unravel the truth behind Ruby's mysterious past. As the couple digs deeper into the enigma of the McTavishes, they find themselves entangled in a web of deceit, betrayal, and long-buried secrets.

Hawkins' writing enthralls readers, creating an atmosphere of palpable tension and suspense that intensifies with every revelation. She skillfully crafts a world where nothing is as it seems, and the legacy of an infamous heiress stretches far beyond the grave. The Ashby House tightens its grip on Jules and Cam, ensnaring them in a labyrinth of intrigue that threatens to consume their very souls.

As the layers of Ruby's past are peeled back, the haunting questions surrounding her life and the fates of her four husbands come to light. With each revelation, the web of secrets grows, and the once-ordinary life of Cam and Jules is thrust into a thrilling and perilous descent into darkness.

"The Heiress" is a stunning triumph of storytelling, blending gothic suspense with family drama and a touch of romantic intrigue. Hawkins masterfully unravels the threads of the McTavish family's history, leaving readers breathless and questioning everything they thought they knew. The characters leap off the page, each harboring their own secrets and motives, and the intricacies of the plot are as complex as the winding corridors of Ashby House itself.

"The Heiress" is a spellbinding and atmospheric tale that captivates readers from the first page to the last. Rachel Hawkins' rich storytelling transports readers to a world of dark secrets, haunting legacies, and the sinister allure of untold wealth. For lovers of gothic suspense and mysteries that leave you questioning every twist and turn, this novel is an absolute must-read. Brace yourself for a riveting and unforgettable journey into the depths of the human heart, where the truth can be as elusive as the shadows that dance upon the walls of Ashby House.

"Rachel Hawkins weaves a mesmerizing tale of secrets, intrigue, and family legacy in 'The Heiress.' A gothic suspense masterpiece that will keep you guessing until the final twist."

"Prepare to be utterly captivated by 'The Heiress.' Hawkins' expert storytelling and hauntingly atmospheric setting create an immersive reading experience that stays with you long after the last page."

"A delicious blend of old-world gothic and modern suspense. 'The Heiress' is a gripping page-turner that explores the dark corners of human nature and keeps readers on the edge of their seats."

"Rachel Hawkins proves herself a master of suspense in 'The Heiress.' With a labyrinth of secrets and a cast of unforgettable characters, this novel will satisfy fans of classic gothic mysteries and contemporary thrillers alike."

"Prepare to lose yourself in the haunting beauty of Ashby House. 'The Heiress' is a spellbinding novel that deftly explores the complexities of family ties and the chilling allure of an enigmatic legacy."

"Hawkins' storytelling prowess is on full display in 'The Heiress.' A compelling blend of chilling mystery and emotional depth that will leave readers both breathless and emotionally invested in the characters."

"A tour de force in gothic suspense. 'The Heiress' keeps you guessing until the very end, with twists and turns that will leave you stunned. An absolute must-read for fans of haunting mysteries."

"Rachel Hawkins' latest novel is a haunting exploration of dark family secrets and the price of inheritance. 'The Heiress' is a mesmerizing and elegantly written tale that lingers long after you've closed the book."

"Prepare to be transported to the atmospheric world of Ashby House. 'The Heiress' is an intricately plotted gothic gem that grabs hold of your imagination and never lets go."

"In 'The Heiress,' Rachel Hawkins expertly weaves intrigue, deception, and dark family secrets. A gripping and beautifully crafted novel that will keep you turning pages late into the night."

If you love a twisty plot line that follows rich people behaving badly, murder, and endings that throw the read for a loop, then look no further than The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins!.The Heiress is a fast-paced, propulsive novel. It kept me turning the pages and staying up late!

The novel follows a thirty-something couple loving in Colorado and living a pretty average lifestyle. The husband, Cameron, is a heir to a large estate in North Carolina, but has nothing to do with his remaining family back East and has essentially turned his back on the estate left solely to him when his adopted mother, Ruby McTavish Callahan Woodward Miller Kenmore, died over ten years ago. He has not returned to the town or estate since. He has also never opened up to his wife, Jules, about why he has cut ties. Along comes a letter from his N.C. family begging him to return briefly to attend to the crumbling estate as he is the only ones with the power and funds to do so. Intrigued and perhaps wanting a piece of the pie herself, Jules encourages him to return with her in tow for a quick trip to take care of business. They head East and the plot thickens...betrayal, murder, and mistaken identity ensues.

The story is told in alternating perspectives: Ruby, Cameron, and Jules. The author uses letters, newspaper and magazine clippings to tell Ruby's story.

Thanks to St.Martin's Press and Netgalley for this ARC.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC of The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins. Although this isn’t her first book, it’s the first I have read by her and I really enjoyed it. It begins with the death of Ruby McTavish, who happens to be this North Carolina town’s richest, most notorious member. She leaves her vast fortune to her son, Cam, who wants nothing to do with it. Cam settles in a small town and marries Jules. Years later when his uncle dies, the two are drawn back to Ruby’s hometown. As Jules learns more and more about Ruby and the McTavish family, she realizes there is much more to this story than Cam realized. A fast-paced story and one that was hard to put down.

