Book Summary Contents
- 1 Introduction To The Inheritance Games Summary By Jennifer Lynn Barnes
- 2 The Inheritance Games Summary & Plot Summary: A High-Stakes Game of Wealth and Secrets
- 3 The Inheritance Games Summary By Chapter
- 4 Character Analysis: Who’s Who in the Hawthorne Dynasty
- 5 Themes & Analysis
- 6 About the Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes
- 7 Why This Book Stands Out
- 8 FAQ
- 9 Conclusion: The Inheritance Games Summary
- 10 Get Your Copy
- 11 Sources & References
Introduction To The Inheritance Games Summary By Jennifer Lynn Barnes
The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes: A Complete Book Summary & Analysis
Jennifer Lynn Barnes’ The Inheritance Games (2020) is a thrilling young adult mystery novel that combines wealth, puzzles, and family secrets into an unputdownable narrative. The story follows Avery Kylie Grambs, a high school student with a modest background, who unexpectedly inherits a multi-billion-dollar fortune from a reclusive Texas billionaire, Tobias Hawthorne.
With its fast-paced plot, intricate riddles, and a cast of morally complex characters, The Inheritance Games has captivated readers and critics alike.
The Inheritance Games Summary and analysis will explore:
Plot Summary – A detailed breakdown of the story’s key events.
Character Analysis – The motivations and roles of each major character.
Themes & Symbolism – Wealth, power, deception, and identity.
Literary – Why this book resonates with readers.
Whether you’ve read the book and want a refresher or are considering picking it up, this guide will provide everything you need to know.
The Inheritance Games Summary & Plot Summary: A High-Stakes Game of Wealth and Secrets
The Unexpected Inheritance
Avery Grambs, a pragmatic teenager struggling to make ends meet, is shocked when she is named the sole heir of Tobias Hawthorne’s $46.2 billion fortune. The catch? She must live in the sprawling Hawthorne House for one year, surrounded by the disinherited and hostile Hawthorne family.
The will reading reveals:
Avery inherits everything, including the estate, businesses, and assets.
The Hawthorne family (Tobias’ daughters and grandsons) receive minimal bequests.
A cryptic note from Tobias: “Dearest Avery, I’m sorry. —T.T.H.”
Avery, who has never met Tobias, is immediately suspected of being a con artist. The Hawthornes—especially Grayson, Jameson, Nash, and Xander—are determined to uncover why she was chosen.
The Puzzle Unfolds
Tobias Hawthorne was obsessed with games, and his will is no exception. Avery and the Hawthorne brothers begin deciphering clues hidden throughout the mansion:
The First Clue – Jameson leads Avery to a hidden book (The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus) containing a red acetate filter that reveals the phrase: “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
The Middle Names – The brothers’ middle names (Westbrook, Davenport, Winchester, Blackwood) correspond to locations on the estate.
The Shooting Incident – Someone tries to kill Avery, escalating tensions.
Emily Laughlin’s Death – The brothers’ shared trauma over Emily’s death (Grayson’s ex-girlfriend) is tied to Avery’s inheritance.
The Final Revelation
After solving a series of elaborate puzzles, Avery discovers:
Her name is an anagram for “A very risky gamble.”
Tobias had been watching her since childhood, implying she was chosen deliberately.
Tobias Hawthorne II (Toby) is alive—he is “Harry,” the old man Avery played chess with in the park.
The Inheritance Games Summary By Chapter
Chapter 1: Avery Grambs, a brilliant high school junior, is accused of cheating on a physics test after earning a perfect score. She demands to retake it to prove her worth.
Chapter 2: Avery’s half-sister, Libby, returns home with her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Drake, forcing Avery to sleep in her car to avoid him.
Chapter 3: While sleeping in her car, Avery texts her friend, Max, and finds comfort in her deceased mother’s postcards, which ignite her dreams of travel.
Chapter 4: Avery is summoned to the principal’s office and learns that Tobias Hawthorne, a billionaire, has left her a fortune in his will, requiring her to attend the reading in Texas.
Chapter 5: Avery and Libby fly first-class to Texas, where Avery discovers Tobias Hawthorne was an eccentric billionaire. They are met by Alisa Ortega, a lawyer, who leads them to Hawthorne House.
