Meet the In-Laws

Meet The Parents #2

by Emily Shiner

Genres: Fiction

343 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 30, 2026

About the author

Emily lives in the mountains of North Carolina and loves hiking with her dogs--only when she's not thinking up twisted tales, that is. She loves books that keep you up long after you should be in bed.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the advanced reading copy of Meet the In-Laws. This is a sequel to Meet the Parents with a focus on Gina and her mother Carol. For some reason, I didn’t love it although so many others do. I may not be able to fully articulate my feelings.
It seemed repetitive in thoughts and words. Carol will protect her daughter, can’t tell anyone their secret, must get away somehow, they’re evil - but initially the only action was in the past. After about 75% it got interesting. A few twists.
I didn’t read Meet the Parents so perhaps this one can’t be enjoyed as a standalone.

[Christine Cazeneuve · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm apparently in the minority here because I felt the book was only so-so. I did read the first book and was looking forward to seeing what happened next. However much like the first book there was much repetition, lots of thought on how I, could I, will I - that sort of thing To me it was too slow and ended abruptly. I will also dare to say a bit ridiculous of a plotline. It's a fast read though.

[Rachel the Page-Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the sequel to “Meet the Parents”, which came out in 2024, and it continues with the not-so-blissfully married couple, Owen and Gina. In the first book, we meet Owen’s parents, and in this one, we get to meet Gina’s.

I am having a hard time thinking what to say about this book without spoiling the first one - they definitely need to be read in order for maximum clarity and thrills! Gina hasn’t seen her parents, Carol and Tom, for quite awhile, and she’s nervous to bring Owen to their house - their new, fancy house purchased after they came into some money.

Owen is a cardiac surgeon, very handsome, and very charming. He’s everything parents would want their daughter to bring home, but Carol immediately sees through his grinning facade and sees the controlling man underneath. She soon realizes that her daughter and her actually share one thing in common: they are both in marriages of mutually assured destruction.

And…that’s all you’re going to get! If I hadn’t read “Meet the Parents” first, I may have been confused by a few things, so once again, I’m recommending that you read these in order. I gave the first book four stars, but I’m giving the sequel 4.5 stars, rounded up because OH MY GOSH you are in for some crazy reading with these books. There were so many twists that made my jaw drop, and the ending was great! If you love domestic thrillers, you’ll want to get into this series.

(Thank you to Bookouture for inviting me on this book’s tour! “Meet the In-Laws” will be released on July 30, 2026.)

[Jennifer Bendel · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I heard Meet the Parents was getting a sequel, I was so excited. I was dying to see what would happen next with Gina and Owen. This book did not disappoint! If you thought Owen’s parents were bad, just wait until you meet the In Laws. I was absolutely shocked by everything in this book. It’s darker and twistier than Meet the Parents. A must read by Emily Shiner!

[Barbara Powell · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s been a good while since ! read the first book, but thankfully there's kind of a catch up in the beginning of this book so if you havent read it or it's been a while like me, you're good to go as you get all you need to carry on with the story in The first couple of chapters. This one is about Gina and Owen who are meeting her parents for the first time after they got married and his parents have passed away. Gina isnt close to them, and it tums out her parents have been hiding some shocking secrets from her that once uncovered make it make even more sense why. The story is told in dual timelines as well as from both Gina and her mother Carols POV
The tension felt amped throughout because you just never knew when the other shoe was going to drop. It was a relative fast paced popcorn thriller that will keep you flying through the pages to see what's going to happen
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review

[Judy Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A wicked and claustrophobic psychological game where family rivalries turn lethal inside an isolated vacation home."

~3 Perspectives. 2 Days. 0 Survivors.
~One house. Three agendas. Who survives the weekend?
~The Mother, the Husband, and the Wife. None of them is innocent.
~Three liars. One roof. Let the games begin.

In MEET THE IN-LAWS, bestselling author Emily Shiner delivers a deeply atmospheric, modern domestic thriller mystery with the follow-up to Meet the Parents #2. The story hinges on three manipulative family members who must out-think each other while trapped together during a high-stakes weekend getaway.

Toxic family dynamics vs. a ruthless fight for survival.

Elevator Pitch
A mother, her daughter, and her son-in-law enter a remote holiday home, each harboring a dark agenda: the mother wants exposure, the husband wants silence, and the wife wants destruction. As the isolated walls close in, their psychological warfare escalates into a lethal locked-room battle where nobody is innocent.

