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The Inheritance
Most family reunions end in tears. This one will end in murder.
Meet the Agarwals, who have gathered on a private, luxury island off the west coast of Scotland for a much-anticipated family reunion.
Raj, the patriarch and a business tycoon, is about to announce to his wife and three children the succession plan for his multimillon-dollar Delhi-based company. Shalini, the fragile matriarch, is ready to have her husband to herself after years of sacrifice to the family business. Myra, the golden child, owner of the island and host of the reunion, is, unbeknownst to her family, on the brink of bankruptcy. Aseem, the son and supposed heir, is torn between his love for his wife and his duty to family. Aisha, the youngest, a party girl whose antics are legendary, can’t pass up an opportunity to wreak havoc. And then there’s Zoe, Aseem’s wife, the outsider whose #InstaPerfect life is built on a foundation of lies.
They’ve all got secrets they would die to protect. Who will survive this high-stakes reunion, and who will become a victim of their own greed? One thing is this family gathering will shatter more than just their illusions of unity.
Meet the Agarwals, who have gathered on a private, luxury island off the west coast of Scotland for a much-anticipated family reunion.
Raj, the patriarch and a business tycoon, is about to announce to his wife and three children the succession plan for his multimillon-dollar Delhi-based company. Shalini, the fragile matriarch, is ready to have her husband to herself after years of sacrifice to the family business. Myra, the golden child, owner of the island and host of the reunion, is, unbeknownst to her family, on the brink of bankruptcy. Aseem, the son and supposed heir, is torn between his love for his wife and his duty to family. Aisha, the youngest, a party girl whose antics are legendary, can’t pass up an opportunity to wreak havoc. And then there’s Zoe, Aseem’s wife, the outsider whose #InstaPerfect life is built on a foundation of lies.
They’ve all got secrets they would die to protect. Who will survive this high-stakes reunion, and who will become a victim of their own greed? One thing is this family gathering will shatter more than just their illusions of unity.
432 pages, Hardcover
First published January 21, 2025
788 people are currently reading
59050 people want to read
About the author
Trisha Sakhlecha
5 books324 followersTrisha Sakhlecha grew up in New Delhi and now lives in London. She works in fashion and is a graduate of the acclaimed Faber Academy writing course. In the past, Trisha has worked as a designer, trend forecaster, and lecturer. Your Truth or Mine? is her first novel.
Learn more about Trisha on trishasakhlecha.com or on Instagram @trishasakhlecha
Learn more about Trisha on trishasakhlecha.com or on Instagram @trishasakhlecha
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,942 reviews
July 21, 2025
Psst! My bookish friends, stop what you're doing, cancel your plans, and dive into this book without even reading the blurb—just take my word for it! This is an incredibly smart, twisty, and disturbing read. It's not your usual formulated locked-room mystery but a perfect dysfunctional family saga—a well-executed domestic thriller that made my blood run cold. The characters go to great lengths to protect their secrets in the name of saving their family, showing how greed blurs the lines and how the thirst for power brings out the caged animal instincts people have hidden for years.
It's raw, realistic, harsh, and shocking! The cold-hearted confrontations between family members, each with their secret agendas and expert use of gaslighting, increase the tension. As the story unfolds, you find yourself disliking each character more, and the surprising revelations pull the rug out from under you just when you think they can't possibly cross another line—but they do.
The Agarwal family reminds you of an Asian version of Succession's Roy family. There's Raj, a powerful patriarch and merciless business mogul father leading a multimillion-dollar Delhi-based company. He's about to hand out the company shares and resign after suffering a stroke (much like Logan Roy in Succession). His sacrificing, fragile wife Shalini (or is she?) does everything in her power to bring a happy family life to their children and support his wishes.
They're planning to sell the company to their rivals for a handsome price. To distribute the shares equally among their three children, they're combining the process with Raj and Shalini's forty-year wedding anniversary, celebrated on a luxury island off the west coast of Scotland, recently bought by their eldest, golden child, Myra.
Myra hosts the reunion, intending to ask for extra money to renovate the estate and open it to the public. She has a big secret besides her failing financial situation. Her brother Aseem, who took over his father's position in the company after Raj's health deteriorated, is married to Zoe, a popular influencer and the family's outcast, chosen by Aseem over an arranged marriage. Aisha, the youngest child in her mid-twenties, who introduced Zoe to Aseem, plans to surprise her family by bringing her boyfriend Gabe, a successful tech entrepreneur. This feeds suspicion that he must be after her money.
The story is told from Zoe and Myra's points of view. Both are dealing with their own demons and harboring secrets. Myra grapples with a broken heart after a failed relationship and losing her baby, while Zoe is overwhelmed by living with her in-laws in New Delhi and dealing with Shalini's controlling nature.
From the beginning, we know one of them is dead. But who? Each character is merciless and will do anything to protect what they have, even if it means crossing dark lines in the name of family.
Who is dead? Who is the perpetrator? What really happens behind the closed doors of the Agarwal family?
Overall, this book is brilliant, breathtaking, and unputdownable! It has earned my blazing five stars for a deadly dysfunctional family saga!
Many thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Viking/Pamela Dorman Books for providing this amazing thriller's digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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It's raw, realistic, harsh, and shocking! The cold-hearted confrontations between family members, each with their secret agendas and expert use of gaslighting, increase the tension. As the story unfolds, you find yourself disliking each character more, and the surprising revelations pull the rug out from under you just when you think they can't possibly cross another line—but they do.
