Wow! Wow! Wow! Friends, you'd better clear your calendar before you pick up this book, because you won't be able to put it down.

I am not going to repeat what the story is about, that has been well-done by professionals. Instead, I'm going to tell you why you should read this book.

This is an excellent read; funny, smart, filled with characters that you will love (or love to hate!), suspense, mystery and domestic drama too.

Extremely fast paced, and with more twists and turns than you can possibly prepare yourself for, this book had me laughing out loud, and then saying "What?!? Oh no!" literally within minutes.

This is an absolutely entertaining and riveting read. Pure escapism at its best!!

My sincere thanks to St. Martin's Press for permitting me to read a DRC of the book via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are freely given. Publication is 1/9/24.

This is the second Rachel Hawkins novel I’ve read and found that I can enjoy and appreciate 60% of it while absolutely hating the other 40% (the previous novel would be 2023’s The Villa). It’s the same story when it comes to the plot: While The Villa reminded me greatly of Percy Shelley, Mary Shelley, Lord Byron, Claire Clairmont, and Dr. John Polidori and their summer at Villa Diodati on Lake Geneva, The Heiress reminds me of a twist on the Lindbergh Kidnapping of 1936. In both instances I greatly enjoyed the idea of Hawkins looking at a culturally significant event and tilting it cattywampus as if to say, “Wouldn’t that make a fantastic story if we just framed it differently?”

Part of the reason I ended up rating The Villa 3.5 was some of what led me to rate The Heiress 3.0: Predictability. So much of this book was easy to guess. It made the reading so boring I wanted to skim.

The other part I disliked so much, leading me to lower my rating: Jules. I disliked Jules so much I was on the verge of DNF-ing the book several times.

The saving grace of this book was everything else, namely the MacTavishes, including Camden. I live for rich people with more money than humanity. Camden isn’t about that, but the way he’s caught up in the mouse trap that is Ashby House and the Rube Goldberg Machine that is the legacy of Ruby MacTavish makes me want to wrap him up in bubble wrap and keep his heart golden.

So I stayed for the corruption and the nastiness, but I wanted to leave because Jules was annoying and the book was predictable.

I was provided a copy of this title by NetGalley and the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.

File Under: Domestic Thriller/Suspense Mystery

Ruby McTavish is an incredibly rich woman with a questionable past, including speculation over how many of her 4 late husbands she had a hand in killing. The Heiress explores the mystery behind the late Ruby through the eyes of her adopted son, Cam, and his wife, Jules. Cam has received her entire fortune, but wants nothing to do with the rest of the family. They return back to the estate after the death of another family member, and Jules attempts to find a way to stay and continue living a lavish lifestyle instead of going back to their modest income.
Can she do it? What is she hiding? What secrets does Cam have? Who was Ruby.
Rachel Hawkins did a great job in this book, weaving a mystery throughout. There were a few twists I wasn't expecting and I really enjoyed it!

Me, actually reading an ARC before its release date? Who I am? Rachel Hawkins is always a highly anticipated author for me, and I have eaten up every adult thriller she has released since The Wife Upstairs back in 2021. I got to meet her last year, and she is an author whose books I will always look forward to reading. I need to dive into her older YA books and other romances someday.

The Heiress is probably Hawkins' most eery adult thriller to date, and the tension of the slow burn build-up left me on the edge of my seat. We follow Camden and Jules - husband and wife of 10 years who apparently have their secrets but love each other very much - and letters written by the now-dead McTavish heiress, Ruby. Her house has a way of bringing out the worst in people, and when Camden, the heiress's adopted but now estranged son, and Jules go to the house, the family tensions and mysteries implode. One thing I love about Hawkins' thrillers is that she makes me question the truth and who might be reliable. This is one of my favorite elements of the genre in general - the oftentimes unreliability of the narrative - and that was certainly the case with this book. The only thing I felt that was truly missing (for me at least) was that huge moment of shock, an unexpected twist that I have been so surprised by in some of her other books. I feel as though the slow burn of The Heiress gave me time to think about what was being hinted at in certain lines of the book, so while I had a fun time from start to finish, I didn't quite feel any major shock at what ended up unfolding. Overall, however, this was an addicting book and one that I cannot wait to see in stores this month!

