The Next Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine Summary

The Next Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine is a psychological thriller that continues the story from The Last Mrs. Parrish. The novel follows three women—Amber Parrish, Daphne Parrish, and Daisy Ann—whose lives collide when Jackson Parrish is released from prison. Amber faces accusations of murdering her previous husband, Daphne returns to protect her daughters from her abusive ex-husband Jackson, and Daisy Ann seeks revenge for her father's death.

The Next Mrs. Parrish is ideal for readers who enjoyed The Last Mrs. Parrish and want to see how the characters' stories unfold. Fans of psychological thrillers featuring unreliable narrators, domestic suspense, and complex revenge plots will appreciate this book. It's also suited for readers who enjoy character-driven stories about manipulation, deception, and women navigating dangerous power dynamics with morally gray characters.

The Next Mrs. Parrish receives mixed reviews, with readers divided on whether the sequel was necessary. Many praised Liv Constantine's writing, multiple narrator perspectives, and intense psychological suspense that kept them engaged throughout. However, some critics felt the book lacked character development and didn't offer enough new thrills compared to the original. Readers who love popcorn thrillers with villainous characters generally found it entertaining.

Liv Constantine is the pen name for sisters Lynne Constantine and Valerie Constantine, who are New York Times and international bestselling authors. Together, they have sold over two million copies worldwide, with their books translated into 29 languages and available in 34 countries. Their debut novel, The Last Mrs. Parrish, was a Reese Witherspoon Book Club selection and gained widespread acclaim.

Yes, reading The Last Mrs. Parrish before The Next Mrs. Parrish is highly recommended for full context and character understanding. Reviewers specifically advise reading The First Shot novella prior to starting this sequel. The Next Mrs. Parrish continues storylines and features returning characters from the first book, making prior knowledge essential to grasp the complex relationships, past betrayals, and ongoing conflicts between Amber, Daphne, and Jackson Parrish.

The Next Mrs. Parrish features three primary narrators with distinct perspectives. Amber Parrish is the cunning socialite who murdered her previous husband and now faces exposure. Daphne Parrish is Jackson's first wife and abuse survivor who returns to protect her daughters. Daisy Ann Crawford is the new character seeking justice for her father's murder by Amber. Jackson Parrish serves as the manipulative antagonist throughout.

Daphne Parrish returns to Bishops Harbor when her daughter Tallulah runs away to see Jackson. Jackson manipulates the situation by drugging Daphne and engineering a scenario where child services separates her from her daughters. He forces Daphne to return to him under threat of suing for sole custody, trapping her in his house where he escalates psychological abuse while her daughters believe she has a substance use disorder.

Daisy Ann Crawford is the daughter of Jake Crawford, Amber's previous husband whom she murdered during an elk hunting trip disguised as an accident. When Daisy Ann encounters Amber at a White Orchid jewelry exhibition in New York, she publicly accuses her of murder and has her thrown out. This confrontation ignites Daisy Ann's investigation into Amber's past and sets up their dangerous cat-and-mouse game throughout the novel.

The Next Mrs. Parrish explores psychological manipulation, domestic abuse, and the cycle of violence through Jackson's treatment of Daphne.

• Revenge and justice drive both Amber and Daisy Ann's storylines as they seek retribution through different means.
• The novel examines female agency, wealth and power dynamics, and the consequences of deception.
• Identity and survival emerge as Amber fights to maintain her socialite status while facing exposure.

Critics of The Next Mrs. Parrish felt the sequel was unnecessary and lacked the thrills of the original book. Common complaints include insufficient character development, with protagonists remaining static throughout the story, and a drawn-out narrative that tested readers' patience. Some reviewers found Daphne frustratingly passive and the plot predictable with no real twists. The ending disappointed readers who expected more shocking revelations rather than an expected conclusion.

The Next Mrs. Parrish maintains the psychological suspense and manipulation that made The Last Mrs. Parrish successful but adds a third narrator in Daisy Ann. While fans appreciated seeing familiar characters continue their stories, many felt it lacked the original's freshness and surprising twists. The sequel focuses more on consequences and revenge rather than the initial con and deception. Some readers found it less thrilling overall, though the character complexity remained strong.

The Next Mrs. Parrish contains descriptions of emotional manipulation, psychological abuse, and domestic violence throughout the narrative. The book depicts Jackson's physical and emotional abuse of Daphne, including scenes where he drugs her and manipulates child custody situations. Murder and discussions of killing feature prominently, particularly regarding Jake Crawford's death. Readers sensitive to themes of coercive control, gaslighting, and family trauma should approach with awareness.