Member Reviews
Kylie/Leigh/Kai is missing and presumed dead, with her second husband, Daan, as the prime suspect. Police discover she was held captive for a long time in an empty apartment in their building. The case is particularly shocking because she was married to both Daan and her first husband, Mark, at the same time—making her a bigamist.
Things get more complicated when Kylie’s best friend, Fiona, unknowingly starts dating Daan, not realizing he is married to Kylie. After Kylie’s disappearance, Fiona moves in with Mark, helping him care for his sons—and perhaps getting closer to him in other ways.
As the story unfolds, we meet Kylie’s husbands, her stepchildren, Fiona, and the detectives on the case. Meanwhile, a new character, Sadie Jones, emerges. Recently treated for brain cancer, she is left with temporary amnesia and struggles to remember her past while living with her father.
For some time, Sadie’s story seems unrelated to Kylie’s. However, as the narrative develops, connections begin to emerge, leading to a more sinister and complex truth than initially anticipated.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book!
This novel had me gripped and guessing the whole way through to the every end. An enjoyable read that I recommend.
Couldn't get into this one. DNF I couldn't understand the character motivations. It was unrealistic. I didn't realize it was a sequel. I also found it repetitive.
I just couldn't get into this one for some reason. It needed a more engaging hook, but alas you cannot win them all.
An incredible book with wonderful characters and a beautiful setting. It will keep you guessing until the end.
Kylie Gillingham is a bigamist, and her husbands do not know about eachother. Her first husband Mark, has 2 children Oli and Seb. Her second husband Daan lives a more luxurious lifestyle. Kylie goes missing and ya know that saying, it’s always the husband? Well what happens when you have two?
Then we have Stacie who is recovering with her father from recent brain surgery. Stacie cannot remember anything before her surgery and is heavily reliant on her father while she tries to regain her memories.
Two Dead Wives has multiple narrators, but is very well done. A lot of them don’t get added until later on in the book when the characters are already well developed.
I did find this book incredibly predictable which was kind of a bummer. Also I just don’t enjoy reading about covid lockdown. I felt the covid and bigamy issues were overdone. every time they were mentioned I found myself thinking “we get it already jeez!”
although it seemed to drag a little bit, I did enjoy once the action started. I just found the explanation for everything a bit juvenile and far fetched.
thanks to netgalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
I'm not gonna lie, I put off reading this book for quite some time. I think mostly because after I downloaded it I realized it is somewhat of a sequel (it is unique in that it COULD be read as a standalone, but really is best read after "Woman Last Seen"). I don't generally love series or police procedural novels at that, BUT I am going to have to make an exception for this series. I enjoyed both books more than I anticipated and read each one quite quickly. The author did a good job with character development that left me wanting to know more and needing finality in the story. I am rating "Two Dead Wives" the same as its predecessor- 4 stars!
This was my first book by Adele Parks and I enjoyed it! I love her writing style and how the book pulled me in. Flew through it! 4/5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
I normally love this author. I have read all her books this one I couldn’t get into. The characters and plot fell flat and dragged on. Just didn’t enjoy it
Queen of suspense Adele Parks delivers another fast and entertaining psychological thriller. A polygamist is missing and presumed dead. Meanwhile, a woman recovering from illness resides with her overprotective father. Readers will find out how these 2 storylines relate in an astounding turn of events. For fans of Sally Hepworth and B. A. Paris.
Very brief synopsis: Lost. Missing. Murdered? How do you find a woman who didn’t exist?
It's a case that has gripped a nation: A woman with a shocking secret is missing, presumed dead. And her two husbands are suspects in her murder.
My thoughts: First off, I loved the title, but somehow I missed that this was book 2 of a series. Sadly, I hadnt read book 1 prior to picking this up. With spoilers to book 1 in this book, I am not sure that I will now. Two Dead Wives has several points-of-view (DC Clements, both of Kyle’s husbands, Kylie’s stepson, and Stacie.), it feels like you are in the middle trying to decipher the case. The timeline is relevant today, with there references to the lockdown in the UK, and mask-wearing throughout the book. Stacie’s story is puzzling and strange, but it makes more sense as the story progresses.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for sharing a thriller that wraps up with a good ending.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Adele Parks for the opportunity to read this arc in exchange for an honest opinion.
@adele_parks 🌻
@netgalley
@htpbooks
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The country is rapt with the scandalous case of murdered bigamist Kylie Gillingham. Her husbands, sons, and best friend are left dealing with a confused mix of emotions. None of them are able to put their lives back together while suspicion of her death hangs over at one of the husbands. Kylie’s two sons won’t accept she is dead and gone. They set out to search for her despite the evidence.
It is a British psychological thriller and for those who love a good slown burn it’s worth the wait be patient! I really enjoyed this one!! She sets the tone for you to be completely blindsided 🤯 and surprised. I loved the twists, multiple povs, and characters were very strong. I saw in other reviews that others didn’t like that it mentioned Covid, It fit the storyline and I didn’t mind it. The only criticism I had was I did prefer this book as an audiobook. I have read other books by her and this one was my favorite! I look forward to reading more of her books!
#twodeadwives #netgalley #htpbooks #read #bookishlove #bookstagram #booklover #books #threads #thriller #adeleparks #bookworms #booknow #tbr
Thank you for the ARC!
