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DCI Clements#2
Two Dead Wives
An overprotective father has lived as a recluse until his adult daughter – Stacie Jones – returns from Paris, in need of radical brain surgery. Peculiarly, he appears to almost welcome her illness, it does at least mean she is back under his roof – and his control.
In the meantime, the country is rapt with the scandalous case of murdered bigamist Kylie Gillingham. Her husbands, son and best friend are left dealing with a confused mix of emotions: grief, fear and triumph.
But none of them can piece their lives back together while suspicion of her death hangs over at least one of the husbands.
Despite the evidence, Kylie’s two sons won’t accept she is dead and gone. They set out to search for her and find themselves in the same town as Stacie and her father…
How are these families linked and can any of them ever be a real family again after such tragedy?
In the meantime, the country is rapt with the scandalous case of murdered bigamist Kylie Gillingham. Her husbands, son and best friend are left dealing with a confused mix of emotions: grief, fear and triumph.
But none of them can piece their lives back together while suspicion of her death hangs over at least one of the husbands.
Despite the evidence, Kylie’s two sons won’t accept she is dead and gone. They set out to search for her and find themselves in the same town as Stacie and her father…
How are these families linked and can any of them ever be a real family again after such tragedy?
400 pages, Paperback
First published August 17, 2023
About the author
Adele Parks
49books2,802followersAdele Parks MBE is one of the most-loved and biggest-selling women's fiction writers in the UK. She has sold over 4 million books and her work has been translated into 30 different languages.
She has published 21 novels, all of which have been London Times bestsellers.
Adele has written 19 contemporary novels and 2 historical ones, Spare Brides and If You Go Away, which are set during and after WW1. Her latest novels, Both of You, Just My Luck, Lies Lies Lies, I Invited Her In, The Image of You and The Stranger in My Home are twisty, domestic noirs. Adele likes to scrutinize our concepts of family, our theories on love, parenting and fidelity.
During her career Adele has lived in Italy, Botswana and London. Now she lives happily in Surrey, UK with her husband, son and cat.
If you want to stay in touch you can find Adele on Twitter @AdeleParks, Instagram @Adele_Parks or Facebook @OfficialAdeleParks. You can sign up to her newsletter ateepurl.com/cI0land there’s lots more info about Adele and her books onwww.adeleparks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,136 reviews
September 22, 2023
This was a sequel to both of you, and although I liked it, it didn’t quite grab my attention like the first one did. I still liked the characters, and it was good that I already knew them from the first book, but I didn’t much care for the amnesia part, where things got a bit OTT. Glad I read it though!
November 25, 2023
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
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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
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February 18, 2024
When a wife is murdered, isn't it almost always the spouse who turns out to be the primary suspect? What happens when there are two spouses?
Having two lives and two identities didn't do Kylie any favours— in the end, when someone kidnaps her, the police are now looking for a body. The case has gripped the nation, and the whole affair won't end for either man.
DCI Clements is on the case, and she knows that the dark side of humanity can make you a person do some unspeakable things.
Stacie Jones is recovering from a severe illness and is being nursed back to health by her retired GP father. Can their lives remain reclusive?
How are these families all linked, and how much danger are they all in?
I didn't love this book. It wasn't a bad read, but it was slow in places. I don't think it needed to be this long, and some of the POVs were lengthy, and there wasn't much balance. Two Dead Wives is a sequel to Women Last Seen that may answer my one question about why Kylie would lead a double life. I was disappointed I didn't know that before reading this one because there were more questions than answers.
I also felt the book was a little predictable, and all the excellence was in the last ⅓ of the book. The writing was good; it felt like a lot of padding to a book that didn't need it.
It was hard to care about any of the characters except the Oli, who I did invest my time in. I think it's because I didn't read the first book and missed many plot details of the characters' backstories.
I recommend you read Women Last Seen before reading Two Dead Wives. I loved reading Adele Parks's last book, One Last Secret, I will continue to read her books. I am going back and reading the books in sequence. I intend to re-evaluate my initial review of 3.5 Stars at a later date.
I want to thank NetGalley, MIRA and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the AEC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Having two lives and two identities didn't do Kylie any favours— in the end, when someone kidnaps her, the police are now looking for a body. The case has gripped the nation, and the whole affair won't end for either man.
DCI Clements is on the case, and she knows that the dark side of humanity can make you a person do some unspeakable things.
Stacie Jones is recovering from a severe illness and is being nursed back to health by her retired GP father. Can their lives remain reclusive?
How are these families all linked, and how much danger are they all in?
I didn't love this book. It wasn't a bad read, but it was slow in places. I don't think it needed to be this long, and some of the POVs were lengthy, and there wasn't much balance. Two Dead Wives is a sequel to Women Last Seen that may answer my one question about why Kylie would lead a double life. I was disappointed I didn't know that before reading this one because there were more questions than answers.
I also felt the book was a little predictable, and all the excellence was in the last ⅓ of the book. The writing was good; it felt like a lot of padding to a book that didn't need it.
It was hard to care about any of the characters except the Oli, who I did invest my time in. I think it's because I didn't read the first book and missed many plot details of the characters' backstories.
I recommend you read Women Last Seen before reading Two Dead Wives. I loved reading Adele Parks's last book, One Last Secret, I will continue to read her books. I am going back and reading the books in sequence. I intend to re-evaluate my initial review of 3.5 Stars at a later date.
I want to thank NetGalley, MIRA and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the AEC in exchange for an honest opinion.
May 15, 2023
3.5 rounded up
The follow up to Both of You
It’s 2020 and lockdown and the country is gripped with the scandalous case of missing, presumed dead bigamist Kylie Gillingham which DCI Clements is investigating. Both husbands come under suspicion, the weight of it hanging particularly over one of them. Meanwhile, Stacie Jones on the Dorset coast is recovering from cancer surgery and is living back home with her father.