The Agarwal family reminds you of an Asian version of Succession's Roy family. There's Raj, a powerful patriarch and merciless business mogul father leading a multimillion-dollar Delhi-based company. He's about to hand out the company shares and resign after suffering a stroke (much like Logan Roy in Succession). His sacrificing, fragile wife Shalini (or is she?) does everything in her power to bring a happy family life to their children and support his wishes.
They're planning to sell the company to their rivals for a handsome price. To distribute the shares equally among their three children, they're combining the process with Raj and Shalini's forty-year wedding anniversary, celebrated on a luxury island off the west coast of Scotland, recently bought by their eldest, golden child, Myra.
Myra hosts the reunion, intending to ask for extra money to renovate the estate and open it to the public. She has a big secret besides her failing financial situation. Her brother Aseem, who took over his father's position in the company after Raj's health deteriorated, is married to Zoe, a popular influencer and the family's outcast, chosen by Aseem over an arranged marriage. Aisha, the youngest child in her mid-twenties, who introduced Zoe to Aseem, plans to surprise her family by bringing her boyfriend Gabe, a successful tech entrepreneur. This feeds suspicion that he must be after her money.
The story is told from Zoe and Myra's points of view. Both are dealing with their own demons and harboring secrets. Myra grapples with a broken heart after a failed relationship and losing her baby, while Zoe is overwhelmed by living with her in-laws in New Delhi and dealing with Shalini's controlling nature.
From the beginning, we know one of them is dead. But who? Each character is merciless and will do anything to protect what they have, even if it means crossing dark lines in the name of family.
Who is dead? Who is the perpetrator? What really happens behind the closed doors of the Agarwal family?
Overall, this book is brilliant, breathtaking, and unputdownable! It has earned my blazing five stars for a deadly dysfunctional family saga!
Many thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Viking/Pamela Dorman Books for providing this amazing thriller's digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
medium blog
January 3, 2025
If you enjoy locked room mysteries and family drama, then look no further than
The Inheritance
by Trisha Sakhlecha. This novel takes place on the private island of Kilbryde, located off the coast of Scotland. The Agarwals have gathered for a family reunion to celebrate their parents’ fortieth anniversary and their father’s retirement and succession plan for his billion-dollar Delhi-based company.
Ray is the business tycoon. Shalini is his somewhat fragile wife. Myra, the oldest child, owns the private island and is hosting the celebration. Aseem, the son and supposed heir, is torn between his love for his wife and his duty to his family. Aisha, the youngest child, is a party girl. Zoe is Aseem’s wife and has always felt like an outsider. She’s a social media influencer and Aisha is her best friend. However, everything is not perfect in this family. They’ve all got secrets that they would die to protect. Who will survive and what secrets will be revealed?
The author does a great job on characterization and world-building. It was easy to visualize each person and the island. Combining multiple mysteries, secrets, and family dynamics made this a fascinating story. Add to this, the island’s dark history and severe storms, and readers will experience a wild ride.
The story is told from the alternating viewpoints of Zoe and Myra, with a few snippets from “now,” but most of the story is from “before” an event happens on the island. While this is not my favorite style of writing, it worked reasonably well. However, it did adversely affect the pacing of the novel.
It was fascinating to watch the conflicts unfold and readers learn the backstories and secrets of each family member. This gave a fantastic insight into their behaviors and actions towards the other family members. I enjoyed how the author brought in threads to the plot that hinted at things to be unraveled, but I did not see the ending come. That was a wake-up call surprise. Various themes are woven into the story including meddlesome and intrusive family members, loneliness, grief, obligation, guilt, strategy, murder, love, money, control, secrets, motives, protecting others, and much more.
Overall, this was a twisty and fascinating look at family dynamics and secrets between members of a wealthy but dysfunctional family. The book did a great job of giving the reader plenty of interesting, but not very likeable characters, and a rich storyline.
PENQUIN GROUP Viking – Pamela Dorman Books and Trisha Sakhlecha provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for January 21, 2025. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 3.8 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
Ray is the business tycoon. Shalini is his somewhat fragile wife. Myra, the oldest child, owns the private island and is hosting the celebration. Aseem, the son and supposed heir, is torn between his love for his wife and his duty to his family. Aisha, the youngest child, is a party girl. Zoe is Aseem’s wife and has always felt like an outsider. She’s a social media influencer and Aisha is her best friend. However, everything is not perfect in this family. They’ve all got secrets that they would die to protect. Who will survive and what secrets will be revealed?
The author does a great job on characterization and world-building. It was easy to visualize each person and the island. Combining multiple mysteries, secrets, and family dynamics made this a fascinating story. Add to this, the island’s dark history and severe storms, and readers will experience a wild ride.
The story is told from the alternating viewpoints of Zoe and Myra, with a few snippets from “now,” but most of the story is from “before” an event happens on the island. While this is not my favorite style of writing, it worked reasonably well. However, it did adversely affect the pacing of the novel.
It was fascinating to watch the conflicts unfold and readers learn the backstories and secrets of each family member. This gave a fantastic insight into their behaviors and actions towards the other family members. I enjoyed how the author brought in threads to the plot that hinted at things to be unraveled, but I did not see the ending come. That was a wake-up call surprise. Various themes are woven into the story including meddlesome and intrusive family members, loneliness, grief, obligation, guilt, strategy, murder, love, money, control, secrets, motives, protecting others, and much more.
