If you’ve ever stayed up until 2:00 AM because a "perfect" husband in a book suddenly seemed way too perfect, you've probably met Liv Constantine. Honestly, the first time I picked up The Last Mrs. Parrish, I thought I knew where it was going. I didn't. That's the thing about this author—well, authors.
Liv Constantine isn't just one person. It’s the pen name of sisters Lynne and Valerie Constantine. They basically specialize in making you question every character's motive while you're drinking your morning coffee. Since their 2017 debut took over the world (thanks in part to a certain Reese Witherspoon), they’ve been cranking out psychological thrillers that make suburban life look like a minefield.
Keeping track of Liv Constantine books in order is actually pretty easy once you realize most of them are standalones. But there is a specific "Parrish-verse" that you need to get right if you want the full, devious experience.
The Mrs. Parrish Series: Where to Start
Most people think The Last Mrs. Parrish is the beginning. Technically, it was the first one published. But if you're a completionist who likes the "Marvel" way of doing things, there are prequels now.
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- The First Shot (2021) – This is a prequel novella. It’s short, punchy, and shows Amber Patterson before she becomes the master manipulator we love to hate. It’s an Audible Original but you can find it in print too.
- The Making of Jackson Parrish (2025) – Another prequel. This one dives into the mind of the man himself. It’s… unsettling.
- The Last Mrs. Parrish (2017) – This is the big one. The breakout. It’s a story of envy and social climbing that flips halfway through in a way that honestly made me gasp. Jennifer Lopez is even starring in the Netflix adaptation that's been filming in NYC recently.
- The Next Mrs. Parrish (2024) – A direct sequel. Usually, sequels to thrillers feel forced, but seeing Daphne and Amber forced back into each other's orbits actually worked.
Liv Constantine Books in Order of Publication
If you just want to see how the sisters' writing evolved, reading in order of release is the way to go. They’ve moved from domestic "cat and mouse" games into political thrillers and even amnesia tropes.
- The Last Mrs. Parrish (2017)
- The Last Time I Saw You (2019) – A high-society murder mystery where a doctor’s mother is killed. It feels a bit more like a traditional whodunit compared to their debut.
- The Wife Stalker (2020) – Set in Connecticut. It follows a woman named Piper who moves into town and starts "renovating" a grieving husband's life. The twist in this one is polarizing, but I loved it.
- The Stranger in the Mirror (2021) – This is their take on the amnesia trope. Addison is about to get married but has no idea who she was two years ago.
- The Senator’s Wife (2023) – Things get political here. It’s set in D.C. and involves a philanthropist who thinks her employee is trying to steal her life. Think All About Eve but with more secret service vibes.
- The Next Mrs. Parrish (2024)
- Don’t Open Your Eyes (2025) – Their most recent big release. It’s about a woman haunted by "visions" that start coming true.
- Promise Me Never (Scheduled for 2026) – The one everyone is currently waiting for.
The Short Stories and Novellas
Sometimes you just want a quick hit of adrenaline. The sisters have been doing more of these lately, especially through Amazon’s "Never Tell" collection or Audible.
Misconception came out in 2022 and follows two women who both want the same thing—a baby—and the lengths they'll go to get it. Then there’s Everybody is a Liar (2024), which is a quick, sharp look at family secrets. In 2025, they released a duo of novellas called My Sister’s Daughter and Silent Echo.
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What Most People Get Wrong About Liv Constantine
A common misconception is that these are just "beach reads."
Sure, they're fast. But the Constantine sisters actually weave in some pretty heavy themes about class, power, and how women are often pitted against each other by the men in their lives. They use a "split perspective" narrative a lot. This isn't just a gimmick; it’s how they hide the truth in plain sight. You think you’re seeing the whole picture because you’re "inside" a character's head, but you're only seeing what that character believes or wants you to see.
Also, people often ask if they have to read the prequels first. Honestly? No. Start with The Last Mrs. Parrish. The shock of the original book is better if you go in blind. Save the prequels for when you’re craving more of that specific world.
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Why the "Sister Duo" Dynamic Works
Lynne lives in Connecticut and Valerie lives in Maryland. They plot the books over FaceTime and shared documents. This matters because it gives their books a weirdly consistent "double" feeling. You have two authors, often two main characters, and almost always two sides to the story.
It’s a bit like having two different detectives working the same case from different angles.
Actionable Next Steps for Thriller Fans
If you’re new to their work or looking to complete your shelf, here’s how to handle it:
- Start with the OG: Get a copy of The Last Mrs. Parrish. If you’ve already read it, check out The Senator's Wife for a slightly different, more "D.C. power player" flavor.
- Watch the screen: Keep an eye out for the Jennifer Lopez adaptation of The Last Mrs. Parrish on Netflix. It’s been a long time coming and should bring a lot of these characters to life.
- The "Vibe" Check: If you liked The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen, or anything by B.A. Paris, you will like these.
- Pre-order: If you're all caught up, Promise Me Never is the next big milestone on the 2026 calendar.
Basically, if you see the name "Liv" on a cover, just prepare to be lied to. In the best way possible.