"'Adele Parks consistently writes banger after banger, and Our Beautiful Mess might just be her best yet. Addictive and brilliant’ Lisa Jewell
'The tension, the atmosphere, the relentless twists … a fantastic domestic thriller, the kind that you devour in greedy gulps, unable to stop flipping the pages' Five Star Reader Review
*****
Connie is determined to bring her family together, but explosive revelations and long-held secrets are set to destroy everything important in her world …
Connie can’t wait to have her daughters back home for the holidays. Fran is bringing a new boyfriend to stay, and the empty nest will once again be full of friends, family and young love.
Yet from the moment she sees Zac, Connie knows trouble is coming. Zac reminds her of the worst mistake she has ever made: a man whose charm and good looks nearly destroyed her marriage. She doesn’t want him in Fran’s world, but then Fran announces she’s pregnant.
Connie is terrified that her past is going to threaten her family’s future, but there’s a greater menace looming. She’s not the only one who has something to hide. Someone in the house has another devastating secret. A deception which will put everyone Connie loves in shocking danger, and one of them will pay the ultimate price.
Number One bestseller Adele Parks returns with an explosive and deeply emotional family drama which explores the lengths a parent will go to protect a child; for there’s nothing stronger than a woman whose family is under threat.
*****
'Had me gripped from beginning to end. Masterfully written with gut-punching twists and brimming with tension this is Adele Parks’ best book yet. Absolutely outstanding’ Claire Douglas
‘Adele Parks has done it again. Grabbed me from page one and kept me there on the edge of my seat. Superb writing as ever. She simply gets better and better and better. You have to read this book!’ Ruth Jones
An Observer Thriller of the Month ‘A great read’
'A barnstorming novel' The Times
‘My favourite Adele Parks novel yet! So brilliant, so compelling, so tense! The suspense builds and builds until the breathless conclusion. Utterly thrilling from start to finish’ Lucy Clarke
‘Our Beautiful Mess leaps straight to the top of my Adele Parks rankings – wise, intelligent, compassionate, with a masterful pulse of menace throughout. Utterly immersive’ Louise Candlish
‘Breathe while you can. Adele Parks is back with a heart-in-mouth thriller that will have you frantically turning the pages’ C L Taylor
‘An addictive tale of family dynamics with layers of tension that grip relentlessly. A superbly crafted, thrilling ride’ K L Slater
‘No-one does ‘family noir’ quite like Adele Parks and Our Beautiful Mess is an absolute masterclass – as one terrible mistake leaves a woman’s perfect life hanging by a thread’ T. M. Logan
'Our Beautiful Mess grabs you from page one and keeps you glued to the edge of your seat until the final sentence. Deliciously dark and addictive' Crime Monthly
'This well-plotted explosive family drama, with superb characterisation, is layered with tension and its pulse-raising dilemmas will have you on the edge of your seat' Sunday Times"
"'Had me in a chokehold from beginning to end… A true five star read' Lisa Jewell
'Unbelievable! Kept me on edge throughout' Five Star Reader Review
'This roller coaster epic had me gripped with one plot twist after another' Five Star Reader Review
* * * * *
HIS FIRST WIFE DIED. NOW THERE'S A VACANCY…
When Emma meets Matthew, a kind, handsome widower, he seems to be just what she needs.
Yet as their relationship moves fast, Emma’s friends worry Emma might be exploited. She’s a rich woman after all.
Emma doesn’t care Matthew has no money. But as the memory of his perfect first wife hangs over them, Emma does have one tiny doubt.
If Matthew’s wife hadn’t died, he wouldn’t be with her. And Emma wonders if she’s second best. Can she ever fill the dead woman’s shoes?
As jealousy and suspicion blossom between Emma and Matthew, events take a darker, dangerous turn.
Suddenly Emma doesn’t know who she can trust. Her friends? Her husband? Or even herself…?
This sensational new thriller from the Number One bestseller Adele Parks will have you gripped until the very last page.