Overall, this was a twisty and fascinating look at family dynamics and secrets between members of a wealthy but dysfunctional family. The book did a great job of giving the reader plenty of interesting, but not very likeable characters, and a rich storyline.
PENQUIN GROUP Viking – Pamela Dorman Books and Trisha Sakhlecha provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for January 21, 2025. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
------------------------------------------
My 3.8 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
February 17, 2025
The last thing I’d ever want to do is marry into the Agarwal family, but boy did I love being a fly on the wall. In The Inheritance, dysfunctional family dynamics mixed brilliantly with a Succession-type vibe. Add in a violent storm making landfall on the remote island setting, and you’ve got yourself an out-and-out stunner that impressed me but good. But the last 100 pages were what won me over hook, line, and sinker. From the rising crescendo that accompanied the storm to the final twist that literally arrived with the very last page, Ms. Sakhlecha not only impressed me, she blew me away.
This family easily won the award for truly messed up. With a controlling mother, multiple siblings hiding mysterious secrets, and a father willing to play them all off of one another, the dynamics between them were beyond good—they were utter perfection. Realistic and true-to-life, I shudder just thinking about whether there are really people out there that behave as they did. Sad to say, though, I’m sure that there are. And thanks to a small cast of suspicious characters and the eerie, isolated setting of a small Scottish island, it all came together to create a superb locked room mystery plot that I sped through in no time at all.
I do have to mention, however, that while the storyline did toe the line of being a mystery/thriller, the bulk of it was much more of a family drama drenched in suspense. That’s not to say that the expertly employed gaslighting, complex relationships, and long-buried secrets didn’t strike the right chord and create a thoroughly addictive read for this thriller lover. After all, it not only did all of that and more, but it also made me think long and hard.
All in all, I am duly impressed by this compelling, unpredictable novel. With palpable tension, precise plotting, and dual POVs that showed two sides of the story, this slow burning storyline was an utter slam dunk. You see, this family reunion gone wrong not only had me raising my eyebrows in the best possible way, but it also had my fingers flying at speed—and that was even BEFORE the fast-paced last third arrived on the scene. So if you love a good messy saga mixed with plenty of heart-pumping thrills, grab this book ASAP. After all, the well-developed plot downright sizzled from page one. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Meet the Agarwals, who have gathered on a private, luxury island off the west coast of Scotland for a much-anticipated family reunion.
Raj, the patriarch and a business tycoon, is about to announce to his wife and three children the succession plan for his multimillon-dollar Delhi-based company. Shalini, the fragile matriarch, is ready to have her husband to herself after years of sacrifice to the family business. Myra, the golden child, owner of the island and host of the reunion, is, unbeknownst to her family, on the brink of bankruptcy. Aseem, the son and supposed heir, is torn between his love for his wife and his duty to family. Aisha, the youngest, a party girl whose antics are legendary, can’t pass up an opportunity to wreak havoc. And then there’s Zoe, Aseem’s wife, the outsider whose #InstaPerfect life is built on a foundation of lies.
They’ve all got secrets they would die to protect. Who will survive this high-stakes reunion, and who will become a victim of their own greed? One thing is certain: this family gathering will shatter more than just their illusions of unity.
Thank you to Trisha Sakhlecha and Pamela Dorman Books/Viking for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: January 21, 2025
Content warning: pregnancy, miscarriage, mention of: death of a sibling/child, infertility
This family easily won the award for truly messed up. With a controlling mother, multiple siblings hiding mysterious secrets, and a father willing to play them all off of one another, the dynamics between them were beyond good—they were utter perfection. Realistic and true-to-life, I shudder just thinking about whether there are really people out there that behave as they did. Sad to say, though, I’m sure that there are. And thanks to a small cast of suspicious characters and the eerie, isolated setting of a small Scottish island, it all came together to create a superb locked room mystery plot that I sped through in no time at all.
I do have to mention, however, that while the storyline did toe the line of being a mystery/thriller, the bulk of it was much more of a family drama drenched in suspense. That’s not to say that the expertly employed gaslighting, complex relationships, and long-buried secrets didn’t strike the right chord and create a thoroughly addictive read for this thriller lover. After all, it not only did all of that and more, but it also made me think long and hard.
All in all, I am duly impressed by this compelling, unpredictable novel. With palpable tension, precise plotting, and dual POVs that showed two sides of the story, this slow burning storyline was an utter slam dunk. You see, this family reunion gone wrong not only had me raising my eyebrows in the best possible way, but it also had my fingers flying at speed—and that was even BEFORE the fast-paced last third arrived on the scene. So if you love a good messy saga mixed with plenty of heart-pumping thrills, grab this book ASAP. After all, the well-developed plot downright sizzled from page one. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Meet the Agarwals, who have gathered on a private, luxury island off the west coast of Scotland for a much-anticipated family reunion.
Raj, the patriarch and a business tycoon, is about to announce to his wife and three children the succession plan for his multimillon-dollar Delhi-based company. Shalini, the fragile matriarch, is ready to have her husband to herself after years of sacrifice to the family business. Myra, the golden child, owner of the island and host of the reunion, is, unbeknownst to her family, on the brink of bankruptcy. Aseem, the son and supposed heir, is torn between his love for his wife and his duty to family. Aisha, the youngest, a party girl whose antics are legendary, can’t pass up an opportunity to wreak havoc. And then there’s Zoe, Aseem’s wife, the outsider whose #InstaPerfect life is built on a foundation of lies.
