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Adele Parks Books in Order

This page gathers all Adele Parks books in order, with series lists, story summaries, DCI Clements reading guide, and tips on the best novels to start with.

Last updated: July 20, 2026

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Adele Parks books in publication order

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35 books

Playing Away

by Adele Parks

2000

Connie is convinced she’s living her happy-ever-after with Luke until a charming colleague, John Harding, tempts her into an affair that spirals far beyond a fling. As secrets mount, Connie’s marriage and friendships are pushed to breaking point.

Game Over

by Adele Parks

2001

Hard-edged TV producer Cas Perry makes her living manipulating contestants on a reality show about exes and keeps her own relationships strictly casual. Meeting principled Darren forces her to question whether she’s been playing games with more than just other people’s hearts.

Larger Than Life

by Adele Parks

2002

Georgina has been in love with Hugh since university, even while he married someone else and had children. When he finally leaves his wife for her, an unexpected pregnancy exposes the selfishness she’s ignored for years and forces her to decide what kind of future she really wants.

The Other Woman's Shoes

by Adele Parks

2003

Evergreen sisters Martha and Eliza have always been opposites—one a settled wife and mother, the other with a chaotic love life. When both relationships implode on the same day, they swap paths and discover that living in another woman’s shoes is far from simple.

Still Thinking of You

by Adele Parks

2004

Tash and Rich head to a French ski resort to marry in secret, taking a group of old university friends along to celebrate. When an uninvited guest appears with unsettling knowledge of Rich’s past, long-buried rivalries and desires threaten their future together.

Husbands

by Adele Parks

2005

Bella thought her impulsive student marriage to Stevie was ancient history—she walked out and never bothered with a divorce. Now happily married to Philip, she’s horrified when Stevie reappears as her best friend’s new boyfriend, and her double life starts to unravel.

Young Wives' Tales

by Adele Parks

2007

Lucy stole her friend Rose’s husband and got the fairy-tale she thought she wanted, only to find marriage and motherhood exhausting and dull. Rose is rebuilding life as the ‘perfect’ single mum, while their friend Connie seems content—until a dangerous old flame reappears.

Happy Families

by Adele Parks

2008

Forty-two-year-old Lisa is a divorced mum of three who’s tentatively happy with younger boyfriend Mark, but she’s exhausted, moody and putting on weight. Convinced it’s the menopause, she’s blindsided by a bigger change that forces her to rethink love, family and second chances.

Tell Me Something

by Adele Parks

2008

Elizabeth has always dreamed of marrying an Italian and raising a big family, but years of infertility have left her desperate. When Roberto loses his job, they move to his small hometown, where a hostile mother-in-law, glamorous ex and charming stranger upend Elizabeth’s hopes.

Love Lies

by Adele Parks

2009

Fern is nearly thirty and sick of waiting for long-term boyfriend Adam to propose, so when pop star Scottie Taylor sweeps her into a dizzying whirlwind of fame, luxury and instant commitment, she grabs it—then has to ask if fast-forwarded dreams can really last.

Loves Me, Loves Me Not

by Katie Fforde, Carole Matthews, Adele Parks, Joanna Trollope & Katie Flynn

2009

Edited in partnership with the Romantic Novelists’ Association, this collection offers over forty romantic short stories—from holiday flings to Regency interludes—by a wide range of authors, with Katie Fforde contributing and introducing the “box of chocolates” mix of styles.

Men I've Loved Before

by Adele Parks

2010

Nat and Neil always agreed kids weren’t for them—until Neil quietly changes his mind. As their once-easy marriage stalls over the baby question, Nat starts revisiting the men in her past, wondering if she chose the right partner or walked away from something vital.

About Last Night

by Adele Parks

2011

Best friends Steph and Pip have spent thirty years propping each other up, convinced there’s nothing they wouldn’t do for one another. When Steph begs Pip to lie to the police about a terrible night, loyalty, marriage and self-image are pushed to their limits.

Whatever It Takes

by Adele Parks

2012

Londoner Eloise uproots her family to the seaside town her husband loves, hoping a slower life and nearby in-laws will be worth the sacrifice. Instead she’s juggling a declining mother-in-law with a dangerous secret and a best friend willing to cross lines to have a baby.

And Then He Kissed Me

by Katie Dale, Monica McInerney, Cathy Kelly, Adele Parks & Sinead Moriarty

2013

This young-adult romance anthology brings together nine short stories about first kisses, infatuation, heartbreak, friendship, and awkward romantic encounters. Adele Parks contributes alongside writers including Katie Dale, Cathy Kelly, Monica McInerney, Sinéad Moriarty, and Dyan Sheldon.

