This one was only ok, at best, for me. It dragged and the multiple characters viewpoints in letters vs past vs real time was a little much to keep up with. By the end I just wanted to be done because it was just becoming outlandish.

As you'd expect from Rachel Hawkins, the writing for The Heiress was phenomenal. The character building and atmospheric setting stood out most to me. However, in comparison to her other gripping suspense novels, this one didn't give me that same edge-of-your-seat, can't-put-down type of thrill. Instead, it read as more of a historical or family drama that was a bit too slow burn for my liking.

The first 60% of the book felt slow and drawn out, with unnecessary complications and unclear motives. Luckily, once the twists started coming, I truly couldn't put this book down until the very last page. I loved the way the characters all tied together in such a satisfying way.

A solid 3.5/4 stars that I can see many drama and suspense readers enjoying upon its release. I'll be recommending this one to my followers and making it clear they should set their expectations that it's more of an intriguing drama versus a fast-paced thriller.

If this book started at roughly the 40% mark I would have rated this book higher. I had a hard time getting into this. I know the author was setting up the story but had this not been a book I felt obligated to read and rate I would have DNF'd. With that said, the last half of the book was better and I'm glad I didn't DNF. I felt like the pacing picked up, the plot and plot twists were a lot of fun. I do think it was more "family drama" than "thriller". This is my first book by this author and will give her another try.

I typically enjoy a Rachel Hawkins novel, but this one fell a little flat for me. I feel like the twist at the end about Ruby was both predictable and kind of obvious. I will say that the twist about Camden‘s girlfriend was a little bit more surprising, but not much. I didn’t love it, I didn’t hate it, it was just OK.

The parts of the book that I found the most interesting were actually the chapters where Ruby was writing letters about her four husbands and their deaths.

3 stars. Overall good read. Nothing jumped out at me to call my friends and tell them “you have to read this!” But it was entertaining and kept me turning the pages. An easy read with some surprises along the way.

I had previously read and enjoyed "The Wife Upstairs" by Rachel Hawkins, but it pales in comparison to Hawkins' latest triumph. This book had it all - deep, likeable characters, complex plot and mystery. The story is told from altering viewpoints: Ruby - the heiress, Camden - adopted family outcast, and Jules - Camden's wife. Each chapter's perspective left me in suspense until the story returned to that viewpoint. I had so many questions while reading and the ending wrapped everything up perfectly. Ruby's character reminded me of Evelyn, who I loved, from "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo." The only thing I would nitpick is that Hawkins overused phrases with the word "even" - "even so" even as," but that's simply a small blip on an otherwise flawless canvas. Can't wait for Hawkins' next book!

Ruby McTavish disappears from the woods near her family's estate in North Carolina. She is only 3 years old. Months later, she reappears when a workman claims he took her home to his wife in Alabama as a replacement for their own daughter who had died.

Ruby's younger sister resents her, both for her 'anointed' status in the family and their father's marked preference for Ruby. Upon his death, Ruby hold the keys to the family coffers. Widowed four times, Ruby is notorious throughout the country for her wealth and her husbands. Ruby never had children of her own and so adopts a son, Cam. Ruby enjoys ruling the family, and the town. Upon her death, everything is left to her son Cam, much to the rest of the family's dismay.

Cam though, is not happy to be holding the reins. He retreats across the country to become a teacher in a small private school. Married to Jules who purportedly knows nothing of his wealth, he finally returns home to deal with the family after the death of his uncle.

Jules discovers life in a big house with antipathetic relatives is not all she dreamed. Or is it? Cam adamantly wants to leave but Jules wants to stay just as much. Full of mysteries, Jules and Cam have a lot to learn about the family, and one another.

Fans of historical fiction, women's fiction, and mysteries will enjoy this one.

Are we defined by our worst moments? Is money the root of all evil? Nature versus nurture?

I have really enjoyed Rachel Hawkins' previous books, although this novel and The Wife Upstairs felt quite similar to me. I felt a curious detachment from Ruby as her chapters unfolded, possibly because of her actions and lack of remorse. Hawkins is very fond of the unreliable narrator trick - of letting you know there is something the narrator is holding back from you, the reader, to reveal at a later time. This book is no exception with several reveals that have been teased the whole book, most of which were mildly surprising and not downright shocking. Still, a solid and enjoyable entry for fans of Hawkins' previous work.