They’ve all got secrets they would die to protect. Who will survive this high-stakes reunion, and who will become a victim of their own greed? One thing is certain: this family gathering will shatter more than just their illusions of unity.
Thank you to Trisha Sakhlecha and Pamela Dorman Books/Viking for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: January 21, 2025
Content warning: pregnancy, miscarriage, mention of: death of a sibling/child, infertility
January 24, 2025
I've always enjoyed a locked room mystery. It's always fun to see if you can work out who and how before the end. (I'm really quite bad at this but I enjoy trying).
The Inheritance is set on a fictional Scottisj island where the Agarwal family are meeting to celebrate their parents anniversary. Of course when families get together it always brings simmering tensions to the surface and the Agarwals have more than most.
Unfortunately, for me this was the book's downfall. There were simply too many secrets that were alluded to for the first three quarters of the book and virtually all the action took place in the last 20% of the narrative. The characters are also difficult to like because they all seem quite dodgy. They were certainly all extremely arrogant.
But the final nail in the coffin was the utterly unbelievable and ridiculous conclusion to the book. This is a purely personal opinion but it actually made me laugh. I'm sure I was supposed to be horrified. It wasn't so much the whodunnit that was unbelievable but the aftermath. Again, personal opinion.
In general I thought it was a little repetitious and bit too drawn out. Otherwise, a fair read but not my cup of tea.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Random House for the advance review copy.
The Inheritance is set on a fictional Scottisj island where the Agarwal family are meeting to celebrate their parents anniversary. Of course when families get together it always brings simmering tensions to the surface and the Agarwals have more than most.
Unfortunately, for me this was the book's downfall. There were simply too many secrets that were alluded to for the first three quarters of the book and virtually all the action took place in the last 20% of the narrative. The characters are also difficult to like because they all seem quite dodgy. They were certainly all extremely arrogant.
But the final nail in the coffin was the utterly unbelievable and ridiculous conclusion to the book. This is a purely personal opinion but it actually made me laugh. I'm sure I was supposed to be horrified. It wasn't so much the whodunnit that was unbelievable but the aftermath. Again, personal opinion.
In general I thought it was a little repetitious and bit too drawn out. Otherwise, a fair read but not my cup of tea.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Random House for the advance review copy.
July 23, 2024
What!! I just finished reading this, and I'm still in a state of shock! The messy family dynamic and all of the secrets that slowly reveal was definitely something that kept me hooked while reading. I loved the FMC. The little bread crumbs the author leaves along the way are quite intriguing once you piece it all together. It's such a good suspense novel with the eerie vibes of a secluded island as the setting. I was in shock, over and over again. Even throughout the ending, my jaw dropped. Perfect read for a night when you're home alone and want to get your heart racing! 5 stars!!
I received this ARC from NetGalley and Penguin Group Viking to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and Penguin Group Viking to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
February 26, 2025
The Argarwals have arrived on a tiny remote Scottish Island for a family reunion. Altogether there are five of them - the patriarch Raj, an Indian business tycoon, his wife Shalini and their three adult children Aseem, the son and heir with his wife Zoe, an influencer, older daughter Myra, who owns the island and the luxury retreat she is establishing, and younger daughter Aisha, a party girl who gets under everyone’s hair.
Although the reunion is a chance for Myra to show off the resort to her family, Raj also plans to use it to announce the succession plan for his company. All members of the family have secrets they are keeping from each other and the stakes are very high indeed as before it’s over someone will end up dead.
Although it starts of a little slow, but once the layers start to peel away, the tension builds to with twists and revelations to expose family dynamics in overdrive in a truly vile family! Who is murdered and who will murder them is something you’ll be trying to work out right to the end.
With thanks to Penguin/Pamela Dorman via Netgalley for a copy to read
Although the reunion is a chance for Myra to show off the resort to her family, Raj also plans to use it to announce the succession plan for his company. All members of the family have secrets they are keeping from each other and the stakes are very high indeed as before it’s over someone will end up dead.
Although it starts of a little slow, but once the layers start to peel away, the tension builds to with twists and revelations to expose family dynamics in overdrive in a truly vile family! Who is murdered and who will murder them is something you’ll be trying to work out right to the end.
With thanks to Penguin/Pamela Dorman via Netgalley for a copy to read
January 23, 2025
This was so disappointing. It sounded amazing but to start, it was BORING. Nothing really happens until the end. It’s repetitive and structured in a way that’s attempting to build suspense but it’s all meaningless. The two narrators sound exactly the same so it was hard to tell which was narrating at any given time. And the final payoff? Super pointless and unsurprising. I feel like somewhere in here is a good idea for a book but this wasn’t it.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
November 28, 2024
THE INHERITANCE is Trisha Sakhlecha’s US debut thriller and I really think this book will be a hit for readers. A combination of family saga meets mystery/thriller, this book is centered around an uber rich family with secrets galore. Raj Agarwal is a business tycoon who is about to announce the succession of his estate to his wife and children, and has planned for a gathering on a private, luxury island off the west coast of Scotland. His family includes his wife Shalini, Myra (his daughter who is most dedicated to the success of the family), Aseem (the son and possible heir to the company), and Aisha (the youngest daughter and socialite of the family). Aseem also brings his influencer wife Zoe to attend this reunion. When the reunion ends in murder, each one of them has a reason to keep their secrets safe. The foundation of this family must be protected at all costs.
