What do you think?
Mrs. Parrish #0.5
The First Shot
2 hours, 35 minutes
In this gripping prequel to the blockbuster best seller and Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick 'The Last Mrs. Parrish', readers will discover exactly how Amber Patterson transformed from small-town girl to master manipulator - after all, practice makes perfect.
Amber Patterson has many secrets. This much is clear when she sneaks out of her home in the dead of night and hitchhikes across state lines to meet up with a man she hasn’t seen or spoken to since high school graduation. So begins her desperate attempt to leave her old life behind, and she’ll use everything and everyone at her disposal, from social media stalking to the kindness of unsuspecting strangers, to get where she needs to go. It’s not long before she’s ready for the main event: armed with a new identity and a new purpose, she heads to Gunnison, Colorado, preparing herself to meet her future husband among the wealthy vacationers.
Even the smallest misstep could derail this carefully-laid plan, and in the end, can you even truly outrun your past? 'THE FIRST SHOT' is an absorbing, binge-able thriller that shows just how far some will go to build the lives they want.
In this gripping prequel to the blockbuster best seller and Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick 'The Last Mrs. Parrish', readers will discover exactly how Amber Patterson transformed from small-town girl to master manipulator - after all, practice makes perfect.
Amber Patterson has many secrets. This much is clear when she sneaks out of her home in the dead of night and hitchhikes across state lines to meet up with a man she hasn’t seen or spoken to since high school graduation. So begins her desperate attempt to leave her old life behind, and she’ll use everything and everyone at her disposal, from social media stalking to the kindness of unsuspecting strangers, to get where she needs to go. It’s not long before she’s ready for the main event: armed with a new identity and a new purpose, she heads to Gunnison, Colorado, preparing herself to meet her future husband among the wealthy vacationers.
Even the smallest misstep could derail this carefully-laid plan, and in the end, can you even truly outrun your past? 'THE FIRST SHOT' is an absorbing, binge-able thriller that shows just how far some will go to build the lives they want.
3 pages, Audiobook
First published November 17, 2021
About the author
Liv Constantine
22 books11.7k followersLiv Constantine is the pen name of sisters Lynne Constantine and Valerie Constantine. Lynne and Valerie are New York Times and international bestselling authors with millions of copies sold worldwide. Winners of the 2025 Silver Falchion awards for Best Book and Best Suspense, their books have been translated into 29 languages, are available in 34 countries, and are in development for both television and film. Their books have been praised by The Washington Post, USA Today, The Sunday Times, People Magazine, and Good Morning America, among many others. Their debut novel, THE LAST MRS. PARRISH, is a Reese Witherspoon Book Club selection. Visit Liv at www.livconstantine.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,464 reviews
May 5, 2021
This was a short Audible original. Perfect for a couple of hours commute!
I haven't read The Last Mrs. Parrish but now I know about Amber Patterson and her deceiving ways.
Amber is unhappy with her life and she has decided to create a new one. She moves to Colorado in the hope of arranging a meeting with a man that can give her what she believes she's entitled to. She will make it happen. Are things going to go as planned or is it going to backfire?
The narrator did a great job of keeping things moving and interesting.
Cliffhanger: No
3/5 Fangs story
4/5 Narration
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
I haven't read The Last Mrs. Parrish but now I know about Amber Patterson and her deceiving ways.
Amber is unhappy with her life and she has decided to create a new one. She moves to Colorado in the hope of arranging a meeting with a man that can give her what she believes she's entitled to. She will make it happen. Are things going to go as planned or is it going to backfire?
The narrator did a great job of keeping things moving and interesting.
Cliffhanger: No
3/5 Fangs story
4/5 Narration
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
June 23, 2023
This prequel to "The Last Mrs. Parish" is absolutely fantastic! It has left me with a strong desire to do a re-read, just to delve deeper into Amber's character again. She's quite a fascinating individual, and this additional element added the perfect touch to the overall story. I absolutely adored it!
January 17, 2022
This is a prequel to The Last Mrs. Parrish which I have not read. WOW, this is so good. This novella is included with Audible (USA).
The story follows the main character "Amber Patterson", an unlikable but fascinating bad bad girl who is running from the law. She dreams of a better life and with her new identity, Amber arrives at a vacation spot of the rich in Colorado to make a catch. I so despise her, but dang this is very entertaining!
