Family secrets unravel in Trisha Sakhlecha’s gripping novel The Inheritance. The narrative is perfect for anyone looking for a captivating and suspense read to get their heart racing. Set on an isolated Scottish island, this is a story of the dysfunctional Agarwal family, and the unraveling of all their secrets, greed, and betrayals. The family is coming together to decide the future of the family business, line of succession and the distribution of the family wealth. It is a tale of a family, where every member is driven by their own ulterior motives, and not is a rarity.

The author's atmospheric island setting and dark family secrets creates a haunting sense of suspense that leaves readers in a state of anticipation. There are twists and turns throughout the book that will keep readers engrossed until the last page. For those who enjoy mystery and adventure, The Inheritance is an excellent choice. A well-crafted suspense story that will leave readers wanting more.

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Group Viking/Pamela Dorman Books for the ARC of this book

Remote island, co dependent wealthy family and secrets what could go wrong?

I love locked room/one setting mystery books and this is on the top of my list. The family dynamic is so intense and not normal by any means. Once the secrets and the gloves come off what happens makes you think how far would you go for your family!

Must read if you like locked room mysteries and family drama this is the one for you and even if you don’t please grab and read this book!! You will not be disappointed.

"Most family reunions end in tears. This one will end in murder."
The Inheritance by Trisha Sakhlecha is a gripping thriller that takes a deep dive into the intricacies of family relationships. The Agarwal family all assemble at a private island off the coast of Scotland to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Raj and Shalini. Myra the oldest is the host of the festivities and she is proud of the renovations that are slowly turning this drafty house into a high-end resort. Aseem has headed up the family business while Papa recovers from a stroke. Aseem's wife Zoe is an influencer trying to be #perfectly imperfect while also still trying to fit in to this tight knit family. Aisha the youngest is the wild child but everyone seems to be very protective of her especially because her new boyfriend Gabe seems to be up to something. Everyone is eagerly awaiting for Papa to announce that he is retiring and how he will distribute the funds of the sale of the business to each of the three Agarwal children. Everyone has secrets and everyone would do anything to get their hands on what they believe is rightfully theirs. Anything including murder.
This book was a great thriller that had me hooked from the start. Told in dual narratives of Myra and Zoe, you get to uncover what the family dynamics are and who is hiding what. This book does have mention of pregnancy, miscarriage, mention of the death of a child / sibling, infertility and murder so if any of those are triggers be aware. I love how this author showcases the loyalty of a large family. This story is filled with tragedy, twists, and darkness and the ending was not what I was expecting at all. Thank you to NetGalley, Trisha Sakhlecha, and Penguin Group Viking for the ARC. Expected release date is January 21st 2025.

This book was an absolutely crazy ride, everyone is lying I didn’t trust a single person throughout this book. Staring at the prologue until the very end everyone was sus and chapters being left in cliffhangers. That kept you flipping the pages.

Dual POV with tension that builds, the writing was excellent, the plotting solid, and the pacing just right. Several storyline threads were woven together cleverly in ways I did not expect. The reveals came bit by bit, like a curtain being pulled back that still leaves parts of the scene in shadow. You don't even know who the victim is at first, just that there is one.

The Inheritance begins as a domestic drama filled with characters each more unlikeable than the last. It's hard not to think of the Roy family from the TV series "Succession" and the real-life Murdoch family, whose recent headline-making exploits are more about power than money. For the Agarwal children, it's all about the money. As the story unfolds, it shifts into a psychological thriller as it gets closer to revealing who is dead and who is responsible. This slow-burn novel takes time to percolate but once everything is revealed, holy cow. And while the characters are all despicable, I found the dynamics of a wealthy Indian family quite interesting. And the description of the atmospheric setting was spot on. The island of Kilbryde is also filled with dark, buried secrets. You won't be able to put this book down.

Insanely dark and enjoyable!!!!!!!!!! These characters jump off the pages at you & you're immersed until the very last page.

