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A Deadly Inheritance
After discovering she's an heiress to a billion-dollar corporation, seventeen-year-old Liliana finds herself at a new boarding school where she must navigate secret societies and a deadly competition. Not to mention two handsome boys.
The Reappearance of Rachel Price meets The Inheritance Games series in this new YA thriller from bestselling author Kelley Armstrong.
In the wake of her mother's death, Liliana Chamberlain's estranged (and very wealthy) grandparents swoop in. Or their lawyer does. Her grandparents aren't ready to meet her, but they want her to have the life her mother walked away from, starting with Westwood Academy, the elite boarding school her mother attended. It should be a Cinderella dream come true, but Lili has serious misgivings. Yet she doesn't have a choice, being under eighteen and dead broke.
Westwood Academy is a school of secrets as well as intriguing classmates, including Hollywood golden boy Theo Dubois and the mysterious Maddox Moreno. As she gets to know them all, Lili realizes there's more to the school than elite-level networking. Something deadly.
For the new girl at school, investigating the deaths of past students — including Maddox's own sister — is a very dangerous game. Do those deaths have something to do with why her mother fled Westdale at the cost of her inheritance?
When a fun night out turns bloody, Theo is the prime suspect, and Liliana must race against time to connect the past with the present and discover the truth behind her inheritance.
The Reappearance of Rachel Price meets The Inheritance Games series in this new YA thriller from bestselling author Kelley Armstrong.
In the wake of her mother's death, Liliana Chamberlain's estranged (and very wealthy) grandparents swoop in. Or their lawyer does. Her grandparents aren't ready to meet her, but they want her to have the life her mother walked away from, starting with Westwood Academy, the elite boarding school her mother attended. It should be a Cinderella dream come true, but Lili has serious misgivings. Yet she doesn't have a choice, being under eighteen and dead broke.
Westwood Academy is a school of secrets as well as intriguing classmates, including Hollywood golden boy Theo Dubois and the mysterious Maddox Moreno. As she gets to know them all, Lili realizes there's more to the school than elite-level networking. Something deadly.
For the new girl at school, investigating the deaths of past students — including Maddox's own sister — is a very dangerous game. Do those deaths have something to do with why her mother fled Westdale at the cost of her inheritance?
When a fun night out turns bloody, Theo is the prime suspect, and Liliana must race against time to connect the past with the present and discover the truth behind her inheritance.
424 pages, Paperback
First published March 24, 2026
About the author
Kelley Armstrong
298 books34k followersKelley Armstrong has been telling stories since before she could write. Her earliest written efforts were disastrous. If asked for a story about girls and dolls, hers would invariably feature undead girls and evil dolls, much to her teachers' dismay. All efforts to make her produce "normal" stories failed.
Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She's the author of the NYT-bestselling "Women of the Otherworld" paranormal suspense series and "Darkest Powers" young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.
Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She's the author of the NYT-bestselling "Women of the Otherworld" paranormal suspense series and "Darkest Powers" young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.
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Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I honestly think Kelley Armstrong could write the dictionary and I'd read it. She has easily become one of my favorite authors, and this book was just as good as her others. I really enjoy her flexibility and creativity. This went more into the YA realm, but had great twists that had you guessing until the very end. Definitely recommend!
Thank you to Net Galley and Tundra Book Group for gifting me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to Net Galley and Tundra Book Group for gifting me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 30, 2026
A Deadly Inheritance by Kelley Armstrong
Thriller. YA/NA dark academia.
Liliana Chamberlain finds out she’s an heiress after her mother dies and she’s contacted by an attorney with the news of legacy and influence. She’s told she must attend a boarding school for her last year of high school even though she’s already earned a full ride scholarship. Liliana is sent to Westwood Academy where she must navigate the clicks and sorority division, class rank, and the boys who are drawn to the new girl. She’s not welcomed by everyone which she figures out quickly when she pushed down a set of basement stairs. Who can she trust?
A gripping and intense thriller of wealth, privilege, first love, and friendships.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
Thriller. YA/NA dark academia.
Liliana Chamberlain finds out she’s an heiress after her mother dies and she’s contacted by an attorney with the news of legacy and influence. She’s told she must attend a boarding school for her last year of high school even though she’s already earned a full ride scholarship. Liliana is sent to Westwood Academy where she must navigate the clicks and sorority division, class rank, and the boys who are drawn to the new girl. She’s not welcomed by everyone which she figures out quickly when she pushed down a set of basement stairs. Who can she trust?
A gripping and intense thriller of wealth, privilege, first love, and friendships.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
March 31, 2026
1⭐️
ARC Review
Publication Date: 03/24/26
Kelley Armstrong is SLOWLY becoming a must read author for me!!!
On January 20th of this year, I had the privilege of reading my first Kelley Armstrong novel: The Haunting of Paynes Hollow. This book contained everything I enjoy in the horror genre (i.e., family secrets; small town secrets; supernatural elements; scary stories; a likable FMC & MMC; and murder.) Ooohmgee!!! Who knew that at the height of the new year a book designed for Spooky Season would be one that would live rent free in my head almost four months later? Not. Me!!!
Finishing The Haunting of Paynes Hollow is what drove me to research Kelley Armstrong’s entire reading catalog. Call me surprised when I discovered that she not only writes YA Novels but, she had two of them coming out this year!!! I have never logged into NetGalley as fast as did and request those two ARCs. We have this book: A Deadly Inheritance and The Masked Truth (publication date: 05/05/26.) I nearly screamed my head off when I got approved for both!!! The Masked Truth will be read and reviewed some time in late April/May (I am the slow ARC reader type.)
About 2-3 hours ago, I finished this particular book and I am struggling to determine if I even liked it or not. I have read and reread the synopsis 5 times and feel like it claims to say one thing while the execution displays another. For more than half of the book we are forced to read about Liliana Green/Chamberlin (the FMC) who:
(1) loses her parents 4 years a part.
