A good story, well plotted and compelling. Liked the characters and the setting.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

The Secret Inheritance by Rachel Lynch was a wonderful read from start to finish and I have loved reading all this authors books. Rachel has a way of writing that will draw you into all her books from the very beginning till the very end. This was a beautifully written book and one of the best books I have read in 2024.

The Secret inheritance was a standalone family drama that mixes mystery, suspense, and emotion that is a great read.

I highly recommend this book.

THE SECRET INHERITANCE by Rachel Lynch was a thrill ride that kept me from doing my daily chores. I loved it.!

When Rosie Fitzherbert’s younger brother, Christian died years ago, she fled the family home and hasn’t been heard from since. I mean she is selectively mute now and has had no contact with her father, Jude, sister, Hettie or brother, James. When Jude passes away, everyone must come together for the reading of the will. But Jude had some stipulations in the will that may keep one or all from collecting his millions.

Oldest sister, Hettie wants Warbury House and feels it is her birthright. She and husband, Edward have spent years renovating the place in their minds. Brother James, a defence attorney, arrives with his ‘fiancé’ to claim his millions but he is hiding who he truly is to live up to his father‘s expectations, even in death. Rosie, a hugely successful but surreptitious crime author just wants to fly under the radar and again leave Warbury House without a backward glance. And overseeing it all is Clara, the housekeeper who raised the children, and Ian Balfar, Jude’s estate attorney. As Jude makes his presence known from the grave, the secrets and lies hidden within the mansion walls begin to be exposed.

Can Rosie put the pieces together to find out what really happened to Christian 13 years ago? Will Hettie’s children unwittingly help this crime author learn the truth?

I loved this book! The writing was clear and concise which led to an enjoyable read. As with my previous Rachael Lynch novels, I was on the edge of my seat and stayed up well past bedtime turning pages. The twists kept me guessing throughout as I thought it was going one way, and it went in a completely different direction. To me, that’s the sign of a master storyteller. I can’t wait to see where this author takes me next.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing this ARC opportunity. All opinions are my own and given voluntarily.

The Secret Inheritance is a book about family dynamics surrounding a death. This book is told by multiple POVs, each sibling telling their side of the story.

I found this book to be slow and dragged on. I didn't really understand the novel title for the actual book. The secrets are really just a bunch of miscommunication, misunderstanding, and judgments.

Thank you to Netgalley, Rachel Lynch, and publishers for this free ebook. This review is 100% my own and honest opinion.

I enjoyed this book and the troubled childhoods of three siblings, Hattie, Rosie and James.

The death of their father at the start of the book makes them return to their childhood home, which is crumbling. Secrets and alliances are exposed and the beliefs that they had unravel. It was interesting to see how each of them had their own perceptions of events, which led them to take steps to protect themselves as adults.

The conditions of the will enforce the siblings to stay together in harmony for seven days… and that’s where the secrets start to unravel.

An engaging and interesting book which allows you to look at a situation from multiple perspectives. Makes you think - what would I have done in that scenario?

4* a thumping good read (though a couple of the siblings were particularly annoying!!)

Ps not sure the title works brilliantly, yes there’s a secret and yes an inheritance but… the secret inheritance is just a bit flat as a title…

An absolutely brilliant read which after their father’s death brings the siblings together after years apart.
A family separated by childhood events that seen through children’s eyes have in adult life made up their own version of events and decided to wreak their own vengeance.

Loved this, a family twisted by wants and the effects of their upbringing and the legacy left for them. I enjoyed it thoroughly thanks for access..

A gripping read. The story of a very disfuncional entitled family who have to return to their childhood home after their father has died. Fast pacing plot. I really enjoyed it.

A lovely story about a dysfunctional family which intrigued me. Different from her other books, I enjoyed this one a lot. Looking forward to more like this one. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

The Secret Inheritance is a really good read. This book is will take you on a wild ride, filled with a dysfunctional family, drama, and secrets. I really enjoyed the storyline and the unexpected ending. I would recommend adding this to your TBR if you enjoy mystery, thrillers, with shocking twists this book is for you!