* * * * *
Praise for First Wife's Shadow:
‘Devious and dizzying, with twist after twist after twist – I loved it’ Louise Candlish
'Wonderfully dark and sinister' The Sun
‘Skilfully written and gripping’ Lynda La Plante
'Deliciously twisty' Crime Monthly
'Exactly the kind of book to race through on holiday’ i News
'Absorbing, unsettling and addictive' Daily Express
'It was hard to stop reading. Twist after twist! A must read!' Five Star Reader Review
'Tense, twisty, brilliant… gets right under your skin from the start' Five Star Reader Review
'A rollercoaster of a thriller. Fantastic' Five Star Reader Review"
"An unmissable thriller that readers are calling ‘the best book ever’
‘A darkly compelling thriller that’s almost impossible to put down after reading the first page’ Sunday Express
*****
Lost. Missing. Murdered?
And both her husbands are suspects…
The entire nation is obsessed with the scandal of bigamist Kylie Gillingham’s disappearance. Being married to two different men was a huge risk. But did she run away or was she taken? And is she dead or alive?
Both her husbands insist she was their everything, until she vanished. But DC Clements knows love is a shiver away from hate and either can make people do the cruellest things.
Only one person knew her secret. Did they want her to pay the ultimate price?
The sensational thriller from Number One bestseller Adele Parks will keep you gripped from the first page to the last.
****
Praise for Just Between Us:
‘Another masterfully plotted and jaw-dropping ride from the number one bestseller’ i News
‘Just Between Us is not to be missed’ Gillian McAllister
‘A slow-burn that grows in tension, this will keep you gripped’ Crime Monthly
‘This will blow your mind’ Jane Fallon
‘A darkly compelling thriller that’s almost impossible to put down’ Sunday Express
‘Fast-paced and unpredictable with complex and intriguing characters’ Candis
‘This is Adele Parks at the peak of her powers’ Louise Candlish
‘A pacy, gripping thrill-fest’ Heat
‘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’ T M Logan
*****
Readers are GRIPPED by Just Between Us!
Five star reviews:
'The best book I have ever read! I was gripped from the very start until the very end, and there were plot twists that I just didn't see coming!'
'A rollercoaster of emotions, skillfully written, with characters that felt like old friends'
'Fabulously twisted … Mystery, intrigue and suspense all the way'
'Another powerhouse of a thriller that NEEDS to be on your TBR!'
'Shocking, emotional, fast-paced, and gripping! so many twists and turns that had me hooked and kept me guessing from the first page to the last'"
"What if The One was actually the one that got away?
A riveting story of love and the paradox of choice from the Sunday Times No. 1 bestselling author of Lies Lies Lies, Just My Luck, and Both Of You.
Natalie and Neil everything they could want: a stylish London house, two high-flying careers, a close-knit group of friends and family. And best of all: an ideal marriage. Having children, they’ve agreed, would only disrupt their carefree lives.
But then Neil turns thirty-five, and suddenly he’s longing for a baby. However, Nat has not had a similar change of heart.
As they no longer agree on this fundamental issue, their once perfect relationship starts to crumble. Nat starts to think about her exes and wonders if one of the men she has loved in the past can offer her a future, or by looking over her shoulder is she simply going to trip up?
Sunday Times Number One bestseller Adele Parks asks the ultimate ‘what if’ question in this insightful, smart, funny novel about revisiting your past…
Praise for Men I’ve Loved Before:
‘A fabulous mix of comedy, real life and emotional depth’ Daily Express
‘A wicked pleasure’ Woman & Home
‘Observant, sensitive and we like this a lot!’ Closer
‘A dazzling novel full of emotional set-pieces and real insight into relationships between men and women… This is Parks at her best’ Heat
‘She is a particularly acute observer of relationship ups and downs, and her stories are always as insightful as they are entertaining’ Daily Mirror
Praise for Adele Parks:
‘Adele Parks never takes her foot off the gas, every book is tighter, faster, better than the last’ Lisa Jewell
'Gripping, moving and elegantly written' Marian Keyes
‘Brilliantly twisty… but is also so insightful about human nature. A triumph’ Lucy Foley
‘A compelling take on one of those “what if” scenarios that we’ve all wondered about. Addictive, provocative and thoroughly relatable… brilliantly crafted’ T.M. Logan
‘An absolute joy’ Jane Fallon
‘As ever, Adele Parks does not disappoint – you’ll love it’ Ruth Jones"
"Hope. Glamour. Independence. A new era has begun…
‘A wonderfully absorbing tale of friendship, rich in period detail’ Stylist
*****
With the Great War behind them, four friends are ready to live again.
Lydia, a society beauty, has everything – wealth, status and a husband who survived the War. All she has to do now is provide an heir.