This story was so fun! I loved the use flashbacks and letters to further flesh out the characters and plot. There were some great twists that I did not see coming! I flew through this, couldn’t put it down! I will look forward to the next by this author!

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a copy in exchange for a review.

I found this book to be incredibly fast-paced and interesting. The character development was well-done, and the twists were fantastic!

Overall, this was a quick and engaging mystery/thriller and I really enjoyed it.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this advance ARC!

3.5 stars.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for my ARC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be published January 9, 2024.

This is the 4th book I’ve read by this author. This was not quite the thriller I was expecting based on initial reviews. It’s more a drama about a very dysfunctional, messed up, incredibly wealthy family. The characters are so evil, so full of revenge, it’s easy to hate them. The only normal ones are Camden and his wife Jules, who want nothing to do with the family fortune.

The book wasn’t as fast-paced as I was hoping but it did really pick up the last quarter of the book with shocking twists.

My biggest complaint was how the story unfolded. In hindsight it was clever but it felt a bit clunky with all the different chapters told from different points of views and also letters.

This may be my favorite Rachel Hawkins novel in a very long time. Instantly engaging, quick paced, easy to read and get lost in. I loved it! Edge of your seat, page turning twisty thriller following a young girl who is just never quite comfortable growing up in her surroundings. We learn of her life through letters she wrote as an elderly woman before she passes and the family members she plans to leave her estate to. Written through multiple POV, this was the release from Rachel I have been missing in the last few novels. Ashby house and Ruby mark her confident return to thriller author royalty. 5/5 stars!

Rachel Hawkins has been hit or miss for me. Her first novel was excellent, her sophomore release, not that great. This one was right in the middle for me. I had a hard time relating to Cam, so it made it hard to get into the story.

This was such a great book! I haven't read a thriller in ages, and I flew right through this! I'll definitely be reading more thrillers and more from Rachel Hawkins in the future. This book was super fast-paced with lots of plot twists and interesting, complex characters. The plot was really interesting, and it was super easy to get into. I couldn't put it down!The chapters were also pretty short and switched POVs, which helped break the story up nicely. Overall, I would 100% recommend this book.

I compare all of Rachel Hawkins’ books to the Wife Upstairs, and this one seemed to fall short of that one in more ways than one. Interesting characters and creepy setting but a little lacking on execution.

Note: I received a free ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for my honest feedback.

Ruby McTavish, heiress to an immense North Carolina fortune, disappeared for nearly a year after a picnic with her family and nanny. After the Darnell family admitted to her kidnapping, she returned home to her life of luxury... and lies. In a series of letters, she reveals what she knows of her past, and the true secrets concealed in Ashby House.

After her death, she leaves Ashby House and her fortune to her adoptive son, Cam. When he is reluctantly persuaded by his wife, Jules, to return to Ashby and his family, Cam reveals that there may be more about his family's past than meets the eye.

I was highly interested in this book after hearing so many good things about "The Villa," which I still have yet to read. I thought this book was well-written and well-paced. Twists and turns were drawn out enough, but not saved to be glossed over in the last 5-10% of the book (an issue which I see in some thrillers). Typically, I struggle when there are too many narrators or styles, but in this case the transition between narrators was clear and purposeful, without delaying too much of the plot.

My biggest complaint was that one of the characters was revealed as unreliable too early in the book! I would have been so shocked by their reveal and turn of events if a single sentence had been cut from the first third of the book. But instead, I saw some of the plot twists for this character coming, which ruined the surprise for me,

Overall, this was an interesting and exciting thriller-mystery that I foresee as a fan-favorite for your mom's book club next year! I definitely recommend.

This story did not hold my attention quite like her others, which sucks because I had such high hopes. Also I’m a mood reader so that could have affected my first read. That to say - I’ll definitely try again, perhaps on audio! Told from alt POV with some media involved as well. A lot of whodunnit and greed and twists.

Thank you Rachel Hawkins, St Martins Press, and NetGalley for this arc in exchange for my honest review! The Heiress will be available January 9th, 2024.

I love Rachel Hawkins writing style. The way she is able to to simultaneously tell two stories at a time and then combine them in the end is unparalleled. I still can't decide if I love Ruby or hate her as a character. I didn't guess one of the major twists in the end, which is something I love when it comes to thrillers/suspense books. The characters in this book are definitely different compared to her characters in her previous ones. I loved the letters and how they told Ruby's story. The pacing was a little off in the beginning, but I think its because we have to learn a lot about Ruby before the plot can start progressing faster. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and definitely recommend giving this one a read when it comes out!

This is the newest addition to my list of all-time favorites. I tore through this and loved every twisty page. This has the gothic atmosphere and darkly fascinating story that I could not put down.

I am a huge Rachel Hawkins fan and this book incorporates so much of what she does so well. There are excerpts of news articles and magazine stories, multiple character points of view, intriguing characters, and wicked good plot lines.

I was thrilled to receive an ARC from the publisher. I was looking forward to reading this book and believed I would enjoy it, but I am simply delighted with how much I loved this read.