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.

In "The Secret Inheritance," the narrative commences with the passing of affluent patriarch Jude Fitzherbert, who dies in solitude, accompanied only by his housekeeper, Clara. His three offspring—Rosie, Hettie, and James—maintain a significant emotional distance from him, an estrangement rooted in unresolved familial conflicts and a shared animosity toward their father. The siblings share a troubling legacy of neglect and maltreatment, stemming from both Jude and their deceased mother. Compounding their strife is the haunting memory of a tragic incident involving their late brother, Christian, for whom each sibling holds the others accountable for his untimely death. As hidden truths emerge, the story intricately weaves a tapestry of resentment and guilt that binds these siblings to one another.

The novel delves deeply into themes of trauma, rivalry, and the repercussions of a toxic upbringing. Jude's manipulative approach to parenting has fostered a destructive sense of competition among his children, culminating in a stipulation that they must cohabitate in their familial residence for one week to secure their inheritance. This enforced proximity acts as a catalyst for the revelation of long-concealed secrets, compelling the siblings to confront their painful histories and the ramifications of their father's stringent expectations. Their interactions are often characterized by hostility and aggression, highlighting the profound ways in which unresolved issues from their formative years can manifest in adulthood.

As the narrative unfolds, the characters emerge as deeply flawed and often unlikable, yet their struggles provide a compelling examination of familial dynamics. The inclusion of perspectives from Clara, the housekeeper, and a close friend of James enriches the narrative's complexity. Although the prose is intense and the characters may be difficult to empathize with, the story remains engaging and intellectually stimulating. Ultimately, "The Secret Inheritance" encapsulates the intricate relationship between familial trauma and the potentially devastating influence of parental legacies on their progeny. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance review copy in exchange for my honest review.

This started off super well and I was immediately sucked into the story! However after about 15-20% into the story it started to become really slow and had too many details/descriptions which created a wayyyy longer story than necessary. Overall, this was a twisty crazy story with lots of messed up characters! These siblings all had messed up relationships with each other because of their parents.

I’m normally not a huge fan of stories like this because they all seem to be kind of the same, but I did like how it had a main focus about their brother who died when he was 18 and how his story unraveled.

If you like mysteries with some suspense that deal with family drama, an inheritance and a bunch of messed up characters who are related then this is the book for you. Money really does make people do crazy things especially when it comes to a family member dying and finding out what’s in their will.

A psychological plot where the children of a man who has just died must stay together in the family home to satisfy the conditions of his will. They have had little contact for many years. The story emerges of a childhood/youth where they were abused and where some traumatic events occured. They have all reacted in different ways which has repercussions in their adult lives.
The book explores the relationships between the siblings as they play each other off against each other and reveal secrets from the past. Others at the house become involved with their games.
The book is mostly well told from the perspective of different people in the house. The plot could be followed ok, though I thought it became more confused towards the end as a lot happened as the week reached its conclusion. I also was not sure about the reasoning behind some of the sibling's actions.
It is a good read which kept me engaged.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARc

Cue the family drama...

sit back and get ready to be plunged into the realm of secrets, lies, and of course... thrills

Rachel Lynch is an author to keep an eye on. This book is sure to be a bestseller !

check out this teaser:

he day her brother Christian died, Rosie Fitzherbert left her family home and never came back. Until now.

When her father dies, Rosie returns to Warbury House after decades away. To secure her share of the fortune, she must endure seven days with her estranged siblings, Hettie and James. But the sprawling estate holds more than money – it guards the truth about her brother’s tragic death.

As old wounds reopen, Rosie realises silence won't protect her anymore. With millions at stake and family secrets threatening to surface, can Rosie confront her past before it consumes her future? Rosie hasn't spoken in years. Will returning to Warbury House finally give her a voice?

The Secret Inheritance
By: Rachel Lynch

4 Stars

From the title and throughout, this story drips with mystery. Each new character brings to this story family drama, secrets, danger, and revenge. A father dies. An inheritance is left. Soon, these siblings find out more secrets about their family than they ever thought they knew. Nothing is as it seems. Soon, these siblings will find out truths that have been kept for years and will change them all.

This story was a really interesting read. It dripped with mystery from all directions. Each character had their own mystery surrounding them as well as the mystery of Christian, that seemed to wrap around the entire estate and everyone there. It was fast-paced and well written with a set of dynamic and colorful characters that really made the story all the better. Warbury House is set in a beautiful landscape that is filled with the dark and pain of the lingering past. It made cry and rage and kept me on the edge of my seat.

