When Kylie Gillingham is murdered, it is discovered that she is a bigamist. Married to a landscaper with two sons, she is also married to a wealthy, handsome professional. Suspicion always falls on the husband, but which one? It is up to DCI Clements and her partner to solve the crime. Complicating matters is that this takes place during the pandemic with all its lock down regulations.

Meanwhile, Stacie Jones is back home with her devoted father after having lived in Paris. Cancer treatment has left her with amnesia and she is trying to claw back some memories.

Told from various POVs, I chose this book not knowing that it was actually a sequel. Woman Last Seen by Parks is the first in the duology, apparently with an ambiguous conclusion that this book resolves. I also thought this was primarily a police procedural. While the reader does meet Clements, chapters featuring her are limited. Rather, the focus is more on Stacie and, at times, Fiona, Kylie’s best friend who steps up to fill her shoes with her landscaper husband and children. Much time is spent on Stacie’s thoughts and consternation about her present condition.

I thought the plot and some of the action a bit over the top, but perhaps if I had read the first book, some of it might have made more sense and I would have enjoyed it more. There was a lot of personal reflection on everyone’s part. Unfortunately, I didn’t find any of the characters particularly likable.

Thanks to #netgalley and @htpbooks for the ARC.

I enjoyed the storyline of this book, but it was very slow reading to me. There was so much back story and reflection of the characters, that it made it feel unnecessary.

The multiple point of views was nice because you could grasp a better understanding on the situation. But because of this, the story was fairly predictable because the ending was basically laid out for you in the first half of the book.

It didn’t have any wow moments for me, but I was still intrigued and that kept me turning the page to find out how it would end.

Thank you to NetGalley, MIRA and author Adele Parks for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a very frustrating book to read. There was almost no character development from the get go and it made it difficult to feel connected to the story. Then early on, the author revealed things that typically are saved for the endings of thriller novels, and that felt like it ruined any potential twists in the story because they just weren’t there. It isn’t until the book is over in the author’s note that it is mentioned this is a sequel to another book. That probably would have been really helpful to know from the beginning! That absolutely should have been mentioned in the blurb. Maybe I would have liked this book more had I read the first one. As it stands, it was confusing and difficult to connect with any characters. I definitely think sending this out as an ARC is not going to help the author if the readers are not aware it’s part of a series.

Kylie/Leigh/Kai is missing and presumed dead. Her second husband, Daan, is the prime suspect, especially as the police have discovered that she was held captive for an extended period in an unoccupied apartment in the same building where she and Daan lived. What makes her disappearance particularly noteworthy is not that she was married twice but rather that she was married to both men at the same time and without their knowledge. In other words, the missing woman was a bigamist. Further complicating matters is that Kylie’s best friend, Fiona, had been hooking up with Daan, not realizing that he was married, and that his wife was her best friend. In the wake of Kylie’s disappearance and due in part to pandemic lockdown restrictions, Fiona has moved in with Mark, Kylie’s first husband, and is helping him take care of his sons (and “helping” him in other ways).

To make the story even stranger, after the reader is introduced to Kylie’s husbands, stepchildren, best friend and the detectives trying to solve her disappearance and presumed murder, a new and seemingly unrelated character is introduced. Sadie Jones had brain cancer for which she underwent successful treatment. However, the treatment left her with temporary amnesia. She is back home living with her father, but her memory loss makes it difficult for both of them. Sadie’s story continues for quite some time with no indication of how it relates to Kylie’s disappearance.

However, when the pieces start to fall into place, the reader will discover that the truth is more sinister and more complex than expected.

I’m not usually a big fan of sequels because they typically don’t compare to the first one but this follow up to “women last seen” was utterly fantastic! The story picks up where the first book leave off and keeps up the suspense and twists and turns that the first book had. I like the multiple POV from the different characters because I really added got the story having different view points of the same timeline. I loved the whole book and couldn’t not stop reading it! I do think it’s helpful to have read the first book to better understand the plot and characters in this one.

Firstly, I have to admit that I didn't read the prequel book, "Woman Last Seen," and I actually didn't have any idea of its existence until I finished this heart-pounding, mind-boggling, tension-exploding journey! I read this as a stand-alone thriller, and I enjoyed every second of it. The multiple narrations, the structure of an imploding mystery that makes you guess from the beginning and always keeps you on your toes with building pressure and increasing tempo, mesmerized me.

The plotline is quite attention-grabbing! A bigamist woman is missing, and both of her husbands, including her sixteen-year-old stepson Oli, who is not taking betrayal well.

DCI Clemens still digs into the mystery alongside his partner Tanner, who is so focused on putting the blame on Daan, the wealthy, influential husband who lived in the same apartment where his wife was captured and chained to the radiator. Clemens empathizes with Kylie, even though she lived a double life with two different men, creating two different lifestyles: once an upper-class wife of a rich husband, connecting with VIP personas and A-list stars. She was also a devoted mother to two teenage boys, pursuing her secluded life with recently divorced Mark.