Excellent narration by Suzanne Elise Freeman. 2 hrs and 35 mins
The story follows the main character "Amber Patterson", an unlikable but fascinating bad bad girl who is running from the law. She dreams of a better life and with her new identity, Amber arrives at a vacation spot of the rich in Colorado to make a catch. I so despise her, but dang this is very entertaining!
Excellent narration by Suzanne Elise Freeman. 2 hrs and 35 mins
April 11, 2021
Oh Amber girl...I didn't realize how much I missed you! I loved, loved, loved this! I am going to guarantee if you loved The Last Mrs. Parrish as much I did, you will love this little prequel!
I had no idea that I needed to know what Amber was up to before we met her...but I did need to know! Amber did not disappoint..again...
When Amber sets out to do something, well she gets the job done..no matter who she steps on. Wickedly fun! You certainly could listen to this before reading The Last Mrs Parrish, however I think it would be more enjoyable to listen after! What a fun listen this was. The audiobook was fantastic!
I had no idea that I needed to know what Amber was up to before we met her...but I did need to know! Amber did not disappoint..again...
When Amber sets out to do something, well she gets the job done..no matter who she steps on. Wickedly fun! You certainly could listen to this before reading The Last Mrs Parrish, however I think it would be more enjoyable to listen after! What a fun listen this was. The audiobook was fantastic!
June 24, 2024
This prequel was pretty good. 👍 This woman is the epitome of evil.
Currently Reading
November 7, 2022Dear Readers,
We are so excited to share this novella with you. It's all about Amber and where she was before she moved to Bishops Harbor and infiltrated the lives of the Parrish family. We hope you enjoy it!!
We are so excited to share this novella with you. It's all about Amber and where she was before she moved to Bishops Harbor and infiltrated the lives of the Parrish family. We hope you enjoy it!!
April 14, 2024
After reading the first book in the series and learning there is a second coming out this summer, I had to catch this prequel story about how it all began. Quick and helpful, we learn how Amber became Amber, which helps provide some empathy and some concern. Good to have this story available before reading the second book in the series as it probably helps set a lot of context about who comes to visit her.
November 25, 2020
Hi! (Today) my name is Amber, and I’ve just finished writing my memoir, The First Shot or To Death Do Us Part, and you are welcome to your very own signed copy, and a little hoochie coochie on the side. All you need to show me is that you are a gazillionaire and are willing to throw all your money my way. And by the way, it would be really helpful if you were stupid as all get-out and gullible to the point of idiocy. I was a convicted felon on bail, but heck, so what if my parents lose the house to the bail bondsman? They shouldn’t complain; after all, I left them their baby grandchild to keep them company in their golden years. So, hey, step right up! You just need you to show me that you live in a mansion with servants and cars galore and I will autograph your copy…What’s that you say? You worry that you are too old for me? Think again. I only have eyes for you(r money)! I’ll take care of you – I have your back. My ego is so huge that I know you’ll do the right thing and sign everything over to me before you have an accident, but, just to be sure, before we seal the deal, can you please give me a peek at your corporate portfolio? I need to be sure I have all my ducks in a row, before I sign on to death do us part.
12/4/2021
I forgot to mention that this is another winning freebie from the Audible+ collection. For those of you who subscribe. It is a prequel to The Last Mrs. Parrish for those of you who read the book, but it definitely works as a standalone.
12/4/2021
I forgot to mention that this is another winning freebie from the Audible+ collection. For those of you who subscribe. It is a prequel to The Last Mrs. Parrish for those of you who read the book, but it definitely works as a standalone.
January 14, 2022
'The First Shot' is an eye-opening inside look into how Amber Patterson got her start as the "master manipulator" we come to know her as in 'The Last Mrs. Parrish'. She is nothing if not resourceful and extremely calculating in going about getting what she believes is her just dues in life.
Little does she know she may have met her match when she comes up against someone who is determined to out her for who she really is once and for all.
Narrator Suzanne Elise Freeman brings Ms. Constantine's storyline to life seamlessly for the listener.
Little does she know she may have met her match when she comes up against someone who is determined to out her for who she really is once and for all.
Narrator Suzanne Elise Freeman brings Ms. Constantine's storyline to life seamlessly for the listener.
