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The Inheritance: A Novel
From the acclaimed author of Precipice and Valentine comes a riveting novel about the deathly price of fortune. From the moment she steps across the threshold into the massive house she has inherited, Holly Smith senses the chill emanating from those who view her as the interloper.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1998
30 people are currently reading
356 people want to read
About the author
Tom Savage
16 books101 followersTOM SAVAGE is the USA Today bestselling author of A Penny for the Hangman, the Nora Baron series, and many other novels and short stories. His books have been published in fifteen countries, and his bestselling novel, Valentine, was made into a Warner Bros. film. Raised in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, he now lives in New York City, where he worked for many years at Murder Ink®, the world’s first mystery bookstore.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
April 18, 2012
I read this book many years ago. I was going through my bookshelf the other day and found that I had kept it all these years. I had forgotten alot of it, and decided to read it again, which is something I don't do very often. CR 1998, 369 pages long, The Inheritance, written by Tom Savage, is a mystery, suspense novel. The plot takes many twist along the way, some of them downright shocking. None of the revelations are there just for shock value, this is a very cleverly plotted story, giving the reader small clues and information slowly. We know right away that there has been a murder, we know that a vast fortune has been inherited by a girl who was unaware of her heritage. Holly Smith was adopted and knew that, but had no idea who her biological family was. She gets a letter from her Aunt Alicia informing her she is the heir to a fortune. As Holly takes her time deciding if she should respond and how, she learns her aunt has passed away and so Holly is left to deal with the entire situation on her own.
We are also clued in fairly early on that Holly's uncle was expecting to inherit the fortune and was unaware of Holly and his father's will, leaving the bulk of his fortune to his neice. So, we know that Holly is not very well liked by her new family and could be in danger.
We watch as Holly adjust to wealth, makes friends, allies, and as she figures out who her enemies are. It goes without saying, don't make up your mind about anyone until the very last page- literally. A great read!!
Just one more thing: Tom Savage ( and T.J. Philips, another name he wrote under) has just dropped off the face of the earth. I haven't found a soul that could tell me what became of him. He wrote several other really good mystery suspense novels, then poof! just disappeared. If anyone has any information on this author, I would like to know what became of him.
We are also clued in fairly early on that Holly's uncle was expecting to inherit the fortune and was unaware of Holly and his father's will, leaving the bulk of his fortune to his neice. So, we know that Holly is not very well liked by her new family and could be in danger.
We watch as Holly adjust to wealth, makes friends, allies, and as she figures out who her enemies are. It goes without saying, don't make up your mind about anyone until the very last page- literally. A great read!!
Just one more thing: Tom Savage ( and T.J. Philips, another name he wrote under) has just dropped off the face of the earth. I haven't found a soul that could tell me what became of him. He wrote several other really good mystery suspense novels, then poof! just disappeared. If anyone has any information on this author, I would like to know what became of him.
January 17, 2010
So this book wasn't that bad. And then I got to the end, and it was bad. I mean, seriously, what was up with that ending? I get that Savage was trying to throw in one last twist, but this one failed so badly it's not even funny. He did a good job with all the other plot twists in the book, I loved them, but this one was just out of the blue, nothing leading up to it whatsoever. Add in to that the constant "Holly is beautiful, Holly is gorgeous, Oh wow I think I'm in love with Holly and her hotness", and I started having Twilight flashbacks. And Holly and her choice of a lover in the epilogue? Just, no. (Plus I found a discrepancy with the time skip and the stated ages, and that bugged me).
The book was good for the majority of the story. Nice characters, interesting dynamics, good backstory. And then the ending came and killed it.
(As a last note, the whole thing with Gil and his partner. Who the hell calls their lover "kiddo"!? That's just not right.)
The book was good for the majority of the story. Nice characters, interesting dynamics, good backstory. And then the ending came and killed it.
(As a last note, the whole thing with Gil and his partner. Who the hell calls their lover "kiddo"!? That's just not right.)
July 24, 2014
During the slasher era of late 1990s to early 2000s in Hollywood there was a large number of fairly similar movies (generically attractive cast, mystery, dead bodies, surprise ending) one of which (and far from the best) was Valentine based on a novel by Tom Savage. That's all I knew of Tom Savage prior to picking up this book and since Hollywood novel adaptations are such an unreliably mixed bag, there was no telling if it was an accurate representation of the author's talents. Turns out it was, shockingly accurate judging by The Inheritance. Reading this book was very much like reading a soap opera. The cast of drop dead (pun intended) gorgeous cardboards navigating a plot with so many twists, it was almost like the author got paid per twist. Savage seems to approach the mystery aspect as a twister without actually taking the time to develop the characters enough for these twists to make sense or for the reader to care. To top it off, he throws in some unreliable narration, more than some, lots of it, actually. As a result he ends up with a bunch of primarily dismal and morally bankrupt characters screwing each other over in every way possible. Toward the end the twists literally get out of control straight into WTF territory. The writing is cheesy, overly melodramatic and entirely over the top. Yet despite all that, it's perfectly readable in a way a cheesy slasher movie, for example, is perfectly watchable. It's the fast food variety of reading. Quick, not particularly satisfying, serviceable option. Just don't expect more.