The story is told from several perspectives and all of them are interesting and serve to deepen the mystery and adds an emotional edge especially from the stepsons Oli and Seb. Stacie’s point of view is good as post operation her memory bank is empty and I like how this seems to mirror the solitary location of her father’s cottage. Here the author creates a really good atmospheric backdrop to the mystery of Kylie. Covid lockdown is used very effectively too as it adds an extra element with the timescale moving towards Freedom Saturday. In the first 60% or so there are some good twists and the situation definitely grows curiouser and curiouser.
However, much as there are lots of positives and I do enjoy the book, I think the novel is overlong and thus it loses the impact of some of the plot nor does the last 40% or so have quite the same intensity. Some aspects seem to be rather predictable and yet conversely others seem a bit of a stretch!
Overall,I enjoyed Both of You more than this follow up. This can be read as a stand-alone but it’s better to have read the first book.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HQ for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
The follow up to Both of You
It’s 2020 and lockdown and the country is gripped with the scandalous case of missing, presumed dead bigamist Kylie Gillingham which DCI Clements is investigating. Both husbands come under suspicion, the weight of it hanging particularly over one of them. Meanwhile, Stacie Jones on the Dorset coast is recovering from cancer surgery and is living back home with her father.
The story is told from several perspectives and all of them are interesting and serve to deepen the mystery and adds an emotional edge especially from the stepsons Oli and Seb. Stacie’s point of view is good as post operation her memory bank is empty and I like how this seems to mirror the solitary location of her father’s cottage. Here the author creates a really good atmospheric backdrop to the mystery of Kylie. Covid lockdown is used very effectively too as it adds an extra element with the timescale moving towards Freedom Saturday. In the first 60% or so there are some good twists and the situation definitely grows curiouser and curiouser.
However, much as there are lots of positives and I do enjoy the book, I think the novel is overlong and thus it loses the impact of some of the plot nor does the last 40% or so have quite the same intensity. Some aspects seem to be rather predictable and yet conversely others seem a bit of a stretch!
Overall,I enjoyed Both of You more than this follow up. This can be read as a stand-alone but it’s better to have read the first book.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HQ for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
January 20, 2024
My absolute favorite thing is when writers make you believe things you didn't think were possible.
In this case, it's less about believing the twists of the story, because pretty much all the reveals were fairly easy to guess. But that doesn't detract from the book at all, because the author spends so much time crafting each POV with such purpose and care that I absolutely believed that the characters could make the choices that they did. Some of the greatest human tragedies are rooted in the lengths people will go to seek security and love, and we see that theme play out with every character here.
Yes, it's a convoluted plot (with perhaps one far-fetched subplot too many), but I didn't really mind this because the writing carries it through. If I'm going to quibble about anything, I'd say the primary villain needed a bit more back story and nuance--not much, just a little more to make us more fully understand the choices that were made. But I love the fact that every single character is flawed and that each one had moments of painful self-reflection. The lines of the plot may be ones I anticipated, but the layered character work and unexpected poignancy were not.
That bone-deep knowledge of another person doesn't always exist, nor the desire to help/be fair to someone who has betrayed you--but that kind of innate conscientiousness is very real.
I look forward to going back to book one to find out more about why these characters ended up in this position. There is real emotional truth in these character sketches, particularly the portrayal of fierce, unshakeable motherly instinct.
4.5 starsRounded up because I liked it so much. Really excellent thriller—not the literary kind, mind, despite high marks for the writing—but the thoroughly-entertaining-keeps-you-turning-pages kind.
Audio Notes:I've listened to other books narrated by Kristin Atherton before, but she really gets a chance to shine here with all the different POVs. I appreciated the obvious skill in the various male/female/teen/child/authority figure dialogue, but also the shading in how she subtly changes her voices and manner of speech even when she's reading the narrative portions for each character. To do all that, and to give the text urgency and emotion and hope as needed--well, suffice to say she's a a narrator I'll be paying attention to in the future.
I didn't realize this was book two in a series when I requested the audiobook, but knowing what I know, I actually like that I read this one first. It totally works without the background of the first book and perhaps even adds to the suspense. The detective work is a solid presence, but really takes a back seat to the messy characters who are central to the crime--unusual choice, but I really liked it.
In this case, it's less about believing the twists of the story, because pretty much all the reveals were fairly easy to guess. But that doesn't detract from the book at all, because the author spends so much time crafting each POV with such purpose and care that I absolutely believed that the characters could make the choices that they did. Some of the greatest human tragedies are rooted in the lengths people will go to seek security and love, and we see that theme play out with every character here.
Yes, it's a convoluted plot (with perhaps one far-fetched subplot too many), but I didn't really mind this because the writing carries it through. If I'm going to quibble about anything, I'd say the primary villain needed a bit more back story and nuance--not much, just a little more to make us more fully understand the choices that were made. But I love the fact that every single character is flawed and that each one had moments of painful self-reflection. The lines of the plot may be ones I anticipated, but the layered character work and unexpected poignancy were not.
That bone-deep knowledge of another person doesn't always exist, nor the desire to help/be fair to someone who has betrayed you--but that kind of innate conscientiousness is very real.
I look forward to going back to book one to find out more about why these characters ended up in this position. There is real emotional truth in these character sketches, particularly the portrayal of fierce, unshakeable motherly instinct.
4.5 starsRounded up because I liked it so much. Really excellent thriller—not the literary kind, mind, despite high marks for the writing—but the thoroughly-entertaining-keeps-you-turning-pages kind.
Audio Notes:I've listened to other books narrated by Kristin Atherton before, but she really gets a chance to shine here with all the different POVs. I appreciated the obvious skill in the various male/female/teen/child/authority figure dialogue, but also the shading in how she subtly changes her voices and manner of speech even when she's reading the narrative portions for each character. To do all that, and to give the text urgency and emotion and hope as needed--well, suffice to say she's a a narrator I'll be paying attention to in the future.
I didn't realize this was book two in a series when I requested the audiobook, but knowing what I know, I actually like that I read this one first. It totally works without the background of the first book and perhaps even adds to the suspense. The detective work is a solid presence, but really takes a back seat to the messy characters who are central to the crime--unusual choice, but I really liked it.