We don't know the whereabouts of Kylie, but as time passes, the hope of finding her alive becomes more impossible. There's no body, but the officers found enough evidence to build a case to convict Daan. And Daan has every intention to prove his innocence, pointing his finger at the person who is in a relationship with both of the men.

In the meantime, we get introduced to a new character, Stacie Jones, who lives a secluded life with her old father Kenneth in a seaside town. She left Paris due to her changing health condition and recovery from alternative cancer treatment therapy, which comes with side effects like memory loss. She doesn't know anything about her old life. Due to a lack of internet and people communication as side effects of the pandemic, she can hardly piece together her jigsaw life. She keeps remembering memories of two unknown men her father never mentioned. Are they just the product of false memories, or are they real?

Could she be connected to the big mystery? What happened to Kylie? Is she really dead, or is she still hiding?

In the first book, the perpetrator was already revealed, and I think that the way it was wrapped up got mixed reactions from readers. Personally, I am happy to have read this book first before the sequel, as it helped me enjoy the mystery and learn more about each character.

Kylie may seem like a villainess as a bigamist who took advantage of her husbands and two innocent kids. I think the first book gives us a more detailed explanation for her choice to marry two men. But especially reading DCI Clemens' perspective and learning about her husbands, who are not exactly "husbands of the year," and witnessing how she took care of those two boys as if they were her children, I certainly reject the idea that she's the villainess of the story. She definitely made mistakes, but one of her husbands placed the entire burden of his children on her shoulders, while the other one is a cheat. So, don't get me wrong, but I don't have any intention to pity those men.

The building pressure, the final revelations, and the climax are well-structured. The honest character development made me root for some of them, especially Oli and Seb. Overall, I truly enjoyed what I read, and I think going into this sequel blind as a standalone might be a better choice for me to enjoy this wild ride to the fullest.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/MIRA for providing me with this digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest opinions.

Loved this book! I definitely enjoyed the setting, characters, and plot. Would definitely recommend to family and friends!

"Two Dead Wives" by Adele Parks is a literary tour de force that seamlessly weaves together a tapestry of suspense, family drama, and unexpected connections. Parks masterfully constructs a narrative that pulls you into the lives of its characters, leaving you emotionally entangled in their joys, struggles, and the enigma of their intertwined destinies.

At the heart of the story is an overprotective father, Kenneth, who has lived a reclusive life until his daughter Stacie returns from Paris, in need of life-altering surgery. The peculiar dynamic between father and daughter adds a layer of complexity to the tale, hinting at underlying secrets and unresolved issues.

Simultaneously, the narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a scandalous murder case involving bigamist Kylie Gillingham. The aftermath of her death leaves her husbands, son, and best friend grappling with a tumultuous mix of emotions — grief, fear, and even an unexpected triumph. The intricate exploration of these characters' lives creates a rich narrative tapestry that keeps readers eagerly turning pages.

As the story progresses, Parks introduces twists and betrayals that defy expectations, making the reader question how the intricate puzzle pieces will come together. The author skillfully balances suspense with character development, allowing readers to become deeply invested in the well-being and fates of each character. While some secrets may be revealed early on, the suspense that builds beyond these points is deep.

One standout aspect is the portrayal of Mark, Oli, and Seb's father. His seemingly incompetent and absent role as a parent adds a layer of mystery to the narrative, leaving readers to ponder his significance in the unfolding drama. The exploration of family dynamics, coupled with the overarching theme of tragedy, makes "Two Dead Wives" not just a crime novel but a poignant examination of the resilience of families in the face of adversity.

Adele Parks' writing is a revelation, seamlessly blending the complexities of human relationships with a gripping and unpredictable plot. "Two Dead Wives" is a compelling and thought-provoking read that captivates from the first page to the last, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the resolution of the intricate mysteries that permeate its pages, with an ending that leaves readers satisfied.

what is even happening here. I felt like I was dropped into a book where it started at page 100 and kept going. I have no sense of what is going on. Abandoned book at 20%.
Thanks you to the author, and publisher for the ARC.

What an unexpected follow up to a previous Adele Parks novel that stayed with me and seemed to finish abruptly. Kylie has disappeared and is presumed dead. Murdered. Here we catch up with her boys, Oli and Seb and her increasingly disappointing husband, Mark, her best friend Fiona, and her other husband Daan, Yep, she had two. A complex plot about a complex woman we rooted for the first time round and we respect her even more this time round. I had to keep reading, through the twists and turns towards the extremely satisfying conclusion.

I wish I had realized this story involved amnesia prior to reading it. It’s not the books fault, it’s just not my cup of tea.

I had no idea this was a sequel and I am not getting this one. I'll give this one 3 stars for effort but it was not for me. Looking forward to her next book as I usually love all her books.