Setting
A secluded, modern vacation estate completely cut off from the outside world. The setting is a claustrophobic, high-end property defined by tense dinner conversations, locked doors, and a suffocating lack of escape routes, transforming a family holiday into a literal combat zone.

Vibe
Tense, malicious, and deeply paranoid.

Blending the dark, twisted family deceptions of The Silent Patient with the fast-paced, high-stakes claustrophobia of a classic domestic locked-room showdown.

Genre
Psychological Thriller / Domestic Suspense / Locked-Room Thriller.

Themes
~The Facade of Perfection
~Domestic Warfare
~Deception and Paranoia
~Control vs. Autonomy

CAROL, OWEN, & GINA: THE UNRELIABLE TRIO
Turning standard domestic archetypes into sharp, competitive predators.

Standout Characters
~Carol (The Mother): Obsessive, calculating, and fiercely protective; a matriarch who orchestrates a trap to expose her son-in-law's web of lies.

~Owen (The Son-in-Law): Ruthless, defensive, and desperate; a man caught snooping who quickly pivots to silencing his accuser permanently.

~Gina (The Wife/Daughter): Saboteurs, bitter, and unpredictable; she plays both sides to leak secrets and detonate her own marriage intentionally

Author Writing Standout
Shiner’s background in crafting breakneck psychological suspense shines through in her sharp, biting dialogue and relentless pacing.

Takeaway
The most polished family facades often conceal the deepest rot; when a household values control over truth, the secrets they keep will eventually tear the home apart.

Title Significance
Meet the In-Laws acts as an ironic, dark nod to the traditional, awkward milestone of blending families. It highlights how easily a standard domestic visit can crash into a murderous reality, forcing a family to realize that blood relation offers absolutely no safety from a monster in the house.

Metaphor
The isolated vacation home serves as the central metaphor of the novel. It represents the heavy, suffocating weight of domestic expectations—a modern sanctuary of family bonding that ultimately transforms into a physical, inescapable trap used as a weapon against them.

Why You Should Read
Read this if you are a fan of wicked, fast-paced domestic thrillers like The Housemaid meets Succession, or if you want a relentless whodunit that removes traditional heroes and forces you to guess who will survive the weekend.

My Thoughts
MEET THE IN-LAWS is a razor-sharp, toxic domestic locked-room thriller! Blood is thicker than water... and a lot more dangerous.

Would you rather stay in a house with a lying husband or a controlling mother?
Keep your friends close.
Keep your in-laws locked out.
Trust no one!

Highlights:
~Three-Way Perspective: The story utilizes multi-POV narration (Carol, Owen, and Gina), giving readers front-row seats to conflicting, unreliable minds.

~Fast-Paced Timeline: The compressed weekend setting forces rapid plot progression and keeps the tension high.

~Wicked Humor: Shiner infuses the dark psychological suspense with sharp, biting satirical commentary on upper-middle-class family dynamics.

~No "Good Guys": A major highlight for thriller fans is the absence of a traditional hero; readers are left guessing who to root for as everyone's morality degrades.

Verdict: 5 / 5 Stars
"A wicked, masterfully executed domestic thriller that pairs toxic family dynamics with a genuinely chilling locked-room conspiracy."

Recs
For more standout psychological suspense if you enjoyed Meet the In-Laws:

~Meet the Parents by Emily Shiner, the fiery first book in this duology that establishes the dark origins of Gina and Owen's marriage.
~Our Perfect Holiday by Daniel Hurst (A family's dream vacation turns into a psychological nightmare as hidden resentments, deceptions, and dangerous secrets bubble to the surface).
~The Mother-in-Law by Sally Hepworth (for a rich, witty, and atmospheric domestic mystery regarding toxic extended families).

#LitLiftMiniAuthorChats & Book Tour Stop
Check out my blog and stay tuned for a fun #LitLiftMiniAuthorChat with Emily and #EmilyShinerBookTour stop on July 31 (out July 30)

Special thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for sharing an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: July 30, 2025
July 2026 Must-Read Books
#LitLiftMiniAuthorChat July 31
#EmilyShinerBookTour Stop July 31

[Kelly (aka jsybookworm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second in the “Meet The Parents” series by Emily Shiner and what a sequel it was, rivalling the first book for another 5 stars! This one was just as good as the first and maybe even a little better as the reader knows Gina, the female main character, from the first book. Another 5 starrer from the talented Emily Shiner!