March 29, 2024
Two Dead Wives by Adele Parks is a thriller novel. The story in Two Dead Wives is one that is told by changing the point of view between multiple characters. It’s also a thriller that has continued the story from the first book in the series, Woman Last Seen. However, the author has written this second book as if the first didn’t exist so it can be read as a standalone thriller without reading the first.
Detective Clements is still looking into the disappearance of Leigh Fletcher/Kai Janssen or otherwise known as Kylie Gillingham. It’s been discovered that Kylie who happened to have two totally separate lives and two totally separate marriages giving police double the suspects.
As the Kylie Gillingham case is carried out in the national news Stacie Jones and her father have just returned from Paris with Stacie having needed brain surgery. As Stacie deals with her memory she watches the case as her father cares for her after returning home. Little does Stacie know the story hits a little too close to her own home.
When I picked up Two Dead Wives by Adele Parks I had no idea that it was linked to the author’s earlier book, Woman Last Seen. Starting this one off I had a niggle in the back of my head that boy does this sound like that other book I read…. Well, yes, I quickly learned what the author had done and I applaud her for it. Those that haven’t read the first will feel like this is a brand new story while those that have read the first will get a deeper dive into the case but both camps can enjoy the book which normally doesn’t happen with sequels, readers normally feel left out and I don’t believe they will this time. The story flies by and adds so much to what went on before that it was well worth the read!
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visithttps://carriesbookreviews.com/
Detective Clements is still looking into the disappearance of Leigh Fletcher/Kai Janssen or otherwise known as Kylie Gillingham. It’s been discovered that Kylie who happened to have two totally separate lives and two totally separate marriages giving police double the suspects.
As the Kylie Gillingham case is carried out in the national news Stacie Jones and her father have just returned from Paris with Stacie having needed brain surgery. As Stacie deals with her memory she watches the case as her father cares for her after returning home. Little does Stacie know the story hits a little too close to her own home.
When I picked up Two Dead Wives by Adele Parks I had no idea that it was linked to the author’s earlier book, Woman Last Seen. Starting this one off I had a niggle in the back of my head that boy does this sound like that other book I read…. Well, yes, I quickly learned what the author had done and I applaud her for it. Those that haven’t read the first will feel like this is a brand new story while those that have read the first will get a deeper dive into the case but both camps can enjoy the book which normally doesn’t happen with sequels, readers normally feel left out and I don’t believe they will this time. The story flies by and adds so much to what went on before that it was well worth the read!
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visithttps://carriesbookreviews.com/
January 17, 2024
3.0 Stars
Video Review:https://youtu.be/3hvDORi-RaE
Given the premise of this one, I expected this one to be a juicier story. Instead the tone was much more serious.
This story was fairly compelling but it felt incomplete, like I was starting in the middle. While this is part of a series, I wrongly assumed this was a companion book as nearly every single mystery book can be read as a standalone. It wasn't until I got to the ending with the spoilery afterword by the author did I fully understand how essential reading order is for this particular series. If you want to read these books, you really should start back at the beginning.
All that being said, I don't feel completely fair to rate this book as a standalone. I found it to be fine, but not particularly special. I'm not sure reading the first book would have significantly changed my impression.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
Video Review:https://youtu.be/3hvDORi-RaE
Given the premise of this one, I expected this one to be a juicier story. Instead the tone was much more serious.
This story was fairly compelling but it felt incomplete, like I was starting in the middle. While this is part of a series, I wrongly assumed this was a companion book as nearly every single mystery book can be read as a standalone. It wasn't until I got to the ending with the spoilery afterword by the author did I fully understand how essential reading order is for this particular series. If you want to read these books, you really should start back at the beginning.
All that being said, I don't feel completely fair to rate this book as a standalone. I found it to be fine, but not particularly special. I'm not sure reading the first book would have significantly changed my impression.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
January 7, 2024
4.5 Stars
There were a few stories going on in this book that eventually came together.
You don't have to read the first book, but having read this, I'm interested in reading the first.
A woman named Kylie is presumed dead, and it discovered she was married to two men at the same time.
There's lots of povs in this story. The two husbands, two sons, the detective, Fiona and Stacy.
It's interesting finding out who's guilty in this story.
There are a lot of twists in this book with a great ending.
There were a few stories going on in this book that eventually came together.
You don't have to read the first book, but having read this, I'm interested in reading the first.
A woman named Kylie is presumed dead, and it discovered she was married to two men at the same time.
There's lots of povs in this story. The two husbands, two sons, the detective, Fiona and Stacy.
It's interesting finding out who's guilty in this story.
There are a lot of twists in this book with a great ending.
December 2, 2023
Two husbands, one wife. Kylie Gillingham has gone missing during the Covid pandemic, and now her dirty little secret has been exposed: Kylie is actually Kai and Leigh, one woman with two different lives. With one husband, she’s the rich trophy wife, and with the other, she’s the devoted stepmother. She’s been getting away with it for quite a long time, but her disappearance brought the scandal to light.
We also have the story of a woman named Stacie, who has just moved back from Paris to London after a brain cancer diagnosis. She remembers almost nothing, not even her father, who is now taking care of her. How does she relate to Kylie?
Unfortunately, that part I figured out right away. I did enjoy this book, though it was slightly slow. I didn’t find out until I read the epilogue that this is actually a standalone sequel to a book called “Women Last Seen”, or “Both Of You”, I think depending on the country you’re in. The first book apparently tells us how Kylie ended up in two marriages, and had I read that first, I think I would have enjoyed the sequel more.
This started slowly because I was trying to get invested in the characters, but found it slightly confusing. Had I read the first book, I think I would have been invested right away and I would have had more interest in the story. I’m giving this 3.5 stars, but if you read the first book and liked it, I can’t imagine you not loving this one!
***UPDATE: I couldn’t resist the urge to buy the first book, “Woman Last Seen”. I wish I hadn’t read them out of order, because this one is so much better when you know the back story. I gave that one four stars, and I’m changing my rating for this one to four stars as well. They are a great set of books, but this is NOT one to read out of order!***
(Thank you to MIRA, Adele Parks and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on December 26, 2023.)
