The Heiress is the 2nd novel I have read by Rachel Hawkins after The Villa which was a great story.

The Heiress of the title is Ruby McTavish Callahan Woodward Miller Kenmore, quite the mouthful that. Ruby is famous or perhaps one should say infamous for being kidnapped as a child and for the mysterious deaths of her 4 husbands. She is the heiress to not only her father’s fortune, but also to the beautiful Ashby house in the North Carolina mountains. She also has a truly horrid family with the exception of her adopted son Camden. Camden ran from the family 10 years ago and has now been persuaded by his wife Jules to return to Ashby house and his unclaimed inheritance, sadly the surviving members of Ruby’s family, Nelle, Ben and Libby are also there. As with any true Southern Gothic novel, there are secrets, confessions and murder.

I enjoyed the book though none of the characters were totally fleshed out except for maybe Ruby. I enjoyed the contrasting chapters from Camden and Jules’ point of views and the epistolary confessions of Ruby. Definitely worth a read.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher St. Martins Press and the author for the chance to read and review this book.

Ooh I just love a Rachel Hawkins book, and this was exactly the book I was in the mood for, and I wish I could read it again for the first time.

When his adopted mother (and also the richest woman in North Carolina) dies, Camden takes off, wanting nothing to do with his inheritance or the family who never really accepted him. He's built a quiet life for himself as an English teacher in Colorado, with his wife Jules. Cam is forced to return to Ashby House after the death of his uncle, and that's when the secrets start to come out. Secrets about his mother, and her four dead husbands...secrets about why she adopted Cam in the first place, and so much more.

This book is delightfully dark and twisty, and I adored the letters from Ruby (Cam's mother) spilling all her secrets from beyond the grave. Ashby House is basically it's own character, and I was 100% here for it. Plus, The Heiress starts out in Colorado, just down the road from me!

Thanking NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and author, Rachel Hawkins for advance copy for honest review.

Happy Pub Day to this gem and one of the main characters Ruby. Ruby McTavish was an heiress. Old money from her family as well as her husbands, fours husbands to be exact. She sure led the life! Main home in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains as well as traveling the world. Ruby tells us her stories and secrets through letters, recalling what she remembers and now telling the truth. Not everything is as it was perceived. Money can cover up a lot. Her adopted son and now heir, Camden, just wanted to get away from it all. He crossed the country, met is wife and has been living a quiet life in Colorado when he is contacted to come back to Ashby House to tie up loose ends after ten years. Being nudged by his wife Jules, who has her own agenda, they head back to North Carolina. With no spoilers…Everyone has secrets. Everyone is deceiving. Money truly can be the root of all evil. 4 STARS, highly recommend for a fast paced, page turner!

“And of course, we can never discount that most dangerous of animals, our fellow man.”

Overall, I really enjoyed this one! It was a quick read - I managed to read it within a couple of sittings while on vacation. It was intriguing, and I was invested in the outcome. I was able to see some twists and turns coming, while remaining surprised with others - exactly what I want out of my mystery/thrillers.

Plot Thoughts:
I love a white collar crime/thriller/heist/anything, and this was no different. The concept was a relevant guilty pleasure (rich family drama); and I really enjoyed the variety of formats throughout the book. There were letters, emails, flashbacks, and “regular” storytelling. Also, the pacing was perfect - I truly was never bored.

Character Thoughts:
OOf there were so many unlikeable characters and unreliable narrators. It was fascinating to explore the idea of people consisting of both their best and worst parts; I ended up rooting for characters that may not have been the most morally sound, but they had so many layers to them. These complex characters really elevated the story.

👍🏻 Would recommend!

Thank you @netgalley & @stmartinspress for the eARC!

3.5 ⭐️

Author: Rachel Hawkins
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Pub date: January 9, 2024

"When you're young, there's nothing but possibility, just an endless line of tomorrows..."

Read if you like:

Mystery/Thriller
︎︎Multiple POV
The rich gone bad
︎︎Dual Timeline

This novel sets the stage for intense twists and turns with elements such as family rivalries, profound secrets, rumors, kidnapping, and murder, all wrapped up in a notorious family estate perched high in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains.

I enjoyed reading parts of this book! When delving into a mystery/thriller, I appreciate the element of unpredictability, and this story successfully kept me guessing what would happen next. The storyline did seem somewhat scattered initially, but around the halfway point, the narrative became easier to follow.

