Review | The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins
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The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins
2024 Publication Date: January 9
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐
Best Domestic Thriller Books
Table of Contents
T.I.M.E. BEST BOOK REVIEW
An Engrossing Domestic Thrillers Novel That Does Not Disappoint...
Searching for domestic thrillers that will keep you on the edge of your seat? Look no further than The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins. As a thriller enthusiast, I was excited to get my hands on the latest Rachel Hawkins book, and it did not disappoint. From the very first page, I was hooked on the story of an heiress with a family history haunted by tragedy.
Set in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, The Heiress is a domestic thriller that spans from the 1940s to contemporary times. It tells the story of a wealthy family in the South and the secrets they keep hidden from each other and the world. The protagonist, Ruby, is a complex character with a secret past that slowly unravels throughout the book. The impeccable writing style of Rachel Hawkins makes it hard to put the book down, and you'll find yourself engulfed in the twists and turns of the characters' lives.
This book takes readers on a suspenseful ride through generations of secrets and lies... And the ride never takes the foot off the gas pedal!
Plot Points
The Heiress follows the story of Ruby McTavish Callahan Woodward Miller Kenmore, (yep... you read that right!) an heiress to a family fortune and a "lovely wife with a wonderful husband" turned widow four times over. Despite her privileged upbringing and seemingly perfect life, Ruby's life has been marked by tragedy and complicated by the intricacies of what uber-rich money can do to a family as the line of inheritance cuts through family members like a sword.
Standout Features of The Heiress...
• Multiple Timelines and Perspectives
One of the things I loved most about this book is the way it weaves together multiple timelines and perspectives. The story moves seamlessly between Ruby's present-day life and the past events that lead to the current circumstances... While masterfully weaving in the timelines and perspectives of her adopted son, Cam, and his wife, Jules.
This structure not only adds to the suspense but also allows readers to understand the complex motivations and relationships between the characters without having "all the details" displayed at once like breadcrumbs.
• Remote Mountain Setting and Atmosphere
The setting of the Blue Ridge Mountains is also a standout feature of The Heiress. Hawkins does an excellent job of bringing the landscape to life, describing the lush setting in vivid detail. The sense of place is especially important in a thriller like this, where the isolation of the remote mountain estate adds to the tension and unease.
One of the most captivating things about The Heiress is also the sense of atmosphere the setting creates along with the author's descriptions of the societal events that transport the reader to the story's specific time period and location.
As a reader, you feel like you are a part of the story, and this immersive experience adds to the suspense and thrill of the book.
• Fascinating Main Characters
Another strength of The Heiress is the character development. Ruby is a fascinating protagonist, a mix of vulnerability and resilience. As the story unravels the secrets of her family's past, she also confronts her own demons and ultimately finds a sense of closure... though "closure" is a deceptive concept within this story.
Let's just say you might come away with a new perspective on what it might take to keep a perfect marriage alive! A thrilling "behind closed doors" peek of a newspaper headline that could read... "Golden Couple Love Story Goes Terribly Wrong!"...
The characters in the story are multi-dimensional and well-developed, each with their own set of motivations and secrets. The supporting cast, especially the fascinating adopted son, Cam (and Ruby's sole heir), along with his wife, Jules, are equally well-drawn and add layers of intrigue to the story.
• Suspenseful Themes Filled With Secrets
As a domestic thriller, The Heiress explores themes such as class, family dynamics, and the lengths people will go to protect their secrets and the illusions of a happy family living a perfect life... And when large amounts of money are at stake, the gloves are always off!
There are moments in The Heiress that will leave you gasping in shock and others that will tug at your heartstrings. The twists and turns of the story keep you on edge till the very end as the concept of prime suspect evades you... With an ending that is satisfying and well-crafted, it provides a thought-provoking insight into human nature and the complex relationships we form with the people we love.