We also have the story of a woman named Stacie, who has just moved back from Paris to London after a brain cancer diagnosis. She remembers almost nothing, not even her father, who is now taking care of her. How does she relate to Kylie?
Unfortunately, that part I figured out right away. I did enjoy this book, though it was slightly slow. I didn’t find out until I read the epilogue that this is actually a standalone sequel to a book called “Women Last Seen”, or “Both Of You”, I think depending on the country you’re in. The first book apparently tells us how Kylie ended up in two marriages, and had I read that first, I think I would have enjoyed the sequel more.
This started slowly because I was trying to get invested in the characters, but found it slightly confusing. Had I read the first book, I think I would have been invested right away and I would have had more interest in the story. I’m giving this 3.5 stars, but if you read the first book and liked it, I can’t imagine you not loving this one!
***UPDATE: I couldn’t resist the urge to buy the first book, “Woman Last Seen”. I wish I hadn’t read them out of order, because this one is so much better when you know the back story. I gave that one four stars, and I’m changing my rating for this one to four stars as well. They are a great set of books, but this is NOT one to read out of order!***
(Thank you to MIRA, Adele Parks and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on December 26, 2023.)
July 14, 2023
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
Number one bestseller Adele Parks is back with an explosive new tale that will really delight fans of this domestic fiction queen’s backlist title, Both of You. A story of love, family, relationships, betrayal, mystery and dangerous realities, Just Between Us was an intriguing read.
Just Between Us rips apart the disappearance of a woman who seemingly lived with more than one identity. It appears that Kylie managed to live two separate lives and stay married to two different men, at the same time. But now Kylie is nowhere to be seen and the first line of suspicion is cast on both spouses. Assigned to this perplexing case is DCI Clements. This investigation will prove to be a complex one as Clements hasn’t located a body yet, so the crime remains ambiguous. Linked to this strange case is a woman named Stacie Jones, a woman convalescing at home with her father following a debilitating illness. Stacie has also been impacted by the effects of memory loss related to her illness, but she will need to keep her mind sharp as she grapples some interesting personal eventualities. How are Stacie and Kylie linked?
A new Adele Parks book is a cause for celebration and I was counting down the days until Just Between Us was released. I rushed out to the shops as soon as I could to purchase this one and I made sure my schedule was very clear so I could read this new Parks blockbuster uninterrupted. As I suspected, Just Between Us is a tale that I danced through in two evening sittings, it was a typical Adele Parks page turner.
An astute novel that combines several different characters, who all appear quite opaque, Parks sets her novel up well in the opening sequences. I know my attention was raised in the beginning of Just Between Us, as the confusing atmosphere seemed to pervade this text. I wasn’t sure what to expect or what would eventuate as the narrative started to unravel. In true Adele Parks style there is a high level of suspicion, doubt and uncertainty embroidered through the characters. With plenty of twists, turns and deviations, the reader is kept in the dark at many crucial moments, adding to the lingering sense of confusion in this tale.
I was definitely invested in Just Between Us especially in the early days of this novel’s journey. I was keen to see if DCI Clements would crack this trying case and if the suspect Kylie Gillingham would ever be recovered. Parks does raise some dark themes in Just Between Us around choice, love, marriage, relationships and motherhood expectations in the pandemic world. The setting of early lockdown times and the onset of the pandemic is covered well by Parks in Just Between Us. Parks has definitely captured this trying and unpredictable time with credibility. On the whole I seemed to enjoy this new Adele Parks read until the end. However, I didn’t love this one quite as much as One Last Secret, which was the novel previous to Just Between Us. I couldn’t exactly recall all the key elements of Both of You, so I must admit that this impacted my experience of reading Just Between Us. A word of advice, Just Between Us is a standalone, but I think reading Both of You in close succession to Just Between Us will enhance your experience.
An off-base tale of complicated relationships, family protection, marital ties, social values, household roles, memory, trust, expectations and moral behaviour, Just Between Us is a bracing read.
*I wish to thank Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Number one bestseller Adele Parks is back with an explosive new tale that will really delight fans of this domestic fiction queen’s backlist title, Both of You. A story of love, family, relationships, betrayal, mystery and dangerous realities, Just Between Us was an intriguing read.
Just Between Us rips apart the disappearance of a woman who seemingly lived with more than one identity. It appears that Kylie managed to live two separate lives and stay married to two different men, at the same time. But now Kylie is nowhere to be seen and the first line of suspicion is cast on both spouses. Assigned to this perplexing case is DCI Clements. This investigation will prove to be a complex one as Clements hasn’t located a body yet, so the crime remains ambiguous. Linked to this strange case is a woman named Stacie Jones, a woman convalescing at home with her father following a debilitating illness. Stacie has also been impacted by the effects of memory loss related to her illness, but she will need to keep her mind sharp as she grapples some interesting personal eventualities. How are Stacie and Kylie linked?
A new Adele Parks book is a cause for celebration and I was counting down the days until Just Between Us was released. I rushed out to the shops as soon as I could to purchase this one and I made sure my schedule was very clear so I could read this new Parks blockbuster uninterrupted. As I suspected, Just Between Us is a tale that I danced through in two evening sittings, it was a typical Adele Parks page turner.
An astute novel that combines several different characters, who all appear quite opaque, Parks sets her novel up well in the opening sequences. I know my attention was raised in the beginning of Just Between Us, as the confusing atmosphere seemed to pervade this text. I wasn’t sure what to expect or what would eventuate as the narrative started to unravel. In true Adele Parks style there is a high level of suspicion, doubt and uncertainty embroidered through the characters. With plenty of twists, turns and deviations, the reader is kept in the dark at many crucial moments, adding to the lingering sense of confusion in this tale.