The introduction and development of the characters were a bit confusing for me, although it might just be a personal perception. Each character had certain unlikeable qualities, but that doesn't define the overall appeal or value of the book. My favorite aspect was the inclusion of Ruby's letters scattered throughout. Her personal writing style and the scandalous yet entertaining revelations added a captivating dimension to the story.

The ending and epilogue were well-written and helped clinch the storyline!

Thank you to @netgalley and @stmartinspress for my gifted copy.

Loved this book!! In fact, I can't remember the last time I read a book so fast. This storyline was fast-paced, and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough.
Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and the author for an ARC.

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC of The Heiress!

What a great way to start off my year of reading! I have had a Rachel Hawkins book sitting on my shelf for a little while and haven’t picked it up yet and boy am I kicking myself after reading this one!

The Heiress starts with mysterious circumstances and immediately draws the reader in tempting them to know more. I have a soft spot for alternate forms of writing in books so I loved that it is written in different formats (emails, diary, newspaper, etc). Everyone has a different story to tell and this aspect left me constantly on the edge of my seat. There were twists and turns in what seemed like every chapter. Although some of them were easy to predict, it didn’t take away from the desire to continue reading. I enjoyed that all of the loose ends were connected at the conclusion. Needless to say, I will definitely be reading more of Rachel Hawkins in the coming year.

Happy publication day to The Heiress! So far, I think this is my favorite of Rachel Hawkins' novels. It's billed as a suspense/thriller, but to me it lacked the fast pacing of a thriller. It was more of a suspenseful family drama, more character-driven than your typical thriller. The characters were well-drawn. Even though I saw pretty much everything coming, it was fun to watch them revel in their vengefulness. I'm a sucker for epistolary novels, so the letter portions were a bonus for me. Overall a great escape read. I never would have thought "rich people behaving badly" would be my thing, but I quite enjoyed this book.

From the second I started listening to The Heiress, I was all in. I can’t put my finger on exactly what made the story so immediately compelling. Rachel Hawkins’ writing always draws me in, and this one started with an article about a missing child who was later found that immediately made me want to know more. And the full-cast narration of the book is absolutely pitch perfect.

I don’t want to say too much about the plot because there are surprises from the get go, but it’s the story of the heirs of Ruby McTavish, North Carolina’s richest and most notorious woman. She was the victim of a famous kidnapping as a child, widowed four times, and smarter than most of the men in her life combined. After another death in the family, her heirs—some who want everything, and some who want nothing to do with the family’s legacy—have to come together to figure out what to do.

This one is definitely twisty and thrilling, but it almost felt more like a family drama to me. The more you learn about the history of the family, the more the landscape of the book shifts so you’re seeing things through different frames. No one in the story is exactly likeable, but I ended up really loving a couple of the characters throughout, even as my understanding of who they were changed.

The audiobook for this one was fantastic. I love a full-cast recording and this one definitely immersed me in the world of the book. I really couldn’t put it down. I’d recommend The Heiress to any reader looking for a twisty stories where nothing is quite what it seems, and the audiobook is a great way to go.

Rachel Hawkins skillfully crafted a captivating gothic narrative filled with elements of murder, mystery, and substantial wealth. The story intricately weaves together multiple characters, shedding light on their imperfections and flaws. Hawkins adeptly challenges conventional notions of family, illustrating that it may not always align with preconceived expectations. Having thoroughly enjoyed all of Hawkins' novels, "The Heiress" is no exception. I wholeheartedly recommend it to those who appreciate tales set in small towns, opulent estates, and rife with family intrigues and betrayals.

This was the perfect blend of Seven Husbands Evelyn Hugo and the opulence of Gossip Girl.

I ate. this. up.

It was so faced paced, juicy, and scandalous. So many shocking moments.

All three POVs were so interesting but I think my favorite was Ruby’s. She had such bad b*tch/Kris Jenner energy.

If you’re nosy as hell and love old money vibes, you’re going to be obsessed with this. 🔥

Is she or isn’t she? Ruby McTavish is North Carolina’s wealthiest woman. She has outlived four husbands. Her adopted son moved away years ago to avoid the speculation about the cause of those deaths as well as Ruby’s past. Invited back by his cousin, Cam and his girlfriend Jules make the trip to North Carolina. While Jules, who grew up poor, sees what could once again be a grand estate and a perfect place to raise their unborn child, Cam is not so sure. Cousin dearest also eyes the mansion with desire. This is a fast, don’t put me down read. The answer is obvious, but you’ll want to read it anyways.

