Kylie Gillingham disappeared around March 2020 and is presumed dead since there is clear evidence that she was abducted and imprisoned after she was last seen. As to motive, the obvious one is that she was a bigamist (Leigh Fletcher or Kai Janssen), which gets in the way of the usual “the husband did it” scenario. However, the evidence rather neatly fits Daan Janssen, or does it too neatly fit him up? He is currently on bail under house arrest in his native Denmark, partly because he is very rich and partly because we are in full Covid lockdown. Meanwhile, Mark Fletcher and his two sons remain in London. Although the boys are Leigh’s step sons, they cannot believe she has abandoned them and nor can they accept she has been murdered. Meanwhile, Stacie Jones, recovering from an operation to remove a brain tumour, is living with her father, a retired doctor, in a remote cottage near Lyme Regis; close to where the Fletcher family took frequent holidays. Does she have some trapped memory which relates to the crime? Is Kylie really dead? If so, did Daan kill her?
The book is a sequel to Parks’s best seller “Both of Us”, but works perfectly well as a standalone. The plot is complicated with some interesting twists, but it isn’t very difficult to work it out. For the most part the actions of the characters are consistent with who and what they are, but the ending does get a bit unlikely. A point of interest is the rôle of the Lockdown in the plot. The first lockdown started in March 2020, as does the story, and finished on 3rd July, as does the story, and the plot just wouldn’t work if the population were not constrained to bubbles and social distancing. This is the first book I’ve read which really addresses this issue, others have at most alluded to it as something that happened, and I applaud the author for using it as a proper plot device. As an acknowledgement to this, I’ve given it an extra half star.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.

Just Between Us by Adele Parks is a gripping and emotionally charged thriller that explores the complexities of love, secrets, and the aftermath of tragedy. Kylie Gillingham's disappearance, coupled with her shocking secret of being married to two men simultaneously, captivates the nation. Both husbands become suspects in the case, leaving DCI Clements to unravel the truth.

Parks skillfully delves into the dark side of human nature and the complexities of relationships. The narrative keeps readers on edge, as they question the motives and actions of the characters involved. The juxtaposition of Stacie Jones, living a quiet life in a small village, and the scandalous case adds an intriguing layer to the story.

The author's writing style is engaging and evocative, capturing the emotional depth of the characters and the impact of the tragedy. The exploration of rebuilding lives in the face of such devastation adds a compelling dimension to the plot.

Just Between Us is a suspenseful and thought-provoking read that will keep readers guessing until the very end. Adele Parks expertly weaves together themes of love, betrayal, and the consequences of secrets, creating a riveting and impactful story. Fans of psychological thrillers will be captivated by this gripping tale of tragedy and its aftermath.

I always enjoy reading Adele's books and "Just Between Us" is no exception. She draws us in, caring about the characters and sets out an incredible hook. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the twists and turns, it was a superb read. 5 stars.

3.5 rounded up
The follow up to Both of You

It’s 2020 and lockdown and the country is gripped with the scandalous case of missing, presumed dead bigamist Kylie Gillingham which DCI Clements is investigating. Both husbands come under suspicion, the weight of it hanging particularly over one of them. Meanwhile, Stacie Jones on the Dorset coast is recovering from cancer surgery and is living back home with her father.

The story is told from several perspectives and all of them are interesting and serve to deepen the mystery and adds an emotional edge especially from the stepsons Oli and Seb. Stacie’s point of view is good as post operation her memory bank is empty and I like how this seems to mirror the solitary location of her father’s cottage. Here the author creates a really good atmospheric backdrop to the mystery of Kylie. Covid lockdown is used very effectively too as it adds an extra element with the timescale moving towards Freedom Saturday. In the first 60% or so there are some good twists and the situation definitely grows curiouser and curiouser.

However, much as there are lots of positives and I do enjoy the book, I think the novel is overlong and thus it loses the impact of some of the plot nor does the last 40% or so have quite the same intensity. Some aspects seem to be rather predictable and yet conversely others seem a bit of a stretch!


Overall,I enjoyed Both of You more than this follow up. This can be read as a stand-alone but it’s better to have read the first book.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HQ for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

I didn’t realise this book was a sequel to the amazing Both of you until I started reading it although if you haven’t read it It can be read as a stand alone. I loved Both of you but I think Just Between Us was, if it’s possible actually better. I absolutely loved the book and could not put it down.
The book has so many twists and turns and every time I thought I had worked out the ending it swerved in a different direction.
I don’t want to give out any spoilers but the ending was perfect. What I would love next is a series of books featuring D.C Clements as I loved her character. A full 5 stars and I would definitely recommend this book. Bring on the next Adele Parks book.
Thank you to Netgalley, HQ Stories, Harper Collins and Adele Parks for an advanced copy in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

This is a sequel to Both Of You which I found at the end of this book, which made sense as I kept getting the feeling of meeting these characters before.