THE INHERITANCE is definitely a strong family saga, and at times, a drama moreso than a thriller. That being said, I truly enjoyed diving into the chaos and dynamics between this family. Each of them has their own guilty secrets that were all developed strongly and portrayed deeply personal within the story. The story is a slow burn, but the payoff at the end is surely worth it. I think my jaw hit the floor after finishing this story. Please note, there’s definitely trigger warnings towards the end, so if you are sensitive to some specifics, please DM me and I can confirm or deny them to you. I am excited to see what this author has in store for us next!
THE INHERITANCE is definitely a strong family saga, and at times, a drama moreso than a thriller. That being said, I truly enjoyed diving into the chaos and dynamics between this family. Each of them has their own guilty secrets that were all developed strongly and portrayed deeply personal within the story. The story is a slow burn, but the payoff at the end is surely worth it. I think my jaw hit the floor after finishing this story. Please note, there’s definitely trigger warnings towards the end, so if you are sensitive to some specifics, please DM me and I can confirm or deny them to you. I am excited to see what this author has in store for us next!
May 2, 2025
This book was hard for me to rate. While reading it, I thought it would be a solid 3 star. Just after I finished it, I even wanted to rate it 4 stars, but thinking about it I got more and more frustrated with this book and ending and probably end up giving it 2.5 stars.
I didn’t necessarily like the characters, especially Zoe got on my nerves with her influencer persona and her stalker. I still don’t understand But after a while I really started enjoying her POV. It was completely different with Myra. At first, I was intrigued by her and her story, but the more we got to know her, the less interesting I found her to be.
The ending is what I’m struggling the most with. It surprised me in some ways, but it also was very frustrating, at least for me. Especially who the killer was and how it was revealed in the end. The whole book was building up to this and then it felt like an afterthought.
I didn’t necessarily like the characters, especially Zoe got on my nerves with her influencer persona and her stalker. I still don’t understand But after a while I really started enjoying her POV. It was completely different with Myra. At first, I was intrigued by her and her story, but the more we got to know her, the less interesting I found her to be.
The ending is what I’m struggling the most with. It surprised me in some ways, but it also was very frustrating, at least for me. Especially who the killer was and how it was revealed in the end. The whole book was building up to this and then it felt like an afterthought.
December 1, 2024
Release Date: 13th February 2025
The Agarwals meet on Myra's Scottish Island to celebrate their parents 40th Wedding Anniversary, where the three offspring expect news of the sale of their father's company and their share of the inheritance.
For anyone looking in, they would think this is the perfect family, all supportive and looking out for each other, but they all hold their own secrets, some more deadly than others. Will their greed cloud their judgement and who will come out on top.
This is a locked room mystery, with a difference, it's a well written book that kept me reading, even without the huge suspense, it's about family dynamics and the lengths families go to protect their own and their secrets, all while being engaging and raw.
I wouldn't say the family are particularly likeable and as a thriller, it's not edge of your seat, but there is something about the clever way this is written that teases out the story, and really made me enjoy this book.
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.
Reviews also published on:
Instagram || Threads || BSky || Coffee and Kindle Blog || The StoryGraph || Amazon || Bookmarks
Happy to make friends on all socials
The Agarwals meet on Myra's Scottish Island to celebrate their parents 40th Wedding Anniversary, where the three offspring expect news of the sale of their father's company and their share of the inheritance.
For anyone looking in, they would think this is the perfect family, all supportive and looking out for each other, but they all hold their own secrets, some more deadly than others. Will their greed cloud their judgement and who will come out on top.
This is a locked room mystery, with a difference, it's a well written book that kept me reading, even without the huge suspense, it's about family dynamics and the lengths families go to protect their own and their secrets, all while being engaging and raw.
I wouldn't say the family are particularly likeable and as a thriller, it's not edge of your seat, but there is something about the clever way this is written that teases out the story, and really made me enjoy this book.
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.
Reviews also published on:
Instagram || Threads || BSky || Coffee and Kindle Blog || The StoryGraph || Amazon || Bookmarks
Happy to make friends on all socials
February 9, 2025
I really wanted to enjoy this story more than I did. Nothing really happens except for family drama for most of the book. I do plan on reading more from this author.
April 18, 2025
The Agarwals are a wealthy but complicated family. The parents and their son Aseem and his wife Zoe live in India, where Aseem has been helping run the family business. Youngest daughter Aisha lives in the US and lives a very free lifestyle. Older daughter Myra has invited them all to the private, luxury island off Scotland that she is trying to rebuild into a resort. They are there to celebrate the parents’ 40th anniversary. A close family on the surface… but underneath there is resentment, jealousy, greed and guilt.
The children are waiting for their father to finalize sale of his business and share how he plans to distribute the money from the sale, along with money in a trust. With the stress of the money, as well as other cracks in all of their relationships, harsh words are said, secrets are shared, and the situation for some becomes desperate.
When it comes to a dysfunctional family like this, is it more dangerous to be in the inner circle? Or one of the excluded? I enjoyed this audiobook and though none of them were very likable, it was entertaining and enjoyable. Rounded up to a 4.
The children are waiting for their father to finalize sale of his business and share how he plans to distribute the money from the sale, along with money in a trust. With the stress of the money, as well as other cracks in all of their relationships, harsh words are said, secrets are shared, and the situation for some becomes desperate.
When it comes to a dysfunctional family like this, is it more dangerous to be in the inner circle? Or one of the excluded? I enjoyed this audiobook and though none of them were very likable, it was entertaining and enjoyable. Rounded up to a 4.