EPILOGUE
The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins is an unputdownable domestic thriller that deserves to be on every book lover's reading list. The author's writing style, the atmospheric setting, and the well-developed characters, along with the intriguing plot, make this book an absolute delight to read.
If you're looking for a thrilling read that will keep you hooked from start to finish, I recommend The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins. This highly anticipated novel has already received buzz as one of the best thriller books of the year and was named one of my T.I.M.E.'s Best Books by Genre and Most Anticipated Books of 2024.
Perfect for readers who enjoy suspense, mystery, and drama... And a must-read book for anyone looking for an escape from reality... Just what you need for either fireside or beachside reading.
With all the elements of a good domestic thriller – hiding secrets, lies, family drama, and a stunning isolated setting – it also offers so much more that will resonate with you long after you finish. Because at the heart of the story is the importance of facing the truth and the freedom that comes from letting go of the past.
Curl up with a cup of tea and prepare to be transported to the world of Ashby House – you won't regret it... And you certainly won't regret never having lived there yourself!... ✨😎✨
BOOK DETAILS
Genre: Best Thriller Books
Sub-Genre: Best Domestic Thriller Books
Time Period: 1940 thru Contemporary
Location: North Carolina | Blue Ridge Mountains
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
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♡ Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.
BOOK SYNOPSIS
A gothic suspense novel that unravels the dark secrets surrounding an infamous heiress and the complex legacy and inheritance she left behind...
Ruby McTavish Callahan Woodward Miller Kenmore, known for her wealth and scandalous past, ruled the charming town of Tavistock from her family's grand estate, Ashby House, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.
After her passing, her adopted son and sole heir, Camden, distanced himself from the family, the money and the estate, pursuing a quiet life as an English teacher in Colorado alongside his wife Jules, who also seeks solace from her troubled history.
However, ten years later, Cam and Jules are drawn back to Ashby House. Despite the breathtaking views and timeless elegance, the presence of Ruby still looms large, gripping them with unanswered questions.
As Jules and Cam dig deeper into Ruby's past, they realize that the inheritance extends beyond mere material possessions. Family ties stretch far beyond the grave, forcing them to confront their own demons and challenging the perceptions they once held of their twisted legacy.
BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION
The power of family and its impact on individuals...
Throughout the book, we see how the legacy of the McTavish family affects each character in different ways. From Ruby's mysterious past to Cam's struggle with his identity as an adopted son, the complex dynamics of this family shape their actions and decisions.
The consequences of keeping secrets...
The Heiress delves into the theme of secrets and their destructive nature. Each character has something to hide, and as the story progresses, the consequences of these lies start to unravel.
The importance of facing the truth...
In this book, we see how facing the truth can bring closure and healing... or not. As Jules and Cam uncover the secrets of their past, they are forced to confront their fears and insecurities. It is only by facing these truths that they can move on from the traumas of their pasts and find peace in the present.
BOOK QUOTE
“I know my end is coming — soon for some, I suppose, but right on time for me...” — The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins
Rachel Hawkins | Photo by John Hawkins
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
RACHEL HAWKINS has been writing since Kindergarten when her first book, a tense thriller involving a unicorn, a witch, and a princess, was called, “very imaginative!” by her teacher and “a searing work of genius” by her mother.
Since then, Rachel has written over a dozen books for children and adults (sadly all unicorn-free thus far), and been published in more than twenty countries. As Rachel Hawkins, she wrote the New York Times bestselling THE WIFE UPSTAIRS, RECKLESS GIRLS and THE VILLA.
When not writing modern Gothic thrillers as Rachel Hawkins, she also pens paranormal romantic comedies under the name Erin Sterling.
Rachel currently lives in Auburn, Alabama with her husband, son, and five cats. (Yes, five. She knows.). In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, and picking up an assortment of creative hobbies she will give up on after a week or two.
Learn more online at Rachel Hawkins
More T.I.M.E. Book Reviews on Rachel Hawkins Books…
The Villa by Rachel Hawkins ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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