(2) discovers that she has rich grandparents (who have a strong desire not to meet her.)
(3) is declared the heiress of her grandparents’ Fortune 500 company.
(4) moves from her old home and into a fancy Academy that encourages their students “not to take their senior year too seriously.”
(5) gets pressured into joining some competition to become an Optima.
(6) joins an all female secret society that not only her mother joined (and was the leader of) but also requires its members to give up personal secrets about themselves.
(7) encounters bullying over the prospect of giving into the pressure of entering the Optima competition.
(8) nearly dies at the hands of said bully.
And
(9) finds herself in some weird love triangle between two boys, who just so happens to be best friends; have informed each other that they like Liliana and are willing to share her if she is up for it. Like a polyamorous relationship? Yeah. This love triangle was both confusing and weird.
Oooh and please don’t get me started on how bratty Liliana became once she found out about her mother’s side of the family. I did not enjoy seeing a Caucasian woman mistreat an African American woman, especially one who has more pedigree and sway than her. Talk about me begging Cecilia, to put Liliana in her place instead of just rolling her eyes and/or hanging up on her from time-to-time. So frustrating!!!
If I’m honest, the entire book was both frustrating and weird. I mean, I spent 62% of this book waiting for the murder mystery portion (my whole reason for requesting this ARC) to start. By the time it did appear, I found myself just wanting to speed up the audiobook companion (which I did. 2.50x speed) just so I could move on to something more interesting and exciting. I genuinely feel like I never truly got to know a single character (outside of Liliana and her weird/uncomfortable relationships with Theo Dubois and Maddox Moreno). There is a possibility that my feelings of disconnection from both this story and its characters lies in the fact that I am not rich (yet) so I don’t know how a rich person truly loves or what they truly experience. I honestly cannot put my finger on it. All I can say is: READ THIS BOOK WITH CAUTION!!! It has the merits of Dark Academia aesthetics but, doesn’t truly feel like it. There also wwwaaayyy too parts that will make a reader uncomfortable.
I may not know how to feel about this book or how to rate it authentically but, I have no plans to give up on Kelley Armstrong as an author. Just recently, I discovered that, aside from The Masked Truth, she has another book coming out called Dive Bar at the End of the Road: A Novel (an adult novel thank goodness.) I have already put in my request on my library’s Libby app. Now, I just have to make myself wait patiently (not really) for 10/06/26 to arrive. 😬😬😬.
Thank you NetGalley and Tundra Books for granting my request of an Advance Reader’s Copy in exchange for my honest and personal opinion!!!
ARC Review
Publication Date: 03/24/26
Kelley Armstrong is SLOWLY becoming a must read author for me!!!
On January 20th of this year, I had the privilege of reading my first Kelley Armstrong novel: The Haunting of Paynes Hollow. This book contained everything I enjoy in the horror genre (i.e., family secrets; small town secrets; supernatural elements; scary stories; a likable FMC & MMC; and murder.) Ooohmgee!!! Who knew that at the height of the new year a book designed for Spooky Season would be one that would live rent free in my head almost four months later? Not. Me!!!
Finishing The Haunting of Paynes Hollow is what drove me to research Kelley Armstrong’s entire reading catalog. Call me surprised when I discovered that she not only writes YA Novels but, she had two of them coming out this year!!! I have never logged into NetGalley as fast as did and request those two ARCs. We have this book: A Deadly Inheritance and The Masked Truth (publication date: 05/05/26.) I nearly screamed my head off when I got approved for both!!! The Masked Truth will be read and reviewed some time in late April/May (I am the slow ARC reader type.)
About 2-3 hours ago, I finished this particular book and I am struggling to determine if I even liked it or not. I have read and reread the synopsis 5 times and feel like it claims to say one thing while the execution displays another. For more than half of the book we are forced to read about Liliana Green/Chamberlin (the FMC) who:
(1) loses her parents 4 years a part.
(2) discovers that she has rich grandparents (who have a strong desire not to meet her.)
(3) is declared the heiress of her grandparents’ Fortune 500 company.
(4) moves from her old home and into a fancy Academy that encourages their students “not to take their senior year too seriously.”
(5) gets pressured into joining some competition to become an Optima.
(6) joins an all female secret society that not only her mother joined (and was the leader of) but also requires its members to give up personal secrets about themselves.
(7) encounters bullying over the prospect of giving into the pressure of entering the Optima competition.
(8) nearly dies at the hands of said bully.
And
(9) finds herself in some weird love triangle between two boys, who just so happens to be best friends; have informed each other that they like Liliana and are willing to share her if she is up for it. Like a polyamorous relationship? Yeah. This love triangle was both confusing and weird.
Oooh and please don’t get me started on how bratty Liliana became once she found out about her mother’s side of the family. I did not enjoy seeing a Caucasian woman mistreat an African American woman, especially one who has more pedigree and sway than her. Talk about me begging Cecilia, to put Liliana in her place instead of just rolling her eyes and/or hanging up on her from time-to-time. So frustrating!!!
If I’m honest, the entire book was both frustrating and weird. I mean, I spent 62% of this book waiting for the murder mystery portion (my whole reason for requesting this ARC) to start. By the time it did appear, I found myself just wanting to speed up the audiobook companion (which I did. 2.50x speed) just so I could move on to something more interesting and exciting. I genuinely feel like I never truly got to know a single character (outside of Liliana and her weird/uncomfortable relationships with Theo Dubois and Maddox Moreno). There is a possibility that my feelings of disconnection from both this story and its characters lies in the fact that I am not rich (yet) so I don’t know how a rich person truly loves or what they truly experience. I honestly cannot put my finger on it. All I can say is: READ THIS BOOK WITH CAUTION!!! It has the merits of Dark Academia aesthetics but, doesn’t truly feel like it. There also wwwaaayyy too parts that will make a reader uncomfortable.
