A review by v_dugas
First Wife's Shadow: A Novel by Adele Parks

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

First Wife’s Shadow by Adele Parks was an ARC gifted to me by HarperCollins Canada’s Killer Crime Club. First Wife’s Shadow is a story about a successful CEO, Emma, who is a total workaholic. She is married to her job, has great friends and seemingly has the perfect life until she meets handsome widower, Matthew. He’s everything she wants, but she can’t live up the ghost of, Becky, the dead first wife. Her shadow lurks everywhere leaving Emma to start questioning her worth. 

As Emma becomes more entangled in Matthew, she begins to leave her life and friends behind. Weird things start happening to her that she can’t explain. 

Adele Parks does it again. The twists of all twists happens about 65% ish through this book (don’t worry I won’t spoil it for you). Then more twists come along and practically change the story! I loved this book, I would have marked it higher but it was a little bit slow moving for me at the start and I know Ms Parks is a twisty queen so I was just being impatient. If you love a good twist this one is definitely for you. I do think it was a little too far gone in the damsel in distress move but I do love a solid and supportive friend group! Highly recommend First Wife’s Shadow for the thriller lovers out there!