April 18, 2021
Loved this prequel to The Last Mrs. Parrish! I enjoyed finding out Amber’s backstory and thought the mixture of humor and suspense was perfectly combined. This audiobook is a fast paced thriller and a must listen 🎧 for all fans of The Last Mrs. Parrish. If you haven’t read The Last Mrs. Parrish, this prequel is a great tease of Amber’s antics and cunning ways. Sly as a fox, Amber’s on the prowl and no one is safe from being caught in her web of lies, deception and betrayal. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 19, 2021
Scandalous!
I absolutely loved The Last Mrs. Parrish, so when I saw that this short story was a prequel to that book, I knew I had to read this!
The First Shot focuses on the character of Amber. And I must say that although I despised her in The Last Mrs. Parrish, I despise her even more now! Amber is an evil, conniving, manipulative human being.
If you enjoy reading about scandalous women, then this short story is for you! This was a quick, entertaining read and it did not disappoint.
I absolutely loved The Last Mrs. Parrish, so when I saw that this short story was a prequel to that book, I knew I had to read this!
The First Shot focuses on the character of Amber. And I must say that although I despised her in The Last Mrs. Parrish, I despise her even more now! Amber is an evil, conniving, manipulative human being.
If you enjoy reading about scandalous women, then this short story is for you! This was a quick, entertaining read and it did not disappoint.
July 30, 2024
I haven't read any of the books from this series yet, so I went into this one blindly. This book focuses on the main character, Amber, and her life before meeting the Parish Family. It is a quick and scandalous read, with a gripping storyline, a captivating plot, and many twists. I found it interesting to get the "villain's" backstory. This book made me curious to read the other books in the series, but I am hesitant because I'm not sure how much I "like" the main character, villain or not.
3.5 stars, rounding down.
3.5 stars, rounding down.
November 22, 2020
In this prequel to "The last Mrs. Parrish", we meet master manipulator Amber Patterson the months prior to her meeting the Parrishes. She knows what she wants and deserves, so nothing or no one will get in her way to succeed in her desires. She is one of those devious characters you don't know whether to love or hate.
Although if you've read "The last Mrs. Parrish", the ending will not catch you by surprise, it was an enjoyable listen all the same.
Short and engaging, it made my last drive so much more entertaining.
Although if you've read "The last Mrs. Parrish", the ending will not catch you by surprise, it was an enjoyable listen all the same.
Short and engaging, it made my last drive so much more entertaining.
August 13, 2025
A super fast read available on KU. Amber is so unhinged and I love it *cackles
September 7, 2025
Първо искам да предупредя всички, които още не са чели поредицата да четат тази книга ЗАДЪЛЖИТЕЛНО след като са прочели първа и втора (Първата госпожа Периш, Следващата госпожа Периш), въпреки че тази книга се води 0,5!
Това е така, защото ако не сте запознати с героите като цяло, тази новела няма да ви говори нищо и второ защото жестоко ще се оспойлите за действието във втора книга. Което води до заключението, че тази книга е абсолютно излишна и може би ще се хареса само на наистина най-големите фенове на поредицата, които искат още подробности.
Е, аз не съм от тях и продължавам да твърдя, че това е излишна книга написана за пари. И добре, че бях прочела първите две, иначе втората съм сигурна, че нямаше да ми е интересна ако я бях чела след тази.
Та да си дойдем на думата - тук се разказва за първия удар на Лана, но след като си е сменила името на Амбър. Тук е разказано как до най-малката подробност е проучила, планирала и убила съпруга си, заради което ѝ се случват нещата във втора книга. Виждаме отново една коравосърдечна жена, която не се трогва от нищо и никого, която е сигурна, че всеки ѝ е длъжен и не е честно, че тя се е родила в бедност, а хората с пари си ги пилеят както си искат (което е и нейната цел - да се сдобие с пари и да си ги пилее както си иска, защото е толкова нарцистична, че е сигурна, че това се полага само на нея и на никого другиго).
Та така Първият ѝ удар завършва с фиаско и тя остава отново толкова бедна колкото си е била, но пък не може да ѝ се отрече колко гениално умна е и как се поучава от грешките си, така че да изпипа следващия си удар още по-прецизно и подготовката ѝ да е още по-добра. А следващата ѝ набелязана жертва е господин Периш, където както знаем успява.
Иначе тази книга се чете за един час и читателят може спокойно да позлорадства, когато Амбър не прибира парите в края. 3*
Това е така, защото ако не сте запознати с героите като цяло, тази новела няма да ви говори нищо и второ защото жестоко ще се оспойлите за действието във втора книга. Което води до заключението, че тази книга е абсолютно излишна и може би ще се хареса само на наистина най-големите фенове на поредицата, които искат още подробности.