A deliciously dark story of a fractured family that had me hooked.

An extraordinary mix of characters, each one written to perfection. A five star read from me!

Thank you for allowing me to review this book. A compelling storyline, as 3 estranged siblings are bought together after the death of their wealthy father. James, Hettie and Rosie had not visited him in years nor seen each other. They are instructed to attend the will reading in person with their families at the family home. Their memories of growing up their are not pleasant and also contradictory. Th story is told through each participants own eyes. As the truths come out their lives unfold. I was gripped from chapter 1. The Secret Inheritance does not ket up. It is not always a happy read.
Not all families are happy!

To be completely honest, this is the first book I have read by this author, because until now the titles/genre haven't appealed to me. 'The Secret Inheritance' stood out as a departure from her Crime Series, as it is a stand alone psychological thriller. Having read the blurb I liked the sound of this novel and must say I was not disappointed.

The protagonists Hettie, Jamie and Rosie are estranged siblings, forced to spend time together at the family home, after the death of their father. After a miserable and traumatic childhood it soon appears that they are all seeking revenge on each other in dark and devious ways.

A country house setting in the English countryside with betrayal and tragedy for the family has made for a very readable psychological thriller. Can certainly recommend this page turner to fans of the genre.

With thanks to Netgalley, Storm Publishers and the author for the opportunity to read and review.

Brilliantly written. A great story. Beautiful book. Loved this one so very much. Very highly recommend to everyone. It's right up there among my top reads this year. Just wow!

I'm sure this book rings true for some ppl. All the family drama, and the miserable child hood of the characters. I had never read anything from this author before, but was not disappointed.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC of ths book.

To have a share in their late father’s estate, estranged siblings Hettie, James and Rosie along with their families must live together in their childhood home for a week. The siblings, each with their own traumatic and dark past seek revenge for deeds done to them during their early life. This book is a very devious and complex story which keeps you enthralled until the very end. A fantastic book.

This is the story of three siblings who led a miserable life growing up. They have been unable to let go and have proceeded with their life a part from each other. As their father is nearing the end, two of them plot against the third on the inheritance. This is not a happy story and there’s really no redemption. Unfortunately, it is not my type of book.

The book deals with family problems related to the inheritance of a state by two sisters and a brother. Every now and then, secrets kept by the parents from their children or from the siblings themselves are uncovered. It is a nice story full of family drama. In the end ... well, I will let you find out.

Yet another excellent book from Rachael Lynch.
A writer that leaves you wanting more after giving you so much in her books.
She keeps you guessing in this book.. you won’t be able to put it down.

The Secret Inheritance by Rachel Lynch is a compelling family drama wrapped in an atmospheric mystery. Rosie Fitzherbert returns to Warbury House, the crumbling estate of her childhood, to claim her inheritance—but more importantly, to confront the tragic past that drove her away. The novel expertly weaves together themes of grief, betrayal, and the complexities of sibling relationships.

Lynch’s writing shines in her vivid descriptions of Warbury House, a place that feels as much a character as the people within it. The tension among Rosie, Hettie, and James is palpable, with old resentments bubbling to the surface as they navigate their father’s will. The mystery surrounding Christian’s death adds a layer of suspense that keeps the pages turning, with twists that are both shocking and satisfying.

Rosie’s journey of self-discovery and reclaiming her voice is the emotional core of the story. Lynch handles her trauma and silence with sensitivity, crafting a protagonist whose resilience is quietly inspiring. The novel also explores the destructive nature of family secrets and the healing that comes from facing them.

While the pacing occasionally drags in the middle, the engaging characters and the gradual unveiling of long-buried truths make up for it. The Secret Inheritance is a beautifully written, haunting tale of redemption and the enduring ties of family. Perfect for fans of atmospheric mysteries with a strong emotional undercurrent.