This was such a fantastic, suspenseful thriller! I read so many that it is hard to surprise me with a twist ending, but this one got me. I was completely shocked but also deeply satisfied by the conclusion, which is such a hard line to walk with this genre. An excellent who-dun-it read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book. When I picked this book up I didn't realize it was a sequel. Once I realized this was a sequel I looked at reviews and many said you didn't have to read the first book to read this. However, when I started reading this book I was confused because it started as if in the middle of a mystery book. I also found the writing to not flow very well. The transitions didn't seem to flow; one instance the DC is interviewing a husband and the next sentence she's in a car. Maybe if I read the first book it would be better since I'd be in the know but as an initial read it didn't hit for me.

I enjoyed Two Dead Wives as I’m nearly a 💯 fan of Adele Parks. There were 1 or 2 that disappointed me but as a whole, she rarely does. Leigh, Kai & especially Clements were fabulously plotted out. Leigh & Kai so different, who’d even consider a Kylie??!😳. This is a wonderful, suspenseful read but I cannot find Both of You, evidently the precursor to this novel. Actually, I can’t find it in digital form, can do so on paper. This isn’t the 1990s though! Even w/o reading the preceding novel I devoured Two Dead Wives & love when a mystery, suspense book makes me laugh. Wasn’t a funny book but had some ironic, lol parts. Wonderful, Ms Parks. Plz send Both of You!😆🤦🏼‍♀️

Kylie Gillingham is a bigamist, so when she goes missing, both husbands become suspects. The two husbands are polar opposites, which I found to be an intriguing tidbit.

Stacie Jones can’t remember much of her life after suffering from cancer. She doesn’t see the news because she lives a reclusive life.

What do these women have in common? What did the husbands do?

Although this story dragged on a bit, I found it entertaining and unique. I’d give it 3 stars. Thank you, NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the eARC.

This book is a sequel to Both of You but I never read the first book so I was happy that this works as a stand alone.

Kylie Gillingham is missing. She is a bigamist and now both of her husbands are suspects.This was the first time I have ever read of a woman being a bigamist so it was a unique twist. Kylie is a good step mother to her two boys. Her two husbands are complete opposites and I found that very interesting.

Then it switches to Kenneth Jones who is helping his daughter recover from Cancer treatment. She can't seem to remember her past.

As you read you know these two story lines are going to come together and figure out who wanted Kylie dead.

Thank you HQ and Netgalley for the e-arc to review.

I enjoyed the pace, the different POV's and ultimately the ending.

I really liked how we started straight in with the story and how it captured my attention right away. I enjoyed the different perspectives throughout the book and our patrons especially like a good detective perspective mixed in. It was very intriguing having the past and present chapters in different sections and I found myself wanting to keep on reading to get to the next section. The first reveal was so good and then they just kept on coming. I was also surprised to find this was a sequel! The only drawbacks I would have with out patrons would be the setting in a different country.

It was the book I never knew I needed so bad in my life until it popped up on my feed …

I am a sucker for anything Adele Parks, I mean let’s be real, I think we all are .

I read Lies Lies Lies, years ago and it still haunts me . That book threw my world off kilter and had me sleeping with the light on for months . I loved it ! That’s the exact books I love to read ! I want my world shaken up, I want to be scared! Make me check under the bed before hopping in!

So, when I saw Two Dead Wives, pop up on my feed I nearly fell over . I neeeeed this book and there was no way I could wait until December. .

So I begged. I pleaded. I hit the request button and prayed.

Well Lordy, Lordy and Hallelujah!!!! My bookish prayers were answered.

Oh heyyy cutie, come to mama!!!!

This book sure does deliver! Every expectation I set was exceeded. Gosh dang it, I sure do love Adele Parks.

I really shouldn’t be saying this butttttt this book screams book of the year and it’s releasing just in time to buy yourself a belated Christmas gift without regrets ((wink wink))

Before I slip up and spoil the big twist, check out this teaser:

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.

DCI Clements knows the dark side of human nature and that love can make people do treacherous things. You can’t presume anything when it comes to crimes of the heart. Until a body is found, this scandalous and sad case remains wide open.

Stacie Jones lives a quiet life in a small village, nursed by her father as she recovers from illness, and shielded from any news of the outside world. But their reclusive life is about to be shattered.

How are these families linked, and can any of them ever rebuild their lives in the wake of tragedy?

This explosive thriller from international bestseller Adele Parks examines what it is to be a family and the dangerous lengths that people will go to for those they love.

I was really interested in the background of TWO DEAD WIVES, despite having missed that it was a sequel. Even without having read the first book, I had no trouble following the plot and characters. The story started with an intriguing setup, but the multiple POVs became difficult to untangle and the narrative dragged on without much in the way of plot development.

This story could have been better had it been about 75% of its length - ultimately, it was a slog to read and by the time I reached the end, I realized I didn’t much care what happened to any of the characters.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the opportunity to read and review TWO DEAD WIVES.