I think I’m the only one on the planet who didn’t enjoy this book. I found it hard to keep returning to, because I thought I was in for a fast paced thriller. Instead, it’s an extremely slow burn that leans more towards family drama (and none of the characters drew me in enough to start caring about them). I’ve been lukewarm on the author in the past, perhaps this is a “me” problem and she is just destined to not be one of my favorite authors.

The Heiress" by Rachel Hawkins takes you on a rollercoaster ride through the tangled web of family drama, secrets, and a hefty inheritance!

When Ruby McTavish Callahan Woodward Miller Kenmore, the notorious and rich heiress of North Carolina, passes away, her adopted son, Camden, surprises everyone by rejecting the massive fortune and complicated legacy of being a McTavish. Instead, he opts for a quiet life as an English teacher in Colorado with his wife, Jules.

Fast forward ten years, and a family death summons them back to Ashby House, the grand estate that was once ruled by Ruby. But coming home dredges up memories for Camden, and Jules has her own ideas about claiming what Ruby intended for her husband.

The story unfolds with Ruby narrating her life story through letters, revealing the good, the bad, and the ugly. These letters, my friends, are the crown jewels of the book!

This juicy plot serves up secrets, twists, and a healthy dose of family drama. While it might be a slow burn, the story kept me hooked with its engaging narrative and a sprinkle of zingers that hit the mark.

What sets this book apart is the unique approach of unfolding Ruby's life through her letters. It adds a layer of depth to the narrative, keeping you guessing until the very end. Just when you think you've got it all figured out, Hawkins throws in a curveball that'll leave you in awe.

In a nutshell, The Heiress is a captivating journey through love, wealth, and the intricacies of family ties. If you're up for a gripping tale that explores the dark corners of inheritance and the secrets that bind families, this one's a winner. Highly recommended for those who love a story that keeps you on your toes until the final page!

First read of 2024 in the books (sorry I think I used that joke last year too). Also my first read of last year was also Rachel Hawkins, so this might be becoming a tradition and I love that for me.

The premise of this one was all about an inheritance and the heiress behind it with a very twisted past (one that is slowly unraveling throughout the book) and what she left behind (secrets, stories, money-lots of it, and an adopted son to figure it all out). Filled with lots of twists and turns until the very end. I did really love that the twists were revealed throughout the book and not just piled on at the end. The pace of this book was perfect- not too slow but not moving too quickly.

I would add Hawkins books to my list of automatic buy/read/recommend thriller authors now (and I don’t add to that list lightly!)

The Heiress, by Rachel Hawkins, is an addictive read that I could not put down until I read the final twists, the final revelations, and the final question!! And there many of the above to ponder!
Told from their first person POVs, Jules and Camden are a hardworking couple married for 10 years and living modestly in Colorado. When an email from Cam’s cousin Ben in North Carolina arrives, Cam is catapulted into feeling long-suppressed emotions about his mother Ruby, the McTavish heiress, and his unsavory McTavish relatives still living in the Ashby House mansion and its local area. Cam is urged by Jules to return to North Carolina, face the family, and confirm his claim on his inheritance.
It is fascinating to see the threads of this story unspool. Even the most upright, seemingly well-motivated characters have secrets and practice subterfuge. As Cam muses, “growing up in Ashby House…silences and secrets clung to the draperies…spun webs just as deadly as…black widow spiders."
The plotting is well-paced, with revelations around every corner. The story of Ruby McTavish is also told in her first person POV through letters she wrote to her descendants, detailing her long-held secrets in a witty, smart, acerbic tone. Ruby is the star, as she is unveiled as a master manipulator and user of her family members. Even Ashby House is an important character, and Cam comments, “I feel the house before I see it.”
With each new novel, Rachel Hawkins’ writing gets better and better. I loved The Villas, and I enjoyed this book even more, with its multiple POVs and story-telling devices—newspaper articles and Ruby’s letters.
I highly recommend this novel if you like a mystery with complex plotting, and a strong dose of family drama.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC. This is my unbiased review.

There was a lot going on in "The Heiress." With alternating timelines, between present day, Camden and Jules POVs and via letter Ruby, Camden adoptive mother, Hawkins weaves together a familial story of murder, betrayal, and twisted love.
With the death of Cam's uncle, he and his wife, Jules are drawn back to Ashby House in the small town of Tavistock, ostensibly to aid in fixing up the house and grounds, as Cam has control of the family money. The rest of the family has only been granted the right to live there, with no access to Ruby's fortune. Those poor fools must live off whatever monies they can make on their own. Their bitterness that all this wealth is going to an ADOPTED son has not faded with time, and is on full display from the moment Cam and Jules arrive.
The most interesting parts are the letters Ruby has left behind, though we don't find out who she was writing to until the very end, detailing her life, and her husbands.
Overall, a good fun, twisty read. I thing I would have enjoyed alot more about Ruby's life and how she lived, especially between husbands!, than the modern day spite between spoiled "it should have been mine" relations, but still an overall enjoyable read.

