Title: The Last Mrs. Parrish
Author: Liv Constantine
Series: Mrs. Parrish #1
Genre: Thriller
Format: Audio
Pages: 550
Length: 12h
Narrator: Meghan Wolfe, Suzanne Elise Freeman
Source: Library
Reason: Just Because
Rating: Romance Rating: 
My Thoughts
I decided to read The Last Mrs. Parrish because my book club read The Housemaid and I saw the controversy surrounding McFadden’s novels. I wanted to see for myself what all the hubbub was about. I can definitely see similarities in the two stories, but I’m not convinced that McFadden did what readers are accusing her of. Most stories, music, and other art are heavily influenced by existing media. The words, characters, and even the plot are different enough that they’re not the same.
Anyway, I really enjoyed The Last Mrs. Parrish. I, of course, can’t help but compare it to The Housemaid. Both kept me on the edge of my seat. Both ended fairly satisfactorily, although I liked The Last Mrs. Parrish‘s story and ending better. While I liked both narrators in The Housemaid, I hated being in Amber’s selfish/narcissistic head. But, it made the ending that much more satisfying to see her get what was coming to her. I’m glad I read The Last Mrs. Parrish and I’ll definitely read more books written by the author duo Liv Constantine.
The Last Mrs. Parrish
Author: Liv Constantine
Series: Mrs. Parrish #1
Genre: Thriller
Format: Audio
Pages: 550
Length: 12h
Narrator: Meghan Wolfe, Suzanne Elise Freeman
Source: Library
Reason: Just Because
Rating:
Romance Rating:
My Thoughts
I decided to read The Last Mrs. Parrish because my book club read The Housemaid and I saw the controversy surrounding McFadden’s novels. I wanted to see for myself what all the hubbub was about. I can definitely see similarities in the two stories, but I’m not convinced that McFadden did what readers are accusing her of. Most stories, music, and other art are heavily influenced by existing media. The words, characters, and even the plot are different enough that they’re not the same.
Anyway, I really enjoyed The Last Mrs. Parrish. I, of course, can’t help but compare it to The Housemaid. Both kept me on the edge of my seat. Both ended fairly satisfactorily, although I liked The Last Mrs. Parrish‘s story and ending better. While I liked both narrators in The Housemaid, I hated being in Amber’s selfish/narcissistic head. But, it made the ending that much more satisfying to see her get what was coming to her. I’m glad I read The Last Mrs. Parrish and I’ll definitely read more books written by the author duo Liv Constantine.
The Housemaid
Author: Freida McFadden
Series: The Housemaid #1
Genre: Thriller
Format: Audio
Pages: 338
Length: 9h 41m
Narrator: Lauryn Allman
Source: Library
Reason: Book Club
Rating:
Romance Rating:
My Thoughts
That was some next-level gaslighting. Holy crap! Great twist and well executed. I tore through this story. It kept me on the edge of my seat and I didn’t want to put it down. I’m really excited to watch the movie now. (I’m going to read The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine next to see what all the controversy is about surrounding Freida McFadden’s books.)
February 2026 Wrap-Up
Books Read
Favorite: None
Least Favorite: The Spectacular
Stats
February
Books Read: 4
Rereads: 3
Pages Read: 2,130
Hours Listened: 65h 1m
Average Rating: 4.5
Average Pages Read Per Day: 76
Year-to-Date
Books Read: 13
Rereads: 9
Pages Read: 6,398
Hours Listened: 195h 38m
Average Rating: 4.6
Average Pages Read Per Day: 108
The Spectacular
Author: Fiona Davis
Genre: Historical Fiction, Thriller
Format: Audio
Pages: 368
Length: 12h 20m
Narrator: Kimberly Farr, Rachel L. Jacobs
Source: Owned
Reason: Book Club
Rating:
Romance Rating:
My Thoughts
I really love the historical aspects of Fiona Davis’ novels. In The Spectacular, I loved the setting of the mid 1950s and early 1990s, and I loved learning the history of the Rockettes and Radio City Music Hall. I had no idea about the Mad Bomber (or Big Apple Bomber in the novel) and I had no idea it was the case that put criminal profiling on the map. That was all fascinating. I thought the mystery aspect of the book was a bit far-fetched, but it kept me interested and reading. The romance disappointed me as it was a little lacking.
January 2026 Wrap-Up
Books Read
Favorite: Kingdom of Claw
Least Favorite: None
Stats
January
Books Read: 9
Rereads: 6
Pages Read: 4,268
Hours Listened: 130h 37m
Average Rating: 4.7
Average Pages Read Per Day: 138
Year-to-Date
Books Read: 9
Rereads: 6
Pages Read: 4,268
Hours Listened: 130h 37m
Average Rating: 4.7
Average Pages Read Per Day: 138