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ieemee's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This book was so much more intense that I thought.
More True Crime than Agatha Christie Mystery. While the family is wealthy it doesn’t give you the same feeling / expose of privileged children in Pineapple street etc. Story is told from the perspective of the adopted son, who is an outsider to this privilege. Story is also much more psychotic than I thought it was gonna be.The matriarch is far more toxic than expected. The fact that she hires the MC’s wife to be his love interest. But then they both fall in love with each other during the time spent pretending. The dark undertone runs deep in other ways like that the child retrieved from the woods might not be the actual Ruby. Strong looks at the dark element of manipulation in such a wealthy family.
More True Crime than Agatha Christie Mystery. While the family is wealthy it doesn’t give you the same feeling / expose of privileged children in Pineapple street etc. Story is told from the perspective of the adopted son, who is an outsider to this privilege. Story is also much more psychotic than I thought it was gonna be.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping, Violence, Murder, and Toxic relationship
aileron'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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Death, Drug abuse, Kidnapping, Murder, and Suicide
Moderate: Blood, Incest, Violence, Domestic abuse, Alcoholism, Physical abuse, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Car accident and Addiction
dkh's review
dark
mysterious
tense
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Physical abuse, Violence, Alcoholism, Emotional abuse, and Domestic abuse
kelly_e's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Title: The Heiress
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Genre: Thriller
Rating: 3.00
Pub Date: January 9, 2024
I received a complimentary ALC from Macmillan Audio via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #Gifted #Ad
T H R E E • W O R D S
Ominous • Entertaining • Predictable
📖 S Y N O P S I S
When Ruby McTavish Callahan Woodward Miller Kenmore dies, she's not only North Carolina's richest woman, she's also its most notorious. The victim of a famous kidnapping as a child and a widow four times over, Ruby ruled the tiny town of Tavistock from Ashby House, her family's estate high in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
But in the aftermath of her death, her adopted son, Camden, wants little to do with the house or the money—and even less to do with the surviving McTavishes. Instead, he rejects his inheritance, settling into a normal life as an English teacher in Colorado and marrying Jules, a woman just as eager to escape her own messy past.
Ten years later, his uncle's death pulls Cam and Jules back into the family fold at Ashby House. Its views are just as stunning as ever, its rooms just as elegant, but the legacy of Ruby is inescapable.
Soon, Jules and Cam realize that an inheritance can entail far more than what's written in a will––and that the bonds of family stretch far beyond the grave.
💭 T H O U G H T S
I have certainly seen all of the hype and love for Rachel Hawkins, yet I had never been inclined to pick one up for myself, until now. Why now? There was an intense discussion about her books at one of my in-person book club meetings that piqued my curiosity. Not really knowing where to start I decided to go with her most recent The Heiress.
Told in multiple POVs, this novel read like it was trying to be The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo's (a book I loved) suspenseful cousin. Because of this fact nothing felt original and it was easy to predict the twists and turns. The characters were all kind of icky and engaged in questionable behaviour.
My favourite aspect of the book were the letter from Ruby. This element allowed me to get a glimpse into Ruby's mind, despite her being dead. Additionally, the audiobook narrated by a full cast of Dan Bittner, Eliza Fossn John Pirhallan and Patti Murin, added so much personality to the characters. The standout in the narration was Ruby's voice. I will say the pacing of the narration is very slow and one that will likely need to be sped up.
In my opinion, The Heiress was yet another run-of-the-mill domestic suspense that was entertaining while reading, yet nothing really shocking happens and it's not something I will remember a week or two from now. I would definitely give this author another chance and can understand why there is so much love for her books.
📚 R E A D • I F • Y O U • L I K E
• isolated settings
• gothic elements
• inheritance plot lines
⚠️ CW: kidnapping, toxic relationship, domestic abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse, alcohol, death, death of parent, violence, gun violence, murder, fire/fire injury, adoption, cursing, suicide, classism, mental illness, alcoholism, drug abuse, injury/injury detail, pregnancy
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"There should be some kind of warning when your life is about to change forever."
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Genre: Thriller
Rating: 3.00
Pub Date: January 9, 2024
I received a complimentary ALC from Macmillan Audio via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #Gifted #Ad
T H R E E • W O R D S
Ominous • Entertaining • Predictable
📖 S Y N O P S I S
When Ruby McTavish Callahan Woodward Miller Kenmore dies, she's not only North Carolina's richest woman, she's also its most notorious. The victim of a famous kidnapping as a child and a widow four times over, Ruby ruled the tiny town of Tavistock from Ashby House, her family's estate high in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
But in the aftermath of her death, her adopted son, Camden, wants little to do with the house or the money—and even less to do with the surviving McTavishes. Instead, he rejects his inheritance, settling into a normal life as an English teacher in Colorado and marrying Jules, a woman just as eager to escape her own messy past.
Ten years later, his uncle's death pulls Cam and Jules back into the family fold at Ashby House. Its views are just as stunning as ever, its rooms just as elegant, but the legacy of Ruby is inescapable.
Soon, Jules and Cam realize that an inheritance can entail far more than what's written in a will––and that the bonds of family stretch far beyond the grave.
💭 T H O U G H T S
I have certainly seen all of the hype and love for Rachel Hawkins, yet I had never been inclined to pick one up for myself, until now. Why now? There was an intense discussion about her books at one of my in-person book club meetings that piqued my curiosity. Not really knowing where to start I decided to go with her most recent The Heiress.
Told in multiple POVs, this novel read like it was trying to be The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo's (a book I loved) suspenseful cousin. Because of this fact nothing felt original and it was easy to predict the twists and turns. The characters were all kind of icky and engaged in questionable behaviour.
My favourite aspect of the book were the letter from Ruby. This element allowed me to get a glimpse into Ruby's mind, despite her being dead. Additionally, the audiobook narrated by a full cast of Dan Bittner, Eliza Fossn John Pirhallan and Patti Murin, added so much personality to the characters. The standout in the narration was Ruby's voice. I will say the pacing of the narration is very slow and one that will likely need to be sped up.
In my opinion, The Heiress was yet another run-of-the-mill domestic suspense that was entertaining while reading, yet nothing really shocking happens and it's not something I will remember a week or two from now. I would definitely give this author another chance and can understand why there is so much love for her books.
📚 R E A D • I F • Y O U • L I K E
• isolated settings
• gothic elements
• inheritance plot lines
⚠️ CW: kidnapping, toxic relationship, domestic abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse, alcohol, death, death of parent, violence, gun violence, murder, fire/fire injury, adoption, cursing, suicide, classism, mental illness, alcoholism, drug abuse, injury/injury detail, pregnancy
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"There should be some kind of warning when your life is about to change forever."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Violence, Gun violence, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Kidnapping, Alcohol, Death of parent, Death, and Cursing
Minor: Drug abuse, Pregnancy, Suicide, Classism, Alcoholism, Mental illness, and Injury/Injury detail
adoptiondulcyj's review
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Death of parent, Pregnancy, and Vomit
ajdurner's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Violence, Kidnapping, and Murder
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
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
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
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