Two Dead Wives by Adele Parks, 4 Stars

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.

My Review:

When I first started reading Two Dead Wives, I couldn’t get over the feeling that I’d read it before. But of course, the book didn’t come out until December 2023. But it turns out, that it’s a sequel to Woman Last Seen, which I had read. Ah, it all makes more sense now.

It’s not necessary to read Woman Last Seen first, but it does help clear up some of the confusion because there is a lot going on relationship-wise in the story. See, Leigh was a polygamist – married to two men with two stepsons. And so while her family and best friend Fiona grieve her death, they’re also extremely angry at her.

Like I said, there is a lot going on. It’s also one of those stories where as a reviewer, I can’t say much, because I don’t want to spoil the ride for you, the reader. But I will say—definitely check this one out. Parks writes characters with depth and dimension and has spun an intriguing and complex tale.

Special thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin for an advanced e-galley in exchange for my honest review. This one is out now.