Chapter 6: Avery and Libby arrive at the massive Hawthorne House, meeting the Hawthorne grandsons, Nash and Xander, with a warning not to “lose their heart to a Hawthorne.”
Chapter 7: Xander introduces Avery to secret passages in Hawthorne House. Avery meets Skye and Zara, the women of the family, who seem determined to know why Avery inherited everything.
Chapter 8: At the will reading, Avery is shocked to learn that Tobias left her his entire fortune, creating disbelief and anger among the Hawthorne family.
Chapter 9: The family reacts with disbelief, but Mr. Ortega assures them the will is unbreakable. Avery is informed she now owns Hawthorne House, and the family can’t be evicted unless they give cause.
Chapter 10: Avery tries to reject the inheritance, but Libby is thrilled. Avery’s new bodyguard, John Oren, informs her that she will need security for the rest of her life.
Chapter 11: Alisa reveals that Avery also owns the hotel they are staying in, and she must live in Hawthorne House for a year to keep the inheritance. Media attention will be intense.
Chapter 12: Avery calls Max, who suggests wild theories about her connection to Tobias. Grayson confronts Avery, accusing her of being a con artist. Avery reads Tobias’s cryptic letter: “Dearest Avery, I’m sorry.”
Chapter 13: Oren and Alisa explain the dangers of being an heiress. Avery learns Libby’s ex-boyfriend, Drake, leaked the inheritance news to the press.
Chapter 14: Avery receives a hundred antique keys to Hawthorne House and is challenged by Jameson to solve a “puzzle” involving the keys. Only one key works, symbolizing Tobias’s game.
Chapter 15: Avery and Libby tour the massive Hawthorne House, meeting Nash, who offers to help Libby with her issues. Nash’s past relationship with Alisa is hinted at.
Chapter 16: Grayson distrusts Avery and accuses her of being a “gold-digging con artist.” Xander and Avery have a moment of camaraderie, but Avery feels like an outsider.
Chapter 17: Xander shares scones with Avery and reveals that Tobias would have manipulated everyone in the family, not just Avery. He describes the unconventional layout of Hawthorne House.
Chapter 18: Avery explores her new wing in Hawthorne House and finds Tobias’s office filled with memorabilia about his grandsons. Libby reveals that Tobias’s daughters are having Avery’s DNA tested.
Chapter 19: Jameson sneaks into Avery’s room through a secret passage and reveals the keys were part of Tobias’s family tradition. Avery is Tobias’s “final riddle.”
Chapter 20: Avery reads Jameson’s proverb-filled letter and starts to unravel its meaning. Avery’s life is scrutinized by the media, and she is enrolled at Heights Country Day.
Chapter 21: Jameson drives Avery to school, and Avery shares her findings from Tobias’s letter. She realizes Tobias’s cryptic message hints at power and money being dangerous.
Chapter 22: Avery feels out of place at the elite school. Thea warns her about the “twisted” Hawthorne family and mentions a “last girl” who died after getting involved with them.
Chapter 23: Avery meets with Dr. McGowan, the headmaster, who encourages her to pursue travel and explore the world after her year at Hawthorne House.
Chapter 24: Max calls Avery, revealing her parents are panicked over reporters. Avery tells him about Jameson’s letter, and Thea mentions the “last girl” again.
Chapter 25: Avery, unnerved by Thea’s warning, meets Xander, who reveals his secret success with cryptocurrency. He warns her that Thea is “up to something.”
Chapter 26: In the archive, Avery deciphers Tobias’s middle name, “Tattersall,” and discovers a hidden message in Jameson’s letter: “Don’t judge a book by its cover.”
Chapter 27: Avery and Jameson search the library for a book that doesn’t match its cover. They find Faust, which contains a hidden message: “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
Chapter 28: Avery explores the House alone, finding a theater and music room. Grayson confronts her, threatening to expose her secrets. Avery counters with information about Emily’s death.
Chapter 29: Libby brings Avery electronics, and Avery watches a video of Drake making disparaging remarks. She then learns from Zara and Skye that Avery’s DNA test showed no connection to the Hawthornes.
Chapter 30: Alisa reassures Avery that the legal challenge from Zara will fail, revealing Tobias’s previous will that disinherited his daughters after his son’s death. Avery’s life is under scrutiny.