I may not know how to feel about this book or how to rate it authentically but, I have no plans to give up on Kelley Armstrong as an author. Just recently, I discovered that, aside from The Masked Truth, she has another book coming out called Dive Bar at the End of the Road: A Novel (an adult novel thank goodness.) I have already put in my request on my library’s Libby app. Now, I just have to make myself wait patiently (not really) for 10/06/26 to arrive. 😬😬😬.
Thank you NetGalley and Tundra Books for granting my request of an Advance Reader’s Copy in exchange for my honest and personal opinion!!!
November 2, 2025
ARC for review. To be published March 24, 2026.
3 stars
Liliana’s mother has died and now the teenager is living on her own, hoping to make it to her 18th birthday and then to college before social services becomes aware of her. But just as child welfare finds her so does a lawyer named Cecelia. She works for the ultra-wealthy Chamberlain family and tells Liliana that, through her mother, she, Liliana, will be the sole heir to the fortune.
Liliana is immediately whisked away to an unusual boarding school that students only attend for their senior year of high school, Westdale Academy. Her mother went there too. It has lots of secrets, including dead former students, something Liliana decides to investigate. A few students in each year compete for some type of academic prize that Cecelia tells her not to worry about but that only makes her more determined to be a part of it. .
She also meets possible friends, possible love interests Theo Dubois, son of Hollywood royalty and the mysterious Maddox Moreno. Theo is also competing for the prize, Maddox seems to be keeping many secrets.
So, the story was OK, but had some holes (the prize is really built up then goes nowhere. Why did Liliana’s mother not reach out for help when she was ill? Her grand plan was to leave behind an underage orphan?). I was totally fine that Liliana was interested in both boys but I did cringe a little when…..SPOILER!!!!!! Skip to the end of this paragraph if you don’t want a minor spoiler!!!!! OK, she’s topless in bed with Maddox, then Theo comes into Maddox’s room and starts kissing her good morning. Ugh, no. It’s great that y’all have no labels and all that, but you guys are seventeen. Save something for when you are adults, please. Plus, you are making me vomit. Thanks.
Otherwise this was just your standard someone-finds-out-they’re-an-heir-goes-to-boarding-school-solves-mysteries thing.
3 stars
Liliana’s mother has died and now the teenager is living on her own, hoping to make it to her 18th birthday and then to college before social services becomes aware of her. But just as child welfare finds her so does a lawyer named Cecelia. She works for the ultra-wealthy Chamberlain family and tells Liliana that, through her mother, she, Liliana, will be the sole heir to the fortune.
Liliana is immediately whisked away to an unusual boarding school that students only attend for their senior year of high school, Westdale Academy. Her mother went there too. It has lots of secrets, including dead former students, something Liliana decides to investigate. A few students in each year compete for some type of academic prize that Cecelia tells her not to worry about but that only makes her more determined to be a part of it. .
She also meets possible friends, possible love interests Theo Dubois, son of Hollywood royalty and the mysterious Maddox Moreno. Theo is also competing for the prize, Maddox seems to be keeping many secrets.
So, the story was OK, but had some holes (the prize is really built up then goes nowhere. Why did Liliana’s mother not reach out for help when she was ill? Her grand plan was to leave behind an underage orphan?). I was totally fine that Liliana was interested in both boys but I did cringe a little when…..SPOILER!!!!!! Skip to the end of this paragraph if you don’t want a minor spoiler!!!!! OK, she’s topless in bed with Maddox, then Theo comes into Maddox’s room and starts kissing her good morning. Ugh, no. It’s great that y’all have no labels and all that, but you guys are seventeen. Save something for when you are adults, please. Plus, you are making me vomit. Thanks.
Otherwise this was just your standard someone-finds-out-they’re-an-heir-goes-to-boarding-school-solves-mysteries thing.
March 1, 2026
It has been quite a while since I’ve read a book by this author. I have really enjoyed her books in the past and her newest release (with a thriller/dark academia vibe) seemed right up my alley.
It started off okay with the main character’s arrival at the boarding school her mother attended. She was kind of a fish out of water as she grew up with nothing only to find out she was actually a billionaire and able to attend this super exclusive school.
However, the mystery aspects were convoluted and not well explained. For being a thriller, the pacing was slow. The final resolution was exciting enough but it took way too long to get there.
Also, I didn’t like the romance. At all. With either guy. This is a love triangle but with polyamory/throuple and it was weird to have something like that in YA. I’m all for characters dating casually at a young age but this was something else entirely. Even worse, both guys were not good. I liked one more than the other but only barely, and the main character was kind of bland for having that much attention from both of them.
I’m glad everything was wrapped up in one volume, but sadly this was a bit of a disappointment for me.
It started off okay with the main character’s arrival at the boarding school her mother attended. She was kind of a fish out of water as she grew up with nothing only to find out she was actually a billionaire and able to attend this super exclusive school.
However, the mystery aspects were convoluted and not well explained. For being a thriller, the pacing was slow. The final resolution was exciting enough but it took way too long to get there.
Also, I didn’t like the romance. At all. With either guy. This is a love triangle but with polyamory/throuple and it was weird to have something like that in YA. I’m all for characters dating casually at a young age but this was something else entirely. Even worse, both guys were not good. I liked one more than the other but only barely, and the main character was kind of bland for having that much attention from both of them.
I’m glad everything was wrapped up in one volume, but sadly this was a bit of a disappointment for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2026
Personally, this just was a miss. For me.
Not a lot happens. ( That should have driven the plot)
I had to go back entire chapters to see if I missed some hidden clue or pivotal plot point. (Dare I say I was bored?)
I've read other books by this author that I clearly loved but this one just didn't hit.
Not a lot happens. ( That should have driven the plot)
I had to go back entire chapters to see if I missed some hidden clue or pivotal plot point. (Dare I say I was bored?)
I've read other books by this author that I clearly loved but this one just didn't hit.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When I was younger, I read so many books with scenarios like this. Parents die, child turned orphan, suddenly you are rich. It had me half convinced that the way to find your fortune was to become an orphan (but not really).