**Warning: Do NOT read this review if you haven't read the first book in the series- Meet The Parents**

After the events of book one, much to Gina’s dismay, her and Owen are now married. She had no choice as not only is she a murderer and only Owen knows but Gina knows that Owen is also one. Despite Gina knowing this, Owen makes it very clear that if she doesn’t do what he wants he will either send her to prison (and with his power and money this would be easy for him to do without any consequences) or, he will kill her and so she bides her time to hopefully find a way out in the future. As a newly married couple Owen has decided they will visit Gina’s parents and for Owen it’s a chance to meet his in-laws for the very first time and them to meet him. However, as Owen is learning about his in-laws, they are also learning about him and even Gina is finding out things she didn’t know in the past about her own parents. Everyone isn’t quite who they seem, and some people will go to extreme lengths for what they want, as both Gina and Owen have proved, but does this apply to Owen’s in-laws as well or are they just innocent pawns in Owen’s games with Gina?!

What another brilliant tense and gripping read from Emily Shiner. I loved the “cat and mouse” games, and it kept me wondering who would come out on top- I did have a favourite, of course. I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to like Carol, Gina’s mother, from the very early stages that I did, but I loved that she was feisty under the “Stepford wife” image. I also really enjoyed hearing the chapters set in the past. I found myself addicted to these and reading chapter after chapter set in the present just to get to the next piece of what happened in the past. The second half of the book, when everything started to come together, was so fast paced, I barely tore myself away and the twists and turns of the story gave me metaphorical whiplash which was just brilliant. I did find the ending a little abrupt, but I suddenly remembered the prologue and then when I read it through again, I felt the story was wrapped up neatly for me. That’s probably a “me” problem as I often get blown away by prologues then when I am in the thick of the story, I forget about them and end up having to re-read them either later in the story or at the end!! Ops!

Overall, a smasher of a sequel from Emily Shiner. I was so excited to read more about Gina and see the direction that this book took and I wasn’t disappointed! A stunning 5 stars for this smashing sequel.

Thank you to NetGalley, Emily Shiner and Bookouture for my advanced reading copy. Out now.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meet the In-Laws is equal parts gripping, shocking, and full of tension! Meet the In-Laws is the continuance of Owen and Gina's story from the first book in the series, Meet the Parents. I recommend reading that book first prior to beginning this book, so you will have the whole scope and backstory on both Owen and Gina. Trust me, Meet the Parents is not to be missed. It is a gripping and shocking book where Gina meets Owen's parents. In Meet the In-Laws, it is Owen's turn to meet Gina's parents, Carol and Tom.

Gina has a tenuous relationship with her parents at best. But her husband Owen wants to meet them, and her mother, Carol, has been doing her best to make them feel welcome. But Carol can't help but notice some concerning behaviors between the couple and tries to let her daughter know she is there for her....

This book was full of tension, secrets, dread, and uncomfortable moments. As readers get to know each character more, the tension gets close to hitting the roof! I enjoyed the drama, the secrets, the tension, the twists, and the shocking reveals. If you read Meet the Parents and enjoyed it as much as I did, you will want to grab this book to see what happens next. This book is fun, entertaining, and hard to put down!

3.5 stars

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Ellen B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thankyou to both NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC copy of this novel.

As this was my first experience of Emily Shiner’s work, I didn’t know what to expect. What I was met with were deep, fully fleshed out, compelling characters and snappy pacing. As someone who hadn’t read Meet The Parents, this was incredibly easy to follow in spite of that. At times, it made the novel more unpredictable, which I liked.

Shiner’s strength is in her twists that keep knocking you in the stomach just when you think she’s done with you. Character wise, I loved Carol and for me, she was the person I was rooting for. Her timeline was harrowing, had me reading through my fingers at times and I thought the seeding of the “rabbit” theme at the end was cleverly done. It’s important to me that readers understand the deliciously dark nature of this novel, how deep it goes in exploring the worst of what it means to be human and be aware of that before reading.

