First Wife’s Shadow

by Adele Parks

Emma is a CEO, wealthy, independent, sensible – and has long put behind her a chaotic childhood at the hands of alcoholic parents. She meets Matthew, a photographer at a conference. He is a widower, gentle, interested, full of admiration for her success and they quickly fall into a serious relationship.

Her friends, Heidi and Gina, are initially delighted, but when Emma gets engaged after just 3 months, they panic. Matthew says the death of his first wife Becky means he believes in seizing the day. And Emma is in love, that’s all that matters.

And yet, Emma can’t shake the feeling that she is second best. Matthew would not be with her if Becky was still alive. And so, she becomes obsessed with the first wife, haunted by the memory of the woman she never met. Then the strange things start to happen. Emma feels watched. Objects are broken or disappear. And then an incident which shows clearly Emma’s very life is in danger.

Matthew thinks she’s drinking too much, like her father did.

Heidi and Gina think Matthew is gaslighting her.

Emma thinks she’s being haunted…

Genres: Thriller, Audiobook, Mystery, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Psychological Thriller, Suspense

384 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 4, 2024

About the author

Adele Parks MBE is one of the most-loved and biggest-selling women's fiction writers in the UK. She has sold over 4 million books and her work has been translated into 30 different languages.

She has published 21 novels, all of which have been London Times bestsellers.

Adele has written 19 contemporary novels and 2 historical ones, Spare Brides and If You Go Away, which are set during and after WW1. Her latest novels, Both of You, Just My Luck, Lies Lies Lies, I Invited Her In, The Image of You and The Stranger in My Home are twisty, domestic noirs. Adele likes to scrutinize our concepts of family, our theories on love, parenting and fidelity.

During her career Adele has lived in Italy, Botswana and London. Now she lives happily in Surrey, UK with her husband, son and cat.

If you want to stay in touch you can find Adele on Twitter @AdeleParks, Instagram @Adele_Parks or Facebook @OfficialAdeleParks. You can sign up to her newsletter at eepurl.com/cI0l and there’s lots more info about Adele and her books on www.adeleparks.com.

Reviews

[Kaceey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emma may be Matthew’s second wife…but is he really ready to move on from his first?
Emma has been a loner most her life. She’s worked hard and established a very successful career. Money is no issue. Sadly, she neglected to make time for love and starting a family.

But sometimes love finds you when you least expect it.

At a conference Emma runs into a handsome, younger man named Matthew. Though recently widowed, he confides with Emma that he feels ready to once again jump into love.

Emma is smitten! Things are moving quickly but she doesn’t care! She can’t pass up this opportunity, thinking she may never have another. But her two best friends aren’t exactly on-board. They believe Matthew isn’t at all what he presents himself to be, and have questions.

Is he in this for the right reasons? Why is he always comparing Emma to his first wife? Will Emma be willing to take a deep breath and look at truly what’s in front of her? Because it’s not all adding up!

How do you recognize a red flag? Well, let’s see, how about…
🚩 The fact you’ve never seen his home yet, while he practically lives at yours?
🚩You’ve never met his family or friends.
🚩 You continue to feel a distant second to his first wife who passed away a year ago?
🚩Your best friends don’t trust him.

Girl!? How many red flags do you need to know this is not going to work!? Well, of course she didn’t listen to me and after three months, and against the better judgment of her besties (and me) she jumped into marrying him!

Is there a happily ever after in Emma’s future? You know the drill…you’ll just have to read this book to find out!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing

[L.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbelievable! This is an amazing book that kept me on edge throughout. I think this was one of her best books yet. I love the extensive descriptions of the setting and experiences each character encounters. A definite revengeful act against the main character told mainly from her POV. Emma is a very successful woman and doesn't mind flaunting her money. She may have divulged too much... Matthew is a recent widower after his wife died of a freak accident. When he sets his mind on Emma, she is unsure of a relationship after making it so long without a companion, but he is charming and handsome drawing her into his web...web of lies. I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt and wish her the best. Her friends have a different opinion of his motives and are quick to judge him no matter how hard he tries. After a brief stunt of dating, they marry. What is his motive or does he really love her? I had no idea this one would take me down a revengeful road leading to destruction and chaos. You will not believe where this one is going until you are at the last 25%. I loved it.
I can't divulge much about this one since it is better to go into it blind. When strange occurrences happen, you are not going to know who to trust.. An important note,,,try to compete with a deceased wife...intriguing...
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | MIRA for this incredible ARC in exchange of my review.

[Holly B · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 STARS

My first by this author, but certainly not my last.