Set during the early days of the covid pandemic, Stacie Jones is recovering from an illness with her father in a coastal town. Her memory is gone, she can’t remember anything from before her operation. At the same time, a man called Daan is being investigated for his bigamist wife’s murder after she mysteriously disappeared. But Daan is desperate to clear his name, especially as her other husband, Mark, and best friend, Fiona should also be held accountable.

This was a brilliant read. I really like this authors writing, and she also creates excellent characters, with real punchy storylines. This was an excellent sequel, and I’d be happy to see what the characters got up to next.

I didn't know that there is a 'book before this one' until the end - but you really don't need to have read it to thoroughly enjoy this tale. It is a banging who/why dunnit, with a couple of creepy kidnappers, a couple of bereaved husbands and a couple of children. There are a few COVID hangovers, being forced to stay out of the public eye was a gift for baddies, but it is very much in the background so if the thought of lockdown brings you out in a rash, do not fear!
This is the perfect beach or wet Bank Holiday weekend read. Very safitsfying!

A sort of police procedural meets a sort of Gone Girl (but only sort of) in a breezy style. A must read for anyone who enjoyed the author's earlier title Both of You as this involves the same characters and leads to a satisfying conclusion.
With thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy in exchange for an independent review.

Just Between Us by Adele Parks is a gripping thriller that explores the intricate web of relationships that weaves a family together. The novel is set during the Covid pandemic and follows Stacie Jones, a woman recovering from cancer who has lost her memory. She begins to suspect that her father is hiding something from her, and her suspicions only grow when she meets a stranger who tells her that she is not who she thinks she is. As Stacie sets out to discover the truth about her identity, she becomes embroiled in a scandalous case involving a missing woman, Kylie Gillingham, who is presumed dead, and two husbands who are both suspects in her disappearance.

Parks masterfully weaves together the stories of the different characters in the novel, revealing their secrets and motivations as the plot twists and turns. The characters are complex and flawed, and the reader is kept on edge until the very end as they try to piece together the truth. Just Between Us is a thrilling page-turner that will leave readers guessing until the final reveal.

Another amazing book by Adele parks. You know that you will always get drama, angst, love, secrets and a gripping storyline and this one didn't disappoint.

About 10% into this novel I was thinking that aspects of the book were sounding ridiculously similar to another book I had read. Had Adele Parks blatantly plagiarised a lesser known author? No! I eventually discovered, as she explains at the end, this is a sequel to her book Both of You, which I really loved.
Stacie Jones is recovering during Covid, with her father in a costal town, having had a serious operation to deal with her brain cancer. Having lost her memory, she is however, unsure about some aspects of her life. Simultaneously Daan Hansen is under suspicion for murdering his bigamist wife, however her body is yet to be discovered. Into this mix come other familiar characters: the other husband and his two sons, the murdered woman's best friend.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable read. Adele Parks is quick to point out that she does not necessarily create likeable characters. She empathises that sometimes the behaviour of characters can seem irrational or unbelievable. This rang true as I certainly felt at times, why on earth would they do that? However, I threw myself into the story and Parks' capable hands.
This would make a great holiday read as it is fast paced and the narration moves around the perspectives of various different individuals in the story, which really adds to the experience and your understanding of the characters.
A definite read, if you enjoyed Both of You, as it helps to really finish off the story.

Set during the Covid Pandemic, this pacey, action packed thriller is truly unique and captivates you completely. It's fair to say that not much, if any, of the action contained within would occur in real life, but the story is unrealistic enough for you to accept that it isn't trying to emulate real life drama; although it did successfully capture the essence of Covid and the restrictions. This unpredictable storyline, featuring a bigamist who has disappeared and is presumed dead, really leaves you guessing; especially since this 'missing person' PoV is accompanied by the parallel life of Stacie - and despite my correctly guessing some of the twists, this did not spoil my enjoyment as the action unfurled.

Once I had completed this book, I found out from the Author's note that it is a sequel to 'Between Us' - the story of how Kylie/Leigh ended up being married to two men: Although this book can certainly be read as a standalone, without feeling you have missed out on anything.

All things considered, this is a well written book, with lots of intrigue and unexpected action - it's well worth picking up a copy when it is published - Expected publication is July 6, 2023. Many thanks to NetGallery and HQ for allowing me to get a copy of the book.