Shiner made me hate “Tom” and Owen with every fibre of my being and want Carol to free herself from the shackles of her husband. Unfortunately, when it came to Gina, I just didn’t feel that connection to her I needed to root for her completely. Maybe this was because I hadn’t read the first book, I don’t know. However, in spite of this, it was the mother/daughter relationship in this novel that kept me turning the pages. The juxtaposition of their experiences, how they deal with things and how they tick as people. Carol’s longing to save her daughter was as heartbreaking as it was admirable and compelling.

Overall, I would give this novel 3.75 stars but rounding up to 4 on social platforms.

Thankyou again for the opportunity to read this before release, it was a pleasure.

[Annie Pruitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨📖 REVIEW ✨

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)

There are some authors whose books you don’t even have to think twice about requesting, and Emily Shiner has quickly become one of those authors for me.

After giving Meet the Parents (Book One) a solid ⭐⭐⭐⭐, I knew I had to pick up Meet the In-Laws—and once again, Emily delivered another twisty, binge-worthy thriller that had me flying through the pages.

Emily Shiner has an incredible gift for taking everyday family dynamics and transforming them into something completely unsettling. Her imagination is absolutely outstanding, and the way she builds suspense should honestly come with a warning: you’ll tell yourself “just one more chapter”… and before you know it, you’ve sacrificed sleep because you have to know what happens next.

I love how her stories constantly made me question everyone and everything. Just when I felt confident I had figured it out, another twist would appear and send me right back to square one. That’s one of my favorite things about her writing—she knows exactly how to keep readers guessing while keeping the story engaging from beginning to end.

If you’re a fan of fast-paced psychological thrillers packed with family secrets, mounting tension, and unexpected twists, Meet the In-Laws deserves a spot on your TBR.

Another enjoyable ⭐⭐⭐⭐ read from Emily Shiner, and I’ll definitely be looking forward to whatever she writes next!

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Emily Shiner for the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

🗓️ Publishing July 30, 2026

#Bookstagram #BookReview #EmilyShiner #PsychologicalThriller #NetGalley

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meet the In-Laws is a deliciously tense psychological thriller that takes one of life’s most ordinary milestones—meeting the parents—and twists it into something sharp, unsettling, and utterly addictive. From the moment Gina and Owen arrive for their weekend visit, you can feel the cracks forming beneath the polite smiles and forced niceties. Every character is performing, every gesture is loaded, and every chapter tightens the knot a little more.

Carol, the mother‑in‑law, is a standout. Her determination to uncover Owen’s secrets while maintaining her perfect‑hostess veneer adds a wonderfully claustrophobic edge to the story. Owen’s charm, meanwhile, feels like a mask slipping one scene at a time, and Gina’s shifting loyalties keep you guessing who’s really pulling the strings. The alternating perspectives work brilliantly, revealing just enough to keep you hooked without ever giving the full picture until the very end.

I loved how the tension simmers rather than explodes—small observations, tight grips, snooped bags, and brittle smiles build into a weekend that spirals in a way I didn’t see coming. It’s domestic suspense at its most entertaining: messy family dynamics, hidden motives, and the creeping sense that someone isn’t making it out of this visit unscathed.

Fast‑paced, addictive, and wonderfully twisty, Meet the In-Laws is the kind of thriller you inhale in one sitting. Fans of Freida McFadden and Daniel Hurst will feel right at home.

With thanks to Emily Shiner, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meet the Parents Book 2

The mother-in-law: Carol has planned a weekend of home-cooked dinners and cocktails on the deck getting to know her new son-in-law. But then she sees the way handsome Owen her daughter Gina's arm too tightly. She knew Gina got married too fast. And Carol will make sure Owen wants for nothing while she uncovers all his lies.

The son-in-law: Owen has put what happened when Gina met his parents behind him. Now, he'll charm her mother Carol with compliments and ignore the way she hovers. But when he catches her snooping through his medicine bag, he knows he'll have to keep her quiet....

The wife: Owen has never asked Gina very much about her parents. He'll regret that now he's here. Her mother was never very attentive when she was growing up. But she did like things to be perfect. So Gina is going to show her all of his flaws.... and Carol just won;t be able to help herself.

I just know this family was going to be just as dysfunctional as the family were in the first book - Meet the Parents. There was a lot of repetition to this story. You can see the cracks happening the moment Owen, The son-in-law, was introduced to Carol, The mother-in-law. Owen's dark side was revealed to us slowly, he's just like his parents were.