I have read so many books by Kelley Armstrong and have loved every single one of them. It doesn't matter what genre she is writing, every book is incredible. Saw another reviewer say they would read a dictionary written by her, and I would have to agree!
Definitely would recommend this and every other book by her!
Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.
I have read so many books by Kelley Armstrong and have loved every single one of them. It doesn't matter what genre she is writing, every book is incredible. Saw another reviewer say they would read a dictionary written by her, and I would have to agree!
Definitely would recommend this and every other book by her!
Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.
February 11, 2026
3.5 stars
✨✨✨Entertaining & Enjoyable✨✨✨
I really like this author and I was so excited to read this one! I enjoyed A Deadly Inheritance! It’s an entertaining and quick read! I really loved the murder mystery and well done atmosphere!!!
This book is definitely a page turner, but there are a few logic holes here and the love triangle was unrealistic as well. Especially for being YA. I think I would have rather this one have no romance instead of the throuple situation. 😬
This isn’t my favorite book by the author, but I still liked it. It was entertaining and enjoyable!!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review. This book is expected to be released March 24, 2026.
✨✨✨Entertaining & Enjoyable✨✨✨
I really like this author and I was so excited to read this one! I enjoyed A Deadly Inheritance! It’s an entertaining and quick read! I really loved the murder mystery and well done atmosphere!!!
This book is definitely a page turner, but there are a few logic holes here and the love triangle was unrealistic as well. Especially for being YA. I think I would have rather this one have no romance instead of the throuple situation. 😬
This isn’t my favorite book by the author, but I still liked it. It was entertaining and enjoyable!!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review. This book is expected to be released March 24, 2026.
April 1, 2026
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
⭐ 1 star
This story started off with a premise that caught my attention—a young girl navigating life on her own after her mother’s death, only to be swept into a mysterious, secretive pre-college environment. There was definitely potential for something compelling and atmospheric.
Unfortunately, it quickly lost me. The introduction of a romantic dynamic involving multiple characters all dating each other—especially at such a young, pre-college age—felt out of place and distracting from the story’s core. It wasn’t something I personally connected with, and it pulled me out of the narrative.
While others may enjoy the direction it takes, this one just wasn’t for me.
⭐ 1 star
This story started off with a premise that caught my attention—a young girl navigating life on her own after her mother’s death, only to be swept into a mysterious, secretive pre-college environment. There was definitely potential for something compelling and atmospheric.
Unfortunately, it quickly lost me. The introduction of a romantic dynamic involving multiple characters all dating each other—especially at such a young, pre-college age—felt out of place and distracting from the story’s core. It wasn’t something I personally connected with, and it pulled me out of the narrative.
While others may enjoy the direction it takes, this one just wasn’t for me.
November 16, 2025
POLY !!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2026
3.5 stars rounded up
I thought this started a bit slow, and then the very end felt a little rushed, but overall I really enjoyed it. I especially liked what it did with the romance. Definitely a change from the typical way YA love triangles go. And Lili was a great main character to follow on this journey. I also loved the friendships she built. Found families always get me all emotional.
I thought this started a bit slow, and then the very end felt a little rushed, but overall I really enjoyed it. I especially liked what it did with the romance. Definitely a change from the typical way YA love triangles go. And Lili was a great main character to follow on this journey. I also loved the friendships she built. Found families always get me all emotional.
March 29, 2026
2.5
*spoilerowo lekko*
Lubię autorkę i jej książki o dorosłych bohaterach ale młodzieżówka od niej jakoś mi nie podeszła.
Postacie były dosyć nudne i płaskie, nie wyróżniające się niczym. Fabuła była okej i tępo na początku też ale później jak na thriller zwolniło aż za bardzo i w ogóle nie czułam żadnego napięcia z tym związanego. Było bardzo chaotycznie i niezbyt ciekawie. (wgl jak na książkę o umiejscowieniu szkolnym to było zadziwiająco mało lekcji itp) i jak na to że co chwile było nam mówione jak bardzo ważne są kontakty biznesowe, renoma i pierwsze wrażenie to tematy social mediów (mimo iż ich nie lubię) były bardzo potraktowane po łebkach a jednak uważam że w tym temacie pasowałoby je rozwinąć a nie gasić je argumentem 'ta postać po prostu ich nie używa' a potem mówić że jest wpływowa xd szybkość nawiązanego uczucia pomiędzy Lilianą i jej partnerami i to jak później ten trójkąt był kwintesencją fabuły a postacie poboczne przestały się liczyć zaliczam do minusów.
Plusy :
-relacja poliamoryczna w książce YA, ja się tego nie spodziewałam i to chyba pierwszy raz kiedy taką widzę - miłe zaskoczenie zwłaszcza że zazwyczaj mi to przeszkadza (nie przepadam za takimi ale tutaj mimo iż bohaterowie byli mało rozbudowani to ich relacja była całkiem w porządku.
-zostając w temacie relacji romantyczne, dużo było rozmów na temat zgody i pytań na ten temat, nikt nikogo nie napastował czy też nie robił czego wbrew drugiej osoby.
-niestety relacja romantyczna była ciekawsza niż sama zagadka (co jest plusem bo nie było to złe ale równocześnie minusem bo to thriller a nie romans)
*spoilerowo lekko*
Lubię autorkę i jej książki o dorosłych bohaterach ale młodzieżówka od niej jakoś mi nie podeszła.
Postacie były dosyć nudne i płaskie, nie wyróżniające się niczym. Fabuła była okej i tępo na początku też ale później jak na thriller zwolniło aż za bardzo i w ogóle nie czułam żadnego napięcia z tym związanego. Było bardzo chaotycznie i niezbyt ciekawie. (wgl jak na książkę o umiejscowieniu szkolnym to było zadziwiająco mało lekcji itp) i jak na to że co chwile było nam mówione jak bardzo ważne są kontakty biznesowe, renoma i pierwsze wrażenie to tematy social mediów (mimo iż ich nie lubię) były bardzo potraktowane po łebkach a jednak uważam że w tym temacie pasowałoby je rozwinąć a nie gasić je argumentem 'ta postać po prostu ich nie używa' a potem mówić że jest wpływowa xd szybkość nawiązanego uczucia pomiędzy Lilianą i jej partnerami i to jak później ten trójkąt był kwintesencją fabuły a postacie poboczne przestały się liczyć zaliczam do minusów.
