If you were completely hooked by Jennifer Lynn Barnes’ The Inheritance Games — with its mind-bending riddles, elaborate puzzles, unexpected twists, and a hint of romance — you’re not alone. Readers love its blend of mystery, high-stakes drama, and clever storytelling. But what do you read next once you finish the series?

Here’s a deep dive into books that capture the spirit of The Inheritance Games , along with highlights on why you’ll love them — and why they deserve a spot on your must-read list.

1. One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus

Key Highlights:

• A murder mystery set in a high school.
• Told from multiple points of view, each character has secrets that keep you guessing.
• Themes of trust, betrayal, and social pressure.

Why You Should Read It:
Like The Inheritance Games , One of Us Is Lying is filled with twists you won’t see coming. The layered storytelling and focus on solving a deadly puzzle will appeal to fans who love secrets slowly unraveling through well-crafted clues.

2. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

Key Highlights:

• An ambitious teenager investigates a murder that everyone believes is already solved.
• Integrates police interviews, diary entries, and messages for an immersive experience.
• Features smart, determined protagonists and real-world consequences.

Why You Should Read It:
Pip, the main character, mirrors Avery from The Inheritance Games with her sharp mind and tenacity. The creative format makes the mystery feel more immediate and gripping, offering that same addictive, can’t-stop-reading vibe.

3. Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson

Key Highlights:

• A prestigious boarding school with a deadly past.
• A dual timeline mystery: past and present crimes intertwine.
• Intelligent puzzles, riddles, and cryptic clues.

Why You Should Read It:
The Ellingham Academy setting is just as atmospheric and compelling as Hawthorne House. With its intricate plot and amateur sleuth lead, Truly Devious captures the same sense of luxurious mystery and elite danger.

4. We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

Key Highlights:

• A privileged family’s dark secrets on a private island.
• Dreamy, lyrical writing style.
• A heart-wrenching plot twist you won’t forget.

Why You Should Read It:
If you loved the emotional complexity of The Inheritance Games —especially the complicated relationships among the Hawthorne brothers— We Were Liars offers a similarly haunting exploration of family, loyalty, and truth.

5. The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin

Key Highlights:

• A classic whodunit puzzle involving a wealthy man’s will.
• Diverse cast of quirky characters.
• Clever riddles and a race to inherit a fortune.

Why You Should Read It:
Often cited as inspiration for The Inheritance Games , The Westing Game laid the groundwork for high-stakes inheritance mysteries. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy piecing together puzzles alongside colorful characters.

6. Deadly Little Scandals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Key Highlights:

• Secret societies, hidden crimes, and dark family legacies.
• High-tension drama among the elite.
• Themes of identity, power, and betrayal.

Why You Should Read It:
Written by the same author as The Inheritance Games , this book promises the same clever twists and luxurious world-building. If you crave more of Barnes’ addictive storytelling style, this is the natural next step.

Why Books Like The Inheritance Games Are So Addictive

These novels succeed because they combine several irresistible elements:

• Puzzles and Mysteries: Readers love being part of the game, solving riddles alongside the characters.
• High Stakes: Whether it’s fortune, reputation, or life itself, there’s always a lot on the line.
• Complex Characters: Richly layered characters keep you invested emotionally, adding depth to the plot twists.
• Atmospheric Settings: From sprawling mansions to elite academies, the setting feels like a character itself, heightening the drama.
• Unexpected Twists: The best stories keep you guessing — and gasping — until the final page.

Books like The Inheritance Games let you step into a world of secrets, strategies, and high-risk decisions. They’re perfect for readers who love sharp dialogue, smart heroines, slow-burn romances, and shocking reveals.

In Conclusion:
If you’re chasing the thrill you felt reading The Inheritance Games , these books will more than satisfy your craving for twisty, thrilling mysteries with emotional depth. Grab a cozy blanket, set aside a few hours (or days — you’ll need them), and dive into your next adventure.