I was definitely invested in Just Between Us especially in the early days of this novel’s journey. I was keen to see if DCI Clements would crack this trying case and if the suspect Kylie Gillingham would ever be recovered. Parks does raise some dark themes in Just Between Us around choice, love, marriage, relationships and motherhood expectations in the pandemic world. The setting of early lockdown times and the onset of the pandemic is covered well by Parks in Just Between Us. Parks has definitely captured this trying and unpredictable time with credibility. On the whole I seemed to enjoy this new Adele Parks read until the end. However, I didn’t love this one quite as much as One Last Secret, which was the novel previous to Just Between Us. I couldn’t exactly recall all the key elements of Both of You, so I must admit that this impacted my experience of reading Just Between Us. A word of advice, Just Between Us is a standalone, but I think reading Both of You in close succession to Just Between Us will enhance your experience.
An off-base tale of complicated relationships, family protection, marital ties, social values, household roles, memory, trust, expectations and moral behaviour, Just Between Us is a bracing read.
*I wish to thank Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
February 2, 2024
Part of the book description sums the story up fairly well with the questions,"Lost? Missing? Murdered? How do you find a woman who didn’t exist?This book reads like it might be a sequel to an earlier book. Of, course I didn't read the earlier book. If anyone is remotely surprised by that...please raise your hand:) I didn't think so. I did find the earlier book entitled [Woman Last Seen]. Authors should understand that there are people like me and not confuse us with reading in order:) The detectives aren't sure that she has been murdered...there's no body, but they have two likely suspects...the two husbands who were unaware that the other even existed... so there was really no cause for them to even be suspects. They've been able to trace her last whereabouts, but still no Kylie. One of the husbands seemed to have moved on, but the detectives aren’t ready to let him off the hook. Finally, we get to learn why Kylie was living two separate lives. The entire story felt like too much information to absorb with each chapter highlighting a different character producing "information overload" for this reader...but it did begin to provide a solid framework for the story. It began to really advance when we met Stacie Jones, a woman recovering from an illness. There’s something odd about how protective Stacie's father is of her, which will become a significant part of the plot later on. It does have a satisfying conclusion, but I do recommend reading the first book before tackling this one.
September 17, 2023
I was thrilled to discover the sequel to this book, as I'm not a fan of open endings. The writing was simply outstanding, immersing me fully in the world the characters inhabited. I experienced a whirlwind of emotions - curiosity, fear, and even a desire for a different outcome, yet strangely, I found solace in the way it all concluded.
There were moments that sent shivers down my spine, particularly those involving children. The author's ability to create such intense and suspenseful twists truly kept me on the edge of my seat.
But what truly stood out for me was the main character. Their depth and relatability made me instantly connect with them, and I found myself rooting for them throughout the story.
In summary, this sequel was a rollercoaster of emotions, skillfully written, with characters that felt like old friends. It's a book that I won't soon forget.
There were moments that sent shivers down my spine, particularly those involving children. The author's ability to create such intense and suspenseful twists truly kept me on the edge of my seat.
But what truly stood out for me was the main character. Their depth and relatability made me instantly connect with them, and I found myself rooting for them throughout the story.
In summary, this sequel was a rollercoaster of emotions, skillfully written, with characters that felt like old friends. It's a book that I won't soon forget.
November 9, 2023
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.
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.
August 11, 2023
This is a great read and follows on from Both of You, but it’s not essential for you to have read that first.
Kylie is reported missing and the Police soon establish she had two husbands. One with two sons and one more extravagant lifestyle.
We also have chapters about Stacie who is recovering from a brain tumour and being looked after by her dad.
All is not what it seems for both women and there’s one particular character who is linked to both women and has lots to hide.
I can’t say too much without spoiling it but this is a great read that will certainly keep you guessing.
Thanks to HQ and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Kylie is reported missing and the Police soon establish she had two husbands. One with two sons and one more extravagant lifestyle.
We also have chapters about Stacie who is recovering from a brain tumour and being looked after by her dad.
All is not what it seems for both women and there’s one particular character who is linked to both women and has lots to hide.
I can’t say too much without spoiling it but this is a great read that will certainly keep you guessing.
Thanks to HQ and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
December 17, 2023
Kylie Killingham is a bigamist married to two husbands living separate lives. She winds up missing. Stacie Jones is a cancer patient who has had brain surgery. These women’s lives intertwine in unimaginable ways.
This was an exciting read that had me quickly flipping the pages. Thanks NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this ARC that will be released December 26, 2023!
August 17, 2023
I do enjoy Adele Parks' books and I was so excited to read this one. It is a bit far fetched, but that aside it is a very gripping story.
Kylie Gillingham is missing and her husbands are both in the frame for her murder - husbands because since she disappeared it has been revealed that Kylie is a bigamist. By one of her husbands she has 2 step children, and the other none, so the majority of the suspicion resides with the childless man.
Meanwhile, Stacie is being looked after by her devoted father after brain cancer surgery, but she is having difficulty remembering anything much about her life before her illness in Paris.
When their two worlds collide there are some explosive revelations which could be fatal.
A fun book if you suspend belief.
Kylie Gillingham is missing and her husbands are both in the frame for her murder - husbands because since she disappeared it has been revealed that Kylie is a bigamist. By one of her husbands she has 2 step children, and the other none, so the majority of the suspicion resides with the childless man.
Meanwhile, Stacie is being looked after by her devoted father after brain cancer surgery, but she is having difficulty remembering anything much about her life before her illness in Paris.
When their two worlds collide there are some explosive revelations which could be fatal.
A fun book if you suspend belief.
December 15, 2023
Sequel to ‘Both of You’ but can be read as a stand alone.
3.5 stars rounded up.
The first half of this novel is exceptional. I flew through the unfolding drama of a bigamist wife and her disappearance with great zeal. A little over halfway I put it down and really struggled to get back into it. I’m not sure if it was the introduction of Stacie Jones or the change in pace or just being too busy myself.
The sluggish second half and then some really crazy twists and turns had me doing a few head scratches. Overall, the novel was an enjoyable with a solid resolution.
Thank you to Harlequin Books Australia for the print-copy of this novel.
3.5 stars rounded up.
The first half of this novel is exceptional. I flew through the unfolding drama of a bigamist wife and her disappearance with great zeal. A little over halfway I put it down and really struggled to get back into it. I’m not sure if it was the introduction of Stacie Jones or the change in pace or just being too busy myself.
