“The Wife Stalker” by Liv Constantine is a suitable second book for the authors who created the thrilling “The Last Mrs. Parrish.” Like the first book by the two sisters who write together under the name Liv Constantine, this one features alternating narratives and stories that appear to lead in one direction only to completely turn us around when we realize that things — mostly — are not as they seemed.

When Piper moved to Westport, Connecticut and bought a mansion on the waterfront, she knew she had the rest of her life ahead of her. No more running; she was in a place where she could settle down.  And when she meets Leo Drakos, a handsome and successful attorney, she can’t deny the attraction. The fact that he’s still wearing his wedding ring doesn’t bother her at all.

Leo feels the same way and their relationship hits it off. But Joanna, stuck at home with Leo’s two children, is not happy about the relationship. In fact, she’s sure that something is off about Piper. So to save her relationship with Leo and the two children, she starts digging. And she finds some real pay dirt. Piper is not who she appears to be. But it might be too late to convince Leo that there’s something wrong with Piper and that she’s a danger to the children.

This thriller is a quick read, and it sucker-punches you. In the middle of the book, you can’t believe that people like Joanna make such terrible choices. And just as you’ve been thinking that Joanna gets what she deserves because she’s making such horrendous decisions, you realize that your assumptions are totally wrong. If you are like me, you’ll go back over the story and check to see what you’ve missed. And you’ll realize that you did miss it – completely.

That’s what Liv Constantine does — they trick you into complacency, thinking one thing, and then they open the curtains, and behold, the view has changed and the story has just completely shifted. And they do it again and again.

It’s a great beach read and definitely a great escape read. Who doesn’t want to leave their stay-at-home and travel to Connecticut in the summer and have the wool thrown over their eyes?

Please note: This review is based on the final, hardcover book provided by Harper, the publisher, for review purposes.