There were a few minor plot points that seemed to go no where- the mention of missing hikers and the dangerous trails alongside the waterfall? Was that just red herring thrown out there? Or just a cut off story possibility?

Rating: 4.5/5
I received an eARC for my honest opinion.

This book is about the McTavishes family and what it means to be one. You will see that this family has plenty of their own secrets, betrayals, lies, and family drama…. But maybe you will also uncover a coldhearted murderer in that family as well.

This was my first Hawkins book, and it will not be my last. I loved her writing a lot, I felt as though the characters were right in front of me telling their side of everything. I loved that it wasn’t confusing on who was talking and you really get a deeper connection with the characters this way. The book is told in multiple POVs, which are from Cam, Jules (Cam's wife) and Ruby (who is Cam's adopted mother).

I loved all the breadcrumbs that you will get throughout the book to try to figure out who did what and what is really going on in that family. I loved getting to guess at the secrets that were going to be told and who was keeping the right secret.

I loved that every character in this book (even the side characters) all have a little secret that they’re hiding from one another or from one person until the timing is just right. However, is it one that will change everyone’s lives for the best or the worst?

I really enjoyed this book, it was fast paced, with a lot of mystery, a little bit of suspense and a lot of drama in that family. I was able to read this book within 10 hours and that was only because I knew I had to eat dinner and sleep, or I would just keep going. I loved uncovering all the skeletons that each character had in their closets and to see if I guessed right or not, I was a little bit right, but I didn’t see a few parts and they were amazing.

If you love mysteries, thrillers, suspense, a little gothic, great pace, wonderful writing style, and some southern charm, I recommend this book for you.


I want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to review this book.

4.5 stars. Oh my goodness, this book is DELICIOUS!!! More than one unreliable narrator. So many twisted secrets. I adore Ruby - she made me chuckle so many times (which may say more about me than her, but she's FUN). There are zero characters without secrets. Jules and Cam are an interesting couple. Honestly, I'm not going to say much more, for fear of ruining it, other than that you should read this book.

When Ruby McTavish Callahan Woodward Miller Kenmore dies, she’s not only North Carolina’s richest woman, she’s also its most notorious. The victim of a famous kidnapping as a child and a widow four times over, Ruby ruled the tiny town of Tavistock from Ashby House, her family’s estate high in the Blue Ridge mountains. In the aftermath of her death, that estate—along with a nine-figure fortune and the complicated legacy of being a McTavish—pass to her adopted son, Camden.

But to everyone’s surprise, Cam wants little to do with the house or the money—and even less to do with the surviving McTavishes. Instead, he rejects his inheritance, settling into a normal life as an English teacher in Colorado and marrying Jules, a woman just as eager to escape her own messy past.

Ten years later, Camden is a McTavish in name only, but a summons in the wake of his uncle’s death brings him and Jules back into the family fold at Ashby House. Its views are just as stunning as ever, its rooms just as elegant, but coming home reminds Cam why he was so quick to leave in the first place.

Jules, however, has other ideas, and the more she learns about Cam’s estranged family—and the twisted secrets they keep—the more determined she is for her husband to claim everything Ruby once intended for him to have.

But Ruby’s plans were always more complicated than they appeared. As Ashby House tightens its grip on Jules and Camden, questions about the infamous heiress come to light. Was there any truth to the persistent rumors following her disappearance as a girl? What really happened to those four husbands, who all died under mysterious circumstances? And why did she adopt Cam in the first place? Soon, Jules and Cam realize that an inheritance can entail far more than what’s written in a will––and that the bonds of family stretch far beyond the grave.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the free ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

I write this review at 5 am after having been awake all evening reading The Heiress. I could not put this book down. It was twist upon twist, one shocking revelation to the next, leading to an ending that leaves you thinking about and wondering what happens next. Every twist flowed so perfectly to the next, so seamlessly connected that it’s a work of art.
I haven’t had a book manage to surprise me the way this book did in a long time. If you’ve been craving a book that keeps your mind racing, this is it.

I have posted this review on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/p/C15UkZjLAnG/?igsh=NWhiMWFpMmp1OXly

Goodreads

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/126919284

And Amazon