A real page turner about a second marriage. Questions about the death of the first wife, the husband, and the friends. Who too trust. I enjoyed the book and couldn't put it down because I wanted to know what would happen next.

A very intriguing read, which is the first book I’ve read from this author. It had those twists and turns as well some great characters that I absolutely enjoyed! I’m looking forward to reading more of her books!!

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!!!

The First Wife’s Shadow is a domestic thriller that hits many of the right notes, even if it doesn’t fully deliver on all its suspenseful promises. There were enough twists to keep me turning the pages, and while I didn’t love everything, I’d still call it an entertaining read—especially if you’re a fan of the genre.

The story follows Emma, a successful and grounded woman who seems content with her carefully curated life… until she meets Matthew. A charming widower, Matthew sweeps Emma off her feet, and their whirlwind romance moves fast—too fast, if you ask her friends. Despite their concerns, Emma elopes with him, diving headfirst into a new life filled with love, secrets, and more than a few red flags.

The first half of the book leans heavily on Emma’s inner monologue, which made the pacing feel a bit sluggish at times. But once the weird stuff starts happening—strange behaviors, unsettling discoveries, a growing sense of being watched—the tension begins to build. Emma starts to question everything: her choices, her husband, even her own instincts. And let’s just say, the truth is far more bizarre than she ever could’ve imagined.

I will say, the recurring comparisons to Matthew’s first wife, Becky, started to feel repetitive. It’s clear this shadow looms large, but it began to wear thin after a while. Still, the mystery surrounding Becky’s death and the unraveling of Matthew’s past gave the story its edge.

While it didn’t quite blow me away, The First Wife’s Shadow offers an intriguing ride. A few eye-roll moments aside, it’s a solid pick for fans of quick-paced, twisty domestic drama with a slightly unhinged vibe.

This was a twisted and intriguing read. Emma is a career-oriented fitness buff, happily single in her 40s, when she meets a younger man named Matthew. Despite the red flags and her friends' objections, she throws caution to the wind. Then feeling like she's second best, Emma becomes obsessed with discovering more about Matthew's first deceased wife. There are so many twists and turns that I don't want to get into for fear of spoilers. Fans of psychological thrillers will enjoy this one.

3.5 stars

I have read only one book by Adele Parks in the past and really liked it. This one was just as good! I found it very readable and fast-paced. I loved the characters and it ended up being an excellent thriller!

First Wife’s Shadow by Adele Parks follows Emma, a wealthy, single CEO as she meets a widower at a work conference. They hit it off and end up married within a few months. Then odd things begin to happen to Emma and she worries she is being haunted by her husband’s first wife!

I have read several Adele Parks books and unfortunately this wasn’t my favorite. I was able to guess what was going to happen relatively early on and as a result much of the middle seemed to drag for me. I think this would be much enjoyed by someone who doesn’t read a lot of thrillers and would be surprised by some of the twists.

My introduction to https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7439774626 a novel that initially held great promise. As someone who actively seeks out fresh voices in the genre, I approached the story with eager interest. While the premise intrigued me, I found that the narrative struggled to maintain momentum, leaving me disconnected from the characters in the early chapters. The central conflict revolves around Emma, a CEO whose sharp professional astuteness contrasts with her vulnerability in the realm of romance. Her swift entanglement with the enigmatic widower, Matthew, is met with skepticism by those around her, but this development stretches credibility, particularly in light of Emma's otherwise discerning nature. The character developments, especially that of Becky, never fully resonated and often felt implausible. Although Parks introduces twists intended to maintain tension, their effectiveness is inconsistent—some moments deliver genuine surprise, while others fall flat, feeling predictable and lacking impact. The audiobook's narration, unfortunately, lacked the depth and nuance necessary to fully immerse the listener, occasionally sounding artificial and detracting from the intended atmosphere, which prompted me to switch to print. Additionally, the pacing of the narrative felt uneven, with stretches of stagnation that weakened the tension and diminished the suspense that the genre thrives on. The ending was a disappointing and uncompelling resolution, and the book's length felt disproportionate to its slow unfolding. Thank you to NetGalley, Adele Parks, and Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing me with the opportunity to review this ARC. (2.5/5 rounded up to 3/5)

Made it 25% and I don’t understand the set up. It is taking too long for the stuff to start happening

Wow!
In the first half of the book, there is a lot of inner monologue, and Emma meets Matthew. Matthew is a widower, and Emma soon falls in love with him. Their relationship moves very quickly, and beside Emma's friends discouragement and their advice, to be cautious. Emma embarked on the fast romance, continuing with them eloping without her friends or family present.
However, throughout the relationship, Emma feels constantly compared to Matthew's first love, Becky. When mysterious incidents begin happening, Emma is paranoid. Matthew is concerned about her drinking. One night, when everything culminated, a shattering event occurred in Emma's life. But, like most things not all is as it seems.
Matthew is hiding a secret, and that secret could change Emma's life altogether! Everything that Emma had worked for, the life that she had created. With all of this Emma no longer knows who she can and cannot trust, and she is suspicious of Matthew and everything surrounding her life now.
Initially, this is a slow burn. I almost DNF'd the book. But I am glad that I did not because that twist makes the whole adventure worth it. Emma's slow gaslighting left her second-guessing her own reality! That twist is insane!!!! Thank you, Harlequin Trade Publishing/MIRA and Netgalley, for the opportunity to have my mind twisted by this one and to review it!