This was a bit more family drama than actual thriller than I was anticipating, with the real thrills not really kicking off until about 70% into the book. For me, I had a hard time getting too invested due to that, and not finding any of the characters particular likable (except Zoe, towards the last half especially). Though that's not to say they weren't interesting, because they were, as were all the different family dynamics playing out. The more things unraveled, the more I was able to finally get into it. I just think it's a shame it took so long.

The ending really did save this for me. It was so good. I didn't see it coming and even though I knew this family was kind of awful, I did not realize the extent and did not expect things to play out the way they did. The last couple of chapters alone bumped this up from a 3 to a 3.5 to me.

The Agarwal family has gathered on a private island for a family reunion where the patriarch, Raj, is set to lay out the inheritance plan following the sale of his company. In attendance are his kids Maya - owner of the island and ex-lawyer of the company, Aseem - the dutiful son who stepped in to help the business during his fathers illness, and Aisha - the free spirited youngest daughter. Also in attendance is Raj's wife Shalini - a fragile women who is looking forward to her husband's retirement and Zoe - Aseem's wife who has always felt like an outsider to the family. Each person has their own hidden secret that they would protect at all costs, which it might come down to during this reunion affair.

What a fast-paced and engaging book this was. The beginning backstory portion was a bit slow, but then the book threw punches at me left and right. You could feel the momentum building, and with it my desire to continue to read. The was was told in alternating perspectives of Zoe and Myra, giving a look to what is happening from a family member as well as the outsider (though married into the unit). You can just keep on signing me up for these multi-perspective books! I love how using the dual narrative that the story unfolds. A good twisting and turning thriller novel that will be hard to put down until the very last turn at the end.

Thank you to Penguin Group Viking, Pamela Dorman Books, NetGalley, and Trisha Sakhlecha for the eARC in exchange for my honest review of the book.

THE INHERITANCE is a tense family drama filled with juicy secrets!

The Agarwals have gathered on a private, luxury island off the west coast of Scotland for a much-anticipated family reunion. Three siblings wait in anticipation as their father announces his plans for the future of his multi-million dollar business.

THE INHERITANCE is complicated family dynamics at its best. Each character has their own motivations and made it difficult to figure out who to trust. There is a shocking ending that wraps up the story in a way I didn't see coming.

This one gives off Succession vibes, so you can expect it to be highly entertaining!

The very last line of Tisha Sakhlecha’s The Inheritance solidified it as a five-star read for me. The locked-room thriller trope is always a favorite of mine, and this is a good one. It’s unique in that we know early in the book that there’s been a murder, but we don’t know or why until close to the end, which gave it an addictive, must-read feel. With all the characters keeping secrets, there are lots of theories that I flip-flopped between while reading, and I loved every minute of it, but that very last line…epic.

The Inheritance
By Trisha Sakhlecha
Release Date: 01/21/2025

The Inheritance is a gripping, atmospheric thriller that dives deep into the twisted dynamics of privilege, family loyalty, and ambition. Set on a remote luxury island off Scotland’s rugged west coast, the story centers on the powerful Agarwal family—a Delhi-based dynasty guarding secrets as colossal as their fortune.

At the heart of it all is Raj Agarwal, the cunning patriarch about to reveal his company’s long-awaited succession plan. Surrounding him is a vividly complex cast: Shalini, his overlooked wife desperate for connection; Myra, the picture-perfect daughter masking cracks in her life; Aseem, the conflicted heir struggling with the tug-of-war between love and duty; Aisha, the rebellious wildcard stirring up trouble; and Zoe, Aseem’s Instagram-perfect wife with a darker side than anyone suspects.

Sakhlecha’s storytelling is razor-sharp, blending intricate family drama with edge-of-your-seat suspense. The windswept cliffs and moody isolation of the island amplify the tension as buried secrets claw their way to the surface. Every chapter raises the stakes in this dazzling game of betrayal, where no one can be trusted, and the cost of ambition is devastating.