Published 30th July 2026

I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #EmilyShiner for my ARC of #MetTheInLaws in exchange for an honest review.

[Jini Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for kindly providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.

I have to say this is one of the few instances where the sequel is better than the original. Although I enjoyed the first book, I liked the second more. The book is in Emily Shiners way entertaining and very easy to read ( I binged this book overnight).
Again the twists are predictable at least for me personally but that did not deter me from thoroughly enjoying this book. Compared to the first, there are instances where you’re at the edge of your seat (particularly the chase scenes). Although it does not completely go into the territory of survival thrillers, there are elements of it which makes this book more interesting compared to the first.
My main con I would say would be the repeated repetitions; the author seems to enjoy repeating phrases in her books to create tension (eg: first book - how innocent Owen is, how Gina has secrets, she knows Owens parents have secrets, so on and in this book how Gina is hiding secrets, what she did in the first book, what Owen did and so on).
Although repetitive phrases sometimes can help create tension, I personally felt like there are too many that it gets a little annoying 😅
Overall however I would say if you enjoyed the first book and like simple thrillers that you would like to read in one sitting, you will definitely enjoy this book!

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Emily Shiner has quickly become an auto-read author for me, and I was excited to return to the world of Meet the Parents. While I still think Marta Whitlock is one of the most deliciously evil villains I have ever read, Meet the In-Laws delivers plenty of twists and suspense of its own.

One of the things I enjoyed most about this sequel was getting to see Owen’s dark side fully revealed. In the first book, we only discover at the end just how much he is like his parents. Here, there is no hiding who he is, and watching that play out made for a tense and fast-paced read. The apple truly did not fall far from the tree.

The story is very plot-driven, which is something I’ve come to expect from Emily Shiner. The pages flew by as Gina tried to navigate an impossible situation while uncovering secrets that seemed determined to stay buried. Every time I thought I had things figured out, another twist came along.

While Meet the Parents remains my favorite of the two books thanks to the unforgettable Marta Whitlock, Meet the In-Laws is a worthy follow-up that expands the story in surprising ways and kept me turning pages from beginning to end.

A solid 4-star read for me, and proof that Emily Shiner continues to level up her twist game with every book.

[Barbara Schultz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Meet the In-Laws
Series: Meet the Parents Book #2
Author: Emily Shiner
Publisher: Bookouture
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: July 30, 2026
My Rating: 3.5 Stars
Pages: 320

Gina and Owen are married and on their way to when they meet her parents for the first time.
Unfortunately Gina is stuck in this loveless marriage and since she vowed... "Till death do we part" so she is stuck!
Owen forced her to marry him and enjoys keeping her under control.

I did not read the first book but checked reviews and it appears in this story that Owen’s dark side is revealed. The first story was more about his relationship with his parents.
In this story we know right away Owen is not a good guy, especially to 0Gina.
When Owen meets her parents he charms his way into their affections, thus leaving Gina alone with who can she trust when her parents love Owen as a son?

This is my sixth story by Emily Shine. So yes! I was expecting an entertaining read!
The Prologue had me curious - however there were parts of the story where we are revisiting fears, regrets, and ‘poor me’ thoughts were like watching paint dry, but I knew Ms. Shine would come through!! And she did – the ending was a surprise!!

Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for this eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for July 30, 2026.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a little ridiculous, but still a fun read. I didn't read the first book in the series but I feel like the synopsis and first couple chapters gave me the info I needed to know. The book centers on Gina and Owen, who are meeting her parents for the first time after their wedding and the death of his parents. Gina hasn't ever been close to her mom, Carol, but it turns out Carol is hiding some things that make that dynamic make more sense. The book goes back and forth between current time and some things in Carol's history, and alternates POVs between Carol and Gina.

There was a tension throughout the book, even when not much was happening- it felt like something could happen at any time. I did feel that some of Carol's narrative in the current time verged on repetitive and probably could have been tightened up, though. There were some good twists in the book, though sometimes it spent more time on thoughts and feelings versus actual actions. The ending was rather abrupt, but also tied up loose ends nicely.