Just Between Us by Adele Parks

Another outing by the author Adele Parks . Set during the covid pandemic , which I thought added a little something to it.
Stacie has moved back to the UK and is living with her father , after having cancer , she has also lost her memory and in living with him he is helping her with filling in her past.
I really enjoyed reading this book and felt it had a creeping atmospheric paranoia feel to it. Lots of twists and things you are not expecting. A real page turner.

Just Between Us? Just wow. It sounds like a cliche to say I couldn't put it down, but if you could see the bags under my eyes today then it would be all the proof you need. Truly compulsive and completely gripping. And then there are the killer lines that seem to come from nowhere and take your breath away. Is it another cliche to say Adele Parks' books get better and better? Again, it's very much the truth.

Just Between Us by Adele Parks is a compelling and suspenseful novel that explores complex relationships. It is a well-crafted and gripping novel that will appeal to fans of suspense and domestic dramas. Adele Parks' writing is engaging and insightful, and her exploration of the complexities of family and friendship is both thought-provoking and entertaining. If you're looking for a page-turner that will keep you guessing until the very end, "Just Between Us" is definitely worth reading.

The E-Book could be improved and more user-friendly, such as links to the chapters, no significant gaps between words and a cover for the book would be better. It is very document-like instead of a book. A star has been deducted because of this.

This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and I would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you very much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

Set in the heart of the Covid Pandemic Stacie Jones and moved back from France and lives with her father Kenneth. She is recovering from Cancer and has a loss of memory. But she senses that her father is holding something back from her. She also wonders why her father would take on the task of looking after her. She has troubled dreams where there are two boys. But she does not have children of her own.
When she meets a retired woman in a wheelchair on a beach on Lyme Regis. Supposed to be her old schoolteacher that she has no recollection of. The woman tells her that she has never met her before, and she is not Stacie Jones. This raises a lot of questions which starts her on a journey to find the truth.
Leigh is a bigamist and has disappeared presumed dead and has left two husbands. Mark with sons Oli and Seb and has after 4 short months shacked up with Leigh’s best friend Fiona. There is Dan who is rich and charismatic and is accused of the murder of Leigh. He secretly involving Chat and messengers contacted the two boys to see if they can find any evidence to clear his name.
Thank you, HQ, for a copy of Adele Parks Latest offering. Just between us by Adele Parks is the sequel to the Both of us. But you can read this as a standalone book as I have not read the first one. I only realised this from the authors note at the very end of the book.
This has a unique storyline, great characters with lots of twists and turns and I couldn’t really envisage this in real life but, nevertheless I couldn’t stop reading. This is very entertaining read. 5 stars from me.

What A Tangled Web..
As a disappearance makes headlines, the scandalous secrets that the woman at the centre of it all holds make those same headlines scream. The two men in her life are suspects but the detective in charge of this particular case knows that presumptions simply cannot be made. Things are about to get much worse as this tangled web expands to catch ever more individuals within its very sticky threads. Pacy, claustrophobic and unpredictable suspense with a deftly drawn and credible cast and an edgy narrative which delivers on its’ premise in droves.

Great book. Took me a while to get into it I must admit but once I did I couldn't put it down. I must read more of Adele's books!

The storyline is cleverly conceived. A woman who has to have several different names is missing presumed murdered. She was/ is married to two men and is stepmother to two boys who are very fond of her and take it into their own hands to try to find her. Her role with them is being filled by Fiona, a very long term friend of their stepmother. The double life makes the case explosive when all is revealed and one husband is accused of her murder despite there being no body. There is too much description in the book encouraging the reader to skim. The excitement is also damaged by the revelation half way through of who has been behind the lost woman’s disappearance. Nor is it clear why the title is as it is. It becomes just a case in the second half of finding how it was all resolved. There is missed potential in this book.

Many thanks to NetGalley,HQ and Adele Parks for my ARC of 'Just Between Us' in return for an honest review.

Adele Parks is one of my favourite authors and i thoroughly enjoyed this on. It is a sequel to 'Both of You' although can be read as a stand-alone.

Leigh is a bigamist, and has disappeared. She leaves one husband in deep depression, with his sons who she adores. Her best friend has taken Leigh's place as partner and mother. The second husband is accused of his Leigh's murder. There is evidence that she was held in the building where they had lived.

Meanwhile Stacie has been ill, and is being looked after by her father, which, as she says, at her age isn’t right, especially as she can’t remember anything about her life or what happened to her. She has been told she is recovering from brain cancer.

Brilliant - highly recommended