The Next Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine

Liv Constantine’s “The Next Mrs. Parrish” is a deliciously twisted follow-up to the smash hit “The Last Mrs. Parrish.” Like a master puppeteer, Constantine deftly manipulates the strings of her characters, weaving a complex tapestry of betrayal, revenge, and unexpected alliances. This sequel proves that hell hath no fury like a woman scorned—or, in this case, three women with scores to settle.

The story picks up with Amber Patterson Parrish, the conniving social climber we love to hate, perched atop her ill-gotten throne in Bishops Harbor. But her reign is far from secure. As her husband Jackson’s prison sentence nears its end, Amber’s carefully constructed world begins to crumble. Meanwhile, Daphne Parrish, Jackson’s ex-wife and Amber’s former mark, reluctantly returns to the scene of her nightmares when their daughter runs away to find her father.

What follows is a masterclass in psychological suspense. Constantine keeps readers on their toes, constantly shifting alliances and motivations. Just when you think you’ve got a handle on who’s playing who, another twist sends you spinning. It’s like watching a high-stakes game of chess where the pieces keep changing color.

A Trio of Complex Women

At the heart of “The Next Mrs. Parrish” are three fascinating female characters, each flawed and fierce in her own way:

Amber: Oh, Amber. She’s still the manipulative mastermind we remember, but this time around, we get to see some cracks in her perfect facade. There’s something almost pitiful about watching her scramble to maintain her position, even as she plots her next big score. Constantine manages to make her simultaneously repulsive and oddly compelling.

Daphne: Our girl Daphne has grown a backbone since we last saw her, and it’s a joy to watch. She’s no longer the doormat wife, but a protective mama bear willing to face her demons to keep her cubs safe. Her struggle to balance her daughters’ needs with her own trauma is beautifully rendered.

Daisy Ann: The new player in this twisted game, Daisy Ann brings a refreshing dose of righteous anger to the mix. Her quest for justice adds another layer of intrigue to an already complex plot.

The men in this story mainly serve as catalysts for the women’s actions, which feels fitting given the themes of female empowerment (both positive and negative) that run throughout.

A Master Class in Tension

Constantine excels at ratcheting up the suspense, expertly pacing the revelations and reversals. The author employs multiple viewpoints to great effect, allowing us to see the same events from different angles and leaving us wondering who, if anyone, we can trust.

Particularly gripping are the scenes where Daphne must navigate Jackson’s attempts to worm his way back into her life. The psychological tug-of-war between them is palpable, and you can feel Daphne’s skin crawl even as she tries to keep her cool for her daughters’ sake.

Amber’s sections are equally tense, but in a different way. There’s an almost manic energy to her chapters as she ping-pongs between schemes, always one step ahead of disaster – until she isn’t. Watching her house of cards wobble is both satisfying and anxiety-inducing.

Themes of Power and Perception

While “The Next Mrs. Parrish” delivers as a page-turning thriller, it also delves into some meaty themes. The nature of power—who has it, how they wield it, and how quickly it can shift—is a central concern. Constantine explores how perception shapes reality, especially in the rarified world of Bishops Harbor’s elite.

There’s also a fascinating examination of motherhood running through the novel. We see different models of maternal love (and its absence) play out across the characters. The lengths to which these women will go for their children—or to escape them—drive much of the action.

A Few Minor Quibbles

No book is perfect, and there are a couple of small issues that might niggle at some readers. Occasionally, the coincidences that drive the plot feel a tad too convenient. And while the multiple viewpoints generally work well, there are a few moments where the voices blur a bit.

These are minor complaints, though, in what is overall a thoroughly engrossing read.

The Verdict

“The Next Mrs. Parrish” is a worthy successor to its predecessor, maintaining the addictive quality that made the first book such a hit while deepening the characterizations and ramping up the stakes. It’s the literary equivalent of a really good soap opera—dramatic, twisty, and utterly impossible to put down.

Fans of domestic thrillers and psychological suspense will find plenty to love here. If you enjoyed books like “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn or “The Wife Between Us” by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen, this should be right up your alley.

Constantine has crafted a sequel that stands on its own while enriching the world established in the first book. New readers can jump in here without feeling lost, though they may be inspired to go back and devour “The Last Mrs. Parrish” afterward.

In the end, “The Next Mrs. Parrish” leaves you feeling a bit like you’ve been through the wringer—in the best possible way. It’s an emotional rollercoaster that’ll have you gasping, groaning, and frantically turning pages until the very end. And when it’s over, you’ll be left wondering: what delicious drama will Liv Constantine cook up next?

A Note on the Author(s)

“Liv Constantine” is actually the pen name for sisters Lynne and Valerie Constantine. Their collaborative writing process seems to result in seamless narratives that blend their voices into one cohesive whole. In addition to the Mrs. Parrish books, they’ve written several other successful thrillers, including “The Last Time I Saw You” and “The Wife Stalker.”

Their ability to craft complex female characters and intricate plots has earned them comparisons to other masters of domestic suspense like Mary Kubica and Lisa Jewell. With “The Next Mrs. Parrish,” they cement their place as a powerhouse duo in the genre.

Final Thoughts

As I closed the final pages of “The Next Mrs. Parrish,” I found myself both satisfied and slightly unsettled. Constantine has a knack for creating characters that linger in your mind long after you’ve finished reading. I caught myself wondering what Amber might be plotting next, or hoping Daphne and her girls were finding some peace.

This book would make for fantastic book club discussions. There’s so much to unpack about motivations, morality, and the gray areas between right and wrong. Plus, I can already imagine the heated debates over which character is the most sympathetic (or the least redeemable).

If you’re looking for a summer read that’ll keep you glued to your beach chair, look no further. Just be prepared – you might find yourself eyeing your fellow sunbathers with a bit more suspicion afterward. After all, in Constantine’s world, you never know what secrets are lurking behind those designer sunglasses.