Plusy :
-relacja poliamoryczna w książce YA, ja się tego nie spodziewałam i to chyba pierwszy raz kiedy taką widzę - miłe zaskoczenie zwłaszcza że zazwyczaj mi to przeszkadza (nie przepadam za takimi ale tutaj mimo iż bohaterowie byli mało rozbudowani to ich relacja była całkiem w porządku.
-zostając w temacie relacji romantyczne, dużo było rozmów na temat zgody i pytań na ten temat, nikt nikogo nie napastował czy też nie robił czego wbrew drugiej osoby.
-niestety relacja romantyczna była ciekawsza niż sama zagadka (co jest plusem bo nie było to złe ale równocześnie minusem bo to thriller a nie romans)
March 24, 2026
This book is dark academia/ YA mystery thriller. It is set at an elite boarding school.
17 year old Liliana (now an orphan) discovers that she is actually a billionaire heiress. She is sent to an exclusive boarding school. There she discovers secrets, including why her mom left the prestigious school.
Liliana’s mom has died recently. She is struggling financially when her estranged grandparents’ lawyer Cecelia shows up to tell her she is actually scheduled to inherit a big fortune.
Liliana is sent to a private boarding school for rich kids. However once there she discovers that she might be in danger.
The book is full of secrets and there is a big mystery to solve. I really enjoyed the friend group. There is romance, which is quite interesting. There is a love triangle done in a surprising way for YA.
I found this book to be captivating. And I was very invested in the mystery. It sort of gave me One Of Us Is Lying or Pretty Little Liars vibe. Overall I did enjoy this book.
Thanks to Penguin Teen Canada/Tundra Books and netgalley for allowing me to read this book.
17 year old Liliana (now an orphan) discovers that she is actually a billionaire heiress. She is sent to an exclusive boarding school. There she discovers secrets, including why her mom left the prestigious school.
Liliana’s mom has died recently. She is struggling financially when her estranged grandparents’ lawyer Cecelia shows up to tell her she is actually scheduled to inherit a big fortune.
Liliana is sent to a private boarding school for rich kids. However once there she discovers that she might be in danger.
The book is full of secrets and there is a big mystery to solve. I really enjoyed the friend group. There is romance, which is quite interesting. There is a love triangle done in a surprising way for YA.
I found this book to be captivating. And I was very invested in the mystery. It sort of gave me One Of Us Is Lying or Pretty Little Liars vibe. Overall I did enjoy this book.
Thanks to Penguin Teen Canada/Tundra Books and netgalley for allowing me to read this book.
April 9, 2026
Rounding up from 4.5 stars. Terrific YA thriller with plenty of twists and turns and compelling characters.
April 14, 2026
2 ⭐️
This did not meet my expectations. I never felt much of a connection to Lili, and I thought everyone she met at school was too nice. Their moral superiority came off as performative and made them less engaging. I also didn't like that it took half the book for the mystery to actually start. The attack from the synopsis doesn't even happen until 65% through the book. The first half was more focused on her romance with the two boys, which wasn't what I was expecting. It was reading more like a boarding school romance than a thriller. I think a lot could have been edited out. Things got more interesting once Lili became involved in the investigation. Still, there was too much going on. The structure of the book was strange, and the mystery could have been better.
This did not meet my expectations. I never felt much of a connection to Lili, and I thought everyone she met at school was too nice. Their moral superiority came off as performative and made them less engaging. I also didn't like that it took half the book for the mystery to actually start. The attack from the synopsis doesn't even happen until 65% through the book. The first half was more focused on her romance with the two boys, which wasn't what I was expecting. It was reading more like a boarding school romance than a thriller. I think a lot could have been edited out. Things got more interesting once Lili became involved in the investigation. Still, there was too much going on. The structure of the book was strange, and the mystery could have been better.
July 21, 2026
I had a fun time with this thriller/mystery. It involves a 17 year old girl named Liliana who is dodging social workers after her mother dies. She somehow lives in her apartment for a few weeks without anyone noticing. The same day the social workers appear at her door, so does a mysterious woman claiming to be a lawyer for her estranged grandparents who are billionaires. The lawyer also used to be best friends with Liliana’s mother but lost contact when the mother ran away with a guy from high school. Surprisingly, the social worker allows this woman to just take Liliana to a very elite private school and tells her not to run in a competition.
I found the mystery elements and the lgbtq+ representation great. I was always curious to see what was going to happen and how everything ties together. There were a few things that I didn’t catch and did surprise me. But ultimately it’s a surface level mystery that doesn’t really touch on any specific topics. It was also weird that they kept referring to this competition that was mega secret and apparently was so secret that the characters in the book never referenced any tasks or things they do to win. Absolutely nothing. So not sure what that competition involved at all or how anyone wins. The only thing we get is that a board decides the winner. That’s it. I guess you just stand there, get good grades and pray to win.
I still had a great time with the story and mystery. I’d recommend it for a fun time quick read.
I found the mystery elements and the lgbtq+ representation great. I was always curious to see what was going to happen and how everything ties together. There were a few things that I didn’t catch and did surprise me. But ultimately it’s a surface level mystery that doesn’t really touch on any specific topics. It was also weird that they kept referring to this competition that was mega secret and apparently was so secret that the characters in the book never referenced any tasks or things they do to win. Absolutely nothing. So not sure what that competition involved at all or how anyone wins. The only thing we get is that a board decides the winner. That’s it. I guess you just stand there, get good grades and pray to win.