CW for estrangement, bullying, violence, blood, murder, death, the selling of a person, mentions of cheating.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC of The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins.

Thank you to St.Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader’s Copy in exchange for my honest review. The Heiress will be released on January 9th, 2024.

3.5 stars rounded up. I enjoyed this book, but if you’re expecting Hawkins’ usual quick-paced thrillers, you might be a little disappointed. This story is a bit slower-paced and reads like a historical fiction, but is full of characters with interesting personalities and dynamics. There is family drama, secrets, and letters from the past that you uncover while reading this book. While the main plot was a bit predictable, I was engaged throughout the book and will continue picking up everything Rachel Hawkins releases.

If you’re a fan of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, I think you will enjoy this one!

Ruby McTavish is larger than life, known as the richest woman in North Carolina whose been widowed four times over. Though she's most famously known for surviving a kidnapping as a child. The glamorous, eccentric Ruby rules the town of Tavistock from Ashby House, her family’s Blue Ridge Mountains estate. Never having children of her own, Ruby adopts Camden, intent on leaving her fortune to someone deserving. But following Ruby's death a decade prior, Camden wants nothing to do with his inheritance, Ashby House, or the rest of the McTavish clan. Instead, he settles into a simple life in Colorado, working as an school teacher, marrying Jules, a kindred spirit also escaping a messy past. When circumstances in their lives lead them back to Ashby House. Ruby's legacy is alive as ever, and Camden and Jules come face to face with the truth of the past.

Whewww what a wild ride! This twisty, propulsive gothic thriller was so much fun! I love the dual timeline and multiple perspectives, especially Ruby's via her letters. This added a historical fiction vibe, rich in the atmosphere and setting of another time. This was incredibly smart and thoughtfully written, with every "I" dotted and "t" crossed. The mood was ominous and I couldn't read fast enough. Just brilliant!!! Rachel Hawkins' best work yet!

Thank you SMP for my gifted copy.

An inheritance is at stake and the McTavish family will make sure that the Ashby Mansion and fortune goes to its rightful heir.

I was genuinely engrossed in the story albeit this was a slow burn. I loved the mystery, murder, and overall storytelling.
At the end once the reveals started pouring in, I thought the plot got a bit convoluted. One of the POVs was written as letters which felt similar to the prose in Evelyn Hugo, especially given that this character was also a wealthy socialite with many husbands. Overall, I thought this was a good book but was hoping for more of an impactful 'punch' at the end since I had to wait so long for it. Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to review this e-ARC.

I struggled with this book - I gave it 2.5 stars and this may be the worst Rachel Hawkins book I have read. The characters all had the same voice so I struggled to keep the characters separate. I ended up DNF'ing the book at 43% because I couldn't keep the characters straight any longer.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.

"The Heiress" was a fast-paced thrilling read. From start to finish the storyline pulled me in leaving me eager to see what was going to happen next, it was definitely a page-turner.

The author crafted a captivating plot with twists and turns that I didn't see coming, it is a relentless rollercoaster of intrigue and suspense.

I loved that this story was told from multiple perspectives, that tends to be my favorite format in the Thriller genre, it makes for an immersive reading experience.

I will absolutely be recommending this book!

Thank you Rachel Hawkins, Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an ARC of this book!

I was gifted this as an ARC. My oh my!! I love a good family drama, and this did not disappoint!! The entire line of characters were phenomenal! You absolutely loved to hate most of them! I was hooked from Ruby’s first letter! This book had it all: money, greed, love, family, murder… I had a front row seat to watch this dramatic twisted family’s unraveling! Get your popcorn! What a masterpiece!

The Heiress, by Rachel Hawkins
Pub Date Jan 9/24

Three years running!
The last three years I have started off by reading an ARC by Rachel Hawkins.

The Wife Upstairs, Reckless Girls and now - The Heiress.
She just keeps getting better and better!

The premise:
Generational wealth and family toxicity fraught with entitled and bratty millionaire offspring fighting for more, save for one family member who rejects its all. The money, the fame, the endless resources wealth affords- all of it.

