Thriller Annotation

 

Author: Liv Constantine

Title: "The Last Mrs. Parrish"

Genre: Thriller, Psychological Suspense

Publication Date: 2017

Number of Pages: 393

Geographical Setting: Bishops Harbor, CT (coast of Long Island Sound); New York City

Time Period: Present day

Series: follow-up “The Next Mrs. Parrish” to be released in June, 2024

 

Plot Summary: Amber Patterson has never had the “good things” in life, but she wants them, and she wants them desperately. In fact, she will do anything necessary to achieve her self-serving and self-aggrandizing goals. Ingratiating herself into the life of likeable and beautiful New England socialite Daphne Parrish, Amber manipulates their friendship and takes full advantage of Daphne’s kindness and vulnerability.  Amber spares no one, and Daphne’s entire family, including her two beautiful daughters and husband, the gorgeous and charming Jackson Parrish, are among Amber’s targets.

The story follows Amber’s manipulative plotting and point of view and is peppered with references to a shady, mysterious, past which drives her ruthless determination. Later, readers are treated to a not-so-naïve perspective from Daphne, which turns the story excitingly upside-down.

 

Subject Headings:

Rich people

Manipulation by women

Socialites

Female friendship

Jealousy

Married men

Deception

Secrets

 

Appeal:

Pacing – Measured and purposeful; short chapters and minimalist language and style propel the storyline continuously ahead toward an unpredictable and cathartic finale (Wyatt and Saricks, 2018, p. 38)

Tone – Suspenseful and ominous, sometimes edgy, with most of the action taking place in the characters’ minds (p. 36)

Story line – Twisting plot details with intertwining points of view; includes a final shocking revelation and an ending that is hard to guess in advance (p. 36)

Characterization – Amber’s story is told in the third person, and we get to know her complex and self-aggrandizing inner-workings by following her character’s vitriolic and sometimes maniacal thoughts against her very calculated and purposeful actions. At times, the author hints at certain self-redeeming qualities of the protagonist, but these are quickly eschewed so that readers could not possibly sympathize with her.

Language/Style – incorporates a dueling perspective approach (p. 38)

 

3 terms that best describe this book:

Tense, disquieting, suspenseful

 

Similar Authors and Works:

Fiction Titles:

“Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn

This read by Gillian Flynn shares the dueling perspective style, the unlikeable characters, and the shocking twists and turns that appeal to readers of “The Last Mrs. Parrish”.  Toxic marriage relationships are explored in both, and readers are never quite sure where the truth lies.

“The Girlfriend” by Michelle Frances

The main character in Frances’ suspense thriller shares many of the same characteristics as Amber Patterson. She is a social climber who will stop at nothing to get what she wants. Both stories present a sinister character who ingratiates herself into a world of wealth.  The two novels share several appeal elements in common, including dueling perspective, characterization, and intricately plotted suspense.

                                        “The Talented Mr. Ripley” by Patricia Highsmith

The theme of entitlement pervades this novel, and Mr. Ripley is very reminiscent of Amber. Believing himself “due” all the best things, the eponymous main character plots and schemes to work his way up the social ladder. The story takes place in the glamourous world of the very wealthy.

 

Nonfiction Titles:

              “The Sociopath Next Door: The Ruthless Versus the Rest of Us” by Martha Stout

Readers of the “Last Mrs. Parrish” follow Amber’s thoughts and mindset for much of the story. This nonfiction read explains the personality disorders which drive her actions and propel her ruthlessness while explaining why she has little to no remorse for her horrible actions.

“The Confidence Game: Why We Fall For It... Every Time” by Maria Konnikova

This nonfiction read treats the topic of con artists and the keys to their success. Readers of “The Last Mrs. Parrish” who are intrigued by Amber’s persistence in pretense might be interested in finding out more about how she is so successful in deceit.

“Confessions of a Sociopath: A Life Spent Hiding in Plain Sight” by M.E. Thomas

This book would appeal to those fiction thriller readers who want to know more about the inner workings of the minds of their amoral and cutthroat protagonists. The author is a diagnosed sociopath, and her memoir might help readers understand what drives Amber Patterson to do the horrible things she does without remorse.

 

References

Wyatt, N., & Saricks, J. G. (2018). The readers' advisory guide to genre fiction: Third edition.    

               American Library Association.