While you might have an inkling to the premise behind Liv Constantine’s newest novel, I still recommend going into this one 100% blind. Even though the synopsis doesn’t exactly give anything away, not having a clue where the plot was headed only added to my enjoyment. If, however, you’re one of THOSE people and need the promised blurb no matter what, just skip down to the end of this review where you’ll find it in full…
OHHEMMGEE! How is it possible that The Next Mrs. Parrish was even better than the first book in this dynamite series? From the rich people behaving badly vibe to the thoroughly despicable characters, everything from The Last Mrs. Parrish was merely taken up a notch to glorious perfection. Despite both books being two of my favorites, where the first one was a slow burn demonstration of psychological terror, the sequel was a fast-paced game of cat-and-mouse that turned Amber, Daphne, and Jackson up to eleven. Needless to say, it really couldn’t have been better.
Speaking of the characters, I was overjoyed to get not only Amber and Daphne’s perspectives, but a third intriguing POVback-and-forth antics of con artist and victim(s), the dynamic was undeniably everything I wanted and more. Underhanded actions. Manipulative behavior. Gaslighting to the extreme. All of the above thoroughly riled me up. But then,only the best of the best can manage to make you feel all of the feels. And let me tell you, I seriously had steam coming out of my ears.
The plot, as I’ve already stated, was fast and furious as traps, plots, and schemes unfurled left and right. Living up to my expectations and then some, there wasn’t a shot of me guessing where this crazy train was headed. With twist after twist shifting the storyline away from the obvious, the final timely reveal—or should I say…reveals—literally had me pumping my fist and shouting “YES!” at the top of my lungs. And that last page? All I can say is that it was simply sublime.
Done and dusted, I’m just praying that the Constantine sisters have a third book to this series in them somewhere. Deliciously twisted and packed with plenty of villains, the newest peek into the devilishly talented minds of this writing duo was a smashing success. Binge-worthy and addictive, the whip-cracking plot was stuffed to the gills with non-stop suspense. From the well-hidden secrets to the dastardly betrayals and devious lies, come one come all, you’re not going to want to miss a minute with Daphne, Jackson, or Amber. Trust me on this. Rating of 5 stars.
Thank you to Liv Constantine and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine/Bantam for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: Out today!
Trigger warning: getting drugged, custody dispute, gaslighting, domestic violence
As promised above, here’s the publisher provided synopsis:
Amber Patterson Parrish has come a long way. Hard work and immaculate planning turned her from invisible wallflower to prominent socialite, though there have been bumps along the way. Less than a year after her husband Jackson’s tax-evasion scandal, Amber reigns supreme over the Bishops Harbor community. But with Jackson being released from prison, Amber’s free time—and money—is vanishing.
Meanwhile, Daphne Parrish left Bishops Harbor after her divorce from Jackson, swearing she would never go back. But when one of her daughters runs away from home, desperate to see her father, Daphne agrees to return for the summer for their daughters’ sake. Jackson swears he’s a changed man, but Daphne knows all too well that he can’t be trusted.
When a ghost from Amber’s past emerges looking for revenge, these three figures find unlikely allies in one another. But who is playing who? When all is said and done, they’ll have to fight tooth and nail for everything they have left in this zero-sum game.