Nilufer Ozmekik's Reviews > The Heiress

Oh my goodness! This book is a brilliantly smart and extremely addictive read that you won't be able to put down. With unexpected twists and heart-throbbing pacing, it draws you into a captivating mystery set within the claustrophobic Ashby House. The secrets hidden behind its closed doors, along with its notorious and heartless inhabitants, add to the intrigue. And let's not forget Ruby McTavish, also known as "Lady Kill-more," whose unreliable, sarcastic, and intimidating personality seals the deal.

I must admit, after reading the author's previous work, "Wife Upstairs," I didn't enjoy their subsequent releases as much. However, with this ominous and engaging thriller, they have made a triumphant return. The story is filled with intertwined mysteries that fit together like puzzle pieces, making you want to read faster to uncover the big secrets.

The narrative unfolds through three distinct points of view. First, there's Camden, an orphan boy who unexpectedly inherits a nine-figure fortune from the McTavish family. His decision to reject the family's money and sever ties with his living relatives may be scandalous or considered a foolish move. He moves to Colorado, becomes a teacher, lives in a small rental with his wife, and never looks back. That is until his cousin Ben, his childhood tormentor and a pretentious bully, contacts him after his father's death to deal with the family's problems.

Our second point of view is Jules, Camden's beautiful and supportive wife. She finally sees a glimmer of hope when her husband decides to return to Ashby House. Having grown up in poverty and working a dead-end job at a museum, where she portrays historical figures by churning butter for tourists, Jules yearns for the wealth and lifestyle they deserve.

The third perspective connects with readers through the letters left behind by Ruby McTavish, the infamous heiress and presumed husband killer. Ruby's four husbands mysteriously died under suspicious circumstances, but her family's money silenced any further investigations.

The story introduces us to other estranged family members, including cousin Ben, an estate lawyer who wears fake smiles and has unnaturally white teeth, and his sister Libby, a spoiled and cunning woman willing to go to great lengths to claim her share of the inheritance. We also meet great aunt Nelle, Ruby's resentful sister, who has harbored jealousy towards Ruby for years and doesn't hide her disdain for Camden's existence.

Behind the closed doors of Ashby House, numerous secrets lurk. Is Ruby truly a cold-blooded killer? Or is she a miracle child who was kidnapped at the age of three, only to be found living with another family who insisted she was their daughter?

But these aren't the only secrets that will upend the delicate balance between family members. Each character hides larger truths that have the power to change their entire lives, including Camden and Jules, who may seem better than the McTavish clan but have their own skeletons in the closet.

Expect the unexpected as you dive into this gripping read. It will keep you on your toes, and you'll find yourself wanting to devour it in one sitting, even if it means staying up all night. In my opinion, this is the author's best work yet.

I would like to express my gratitude to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with a digital reviewer copy of this brilliant read in exchange for my honest thoughts.

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