The beginning is pretty slow and a little hard to get into, but as the story moves one we see that everyone has things to hide and ulterior motives for being on the island.
The are moments where the plot seems to drag but the family drama keeps you interested. The characters are well written, the family dynamics are infuriating sometimes but well written as well.
At some point I thought I had everything figured out, only to be proven wrong.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this arc!

WOW! What a great book! This book had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Had me guessing! That plot twist got me! lol what a great read!

This was a 4.5/5 for me. I thought the writing was incredible and had the perfect amount of twists and turns throughout that kept me intrigued. My only critique was that it seemed a bit slow at the start and it took around 50% to really get into it and for some of the dots to start connecting. I think it could have been slightly shorter, but overall this was a great read.

I received an advanced copy of this book from the PENGUIN GROUP Viking via NetGalley.

This book dives deep into the dark secrets of the Agarwal family, as they gather on a secluded luxury island off the coast of Scotland for what is supposed to be a momentous occasion. The patriarch, a powerful business tycoon, is set to unveil his succession plan for the family’s billion-dollar company, but the idyllic setting quickly becomes the backdrop for a storm of hidden motives and unraveling lives.

Each member of the Agarwal family brings their own set of troubles to the island. Shalini, the matriarch, is ready to finally have her husband to herself after years of sacrificing for the business. Myra, the golden child and owner of the island, hides a desperate financial situation from her family. Aseem, the presumed heir, is caught in a tug-of-war between family duty and his love for his wife, Zoe—the outsider whose picture-perfect life is built on lies. And then there’s Aisha, the rebellious youngest sibling, always ready to stir up trouble.

As the reunion unfolds, it becomes clear that everyone has secrets they’d kill to protect, and the peaceful island retreat turns into a high-stakes battleground. The story’s isolated island setting adds to the tension, creating an atmosphere of suspense that keeps you turning the pages.

However, some parts of the book can feel a bit slow, with the pacing occasionally dragging as the family drama unfolds. But just when you think you have it all figured out, the plot takes a sharp turn, leading to an unexpected and slightly confusing ending that leaves you reeling.

This genre is not usually my cup of tea but I had to give it a try and it did not disappoint!
I love the plot and characters. The pacing is great with so many twists and turns. And then before you know it, the most unexpected thing happens! I really enjoyed this dysfunctional family.
I think the only thing I would like to see added is a trigger warning.

I think this is one of the best dysfunctional-family dramas/thrillers/mysteries I have ever read. Secrets, lies, betrayal, deceit, and murder. Every chapter peels back another layer of the Agarwal family’s hidden darkness and just when you think you have the pieces of the puzzle laid out, the next chapter adds one more. And another after that, and another after that, until the very last line of the book when—BOOM! I did see that last line coming, but it was no less effective when reading it. I have such appreciation for how complex and layered this book is. Kudos to Trisha Sakhlecha for a job well done!

Thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Viking | Pamela Dorman Books for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Agarwal family gathers on a luxury island for a family reunion where the patriarch is set to announce the succession plan for his billion-dollar company. Tensions rise as family members, each with their own secrets and motivations, are pushed to their limits. The reunion ends in murder as greed and deception unravel the family's illusions of unity.

I didn't know what to expect when I picked up this book. I rarely read the blurb, but the captivating cover drew me in, and I was thrilled to add it to my collection.

This novel was a departure from my usual reads. It delved into the intricate dynamics of a large family, showcasing the beauty of togetherness and loyalty. Coming from a big family myself, I could relate to the emphasis placed on these values.

The unexpected ending took me by surprise, leaving me reeling. The story was filled with twists, darkness, and tragedy, tugging at my heartstrings as I navigated the complexities of family life. It was a messy, emotional rollercoaster that left me both shaken and enthralled.

Whether you love it or hate it, this book is a worthwhile read for any bookworm looking for a gripping, thought-provoking tale.

Thank you NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Viking | Pamela Dorman Books for digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

A high-stakes family reunion on a remote Scottish island turns into a gripping thriller when a death uncovers deep-seated secrets and rivalries among the Agarwals. As patriarch Raj plans to announce his retirement and the future of his multimillion-dollar business, tensions rise, and hidden agendas emerge. Told from dual perspectives, the novel intricately weaves together the personal dramas and motives of family members like the ambitious Myra, the conflicted Aseem, and the rebellious Aisha. With its suspenseful plot and rich character development, this debut keeps readers hooked from start to finish, leading to a satisfying and surprising conclusion.

What could possibly go wrong when a VERY wealthy family gets together for an anniversary celebration on an isolated island, in a residence under construction, accessible only by boat, cut off from outsiders? Well that sets the tone for this interesting mystery. Told from 2 first person POV, we learn about the interactions of parents, siblings, best friends and exes. Mama and Papa are celebrating an anniversary. Papa is about to announce his plans for the sale of his multimillion business and the distribution of assets among his children. We learn of the loves, hates, loyalties and lies as the story progresses. There is a hint dropped about a dead body. Nothing is at it seems, or is it? This author keeps the reader guessing throughout. The many chapters are short alternating between the two narrators. This novel will hold your attention to the conclusion.