December 3, 2024
this one took me awhile to get into and i considered dnf’ing a few times - it’s a slow burn and it took a long time for me to keep track of the 2 narrators because they read so similar. I pushed through and it definitely got more interesting at the halfway point with some solid reveals near the end but by that point I wasn’t invested enough in the story for it to leave much of an impression on me.
February 5, 2025
And this is how you write a thriller centered in an isolated UK setting.
Layered family dynamics, great character work, and keeps you guessing, with the added complexity of a wealthy Indian family living on an island in Scotland. So good, with no easy answers or cheap shots.
I’ve been on the train at that Fort William stop in the Highlands and ❤️!
Audio Notes: Absolute perfection on audio, with measured performances by Avita Jay, Ellie Kendrick, and Tamaryn Payne.
Layered family dynamics, great character work, and keeps you guessing, with the added complexity of a wealthy Indian family living on an island in Scotland. So good, with no easy answers or cheap shots.
I’ve been on the train at that Fort William stop in the Highlands and ❤️!
Audio Notes: Absolute perfection on audio, with measured performances by Avita Jay, Ellie Kendrick, and Tamaryn Payne.
January 26, 2025
Okay so…I don’t think I like locked door family drama mysteries. I assumed this was a murder mystery thriller and I was wildly mistaken.
For me, it felt like a whole lotta nothin to get the end of the book where we find an actual murder, then was presented with the resolution in the last line of the book 😐
I kept reading because I was thinking ‘maybe now something will happen besides bickering between horrible people who are actually really selfish but mask that by saying they are trying to help one another….maybeeeee now’. Big ole nope 👎🏽
Would I recommend this book? Only if the person doesn’t mind reading about family drama where the only character to root for is the guy who is barely in it 🥴 to anyone else, try another book.
TW: strong language, discussion of abuse, violence, blood, murder, mention of rape, alcohol, death by fire, child neglect
For me, it felt like a whole lotta nothin to get the end of the book where we find an actual murder, then was presented with the resolution in the last line of the book 😐
I kept reading because I was thinking ‘maybe now something will happen besides bickering between horrible people who are actually really selfish but mask that by saying they are trying to help one another….maybeeeee now’. Big ole nope 👎🏽
Would I recommend this book? Only if the person doesn’t mind reading about family drama where the only character to root for is the guy who is barely in it 🥴 to anyone else, try another book.
TW: strong language, discussion of abuse, violence, blood, murder, mention of rape, alcohol, death by fire, child neglect
May 19, 2025
The Inheritance is Indian Succession meets a Lucy Foley novel in this locked-room mystery. We meet the Argawal family celebrating the 40th wedding anniversary of Raj and his wife Shalini on a secluded luxury island. They have three children, Myra, Aseem, and Aisha. Aseem is married to social media influencer Zoe, and the POV alternates between her and Myra. The novel is atmospheric, and the characters are well-developed. The tension really builds in the last third of the book. I found myself rapidly turning the pages and devoured this book in 24 hours.
Trisha Sakhlecha does a wonderful job of creating characters that you love and hate as well as immersing the reader into the setting. Misdirection is masterfully at play throughout. I loved the vibe of this book where human nature, family dynamics, wealth, succession, secrets, and greed are explored. This is a perfect slow-burn thriller to take to the pool or on vacation this summer. Enjoy!
Trisha Sakhlecha does a wonderful job of creating characters that you love and hate as well as immersing the reader into the setting. Misdirection is masterfully at play throughout. I loved the vibe of this book where human nature, family dynamics, wealth, succession, secrets, and greed are explored. This is a perfect slow-burn thriller to take to the pool or on vacation this summer. Enjoy!
June 8, 2025
A wealthy family gathers together on a secluded island in the rough land of Scotland for the anniversary of Mama and Papa. Well, that is what they are saying they are there for - but the reality is that Papa is retiring from the family business and is going to dole out inheritances. Three children, millions and millions of dollars, and an island surrounded by bad weather and rough seas.
What could go wrong?
This book was okay. If you are looking for a decent three star thriller this book is for you. I didn’t find it so immersive or scary or surprising that I thought that it deserved four stars. That being said, I believe that the majority of readers gave it a higher score than I did.
What could go wrong?
This book was okay. If you are looking for a decent three star thriller this book is for you. I didn’t find it so immersive or scary or surprising that I thought that it deserved four stars. That being said, I believe that the majority of readers gave it a higher score than I did.
March 3, 2025
Ughhhh. This book. Took about 95% of the way to get even remotely exciting or interesting. Just dragged on…annoyingly. I should have just DNF’d but I kept waiting for some twist or some big reveal. Well, let me tell you the twist wasn’t even until the freaking Epilogue. Just read the epilogue and save yourself ten hours.
March 31, 2025
The Inheritance is about the Agarwals, a rich, dysfunctional family who reunites on a remote private island in anticipation of a big announcement from the patriarch about the future of their family business. Every Agarwal has a lot riding on this announcement, more than the others know.
Full of tension and deep-seated secrets, The Inheritance was an entertaining, atmospheric, suspense story. I could picture the isolated property and feel the distrust between family members.
I enjoyed the ride though I felt like the pace definitely dragged at times. I liked getting multiple POVs from the family along with the reveal of many secrets as the story progressed — 3.5 stars
Full of tension and deep-seated secrets, The Inheritance was an entertaining, atmospheric, suspense story. I could picture the isolated property and feel the distrust between family members.