I still had a great time with the story and mystery. I’d recommend it for a fun time quick read.
July 8, 2026
This book is SO strange and oddly written.
I think the plot could be really cool, but was really disappointed where it went.
1. I think her earlier life was super breezed over.
2. the plot was WAY too everywhere, we didn’t need to jump through literally every hoop. There was a way more obvious path that would’ve made more sense.
3. the actual writing wasn’t strong. did we have to keep saying ‘billionaire heiress’ and have grown adults using teen slang? I feel like people of this stature wouldn’t keep referring to someone as a ‘billionaire heiress’
4. the grandparent thing was really just grazed over and was disappointing in the end
5. THE THROUPLE SITUATION MADE NO SENSE
I think the plot could be really cool, but was really disappointed where it went.
1. I think her earlier life was super breezed over.
2. the plot was WAY too everywhere, we didn’t need to jump through literally every hoop. There was a way more obvious path that would’ve made more sense.
3. the actual writing wasn’t strong. did we have to keep saying ‘billionaire heiress’ and have grown adults using teen slang? I feel like people of this stature wouldn’t keep referring to someone as a ‘billionaire heiress’
4. the grandparent thing was really just grazed over and was disappointing in the end
5. THE THROUPLE SITUATION MADE NO SENSE
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2026
It took me a bit to get into this one, not sure why. Could be the whole secret heiress thing seemed over the top. I also kinda just went with things at the start, because it seemed odd that things happened with Liliana so fast, almost homeless, found out by CPS, lawyer appears, now at an elite school and so much money at her finger tips within minutes, her life changed in the blink of an eye.
Once Liliana arrived at school things were still slow. I know it's an elite school, but it seemed weird. With the groups and how secretive things were. It didn't help that the kids were from some of the richest/famous families, very hard to relate to as a normal person. Things only picked up, once you realized there was more going on with the students that were killed. It was interesting seeing Liliana investigate and how she pulled Theo and Maddox in, more interesting the relationship formed between the 3 of them. I also like the female friendship's Liliana formed.
Things got really crazy towards the end, some people paid high prices. When it all came out it was stunning, things going on a couple of fronts, neither of them good. I'm glad with how things ended with the school, at least no more innocent people can be hurt now. I'm intrigued how things ended for Liliana, Theo and Maddox, I hope things stay as good as they are for them.
Once Liliana arrived at school things were still slow. I know it's an elite school, but it seemed weird. With the groups and how secretive things were. It didn't help that the kids were from some of the richest/famous families, very hard to relate to as a normal person. Things only picked up, once you realized there was more going on with the students that were killed. It was interesting seeing Liliana investigate and how she pulled Theo and Maddox in, more interesting the relationship formed between the 3 of them. I also like the female friendship's Liliana formed.
Things got really crazy towards the end, some people paid high prices. When it all came out it was stunning, things going on a couple of fronts, neither of them good. I'm glad with how things ended with the school, at least no more innocent people can be hurt now. I'm intrigued how things ended for Liliana, Theo and Maddox, I hope things stay as good as they are for them.
March 25, 2026
A Deadly Inheritance follows Liliana after her mother dies and she’s sent by her grandparents to Westdale Academy, an elite boarding school full of secrets and intriguing classmates. But things are darker than they appear and Lili stars investigating the deaths of past students only to discover the truth may be deadlier than she thought.
I had fun with this one! I do really enjoy Kelley Armstrong’s books. They’re usually a very good time. This one was entertaining and pretty fast-paced, although a little long in my opinion. I did really enjoy the mystery and the atmosphere the author created. It was very interesting and I am curious to see what happens next.
Lili was a good main character. I found her entertaining and somewhat relatable. I do wish there was less focus on the romance though and more on the mystery. The romance was fine, but I found the love triangle to be a bit tedious.
Overall, if you love YA mysteries set at boarding schools with romance, I’d recommend checking this one out!
Thank you to Penguin Teen CA and Netgalley for the arc!
I had fun with this one! I do really enjoy Kelley Armstrong’s books. They’re usually a very good time. This one was entertaining and pretty fast-paced, although a little long in my opinion. I did really enjoy the mystery and the atmosphere the author created. It was very interesting and I am curious to see what happens next.
Lili was a good main character. I found her entertaining and somewhat relatable. I do wish there was less focus on the romance though and more on the mystery. The romance was fine, but I found the love triangle to be a bit tedious.
Overall, if you love YA mysteries set at boarding schools with romance, I’d recommend checking this one out!
Thank you to Penguin Teen CA and Netgalley for the arc!
Did Not Finish
March 31, 2026DNF at 60%. I tried. I love Kelley. She’s one of my very fave must read authors. I usually enjoy her YA as well but this is was too much for me. It’s like every teen trope mushed together and I didn’t care. Others will likely love this book! This is solely not for me at this stage of my life.
June 28, 2026
3.5 stars. A Deadly Inheritance is a fun mystery thriller for YA audiences!
It reminded me quite a bit of The Inheritance Games, but rather than having a lot of puzzles to solve, it places more of an emphasis on the characters and their relationships with each other. It also brought to mind the Pretty Little Liars series with how unhinged and complicated the plot is. Backstabbing, trickery and maneuvering abound! Fans of either of these series are likely to enjoy this one.
A Deadly Inheritance has solid writing and features interesting characters that I felt invested in while reading. I also appreciated that consent was highlighted often within the book’s romantic relationships. However, I found that the further I got in the mystery, the more confusing it became to me (not always in a good way). It also felt like there was too much lag time between plot events, because there was such an emphasis placed on dialogue and character relationships. For the right reader, that will be a positive rather than a negative, so while it’s only a 3.5 star read for me, I can definitely see it being a 4 or 5 star read for someone else!
Thanks to the publisher, Penguin Random House/Tundra Books, for sending me a physical ARC to review.