I loved this book. Told in dual timelines, the reader learns the history and the fate of Ashby House and the family that has called it home for generations. Like any good generational story, the secrets long buried have the potential to destroy everyone and everything associated with the house. Like all of Rachel Hawkins books, the twists and the secrets are unexpected, and I loved every minute.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Unfortunately did not enjoy it as much as the author's last terrific read … found the plot a bit convoluted, the story not as engaging and difficult to connect with any of the characters

With thanks to NetGalley & St. Martin’s Press for this e-ARC!

I thought I would like this a lot more than I did. The characters were all extremely unlikeable and the story dragged on until about halfway through, then it seemed like a chaotic unraveling of too many secrets to be true. I was able to guess most of them, so none felt like big reveals. I was disappointed, because I really enjoyed The Villa.

I have enjoyed other books by this author, so I was excited for this one. Plus I love anything with a sinister old house.

Unfortunately, for me, this book was only ok. I didn’t feel a bond with any of the characters, and some of them (Libby for one) felt like caricatures. I’m also not a fan of when books break the fourth wall and have characters talking directly to me, the reader.

This book was nothing if not completely engrossing! A dark domestic thriller set in the ominous Ashby House in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The mysterious plotline kept me hooked way past my bedtime and it was worth it. Characterization was fresh and fun, and it was refreshing to not predict the twists and turns. Only small dislike was that the twists were a bit " could that really happen?" Yet, for an ominous thriller...it still worked. Would definitely recommend. One of Hawkin's better reads. #theheiress #rachelhawkins #netgalley #goodreads

I love Rachel Hawkins’ books. The Heiress was addictive and I couldn’t put it down. As a native to North Carolina, I really enjoyed The Heiress and the mystery that surrounded the story of Ruby McTavish. I highly recommend to fans of thrillers and mysteries.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC!

Jules and her husband Camden return to his childhood mansion spurring the airing of family secrets, financial drama and maybe even murder? While I found the plot interesting I also found it a bit predictable. Somewhere around the 200s it starts to get a little confusing as Camden is referring to himself as himself sometimes as if there’s an outside narrator.

Witty and Twisted!! I spent an evening with The Heiress that I’ll never forget. This story is sharp!
—Dianna Rostad, USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of You Belong Here Now

Oh big fan of this one!! I couldn't put this down! I didn't see the end coming and for a large thriller reader this is rare. Speedy read that is full of twists and turns. I also decided I wanted to live at Ashby house!

Does money buy you happiness? What if that money controlled everything in your life? Including family.

The McTavish family is a very wealthy one. Ruby McTavish has passed away, leaving her fortune to her adopted son, Camden. Ruby was notoriously known for being kidnapped as a child. Not only that, she has widowed four husbands. Yes, you read that correctly.

Camden and his wife Jules return to the estate he grew up in when news of another relative has passed. In truth, Camden dreads visiting the one place that still haunts him. Once they arrive, things get weird. The rest of the family is introduced and they sure are a nasty bunch. There is lots of drama going on. Who should really inherit the fortune and who is undeserving. About 75% of the story plays out as a drama. Throughout the book there are letters written left by Ruby before her passing. Details are revealed from her marriages that I felt could have been shortened. The ending confused me a bit to be honest. However, it did come together.

I enjoyed her writing style for sure. I would like to thank St. Martin Press and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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

I could not put this book down! Told from three points of view this book has so many different secrets unravelling and keeps the twists coming! I have read all of Rachel Hawkins' books and like the rest this is another masterpiece!

Highly suggest picking this up when it comes out in January of next year!

5 Stars!

My thanks to St. Martin's Press, Rachel Hawkins and Netgalley.
Short review. I loved and hated it!
While this was my least favorite book from this author, it was still good. I'll confess that the twists and turns just didn't work for me. Also, so much freaking drama. Ugh!
Eagerly awaiting the next book!