I enjoyed the ride though I felt like the pace definitely dragged at times. I liked getting multiple POVs from the family along with the reveal of many secrets as the story progressed — 3.5 stars
January 26, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley, Pamela Dorman Books and PRH Audio for a copy provided for an honest review.
This story is told primarily in first person alternating points of view from Myra and her sister-in-law, Zoe with a series of interspersed chapters labeled “Now” by an ambiguous narrator. I mostly listened to the audiobook for this one, just starting with the digital review copy to learn the family members before settling in with the listen. The audio is narrated by Avita Jay, Ellie Kendrick, and Tamaryn Payne. This was my first listen from all three narrators. Initially, I had a little bit of a problem remembering which character chapter I was in but once I settled into the story, I thought the audio was fantastic from the characterizations and family drama to the Scottish Island setting.
The Agarwal family has gathered to celebrate the anniversary of their patriarch, Raj, and his wife, Shalini, on a private island off the west coast of Scotland. After a recent health crisis, the family is breathless with anticipation for the retirement of Raj and the possible sale of their family business in a deal that has been spearheaded by his son and Zoe’s husband, Aseem. Myra needs the money to hold onto the private island where she is in the process of creating a luxury retreat, while Zoe aspires for Aseem to run his own business free from family control.
Everyone in the family has an agenda and secrets. I found this story filled with tension and family drama. I admit to probably paying more attention to Zoe’s story over the others. She married into the family and Aseem was clearly a mama’s boy who would always take mommy’s side over everyone else including his wife. Zoe was ensconced in one of those mothers-in-law from hell stories that had me screaming and frustrated. No way would I put up with some of the stuff she did. Myra was preoccupied with her needs for the island and sister, Aisha, with her new boyfriend. But make no mistake. Everyone had a vested interest in what happened with the family business and more importantly, the money.
My only critique would probably be that I wish the Scottish island had been a little more atmospheric and the local history story had been more interspersed and drawn out. The murder doesn’t occur anytime soon, so sit back and watch the family drama. Recommended to readers that enjoy dysfunctional family stories especially the richy kind where family loyalty and greed go hand and hand.
This story is told primarily in first person alternating points of view from Myra and her sister-in-law, Zoe with a series of interspersed chapters labeled “Now” by an ambiguous narrator. I mostly listened to the audiobook for this one, just starting with the digital review copy to learn the family members before settling in with the listen. The audio is narrated by Avita Jay, Ellie Kendrick, and Tamaryn Payne. This was my first listen from all three narrators. Initially, I had a little bit of a problem remembering which character chapter I was in but once I settled into the story, I thought the audio was fantastic from the characterizations and family drama to the Scottish Island setting.
The Agarwal family has gathered to celebrate the anniversary of their patriarch, Raj, and his wife, Shalini, on a private island off the west coast of Scotland. After a recent health crisis, the family is breathless with anticipation for the retirement of Raj and the possible sale of their family business in a deal that has been spearheaded by his son and Zoe’s husband, Aseem. Myra needs the money to hold onto the private island where she is in the process of creating a luxury retreat, while Zoe aspires for Aseem to run his own business free from family control.
Everyone in the family has an agenda and secrets. I found this story filled with tension and family drama. I admit to probably paying more attention to Zoe’s story over the others. She married into the family and Aseem was clearly a mama’s boy who would always take mommy’s side over everyone else including his wife. Zoe was ensconced in one of those mothers-in-law from hell stories that had me screaming and frustrated. No way would I put up with some of the stuff she did. Myra was preoccupied with her needs for the island and sister, Aisha, with her new boyfriend. But make no mistake. Everyone had a vested interest in what happened with the family business and more importantly, the money.
My only critique would probably be that I wish the Scottish island had been a little more atmospheric and the local history story had been more interspersed and drawn out. The murder doesn’t occur anytime soon, so sit back and watch the family drama. Recommended to readers that enjoy dysfunctional family stories especially the richy kind where family loyalty and greed go hand and hand.
October 26, 2024
This was a quick and fast-paced read, centered on a family that is hiding a lot of secrets. The Agarwals gather on a remote island to talk through the sale of their company that has been run by Raj, the patriarch, and subsequent inheritances that will be bequeathed to their 3 grown children. Things don’t go as planned and the book uncovers all of the different ways the family members are hiding stuff from each other. The story is told primarily from the POV of oldest daughter Myra and the son’s wife, Zoe, over the course of a few days.
You find out early that someone has died but don’t get the details until towards the end of the book. I was completely wrong about who I thought had died and was very surprised to learn who it really was. While no character was SUPER likable, I did feel like I could empathize with most of them based on the family dynamics. I really felt for Zoe, who feels an outsider to the family and can never really work her way in. I did not see a couple of the twists coming, and felt that they were well done and fit into the storyline. While loose ends were tied up nicely, I walked away feeling a little sad about how the book ended.
Overall, this was a unique take on a locked room type scenario and I enjoyed it. As others have said, it gave off Succession vibes and was a fast-paced read. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 10, 2024
Honestly really not sure how to rate this book. It was good, then it wasn’t to me. The ending just made me mad. I just feel like this mother destroyed this entire family and got away with it. I hated how manipulative the parents were. I hated how Zoe dealt with it and tried to justify it because she loved her husband. Like this mother is so manipulative AND she’s messaging her daughter in law nasty, twisted messages as an unknown person… seriously, grow up lady! You are the one having affairs and ruining lives- but acting so innocent.