Е, аз не съм от тях и продължавам да твърдя, че това е излишна книга написана за пари. И добре, че бях прочела първите две, иначе втората съм сигурна, че нямаше да ми е интересна ако я бях чела след тази.
Та да си дойдем на думата - тук се разказва за първия удар на Лана, но след като си е сменила името на Амбър. Тук е разказано как до най-малката подробност е проучила, планирала и убила съпруга си, заради което ѝ се случват нещата във втора книга. Виждаме отново една коравосърдечна жена, която не се трогва от нищо и никого, която е сигурна, че всеки ѝ е длъжен и не е честно, че тя се е родила в бедност, а хората с пари си ги пилеят както си искат (което е и нейната цел - да се сдобие с пари и да си ги пилее както си иска, защото е толкова нарцистична, че е сигурна, че това се полага само на нея и на никого другиго).
Та така Първият ѝ удар завършва с фиаско и тя остава отново толкова бедна колкото си е била, но пък не може да ѝ се отрече колко гениално умна е и как се поучава от грешките си, така че да изпипа следващия си удар още по-прецизно и подготовката ѝ да е още по-добра. А следващата ѝ набелязана жертва е господин Периш, където както знаем успява.
Иначе тази книга се чете за един час и читателят може спокойно да позлорадства, когато Амбър не прибира парите в края. 3*
August 1, 2024
Having loved The Last Mrs. Parrish, I was excited to read this short narrative detailing paycho-villain Amber's backstory. However, if you've already read The Next Mrs. Parrish (book 2), you will already know most of what this prequel has to offer. No real thrills, but it was a fun read about a character we love to hate!
August 5, 2025
Amber Patterson has many secrets. This much is clear when she sneaks out of her home in the dead of night and hitchhikes across state lines to meet up with a man she hasn’t seen or spoken to since high school graduation. So begins her desperate attempt to leave her old life behind, and she’ll use everything and everyone at her disposal, from social media stalking to the kindness of unsuspecting strangers, to get where she needs to go. It’s not long before she’s ready for the main event: armed with a new identity and a new purpose, she heads to Gunnison, Colorado, preparing herself to meet her future husband among the wealthy vacationers.
Even the smallest misstep could derail this carefully-laid plan, and in the end, can you even truly outrun your past?
Even the smallest misstep could derail this carefully-laid plan, and in the end, can you even truly outrun your past?
November 20, 2020
A prequel to The Last Mrs Parrish! So good.. I wanted more. 2.5hrs.. find out qbat happens prior to the events in the book
October 12, 2024
A little insight into Amber’s scheming mind. Quick and enlightening read.
January 28, 2022
Enjoyable audiobook listen. I needed something short. Hadn’t heard of the book this was a prequel for which was a Reese Witherspoon book club selection. While this was interesting I am not going to seek out the next book. Amber is a nasty character. I didn’t like her at all.
December 10, 2021
Paperback
Of course I loved The First Shot. We all love to hate Amber, right!? She truly is the worst kind of human but I’ve gotta give her credit for her resourcefulness.
Amber is a survivor…also an opportunist but still, she is persistent and one way or another shes going to get ahead in this life.
So glad Liv Constantine had Amber’s conniving self back for a prequel.
This novella was good…short, quick and right to the point of things. Amber gives no Fs and wastes no time getting down to business.
I think Amber might be my favorite villain in a book.
Daisy (the daughter of Amber’s latest victim) was awesome. I was cheering her on more & more with each turn of the page.
This was a fun book. I definitely recommend it.
Of course I loved The First Shot. We all love to hate Amber, right!? She truly is the worst kind of human but I’ve gotta give her credit for her resourcefulness.
Amber is a survivor…also an opportunist but still, she is persistent and one way or another shes going to get ahead in this life.
So glad Liv Constantine had Amber’s conniving self back for a prequel.
This novella was good…short, quick and right to the point of things. Amber gives no Fs and wastes no time getting down to business.
I think Amber might be my favorite villain in a book.
Daisy (the daughter of Amber’s latest victim) was awesome. I was cheering her on more & more with each turn of the page.
This was a fun book. I definitely recommend it.
