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TL;DR: Avery Grambs is a broke high school student living in her car. Suddenly she learns that Tobias Hawthorne, one of the richest men in the world and a total stranger, has left her almost his entire fortune. To claim it, she must live in Hawthorne House for a year with his angry family, including four charming grandsons, while solving the puzzles he left behind.
Table of Contents
The Inheritance Games at a Glance
| Author | Jennifer Lynn Barnes |
| First published | 2020 |
| Type | Young adult mystery |
| Best for | readers who want a fun, puzzle-filled mystery with romance and secrets |
The Inheritance Games is the first book in Jennifer Lynn Barnes's series of the same name, published in 2020. It became a TikTok sensation. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it.
Content note: Includes attempted murder, grief and family conflict.
Main Characters
- Avery Grambs: A clever, practical girl who inherits a fortune.
- Jameson Hawthorne: A daring, charming grandson.
- Grayson Hawthorne: A serious, controlled grandson.
- Xander Hawthorne: A cheerful, inventive grandson.
- Nash Hawthorne: The oldest grandson, a protective cowboy type.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
The inheritance
Avery's mother died, and she lives in difficult conditions with her sister Libby and Libby's abusive boyfriend. She is called to the reading of Tobias Hawthorne's will and learns that she has inherited billions. The family is shocked and furious. Avery has no idea why Tobias chose her.
Hawthorne House
Avery moves into Hawthorne House, a huge mansion full of secret passages, hidden rooms and puzzles. Tobias loved games, and he raised his grandsons on riddles and challenges. Jameson believes Tobias left clues explaining why he chose Avery. They begin to solve the puzzles together.
The grandsons
Avery grows close to Jameson, who is reckless and exciting, and Grayson, who is serious and intense. Xander, the youngest, is funny and kind. Nash is protective of everyone. Avery learns about Emily, a girl the grandsons once loved, who died in an accident. Her death haunts them.
Danger
Someone tries to kill Avery. She is shot at and nearly killed in an explosion. The family has many reasons to resent her, and suspicion falls on them. Avery must protect herself while continuing to solve the puzzles. She learns that her mother had a connection to the Hawthorne family.
The answer
Avery discovers that Tobias's son, Toby, thought dead, is alive, and that he knew Avery's mother. Tobias chose Avery partly to bring Toby's story to light and to test his grandsons. The attempts on her life are linked to one of the family members. Avery accepts her new life, but many mysteries remain, setting up the next book.
5 Key Takeaways
- Money changes relationships.
- Puzzles can reveal family secrets.
- Trust must be earned.
- The past shapes the present.
- Being underestimated can be an advantage.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- Clever thinking can open doors.
- Wealth brings both power and danger.
- Family is complicated.
Who Should Read The Inheritance Games?
Read The Inheritance Games if you enjoy puzzles, mysteries, romance and rich, secret-filled mansions. It suits teens and adults.
About Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Jennifer Lynn Barnes (born 1984) is an American author with a background in psychology and cognitive science. She has written more than 20 novels for young readers, including The Naturals series and the Debutantes series. The Inheritance Games series has become a global best seller, and a TV adaptation has been announced.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of The Inheritance Games:
- Why did Tobias choose Avery?
- Which grandson do you trust most?
- How do the puzzles reveal the family's secrets?
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether The Inheritance Games is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full story, characters and style, which no short summary can replace.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of The Inheritance Games, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary between copies.
Should You Read the Book?
Yes. It is fun, fast and very hard to put down.
Check price of The Inheritance Games on Amazon
What to Read Next
- The Hawthorne Legacy by Jennifer Lynn Barnes: the second Inheritance Games book
- A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson: a teen investigates a mystery
- The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin: a classic puzzle about an inheritance
Related: 15 Books Like The Inheritance Games You’ll Love: Puzzles, Riddles and Billionaire Mysteries · What Age Is The Inheritance Games Appropriate For? A Parent’s Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Inheritance Games about?
A teenage girl inherits a fortune from a stranger and must solve his puzzles.
Who wrote it?
Jennifer Lynn Barnes, in 2020.
Who is Avery Grambs?
A clever, broke girl who inherits billions.
Who are the Hawthorne grandsons?
Nash, Grayson, Jameson and Xander.
What is Hawthorne House?
A mansion full of secrets and puzzles.
Why did Tobias choose Avery?
The book slowly reveals the reasons.
Is it a series?
Yes, several books.
What age is it for?
Teens and adults.
How long is it?
About 370 pages.
Is there romance?
Yes, a love triangle.
What comes next?
The Hawthorne Legacy.
Is it like The Westing Game?
Yes, it shares the idea of an inheritance full of puzzles.
Is it popular on TikTok?
Yes, very.
Is The Inheritance Games worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for readers who want a fun, puzzle-filled mystery with romance and secrets. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.