Emma meets the man (younger man) of her dreams! Matthew is like a dream come true, although he is a recent widower. What exactly happened to his first wife? He seems to be having a hard time getting over her.

Emma does feel like she is in her shadow, but will allow him the time and space to heal. Her friends are concerned she is moving too fast with the relationship. Maybe they are just jealous?

I enjoyed the unpredictable way things unfolded! A twisted little popcorn read that kept the pages turning. 🍿

Thanks to NG for my Arc! Out on March 18, 2025

[Jayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

WITHOUT A SHADOW OF A DOUBT......
"First Wife's Shadow" is one of my "besties" of 2024.

Kudos to author Adele Parks for penning a compelling, beguiling, gripping, and whip-smart tale of love, friendship, obsession, betrayal, and revenge.

The book begins with a Rebecca vibe.

Emma, a wealthy, independent, sensible CEO, falls passionately in love with Matthew, an unpretentious and free-spirit widower, with a dead wife named Becky.

Will Emma ever measure up to Becky?

BEWARE:
At 50%, the GOL (Gasp Out Loud!) twists begin.

The twists were riveting, unpredictable, and emotionally pulverizing; all brilliantly executed with skill and finesse.

I listened to the audiobook read by Kristin Atherton, who did an outstanding job with the narration.

All the stars......

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Norma ~ The Sisters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gripping, unpredictable, and chilling!

First Wife’s Shadow by Adele Parks had me hooked from the very first page. It’s a fantastic example of psychological tension, pulling you deeper into Emma’s paranoia (or is it reality?) with every chapter. The story is a slow burn, steadily building an unsettling sense of unease until it all comes together in a brilliantly clever finale.

Emma’s descent into obsession is captivating. Her uncertainty about Matthew, her insecurities about his late wife, and the eerie sense that something is very wrong all build toward a suspenseful, edge-of-your-seat experience. Is she losing her mind? Is Matthew manipulating her? Or is there something even more sinister at play?

And that ending? Absolutely brilliant. So clever, so satisfying—I did not see it coming. It’s the kind of conclusion that makes me want to go back and pick up on all the little clues that I missed.

There’s something about Adele Parks’ writing that is extremely compelling and immersive. She knows exactly how to draw you in and keep you questioning everything.

This was another enjoyable sister read that I read with my IRL sister, Brenda.

A must-read for domestic thriller lovers!

[Heather Adores Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was pretty good. 🚩🚩🚩 up the waz had me like really 🤔 a few times. 3.5 ⭐

What to expect:
~ POV in the 1st, present tense, and 3rd
~ some nice twists

Narration notes:
She did great.

[Nina (ninjasbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good

[Jennifer (Jaye) · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Mental Torture*

This one made me question a lot of things. This is in regard to meeting new people especially those of a romantic kind….

This book drew me in from the start. There were alarm bells going off in my head but I guess I can be cynical at times. There main character Emma is a successful businesswomen who is disciplined and she has worked hard to create her own fortune. She has built her house out in the woods that is secluded but has a lot of glass. Her closest friends have a key to her home and she has built the life that she feels is idyllic.

One day she meets Matthew who is eleven years her junior, her one concern is at 47 she feels it is unlikely that she will be able to have children if the relationship blossoms.

Emma’s world is about to change drastically. After a very short period of time she is falling for Matthew and he appears to feel the same. The one drawback is that he was married before and with the death of his wife only a year ago, the relationship feels like she is walking in his dead wife’s shadow.

There will come a time when Emma wishes that her only problem was their age gap. Things are starting to happen that make her second guess herself. But, worse is to come and motives soon become clear that someone is lying. There are a few twists but the ending is not what I expected but satisfying. I went from disliking some of the characters to changing my mind as several pennies started to drop.

I found it hard to stop reading, this book was engaging and a great psychological thriller.

[Nikki Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talk about one heck of a twisty ride!!! Wow!! What started out as a slow burn domestic thriller turned out to be full of surprises!

I will give the minimal details or it would give everything away! Man meets woman, they date. Man and woman fall in love. However, is something more dark lurking in the background?

I highly recommend you go into this one blind! Please! I didn’t read the synopsis and I’m so glad I didn’t!!

I alternated between the arc and the audio. Massive thanks to Mira, Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity.
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Pub date 3/18/2025

[myreadingescapism · Rating 2 out of 5]

Guess what? Are you in the mood of a "thriller" that has a FMC who ignores ALLLLL the fucking red flags because she's smitten? Awww!