Widowed Sarah cares for her wounded brother, certain that no one will ever replace her brave husband.
Younger sister Beatrice finds it hard to shine, especially when there are so few men left to shine for…
And independent Ava – who can light any room – is determined to seize the freedom of being a single woman.
But when these four meet the irresistible war hero Sergeant Major Edgar Trent, everything changes…
Spare Brides is a glorious novel about love, loss, change and chances from the Number One bestselling author Adele Parks.
*****
Praise for Spare Brides:
‘A resounding success … a triumph’ Daily Mail
‘A touching novel’ Daily Express
‘You’ll love the drama, the gorgeous dresses, grand houses and in particular, the handsome but damaged love interest’ Good Housekeeping
‘This is the first historical novel from bestselling author Adele Parks and it’s a powerful read’ Closer
‘The great author’s first historical novel and it’s a total smash’ Heat
‘A wonderful novel about a group of women struggling to deal with life after World War One… a heady cocktail of love, class and beaded frocks. Her most accomplished novel yet’ Daisy Goodwin
‘A wonderfully absorbing tale of friendship, rich in period detail’ Stylist
‘A fantastic read’ Fabulous"
"What are the odds that the stranger sitting next to you on a plane is destined to change your life? Especially when they appear to be your opposite in every way…
The perfect read for fans of Ruth Jones, Jane Green and Sheila O'Flanagan, from the Sunday Times bestselling author of Just My Luck and Both Of You…
Jo is a hopeless romantic. Worried she let her soulmate slip away, she's chasing her past all the way to Chicago to break up her ex-fiancé's wedding.
Dean is a resolute cynic. After a brief (but not brief enough) trip to London, he's returning to Chicago, where he moved to escape his dysfunctional past.
In the time it takes to fly from London to Chicago, each finds something in the other that they didn't even realise they needed.
But it's only when they get off the plane that their true journey begins…
What Readers are Saying about The State We're In:
'This book is full of surprises and twists that keep you guessing until the end. It is one of those books that I was absolutely devastated to have finished'
'You will laugh, you may cry, but on the whole it is an extremely heart-warming tale that delivers a generous dose of optimism'
Praise for Adele Parks:
‘As always with Adele Parks this is an absolutely gripping read’ Richard Osman
'Gripping, moving and elegantly written' Marian Keyes
‘Brilliantly twisty… but is also so insightful about human nature. A triumph’ Lucy Foley
‘Chilling, gripping and entirely unputdownable’ Lisa Jewell
‘Kept me guessing and had me gasping at the twist’ Ian Rankin
‘Ambitious, nail-biting, darkly voyeuristic – I tore through it in two sittings' Louise Candlish
‘Addictive, provocative and thoroughly relatable’ T.M. Logan
‘An absolute joy: gripping, shocking and surprising’ Jane Fallon"
"CAN LOVE FOOL YOU?
From the Sunday Times bestselling author of Just My Luck and Both Of You, comes a compulsive tale of a modern-day Cinderella's quest for her own happily ever after…
Staring thirty in the face, Fern is fed up. Her four-year-relationship has ground to a halt and Adam just won't get down on one knee.
So when a gorgeous man sweeps her off her feet and is ready to take things a mile a minute, Fern knows it's time to move on. And who better to move on with than the UK's hottest pop star, Scottie Taylor?
The starry-eyed romantic is catapulted into a girl's ultimate fantasy, as her Prince Charming pops the question and jets her off to LA for a life of luxury. But is this whirlwind romance set to last, or did Fern's dreams come true all too fast?
Praise for Love Lies:
'This is a brilliant novel' Daily Mail
'Truly exhilarating' Heat
'Another sassy romance from the UK’s chick-lit queen' Daily Express
‘Brilliantly witty and funny novel’ OK!
‘Pacy … entertaining’ Daily Telegraph
What Readers are Saying about Love Lies:
'Transports you into the world of the characters and makes you believe that the unbelievable could happen to you too'
'The romance with Scottie Taylor had me turning the pages until the early hours. The ending is brilliant too – one of the best I've read'
'Absolutely loved it'"
"WILL THE ITALIAN DREAM BE WHAT SHE'S ALWAYS IMAGINED?