Is this a new permise - nope.
But let me tell you - Hawkins has taken this plot and RAN with it!

There are 3 POVs and dual timelines, including a posthumous one. But don’t worry they all flow so well together.

There is a kidnapping, murders - so many murders, vengeance and greed, and morally grey and dubious conduct at every turn.
So much so, that you find yourself thinking …
“I’ll allow it.”
(Maybe that’s just me 😂)

All in all - this was a wild ride and so much fun. I enjoyed every page of it. And I hope you will, too!

Oh....the secrets this family carries! Hawkins has woven a tapestry of secrets into this mystery/family drama. Cleverly told, the secrets are unveiled as the mystery unravels leaving the reader gasping. Set aside a few hours and let yourself be totally engrossed in this beauty. My thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Once again a new Rachel Hawkins novel, and a new book to love. This book for awhile reminded me of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo with a few less husbands and a lot more murder. This novel did a good job and having an astounding number of flawed characters, no one really being the "good" one in the end but it makes you understand why so many of them did what they did. I had such a fun time reading this and I can't wait for Hawkins' next.

Rachel Hawkins is an author I forget that I love, until I read one of her books—both written as Rachel Hawkins or Erin Sterling. Her plots are engaging and fun to escape into whether they are about witchy mishaps or people behaving murderously.

The Heiress is no exception! The characters were deliciously naughty—but yet lovable enough to forgive them of their sinful deeds.

It’s definitely time for me to fly through her full catalog of published works and enjoy the show.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo meets psychological thriller! Camden McTavish is the adopted son, and currently heir, of the infamous Ruby McTavish (Callahan Woodward Miller Kenmore) and McTavish family. Ten years after Ruby’s death, Camden is called home to aid in the repairs of Ashby House - the historic residence of the McTavish family. Jules, Camden’s wife, thinks this is the perfect opportunity for Camden to repair the past and move on. However, she has her own secret motivations too. As soon as the couple returns to North Carolina, Camden is quickly reminded of why he left. Not only does he not want anything to do with the wealth left behind, but he also does not want to be associated with the ruthless nature of the McTavish family. Secrets are revealed, murders are attempted, and a struggle for power reignites. Will Camden and Jules make it out of Ashby house? And why is Jules so adamant about repairing the McTavish legacy?

I didn’t have high hopes going into this one as I have been let down by Rachel Hawkins’ writing in the past. But holy sh*t!! I could not put this one down and read it in one night. I did not see any of the twists coming and was genuinely shocked by the end. I did feel the ending left a little bit to be desired, but still kept you hooked until the very last page. I loved how it reminded me of Evelyn Hugo through the letters and the slow reveal of one main secret. If you’re looking for a fast read with a lot of drama, look no further!

Rachel Hawkins once again weaves a taut, spooky tale that spans generations. Here, we bounce between Camden, an adoptee, and his wife returning to his late mother’s home, the family who resents that he inherited it, and his mother Ruby’s confessions of a truly scandalous life.

It’s a lot of fun and a good quick read. Some plot points were easy to guess and some were bananas, but that’s what made it fun.

Read if you: Listen to The Last Great American Dynasty // Taylor Swift on repeat, wished The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo was bloodier, would kill for quality real estate

Very fast paced thriller that I didn't want to put down! Very clever with twists, turns, and dark family secrets revealed. After reading and enjoying The Wife Upstairs, I was looking forward to The Heiress and it did not disappoint!

The story is told through three different character POVs and I was guessing at every page as to what was going to happen next. Ruby McTavish is not only North Carolina’s richest woman, she’s also its most notorious- given the nickname "Mrs. Killmore" due to her four previous husbands all dying while being married to her.
However, after her death, her estate-the Ashby house, along with a massive fortune was passed down to her adopted son, Camden, who wants no part of it but his wife, Jules does... what they uncover while dealing with the estate will have readers hooked and turning every page wanting to know more.


This was definitely one of my favorite Rachel Hawkins works so far!

Another great mystery thriller by Hawkins! Having read The Wife Upstairs & The Villa, I knew this one was going to be another twisty and secret filled insatiable thriller! I absolutely love how once the story gets going, you cannot put it down!

