If you enjoyed The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, you’re in good company. The blend of intrigue, riddles, and intense drama has enthralled audiences globally. But what do you do when you turn the final page and yearn for more?
No need to fret — numerous books similar to The Inheritance Games offer an equally exhilarating experience. In this piece, we will explore seven must-read books. They will captivate you with their mysteries, surprises, and interesting characters.
Table of Contents
Why Readers Love The Inheritance Games
Jennifer Lynn Barnes made a great mix of mystery, love stories, and family drama in her book “The Inheritance Games.” Avery Grambs, a girl, suddenly got rich from someone she didn’t know, Tobias Hawthorne. This made her enter a dangerous world filled with secrets and tricky problems. To get the money, Avery has to live in the Hawthorne family’s big house with them. But all of them have their own reasons for wanting her to leave. The story’s mix of mystery and romance, plus Avery’s complicated friendships with the Hawthorne brothers, makes it a book you can’t put down.
If you liked “The Inheritance Games,” you might want more mystery, exciting stuff that matters a lot, and surprises. Let’s look at the list.
1. Truly Devious

Author: Maureen Johnson
Release Date:January 16, 2018
Publisher: HarperCollins
If you love mysteries set in elite schools, Truly Devious is a perfect match. Stevie Bell is someone who loves learning about real crimes. She got into a special school named Ellingham Academy. Years ago, someone famous was kidnapped and killed there. When a new crime unfolds, Stevie is determined to solve both the present and past mysteries. Just like “The Inheritance Games” this book has smart puzzles, exciting surprises, and a main character who is strong and determined.
Why You’ll Love It:
Elite school setting
Dual-timeline mystery
Smart and determined female lead
2. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder

Author:Holly Jackson
Release Date:May 2, 2019
Publisher: Electric Monkey
Pip Fitz-Amobi chooses to investigate a local murder for her school project. But as Pip digs deeper, she realizes that the case is more complicated — and dangerous — than it seems. This book tells a story as fast and with as many surprises as “The Inheritance Games.” It also has a very smart main character who will keep going until they find out the truth.
Why You’ll Love It:
Strong female lead
Small-town secrets
High-stakes investigation
3. One of Us Is Lying

Author :Karen M. McManus
Release Date:May 30, 2017
Publisher: Delacorte Press
When five students walk into detention and only four walk out alive, everyone becomes a suspect. Each of the remaining students has secrets to hide, and the truth about what really happened in that room will shock you. If you enjoyed the layered mysteries and complicated relationships in The Inheritance Games, you’ll love this one.
Why You’ll Love It:
High school drama mixed with mystery
Complex characters
Suspenseful twists
4. We Were Liars

Author: E. Lockhart
Release Date: 2014
Publisher: Delacorte Press
We Were Liars tells the story of Cadence Sinclair, who spends her summers on her family’s private island. Because of a mysterious accident that made her lose her memory, Cadence is struggling to find out what the truth is. Like The Inheritance Games, this book explores family secrets, wealth, and betrayal.
Why You’ll Love It:
Unreliable narrator
Family secrets
Emotional twists
5. The Westing Game

Author : Ellen Raskin
Release Date: 1978
Publisher: Dutton
In this famous old mystery book, sixteen people are trying to solve a riddle that a quirky millionaire named Samuel W. Westing left for them. Much like Avery’s experience in The Inheritance Games, the heirs must navigate tricky clues and hidden agendas.
Why You’ll Love It:
Puzzle-based mystery
Competition for inheritance
Clever writing style
6. All These Beautiful Strangers

Author : Elizabeth Klehfoth
Release Date: July 10, 2018
Publisher: William Morrow
Charlie Calloway’s mother vanished when she was a child. Years later, Charlie joins a secret society at her elite boarding school and uncovers dark secrets about her family’s past. This book combines mystery, dark family secrets, and an elite school setting — making it a perfect fit for fans of The Inheritance Games.
Why You’ll Love It:
Dark family secrets
Elite school drama
Complex characters
7. Little White Lies

Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Release Date: November 6, 2018
Publisher: Freeform
If you love Jennifer Lynn Barnes’s writing style, Little White Lies is a must-read. When Sawyer Taft enters the world of rich young ladies in the South, she finds secret problems and dangerous things. This book delivers the same mix of suspense and drama as The Inheritance Games.
Why You’ll Love It:
High-society secrets
Suspenseful plot
Strong female lead
FAQs
Q: What should I read if I liked The Inheritance Games?
A: Books like Truly Devious, One of Us Is Lying, and A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder are excellent choices if you love mystery, romance, and high-stakes drama.
Q: Is The Inheritance Games part of a series?
A: Yes, The Inheritance Games is part of a trilogy, followed by The Hawthorne Legacy and The Final Gambit.
Q: Are these books suitable for young adult readers?
A: Yes, all the books on this list are YA (young adult) and perfect for teens and adults who enjoy mystery and drama.
Ending Note
If you enjoyed the surprises, puzzles, and family drama in “The Inheritance Games,” you’ll have fun reading these seven books. From elite schools to dark family secrets, each story offers a thrilling mystery and captivating characters. Whether you’re a fan of Jennifer Lynn Barnes or just love a good mystery, these books are guaranteed to satisfy your craving for more.