Overall, this is not a serious or deep read but it is a fast-paced read and I feel confident that those who enjoyed the first book will like this one too (and those who didn't will know enough to come along). Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This emotionally-charged psychological thriller is phenomenally good. How is it possible for a writer to pour so much soul onto the page? The tension and suspense drove me around the bend and I found myself holding my breath numerous times. It felt so REAL. The mother/daughter story added a wondrous depth seldom seen in thrillers. I really appreciate that there were no explicit adult scenes or language, a rare jewel in this genre.

Gina is married to Owen, outwardly charming and generous but a monster to his wife. During their first visit as a couple to Gina’s parents’ house, initial positive impressions give way to reality and Gina’s mother, Carol, concernedly notices subtleties. Her relationship with her daughter has not exactly been warm and tender but she will do anything to protect her. Gina’s father has secrets, too. Everyone does. What is not said is as suffocating as what is. The intense claustrophobic atmosphere made me gasp out loud at times.

Carol’s character struck me most. She is intelligent, courageous yet flawed, and genuinely determined to help her daughter at personal cost. Their relationship growth tugged at my heart. The unraveling of the psychological seams kept me on edge and I was here for it. This is one of the most evocative thrillers I have inhaled this year.

[Susan W · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one wild family reunion. Just when I thought this family couldn't get any messier... it proved me wrong.

Newly married Gina brings Owen home to meet her estranged family for the first time, but what should've been an awkward reunion quickly unravels into a web of deep-rooted secrets and suspicion. With everyone hiding something, trusting anyone feels like a terrible idea.

FOMO got the best of me, so I binge-read Meet the Parents before reading this—and I'm so glad I did. I'd highly recommend doing the same. Meet the Parents was a fun, fast read in its own right with a touch of dark humor, and reading the two back-to-back made all the family chaos even more satisfying. While this could easily be read as a standalone, I flew through it in one sitting, completely hooked by the dual timelines and the mystery surrounding every character. Also, can we appreciate that the women in this book refused to play the victim?

I don't think I've ever had so much fun reading about one seriously messed-up family. If you love messy families, buried secrets, and twists that make you question everyone, good luck putting this one down. I'll definitely be reading more from this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Susan Belman · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Meet the In-Laws* picks up right where *Meet the Parents* left off, and while it's marketed as a standalone, I honestly think you'll get so much more out of it if you read book one first. A lot of the tension, dread, and psychological games are built on everything that came before.

This time, we finally meet Gina's parents, Carol and Tom, the in-laws, and getting to know them adds a whole new layer to the story. Learning more about Carol's relationship with Tom made my heart ache and gave so much context to her character. Meanwhile, Owen remains one of the most manipulative, infuriating characters I've read in a long time. The psychological warfare he wages against Gina had me wanting to reach through the pages and shake somebody. This isn't a nonstop twist-fest, but it's packed with tension, emotional manipulation, and that constant feeling that something is about to explode. Every interaction had me questioning who would make the next move and just how far Owen was willing to go to stay in control.

If you enjoy toxic family dynamics, psychological mind games, and villains you absolutely love to hate, this series is definitely worth picking up. Just... do yourself a favor and start with *Meet the Parents* first.

[D.B. Woodling · Rating 4 out of 5]

While many families harbor secrets, they are not typically of a variety that, if exposed, would result in a prison sentence. In Meet the In-Laws, Emily Shiner gives readers multiple points of view, unsavory characters, and a plot so sinister, it’s not an easy book to set aside.

Owen wants to meet his in-laws, and you’d better believe he’s done his homework. Gifting them a lovely home, he’s leaving nothing to chance. His wife, Gina, on the other hand, dreads a weekend spent with her volatile father, Tom, and her seemingly indifferent mother, Carol. All too familiar with the characteristic signs of spousal abuse, deafening alarm bells ring for Carol. Determined to unravel her daughter’s outwardly blissful marriage, she soon realizes she’s skating on thin ice.

Although the novel is a sequel, I would consider it a standalone. Despite instances of redundancy, I feel most psychological thriller fans will have a grand time flipping the pages. Much appreciation to Bookouture, the author, and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Andria Lambert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read a few books by the author and enjoyed them all and I have several more on my tbr list.

This is a story involving Gina and Owen, a married couple that are not blissfully wed. This is the 2nd book in the series, in the first book, Gina meets Owen's parents, now Owen gets to meet Gina's family, and they go for a visit which is the basis for the 2nd book.