AND THEN, then! You want to have the rug pulled out from under you, leaving you with that "twist that you never saw coming" feeling... WELL DUH. Because it's so insanely dumb..

Well folks, here you go.

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading an Adele Parks book is always entertaining. But must say a massive thanks to Adele for arranging an ARC from Harlequin Australia for me! So lovely of her. So of course, I jumped in quickly. I have read many of her books now and I know that we will be in for a wild ride… First Wife’s Shadow was no different at all.

Now this is a hard book to talk about the plot without massive spoilers. Just know, as always, there are many many thrillery twists in store. While I did have an inkling on one of them it didn’t alter my view on this book. It is brilliantly done.

A book full of characters that I wasn’t sure if I liked or trusted, which only added to the drama. I loved how we really got to know Emma well, getting into her head. I really did feel for her at times, she really does go through so much.

Just read this book, you know that you want to. Be ready to lose yourself in this twisty story.

Publishes in Australia on September 3rd.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Adele’s work and this maybe my favourite book of hers yet! Even though I did guess some of the twists (and there were quite a few!) it didn’t effect my enjoyment of the story! I loved how everything evolved and the ending for me was a chef’s kiss, it was so unexpected I loved it!

I don’t want to go into too much detail about the plot because the less you know the better, but for quite a long book I flew through this which goes to show just how good this one is!

[Frank Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another bingeable, stellar, twisty and entertaining read by Parks! This author just never disappoints! I was on my heels throughout the entire read, and couldn't put this one down!

If you enjoy reading about gaslighting (or is it?!), are looking for something to get you out of a slump, and keep you reading long into the night, this one is the book for you!!

[Alex Rice · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don’t understand how this book has such a high rating. Both MCs were insufferable and for a “psychological thriller” it was not thrilling. The twists were obvious and it was basically just one long complaint about climate change and DEI

[Lara Victoria · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ugh, boring, predictable, long winded and just silly.

The first half of this book was SO long and the only reason I kept reading is because of how highly this has been reviewed. I was bored, everything was over explained and it was so tedious. The second half was better but the first half ruined it for me and my excitement to find out what was going on was completely gone.

I have SOOOO many issues with this book:

Emma’s character painted her as an independent, self sufficient, takes no shit woman and suddenly she’s reduced to complete insanity which made ZERO sense given how regimented and disciplined she was?? It felt like I wasn’t even reading about the same character anymore

The middle twist was so predictable it’s untrue and just made me internally sigh.

And the final twist was just ???????. So rushed and just made no sense, there was nothing in the book that even slightly hinted at that being the twist so it was just too far fetched and unbelievable.

I didn’t like any of the characters, Emma’s character was dumb. Matthew was dumb. Becky is crazy and Becky’s mom’s character needed more explanation because her input in the story wasn’t seamless. I felt zero emotion for any of them.

Really disappointed because this book was EXPENSIVE and had such high reviews but it was utter garbage 😤🤣

[Melody McNamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This was a slow burn novel of domestic suspense, with unlikeable characters and a fairly predictable plot. Although I did like the storyline, I was frustrated that Emma, a strong, independent CEO, could not see all the red flags in her relationship with Matthew, and her friends were beyond annoying. The action didn't really start until the 50% mark, and although one twist did surprise me, I was able to guess where the story was going. The ending was also a bit drawn out and anticlimactic. But I still found the book to be very readable and compelling, despite all my complaints!

[Auđur · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 *

[Eve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Women's Psychological Fiction
Publication Date: January 1, 2024

This author is usually hit or miss for me. Thankfully I enjoyed this story a lot.

The beginning was a bit slow but at some point I was completely engrossed into the lives of Emma and Matthew. It was interesting to follow how Emma, a wealthy and independent CEO meet Matthew, a widower, and they quickly fall into a serious relationship. As this was a thriller, then it was obvious that not everything was how it seemed, so it was fun to disover what sort of machinations Matthew was up to and how it all ends.

[Josephine Jarman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This roller coaster epic had me gripped with plot twist after another and pov of the main 3 characters. It started off a slow burner in order to get you to care about emma and then the action just kept coming. I did gueese the final twist and loved the final act. So skillfully written all the characters were developed and the pov style was emotive. This is worth the lengrh a highly recommended 5 star read. Thank you netgallery and publisher and author.

[Amanda Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

This started off slow, but I was intrigued. Around half way the story picked up pace and I found myself quickly turning the pages. I didn’t really care for any of the characters but I don’t think I was supposed to. There were a couple of twists thrown in but when they unraveled they didn’t surprise me

Overall it was an ok read but the ending took too long for me.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this ebook in exchange for my honest review.

[RoosBookReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma was primed to be taken advantage of and I'm sad that her friends weren't more protective of her. I also felt bad for Matthew because, while not innocent, he was also very taken advantage of. Advice for all lonely millionaires out there: don't marry random people after 3 months.
Very enjoyable story, intriguing characters, great writing.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author Adele Parks, and Harlequin Audio.

[Erica⭐ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emma who has overcome her traumatic childhood, whose parents were alcoholics and who died in a car crash. She and her brother were raised by indifferent wealthy grandparents who sent both children to separate boarding schools.

Emma has worked hard for her success. She’s a CEO with a beautiful, eco-friendly home, and plenty of money in the bank. At a conference, she meets a freelance photographer, Matthew, and he tells her that his wife, Becky, died recently after an accident at work.

Their friendship quickly progresses to romance, and then continues apace as Matthew moves in with Emma and proposes. He doesn’t want the wedding to be in the church of Emma’s childhood and persuades her to have a very small wedding overseas. Everything is moving very fast and Emma’s two best friends, Heidi and Gina, have doubts about Matthew but Emma believes in him.

Emma is thinking more and more about Matthew’s late wife, and then strange things start to happen; the heating coming on high, pots being smashed, etc. It can’t be Becky because she’s dead, so who is doing all this?

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hi, review below and next up ‘Bad Tourists’ by Caro Carver

‘First Wife’s Shadow’ by Adele Parks published July 4th by HQ, link in comments

392 Pages

Firstly the writing, its sharp and descriptive and full, no short chapters or missed words to hurry things along, I would say its impeccable and invigorating to read, this author uses words to our, the readers, advantage

This then goes a way towards negating the unbelievability aspects in the story, which so I don’t ruin the story wont say much about except that they are there and are enough to make you question the main character Emma and also the apparent benign village neighbours who miss nothing except vital information such as people’s surnames and weddings….

There are twists, some I saw, some I kinda wondered about and some threw me off completely

Never once did I even consider not finishing it, the writing on the whole ( if not the story ) is too inspiring for that

[Celeste Velocci (bookrecs_by_celeste) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to MIRA Books, The Hive, and NetGalley for the gifted copy of First Wife’s Shadow. I really loved this one! It was a twisted and unique thriller. The twists kept on coming in the last 25% of the book and I really did not see a few of them coming which is rare for me.

Emma an extremely independent hardworking woman gets swept off her feet when she meets the swoon worthy Matthew. Matthew a widower quickly wins Emma over and has her making room in her very structured life for a new love. As time goes on strange things start happening and Matthew reveals more and more about his late wife Becky. Emma begins to compare herself to Matthew’s late wife and feels that she is in competition with a dead woman who was with her husband before her. Can these strangers occurrences have anything to do with Matthew’s late wife? How is that possible when she is dead? Is Emma losing touch with reality?

Told from multiple points of views you’ll be tossed into this twisty thriller and questioning everyone.

[Janie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Emma is Matthew's second wife and she always feels second best to Matthew's deceased wife. After her marriage to Matthew, strange things begin to happen to Emma, Is the dead wife haunting her? Her friends are suspicious of Matthew especially since Emma has money.

Emma is attractive, CEO of a wind harvesting company, and very independent. She meets Matthew at a conference where she is speaking. He is ten years her junior and recently widowed.

This book will cause whiplash from all the twists and turns. The story is fun and gripping and keeps the reader engaged.

Fun, Twisted and Gripping!

3.5 stars!

Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy. This book will be released 3/18/25.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5 ⭐️
Format: eBook 📲
Perfect for: fans of domestic thrillers and fans of initial slow burns and then BAM twist after twist

What a great read!! This book’s rating kept increasing for me gradually as I continued because during the second half of the book, every time I thought everything was revealed, this author dropped yet another unexpected jaw dropping twist. The amount of deception and secrets in the book was unreal! The FMC makes you want to love her and yell at her at the same time, but overall she was a very likable character.

When Emma meets Matthew, she is immediately smitten & although her friends are telling her she’s moving too fast, she ignores the BRIGHT RED FLAGS 🚩 and allows her naivety to take over. Middle aged and single, she is captivated by his charm. When Heidi & Gina (Emma’s best friends) points out that he may not be over his recently deceased ex wife, Emma just looks as this as them being overprotective! Emma slowly starts to realize there is something way more sinister going on, with Matthew entering her life at this time.