This was an incredible read! I adore the way this author creates such an intense and engaging story—full of twists and turns! This did not disappoint—just be prepared to cancel any plans once you start reading!

First Wife’s Shadow
Adele Parks
Available

First of all… I love Adele Park’s books… TWO DEAD WIVES one of my favourite and I was not disappointed with FIRST WIFES SHADOW.

Emma is the head of a major company, has two best friends since her uni days and yet, she has not ever found love. Then, one day, at a conference she is speaking at, she meets Matt. Matt is a photographer there to take photos of the conference and she is smitten. After many dates, he, because of a strange turn of events, comes to live with her in her opulent, secluded home. Even though he is 10 years younger than Emma, he was married and been widowed for a little over a year. Becky was the love of his life since school and so Emma feels she is living in her shadow.

When strange things start happening; her sauna traps her, her beloved plants are broken and tossed around her living room and the books on her shelves are thrown around as well; Emma starts to think she is “haunted “ by the ghost of Becky.

Both her friends and Matt are concerned for her, but Emma can’t shake the feeling she is being watched…. And is she?

Adele does what she does best, throws a twist, or two, into the mix to give a delightful mystery to read.

Emma has met Matthew and their relationship is moving fast. Matthew is a widower and has very little money. Emma is head of a company and has lots of wealth. Needless to say, her friends are not fans of this new found love.

Matthew and Emma together did not sit well with me from the start. You know something is not right about their relationship. And honestly you are not sure if this is a ghost or if Emma is going crazy or if something else is happening behind the scenes. I love a good guessing game…and this one is definitely that…plus it has some twists I did not see coming.

This story takes you on a chase you won’t soon forget.

I loved this narrator. Kristin Atherton was definitely Emma! No other words for it. She was intense and perfect for Emma’s type-A personality.

Need a quick, twisted thriller…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

I wanted to like this book more but the writing from page one threw me off and it was juvenile. Did not like the story either

"HIS FIRST WIFE DIED. NOW THERE'S A VACANCY…"

Wow! Just Wow!

This one had more twists and turns than a backroad.

Emma a disciplined, environmental conscience established CFO has everything she wants. Great friends, dreams home and comfortable sustainable career. When she meets Matthew her 11 year junior, he is everything she didn't know she needed or wanted. But as much as Matthew is all in, he is still very hung up on his recently deceased wife. When the relationship quickly escalates so Emma decides to marry him...but begins to question everything.

I don't want to give away too much, but I flew through this book!! It takes you every which way. If you are looking for a suspenseful psychological thriller.....pick this up.

This was an entertaining popcorn thriller with surprising twists. Putting reality aside, I found myself enjoying this more than I thought I would. The pacing was steady, and it was a quick read that honestly took me by surprise towards the end. The only complaint I had is that it irritates me when successful, smart women become dumbed down by a man in books. Three and a half stars.

Thank you, Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing, for this ARC.

This books leaves you wondering, who did I marry? While a bit frustrating watching all the red flags being ignored, there were some good plot twists.

Adele Parks is one of my go-to authors for a quick and entertaining read, especially when I feel a reading slump coming on. They are what I consider popcorn thrillers, and they will have you bingeing them and saying, "Whew, what a wild ride." First Wife's Shadow is no different. I love a juicy domestic thriller, and this one definitely met my expectations. It will have you on the edge of your seat, and it will have you questioning the characters and their motives. Who can you trust if you can't trust your spouse? Marital bliss is an illusion as our female MC discovers that her perfect husband may not be as perfect as he seems. Out now!

This one had me guessing up until the last page. It was a page turner that had me wanting to scream at Emma (the main character)- “Stop ignoring the red flags!” She didn’t listen and it was certainly entertaining!

Okay. Literally has everything you’d ever want in a book. It’s the type of story that you become fully invested in pretty quickly and one that you don’t want to put down. The characters are relatable and dynamic. It was fascinating to watch them and see how they handled certain situations. Of course it was an insane and crazy story - but I’m here for it all.

Emma always has everything under control; independent at a young age attending boarding school she has risen to her role as CEO in a company she helped bring to the top of the climate industry. Regimented and detail-oriented, Emma's life is driven by work and the home she's built for herself in the woods. Meeting handsome photographer Matthew at a conference wasn't in the plans but for once, Emma isn't living life by the rules she's written for herself. Back home in London, she and Matthew continue to see each other and quickly move in together. Emma isn't bothered that he's broke (she has more than enough money) and she's becoming more comfortable with their 10-year age difference, however, she isn't totally comfortable being in the shadow of his late wife, Becky. Matthew, a young widower, is still grieving his beloved Becky but is excited to build a new life for himself. Emma's friends? Less convinced. They caution Emma that she's moving too fast, Matthew's stories aren't adding up and Emma, once so staid and disciplined, is missing work and drinking more. Strange incidents start happening at home, Emma's friends have gone silent and Matthew's behavior is becoming unpredictable. Emma can't shake that she's second best and can't escape Becky's shadow.

How well does Emma really know the man she's allowed to move into her home and her life? Why is this jealously exploding between them? Who can Emma turn to for help? These questions and more will be answered in Adele Park's latest novel, The First Wife's Shadow.

This book is read best going in mostly blind as the tension mounts, the twists abound and readers will fly through the pages-just wait! While readers may be a little frustrated that Emma ignores some glaring red flags this one will keep you up late in the night.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.