It reminded me quite a bit of The Inheritance Games, but rather than having a lot of puzzles to solve, it places more of an emphasis on the characters and their relationships with each other. It also brought to mind the Pretty Little Liars series with how unhinged and complicated the plot is. Backstabbing, trickery and maneuvering abound! Fans of either of these series are likely to enjoy this one.
A Deadly Inheritance has solid writing and features interesting characters that I felt invested in while reading. I also appreciated that consent was highlighted often within the book’s romantic relationships. However, I found that the further I got in the mystery, the more confusing it became to me (not always in a good way). It also felt like there was too much lag time between plot events, because there was such an emphasis placed on dialogue and character relationships. For the right reader, that will be a positive rather than a negative, so while it’s only a 3.5 star read for me, I can definitely see it being a 4 or 5 star read for someone else!
Thanks to the publisher, Penguin Random House/Tundra Books, for sending me a physical ARC to review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley for the advance reader copy of A Deadly Inheritance by Kelley Armstrong in exchange for an honest review. Kelley Armstrong has written another great standalone novel. I believe this book is enjoyable for ages 16-60, I'm 47 and fit nicely in that range. As a child of poverty, I often had the fantasy of a rich relative leaving me a nice inheritance and of going off to boarding school. It never happened to me and a sinister version of it has happened to Liliana Green, now Chamberlain. It's not all bad though, and Lili finds a new family as well to be a part of. This book has a mystery, murder and even a bit of mayhem to enjoy. I'm not surprised that Armstrong has written another winner with A Deadly Inheritance.
June 14, 2026
I loved this one! My favorite kind of thrillers are inheritance type stories with family or connections and wealth the MC never knew existed. The love triangle in this one was a new and unique take as well. Really enjoyed!
April 3, 2026
A Deadly inheritance is fantastic read. The plot twists were breaking my neck I could barely keep up as years of secrets lies and deadly gams slowly come to light. The characters are well developed with slow burn romance that stands the tests of time. I’m glad I had the chance to read this thriller it was perfectly paced for a weekend read. I highly recommend it.
June 10, 2026
An interesting mystery.
Isolde a young seventeen year old whose parents have both died is just trying to fly under the radar of social services till she hits eighteen. Then she discovers she's an heiress to a multi billion dollar corporation and is whisked off to an elite private school. Once at the school Isolde.is settling in really well exept.she feels that someone is out to harm her. On the way to the school there is an incident which scares her then first Night there someone tries to enter her locked room while she's in bed. More things start to make her suspicious but luckily there are Theo and Maddox two seniors who have assigned themselves as her protectors and who have their own reasons for agreeing about Isolde that there .at be danger at Westvale school .......
Isolde a young seventeen year old whose parents have both died is just trying to fly under the radar of social services till she hits eighteen. Then she discovers she's an heiress to a multi billion dollar corporation and is whisked off to an elite private school. Once at the school Isolde.is settling in really well exept.she feels that someone is out to harm her. On the way to the school there is an incident which scares her then first Night there someone tries to enter her locked room while she's in bed. More things start to make her suspicious but luckily there are Theo and Maddox two seniors who have assigned themselves as her protectors and who have their own reasons for agreeing about Isolde that there .at be danger at Westvale school .......
May 2, 2026
“I’d rather be thrown into the deep end than held back in the shallows.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
First off, thank you @tundrabooks for the free copy of A Deadly Inheritance by Kelley Armstrong!
Now, if you know me at all, you know that Armstrong is my favourite author, and I love her YA thrillers, honestly, some of the scariest books I’ve read. But A Deadly Inheritance isn’t one of them.
Don’t get me wrong, there are parts I really loved about this book, such as:
1. The mental health representation and the open dialogue around what depression and anxiety actually look like, along with the unfair stigmas associated with those diagnoses.
2. The open discussion around sexuality and gender, and the normalization of those relationships, which in turn challenges what society deems “normal.”
3. The character development was fantastic, as it always is with KA, especially when it comes to strong female leads.
4. I enjoyed the ending. It wasn’t quite what I was expecting, but it made sense.
5. The writing was enjoyable, easy to read, and kept me engaged. This is something I always find with Armstrong, and this book is no different.
Now for what didn’t work for me:
1. This felt like a very cookie-cutter dark academia YA thriller. There was nothing particularly new, and because of that, it felt a bit forgettable.
2. The whole point of the book is uncovering what happened in the past, but it felt glossed over and lacked depth. I think this would have really benefited from a dual POV/timeline, which could have added an interesting perspective and brought more uniqueness and dimension to the story.
Overall, this was a decent YA thriller and a very quick read. If you’re looking for something that fits that bill, I’d suggest picking it up, just don’t expect to be wowed or blown away.
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
First off, thank you @tundrabooks for the free copy of A Deadly Inheritance by Kelley Armstrong!
Now, if you know me at all, you know that Armstrong is my favourite author, and I love her YA thrillers, honestly, some of the scariest books I’ve read. But A Deadly Inheritance isn’t one of them.
Don’t get me wrong, there are parts I really loved about this book, such as:
1. The mental health representation and the open dialogue around what depression and anxiety actually look like, along with the unfair stigmas associated with those diagnoses.
2. The open discussion around sexuality and gender, and the normalization of those relationships, which in turn challenges what society deems “normal.”
3. The character development was fantastic, as it always is with KA, especially when it comes to strong female leads.
4. I enjoyed the ending. It wasn’t quite what I was expecting, but it made sense.
5. The writing was enjoyable, easy to read, and kept me engaged. This is something I always find with Armstrong, and this book is no different.
Now for what didn’t work for me:
1. This felt like a very cookie-cutter dark academia YA thriller. There was nothing particularly new, and because of that, it felt a bit forgettable.
2. The whole point of the book is uncovering what happened in the past, but it felt glossed over and lacked depth. I think this would have really benefited from a dual POV/timeline, which could have added an interesting perspective and brought more uniqueness and dimension to the story.