Chapter 31: Avery visits the bowling alley and finds a message welcoming her. Grayson and Jameson confront her, with Grayson expressing skepticism about Avery’s involvement.
Chapter 32: Avery reveals that Tobias disinherited his family after the death of his son, Toby. Jameson reacts emotionally to this information.
Chapter 33: Jameson and Avery continue their search for clues, finding another copy of Faust. They uncover more hidden messages pointing to the “Red Will.”
Chapter 34: Alisa sends a stylist to give Avery a makeover for public appearances. Xander provides a lighter perspective on the situation, and Zara interrupts, asking for Avery’s attention.
Chapter 35: Zara tries to co-opt Avery into running the Hawthorne Foundation. Avery insists on making decisions herself and agrees to meet at the foundation.
Chapter 36: Avery reveals Tobias’s “Red Will” clue to Alisa, using a red filter to uncover hidden text. She finds the grandsons’ middle names: Westbrook, Davenport, Winchester, and Blackwood.
Chapter 37: Nash confronts Avery about the hidden clues. He reveals Tobias’s tradition of challenging his grandsons to cultivate talent. Avery realizes she’s part of a larger game.
Chapter 38: Avery and Jameson confront Skye about Tobias’s naming decisions. Skye reveals Tobias’s favor for his son Toby and how it led to his disinheritance.
Chapter 39: Jameson is troubled by the revelation of Tobias’s intentions. He takes Avery to Tobias’s car collection and tries to understand the deeper game Tobias played.
Chapter 40: Oren reprimands Jameson for a high-speed joyride. Avery’s role in the inheritance game weighs heavily on her, and Max reveals her life is under lockdown due to her ex-boyfriend’s betrayal.
Chapter 41: Oren reprimands Jameson for the dangerous joyride. Avery struggles with the implications of her inheritance while Max calls to inform her that her life is under “lockdown” due to her ex-boyfriend’s betrayal.
Chapter 42: Avery visits the Hawthorne Foundation and meets Grayson. Grayson reveals he took black-and-white photos displayed in the Foundation. Avery uncovers clues about “Blackwood” and “Westbrook” as locations on the estate.
Chapter 43: Drake appears at Hawthorne House gates, prompting Avery to confront the press. She falsely claims she knows why Tobias changed his will to control the narrative and protect Libby.
Chapter 44: Avery struggles with the aftermath of her press conference lie. Libby, angry over her black eye and Drake’s involvement, reveals the tension between them. Nash’s calming presence helps Avery reflect on her role.
Chapter 45: Alisa scolds Avery for her press conference stunt. Avery searches for “Emily Laughlin” online and finds her obituary. Jameson appears and inquires about the clue Avery uncovered during the conference.
Chapter 46: Avery and Jameson explore further, with Jameson revealing that Emily had a heart transplant and lived life to the fullest. He shares his guilt over her death, mentioning Grayson’s role in her tragic fate.
Chapter 47: Avery and Jameson search the bridge Tobias built, where they find “Infinity” or “Eight” carved into a rotating board, pointing toward another crucial clue.
Chapter 48: Avery, disturbed by recent events, finds Nash sleeping in Libby’s room. She overhears Nan talking cryptically about Skye and reveals more hidden family secrets.
Chapter 49: Alisa warns Avery about her growing public profile. Thea moves into Hawthorne House, stating her immunity to the Hawthorne family’s allure and adds more mystery to the growing tensions.
Chapter 50: Max becomes unusually quiet, indicating something’s wrong. Xander warns Avery that Thea is scheming, showing her his complex Rube Goldberg machine—hinting that the family’s next move is calculated.
Chapter 51: At a formal dinner, Skye drunkenly toasts Avery, while Thea toasts Emily. Jameson storms off, and Grayson warns Avery that his family “destroys everything they touch.” Avery follows Jameson to the Black Wood.
Chapter 52: Avery finds Jameson in the Black Wood, where they discover “TOBIAS HAWTHORNE II” carved into a tree. Gunshots suddenly ring out, hitting Avery with bark. Oren appears, confirming they were shot at by someone on the estate.