April 16, 2017
Abandoning this. It seemed like the author was trying to write an "old school" gothic suspense (i.e. Phyllis Whitney, Mary Stewart, etc.), but he couldn't pull off the suspense part. The characters were poorly written, and I didn't care about any of them. I'm just not interested enough to continue reading it.
January 1, 2016
This was a fun little mystery, complete with a bizarre cast of characters and gothic elements. Yes, it makes sure to hit all the cliches (mysterious figure in a graveyard...check! outcast relative living in the attic...check!), but Tom Savage still manages to make something original out of all the cliches.
I generally have two problems with mysteries. Either the clues are too easy to spot in which case the solution isn't a surprise at all. Or the author tries so hard to go for a shocking twist, they give you a solution that is a surprise, only because it makes no sense! (A certain James Patterson novel where the culprit turned out to be a character who never appeared and was only mentioned in one sentence before the reveal comes to mind). But Savage did a great job coming up with a twist that I never saw coming, yet made perfect sense when I thought about it.
I couldn't give this book a perfect score, only because it's so cliched at times, I found myself surprised it didn't begin with the phrase, "It was a dark and stormy night"! Still, if you go in knowing the book can be a little silly at times, I think you'll really enjoy this gripping mystery!
I generally have two problems with mysteries. Either the clues are too easy to spot in which case the solution isn't a surprise at all. Or the author tries so hard to go for a shocking twist, they give you a solution that is a surprise, only because it makes no sense! (A certain James Patterson novel where the culprit turned out to be a character who never appeared and was only mentioned in one sentence before the reveal comes to mind). But Savage did a great job coming up with a twist that I never saw coming, yet made perfect sense when I thought about it.
I couldn't give this book a perfect score, only because it's so cliched at times, I found myself surprised it didn't begin with the phrase, "It was a dark and stormy night"! Still, if you go in knowing the book can be a little silly at times, I think you'll really enjoy this gripping mystery!
April 3, 2011
This book is one of the craziest books I have ever read!!! You think you know what is going on and then you turn the next page and you were way off!! It was an excellently thought out book, and brillaint. If you ever want to read a mystery, this book is defeniley a huge mystery!!! Wonderful!
March 13, 2013
The only murder mystery novel that I NEVER saw coming. I love being tricked!!
January 1, 2026
First book of 2026 and the start of my attempt to spend the year reading books I already own (or at least 75% of them because I do still have a lot of books on hold at the library and I don't want to suspend them all for an entire 12 months).
Wow! Those last few pages of reveals were CRAZY. I was loving the surprises until Toby revealed himself as the narrator and then things got icky and then apparently the money got to Holly and she went insane (or something, because that final murder is so ridiculous). Seems like a good thing that she's the last of the Randalls and isn't likely to be available to birth any children, because clearly there's something in their genetics that just ruins people and it'll be good to get that kind of behaviour out of the gene pool. If I had immediate access to another of Savage's books I would probably read it as this was decent up till that last chapter, but I'm not going to go to the effort of searching for them when I have so many others to read.
Wow! Those last few pages of reveals were CRAZY. I was loving the surprises until Toby revealed himself as the narrator and then things got icky and then apparently the money got to Holly and she went insane (or something, because that final murder is so ridiculous). Seems like a good thing that she's the last of the Randalls and isn't likely to be available to birth any children, because clearly there's something in their genetics that just ruins people and it'll be good to get that kind of behaviour out of the gene pool. If I had immediate access to another of Savage's books I would probably read it as this was decent up till that last chapter, but I'm not going to go to the effort of searching for them when I have so many others to read.
August 22, 2017
Another 5 star book for Tom Savage~!!!! This was phenomenal, and as always his endings are superb!
January 16, 2020
Extraordinary! The roller coaster ride only stops as the last sentence is read. There is mystery, suspense, chills and thrills. I love mysteries! I love thrillers! To have it all in one novel is terrific reading.
I couldn't remember if I had read any novels by this author previously and in checking my GoodReads list I discovered I read "Scavenger" in 2014. So that answers the addition of "The Inheritance" on my wish-to-read list and receipt for Christmas 2019 as my husband and mother use my list for birthday and Christmas gifts. The author's short biographical sketch advises "he worked for many years at Murder Ink®, the world’s first mystery bookstore." It seems he honed his writing with complete absorption of all of the best novels within his purview. Well done, Tom Savage! Well done!