With its impeccably crafted plot, layered characters, and incisive commentary on greed, power, and loyalty, The Inheritance is impossible to put down. It’s glamorous, chilling, and utterly addictive—a must-read for fans of high-stakes family dramas with a psychological twist.

This one’s a standout—bold, dramatic, and deliciously sinister.

4.5/5 stars for The Inheritance by Trisha Sakhlecha! I really really enjoyed this book. It was a fantastic read - I literally couldn't put this book down. The dynamics within this twisted "crazy rich" type of family are intense and complicated as everyone has skeletons. I truly didn't know how this book would end and it surprised me multiple times down to a shocking twist on the very last page. I wish there would've been more flash-forwards to the "crime" day so that it was teased more throughout the book. It felt like 80% of the book was drama and the very end was thriller. That's my only complaint. I really loved how developed the characters were and how little bits of plot points were dropped like breadcrumbs throughout the story, leading the reader to an intense climax. I could've read 100 more pages about this family!!! I would definitely recommend this book.

Thank you to Net Galley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

A rich family that has suffered tragedy but still feel like the are entitled. They can't see beyond their own needs and desires. The family is gathering at Myra's island. Some of the family and guests have secrets. One that ultimately led to a murder and a cover up. I have to admit that I definitely didn't see the ending coming.

I STRUGGLED to get into this book. I love the premise. Family reunion. Inheritance. Murder.....but it just didn't land with me. I am not sure why....I will try a reread of this in the future. However, this book just wasn't for me.

Oh wow, where do I even start? Triggers, let's start there: Murder, Child loss, grief, miscarriage, child abuse, domestic violence.

I finished the book, set it down, and honestly had to just sit with my emotions for a bit. I was furious! Like, I’m talking a whole spectrum of rage that I don’t think I’ve felt reading a book in a long time.

At first, the story feels a little like untangling a mess of Christmas lights. There are multiple characters, different perspectives, and it’s a bit of a mental workout to figure out who’s who and what everyone’s deal is. But listen, once you push through the first 10% or so, the confusion settles, and suddenly you’re hooked. Trust me, the setup is worth it. The story draws you in like quicksand, and before you know it, you’re sinking into the drama of this family.

At the heart of it, we’ve got a wealthy, dysfunctional family gathering on this remote Scottish island (and oh, let’s not overlook the creepy, dark history of the island itself). Mama and Papa are there with their three adult children, along with their significant others, all waiting to hear this big announcement from Papa. Supposedly, he’s going to spill the beans about how he’s dividing his fortune when he retires. Sounds straightforward, right? Ha. Ha. Nope.

All of the kids need this money for their own complicated reasons that are secretive and a little heartbreaking. And then, slowly but surely, the secrets start to bubble to the surface. And once they do, oh my God, there’s no stopping them. It’s a total train wreck. The lies, the manipulation, the sheer chaos of it all is thrilling, it’s maddening. It's soap opera-worthy, for sure. lol!

But here’s the thing that stuck with me, this story isn’t just about the suspense or the shocking twists (though, believe me, those are there). At its core, it’s about how parents can hold this awful, invisible power over their kids. This family dynamic is so toxic, so infuriating, that I wanted to scream at some of these characters. Both parents use their wealth and authority to manipulate their children, pulling strings and planting guilt like it’s second nature. And the kids? They’re so burdened by their parents’ choices and expectations that they’ve lost sight of what really matters. It’s tragic and maddening all at once. Kids should never have to bear the weight of their parents’ decisions like that. And yet, in this family, they’re drowning under it.

I’ll be honest, this book is a slow burn. At first, you’re just kind of simmering in the tension, waiting for something to snap. But when it does? Oh, it’s explosive. Once the secrets start spilling and the chaos truly sets in, you’ll be glued to the pages. It’s one of those books where you think, “Okay, one more chapter,” and suddenly it’s 2 a.m., and you’re yelling at the characters like they can hear you.