Yes, great twists.. lots of bread crumbs left by the author that made me want to keep reading to find out what was going on but I’m just so annoyed by this family dynamic and the way the mother ruined these children and it’s all ok.
Yes, great twists.. lots of bread crumbs left by the author that made me want to keep reading to find out what was going on but I’m just so annoyed by this family dynamic and the way the mother ruined these children and it’s all ok.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2025
The Agarwals family reunion on a private luxury Island takes a few unexpected turns.
This thrilling story features a dysfunctional family, hidden motives, so many secrets and murder. I enjoyed the eerie secluded island setting, and the breadcrumbs that lead to the startling and satisfying conclusion.
This thrilling story features a dysfunctional family, hidden motives, so many secrets and murder. I enjoyed the eerie secluded island setting, and the breadcrumbs that lead to the startling and satisfying conclusion.
April 19, 2025
3.75 stars
THE INHERITANCE is a slow burn mystery thriller. And when I say slow burn, I mean it. The author takes her time setting the stage for this story which revolves around the Agarwal family. Raj, the patriarch and business tycoon, has gathered the family on an island off the coast of Scotland. His three offspring eagerly anticipate his announcement of who will be taking over the company after he steps down. Secrets and money on the line. What could go wrong?
Definitely a Succession vibe going on, although a more watered down version of the brilliant show. The cast of characters are unlikable but if they were all perfect, little angels, it’d be a boring story. Hands down the final chapters are the best part and makes it worth sticking around to see how it all plays out. Unexpected is always a good thing when it comes to this genre and I’m thankful the author managed to go in an interesting direction.
THE INHERITANCE is a slow burn mystery thriller. And when I say slow burn, I mean it. The author takes her time setting the stage for this story which revolves around the Agarwal family. Raj, the patriarch and business tycoon, has gathered the family on an island off the coast of Scotland. His three offspring eagerly anticipate his announcement of who will be taking over the company after he steps down. Secrets and money on the line. What could go wrong?
Definitely a Succession vibe going on, although a more watered down version of the brilliant show. The cast of characters are unlikable but if they were all perfect, little angels, it’d be a boring story. Hands down the final chapters are the best part and makes it worth sticking around to see how it all plays out. Unexpected is always a good thing when it comes to this genre and I’m thankful the author managed to go in an interesting direction.
July 25, 2024
Holy moly this ending was not what I expected.
Add to your TBR list or preorder the book now, it releases on January 21,2025!
Recommending this book for any thriller reader.
Thank you Netgalley for the honor to read ahead of time and give a review!
Add to your TBR list or preorder the book now, it releases on January 21,2025!
Recommending this book for any thriller reader.
Thank you Netgalley for the honor to read ahead of time and give a review!
January 18, 2025
4.5 stars
Trisha Sakhlecha is a new to me author but when I read the blurb, this sounded right up my street and I was interested to see if I would discover a new favourite author. And I'm so happy to say that I loved this book!
First off, I'm a sucker for a book set on a private island or somewhere that is cut off from the rest of society and this definitely had that, with the entirety of the book set on a private island off the coast of Scotland. This setting did add a lot to the story, however I do think it could have played into the plot a bit more than it did.
As soon as I started this, I was immediately hooked. The writing style really drew me in and the pacing flowed well.
I liked the characters and I was fully invested in them and the story throughout.
I absolutely raced through this one, I didn't want to put it down and when I did I was thinking about it (which is always a sign of a good book!)
This is a book that was packed to the brim with rich people drama and I was HERE for it. And then you add in secrets, mystery and family drama you have me hooked.
This is an author I will definitely read more from, I loved it!
Thanks to Random House UK and Netgalley for the ARC I received in exchange for an honest review
Trisha Sakhlecha is a new to me author but when I read the blurb, this sounded right up my street and I was interested to see if I would discover a new favourite author. And I'm so happy to say that I loved this book!
First off, I'm a sucker for a book set on a private island or somewhere that is cut off from the rest of society and this definitely had that, with the entirety of the book set on a private island off the coast of Scotland. This setting did add a lot to the story, however I do think it could have played into the plot a bit more than it did.
As soon as I started this, I was immediately hooked. The writing style really drew me in and the pacing flowed well.
I liked the characters and I was fully invested in them and the story throughout.
I absolutely raced through this one, I didn't want to put it down and when I did I was thinking about it (which is always a sign of a good book!)
This is a book that was packed to the brim with rich people drama and I was HERE for it. And then you add in secrets, mystery and family drama you have me hooked.
This is an author I will definitely read more from, I loved it!
Thanks to Random House UK and Netgalley for the ARC I received in exchange for an honest review
April 17, 2025
My personal saga of: “I was loving this book but I hated how it ended” continues.
January 9, 2025
I love a unique spin on a family drama and this one delivered! It was a compelling look at one family’s dynamics with well developed characters and a great setting. Many of the reveals surprised me and while the suspense was on the lighter side it was still pretty tense. All 3 narrators were great and showcased a wide variety of emotions in their performances
February 3, 2025
The family drama drags on for 250 pages with many, many, many foreboding allusions to terrible past events, but by the time you find out what happened, you’ve lost all interest. Everyone in this book kinda sucks, is incredibly dramatic, and has poor judgment. Most of the problems would be solved by having one honest conversation, but they’re too busy congratulating themselves on being all about family while hiding their (ultimately boring) secrets to actually speak to each other. Maybe this book would have been better solely as a family drama, but it really didn’t succeed in trying to marry that theme with an underbaked thriller plot.
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