20 Riveting Books Like “The Inheritance Games”
“The Inheritance Games” by Jennifer Lynn Barnes is a captivating mix of enigmatic puzzles, high stakes, and the complex dynamics of a sprawling, eccentric family vying for an immense inheritance. If the blend of cerebral challenges, suspense, and whirlwind fiction pulled you into Barnes’s world, you’re likely on the hunt for the next book that can match its ingeniously plotted riddles and family secrets.
For readers enchanted by its unique combination of mystery, strategy, and drama, finding books like “The Inheritance Games” promises yet another adventure into the minds and motives of characters involved in games of wealth, power, and deception. Let me guide you through a treasure trove of narratives where fortunes change hands, secrets are unearthed, and the game is always on.
The 20 Best Books to Read If You Loved “The Inheritance Games”
1. “We Were Liars” by E. Lockhart
A tale interwoven with secrets, family dynamics, and a twist you won’t see coming, this book echoes the mystery and shocking revelations of “The Inheritance Games”.
Elements in common with The Inheritance Games:
- A wealthy, complicated family.
- A series of secrets and lies.
- A surprising twist that changes everything.
2. “One of Us Is Lying” by Karen M. McManus
When five students walk into detention and only four walk out, the mystery and plot deepen in ways reminiscent of the suspense in “The Inheritance Games”.
Elements in common with The Inheritance Games:
- A blend of mystery and drama.
- Complex character dynamics.
- A plot that keeps you guessing till the end.
3. “The Westing Game” by Ellen Raskin
A group of heirs brought together to solve a puzzle for a massive inheritance parallels the cunning games and strategies found in “The Inheritance Games”.
Elements in common with The Inheritance Games:
- A complicated will and inheritance at stake.
- A series of puzzles and clues.
- A cast of diverse and intriguing characters.
4. “Truly Devious” by Maureen Johnson
Set in an elite boarding school, this trilogy opener introduces a twisted mystery echoing the layered puzzles and dark family secrets of “The Inheritance Games”.
Elements in common with The Inheritance Games:
- A mysterious and elite setting.
- Murder and hidden pasts.
- A strong, intelligent female protagonist.
5. “Knives Out” by M. J. Arlidge (Movie Novelisation)
The wealthy Thrombey family dynamics and the cunning detective work parallel the twisty plot and mysterious feel of “The Inheritance Games”.
Elements in common with The Inheritance Games:
- A wealthy family and a contested will.
- A sharp, investigative angle.
- Plenty of twists and family secrets.
6. “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” by Holly Jackson
An intricate web of lies and secrets in a small town echoes the cunning plots and misleading trails of “The Inheritance Games”.
Elements in common with The Inheritance Games:
- A teen investigating complex mysteries.
- Deception and surprising twists.
- A multi-layered, suspenseful plot.
7. “The Cousins” by Karen M. McManus
Cousins summoned to their estranged grandmother’s island to inherit a fortune, only to uncover their family’s dark past, match the intrigue of “The Inheritance Games”.
Elements in common with The Inheritance Games:
- Estranged family and inheritance.
- A mysterious island setting.
- Secrets and lies that unravel family ties.
8. “Two Can Keep a Secret” by Karen M. McManus
The small town with deep secrets and a penchant for danger shares the thrill and suspense found in “The Inheritance Games”.
Elements in common with The Inheritance Games:
- Small-town mysteries.
- Family secrets with deadly stakes.
- A plot that twists and turns.
9. “The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle” by Stuart Turton
A man must solve a murder that replays day after day in a loop, a story woven with intricacy and cunning puzzles akin to “The Inheritance Games.”
Elements in common with The Inheritance Games:
- A complex, evolving puzzle.
- A high-stakes environment.
- Dark family secrets and betrayals.
10. “The Gilded Wolves” by Roshani Chokshi
Set in a magical version of Paris, a group of misfits comes together to find a lost artifact, drawing on the allure of mysterious puzzles and rich historical settings similar to “The Inheritance Games”.
