Member Reviews
I loved this book just as much as I loved the first one. However this can be read as a stand-alone and still be enjoyable. It was super entertaining with despicable characters. So twisty and thrilling. I recommend!
Great Book! Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing for the early copy. This review is my personal opinion.
I liked this book. I had no problem reading this as a stand alone, rather than a sequel. The plot and dialogue was fast moving. Conniving and despicable, Amber and Jackson were characters you loved to hate and I was cheering (and hoping) they would finally get their due. Daphne (Jackson’s first wife), after finally getting her and her two girls away from Jackson, returned to be near him for the sake of her children. Big mistake. Daisy Ann, a new comer to this scenario, is one minded in seeing that Amber pays for killing Daisy Ann’s father. Some of the twists were really gutsy and surprising. This book really wrapped up the first book nicely and it was thoroughly enjoyable.
Having really enjoyed The Last Mrs. Parrish years ago, I was excited to read this sequel. Unfortunately, it just didn't do it for me the same way the original did. I found it to be a lot of telling rather than showing to make sure everyone had the context of the first book and the prequel. The villains felt mustache-twirly in how over the top their evil was and I was so frustrated by Daphne's behavior throughout the whole thing. I still wanted to know what happened, but this book was a miss for me. Thank you NetGalley for my copy.
The Next Mrs. Parrish
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🚨 I want to talk freely about this book, I still don’t think there are spoilers, but I have to get my feelings out lol proceed with caution 🚨
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This is the second book in this little series (the first book being The Last Mrs. Parrish) I enjoyed the first book and I remember feeling satisfied with how it ended so when I heard there was going to be a second book I didn’t feel it was necessary, but I was interested to see where they were going to take this story. We picked back up about seven months after the first book ended and we’re met with quick chapters, a few different point of views, and we get some recaps about the first book along the way so it’s nice if you need a refresher, but I felt like there was a lot going on, but also nothing at all? We’re introduced to someone from Amber’s pasts, which just didn’t feel like it elevated the story, we already know Amber is conniving to say the least and adding her little background sub plot just took away from the story. We’re following a lot of different paths when it seemed like we needed to pick a lane. I wish we would have stuck with our fab 3 - Daphne, Jackson, and Amber and had this final explosive book!
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The whole story just felt really slow. I’m all for a slow burn, when it works it works, but slow burn doesn’t mean boring 🫣 Two unlikely characters start working together which was interesting for a minute, but it wasn’t leaned into enough! I saw a lot of the “twists” coming, one was more surprising, but then I felt underwhelmed because I was like finally something! The ending felt…..kinda….lame 😩 I also feel like we need a title rework or the two books need to swap titles! I really tried ya’ll, if you loved the first book I get it, but I think you’ll be disappointed in the second on, but! Remember it could just be me lol generously ⭐️⭐️
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Thank you NetGalley, Random House, and Liv Constantine for this e-Arc! The Next Mrs. Parrish comes out June 18!
I enjoyed The Last Mrs. Parrish so when The Next Mrs. Parrish came out I was very excited to read it. Unfortunately, I had a difficult time getting into the book. I felt the dialogue was a feeble attempt to build characters that fell flat. I enjoyed the ending but struggled to enjoy the first 90% of the book. Thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my opinions.
I was skeptical when I first heard of an upcoming sequel to The Last Mrs. Parrish. Like many others, I read, enjoyed, and recommended the book to friends and family - it’s not the next great American novel, but it has some truly satisfying twists that elevate it above most contemporary thrillers. But it was also satisfying in that it was a complete story. Nothing about it demanded a sequel.
For the first 80% of The Next Mrs. Parrish, I was surprised that my mind had been changed. Though the plot often strained plausibility, it felt like the authors had found a compelling reason to write a follow-up.
But then I got near the end of the book, and it fell apart. Instead of clever twists and turns, the authors choose to hide information for the sake of suspense and not logic. This is a classic case of telling rather than showing - through clunky paragraphs of “here’s all the information we just decided not to tell you but that all the narrators knew.” The ending is so ludicrous, it completely negates all of the positive feelings I had for the first 4/5 of the book.