Chapter 53: Oren takes Avery and Jameson to Wayback Cottage for medical treatment. Mrs. Laughlin, a family acquaintance, tends to Avery’s wounds, and Mr. Laughlin returns from the woods with unsettling news.
Chapter 54: In private, Jameson gently cleans Avery’s wounds. They share a brief kiss, but Jameson quickly refocuses on solving the puzzle, seeing Avery as a part of the larger game Tobias orchestrated.
Chapter 55: Avery, frustrated by Jameson’s detachment, calls Max. Rebecca Laughlin enters, revealing her secret relationship with Thea and hints that Emily’s death was manipulated by the Hawthornes.
Chapter 56: Oren clears the Hawthornes of direct involvement in the shooting but suggests they may have hired someone. Alisa reveals that if Avery dies before she turns 18 or 21, the inheritance would pass to Libby and her father.
Chapter 57: Avery insists Oren take her to the armory, where she finds a hidden cabinet and a Winchester rifle with the etched letters “O.N.E.” She interprets this as “one,” connecting it to the clues about “eight.”
Chapter 58: Avery, feeling overwhelmed, sleeps in Libby’s room. She discovers that her private life has been violated, with Max revealing that her ex-boyfriend sold their private photos to reporters. Avery worries about the potential danger.
Chapter 59: Oren updates Avery about the police report and the need for discretion. Thea implies she knows about Avery’s kiss with Jameson, which adds another layer of tension. Grayson pulls Avery aside, visibly concerned.
Chapter 60: Avery confronts Grayson about the shooting, revealing she was shot. Grayson, furious, accuses Oren of failing his job. The situation becomes increasingly tense as Nash and Jameson arrive to investigate.
Chapter 61: Avery decides to stay home and skips school. Libby and Avery begin their search for a “Davenport” desk. They encounter Skye, who hints at family secrets, including Grayson’s involvement in the shooting.
Chapter 62: Libby confronts Avery about not sharing the details of the shooting. Avery reveals the shooter had access to secret tunnels in Hawthorne House, further complicating their safety.
Chapter 63: Avery and Oren search for the Davenport desk, finding a self-playing piano operated by Nan. Nash appears, warning Avery again about the game’s dangers and its potential impact on Libby.
Chapter 64: Nash leads Avery to a secret wing built for him, full of puzzles and games. Avery finds her name on a pinball machine and learns more about the Hawthorne family’s history, including the unusual pregnancies of Skye.
Chapter 65: Avery discovers a hidden passage behind a bookshelf, leading to a secret room where Grayson awaits. They find the next clue: a keychain marked with the number “one.”
Chapter 66: Avery reflects on the collected clues: “Eight,” “One,” and “One.” Alisa arrives to prepare Avery for a charity gala, including dress shopping and media training, despite the recent shooting.
Chapter 67: Avery goes dress shopping with Alisa and Thea, with paparazzi in tow. Thea subtly warns Avery about Jameson and implies she knows about their kiss. Their car is attacked, which Oren reveals was a trap to catch the shooter.
Chapter 68: Oren reveals Drake was the assailant, and police will question Libby. Alisa warns Avery that if she dies, her inheritance will pass to Libby, making her a target.
Chapter 69: Nash confronts Alisa about Libby’s police questioning, emphasizing her loyalty. Avery demands legal representation for Libby. Nash reveals that a media consultant is awaiting Avery.
Chapter 70: Avery undergoes media training with Landon, learning to control her narrative and deflect difficult questions. Landon hints that Drake is attempting to implicate Libby in the shooting.
Chapter 71: Libby enters Avery’s room, crying, and apologizes for not blocking Drake. Avery’s stylists finish her elaborate hair for the gala, causing Avery to question who truly let Drake onto the estate.
Chapter 72: Oren explains that Drake likely entered via secret tunnels, hinting that an accomplice within the Hawthorne family is responsible. Avery faces her role in the family’s power struggle as she prepares to attend the gala.
Chapter 73: At the gala, Avery delivers her prepared statement to the press. Grayson reacts intensely to her appearance, and Thea reveals she intentionally styled Avery to resemble Emily, claiming it’s what Emily would have wanted.
Chapter 74: Avery struggles to remove the intricate hairstyle and wonders about her true identity. Alisa promises to protect Libby and advises Avery to stay close to Grayson during the gala.