September 18, 2026
Loved this. If I thought Amber was awful before, this prequel somehow managed to make her even more wretched. 😂
It was fascinating getting more of her backstory and seeing just how calculated, manipulative, and completely shameless she has always been. It adds even more context to everything that happens in The Last Mrs. Parrish and makes the justice that eventually comes her way feel that much more satisfying.
After finishing this, all I can say is Amber BETTER get every bit of what she deserves. What a horrible person.
Such a great addition to the series. Fast, entertaining, and it made me appreciate the larger story even more.
It was fascinating getting more of her backstory and seeing just how calculated, manipulative, and completely shameless she has always been. It adds even more context to everything that happens in The Last Mrs. Parrish and makes the justice that eventually comes her way feel that much more satisfying.
After finishing this, all I can say is Amber BETTER get every bit of what she deserves. What a horrible person.
Such a great addition to the series. Fast, entertaining, and it made me appreciate the larger story even more.
October 7, 2024
It amazes me how awful Amber can be because I can't look away from it all. I absolutely loved Daisy and how she didn't put up with Amber's crap. The best part was how Daisy bested Amber. I hope she gets into more shit in the sequel.
June 7, 2025
Decided to pick up this prequel before I cancel my audible trial and I really enjoyed it! I love The Last Mrs. Parrish so getting a little more insight into how Amber came to be and who her first victim was made for a (mostly) enjoyable read. This woman is truly despicable.
September 2, 2025
Слабичко. Определено очаквах повече!Но това е само един разказ за миналото на Амбър. И въпреки,че се казва "Първият удар", де факто е втория,само дето първия е претърпял неуспех.
August 27, 2025
3 Stars- Fun prequel to two of my favorite thrillers. I’ll read anything Liv Constantine writes.
January 8, 2021
I don't think I can remember the last time I detested a character in a story as much as I detest Amber. What a money grubbing, cold hearted, manipulative individual. Everything for her is about her and what she seems to think the world owes her. The sad thing is there are people out in this world just like her. I'm glad I'm not one of them. A good story if you can get past your wanting Amber to take a very long walk on a very short pier.
November 15, 2021
The Last Mrs. Parrish is one of those books that YEARS later still sticks with me. It is always in my list of must reads to anyone who asks me what a favorite book of mine is and when I saw this prequel drop on Kindle Unlimited...I dropped everything else, hopped in the tub, and soaked in the bubbles while reading this entire novella in one sitting.
I want more.
Liv Constantine PLEASE give us more Amber!
I want more.
Liv Constantine PLEASE give us more Amber!
December 27, 2024
Diabolical woman. Absolutely vile. That’s what makes it so compelling. This short prequel should definitely be read before The Last Mrs. Parrish and The Next Mrs. Parrish, though I listened to the audiobook version after. Still, it’s a great, quick read that adds depth to the twisted character of Amber. The story gives us a glimpse into Amber's manipulative past and the lengths she’ll go to for power, control, and revenge.
November 27, 2020
I am a huge fan of the writing duo, Liv Constantine, and The Last Mrs. Parrish is one of my all-time favorite books of theirs, so I was thrilled when I saw that they had written a prequel to that book. Amber Patterson is one of those characters that you love to hate and I was so excited to get more of her. I needed to see where she came from and how she become the person she was when we first met her in TLMP...and oh boy, this one sure doesn't disappoint. It may be short but it is well worth it!
This is only available on Audible right now so go grab it while you can...it's highly entertaining and if you have already read TLMP, you will get to see Amber in action before she sets her eyes on the Parrishes and if you haven't read TLMP, this is a great introduction to one crazy character and then you seriously need to pick up The Last Mrs. Parrish immediately!!!
Audio thoughts: This was such a great audio and Suzanne Elise Freeman, a new-to-me narrator did such a great job. She brought all the characters to life and her pacing and intonations were spot on.
You can see all my reviews at: http://alwayswithabook.blogspot.com/
This is only available on Audible right now so go grab it while you can...it's highly entertaining and if you have already read TLMP, you will get to see Amber in action before she sets her eyes on the Parrishes and if you haven't read TLMP, this is a great introduction to one crazy character and then you seriously need to pick up The Last Mrs. Parrish immediately!!!
Audio thoughts: This was such a great audio and Suzanne Elise Freeman, a new-to-me narrator did such a great job. She brought all the characters to life and her pacing and intonations were spot on.
You can see all my reviews at: http://alwayswithabook.blogspot.com/
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,464 reviews