The State We're In

by Adele Parks

2013

Optimistic romantic Jo boards a flight to Chicago determined to win back her ex-fiancé; cynical American Dean is heading home to face a fractured family. Seated side by side, they connect in ways neither expects, and one turbulent journey changes the course of both their lives.

Gadzooks!

by Adele Parks

2014

In this darkly comic audiobook set in the polygamist town of Navel, Utah, serial bride Nadine proudly helps her many husbands into the afterlife while a radio shock jock milks the scandal and dispensary owner Blue McKenna copes with crime, crushes and cosmic chaos.

Spare Brides

by Adele Parks

2014

In 1920s England, four very different women—privileged Lydia, grieving widow Sarah, overshadowed Beatrice and independent Ava—are left to rebuild their futures in the aftermath of the Great War. When they cross paths with a charismatic officer, love, loyalty and class expectations collide.

Truly, Madly, Deeply

by Romantic Novelists' Association Staff, Jill Mansell, Carole Matthews, Katie Fforde & Adele Parks

2014

An anthology of new romantic short stories from members of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, including Adele Parks, Katie Fforde, Carole Matthews, and others. Its varied tales explore love through weddings, anniversaries, chance encounters, and lasting relationships.

If You Go Away

by Adele Parks

2015

On the eve of World War I, impulsive debutante Vivian is pushed into a dull marriage to avoid scandal, only for her husband to enlist and leave her running his estate. When famous conscientious objector Howard arrives to work there, a dangerous, life-altering love grows between them.

Love Is A Journey

by Adele Parks

2016

This collection of short stories follows characters at every stage of love—searching for the one, falling unexpectedly, starting over after heartbreak and finally finding a version of happily-ever-after that actually fits. It’s a quick, varied way into Parks’s take on modern relationships.

The Stranger In My Home

by Adele Parks

2016

Alison adores her teenage daughter Katherine, so her world tilts when a stranger arrives claiming the girl was switched at birth and is really his child. As two families try to untangle the past—and a hereditary cancer risk—the bonds between parents and daughters are brutally tested.

The Image of You

by Adele Parks

2017

Identical twins Anna and Zoe look alike but couldn’t be more different: Anna is trusting; Zoe assumes the worst. When Anna falls fast for charming Nick after meeting online, Zoe becomes convinced he’s hiding something—and her attempts to prove it send all three into very dark territory.

Splat!

by Adele Parks

2018

Splat! follows Skitters, a sardonic stray cat who lands in a Utah mansion and falls for a fiery feline from a nearby polygamist compound. As his teen owners tangle with cult life and reality TV fame, Skitters offers a running, claw-sharp commentary on every disastrous choice.

I Invited Her In

by Adele Parks

2019

Years after giving up university to raise her son alone, Mel is proud of the warm, chaotic family she’s built. When glamorous old friend Abi arrives after a messy breakup, Mel offers refuge—but Abi’s envy and long memory turn the visit into a slow, stunning act of revenge.

Lies Lies Lies

by Adele Parks

2019

Daisy thinks their long-awaited daughter Millie has finally completed her family, even if husband Simon always seems to want more—more drink, more risk, another child. One disastrous night exposes the lies they’ve both been hiding and sends their marriage crashing into addiction, violence and blame.

First Edition: Celebrating 21 Years of Goldsboro Books

by Jessie Burton, John Connolly, Katie Fforde, Robert Goddard, Rachel Joyce, Vaseem Khan, Clare Mackintosh, David Mitchell & Adele Parks

2020

Commissioned to mark Goldsboro Books’ twenty-first anniversary, this limited-edition anthology gathers thirty-four original short stories by writers associated with the bookshop. It includes contributions from Adele Parks, Clare Mackintosh, Katie Fforde, John Connolly, and many others.

Just My Luck

by Adele Parks

2020

For fifteen years, three couples have shared the same lottery ticket and the same small disappointments. After a bitter row, Lexi and Jake buy the numbers alone—and win £18 million. As ex-friends circle and secrets surface, the jackpot quickly feels more like a curse than a dream.

Woman Last Seen

by Adele Parks

2021

Two women vanish in the same week: Leigh Fletcher, a hardworking stepmum who never returns from a business trip, and Kai Janssen, the glamorous wife of a Dutch businessman who walks out of her penthouse and disappears. Detective Clements senses a connection and digs into both marriages.

Love Stories

by Jane Fallon, Adele Parks & Paige Toon

2022

Thirty short stories by women’s-fiction writers, including Adele Parks, Jane Fallon, and Paige Toon. Created to support the DEC Ukrainian Humanitarian Appeal, the anthology brings together a wide range of contemporary authors, with all profits directed to the appeal.