I couldn't remember if I had read any novels by this author previously and in checking my GoodReads list I discovered I read "Scavenger" in 2014. So that answers the addition of "The Inheritance" on my wish-to-read list and receipt for Christmas 2019 as my husband and mother use my list for birthday and Christmas gifts. The author's short biographical sketch advises "he worked for many years at Murder Ink®, the world’s first mystery bookstore." It seems he honed his writing with complete absorption of all of the best novels within his purview. Well done, Tom Savage! Well done!
September 2, 2021
Very simple book. Very simple descriptions, just too much wording, it could be a 10 page story.
February 28, 2012
The Inheritance is a hair-raising suspense. Savage brings us one chilling thriller that will shock us all, well I was. I mean, the plot is actually on the simple equation: rich relatives, greed, scandal, a will then a kill. That’s what it’s about; to what I understand. The characters become so mysterious we often conclude Savage’s heading for a paranormal theme when it’s actually not. He takes a new turn, gives us a few hints and boom, he’s back to what he knows best. He writes like a reader himself; when we read on a few pages, not quite on the few last chapters, he reveals to us that the book is self-explanatory and predictive. Conclusive and all, this marvelous idea is what makes the book unique; letting the readers think they’ve figured out the protagonist and the antagonist, and their fates. Don’t get impatient and go reading the last page; it’s going to be awful to do so, and it’s a mock of his craftsmanship. After finishing the book, trust me, there will be an urge to read the last few pages over and over again. I can’t even believe how Savage has manipulated my mind immensely.
But it’s not the perfect crime; I mean the perfect book. There were complications as who’s who is narrating. Often times there are quick turns on whose point of view I’m reading about. Going back to the previous page and reading a few lines would do a trick. Another thing to do is to be cautious from reading one paragraph to the next.
The other difficulty is keeping up with the names. Oh no, they’re simple-everyday names but a genealogy with repeated names could also get quite confusing, especially if the family tree go four scores or a century. I mean, it’s also common that fathers want their sons to have their names and to have juniors and the thirds. A list to whoever came first, who died, and whose spouse belongs to, could become handy.
Going back to the extreme dark and shadowed story, Savage clued as in really. Every page has its meaning, and it does not disappoint. This might be a spoiler but take in the words on the page before the prologue sets in, and draw out all funny ideas. One of those might collide with Savage’s own brilliant idea. Detective Holmes might smell something psychological in Savage’s genius mind; and it may run in the blood. Don’t understand what I’m saying? Read the book and get your hairs stand too.
But it’s not the perfect crime; I mean the perfect book. There were complications as who’s who is narrating. Often times there are quick turns on whose point of view I’m reading about. Going back to the previous page and reading a few lines would do a trick. Another thing to do is to be cautious from reading one paragraph to the next.
The other difficulty is keeping up with the names. Oh no, they’re simple-everyday names but a genealogy with repeated names could also get quite confusing, especially if the family tree go four scores or a century. I mean, it’s also common that fathers want their sons to have their names and to have juniors and the thirds. A list to whoever came first, who died, and whose spouse belongs to, could become handy.
Going back to the extreme dark and shadowed story, Savage clued as in really. Every page has its meaning, and it does not disappoint. This might be a spoiler but take in the words on the page before the prologue sets in, and draw out all funny ideas. One of those might collide with Savage’s own brilliant idea. Detective Holmes might smell something psychological in Savage’s genius mind; and it may run in the blood. Don’t understand what I’m saying? Read the book and get your hairs stand too.
September 20, 2007
Darn entertaining book. A twist and turn too many to put onto my "all time favorites", but still, a real page turner.
The narrator plays it very coy, so some patience is required to learn the full details of various events.
In a way, the book reminds me of the movie Body Heat, if only for the treachery.
The narrator plays it very coy, so some patience is required to learn the full details of various events.
In a way, the book reminds me of the movie Body Heat, if only for the treachery.
October 30, 2018
This book was very slow....very. I'm glad I finished it because the last 3 or 4 chapters were Amazing! Seriously, if you have some time and want a book with a LOT of twists that you don't see coming, read this.
October 27, 2017
Cliched: A gothic mansion, a maid in black, a wandering waif, a relative in an attic, a silent observer, a haunted fortune, murder and madness, and a heroine extremely beautiful. I don't think I have ever read a book where the word beautiful was used so often. It literally made me gag, especially because the heroine didn't really impress me. In fact, all the characters are more or less unpleasant. Yet despite all the cliches, the author does manage to shock you. Some of the twists I could guess, some not. I'll like to read more of this author.