Overall, a really good read that makes me want to read more from this author. This was my first book by Adele Parks but certainly won’t be my last! Thank you Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for this advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.

[Asia (zupa.czyta) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ocena: 4+/5
Gatunek: domestic thriller
Motywy: zemsta i obsesja, młodszy mąż, nawiedzony dom (?), liczne zwroty akcji
.
Książki Adele Parks czytam od lat (naprawdę - z 20 lat minęło!), jednak z taką jej powieściową petardą nie miałam jeszcze do czynienia!

Przewracałam oczami, zgrzytałam zębami z frustracji, wstrzymywałam oddech na ostatnich stronach - mieszanka emocji, które towarzyszyły mi podczas lektury była dość różnorodna. Przede wszystkim jednak - kapitalnie się bawiłam!

Zacznijmy od tego, że Parks wie, jak napisać historię, którą wciągasz jak dobry serial na Netfliksie. Główna bohaterka - Emma - jest zakochana, pełna nadziei, trochę (bardzo) naiwna i wchodzi w małżeństwo z mężczyzną, którego cień byłej żony nie odstępuje na krok. Była żona w tej historii nie gra drugoplanowej roli. O nie! Jest raczej jak duch, unoszący się nad każdym aspektem życia Emily i jej męża. Tylko teoretycznie jest "byłą", a wspomnienia Matthew i jego tajemnice sprawiają, że zaczynasz się zastanawiać: co tu się właściwie dzieje?! Komu zaufać?!

Powieść Parks wypełniona jest mocarnymi plot twistami, ale też subtelną grą tajemnic i psychologicznych zawiłości, które trzymają w napięciu do samego finału!
Wciąga, intryguje, zostaje w głowie na długo! Nie zastanawiać się - czytać!

[Ruby · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️ as this was predictable and the characters were annoying as hell. Emma overlooked so many red flags, that it just felt unbelievable and annoying.

[Amanda - Mrs B's Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

*https://www.instagram.com/mrsb_book_r...

🙏A big thank you to @harlequinaus and @adele_parks for a copy of this book to review.

👰‍♀Like thriller writer extraordinaire Lisa Jewell, this book had me in a chokehold for the duration. It was also dizzying and devious, as described by another one of my favourite authors, Louise Candlish. The queen of twist fiction, Adele Parks, is back with First Wife’s Shadow. This story occupied my evenings for a week or so and I couldn’t think of a better way to unwind after a hectic day at work.

👰‍♀Emma leads the tale in this new Adele Parks delicacy. As a successful CEO, Emma has everything she needs except a man. When Matthew enters her life, Emma is immediately swept off her feet. But things move too quickly for Emma and Matthew as they move in together, get engaged and marry. But the shadow of Matthew's recently deceased wife descends on the couple. What does this mean for Emma?

👰‍♀Glory be! This new Adele Parks offering had me from the opening to the close, what a superb story. These days with my heavier workload, I’m finding it increasingly difficult to find books that capture and sustain my attention. This thriller delight managed to light up my book world for a number of evenings as I indulged in a pot of comfort reading after a hard-working day. I thought Adele Parks did an excellent job of shaping her main character and placing a more mature lead at the helm of her storyline. I felt a great sense of empathy for Emma and I loved her backstory. In Matthew, I oscillated between mistrust, anger and sorrow for this man as the tale went on. The supporting cast who are made up of friends and family of the main cast are well developed. I appreciated their full input into the story at hand.

👰‍♀Parks explores some contentious themes here from wealth, tragedy, lies, withheld truths, family secrets, betrayal, extortion, greed, gaslighting, revenge and jealousy. I loved the possible hints at the paranormal too, it definitely duped me! Thanks for all the bold twists and hooking moments in this tale Adele Parks, you are brilliant.

🌟🌟🌟🌟💫4.5 stars

[Lauren Self (lauren.shelby.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review • pub date 03.18.25

Definitely want to read more by this author 😍

Emma is a 40-something woman content living a single life with a good job and health routine. Until one day she meets Matthew and decides maybe a companion isn’t a bad thing after all, even if he’s 11 years younger.
She soon finds out he is a widower, and as their relationship progresses, she becomes obsessed with his first wife - what she was like, how she died, and it becomes all consuming to her.

Such a great and bingeable book, I think fans of Alice Feeney and Sally Hepworth will enjoy this. This was such a fun read. Several twists that I didn’t see coming at all.

4⭐️

Thanks to Mira Books for my gifted copy and HTPbooks htp_hive for my ALC #hiveinfluencer

**This is also my 200th NetGalley review** 🤍