I’ve given three stars in recognition of the fact that it did keep me entertained for most of the book.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the follow up to The Last Mrs Parrish. I think a follow up was perfect because the first book left so many things up in the air. I will say, I think this is a very bingeable read but I just wasn’t in it when I usually would have flown through this one. Once I picked up the audio it was much easier for me to fly through this and I actually finished the entire audio in one day. I truly love how the author gives us so many curveballs that you never see the next move coming. The theme of greed is strong and the want to protect family is even more so. Female friendships and found family also was a strong theme in this one which I love. If you loved The Last Mrs Parrish, you need to know how the story continues!
I loved the first Mrs Parrish book, but did not enjoy this one.
I simply could not get past a MC (Daphne) doing something so incredibly stupid and dangerous to her and the children. After that, nothing worked. I had to suspend massive amounts of disbelief to accept anything that happened after that.
I do enjoy this author duo and look forward to her next book (but maybe not a Mrs Parrish sequel.
I was lucky enough to be able to get ahold of this book early and wow. The last Mrs. Parrish was one of the first books I fell in love with during the beginning of my ready journey and now the sequel pulled me out of my reading slump. I forgot how awful Jackson is and with every move Daphne makes, even I’m paranoid about who she interacts with. Finally a sequel that does the original justice!!
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for an advanced e-copy of The Next Mrs. Parrish, in exchange for an honest review.
The Next Mrs. Parrish' by Liv Constantine is a captivating psychological thriller that lives up to the high expectations set by its predecessor, 'The Last Mrs. Parrish.' The story seamlessly picks up where the first book left off, introducing a new storyline that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
Jackson, the manipulative and enigmatic husband, returns as a menacing force, his sick and twisted nature only amplified. Amber, still a force to be reckoned with and cunning mistress, remains unchanged in her relentless pursuit of wealth and power. Constantine masterfully weaves their characters' motivations and desires, creating a complex and suspenseful plot.
The author's attention to detail ensures that the conclusion feels both plausible and cathartic. The question of whether a third book is in the works remains unanswered, but the ending leaves open the possibility for further exploration of these characters' twisted world.
Overall, 'The Next Mrs. Parrish' is an engrossing and well-written psychological thriller that will appeal to fans of the genre. Constantine's clever storytelling and exploration of dark human impulses make this a must-read for those who enjoy being kept on the edge of their seats.
Unfortunately, not nearly as good as the first. It definitely had a dark undercurrent with the abuse and manipulation. I hated that she went back to his world and came under his control again, But the Count of Monte Cristo type payback was great.
I was a big fan of the first book The Last Mrs. Parrish this sequel did not disappoint. It brought the characters Daphne, Jackson and Amber to a whole new level of lies, deceit, and betrayal. The addition of Daisy Ann added in another layer of mystery to the plot.
I recommend reading the prequel novella to this The Last Shot to really tie in Amber’s background and start to her deceitful ways.
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group Ballantine for the ARC on this book.
DNF at 48%. the tricking her to take her kids away was the hard stop for me. I have a young child and it made me so angry I just couldn't do any more. Prior to this I was not enjoying this book and found that it felt really forced. This feels like an unnecessary sequel and I feel it would have been better as a standalone novel with new characters because the premise of the book is intriguing. I loved The Last Mrs. Parrish so I was so excited to be approved for the sequel but it was not for me. This book has taught me that not everything needs to have a sequel no matter how much we may want more of the story. Sometimes there just isn't more to the story.
The Next Mrs. Parrish is an exciting and immersive journey back into the world of The Last Mrs. Parrish.
The story picks right back up with Amber & Daphne, plus a fun new character's perspective. This one definitely had a bit of a slow start but once things pick up - boy does it get crazy! Liv Constantine really knows how to write rich people drama and deliver on the unexpected plot twists! 💎🍸
Though the characters made some dumb decisions at times, the drama kept the story going and I think this is one of those times where a sequel was truly fresh and thrilling to the end.
Amber and Daphne Parrish are forced back into each others lives in this sequel to The Last Mrs. Parrish. What will Amber do to keep her luxury lifestyle? What will Daphne do to keep her girls safe?
I went into this book with high expectations because I LOVED the first one and the author definitely did not disappoint. This book made me feel every emotion under the sun from anger about what amber and Jackson were doing to Daphne to frustration for some of the decisions Daphne made too. I love how the multiple POV's let you see things from each side. You get to understand how each character feels, what they are thinking, and why they rationalize their choices. I finished this one in one sitting and was left wanting more at the end, I never wanted to finish it because it was such a great read.