This story of a North Carolina Heiress, Ruby McTavish, with four dead husbands by mysterious circumstances started out a bit slow for me but by the end I was trying to read as fast as I could to uncover all the secrets! We have three POV's, Camden, Ruby's adopted son, Jules, Camden's wife, and Ruby herself in a series of past letters. There are also excerpts from news articles that I found added so much depth to the story. loved it!

I think it was such an interesting story how Ruby went missing as a child and was miraculously found and returned to her parents to become the infamous Ruby McTavish. Her character, like all of Hawkins, are deeply flawed and you as the reader have both empathy and disgust for their actions. Through her letters she unravels her life and tells us what happened to each of her husbands. It becomes very apparent that Ruby is not a woman of misfortune, but a woman with a plan.

Camden grew up dreading his adoptive name and family. He sought to escape it all and let his family do whatever they pleased once his mother died as he became a teacher in Colorado. He wanted a simple life. And he got that up until the patriarch, his uncle Howell, tragically died in a drunken car accident. Needing him back home to handle the estate and repairs, Camden is asked to come back by his cousin Ben. Ben was his childhood tormentor who made sure Camden knew exactly how much he was hated by him and the rest of the family. We have his sister and Cam's other cousin, Libby, who will do anything to keep the family money coming. While Ben is an estate lawyer, Libby has had a string of failed businesses and a large social media following.

Jules comments how in person, Libby isn't as put together as she seems as she notes her disheveled hair, stained clothes, and tired appearance. This set the tone for the entire McTavish family in that they want to appear as this shiny, put together, wealthy family when in reality they're rotten, fake, and miserable.

The last secondary character is Nelle, Ruby's younger sister who hated Ruby all her life and hated her son even more. Nelle is in her 70's and eagerly trying to get Camden to leave once and for all.

Now we get to Jules. Jules might be my favorite character in the entire story. Her role as the supportive wife was played perfectly. Jules lets us know right off the bat that she has looked up the McTavish estate, known as Ashby House and has lightly stalked Libby on social media. She is upfront in saying she wants the estate for herself and Camden and hopes to convince him to take over once they arrive. While she is scheming, we learn more about her true background and I honestly loved every second of it. Everyone has secrets, it just depends on whether or not you can live with them.

I think this was such a great read once the mystery started to unfold. I did feel like some of the twists felt predictable once I caught on, but it was overall exciting and full of secrets that will leave your jaw on the floor!

Thank you to Netgalley & St. Martins Press for this ARC!

HOLY S**T! THIS BOOK! Wow. I do not even know where to start with how good this book was. I think my jaw hung on the floor for 98% of this book because the twists kept on twisting! I absolutely loved this so much. I loved how I was unable to guess literally anything that happened, and I loved the quick witted humor in this book. I also loved the diction used by Ruby, it was so elevated yet snarky. Just so many stars; this might be one of my best of the year and it's only January!

Ruby McTavish (Callahan Woodward Miller Kenmore) was known for several things - being kidnapped as a child, losing four of her husbands prematurely, and her vast wealth. The people of North Carolina view the McTavish family as royalty. When Ruby passes away, she leaves her fortune and mansion to her adopted son, Camden. Camden is the black sheep of the family because he's not a "real" McTavish by blood. As a result, Ruby's sister and her grandchildren are pretty.terrible to Camden. And the funny part is that Camden wants nothing to do with the family or the money. After not speaking to his estranged family for many years, he makes the tough decision to return "home" to NC. Coming home is pretty much what he expected. The family is still plotting against him, but just how far will they go to ruin Camden? All Camden wants to do is return to his true home in Colorado, but there's another wrinkle - Camden's wife Jules has fallen completely in love with the family mansion in NC.

I so enjoyed Reckless Girls and The Villa by this author, so I was super excited to read The Heiress - and it did not disappoint! I loved the different narrators and enjoyed reading Ruby's letters that detailed her life. I also love a book with some family drama, which The Heiress was full of. I also enjoyed the secrets revealed and twists throughout the book. Some reviewers felt that this was a slow burn, but I felt the opposite (and even stayed up way past my bedtime to see how it would end).