A review by astoriareader
The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins

dark mysterious tense fast-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

4.0

SYNOPSIS
  • Ruby McTavish, an extremely wealthy woman in North Carolina, died 10 years ago and left her fortune and her mountainous estate, Ashby House, to her adopted son, Camden aka Cam.
  • Cam seemingly has no interest in moving into Ruby’s mansion or using her funds, as he is living in Colorado with his wife Jules. He also wants little to do with the surviving members of the McTavish family.
  • When one of the McTavish clan reaches out to Cam, he decides it is time to face the North Carolina past. Jules & Cam venture from Colorado to Ashby House in Tavistock, North Carolina.

MY THOUGHTS
  • I found this very easy to read, and I was interested in seeing how it all played out. 
  • Three POVs (Cam, Jules, and Ruby). Ruby’s POV is via old letters to an unknown person. There’s also some mixed media throughout (e.g., newspaper articles).
  • I thoroughly enjoyed reading Ruby’s POV. We learn a lot about her childhood, her marriages, her many dead husbands, and her secrets. 
  • The book reminded me in some ways of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, but not as good. Also, the movie Saltburn. 
  • Lots of secrets & unlikeable characters.
  • Loved the family drama & dysfunctional family vibes. Basically, people battling over Ruby’s estate.
  • Not a fan of the ending. Felt really rushed & not satisfying.  
  • Easy to get into & I enjoyed the book overall. Wouldn’t really characterize this book as a thriller though.

TL;DR: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Saltburn + The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo vibes. Ultra wealthy family fighting over estate in a mansion in the mountains in North Carolina. Easy to get into & an entertaining read. Not a fan of the ending though & lots of unlikeable characters.
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