First Wife’s Shadow
A psychological thriller about love and betrayal
Format:Hardback
Publisher:HarperCollins Publishers
Published:4th Jul '24
Should be back in stock very soon
This hardback is available in another edition too:
- Paperback£9.99(9780008586362)

Adele Parks' First Wife’s Shadow explores themes of jealousy and trust as Emma navigates her relationship with a widower, questioning her own worth.
In First Wife’s Shadow, Emma finds herself drawn to Matthew, a charming widower who seems to offer her the companionship she craves. Their relationship develops quickly, but Emma's friends express concern that she may be vulnerable to exploitation, given her wealth. Despite their warnings, Emma is determined to pursue her feelings for Matthew, even as the shadow of his deceased wife looms large over them. The question arises: can she ever truly measure up to the memory of the woman who came before her?
As the story unfolds, the dynamics between Emma and Matthew become increasingly complex. Jealousy and suspicion creep into their relationship, causing Emma to question her own worth and place in Matthew's life. The pressure mounts as she grapples with the idea that if his first wife were still alive, she might not even be in the picture. This internal struggle sets the stage for a gripping psychological thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
Adele Parks masterfully weaves a tale filled with unexpected twists and turns, leading to a climax that is both shocking and satisfying. As Emma navigates her feelings of insecurity and doubt, she is faced with a chilling realization that she may not know who she can trust—her friends, her husband, or even herself. First Wife’s Shadow promises to be a captivating read that will linger in the minds of its audience long after the final page is turned.
Praise for First Wife's Shadow:
'Adele just gets better and better and First Wife's Shadow had me in a chokehold from beginning to end. The twists and the tension-building were spellbinding and masterfully done. A true five star read' Lisa Jewell
'Deliciously twisty' Crime Monthly
'Exactly the kind of book to race through on holiday’ i News
'Absorbing, unsettling and addictive' Daily Express
'Full of so many twists, you won’t know whatever to expect next in this wonderfully dark and sinister tale' The Sun
Praise for Adele Parks:
‘I’ll drop anything for a new Adele Parks: she nails it every time’ Lucy Foley
‘Utterly compelling’ Peter James
‘As always with Adele… this is an absolutely gripping read’ Richard Osman
‘Kept me guessing and had me gasping at the twist’ Ian Rankin
‘Poolside perfection’ Daily Mail
‘A whip-smart protagonist, immensely satisfying twists’ Karin Slaughter
‘A slow-burn that grows in tension, this will keep you gripped throughout’ Crime Monthly
‘This will blow your mind’ Jane Fallon
‘Masterfully executed – her best book yet’ Lisa Jewell
‘Fast-paced and unpredictable with complex and intriguing characters’ Candis
‘This is Adele Parks at the peak of her powers’ Louise Candlish
‘Full of mystery, tension, and characters you can’t help but root for – or against!’ Abigail Dean
‘Another twisting tale of deceit, desire and dangerous obsession guaranteed to keep you turning the pages’ TM Logan
ISBN: 9780008586270
Dimensions: 240mm x 159mm x 38mm
Weight: 600g
384 pages