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shesflippinpages's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Grief, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Classism, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Suicide, Violence, Drug abuse, Blood, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug use, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Death of parent, Car accident, Alcohol, Pregnancy, Addiction, Alcoholism, and Bullying
kenziburke's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Murder, Domestic abuse, Cursing, and Suicide
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Pregnancy
jelkebooks's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I received a galley of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Yes, this was a three star read, but a high three star. If I did decimal point ratings, it might be more of a 3,5. Except I don't do that, so I don't know if that's be fully accurate either. Anyway, I did really enjoy my time reading this book. I was captivated, and it was a highly addicting read. I just didn't want to stop reading because I just needed to figure out how all these pieces fit together. However, I need to say that the two really big twists/reveals I was coming from miles, and miles away. There were some smaller twists I didn't nececarily see coming, but they weren't meaningful enough for that dissapointment at those bigger reveals being so predictable to go away. That truly is why I can't give this a four star though. It just made those climax moments fall flat for me.
However, like I said I did quite enjoy my time reading this book. I especially loved the letters we got from Ruby, detailing her life. I thought those parts of the book were easily the most interesting. Ruby was an absolute icon. She wasn't a good person. She did many bad things, but I can't help but think of her as an icon (just because she's fictional, migth I add). The narrative voice in those letters was also just so incredibly compelling. We also got some media reports about Ruby, Ashby house, and everything that surrounds it. I also quite liked those parts. They weren't a big part, nor did they add any info we really desperately needed, but they did give an insight in just how infamous this family was/is. It also was a great way to break up the main narrative.
Talking about that main narrative though, that was my least favourite part. The chapters from Cam and Jules' POV weren't as interesting and the story a bit slow moving. However, I just couldn't stop reading because I needed to know how the letters fit into this, or what it was all leading to. It took some time getting into that part of the story, but once I did I was captivated. It's just sad, that almost immediately after the reveals started happening, and we already know how I feel about those. Jules as a character also gave me the ick for quite a lot of this book, and I don't think she was supposed to to this extend. I think the author intended to have her be the same as Ruby, someone who didn't always do the right thing but still an icon to some extend. However, that wasn't Jules to me. The way she just completely disregards her husbands trauma for her own profit right until she becomes a "victim" of those some people just rubbed me the wrong way. Maybe, you should just be on your husband of ten years side when he says these people are vile, and this house has too many bad memories for him to ever feel comfortable living in it. But, I don't know. It didn't read very girlboss to me, like it clearly was supposed to.
Yes, this was a three star read, but a high three star. If I did decimal point ratings, it might be more of a 3,5. Except I don't do that, so I don't know if that's be fully accurate either. Anyway, I did really enjoy my time reading this book. I was captivated, and it was a highly addicting read. I just didn't want to stop reading because I just needed to figure out how all these pieces fit together. However, I need to say that the two really big twists/reveals I was coming from miles, and miles away. There were some smaller twists I didn't nececarily see coming, but they weren't meaningful enough for that dissapointment at those bigger reveals being so predictable to go away. That truly is why I can't give this a four star though. It just made those climax moments fall flat for me.
However, like I said I did quite enjoy my time reading this book. I especially loved the letters we got from Ruby, detailing her life. I thought those parts of the book were easily the most interesting. Ruby was an absolute icon. She wasn't a good person. She did many bad things, but I can't help but think of her as an icon (just because she's fictional, migth I add). The narrative voice in those letters was also just so incredibly compelling. We also got some media reports about Ruby, Ashby house, and everything that surrounds it. I also quite liked those parts. They weren't a big part, nor did they add any info we really desperately needed, but they did give an insight in just how infamous this family was/is. It also was a great way to break up the main narrative.