In Meet the In-laws, the story is told from two points of view, Gina and her mother, Carol, and a then and now dual timeline. Both these books are stories that are dark and twisty and about dysfunctional families and are highly addictive and entertaining reads. This is a story where there are secrets. lies, deception, dread, tension, and suspense. These books give a new view of what meeting the parents or meeting the in-laws for the first time could be like in the worst way, showcasing dysfunctional messy family dynamics and hidden motives and agendas. I don't want to go into the stories more than that as to not give any spoilers, I would just recommend reading and enjoying both books. I will certainly be reading more by the author.

Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the complimentary copy of the story.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Meet the In-Laws
Author: Emily Shiner
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Publication Date: July 30, 2026

This is the 2nd book in the "Meet the Parents" series. I had read the first book in the series two years ago, so I had zero recollection of what the book was about. I looked back at my review of the first book and smiled when I saw that I had stated that my only serious complaint was that I was DYING to know what was going to happen next. Well, I guess I got my wish, and let me tell you, it was worth the wait!!!

The first book focused on Owen's parents and this book focuses on Gina's parents.

I love a good prologue, the kind that sucks you in and makes you excited about reading a book. This prologue did just that! The story is told from multiple points of view over two different timelines. The storyline told from the past is all about Gina's mother, Carol, when she was a teenager. This portion is integral to present day.

This book is twisty, crazy, and infuriating!! Another must-read by Emily Shiner!

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion/review.

[Ney oh the thrill of it FN · Rating 3 out of 5]

After having read and loved Meet the Parents, I was so excited for this sequel! 

This time, Gina and Owen are meeting her parents and it seems he has already been getting acquainted with them behind her back. 

For those who have read book one Owen is just as bad, if not worse, and honestly made my blood boil.

This offering felt a little more slow burn but it ramped up around 70 percent in. Told via dual pov - Gina and a then and now Carol (Ginas mum) - we see the present and the horrific things Carol endured. 

The relationship between mother and daughter is strained but once they finally sit down to talk things make more sense. 

Some parts felt a little repetetive for me and the almost-constant stream of introspection pulled me out of the story. The ending was twisty but after being more slow burn it felt rushed in comparison. 

This book is for you if you love messy family dynamics, characters you can love to hate, and a twisty ending with a wild epilogue. 

Thank you to Emily Shiner and Bookouture for this advanced complimentary copy via Netgalley. This review is being left voluntarily and all opinions expressed are my own. 

[Adam Forster-Nnachi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Huge thanks to Emily Shiner, Bookouture and Netgalley for this advanced copy of Meet The In-Laws. This review is being left voluntarily and all opinions expressed are my own. 


This definitely gave similar vibes to Meet The Parents, the previous book in this series. This time, Gina and Owen are meeting her parents and once again everyone seems to be hiding secrets from eacher.


Owen is still very much a character that it is eash to hate. He is as bad, if not worse, than in book one. Gina, meanwhile, is clearly on the edge and at times is pushing her luck given what we know her husband is capable of.


It was interesting to gain a new perspective in the sequel, that of Gina's mother Carol. The flashbacks from her pov were genuinely horrific at times and she clearly found herself in a terrible situation in her youth. My opinion of her definitely shifted as the story progressed.


Some of the twists in this one were absolutely mind blowing and the pace of the story as it reached its conclusion was intense. 


I think this was a worthy follow up to Meet the Parents, although I would rate that one slightly higher. Definitely recommend both of them.

[TJ Wynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know, sometimes sequels just don't live up to their predecessors. They can feel a little off, or like they're only there to cash in on the success of the first book. That wasn't the case here. Emily Shiner ended Meet the Parents in a way that perfectly set up Meet the In-Laws, and I'm so glad I didn't have to wait to find out what happened next.

I had recently finished Meet the Parents and was completely hooked, so I immediately requested Meet the In-Laws and was thrilled to be approved. After three books, Emily Shiner has officially become an auto-read author for me.

I know "unputdownable" is a cliché, but this book genuinely had me flying through the pages. I do recommend reading Meet the Parents first because it lays the foundation for so much of the story, and I think you'd miss out by skipping it.

This is Emily Shiner at her best: short chapters, constant cliffhangers, plenty of suspense, and twists that kept the story moving. It's everything I want in a psychological/domestic thriller. I can't wait to work my way through the rest of her catalog.