One Last Secret

by Adele Parks

2022

Dora is a high-end escort planning to quit the business and start a safer life, but agrees to one last job: a week at a French chateau, pretending to be a client’s girlfriend. There she confronts a man from her past and a secret someone will kill to protect.

Two Dead Wives

by Adele Parks

2023

In this DCI Clements case, a woman with a complicated double life vanishes and is presumed murdered, leaving two husbands under suspicion. As Clements follows the media-frenzied investigation, a secluded woman named Stacie slowly regains fractured memories that may hold the key to what really happened.

First Wife's Shadow

by Adele Parks

2025

Successful, self-reliant Emma falls hard for widower Matthew and rushes into marriage, only to feel constantly compared with his perfect first wife. As strange incidents mount and friends question Matthew’s motives, Emma begins to doubt her own instincts—and whether she’s safe in her new life.

Book cover for "Our Beautiful Mess" by Adele Parks

Our Beautiful Mess

by Adele Parks

2025

Connie looks forward to Christmas with her daughters until Fran brings home Zac, a boyfriend who recalls a man from Connie’s past. Fran’s pregnancy and concealed secrets inside the house leave Connie struggling to protect her family from a growing danger.

New

Eyes On You

by Adele Parks

2026

A forthcoming cat-and-mouse psychological thriller, Eyes on You has been announced as a dark story of love, obsession, betrayal, and past trauma.

Where to start with Adele Parks

If you want twisty domestic thrillers: Lies Lies LiesJust My LuckWoman Last SeenTwo Dead Wives.
If you like psychological suspense about identity and friendship: The Image of YouI Invited Her InOne Last SecretFirst Wife's Shadow.
If you’re curious about her early relationship dramas: Playing AwayYoung Wives' TalesGame OverLarger Than Life.
If you prefer sweeping historical love stories: Spare BridesIf You Go Away.
If you just want a short introduction: Happy FamiliesLove Is A Journey.

Adele Parks sub-series and character series

DCI Clements books in order

Explore this series
  1. Book cover for "Woman Last Seen"

    Woman Last Seen

    by Adele Parks

    2021DCI Clements, Book 1
  2. Book cover for "Two Dead Wives"

    Two Dead Wives

    by Adele Parks

    2023DCI Clements, Book 2

DCI Clements books in chronological order

  1. Book cover for "Woman Last Seen"

    Woman Last Seen

    by Adele Parks

    2021DCI Clements, Book 1
  2. Book cover for "Two Dead Wives"

    Two Dead Wives

    by Adele Parks

    2023DCI Clements, Book 2

Playing Away books in order

Explore this series
  1. Book cover for "Playing Away"

    Playing Away

    by Adele Parks

    2000Playing Away, Book 1
  2. Book cover for "Young Wives' Tales"

    Young Wives' Tales

    by Adele Parks

    2007Playing Away, Book 2

Playing Away books in chronological order

  1. Book cover for "Playing Away"

    Playing Away

    by Adele Parks

    2000Playing Away, Book 1
  2. Book cover for "Young Wives' Tales"

    Young Wives' Tales

    by Adele Parks

    2007Playing Away, Book 2

Adele Parks collections, short stories, and related book types

Short Stories/Novellas

  1. Book cover for "Happy Families"

    Happy Families

    by Adele Parks

    2008
  2. Book cover for "Love Is A Journey"

    Love Is A Journey

    by Adele Parks

    2016A Short Story Collection

Adele Parks Audiobooks

  1. Book cover for "Gadzooks!"

    Gadzooks!

    by Adele Parks

    2014
  2. Book cover for "Splat!"

    Splat!

    by Adele Parks

    2018

Anthologies

  1. Book cover for "Loves Me, Loves Me Not"

    Loves Me, Loves Me Not

    by Katie Fforde, Carole Matthews, Adele Parks, Joanna Trollope & Katie Flynn

    2009
  2. Book cover for "And Then He Kissed Me"

    And Then He Kissed Me

    by Katie Dale, Monica McInerney, Cathy Kelly, Adele Parks & Sinead Moriarty

    2013
  3. Book cover for "Truly, Madly, Deeply"

    Truly, Madly, Deeply

    by Romantic Novelists' Association Staff, Jill Mansell, Carole Matthews, Katie Fforde & Adele Parks

    2014
  4. Book cover for "First Edition: Celebrating 21 Years of Goldsboro Books"

    First Edition: Celebrating 21 Years of Goldsboro Books

    by Jessie Burton, John Connolly, Katie Fforde, Robert Goddard, Rachel Joyce, Vaseem Khan, Clare Mackintosh, David Mitchell & Adele Parks