The sluggish second half and then some really crazy twists and turns had me doing a few head scratches. Overall, the novel was an enjoyable with a solid resolution.
Thank you to Harlequin Books Australia for the print-copy of this novel.
October 24, 2023
1.5 rounded up
Must read book one before sequel! This makes no sense as a stand alone.
Must read book one before sequel! This makes no sense as a stand alone.
April 30, 2024
A sequel to Both Of You. It follows DCI Clements and her partner as they investigate the disappearance of Kai Janssen and Leigh Fletcher. I think this book was actually better than the first. It was fast paced, had some twists and answered some questions that I had. It can be read as a standalone, but the reader would do themselves a disservice if they don’t read Both Of You first.
February 2, 2024
Two Dead Wives is (spoiler alert) a sequel to Parks’ Woman Last Seen, but don’t let that stop you from reading this incredibly exciting thriller which goes above and beyond the usual twists and turns and will continuously shock the reader with its imaginative plot.
DCI Clements is coming off of the toughest case of her life. A woman who was kidnapped is believed to be dead. Although the woman had an incredibly complicated past, she leaves a husband and two stepsons, another husband and her grieving best friend. Now, one of the husbands is being charged with the murder.
Stacie Jones lives in a small village and is recovering from cancer. Having moved away years ago to live in Paris, she is now home with her father recuperating from her brain surgery. She can’t remember her past but is grateful her father who is a retired doctor is here to help her try and put the pieces back together. For her own safety, she stays close to home as she is still not sure of the area she lives. Although secluded, she remembers her past by her father telling her stories of her life and she is pretty content and appreciative for all he has been doing.
Back to DCI Clements. She can’t seem to let this case go. She feels as if she is missing something. No, there has been no new evidence, but when Fiona, the best friend moves into the husband with the sons’ house, well she gets a bad feeling. Who would do that? Shouldn’t she still be in mourning?
So, she decides to go to the last place the missing woman was ever seen. To see if there is any evidence that was overlooked. Something sparks her interest and the wheels in her brain begin to turn. But without any other evidence, it’s seeming dead on arrival.
And with these the only clues I choose to give you, a cat and mouse game begins which will include lies, crazy and perhaps hope. You see, one of the stepsons believes his stepmother is alive. He is determined to make everyone believe what he believes.
And what does Stacie Jones have to do with this? With no memory of anything? Could she have seen something? What ties her to this mystery?
But beware. There is one person who wants this whole investigation to be shut down. That is the actual killer. Because you see, they don’t want to have to kill again, unless they really have to.
Two Dead Wives is a gripping tale of deceit, lies and spine-chilling suspense. If you have not read Woman Last Seen, read it because it is just a good as the second. Both are quite the killer stories!
Thank you #NetGalley #Mira #AdeleParks #TwoDeadWives for the advanced copy.
DCI Clements is coming off of the toughest case of her life. A woman who was kidnapped is believed to be dead. Although the woman had an incredibly complicated past, she leaves a husband and two stepsons, another husband and her grieving best friend. Now, one of the husbands is being charged with the murder.
Stacie Jones lives in a small village and is recovering from cancer. Having moved away years ago to live in Paris, she is now home with her father recuperating from her brain surgery. She can’t remember her past but is grateful her father who is a retired doctor is here to help her try and put the pieces back together. For her own safety, she stays close to home as she is still not sure of the area she lives. Although secluded, she remembers her past by her father telling her stories of her life and she is pretty content and appreciative for all he has been doing.
Back to DCI Clements. She can’t seem to let this case go. She feels as if she is missing something. No, there has been no new evidence, but when Fiona, the best friend moves into the husband with the sons’ house, well she gets a bad feeling. Who would do that? Shouldn’t she still be in mourning?
So, she decides to go to the last place the missing woman was ever seen. To see if there is any evidence that was overlooked. Something sparks her interest and the wheels in her brain begin to turn. But without any other evidence, it’s seeming dead on arrival.
And with these the only clues I choose to give you, a cat and mouse game begins which will include lies, crazy and perhaps hope. You see, one of the stepsons believes his stepmother is alive. He is determined to make everyone believe what he believes.
And what does Stacie Jones have to do with this? With no memory of anything? Could she have seen something? What ties her to this mystery?
But beware. There is one person who wants this whole investigation to be shut down. That is the actual killer. Because you see, they don’t want to have to kill again, unless they really have to.
Two Dead Wives is a gripping tale of deceit, lies and spine-chilling suspense. If you have not read Woman Last Seen, read it because it is just a good as the second. Both are quite the killer stories!
Thank you #NetGalley #Mira #AdeleParks #TwoDeadWives for the advanced copy.
October 31, 2023
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 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.
July 16, 2023
I love Adele’s books, there’s always such great reads for me. The pacing of this one was exquisite and I couldn’t wait to continue finding out about Kylie’s story, even though I dislike her as a character/person. Though I don’t dislike her as much as I dislike Fiona, her ex best friend.
There was lots of mystery and suspense in this one, just like the first book, and a lot of my burning questions were answered as the story unfolded and I hurtled towards the ending. Definitely recommend adding this one to your summer TBRs.
Thank you to HQ for sending me a proof of this incredible read.
There was lots of mystery and suspense in this one, just like the first book, and a lot of my burning questions were answered as the story unfolded and I hurtled towards the ending. Definitely recommend adding this one to your summer TBRs.
Thank you to HQ for sending me a proof of this incredible read.
March 22, 2024
4/5 🌟
4/5 ❤️🩹
2/5 🥰
0/5 🌶️
5/5 🔎
4/5 😰A
3/5 🎭T
⚠️⛔️TRIGGERS:⛔️⚠️
Confinement
Death
Cancer
Infidelity
Mental Illness
Toxic Relationship
Violence
Blood
Medical Content
Kidnapping
Grief
Murder
Death of a Parent
Death of a Child
Gaslighting
Toxic Friendship
Abandonment
Alcohol Use
Injury/Injury Detail
Pandemic
🗯️💬BOOK BLURB:💬🗯️
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.