"The Next Mrs. Parrish" by Liv Constantine is a riveting tale of ambition, deceit, and redemption set in the affluent community of Bishops Harbor. The novel centers on Amber Patterson Parrish, who has transformed herself from an unnoticed wallflower into a celebrated socialite. Her carefully constructed life begins to wobble as her husband, Jackson, returns from prison following a tax-evasion scandal, threatening her autonomy and lavish lifestyle.
Parallel to Amber's story, we follow Daphne Parrish, Jackson's ex-wife, who swore never to return to Bishops Harbor. However, a family crisis involving their runaway daughter compels her to revisit the past she desperately wanted to leave behind. Daphne’s skepticism about Jackson's claims of transformation adds another layer of tension to the story.
The plot thickens as a figure from Amber's past arrives, seeking vengeance and stirring up secrets. As alliances shift and true intentions come to light, the characters must navigate a dangerous game of manipulation and betrayal. Constantine masterfully crafts a narrative where every twist and turn challenges the reader's perceptions of trust and treachery.
With its dynamic characters and pulse-pounding suspense, "The Next Mrs. Parrish" is a compelling psychological thriller that delves deep into the complexities of relationships and power dynamics. This novel is a must-read for fans of domestic thrillers who enjoy a story that keeps you guessing until the very end.
Liv Constantine’s “The Next Mrs. Parrish” is a captivating and meticulously plotted psychological thriller that keeps readers riveted from the very first page. This novel masterfully blends suspense, intrigue, and complex characters to create a truly unputdownable read.
The story revolves around Amber Patterson, a woman with a devious plan to infiltrate the life of the seemingly perfect Daphne Parrish and claim her luxurious lifestyle for herself. Constantine’s portrayal of Amber is chilling and compelling, as her calculated moves and underlying motivations are revealed in gripping detail. Daphne, on the other hand, is equally well-drawn, evoking both sympathy and admiration as her true strength and resilience come to light.
Constantine’s writing is sharp and evocative, effortlessly drawing readers into the glamorous yet deceitful world of the Parrishes. The alternating perspectives between Amber and Daphne add depth and tension to the narrative, keeping readers guessing about the true intentions and secrets of each character. The pacing is impeccable, with twists and turns that build suspense and lead to a shocking and satisfying climax.
What sets “The Next Mrs. Parrish” apart is its sophisticated exploration of themes such as ambition, envy, and the facades people maintain to conceal their true selves. Constantine delves into the psychology of her characters with precision, creating a story that is as thought-provoking as it is thrilling.
“The Next Mrs. Parrish” is a standout novel that showcases Liv Constantine’s talent for crafting intricate plots and multifaceted characters. This book is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers, offering a perfect blend of suspense, drama, and unexpected twists. Constantine has delivered a masterful and addictive novel that will keep readers enthralled until the very last page.
A great sequel with the same awful people you love to hate! This review will be short and sweet as to not give away any of the developments in the book! Lots of twists and turns and some unexpected characters added. Definitely kept me up reading long after bed time!
Many thanks to Netgalley and Random House Ballantine for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank You to Netgalley and Bantam Books for the early ARC Copy for review. I absolutely loved the first book in this series The Last Mrs. Parrish when I read it back in 2019. I had to try to remember though all what happened from the first book since it been so long but I quickly caught on. This one was fun and intense read. I will say some parts were a little slow and dragged on but I still really enjoyed the book. I still had a love hate relationship with some of the characters involved like Amber and Jackson at times. Just drove me nuts. Esp Jackson. His ego, ugh.
Anyways great psychological thriller that I def recommend you reading. If you haven't read the first book either or its been awhile since, maybe re-read it first then start this one!
3.5 stars rounded up.
Daphne, Amber, and Jackson are back, and the two who were horrible people in book one are still horrible people with new schemes and atrocious behavior to exhibit.
There is a new player involved this time around, Daisy Ann. When she was first introduced I wasn’t sure how she was going to tie into things or where her storyline was going to go. Without saying too much, it ends up being one of the most satisfying parts of the book.
These are always the hardest kinds of books for me to write a thorough review for as I don’t want to include too many details or spoil any twists. There are an abundance of those this time around — possibly too many at times. Overall though, it was quite a rollercoaster ride and had a mostly rewarding end that felt less morally compromising to find deserving than the way book one ended up.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bantam for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.