    2020
  5. Book cover for "Love Stories"

    Love Stories

    by Jane Fallon, Adele Parks & Paige Toon

    2022

Standalone Adele Parks books

  1. Book cover for "Game Over"

    Game Over

    by Adele Parks

    2001
  2. Book cover for "Larger Than Life"

    Larger Than Life

    by Adele Parks

    2002
  3. Book cover for "The Other Woman's Shoes"

    The Other Woman's Shoes

    by Adele Parks

    2003Sexy and Comfortable--Can You Really Have Both?
  4. Book cover for "Still Thinking of You"

    Still Thinking of You

    by Adele Parks

    2004
  5. Book cover for "Husbands"

    Husbands

    by Adele Parks

    2005
  6. Book cover for "Tell Me Something"

    Tell Me Something

    by Adele Parks

    2008
  7. Book cover for "Love Lies"

    Love Lies

    by Adele Parks

    2009
  8. Book cover for "Men I've Loved Before"

    Men I've Loved Before

    by Adele Parks

    2010
  9. Book cover for "About Last Night"

    About Last Night

    by Adele Parks

    2011
  10. Book cover for "Whatever It Takes"

    Whatever It Takes

    by Adele Parks

    2012
  11. Book cover for "The State We're In"

    The State We're In

    by Adele Parks

    2013
  12. Book cover for "Spare Brides"

    Spare Brides

    by Adele Parks

    2014
  13. Book cover for "If You Go Away"

    If You Go Away

    by Adele Parks

    2015
  14. Book cover for "The Stranger In My Home"

    The Stranger In My Home

    by Adele Parks

    2016
  15. Book cover for "The Image of You"

    The Image of You

    by Adele Parks

    2017
  16. Book cover for "I Invited Her In"

    I Invited Her In

    by Adele Parks

    2019
  17. Book cover for "Lies Lies Lies"

    Lies Lies Lies

    by Adele Parks

    2019
  18. Book cover for "Just My Luck"

    Just My Luck

    by Adele Parks

    2020
  19. Book cover for "One Last Secret"

    One Last Secret

    by Adele Parks

    2022
  20. Book cover for "First Wife's Shadow"

    First Wife's Shadow

    by Adele Parks

    2025
  21. Book cover for "Our Beautiful Mess"

    Our Beautiful Mess

    by Adele Parks

    2025
  22. Book cover for "Eyes On You"

    Eyes On You

    by Adele Parks

    2026

Author bio

Adele Parks was born in Teesside in North-East England and grew up in a busy, matriarchal household where stories and gossip were part of everyday life. She has said she knew she wanted to write from about the age of seven.

She left the north to study English language and literature at the University of Leicester, graduating in 1990. After university she worked in advertising and then management consultancy, learning how people talk, sell and spin stories long before she did it on the page.

Through her twenties Parks lived and worked in places as varied as London, Italy and Botswana, fitting writing around full-time jobs. On the eve of her thirtieth birthday she finally handed an unsolicited manuscript to a literary agent; that book became her debut novel Playing Away, published in 2000.

Since then she has published a novel almost every year, moving from sharp, funny contemporary stories like Game Over, Larger Than Life and The Other Woman’s Shoes into historical fiction set around the First World War in Spare Brides and If You Go Away.

Her more recent work leans into psychological suspense and domestic noir. Books such as The Image of You, I Invited Her In, Lies Lies Lies, Just My Luck, Woman Last Seen and the DCI Clements novels follow apparently ordinary families whose secrets explode into missing-person cases, betrayals and moral grey areas.

Across all of these books she keeps circling the same big questions: how love and loyalty can warp under pressure, what parents owe their children, and how far people will go to protect the stories they tell about themselves. Although her novels are often twisty, the emotions stay recognisable and rooted in everyday life.

Parks has also written shorter fiction and accessible reads. Her Quick Read novella Happy Families — about a forty-something divorced mum facing an unexpected change — won the Learners’ Favourite Award, and her collection Love Is A Journey gathers relationship-themed stories previously released as ebooks.

Alongside her novels she is a regular commentator on books and culture, writing essays and features for national newspapers and appearing on radio and television. She is an ambassador for literacy charities including The Reading Agency and the National Literacy Trust, has judged major prizes such as the Costa Book Awards and the British Book Awards, and in 2022 was awarded an MBE for services to literature.

Today Parks lives in Surrey with her husband and adult son, still keeping up the habit of a book a year and speaking often about the power of stories to change lives. Her author events tend to feel more like conversations than lectures—chatty, direct and full of curiosity about why people behave the way they do.

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