Scan barcode
theinstabookworm's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-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
3.0
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an e-ARC of THE HEIRESS by Rachel Hawkins in exchange for my review. This book releases on Tues. Jan. 9th.
THE GOOD: The best part of this story comes after the 70% mark. I did not see the twist coming and loved everything after that point.
THE BAD: I think I might stick to this author's romances under her pen name, Erin Sterling, if I decide to keep reading books by her. I found the writing in this to be pretentious, even for a book called THE HEIRESS. It was a *very* slow-burn for a book just over 300 pages. The multiple husbands trope was giving Evelyn Hugo vibes, but sinister, and I'm not sure how I feel about that.
THE GOOD: The best part of this story comes after the 70% mark. I did not see the twist coming and loved everything after that point.
THE BAD: I think I might stick to this author's romances under her pen name, Erin Sterling, if I decide to keep reading books by her. I found the writing in this to be pretentious, even for a book called THE HEIRESS. It was a *very* slow-burn for a book just over 300 pages. The multiple husbands trope was giving Evelyn Hugo vibes, but sinister, and I'm not sure how I feel about that.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, and Murder
iamnita's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
As a big fan of The Wife Upstairs (top book of the year that year) and let down by Reckless Girls I was very unsure how this would go. I'd say the formula is back for sure. Once I started reading it, I had a hard time putting it down and found myself trying to figure out the relationships and the connections and the story whenever I wasn't reading it. While the layers were in some ways predictable (I've read a few thrillers in my day), I was never disappointed by them, and in fact was happy the story went the way it did. It never got into outlandish or goofy territory (the land of disbelief) which I so so so so personally appreciate. The multiple perspectives, and the multimedia throughout made this an absolute gem and an absolute banger to start my year on!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism
Moderate: Terminal illness, Blood, Chronic illness, and Domestic abuse
Minor: Alcohol, Alcoholism, Drug use, Violence, Mental illness, Gore, Murder, Physical abuse, Gun violence, Death of parent, Drug abuse, Suicide, Infidelity, Death, and Fire/Fire injury
booksinbama's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
fast-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? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Murder
keepmebelieving's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Rachel Hawkins is back, and this might be her best yet. Full of the twist and turns we’ve come to love about Rachel’s storytelling, The Heiress had me gripped from the beginning and I couldn’t put it down.
After inheriting his late adopted zillionaire mother’s estate, Cam left it all behind. Ten years later, he and his wife Jules are finally going back to settle things with his estranged remaining family and the darkness that he left behind.
It is told from 3 perspectives: Cam, Jules, and his mother Ruby. Ruby’s parts are told through letters she wrote about her life and are very reminiscent of TJR’s Evelyn Hugo. I couldn’t get enough of them. The book is a perfect mix of modern-day time along with the gilded age of old money royalty in the mid-20th century.
The Heiress comes out January 4th.
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the advanced reader’s copy of this!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Alcoholism
katefrost's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This book was so dark and twisty — some twists you see coming, and others build throughout.
I usually struggle to enjoy books without a character to root for— I won’t get into why that wasn’t this book, for spoiler related reasons. Everyone had a slightly villainous bent, but where that usually puts me off, I found I really wanted to know how the story would unfold, so found myself reading it whenever I could.
I’ve spent a lot of time in the mountains of NC and the author gets the the feel and the mannerisms completely right in my mind. If she hadn’t specified, I probably still would have linked it to that area in my mind.
I loved that she punctuated first person narrated chapters with letters, newspaper clippings, magazine interviews.
While I can’t say the characters felt particularly fleshed out, more like caricatures of grasping, dilettante relatives, that didn’t feel like the point. It felt more like the generational wealth of Ashby House itself was a character, corrupting everyone who touched it, in their own ways. The main driver of the plot is the way each of the characters is plotting against and for others; and watching that maneuvering play out was the major payoff.
I’d recommend this to people who like books that include correspondence, unreliable narrators, gothic horror, a whodunit vibe, and who don’t mind casual mariticide (none of the descriptions are particularly gruesome for what that’s worth). I would not recommend this to people looking for lovable or charmingly flawed characters — that’s just not this book. But gosh I sure couldn’t put it down!
I usually struggle to enjoy books without a character to root for— I won’t get into why that wasn’t this book, for spoiler related reasons. Everyone had a slightly villainous bent, but where that usually puts me off, I found I really wanted to know how the story would unfold, so found myself reading it whenever I could.
I’ve spent a lot of time in the mountains of NC and the author gets the the feel and the mannerisms completely right in my mind. If she hadn’t specified, I probably still would have linked it to that area in my mind.
I loved that she punctuated first person narrated chapters with letters, newspaper clippings, magazine interviews.
While I can’t say the characters felt particularly fleshed out, more like caricatures of grasping, dilettante relatives, that didn’t feel like the point. It felt more like the generational wealth of Ashby House itself was a character, corrupting everyone who touched it, in their own ways. The main driver of the plot is the way each of the characters is plotting against and for others; and watching that maneuvering play out was the major payoff.
I’d recommend this to people who like books that include correspondence, unreliable narrators, gothic horror, a whodunit vibe, and who don’t mind casual mariticide (none of the descriptions are particularly gruesome for what that’s worth). I would not recommend this to people looking for lovable or charmingly flawed characters — that’s just not this book. But gosh I sure couldn’t put it down!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Classism
Minor: Fire/Fire injury, Domestic abuse, and Murder
chronicallyplotting's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Ruby McTavish better known for her unfortunate kidnapping when she was a child… and the untimely deaths of her… four husbands; lived what some would say a hard life, aside from her family being the wealthiest one in North Carolina. Her son Cam and his wife Jules are led back to Ashby House after the Uncle’s Passing to settle some of the affairs. But as time passes more of Ruby’s and other’s secrets unfold. Secrets that even money can’t hide or heal.