Chapter 75: Avery finds Jameson at the museum, where he admits to breaking up with Emily the night she died. He begs Avery to continue the game with him. Grayson arrives, hinting that Jameson blames him for Emily’s death.
Chapter 76: Avery leaves the gala with Xander, who reveals he secretly made $100 million from cryptocurrency. He hints that Emily orchestrated his fake relationship with Thea to provoke the Hawthorne family.
Chapter 77: Avery, Jameson, and Grayson fly in a helicopter over the Black Wood. Avery connects the numbers (8, 1, 1, 0) to her birthday, October 18th, and Jameson reacts with anger, revealing that Emily died on the same date a year prior.
Chapter 78: Avery is distraught by Jameson’s reaction. Grayson confesses he believes he “killed” Emily by taking her cliff diving. Tobias Hawthorne used the inheritance to set up a game of penance for Grayson.
Chapter 79: Avery examines Tobias’s self-portrait and discovers Roman numerals “X.X.VIII” (10-18) in the signature. She enters “1018” on a keypad, opening a compartment containing a stained-glass octagon and a cryptic riddle.
Chapter 80: Avery shows Jameson the new clue, but he’s despondent, revealing other “10-18” clues. Avery seeks out Grayson, but Nash says Grayson refuses to see her.
Chapter 81: Xander finds Avery contemplating the riddle and reassures her that the game isn’t over. He recognizes the stained-glass octagon and points her to the next clue in the Great Room.
Chapter 82: Avery and Xander solve the riddle and find a loose floorboard in the Great Room. This leads them to a hidden tunnel where they uncover the next part of Tobias’s game.
Chapter 83: Avery and Xander explore the tunnel, discovering a metal grate marked “M.E.” and a door activated by Avery’s facial recognition. They uncover a hidden room with a puzzle requiring the handprints of all four Hawthorne brothers.
Chapter 84: Xander leaves to retrieve his brothers. Rebecca Laughlin appears, confessing she blames herself for Emily’s death and revealing that Skye was with Drake in the tunnels the night of the shooting.
Chapter 86: Rebecca reveals that Skye was with Drake in the tunnels. Grayson appears, furious, and dismisses Rebecca. He challenges Avery to a game: if he guesses her chosen number (2), she lets him handle Skye. Avery agrees. Xander and Nash arrive, followed by Jameson, who also jumps down into the room.
Chapter 87: Jameson unlocks the final door. Inside, they find a box with golden tiles spelling “AVERY KYLIE GRAMBS.” Avery realizes it’s an anagram for “A very risky gamble,” and the lock opens. Inside are five envelopes, one for each, but Avery’s contains only a sugar packet.
Chapter 88: Avery realizes she briefly met Tobias Hawthorne as a child when he asked her to spell her full name, leading to the anagram. The brothers deduce that Tobias chose Avery as a “very risky gamble” to force them to confront their grief and re-form their bond, bringing them all together.
Chapter 89: Feeling insignificant after solving the game, Avery returns to Tobias’s desk in her wing. She discovers another hidden compartment, opened by his initials (T.T.H.), containing her birth certificate (with her birth date and father’s signature highlighted) and photos of herself from age six, revealing Tobias had been tracking her for years.
Chapter 90: Oren informs Avery that Skye Hawthorne is leaving Hawthorne House, expelled by Grayson. Avery tries to touch Grayson, but he pulls away, stating he will always protect her, but “us” cannot happen due to Jameson.
Chapter 91: Avery resolves to help Max and Libby. She finds Libby and Nan playing the piano. Nan makes a cryptic remark about Skye, then shows Avery a locket with a picture of Toby Hawthorne, whom Avery recognizes as Harry, the homeless man she plays chess with.
Character Analysis: Who’s Who in the Hawthorne Dynasty
Avery Kylie Grambs
Role: Protagonist & unexpected heiress.
Personality: Intelligent, resilient, and skeptical.
Key Traits: Skilled in chess, actuarial science, and puzzle-solving.
Character Arc: Transforms from an outsider to a key player in Tobias’ game.