In the end, "The Inheritance" left me absolutely exhausted, but ready to swing on someone. It’s not just a thriller; it’s a raw, emotional rollercoaster that will frustrate you, anger you, and leave you with so much to think about. If you’re in the mood for a book that will consume you (and maybe make you throw it across the room in a fit of rage), give this one a go. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you!

A huge THANK YOU to #NetGalley and #PenguinGroupViking for a chance to read this one early in exchange for an honest review!

This was wonderful! I loved the writing style, the characters, the world-building…everything about it was top-notch. I will definitely be recommending this book!

From the first pages, you know someone's dead- but who? This is the tale of the Agarwal family, a dysfunctional bunch if there ever was one, and what happens on the weekend they spend on a private Scottish island that was meant to celebration and an announcement about the future-the inheritance. Told by Zoe, wife to Aseem. who is an outsider to the clan and her sister-in-law Myra who owns the island, it's got more twists than even veteran thriller readers would expect. Aisha, the younger daughter has brought along her new boyfriend Gabe. Everyone, everyone has a secret and there's a lot of sadness lurking in the background. This is hard to review without spoiler but know that you should not trust anyone or anyone's motives. The atmospherics of the island (I'd love to go mussel-ing) are good especially when Sakhlecha leans into the creepy. The pacing works as do the short chapters and the way the onion is peeled. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. A page turner!

Absolutely love family stories where everyone has something to hide and this one is quite the ride! Elegant and treacherous!

Thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Viking for the arc copy of this book. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

When a family reunion turns deadly, those remaining must work hard to protect the family at all costs.....

The Agarwal family appears to be the perfect family. Raj built a business from the ground up and has made the company and his family very wealthy. He is preparing to sell the company and spend retirement with his wife Shalini, splitting the sale funds amongst the entire family. To announce his retirement and concurrently celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary, the couple join their children Myra, Aisha, Aseem, and his wife Zoe at Myra's island Kilbryde for a vacation/family reunion unplugged. What sounds relaxing in theory turns out to be the exact opposite.

Drama erupts almost immediately. Aisha shows up with new boyfriend Gabe that nobody has heard of and the family instantly hates him. Myra is extremely close to losing the island and filing bankruptcy, so she's desperate for her cut of the money. Aseem and Zoe announce they're pregnant. Immediately Aseem's mother tries to control the situation, which is exactly why the couple plan to move to London once they get their share of money. Tensions are high and someone ends up murdered before the vacation is over.

This is a well written book with a unique plot/twists. Trisha crafted some vile characters, but not to the point that the book was unenjoyable. 4.5 stars.

I enjoyed it. I liked the twist. Very dark to think a rich family could act like that. Messed up for sure!!

Well, this is definitely a family you don't want to be a part of! Let me introduce you to the Agarwals, who have just gathered together for a family reunion on a private island off the west coast of Scotland. Raj, the patriarch & owner of a Delhi-based company. is about to announce to his wife and three children his retirement & succession plan . Shalini, the matriarch, is ready to have her husband to herself after years of sacrifice to the family business. Myra, the golden child, & owner of the island is on the brink of bankruptcy and her marriage to Owen is headed towards divorce.. Aseem, the son and supposed heir, is torn between his love for his wife and his devotion to his family, especially his mother. Aisha, the youngest, is a party girl whose antics are legendary, & can’t pass up an opportunity to wreak havoc. And then there’s Zoe, Aseem’s wife, the outsider whose #InstaPerfect life is built on a foundation of lies, and someone knows it and is threatening her online. Before the reunion is over, someone is going to wind up dead. Who will is be? They all have something to hide. And when someone threatens one of their own, the family sticks together, because that is what the Agarwals do.

This book begins with an unidentified person being killed, and then goes back to the beginning, as everyone is arriving for the reunion. The chapters are told in the voices of the different family members, so you are getting a well-rounded view of things. I can't say that there are any likable characters, except maybe Owen, but there ARE plenty that are unlikable! You will have to wait until the end to find out who dies and then there is a twist at the very end. Definitely a fun read for anyone who loves a locked-in mystery.