This book was absolutely amazing. The character dynamics and plot twists are so woven together perfectly that it is impossible to put this book down! I didn’t know which characters to love, hate or trust. There were so many twists and secrets that every character seemed to have that it seemed impossible to guess them all. Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcohol, Blood, Domestic abuse, Death, Grief, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Fire/Fire injury, Kidnapping, and Murder
time4tori2read's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-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
3.0
Surprisingly, this was my first novel by Rachel Hawkins, and the premise of The Heiress was intriguing enough to me that I kept returning to unravel this dark family drama with secrets and mystery surrounding it.
The multiple perspectives told in first person moved the story along, yet it could have been better if there had been more distinction in voice/writing style between the two main protagonists-- I really wanted more from Cam and Jules while they're at Ashby House with Cam's family. Additionally, I did like the use of different formats for the reader to unravel the mystery and intrigue that was Ruby McTavish - even though Ruby had been dead before the story started, we still come to understand her motives through letters as well as additional magazine and newspaper articles.
The setting of Ashby House was very atmospheric, and The Heiress could have been elevated if the house was capitalized on more -- the house has as much personality, intrigue, and secrets as all the characters involved.
The plot also left something to be desired. Even though I haven't read any of Rachel Hawkins's other works, I've heard enough to know that she usually packs a story full of intrigue and twists. Unfortunately, for me, this just didn't match up to what I expected. It felt a bit forced and unfinished -- especially with that ending, but that may be me as a reader wanting a bigger reveal and resolution, especially in a suspense/thriller.
Overall, I enjoyed it, but this is not going to be a favorite that I'm revisiting or raving about. It's a quick, easy read - perfect for a weekend getaway or a summer break.
The multiple perspectives told in first person moved the story along, yet it could have been better if there had been more distinction in voice/writing style between the two main protagonists-- I really wanted more from Cam and Jules while they're at Ashby House with Cam's family. Additionally, I did like the use of different formats for the reader to unravel the mystery and intrigue that was Ruby McTavish - even though Ruby had been dead before the story started, we still come to understand her motives through letters as well as additional magazine and newspaper articles.
The setting of Ashby House was very atmospheric, and The Heiress could have been elevated if the house was capitalized on more -- the house has as much personality, intrigue, and secrets as all the characters involved.
The plot also left something to be desired. Even though I haven't read any of Rachel Hawkins's other works, I've heard enough to know that she usually packs a story full of intrigue and twists. Unfortunately, for me, this just didn't match up to what I expected. It felt a bit forced and unfinished -- especially with that ending, but that may be me as a reader wanting a bigger reveal and resolution, especially in a suspense/thriller.
Overall, I enjoyed it, but this is not going to be a favorite that I'm revisiting or raving about. It's a quick, easy read - perfect for a weekend getaway or a summer break.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder, Classism, Death, and Domestic abuse
Minor: Pregnancy and Car accident
hilaryreads89's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
🪴 Family Estate, Family Drama, Family Secrets 🪴
Cam wanted to escape his lavish, southern estate wrapped in family drama and the secrets wrapped up in its walls. Following some family deaths (his uncle and his mother, Ruby), his wife, Jules, encourages his return to wrap up some loose ends. The twisty secrets that follow keep everyone on their toes.
❤️ The atmosphere of this story steals the show! I loved the descriptions of the Ashby House and the surrounding area.
❤️ The mysteries unfolding from Ruby's past and the characters' secrets in the present day created a multilayered story.
The twists were natural and progressed through the story. Some reveals were predictable as Hawkins left us just enough breadcrumbs to follow. Each twist was perfectly placed and her chapter endings kept me wanting to read late into the night.
📖 Compulsively readable. I could not put this story down. The short chapters and unique format kept me reading. Hawkins weaves in letters from Ruby, news stories, and chapters from both Cam's and Jules' points of view. These were well-balanced and easy to follow!
🪴 Readers who enjoy family drama, gothic stories, twisty thrillers, and maybe a little Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo vibes will love this one! I have previously read The WIfe Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins and found that The Heiress was a more robust and enjoyable read for me!
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this title prior to publication day in the form of an eARC, it was a joy to read and review!
Cam wanted to escape his lavish, southern estate wrapped in family drama and the secrets wrapped up in its walls. Following some family deaths (his uncle and his mother, Ruby), his wife, Jules, encourages his return to wrap up some loose ends. The twisty secrets that follow keep everyone on their toes.
❤️ The atmosphere of this story steals the show! I loved the descriptions of the Ashby House and the surrounding area.
❤️ The mysteries unfolding from Ruby's past and the characters' secrets in the present day created a multilayered story.
The twists were natural and progressed through the story. Some reveals were predictable as Hawkins left us just enough breadcrumbs to follow. Each twist was perfectly placed and her chapter endings kept me wanting to read late into the night.
📖 Compulsively readable. I could not put this story down. The short chapters and unique format kept me reading. Hawkins weaves in letters from Ruby, news stories, and chapters from both Cam's and Jules' points of view. These were well-balanced and easy to follow!
🪴 Readers who enjoy family drama, gothic stories, twisty thrillers, and maybe a little Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo vibes will love this one! I have previously read The WIfe Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins and found that The Heiress was a more robust and enjoyable read for me!
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this title prior to publication day in the form of an eARC, it was a joy to read and review!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Kidnapping and Domestic abuse
torturedreadersdept's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Abandonment, Blood, Bullying, Child abuse, Classism, Dysphoria, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Pregnancy, Alcohol, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Suicide, Body horror, Cursing, Death of parent, Grief, Kidnapping, and Toxic relationship
More...