🌎📖OVERALL REVIEWS📖🌎
Courtesy of Storygraph
COMMUNITY REVIEWS
SUMMARY OF 156 REVIEWS
Moods
mysterious 95%
tense 80%
dark 64%
emotional 35%
adventurous 29%
challenging 15%
sad 10%
hopeful 9%
reflective 6%
Pace
medium 66%
fast 23%
slow 9%
Plot- or character-driven?
A mix: 63% | Plot: 24% | Character: 12%
Strong character development?
Yes: 60% | It's complicated: 24% | No: 13% | N/A: 2%
Loveable characters?
It's complicated: 60% | No: 22% | Yes: 16%
Diverse cast of characters?
No: 68% | Yes: 23% | It's complicated: 4% | N/A: 4%
Flaws of characters a main focus?
Yes: 76% | It's complicated: 17% | No: 6%
Average rating
3.74
🤔🧐🤯MY THOUGHTS:🤯🧐🤔
This sequel was a perfect follow to Woman Last Seen. This book starts where the other left off almost seamlessly. I was rather shocked to learn that the author hadn’t intended to write a sequel because I can’t imagine this book not existing.
I highly recommend this duet for anyone that loves a good thriller/mystery drama. I’m also thrilled that there was happily ever after considering everything that happened in both books.
I will definitely be reading more from this author!
RATING KEY:
🌟Stars- based on the overall plot and theme or idea of the book
❤️🩹Emotions- based on how emotional I got while reading
🥰Romance- based on how well I got invested in the love story aspect
🌶️Spice- based on how the sex scenes were portrayed and written as well as the number of sex scenes
🔎Mystery- based on how well it kept me guessing who, how and why
😰Scared/Anxious- based on how scared or anxious the book made me while reading
🎭Comedy/Tragedybased on if I laughed or if there was a tragic event and how it affected me. I will mark the Masks with either a C or T to indicate Comedy or Tragedy
4/5 ❤️🩹
2/5 🥰
0/5 🌶️
5/5 🔎
4/5 😰A
3/5 🎭T
⚠️⛔️TRIGGERS:⛔️⚠️
Confinement
Death
Cancer
Infidelity
Mental Illness
Toxic Relationship
Violence
Blood
Medical Content
Kidnapping
Grief
Murder
Death of a Parent
Death of a Child
Gaslighting
Toxic Friendship
Abandonment
Alcohol Use
Injury/Injury Detail
Pandemic
🗯️💬BOOK BLURB:💬🗯️
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.
🌎📖OVERALL REVIEWS📖🌎
Courtesy of Storygraph
COMMUNITY REVIEWS
SUMMARY OF 156 REVIEWS
Moods
mysterious 95%
tense 80%
dark 64%
emotional 35%
adventurous 29%
challenging 15%
sad 10%
hopeful 9%
reflective 6%
Pace
medium 66%
fast 23%
slow 9%
Plot- or character-driven?
A mix: 63% | Plot: 24% | Character: 12%
Strong character development?
Yes: 60% | It's complicated: 24% | No: 13% | N/A: 2%
Loveable characters?
It's complicated: 60% | No: 22% | Yes: 16%
Diverse cast of characters?
No: 68% | Yes: 23% | It's complicated: 4% | N/A: 4%
Flaws of characters a main focus?
Yes: 76% | It's complicated: 17% | No: 6%
Average rating
3.74
🤔🧐🤯MY THOUGHTS:🤯🧐🤔
This sequel was a perfect follow to Woman Last Seen. This book starts where the other left off almost seamlessly. I was rather shocked to learn that the author hadn’t intended to write a sequel because I can’t imagine this book not existing.
I highly recommend this duet for anyone that loves a good thriller/mystery drama. I’m also thrilled that there was happily ever after considering everything that happened in both books.
I will definitely be reading more from this author!
RATING KEY:
🌟Stars- based on the overall plot and theme or idea of the book
❤️🩹Emotions- based on how emotional I got while reading
🥰Romance- based on how well I got invested in the love story aspect
🌶️Spice- based on how the sex scenes were portrayed and written as well as the number of sex scenes
🔎Mystery- based on how well it kept me guessing who, how and why
😰Scared/Anxious- based on how scared or anxious the book made me while reading
🎭Comedy/Tragedybased on if I laughed or if there was a tragic event and how it affected me. I will mark the Masks with either a C or T to indicate Comedy or Tragedy
September 21, 2023
Why is everyone raving about this book??? The storyline was just rubbish and made no sense at all. The characters were all extremely annoying and unlikeable and the plot was so far fetched, I just couldn’t connect with any of it. There are far better thrillers out there. Really wouldn’t recommend it. 13 hours of my life I’m not getting back.
*** SPOILERS *** First of all, how can you be married to 2 different guys? I got married in the UK and I’m pretty sure if I wanted to marry someone else now, the local council would see straight away in their systems that I am already married. And how would you keep up this double life? Where did she spend her nights and what did she tell her other husband? How dumb are these guys not to get suspicious? That was nonsense. And her best friend doesn’t know who she’s married to? What kind of friend is this? And then kills her out of jealousy and sleeps with her husband? And the husband is just cool with it? The whole aspect of cheating and morale is hardly discussed in the book which is a real letdown. All the actions the characters take are so illogical. Also how does Stacie not ask more questions? How can she not have a phone? I get it, it’s the pandemic but come on! I was just rolling my eyes every 5 min while listening to this nonsense.
*** SPOILERS *** First of all, how can you be married to 2 different guys? I got married in the UK and I’m pretty sure if I wanted to marry someone else now, the local council would see straight away in their systems that I am already married. And how would you keep up this double life? Where did she spend her nights and what did she tell her other husband? How dumb are these guys not to get suspicious? That was nonsense. And her best friend doesn’t know who she’s married to? What kind of friend is this? And then kills her out of jealousy and sleeps with her husband? And the husband is just cool with it? The whole aspect of cheating and morale is hardly discussed in the book which is a real letdown. All the actions the characters take are so illogical. Also how does Stacie not ask more questions? How can she not have a phone? I get it, it’s the pandemic but come on! I was just rolling my eyes every 5 min while listening to this nonsense.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2023
Ah this was frustrating. There was definitely a great book in here but I just don't think this one worked for me.
