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.

This felt like a telanovela and a domestic thriller had a baby— super messy and dramatic with lots of plot twists at the end! Although I agree that the thriller aspect of the book was more of a “slow-burn,” the plot was still engaging by encompassing rich-family drama and secrets that eventually lead to themes of betrayal and revenge. There was so much suspense and was overall fun to read.

“𝘐’𝘭𝘭 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘧𝘦, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘧𝘦, 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯.”

Thank you Mira Books for all the advanced readers copies, both physical and those through Netgalley! I chose to use the ALC and followed along periodically in the ARC. This one is out now!

A domestic and psychological thriller, I had my theories from the beginning and there are some predictable tropes. I felt that something was up with Matt because after he tells Emma that his first wife has passed he constantly name drops her (especially at the most “convenient” of times) and has plenty of other bright red flags but Emma isn’t without her own. She becomes obsessed with knowing everything she can about Matt’s first wife, tends to have her wealth on display (whether intentional or subconscious isn’t always clear), her self-professed independence but yet she’s easily swayed into quickly going deeper into this relationship, her impulsivity… frankly, neither character is likable.

I’ve never read any of Parks’ other works and to be honest, I hadn’t heard of her either. Though their premises are different, I felt the same tone in this as I did with The Last Mrs Parrish, which I didn’t much care for. But if you like that one you may enjoy this. The twists were expected and ultimately this was just okay for me. However, the audio was done really well and I liked the narrator, which probably helped keep me wanting to listen. I think I’m just wicked picky with my thrillers and appreciate having some originality with truly unexpected surprises. 2.75 rounded up to 3.

Content includes talk of death of a spouse, some sexual content (including brief and vague mentions of a three-some), stalking, some profanity, and mentions of death of parents.

<b> As a mystery/thriller reader, this was an easy 4.5 stars for me!</b>

<b>Synopsis:</b> A chance encounter during a conference leads Emma to meet younger man, Matthew, a recent widower who pulls her into his charms. Things move quickly, and Emma is head over heels for Matthew, and they marry quickly after. Emma is constantly left wondering if she can live up to Matthew’s past wife, and her friends are against the union from the start, and when something dark seems to be lurking in the shadows, Emma is left wondering what next steps to take…

<b>My Thoughts:</b> I HIGHLY recommend just going into this book without reading too many blurbs or reviews, because this was a whirlwind of twisty goodness. I was absolutely sucked in from the start and loved that I was kept guessing on what might happen next! This was my first novel from Adele Parks and will for sure not be my last!!!

<i><b> Thank you, NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this awesome ARC in exchange for my honest review. <b></i>

Thanks to the Harlequin Trade Publishing and Netgalley for this eARC.

Adele Parks, a master of domestic suspense, returns with "First Wife's Shadow," a novel that burrows deep beneath the manicured lawns and curated lives of its characters, exposing the rot beneath. This isn't merely a thriller; it's a meticulously crafted psychological excavation, a slow burn that ignites into a conflagration of revelations.

The premise, deceptively simple, hinges on the arrival of a new wife, Emma, into the seemingly idyllic world previously inhabited by her husband's deceased first wife. Parks expertly uses the first wife's lingering presence – an unseen, yet omnipresent force – to create a suffocating atmosphere of unease. Emma's attempts to settle into her new life are constantly undermined by the shadow of perfection, a ghost that haunts not just the house, but the very fabric of her marriage.

Parks' excels with the nuanced exploration of grief, jealousy, and the insidious nature of memory in this story.

The narrative unfolds with a measured pace, allowing the reader to inhabit Emma's growing disquiet. Parks' writing is sharp, precise, and imbued with a palpable sense of dread.

The supporting characters, far from being mere plot devices, are richly drawn and complex. Each harbors their own secrets, their own motivations, contributing to the novel's intricate web of deceit. Parks deftly avoids the predictable tropes of the genre, instead crafting a narrative that is both surprising and deeply unsettling.

The novel is less about the "whodunit" and more about the "why" and "how." It delves into the dark corners of human relationships, exploring the destructive power of obsession and the insidious ways in which the past can shape the present.

Parks forces the reader to question the reliability of memory and the nature of truth itself.

The climax, when it arrives, is shocking and inevitable, a culmination of the simmering tension that has been building throughout the narrative.

It's a testament to Parks' skill as a storyteller that she manages to deliver a satisfying resolution while leaving the reader with a lingering sense of unease.

"First Wife's Shadow" is a novel that demands attention, a psychological thriller that is a testament to Adele Parks' mastery of the genre, solidifying her position as a writer who can deliver both gripping suspense and profound emotional depth.

This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a meticulously crafted, thought-provoking thriller that delves into the darkest recesses of the human heart. It is a haunting exploration of the shadows we all carry, and the devastating consequences of letting them define us.