*I want to thank Netgalley and the author for this book in return for my honest review*

Stormi Ellis
Boundless Book Reviews

Another great book from Rachel! One of my favourite authors. Never disappoints. Highly recommend. Binge read in one sitting, as I couldn't put it down.

It is a dark family drama with toxic relationships, unlikeable characters and many secrets. When their father dies, three siblings, estranged and damaged, return to the family home to hear the reading of the will. They are forced to live in the house for a designated period, making them interact, face their demons and acknowledge what happened many years before. The pacing is gentle and reinforces the claustrophobic atmosphere created. Everyone has secrets, and the plot twists with misinformation and betrayal. I appreciated the complex characters and family and friend dynamics. This story has elements of psychological suspense, with its unlikeable protagonists and unreliable narrators.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Thank you NetGalley and Storm publishing for the ARC of The Secret Inheritance by Rachel Lynch in return for my honest review.
This is a story of family secrets, sibling rivalry and inheritance, I really enjoyed this book although I must say the characters were totally unlikable which added to the story making it an interesting read.

A good, solid read, with some interesting characters, of whom the reader's opinion changed as the book progressed. Well, mine did, anyway.
Some nice twists, and an unusual plot.
I enjoyed reading this book, and found it strangely compelling. I certainly wanted to find out various answers!

LOVED this book!! I can usually figure out a books twists and turns but I had no idea how this one was going to end! It has it all...family drama, secret relationships, old money, and an English estate whose future is on the line. Definitely a must read!

The Secret Inheritance is my first book by author Rachel Lynch. I was not sure what to expect as I have not indulged in many mystery thrillers, though I enjoy various other types of mystery mixed genre stories. Ms Lynch is quite the story teller and she has focused on what can happen in families after someone dies—as far as wills are concerned. Mind you, this is the worst case scenario!

Wealthy father, Jude, dies and we learn he is not surrounded by his three children Rosie, Hettie and James when he is passing from this world. Only his housekeeper, Clara, is tending to him but she gets to hear and see his responses. And it seems he has some regrets, as far as his children are concerned. It is obvious he was hoping they would come see him to say goodbye but none have. They have kept their distance: all are waiting for his passing. Although he has cancer, they do not expect him to expire so quickly. They are not a loving lot and the animosity between the siblings is quite jarring and the lengths they will go to get revenge on each other. And, of course, their disdain for their father is the only common ground they share. It seems from what we learn, he has tortured them all in one way or another. Not to mention their late mother was also pretty dreadful. Some of her activities are shocking. There were four children initially but something happened to Christian around his eighteenth year that caused his death. Each sibling blames the other without knowing the full story. There are secrets that surround his life that become known by the end of the story: just before tragedy strikes again.

This novel is riddled with secrets, bitterness, anger, violence, guilt, selfishness, greed, physical torture, mental abuse, betrayal, and the list goes on. The effects of trauma in their lives have resulted in handicaps (physically and emotionally). Life is a series of contests for these siblings as that is how their father set things up. Creating seriously disturbing competitiveness in them with each other. And, of course, he has put up a last challenge with the reading of his will, that they must abide by to ‘win’ their inheritance. Their father’s harsh influence on them and his disappointment in them, continue long after his death as they keep trying to prove their worth and, some would say, win his love. This ‘stinking thinking’ keeps affecting their decisions and actions—which sometimes becomes violent and shocking.

The lead characters start out at their ultimate worst and the conflicts expose their personality flaws and selfish motives. Once reality hits them (as they step outside their own personal issues) it provides quite a jolt. I won’t list all the characters but those that provide their viewpoint (there are multiple ones) give us quite an insight on the state of things. The housekeeper, the siblings, a spouse, and Sarah (a friend of James who becomes involved) tell their side of the story and well. It was easy to see how they got to the state where they ended up.

The Secret Inheritance is quite a psychological thriller with some twisty mystery and plenty of shocking drama. As mentioned, not the sort of book I would normally read but I appreciate a skilfully delivered story that achieves its purpose and this one does! It kept me turning the pages and although I guessed many outcomes, it was still a fascinating journey. The truths that erupt are believable of how troubled minds will inevitably produce negative behavioural responses— shaped and born from childhood trauma. 4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for a review copy.

This was a non stop story. A family tearing itself apart, under the influence of a tyrannical father, Fascinating interactions, a very dramatic story with a great conclusion.