From the Sunday Times bestselling author of Just My Luck and Both Of You, is an addictive novel in which a marriage crumbles, cultures clash and love affairs begin in glorious sun-drenched Italy…
Elizabeth has two goals in life. Once she fulfils the first – finding a sexy Italian husband – she thinks the second will come easy. But getting pregnant is proving difficult.
So when the couple move to Italy for Roberto to run the family business, Elizabeth hopes the relaxing lifestyle will boost her chances of conceiving.
But Italy is anything but peaceful…
Elizabeth's wily mother-in-law seems to instantly hate her, Roberto's gorgeous ex is lingering a little too close for comfort… And. Still. No. Baby.
Will Elizabeth's hunger for a bambino be enough to hold her marriage together? Or will she find herself dreaming of something else all together?
Praise for Tell Me Something:
'Another gem from Parks' Heat
‘Upfront fun’ Woman & Home
‘As infectious as ever’ The Mirror
‘Parks’s brand of rom-com is deliciously down to earth’ The Times
What Readers are Saying about Tell Me Something:
'The story is a rollercoaster ride full of ups and downs for Elizabeth, and Parks' clever and unpredictable twists and turns are thoroughly enjoyable'
'Elizabeth's character is highly developed and expertly portrayed. It's been a while since I read a book which made me laugh and cry simultaneously, for being both happy and sad'"
"WHAT HAPPENS AFTER HAPPILY EVER AFTER?
If you loved reading the mesmerising tale of Daisy and Simon's marriage and secrets in the Sunday Times No. 1 bestseller, Lies Lies Lies, don’t miss Lucy, Rose and Connie's story in Young Wives' Tales.
Young Wives' Tales is the stylish, insightful sequel to the bestselling debut, Playing Away. Lucy, Rose and Connie are back in a novel which is every bit as addictive and follows the friends in their new roles as wives, mothers and lovers with plenty of surprises along the way…
Rose thought she had it all, but her perfect life crumbled when her so-called friend seduced her husband and destroyed her marriage. Now Rose is left without any passion, romance or plans for the future…
Lucy believed she finally had her fairy-tale ending, but being the wife isn't half as glamorous as being the mistress. When excitement and thrills give way to more chat about cleaning and the kids, it's not very … her.
They desperately envy Connie: happily married, effortlessly juggling two children and a fulfilling career. Connie has found genuine contentment. Until, that is, a dangerous old flame flickers back into view…
Will she be tempted to play with fire again?
Praise for Young Wives’ Tales:
‘Memorable observations and clever conclusion make for glorious hours of escapism’ The Times
‘When it comes to fiction reflecting feminine issues, Adele Parks has her finger on the pulse’ Glamour
‘Acutely observed’ Daily Express
‘Cutting and feisty, witty and compelling’ Woman
‘Quirky, sharp’ Heat
‘Parks has produced another sassy blinder’ The Mirror
What Readers are Saying about Young Wives' Tales:
'Adele has a knack for putting her finger on our fears and vulnerabilities, our dark sides, our hopes and expectations in love and friendship, and keeping the characters “human”. Her language is quick, sharp and thoroughly engrossing'
'Loved it! The writing style is quirky and funny – I couldn't put it down. I would say that this is one of Parks' best books in a long time'"
"What if love's not enough?
From the Sunday Times bestselling author of Just My Luck and Both Of You, Whatever It Takes is an emotionally powerful and unputdownable novel…
For Londoner Eloise Hamilton, it is a momentous day when she reluctantly agrees to uproot to Dartmouth, leaving behind her perfect world so her husband can return to his. At least her mother-in-law Margaret will welcome her with open arms, and she can rely on best friend Sara to be her lifeline to London.
But Eloise is thrust into unexpected turmoil when it's revealed that Margaret is showing signs of dementia and Sara's intense longing for a family threatens to overwhelm her.
