April 29, 2024
In this wicked sequel to The Last Mrs. Parrish, bestseller Constantine (the pseudonym of sisters Lynne and Valerie Constantine) resumes the scandalous story of Jackson Parrish, his scheming second wife, Amber, and his ex-wife, Daphne. At the outset, Jackson is completing a prison term for tax evasion, but he’s yet to answer for his darker deeds, including fraudulently committing Daphne to a mental asylum. Daphne has found peace after divorcing Jackson and fleeing across the country, but when her children insist on seeing their father, she’s forced to return to ritzy Bishops Harbor, Long Island. There, she readies herself to confront Amber, her ruthless replacement as Jackson’s wife. Meanwhile, Daisy Ann Briscoe, the daughter of one of Amber’s prior conquests, launches a revenge campaign after running into Amber at a New York City trunk show. Daisy Ann’s rampage poses trouble for Jackson and Daphne as well, locking them and Amber in an uneasy alliance that’s inevitably threatened by a slew of double-crossings. Constantine lays the glamour and nastiness on thick, resulting in an acidic thriller that delights with every twist of the knife. Fans of the first book will eat this up. Agent: Jenny Bent, Bent Agency.
December 6, 2024
Constantine's sequel to The Last Mrs. Parrish continues the outrageous story of manipulative and wealthy Jackson Parrish. He is due to be paroled, having served a sentence for tax evasion after his second wife, Amber, informed on him. After selling his stash of diamonds, Amber is ready to flee when Jackson is released early. The two then hatch a mutually advantageous plan to get revenge on Daisy Ann Briscoe, Amber's former stepdaughter, who is convinced that Amber was responsible for her father's death. Meanwhile, Jackson is desperate to reunite with his first wife, Daphne, whom he abused terribly. He uses their children in his schemes, and it appears he will win custody if Daphne doesn't do as he wishes. Raquel Beattie, Suzanne Elise Freeman, and Erin Bennett voice the women characters, superbly portraying their machinations, reactions, victories, and spectacular failures. Freeman's depiction of Amber is particularly effective, perfectly capturing her entitlement and whininess. Scott Brick narrates one chapter as the abhorrent Jackson, deliciously channeling his complete lack of scruples. VERDICT Audacious, shocking, and riveting, this story will satisfy those looking for a fun listen about a bunch of rotten people and those they affect.--B. Allison Gray
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