Overall, this was a decent YA thriller and a very quick read. If you’re looking for something that fits that bill, I’d suggest picking it up, just don’t expect to be wowed or blown away.
May 29, 2026
A Deadly Inheritance was exactly the kind of vibe I was craving 😄 A posh boarding school setting? Secrets? Rich people drama? Mysterious deaths? Yes please.
At first, the story feels like it’s about to dive headfirst into every classic YA cliché imaginable — the love triangle setup, the blond “safe” good boy vs. the dark mysterious bad boy, all of that 😅
But surprisingly, the book actually avoids some of the more predictable romantic developments, which I appreciated. The relationships and final choices went in a different direction than I expected, and that definitely helped keep me interested.
The mystery itself also wasn’t as obvious as I thought it would be. Unfortunately, while the reveal surprised me, the overall build-up and climax lacked intensity. I kept waiting for that big dramatic payoff moment where everything explodes emotionally and plot-wise… and it never quite got there.
Also worth mentioning: there’s no spice beyond kissing, so this definitely leans more toward a younger YA audience 👀
Overall, enjoyable and entertaining, but I wanted a bit more drama, danger, and emotional punch.
Rating: 3 ⭐
TL;DR: Fun boarding school mystery with surprising romantic choices.
At first, the story feels like it’s about to dive headfirst into every classic YA cliché imaginable — the love triangle setup, the blond “safe” good boy vs. the dark mysterious bad boy, all of that 😅
But surprisingly, the book actually avoids some of the more predictable romantic developments, which I appreciated. The relationships and final choices went in a different direction than I expected, and that definitely helped keep me interested.
The mystery itself also wasn’t as obvious as I thought it would be. Unfortunately, while the reveal surprised me, the overall build-up and climax lacked intensity. I kept waiting for that big dramatic payoff moment where everything explodes emotionally and plot-wise… and it never quite got there.
Also worth mentioning: there’s no spice beyond kissing, so this definitely leans more toward a younger YA audience 👀
Overall, enjoyable and entertaining, but I wanted a bit more drama, danger, and emotional punch.
Rating: 3 ⭐
TL;DR: Fun boarding school mystery with surprising romantic choices.
May 22, 2026
Euf… this had so much potential.
Elite boarding school, secret society, murder, mystery, a love triangle… the problem was that Kelley scratched the surface of too many ideas, and we the reader received nothing of substance.
One thing authors need to remember, is that when they have a loyal fan base, *we have read their work*. So when, once again, the overuse of characters’ first AND last names get used, you immediately remember how the author has already done that (and recently - see Writing Mr. Wrong). I understand she’s trying to highlight the importance of persona, but the horse is dead, leave it alone.
Some of the characters were quite likeable (if there’s a sequel, please let it be Allegra) and some that were just hot messes (Cecelia, mid-30s lawyer who sounds 17). The love triangle that was overly consensual was giving “I’m down with GenZ, I know polyamory is what’s up”.
The psych out twist was better than the actual twist.
All in all, a quick easy read. Great scene setting.
Elite boarding school, secret society, murder, mystery, a love triangle… the problem was that Kelley scratched the surface of too many ideas, and we the reader received nothing of substance.
One thing authors need to remember, is that when they have a loyal fan base, *we have read their work*. So when, once again, the overuse of characters’ first AND last names get used, you immediately remember how the author has already done that (and recently - see Writing Mr. Wrong). I understand she’s trying to highlight the importance of persona, but the horse is dead, leave it alone.
Some of the characters were quite likeable (if there’s a sequel, please let it be Allegra) and some that were just hot messes (Cecelia, mid-30s lawyer who sounds 17). The love triangle that was overly consensual was giving “I’m down with GenZ, I know polyamory is what’s up”.
The psych out twist was better than the actual twist.
All in all, a quick easy read. Great scene setting.
October 20, 2025
This was a page turner that kept me on the edge of my seat. After finding out she is to inherit a fortune, Lili is enrolled in a private boarding school. Once there she starts investigating why her mother gave up her inheritance and stayed on the move so that her parents could not find her. Soon Lili discovers that the school has a past of students dying or being hurt. Were her parents involved in one of the deaths that occurred when a girl was killed in a car crash? Is this death connected to other deaths? Lili along with her newfound friends embark on a quest to learn what has been going on at the school and how it is all connected. The dynamics of the love triangle to me was unrealistic and I think young adults will not connect with these characters because of this. It's a good read but it fell short in my opinion. Life and love can get very messy at times, and I feel that these characters are portrayed as just a little too perfect.
January 4, 2026
Thank you so much NetGalley, Kelley Armstrong and Tundra Book Group for providing me with a earc to review and provide my honest feedback.
Kelley Armstrong usually writes captivating, thrilling novels yet this one unfortunately fell short for me 😔
Initially the description of this book caught my attention, and the possibilities seemed endless yet the story alone had major holes in it.
Lilianna's mother passes, and she is praying that social services won't catch on before she makes it to college. At the exact same time social services finds her, a lawyer named Cecelia does too thus takes her away with the promise with a major inheritance.
I think too much transpires and major parts are left unattended to within the book.
Was this my favourite book by the author? Unfortunately no.
Am I disappointed? Yeah.
Will I be recommending this book? No.
Will I continue to read Kelley Armstrong books? Yes!
⭐️⭐️✨/5
Kelley Armstrong usually writes captivating, thrilling novels yet this one unfortunately fell short for me 😔
Initially the description of this book caught my attention, and the possibilities seemed endless yet the story alone had major holes in it.
Lilianna's mother passes, and she is praying that social services won't catch on before she makes it to college. At the exact same time social services finds her, a lawyer named Cecelia does too thus takes her away with the promise with a major inheritance.
I think too much transpires and major parts are left unattended to within the book.
Was this my favourite book by the author? Unfortunately no.
Am I disappointed? Yeah.
Will I be recommending this book? No.
Will I continue to read Kelley Armstrong books? Yes!
⭐️⭐️✨/5
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