*
First Line: From a distance Randall House looks perfectly innocent but you should never be deceived by appearances.
*
First Line: From a distance Randall House looks perfectly innocent but you should never be deceived by appearances.
September 20, 2024
Holly Smith has inherited a great fortune and home. However, not all is as it seems at her new home, Randall House. She slowly uncovers the truth of her parentage amidst getting ominous warnings to stay away. However, as more danger continues to plague Holly and those around her, who will be unmasked as the true villain of this story?
Admittedly, I chose to read this book because I share a name with the main character: Holly Smith. However, the intricate plot, surprising twists, and overall vibe compelled me to read on and on. If you're looking for a bit of a serpentine and intense tale, read on!
Admittedly, I chose to read this book because I share a name with the main character: Holly Smith. However, the intricate plot, surprising twists, and overall vibe compelled me to read on and on. If you're looking for a bit of a serpentine and intense tale, read on!
January 18, 2021
Well, this started out as so straightforward and then became quite a surprise. though I don't think it's too shocking when you really think about it because it's all about the idea that we can't escape where we come from. And heritance is never just money, much more it's who we are clearly insanity is a family trait here! Though I am still at it sad about the ending because I really did like holly. But that is so very much a Tom Savage trope! The low rating is definitely due to the initial plotting nature of the plot. It wasn't really a page turner until about halfway through!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2024
It is 12:14am, and I just finished this book and couldn't wait to write my review. The main part of the story is interesting and straightforward with an easy to follow story line. It's the last 1/4th of the book that sends this tale in several directions, and it's impossible to see everything coming at you. Characters that you thought you understood, you don't. A plot that you thought was predictable, wasn't. I read the last few characters with my mouth hanging open. I've said enough...you decide
August 26, 2017
I liked this book! Last page (letter) - literally - told it all so don't be tempted to read it first! Would have given it four stars, but there are some literary reasons not to. The reviews of this book are mixed. Characters cheesy and undeveloped, parts of plot not accurate, etc., but I disagree with some and don't care about others. If you want total light entertainment, read it.
November 14, 2017
Holly Smith suddenly finds herself becoming Holly Randall of the Connecticut Randalls with more money than she has ever thought she would have. This is a great story of murder and a surprise around every corner about who is really who. Randall House is full of mystery and you wonder if it can be worth all of the money and investments that go with it.
January 20, 2021
The prose in this novel is quite simple, but the story is complicated and by the end, my head was spinning at the twists. You just won't see them coming. Even when you think you've figured some of them out. (I never figure twists out, which I love because I'm always surprised.) A fantastically twisty story.
October 23, 2020
I'm pretty sure I had read this before,but I didn't remember anything so when I saw it at the library I checked it out again. I was mildly curious to see what would be the final outcome,but was disappointed with the ending.
December 9, 2020
Excellent read.
I've enjoyed other Tom Savage books, but The Inheritance exceeded my expectations. I found my sympathies, attraction and dislike of the characters change over and over as the story unfolded. I highly recommend it.
I've enjoyed other Tom Savage books, but The Inheritance exceeded my expectations. I found my sympathies, attraction and dislike of the characters change over and over as the story unfolded. I highly recommend it.
January 11, 2021
Initially the book seemed like fun. As you read on you wonder about the choices the main character Holly was making. Then the end is so poor it completely ruins the novel. After I finished I just felt it was a total waste of time.
May 14, 2023
I would actually give this 4.5 ⭐️ but I really struggled to get into the book at first. The chapters are long with multiple POV's in each chapter. I am so glad I stuck with it however because the secrets get juicier as you go and the reveals and twist make you say "what the heck just happened!?!?!" Definitely recommend to anyone that likes mystery/who done it thrillers.
Note: I had a hardcover version of the book so there were only 279 pages and the cover was very different from the one pictured here.
Note: I had a hardcover version of the book so there were only 279 pages and the cover was very different from the one pictured here.
July 29, 2023
This book has every single cliche you could possibly think of, roughly a dozen bizarre plot-altering twists and reveals, and defies logic and flow of narration constantly. It is perfect. I am going to inflict it on my friends.
May 9, 2025
I was going to give it 3 stars. Mediocre book, guessable plot points, and Holly is very much men-writing-women. But that “twist” at the end? Terrible. Book ruining for a book that wasn’t great to begin with. What a stupid, nonsensical, absolutely trash way to end the book. Not worth it
October 17, 2017
just not my type of book.
November 10, 2018
I liked it up until the last 40 pages or so when the author tried to put so many twists in it seemed cheesy and contrived. Definitely a book I finished and that ugh, wasted my time.
December 7, 2018
The amount of times the main character kisses someone on the cheek is ridiculous. Like every chapter.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews