Liv Constantine’s “The Next Mrs. Parrish” is a deliciously twisted follow-up to the smash hit “The Last Mrs. Parrish.” This sequel plunges readers back into the glittering yet treacherous world of Bishops Harbor, where appearances are everything and no one can be trusted. Constantine, the pen name for sisters Lynne and Valerie, has crafted another addictive page-turner that will keep you guessing until the very end.
The Plot Thickens
We pick up not long after the events of the first book. Amber Patterson Parrish, the scheming social climber who wormed her way into the Parrish family, is riding high as the queen bee of Bishops Harbor society. Her husband Jackson is in prison for tax evasion, leaving Amber free to enjoy the fruits of her manipulations. But her carefully constructed world starts to crumble when Jackson’s release date looms and a figure from her past resurfaces seeking revenge.
Meanwhile, Daphne Parrish – Jackson’s ex-wife and Amber’s former friend/victim – has rebuilt her life in California with their two daughters. She’s vowed never to return to Bishops Harbor, but when her eldest daughter runs away to see Jackson, Daphne reluctantly agrees to spend the summer allowing supervised visits.
As the three find themselves reluctantly thrown back together, old wounds are reopened and new alliances form. But in this high-stakes game of cat and mouse, who is truly the predator and who is the prey?
Characters That Leap Off the Page
One of Constantine’s greatest strengths is creating complex, morally gray characters that you can’t help but be fascinated by, even as you’re appalled by their actions. Amber remains delightfully conniving, always scheming and looking out for number one. Yet we get glimpses of vulnerability that make her more than just a two-dimensional villain.
Daphne has grown a backbone since the first book, determined to protect her daughters at all costs. But her lingering trauma from her marriage to Jackson means she’s not always making the most rational choices.
And Jackson himself is an enigma—has prison really changed him, or is this just another manipulation? The authors keep us guessing about his true motives until the very end.
Even the supporting characters are vividly drawn, from Daphne’s fiercely loyal friend Meredith to the mysterious new player Daisy Ann. No one is quite what they seem on the surface.
Bishops Harbor: Where the Skeletons Are Designer Label
The exclusive coastal enclave of Bishops Harbor almost becomes a character in its own right. Constantine paints a picture of a world of multi-million dollar homes, charity galas, and country club intrigue. But beneath the glossy veneer lurks rot and corruption.
It’s a setting ripe for secrets and betrayals, where everyone has something to hide. The authors excel at peeling back the layers of this seemingly perfect community to expose the ugliness underneath.
A Masterclass in Suspense
Constantine knows how to ratchet up the tension with each chapter. Just when you think you have things figured out, another twist sends the story careening in a new direction. Short chapters with cliffhanger endings keep the pages turning well into the night.
The pacing is relentless, building to a shocking climax that will leave readers gasping. Yet it never feels contrived – each revelation flows organically from the characters and their motivations.
Exploring Deeper Themes
While “The Next Mrs. Parrish” works brilliantly as a twisty thriller, it also touches on weightier themes. The toxic nature of social media and the pressure to maintain a perfect image. The lingering effects of emotional abuse. The lengths people will go to in pursuit of wealth and status.
At its core, it’s an exploration of the masks we wear and the secrets we keep—even from ourselves. Can people truly change, or are we doomed to repeat destructive patterns? It’s these deeper questions that elevate the novel beyond mere beach read status (though it’s certainly a perfect vacation book too).
A Worthy Sequel
It can be tricky to follow up a breakout hit, but Constantine has managed to recapture the magic that made “The Last Mrs. Parrish” such a phenomenon. Fans of the first book will be thrilled to dive back into this world, while new readers can enjoy it as a standalone.
The authors have upped the ante in every way—more intricate plotting, higher stakes, even juicier secrets. Yet they’ve maintained the compulsively readable quality that had everyone buzzing about the original.
If You Liked This, Try…
For more deliciously twisted domestic suspense, check out “The Wife Between Us” by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen or “The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides. B.A. Paris’ “Behind Closed Doors” is another chilling look at a seemingly perfect marriage with dark secrets.
And of course, if you haven’t read “The Last Mrs. Parrish,” go back and start at the beginning! You won’t regret it.
The Verdict
“The Next Mrs. Parrish” cements Liv Constantine’s place as a master of the psychological thriller genre. With its devious characters, breakneck pacing, and jaw-dropping twists, it’s the very definition of unputdownable.
Clear your schedule before you crack this one open – you won’t want to stop until you’ve raced through to the explosive finale. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself looking side-eyed at your neighbors afterwards, wondering what secrets might be lurking behind their perfectly manicured lawns.
Constantine has done it again, crafting another addictive read perfect for fans of Gillian Flynn and Liane Moriarty. Here’s hoping we haven’t seen the last of Bishops Harbor—there are clearly plenty more skeletons left in those designer closets to unearth.