Elements in common with The Inheritance Games:
- A ragtag team with unique skills.
- Historical intrigue mixed with puzzles.
- A quest that could change their fortunes.
11. “Gallagher Girls” series by Ally Carter
A series about a school training elite spies, where plots thicken and secrets abound, mirrors the smart, strategic play found in “The Inheritance Games”.
Elements in common with The Inheritance Games:
- Elite schools with hidden agendas.
- Strong, clever heroines.
- A mix of danger, loyalty, and secrets.
12. “The Atlas Six” by Olivie Blake
A group of uniquely talented individuals competing for a spot in a secret society resonates with the competition and dark academia vibes of “The Inheritance Games”.
Elements in common with The Inheritance Games:
- Dark academia aesthetics.
- Strategic alliances and betrayals.
- High-stakes competition.
13. “Six of Crows” by Leigh Bardugo
A heist at the heart of a fantasy world, led by a crew of outcasts, shares the theme of complex missions and moral ambiguity found in “The Inheritance Games”.
Elements in common with The Inheritance Games:
- A heist with a clever plan.
- A group of skilled but flawed characters.
- Rich world-building and backstory.
14. “The Naturals” by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Teens with natural abilities are recruited to help the FBI solve cold cases, drawing parallels to the deductive reasoning and twists in “The Inheritance Games”.
Elements in common with The Inheritance Games:
- A cast of smart, talented teens.
- Murder mysteries and hidden truths.
- A hint of romance amid danger.
15. “Legend” series by Marie Lu
In a dystopian future, a criminal and a prodigy are caught in a web of deception and power struggles, reflecting the intensity and cleverness of “The Inheritance Games”.
Elements in common with The Inheritance Games:
- Dystopian setting with high stakes.
- Characters with exceptional talents.
- Themes of conspiracy and rebellion.
16. “The Shadow Game” series by Amanda Foody
Magic, crime lords, and a game of power in a city brimming with corruption echo the cunning and atmosphere of “The Inheritance Games”.
Elements in common with The Inheritance Games:
- An intricate game of power.
- Complex character interactions.
- A blend of fantasy and strategy.
17. “Caraval” by Stephanie Garber
A magical competition with high stakes and deep secrets mirrors the puzzle-filled and enigmatic ambiance of “The Inheritance Games”.
Elements in common with The Inheritance Games:
- A mesmerizing, game-like competition.
- Twists and turns in a magical setting.
- Family secrets driving the plot.
18. “The Red Queen” series by Victoria Aveyard
A world divided by blood and a girl with unexpected power, set against a backdrop of revolution and betrayal, shares the intrigue and strategic maneuvering of “The Inheritance Games”.
Elements in common with The Inheritance Games:
- A strong, resourceful female protagonist.
- Hidden identities and powers.
- A world rife with conspiracy and rebellion.
19. “The Book of Speculation” by Erika Swyler
A librarian comes across a book that holds secrets to his family’s past, leading to a tale of curse and destiny entwined with mystery like in “The Inheritance Games”.
Elements in common with The Inheritance Games:
- A family curse and mystery.
- A journey through history to untangle secrets.
- A blend of magic and realism.
20. “The Aurora Cycle” series by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
A squad of misfits in space embarks on dangerous missions, with camaraderie and strategic plays akin to the teamwork and challenges in “The Inheritance Games”.
Elements in common with The Inheritance Games:
- A diverse crew with special skills.
- A series of challenges and enemies.
- Secrets and unexpected alliances.
In conclusion, if the mysteries, strategic games, and intricate family dynamics of “The Inheritance Games” by Jennifer Lynn left you craving more, this list promises a plethora of adventures. From magical competitions to dystopian rebellions, each book offers a glimpse into worlds where every decision could be part of a larger scheme, and every clue leads to another layer of secrets.
Pick your next read and let the games begin. Happy reading!