Talking about that main narrative though, that was my least favourite part. The chapters from Cam and Jules' POV weren't as interesting and the story a bit slow moving. However, I just couldn't stop reading because I needed to know how the letters fit into this, or what it was all leading to. It took some time getting into that part of the story, but once I did I was captivated. It's just sad, that almost immediately after the reveals started happening, and we already know how I feel about those. Jules as a character also gave me the ick for quite a lot of this book, and I don't think she was supposed to to this extend. I think the author intended to have her be the same as Ruby, someone who didn't always do the right thing but still an icon to some extend. However, that wasn't Jules to me. The way she just completely disregards her husbands trauma for her own profit right until she becomes a "victim" of those some people just rubbed me the wrong way. Maybe, you should just be on your husband of ten years side when he says these people are vile, and this house has too many bad memories for him to ever feel comfortable living in it. But, I don't know. It didn't read very girlboss to me, like it clearly was supposed to.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse
Moderate: Grief, Alcoholism, and Suicide
Minor: Misogyny and Drug abuse
ladylothlorien's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I am a sucker for Rachel Hawkins’s gothic stories. And this one didn’t let me down at the end like The Villa did, although I felt like there were way too many reveals at the end and many of the twists were fairly easily guessable. Still I was completely wrapped up in this book and just had to know how it ended. It was exactly my cup of tea: gothic mansion inhabited by a messed up family with secrets aplenty. There’s even a gothic-esque ending. So my gothic heart is very happy.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Kidnapping, Suicide, and Domestic abuse
avidreaderandgeekgirl's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
When Camden McTavish is called back to his adoptive family's estate in North Carolina to sort out financial matters, his wife is eager to see his family's home and experience the wealth she never had. But all the family secrets will be laid bare, and more than one McTavish will end up dead, just like his mother, Ruby McTavish's four husbands.
While I saw some twists coming, others surprised me. I like how the book was paced as it kept me engaged. As well as the mix of narrative POVs, letters, and articles.
The characters weren't particularly likable, but just likable enough for you to care about them.
Narrator(s) Rating: 5 stars
The narrators did an excellent job, and the constant change of narrators as you went from each part kept me engaged instead of my attention wandering.
While I saw some twists coming, others surprised me. I like how the book was paced as it kept me engaged. As well as the mix of narrative POVs, letters, and articles.
The characters weren't particularly likable, but just likable enough for you to care about them.
Narrator(s) Rating: 5 stars
The narrators did an excellent job, and the constant change of narrators as you went from each part kept me engaged instead of my attention wandering.
Extra ratings: Fluff-NA Heartfelt-3/5 Helpful-NA Horror-NA Inspiration-NA Love aka Romance-1/5 Mystery-2/5 Predictability-1.5/5 Spice-0/5 Suspense-3/5 Tear- 1.5/5 Thrill-4/5 Humor-2/5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Suicide, Cursing, Blood, Bullying, Classism, Physical abuse, Death of parent, Murder, Emotional abuse, Kidnapping, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Toxic relationship, Abandonment, Grief, and Alcohol
Moderate: Child abuse, Terminal illness, Gaslighting, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Pregnancy, Domestic abuse, Chronic illness, Drug abuse, and Infertility
Minor: Fire/Fire injury, Infidelity, Car accident, Self harm, and Sexual content
evawondergem's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Murder
bookcasey's review against another edition
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I don’t usually go for thrillers, and I read this in one sitting. There’s plenty of darkness and tension, but it’s delightfully twisted.
For reference, I’d say it reads like Evelyn Hugo meets Mexican Gothic (but cis/het/white). Try this book if you liked Stone Cold Fox.
For reference, I’d say it reads like Evelyn Hugo meets Mexican Gothic (but cis/het/white). Try this book if you liked Stone Cold Fox.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship
Moderate: Kidnapping, Violence, Murder, and Gaslighting
Minor: Self harm, Domestic abuse, Suicide, and Sexual content
jasminegalsreadinglog's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins is a story of riches and family legacies. It's also a story of a convoluted family whose matriarch was notorious since she was three years old. She is dead, but she leaves behind secrets and answers as well in the form of letters. Who is she writing to, and is everyone as innocent as they seem to be?
This book is told in three voices. Camden's, Jules, and Ruby's in the form of letters. I loved Ruby's story told in the form of letters. Ruby is an intriguing, interesting, and very morally gray character. The story is interesting and gripping. However, the transitioning of the characters in almost every other chapter made reading a little difficult for me. Also, the other gripe I have is that I wanted to know more about the side plotlines that the author introduced once Camden is in Ashby House. The ending does, in some ways, make up for these.
Thank you St.Martin's Press, for this book.