While she's dreaming up extreme ways to help those she loves, Eloise's world implodes with the strain of being responsible for all around her. When a life-changing secret is revealed, someone is bound to be overlooked. And the damage might be irreparable…
What Readers are Saying about Whatever It Takes:
'One of the best books I've read in a long time. So many twists and turns, but filled with so much love'
'Fantastically written and incredibly entertaining to read. There were parts that touched me, and parts that absolutely riled me but this was such a treat'
Praise for Adele Parks:
‘As always with Adele Parks this is an absolutely gripping read’ Richard Osman
'Gripping, moving and elegantly written' Marian Keyes
‘Brilliantly twisty… but is also so insightful about human nature. A triumph’ Lucy Foley
‘Chilling, gripping and entirely unputdownable’ Lisa Jewell
‘Kept me guessing and had me gasping at the twist’ Ian Rankin
‘Ambitious, nail-biting, darkly voyeuristic – I tore through it in two sittings' Louise Candlish
‘Addictive, provocative and thoroughly relatable’ T.M. Logan
‘An absolute joy: gripping, shocking and surprising’ Jane Fallon"
"She thought it would be just one lie…
How far would you go to save your best friend?
From the Sunday Times bestselling author of Just My Luck and Both Of You, this is a twisty, gripping novel of friendship and lies…
'I need you to say that I was with you.'
For thirty years, best friends Steph and Pip have been through thick and thin. There's nothing they would not do for one another. Until these simple words change everything.
Steph, eternally solid and dependable, is begging her friend to lie to the police as she's desperately trying to conceal not one but two devastating secrets to protect her family.
Pip, self-consigned to the role of scatty hot-head, is overwhelmed; she's normally the one asking for help in a crisis. It's a big ask. So what would you do?
What Readers are Saying about About Last Night:
'Adele doesn't disappoint with this tale of friendship put to the ultimate test!'
'Kept me gripped to the last page'
'Fantastic book which is full of twists and turns'
'I loved reading it and didn't really want to finish it! Looking for my next one of Adele's now'
'It touches on situations between close friends and relationships in a way that I've never read before. The pace of the story is spot on, the words flow beautifully'
'A true test of friendship – I found myself questioning my own relationships. The plot had me gripped from beginning until the end. I would recommend this to all of my friends'
Praise for Adele Parks:
‘As always with Adele Parks this is an absolutely gripping read’ Richard Osman
'Gripping, moving and elegantly written' Marian Keyes
‘Brilliantly twisty… but is also so insightful about human nature. A triumph’ Lucy Foley
‘Chilling, gripping and entirely unputdownable’ Lisa Jewell
‘Kept me guessing and had me gasping at the twist’ Ian Rankin
‘Ambitious, nail-biting, darkly voyeuristic – I tore through it in two sittings' Louise Candlish
‘Addictive, provocative and thoroughly relatable’ T.M. Logan
‘An absolute joy: gripping, shocking and surprising’ Jane Fallon"
"One Last Secret … would you kill to keep it?
‘Absolutely gripping’ Lisa Jewell
‘I’ll drop anything for a new Adele Parks’ Lucy Foley
‘Whip-smart protagonist, immensely satisfying’ Karin Slaughter
*****
One last client
A week at a beautiful French chateau should be an easy final job for Dora. She’s smart, stunning and discreet.
She only needs to convince the other guests that she’s Daniel’s girlfriend.
One last chance
One final, luxurious week and she can leave the dangerous, difficult escort world, because Dora has fallen in love and is ready to embrace a better future.
One last secret
But as the guests assemble, it becomes terrifyingly apparent that putting her past behind her is impossible. And one last secret could cost Dora everything, including her life…
From the Sunday Times Number One bestseller Adele Parks comes a blisteringly provocative novel about power, sex, money and revenge.
*****
Praise for One Last Secret:
‘Perfection’ Daily Mail
‘An astonishing achievement, Parks gets better and better’ Gillian McAllister
‘A high-octane read’ Prima
‘Original and utterly compelling’ Peter James
‘Serves up the perfect dose of escapism laced with tension and darkness’ Cosmopolitan
‘Adele Parks is the queen of the domestic drama’ Sally Hepworth
‘Deliciously deceptive and darkly satisfying. I loved it’ Jane Fallon
‘Adele Parks goes fearlessly into worlds… She pulls it off every time’ Jane Corry
‘Tense’ Best
‘5*… This dark, twisted tale gets better with every page’ The Sun
‘‘Perfect pacing… a clever plot with several jaw-dropping twists and a protagonist you’ll find yourself rooting for…’ My Weekly
‘A sassy voice and – in true Parks style – a serpentine twist that comes back to bite you’ Saga"
Join our community for the latest bookish news, reading recommendations, exclusive opening extracts, author events and competitions. It\'s all free. And enter a monthly draw to win a £50 Gift Card. See past winners here
