Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Intriguing teen mystery has puzzles, twists but fizzles.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 22 parent reviews
Based on 173 kid reviews
Kids say this book is an exciting and captivating read, filled with intriguing mysteries and character-driven plots, making it especially appealing for mature tweens and teens. While it features some romance and mild language, most readers find it suitable for ages 12 and up, praising the clever narrative and engaging puzzles that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
- engaging mysteries
- mature themes
- mild romance
- character development
- suitable for tweens
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
THE INHERITANCE GAMES is about 16-year-old Avery, who lives with her older sister, Libby, in Connecticut. Since their parents are gone, it's just the two of them, and money is tight, to say the least. In a bolt out of the blue, Avery learns that she has inherited $46 billion from a Texas oil tycoon she's never even heard of. She and Libby are quickly whisked off to Texas, where they learn that in order to get the inheritance, Avery will have to live in Tobias Hawthorne's palatial home for a year. Which might sound pretty ideal, except she'll have to live there with Tobias' family, who don't hide their resentment of Avery. Determined to find out why the money was left to her, Avery starts following clues and puzzles Tobias left behind. With her every step of the way are Tobias' grandsons. Each one has a past, each one has secrets, and each one has a reason to want Avery dead.
Is It Any Good?
This is an intriguing and compelling mystery that puzzle lovers will especially enjoy. The Inheritance Games is populated with well-developed, colorful, and believable characters readers will enjoy trying to figure out. The setting of a rambling family estate is vividly realized, and readers will enjoy imagining themselves moving through it. All of which keep the pages turning as readers enjoy solving the clues, puzzles, and turns along with Avery and the Hawthorne brothers. The ending is pretty weak, but it leaves the door open for further mysteries in this popular series.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about role models in The Inheritance Games. Is Avery a positive role model? What are her character strengths and weaknesses?
What about the other characters? Are they realistic? Did you notice any stereotypes?
Why are mysteries so popular? What do we love about them? What are some of your favorites?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Mystery
- Topics : Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Little Brown and Company
- Publication date : September 1, 2020
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 18
- Number of pages : 384
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : April 1, 2026
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