This book is told in three voices. Camden's, Jules, and Ruby's in the form of letters. I loved Ruby's story told in the form of letters. Ruby is an intriguing, interesting, and very morally gray character. The story is interesting and gripping. However, the transitioning of the characters in almost every other chapter made reading a little difficult for me. Also, the other gripe I have is that I wanted to know more about the side plotlines that the author introduced once Camden is in Ashby House. The ending does, in some ways, make up for these.
Thank you St.Martin's Press, for this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Domestic abuse, Toxic relationship, Fire/Fire injury, Child death, Death, Kidnapping, Addiction, Abandonment, Violence, Alcohol, Suicide, Murder, Mental illness, Confinement, Injury/Injury detail, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, and Grief
shelfreflectionofficial's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
“‘For Camden. Time Brings All Things To Pass.’ And as I drive away from the new life that I’d built for myself, heading back towards my past, I wonder if those words were supposed to be an encouragement or a warning. Or a threat.”
“You should have stayed away, Camden. I think you’ll be sorry that you didn’t.”
This is my second Rachel Hawkins book— last year I read The Villa. I think I’m going to be done with this author. Both books had 100 f-words so I’m assuming that’s the norm for her and it’s gonna be a dealbreaker for me. Not to mention I don’t really find her characters very likeable either.
Her writing has the twisty dysfunctional families vibe and there’s just not enough interesting or quality suspense/mystery to make the rest worth it.
I’m disappointed because I had this book on my list of Most Anticipated Books of this year, but so was The Villa the year before so I think I need to finally learn my lesson.
Basic Premise
The heiress is Ruby McTavish Kellmore, kidnapped for 8 months at age three but then found and grew up to inherit the family fortune instead of her sister (Nelle); receiver of the nickname Ruby Kill-more due to the deaths of her four husbands; suspected to not actually be Ruby; and dead for ten years now yet still pulling the strings with her money.
Camden is the son she adopted later in her life and the subsequent heir and current holder of the family fortune. He tried to escape that life and family but has been called back home to deal with some pressing matters.
Nelle and her descendants want the money they believe is rightfully theirs. When Cam and his wife get back to the family estate so begins a game of legal discoveries, threats, and such that leads to at least one other death.
People aren’t who they say they are and the money may destroy them all before anyone can even spend it.
The formatting of the book is a mixture of first person POV chapters of Camden and his wife, Jules, with a variety of newspaper and magazine articles, and a series of letters written at the hand of Ruby before she died telling us what really happened to all of her husbands.
I’m not always a fan of the letter trope because the writer always narrates in an unnatural manner and gives details they would never normally give. They are needed for us readers to understand more of the story, but that’s not my preferred method of obtaining information.
I was intrigued by the plot and the mystery of the heiress and her husbands, but I didn’t really like any of the characters. I feel neutral about Cam but that’s because he’s the ‘hero’ character who is kinda flat and uninteresting. And really the swearing kinda ruined my ability to be invested in the story. At least it had a mostly satisfying ending.
Recommendation
If you don’t care about swearing and you like soap opera-type mysteries, you may like this, but overall I feel like there are better books than this to read.
I would probably instead recommend the book The Rosewood Hunt. It’s also about a rich matriarch who basically owns a town and everyone wants a piece of the pie. The difference is that when she dies, though there are heirs, the money is missing and there is a hunt to figure out what she did with it.
It’s a YA book (though I would still say more for adult audience), but I found that book a lot more likeable than this one. It still has swearing, but probably about half of what is in The Heiress.
[Content Advisory: 94 f-words, 65 s-words; sexual references but nothing too graphic; trigger warning for (a little bit of) domestic abuse]
**Received an ARC via NetGalley**
“You should have stayed away, Camden. I think you’ll be sorry that you didn’t.”
This is my second Rachel Hawkins book— last year I read The Villa. I think I’m going to be done with this author. Both books had 100 f-words so I’m assuming that’s the norm for her and it’s gonna be a dealbreaker for me. Not to mention I don’t really find her characters very likeable either.
Her writing has the twisty dysfunctional families vibe and there’s just not enough interesting or quality suspense/mystery to make the rest worth it.
I’m disappointed because I had this book on my list of Most Anticipated Books of this year, but so was The Villa the year before so I think I need to finally learn my lesson.
Basic Premise
The heiress is Ruby McTavish Kellmore, kidnapped for 8 months at age three but then found and grew up to inherit the family fortune instead of her sister (Nelle); receiver of the nickname Ruby Kill-more due to the deaths of her four husbands; suspected to not actually be Ruby; and dead for ten years now yet still pulling the strings with her money.
Camden is the son she adopted later in her life and the subsequent heir and current holder of the family fortune. He tried to escape that life and family but has been called back home to deal with some pressing matters.
Nelle and her descendants want the money they believe is rightfully theirs. When Cam and his wife get back to the family estate so begins a game of legal discoveries, threats, and such that leads to at least one other death.
People aren’t who they say they are and the money may destroy them all before anyone can even spend it.
The formatting of the book is a mixture of first person POV chapters of Camden and his wife, Jules, with a variety of newspaper and magazine articles, and a series of letters written at the hand of Ruby before she died telling us what really happened to all of her husbands.
I’m not always a fan of the letter trope because the writer always narrates in an unnatural manner and gives details they would never normally give. They are needed for us readers to understand more of the story, but that’s not my preferred method of obtaining information.
I was intrigued by the plot and the mystery of the heiress and her husbands, but I didn’t really like any of the characters. I feel neutral about Cam but that’s because he’s the ‘hero’ character who is kinda flat and uninteresting. And really the swearing kinda ruined my ability to be invested in the story. At least it had a mostly satisfying ending.
Recommendation
If you don’t care about swearing and you like soap opera-type mysteries, you may like this, but overall I feel like there are better books than this to read.
I would probably instead recommend the book The Rosewood Hunt. It’s also about a rich matriarch who basically owns a town and everyone wants a piece of the pie. The difference is that when she dies, though there are heirs, the money is missing and there is a hunt to figure out what she did with it.
It’s a YA book (though I would still say more for adult audience), but I found that book a lot more likeable than this one. It still has swearing, but probably about half of what is in The Heiress.
[Content Advisory: 94 f-words, 65 s-words; sexual references but nothing too graphic; trigger warning for (a little bit of) domestic abuse]
**Received an ARC via NetGalley**
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing
Minor: Domestic abuse
savvyrosereads's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Out tomorrow (1/9) - thank you to the publisher for providing me with an eARC to review!
Rating: 5/5 stars
Ruby McTavish is a local legend in her North Carolina hometown…both for her fortune and her tendency to marry men who die mysteriously. When Ruby dies, her adopted son is her only heir—but he wants nothing to do with her house or fortune until family events force him back to a place filled with secrets.
I absolutely LOVED this one, which is absolutely my favorite Rachel Hawkins. Imagine if you were reading Evelyn Hugo but no one was quite sure whether she’d murdered her husbands and you’ve got something a lot like this book, which I found captivating and super fun. It’s definitely heavy on moral greyness and “women’s wrongs,” which I personally love, and the ending made me gasp more than once.
This is more mystery/suspense than “thriller” in my opinion, so know going in that it’s a bit of a slow burn as things unfold…but I was genuinely hooked from the beginning, and I highly recommend this one!
CW: Death/murder; domestic abuse/physical abuse; kidnapping/missing child; mentions of suicide
Rating: 5/5 stars
Ruby McTavish is a local legend in her North Carolina hometown…both for her fortune and her tendency to marry men who die mysteriously. When Ruby dies, her adopted son is her only heir—but he wants nothing to do with her house or fortune until family events force him back to a place filled with secrets.
I absolutely LOVED this one, which is absolutely my favorite Rachel Hawkins. Imagine if you were reading Evelyn Hugo but no one was quite sure whether she’d murdered her husbands and you’ve got something a lot like this book, which I found captivating and super fun. It’s definitely heavy on moral greyness and “women’s wrongs,” which I personally love, and the ending made me gasp more than once.
This is more mystery/suspense than “thriller” in my opinion, so know going in that it’s a bit of a slow burn as things unfold…but I was genuinely hooked from the beginning, and I highly recommend this one!
CW: Death/murder; domestic abuse/physical abuse; kidnapping/missing child; mentions of suicide
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Murder, Kidnapping, Violence, Child death, Death, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, and Physical abuse