Introduction
The Covid-19 lockdown periods have provided a rich setting for a slew of recent crime novels. Adele Parks capitalizes on this milieu with her latest novel, ‘Two Dead Wives’. Contrary to what one might expect from a lockdown narrative, Parks veers away from the locked-room trope, crafting a multifaceted mystery instead.
The Disappearance of Kylie Gillingham
Kylie Gillingham, a woman of many masks, is central to the story. Living dual lives under the identities of Kai and Leigh (a play on ‘Kylie’), she marries two different men and manages to keep her compartments distinct, until her sudden disappearance. When Kylie is missing for two weeks, statistical probabilities and conventional wisdom suggest she may be dead, leaving the husbands under suspicion.
Two Husbands, Two Locations
The plot thickens as the narrative splits between Kylie’s two husbands—one trapped in lockdown in his London apartment and the other on the run to his native Netherlands. The circumstances raise questions: which husband could be the perpetrator? Are they both involved, or is there another unknown factor in her disappearance?
The Other Side of the Story: Stacie Jones
While investigators delve into Kylie’s disappearance, another subplot takes root with Stacie Jones at its core. Recovering from brain surgery at her father’s seaside cottage, Stacie struggles with memory loss. This lack of recollection hints at hidden keys within her mind, potentially crucial to solving the mystery.
Investigative Duo Dynamics
To probe into these intertwined mysteries, Parks pairs two contrasting investigators: one methodical and by the book, the other impulsive. Their dynamic serves to deepen the narrative complexity, promising an engaging ride for fans of twisty thrillers and police procedurals alike.
Conclusion
‘Two Dead Wives’ by Adele Parks stands as an intriguing foray into the layered world of dual identities and intertwined fates set against the backdrop of the pandemic lockdown. This novel keeps readers on their toes, meticulously questioning each piece of the puzzle.