Didn’t know this was a sequel to another book but it was still good even though I didn’t read the first one !
Definitely kept me interested and couldn’t put it down ! Definitely recommend !
I absolutely loved this book!! I couldn’t put it down.
I just loved all the characters. I highly recommend this book.
Title: Two Dead Wives
Author: Adele Parks
Review:
✨★★★★★ 5/5 Stars
Adele Parks' "Two Dead Wives" is a thrilling masterpiece that skillfully blends mystery, psychological drama, and intense emotional depth. This gripping novel takes readers on an unforgettable journey through the lives, secrets, and untimely deaths of two women whose stories are cleverly intertwined. Parks once again proves her talent for crafting complex characters and maintaining an atmosphere of suspense that will keep you on edge until the very last page.
The story revolves around two seemingly unconnected women, Emma and Lorraine, whose lives are drastically altered by a string of shocking events. Emma, a confident, successful professional, and Lorraine, a devoted wife and mother, appear to have little in common. Yet, as the narrative unfolds, Parks deftly reveals the hidden ties that bind them in an intricate web of deceit, ambition, and betrayal.
Parks’ character development is exemplary. Emma is a vibrant, driven figure whose unsettling secrets begin to bubble to the surface, creating a palpable sense of tension. Lorraine portrays a contrasting image of domestic bliss, but her life is equally layered with complexities and concealed truths. Through the shifting perspectives, Parks provides a multifaceted view of their lives, making the readers feel intimately connected to both women while simultaneously questioning their motives and integrity.
The pacing of "Two Dead Wives" is remarkable. Parks expertly alternates between the present and the past, unraveling key plot points in a manner that heightens suspense without overwhelming the reader with information. Each chapter ends on a note of intrigue, compelling you to delve deeper into the mystery. This tempo not only maintains but amplifies the reader’s anticipation and engagement throughout the novel.
The themes of the book are rich and thought-provoking, touching on issues such as trust, identity, and the often precarious nature of seemingly perfect lives. Parks does not shy away from exploring the dark corners of her characters’ psyches, making "Two Dead Wives" a profoundly psychological read that delves into the human condition with unflinching honesty.
Adele Parks' writing style is both elegant and gripping. Her language is precise and evocative, painting vivid scenes that draw the reader ever deeper into the plot. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, enhancing the authenticity of the characters and their interactions. The narrative’s tension is meticulously crafted, resulting in a climax that is as shocking as it is satisfying.
One notable strength of "Two Dead Wives" is its ability to keep readers guessing. Just when you think you've figured out the plot, Parks throws in a twist that upends all your assumptions. This unpredictability is masterfully handled, making the novel an exhilarating ride from start to finish.
In conclusion, "Two Dead Wives" by Adele Parks is a tour de force in the mystery and psychological thriller genres. It expertly combines well-drawn characters, an intricate plot, and profound themes to create a story that is both thrilling and deeply resonant. Parks’ ability to craft a tale that is as emotionally compelling as it is suspenseful marks her as a standout author in contemporary fiction. If you are looking for a book that will keep you riveted and leave you pondering long after you have turned the last page, "Two Dead Wives" is an absolute must-read.
I was not aware that this was a sequel when I picked it up, but that didn’t keep me from enjoying it. I thought the plot was really interesting and different from some of the other thrillers that were on the market at the time. However, the story did drag on a bit. The timing and pacing of the book just felt kind of off to me. Other than that, it’s a fine enough book. I enjoyed the story while I was reading it. I just don’t think that this is a book that will be particularly memorable for me.
I have started and deleted the first few words so many times of this review… I’m honestly sitting here with my jaw on the ground! I loved the writing so much! It’s my favorite Adele Parks book to date and I’ve read a bunch! I loved the first person perspective and I loved the POV from multiple characters. I loved how everything was pieced together throughout the book. I’m still in utter disbelief at how it ended and ………
🎧 Two Dead Wives 🎧
Genre- Thriller.
Length- 400 pages.
My thoughts- Holy twisty! Two Dead Wives tells the story of Kylie- a women with two identities and two husbands- who disappears. The case leaves the public riveted and police scrambling to find her body. Two Dead Wives features a whole bunch of different characters and kept me engaged and interested.
I realized after I finished this book that it was actually a sequel! Oops! Oh well- it’s still a decent, highly improbable thriller that was fun on audiobook! I do recommend reading Women Last Seen First because I feel like that would have made this book both easier to follow and a little more rewarding.
Thank you to @netgalley for providing me with an ARC in return for my honest review.
Adele Parks does it again! This one kept me guessing the whole time. Who do you call your family, and how well do you really know them?
Two Dead Wives by Adele Parks is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the dark and twisted relationships between a husband and his two deceased wives. The story follows the main character, Libby, as she becomes suspicious of her charming and wealthy husband, Will, after the sudden deaths of his previous wives. As Libby begins to uncover the truth behind their deaths, she finds herself in a dangerous game of deception and betrayal. Parks' writing is suspenseful and immersive, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat as the shocking twists and turns unfold. Two Dead Wives is a compelling and chilling read that will leave you questioning the motives and secrets of those closest to you.