Book Review: The Next Mrs. Parrish (Mrs. Parrish, #2) by Liv Constantine
From the moment I cracked open The Next Mrs. Parrish, I couldn’t help but reflect on how fascinated I had been by the original tale, The Last Mrs. Parrish. Liv Constantine’s intriguing blend of rivalry, deception, and the luxuries of high society had captivated me back in 2017, and I was thrilled to see what new twists awaited in this sequel. Having been given an ARC through the wonderful folks at NetGalley, Random House-Ballantine, and Liv Constantine, my anticipation for this continuation has kept me eager to dive back into Amber, Daphne, and now Daisy Ann’s tangled web of drama.
Amber Patterson Parrish—our crafty anti-heroine—was a character I loved to hate in the first installment, and in this sequel, her machinations continue to unfold in thrilling fashion. The story picks up where the first left off, with Amber plotting even more ambitious schemes now that her husband Jackson is about to step out of prison. The intense atmosphere that surrounds her is palpable; readers can almost feel Amber’s anxiety as the clock ticks toward Jackson’s return. Meanwhile, Jackson’s ex-wife Daphne is thrown back into a tumultuous emotional tempest, and just when you thought you could predict where things were heading, Daisy Ann joins the fray seeking her own brand of revenge.
The intertwining narratives of these three women weave a fantastic tapestry of vengeance, remorse, and the bitter truths about their relationships. Each character grapples with her past, but it’s Amber’s calculated thirst for wealth and status that draws you in. I found myself alternating between disappointment in her choices and an odd sense of admiration for her audacity.
Constantine’s writing maintains a vibrant yet addictive pacing, perfect for a beach read—short chapters keep you flipping pages eagerly. I quite enjoyed how the book invites a cognitive engagement without demanding you to think too hard. In fact, during some of the slower chapters, I appreciated the moments of reflection as they added depth to the characters’ motivations.
One line that resonated powerfully was Alfred Hitchcock’s quote featured in the novel: "Revenge is sweet and not fattening." It encapsulates the heart of the story beautifully, and I couldn’t help but chuckle at the rich irony in the characters’ lives; one woman’s quest for revenge serves up all sorts of tantalizing, albeit perilous, consequences.
So who would enjoy The Next Mrs. Parrish? If you have a penchant for popcorn thrillers, characters with significant moral ambiguity, and narratives that are twisty yet delightfully straightforward, then you’ll find a cozy spot for this book on your shelf. I found it to be just what I needed—a delicious treat for the mind that allowed me to escape into a world where luxury and betrayal coexist in startling ways.
As I closed the cover, I felt a warm sense of fulfillment wash over me. The surprise return of this saga left me eager for more—perhaps not for the need of a sequel, but simply because I had enjoyed indulging in the delicious messiness of these lives just a bit too much. With a4-star rating tucked away in my heart, I can confidently say that Liv Constantine’s latest addition provides a glance into the twisted glamour of revenge—a sweet treat in its own right. 🍪✨
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