The Hawthorne Brothers
| Name | Personality | Role in the Game |
|---|---|---|
| Grayson Hawthorne | Stoic, responsible, guilt-ridden | The “heir apparent” who resents Avery. |
| Jameson Hawthorne | Charismatic, reckless, thrill-seeker | Believes Avery is Tobias’ final riddle. |
| Nash Hawthorne | Protective, laid-back, “cowboy” type | Acts as a guardian figure. |
| Xander Hawthorne | Eccentric genius, master manipulator | Secretly guiding Avery through the game. |
Tobias Hawthorne
The Deceased Billionaire: A manipulative genius who orchestrated the inheritance as a final game.
Motives: Wanted his grandsons to confront their past (Emily’s death) and unite.
Supporting Characters
Libby Grambs: Avery’s loving but troubled older sister.
Skye & Zara Hawthorne: Tobias’ resentful daughters.
Emily Laughlin: The deceased girl whose death haunts the Hawthornes.
Oren & Alisa: Avery’s bodyguard and lawyer, respectively.
Themes & Analysis
| Theme | Analysis |
|---|---|
| Wealth and Privilege | The stark contrast between Avery’s modest upbringing and the Hawthorne family’s immense wealth creates tension throughout the story. Avery’s struggle with her new reality highlights the power that wealth holds and how it changes lives. |
| Family Secrets and Lies | Tobias Hawthorne’s family is full of secrets, betrayal, and hidden motives. The inheritance game forces them to confront their past, including their personal relationships and the trauma of Emily Laughlin’s death. |
| Games, Puzzles, and Manipulation | Tobias Hawthorne’s legacy is defined by his love of puzzles and games. His grandsons, particularly Jameson, see the inheritance as a game to be solved, with Avery at the center. |
| Identity and Belonging | Avery’s journey is one of self-discovery as she navigates the Hawthorne family dynamics and her unexpected role in their legacy. She must define her place within this new world of power and deception. |
| Grief and Trauma | The grief surrounding the death of Tobias’s son, Toby, and the death of Emily Laughlin haunt the family and shape the characters’ actions throughout the novel. |
About the Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Jennifer Lynn Barnes is a seasoned author known for her thrilling young adult novels that often center around mysteries, puzzles, and complex family dynamics. Some of her other popular works include The Naturals series and The Lovely and the Lost.
Barnes is also an accomplished professor of psychology at the University of Oklahoma, which informs the deeply psychological aspects of her writing, especially her portrayal of complex characters and the emotional stakes in her stories.
Why This Book Stands Out
Fast-Paced Mystery: Appeals to fans of Knives Out and One of Us Is Lying.
Unreliable Characters: Keeps readers guessing who to trust.
Romantic Tension: The Avery-Jameson-Grayson dynamic adds intrigue.
Cliffhanger Ending: Encourages readers to pick up the sequel.
Perfect for readers who love:
✔️ Mystery & riddles
✔️ Family dramas
✔️ Underdog protagonists
✔️ Twist endings
FAQ
Q: Is The Inheritance Games part of a series?
A: Yes, The Inheritance Games is the first book in a series. The story continues in The Hawthorne Legacy and will be followed by additional installments that dive deeper into the family’s secrets.
Q: Who is Avery’s main antagonist in the book?
A: While the entire Hawthorne family is filled with intrigue, Avery’s main antagonist is Grayson Davenport Hawthorne, who is fiercely protective of his family’s legacy and suspicious of Avery.
Q: Can I expect romance in The Inheritance Games?
A: Yes, there is a romantic subplot involving Avery and one of the Hawthorne brothers, but the focus of the story is primarily on the mystery and family drama.
Conclusion: The Inheritance Games Summary
A Must-Read for Mystery Lovers
The Inheritance Games is a masterfully crafted novel that blends suspense, wealth, and psychological depth. With its engaging puzzles, morally gray characters, and shocking twists, it’s no surprise this book became a bestseller.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Who should read it?
Fans of We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
Lovers of Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson
Anyone who enjoys high-stakes family dramas
Have you read The Inheritance Games? What did you think of Tobias’ final game? Let us know in the comments!
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Sources & References
- Amazon’s book page
- Goodreaders’s book page
- Author’s image source: jenniferlynnbarnes.com
- Book Cover: Amazon.com
- Quotes sources: Goodreads