I haven't read Both Of You so maybe that would have made this more enjoyable as I really didn't care for any characters in this book
I haven't read Both Of You so maybe that would have made this more enjoyable as I really didn't care for any characters in this book
February 11, 2024
4.25/5
Two Dead WivesbyAdele Parksis the follow-up to her previous novelWoman Last Seen,and believe me when I say, you will enjoy this book a heck of a lot more if you read that one first. It is an immediate continuation from where the first novel ends, and it is full of spoilers that might not make you want to go back and read the first one if you start with this. I also would have been pretty confused had I not read them in order, so you have been warned. I loved that we had mostly the same characters again and that includes my beloved DCI Clements. I think I knew pretty early on what was going on here, but somehow Parks still managed to throw twists at me that I didn't see coming.
This book also introduced a new narrator for the audio which I was a little surprised by, but I loved Kristin Atherton and was very happy with her narration forTwo Dead Wives.As with the previous novel, there are still multiple viewpoints, but the storyline is really easy to follow along with and I had no issues keeping up with them or knowing who was who. It also provided some much-needed closure, and I enjoyed the way everything was tied up at the end. While I wouldn't say I loved all of the main characters (not by a long shot), a couple of them grew on me and I ended up not hating them completely in the end. High praise I know 😂 If you are a fan of this author, I would definitely recommend checking out both DCI Clements novels and skipping over the synopses!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Two Dead WivesbyAdele Parksis the follow-up to her previous novelWoman Last Seen,and believe me when I say, you will enjoy this book a heck of a lot more if you read that one first. It is an immediate continuation from where the first novel ends, and it is full of spoilers that might not make you want to go back and read the first one if you start with this. I also would have been pretty confused had I not read them in order, so you have been warned. I loved that we had mostly the same characters again and that includes my beloved DCI Clements. I think I knew pretty early on what was going on here, but somehow Parks still managed to throw twists at me that I didn't see coming.
This book also introduced a new narrator for the audio which I was a little surprised by, but I loved Kristin Atherton and was very happy with her narration forTwo Dead Wives.As with the previous novel, there are still multiple viewpoints, but the storyline is really easy to follow along with and I had no issues keeping up with them or knowing who was who. It also provided some much-needed closure, and I enjoyed the way everything was tied up at the end. While I wouldn't say I loved all of the main characters (not by a long shot), a couple of them grew on me and I ended up not hating them completely in the end. High praise I know 😂 If you are a fan of this author, I would definitely recommend checking out both DCI Clements novels and skipping over the synopses!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 18, 2023
I love Adele Parks books and was unaware this was a sequel to Both of Us which I loved, until I began to read and realised I knew the characters. Although this is a sequel it could easily be read as a standalone.
The book explores two different storylines. Stacey is living with her father recovering from cancer and loss of memory which she struggles with constantly.
Leigh is married to Mark and is stepmother to his young sons. Her best friend is Fiona who has been part of Leigh’s life since they were young. When Leigh goes missing a can of worms is uncovered and everyone who thought they knew her begin to question if the person the thought they knew really existed.
When the two storylines meet, I was speechless. the sign of a really good read. I loved the twists and suspense and the characters who I could love and hate at the same time.
A perfect ending which really tied up all the loose ends of the previous book.i definitely recommend this book, Adele Parks just gets better and better.
The book explores two different storylines. Stacey is living with her father recovering from cancer and loss of memory which she struggles with constantly.
Leigh is married to Mark and is stepmother to his young sons. Her best friend is Fiona who has been part of Leigh’s life since they were young. When Leigh goes missing a can of worms is uncovered and everyone who thought they knew her begin to question if the person the thought they knew really existed.
When the two storylines meet, I was speechless. the sign of a really good read. I loved the twists and suspense and the characters who I could love and hate at the same time.
A perfect ending which really tied up all the loose ends of the previous book.i definitely recommend this book, Adele Parks just gets better and better.
November 29, 2023
3.5/5
Despite having had mixed feelings about Woman Last Seen I was intrigued when I saw this one would be the follow up to it. The ending of WLS in particular wasn’t for me so I was hopeful this would help explain more and it totally did. You could easily read this one its own though too, events from the previous books are explained throughly and this was better than the first for me anyway.
There are several viewpoints here and while most are clear cut and make sense to the story the perspective of Stacie threw me off at first. She didn’t seem to be connected in any way but as things moved along I saw where she would probably fit in and I was right. So slightly predictable and the storyline overall is a little outrageous but overall I had fun with this one. The author tends to write slow burn mysteries that always feel a bit long and drawn out, but if you really wanna settle in with a book this may be for you.
Despite having had mixed feelings about Woman Last Seen I was intrigued when I saw this one would be the follow up to it. The ending of WLS in particular wasn’t for me so I was hopeful this would help explain more and it totally did. You could easily read this one its own though too, events from the previous books are explained throughly and this was better than the first for me anyway.
There are several viewpoints here and while most are clear cut and make sense to the story the perspective of Stacie threw me off at first. She didn’t seem to be connected in any way but as things moved along I saw where she would probably fit in and I was right. So slightly predictable and the storyline overall is a little outrageous but overall I had fun with this one. The author tends to write slow burn mysteries that always feel a bit long and drawn out, but if you really wanna settle in with a book this may be for you.
December 23, 2023
I received a free copy of, Two Dead Wives, by Adele Parks, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book has a lot going on, a lot of characters with there own chapters, going back and forth is a little confusing, but a good thriller. There are some sick ans twisted people in this world of ours. This book had me on the edge of my seat, wanting to know what will happen next.
January 2, 2024
I did not realize this was a sequel to Woman Last Seen, a book that I had not read going into this one, and as such I was a little lost and wished I had read this book first honestly. After a while, I ended up really enjoying this one. It was a crazy case that did not turn out how I expected, but in the best way. Thank you to NetGalley and MIRA Books for the digital copy to review.
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