[Eva Edge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meet the In-Laws by Emily Shiner is an intriguing, high-tension, and drama-filled psychological thriller that dives headfirst into a tangled web of family secrets and hidden motives.

Picking up the drama through alternating perspectives between Gina and Carol, the story wastes no time pulling the reader into a high-stakes battle of wits where no one's intentions can be trusted. While the characters rely heavily on constant, repetitive declarations that they are guarding deep, dark secrets, the steady momentum and escalating friction keep the narrative moving forward at a rapid pace. Navigating through shifts in character dynamics and mysterious agendas, the plot constantly challenges you to figure out who is truly pulling the strings.

The pacing stays tight and suspenseful throughout, building up to an absolute powerhouse of a climax that delivers an out-of-left-field finale. That jaw-dropping, unexpected final reveal completely saves the day and sweeps you right off your feet, earning a solid 4 twisted stars.

[Nicole Shaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading in Between the Wines book review 51/115 for 2026:
Rating: 3 ½ 🍷🍷🍷
Book: Meet the In-Laws (Meet the Parents Book 2)
Author: Emily Shiner
RELEASED July 30, 2026!

Sipping thoughts: This was a great 2nd book in the Meet the Parents series. It was nothing but a cat and mouse game the entire book. Owen was such a diabolical character and I wanted him to get what was due to him. I did not expect what happened in the last few chapters. I am not sure how I feel about the last reveal but it was definitely unexpected.

Cheers and thank you to @Netgalley and @Bookouture for an advanced copy of @MeetTheInLaws.

#MeetTheInLaws #EmilyShiner #Bookouture #NetGalley #nicoles_bookcellar #ARC #advancedreader #Kindle #Booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookstagram #bookworm #bookdragon #booknerd #booklover #bookstagrammer #bookaholic #bookreview #bookreviewer #IHaveNoShelfControl #ReadingBetweenTheWines #fiction #thriller #suspense #mystery #MysteryAndThrillers #GeneralFictionAdult

[Thomas Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meet the In Laws by @Emily shiner had me hooked from the prologue and I couldn't out it down.

It's the masterful sequel to Emily's Meet the Parents where we follow the newlyweds Gina and Owen when they meet her parents for the first time.
Gina is stuck in a loveless marriage where there is only one way out... "Till death do we part". Owen forced her to marry him and takes great pleasure in keeping her under control.

It's not long before Owen charms his way into her parents affections, leaving Gina alone with nobody to see her fake smiles and Owens cutting remarks and callous actions. Who can Gina trust when her parents love Owen as a son?

However in true Emily style nothing is as it seems and everyone has secrets to keep hidden. With tensions rising is there an escape for Gina?

This book is a page turner from the start with great characters and back stories to die for.

Get yours on 30th July

[Mel Stokes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Kind of Thriller That Keeps You Guessing

Emily Shiner has done it again. From the first chapter, I was completely hooked and couldn't wait to find out what was really going on. Every time I thought I had the story figured out, another twist came along and proved me wrong.

What I loved most was how tense everything felt. There was always a sense that something wasn't quite right, which made it impossible to stop reading. The characters all had their own secrets, and I found myself questioning everyone's motives right until the end.

I also appreciated that this wasn't just twist after twist for the sake of shock. The reveals felt earned, and the ending tied everything together in a way that left me genuinely satisfied.

If you're looking for a fast-paced psychological thriller packed with suspense, unreliable characters, and plenty of surprises, I'd definitely recommend this one. It reminded me why Emily Shiner has become one of my go-to authors.

[Carol Werner Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meet the In-Laws (Meet the Parents Book 2)
by Emily Shiner
Pub Date: Jul 30 2026

Meet the In-Laws is a phenomenally addictive domestic thriller. The premise immediately hooks you: Carol sets up a perfect weekend to get to know her new son-in-law, only to realize he is tightly controlling her daughter.

The dynamic between Carol and Owen is incredibly entertaining as they quietly snoop and try to out-maneuver each other under one roof. The writing is fast-paced, and Shiner does an exceptional job keeping you guessing about who is truly pulling the strings. While I managed to predict one of the mid-book reveals, the chaotic and explosive ending more than made up for it. It is a wildly entertaining read that will make your own family dinners feel incredibly peaceful by comparison!

I'd like to thank #MeettheInLaws #NetGalley and #Bookouture for providing me an E-ARC of this fabulous story!