Most family reunions end in tears. This one will end in murder.

Instantly hooked. This did not disappoint. So many good twists and turns! Will definitely be reading more from this author!

This crazy mixed up messy family is all wrapped up in the money. Lured on a family vacation to celebrate a milestone anniversary and a retirement, the 3 siblings get more than they ever thought possible. Love lost, love gained, and murder all wrapped up in the family first motto. Secrets are revealed, but only after everything you thought is flipped upside down.

3.5 stars for me. The family secrets had me absolutely engrossed the whole way through. This is a perfect thriller, kept me entertained the entire story.

What!! I just finished reading this, and I'm still in a state of shock! The messy family dynamic and all of the secrets that slowly reveal was definitely something that kept me hooked while reading. I loved the FMC. The little bread crumbs the author leaves along the way are quite intriguing once you piece it all together. It's such a good suspense novel with the eerie vibes of a secluded island as the setting. I was in shock, over and over again. Even throughout the ending, my jaw dropped. Perfect read for a night when you're home alone and want to get your heart racing! 5 stars!!

I received this ARC from NetGalley and Penguin Group Viking to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.

I didn’t know what to expect going into this debut novel by Trisha Sakhlecha solely because I enjoy reading book recs that I KNOW are going to be good. For being the first book that I’ve ever gone in completely blind, I think I picked a great one.

Holy shit what a messy family dynamic and that ending?? I wish this was out into the world right now so that I could thoroughly rant about the rage I felt while reading this. As with any thriller, you have some twists and turns while the author is trying to trick you away from what’s happening. Most of the time I am all vibes and no thoughts while reading but in hindsight that ending totally makes sense.

Definitely add this to your TBR for January 2025 if you love a rich messy family that will doing anything for one of their own.

This was comparable to a Freida McFadden book in the sense that it is such a quick, easy and edge of your seat book! I really enjoyed reading this and was NOT expecting the twist at the end.

The characters and family dynamics were well written. The setting was eerie and perfect for this story.

I just really hated that it was Zoe and her unborn baby who were murdered. So sad! And then to find out that it was the psychotic mother-in-law who had done so many awful things to her own children and she just gets away with everything. Ughh….frustrated (but in an I was on the edge of my seat the whole time kind of way!)

The Agarwal has all the luxuries you would expect from a wealthy, privileged family and yet proves that money does not ensure a drama-free life of ease. Even more so now that a life-changing inheritance is up for grabs.

Raj (known to the kids and in-laws as "Papa), along with his wife, Shalini (known to the kids and in-laws as "Mama), love their adult children (Myra, Aseem, and Aisha) immensely. They are arguably a bit too involved in their children's lives (just ask Assem's wife, Zoe) and at the end of the day "we must protect our family" - but who is included in that "family"?

The Agarwals are gathering on a remote island owned by Myra to celebrate Mama and Papa's anniversary, listen to Papa's retirement announcement, and to finally discover what their cut of the family inheritance will be.

Assem and Zoe supported Papa and Mama immensely when Papa had major health concerns, moving to Delhi to live in the family home. Myra provided trusted legal counsel and guidance for the company for many years. Aisha, the baby of the family, has contributed less professionally but endured heartbreaking trauma as a child. Everyone is expecting a significant financial windfall.

But as money often does, suspicions start to arise around the members of the family and nobody wants to lose a cut of the inheritance. When one of them winds up dead on the remote island, it tests the family loyalty and shows how far they will go to "protect our family."

The Inheritance grabbed my attention immediately and didn't let up until the last few pages (spoiler - it was a twist!)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Viking/Pamela Dorman Books for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

“The Inheritance” by Trisha Sakhlecha was an absolute WOW! We know from the beginning of this thriller that there is a murder, but somehow you become so immersed in this families story it takes a back seat to wanting to know all about them.
This is a story about a wealthy dysfunctional family who have gathered on a small island off of Scotland. The Patriarch is about to retire and sell the family’s multimillion dollar Delhi-based company.
The story is primarily told from the point of view of the oldest daughter and the wife of the beloved son. The harsh confrontations and power struggle between the family members along with their secret agendas are both realistic and shocking. You will find yourself alternating between liking and hating each of the intriguing characters. Without saying too much more, I can promise you a rollercoaster ride with unexpected twists and turns in this smart, character driven, beautifully crafted and unusual locked room mystery!

Thank you NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Viking for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

For the most part this was a great book. I felt like some things were repeated a lot throughout the book making it drama on, but overall it was great. Lots of twists that I was not expecting.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I found this to be an engaging thriller with twists that I didn't foresee. The poor rich kid, ultra-wealthy controlling family theme has been covered by many a novel but the wild Scottish setting was unique. The characters were mostly unlikable and their dynamics strange but I found it engaging. I look forward to reading future books by the author.