Book Review: First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston – A Gripping Thriller of Deception and Redemption @ashley_elston @PRHAudio @PamelaDormanBks @SaskiaAudio #BookReview

First Lie Wins is a riveting thriller that follows Evie Porter as she navigates a web of deceit, past identities, and dangerous secrets, all while racing to outwit her adversaries and protect her true identity.

From The Publisher:

Evie Porter has everything a nice, Southern girl could want: a perfect, doting boyfriend, a house with a white picket fence and a garden, a fancy group of friends. The only catch: Evie Porter doesn’t exist.

The identity comes first: Evie Porter. Once she’s given a name and location by her mysterious boss Mr. Smith, she learns everything there is to know about the town and the people in it. Then the mark: Ryan Sumner. The last piece of the puzzle is the job.

Evie isn’t privy to Mr. Smith’s real identity, but she knows this job will be different. Ryan has gotten under her skin, and she’s starting to envision a different sort of life for herself. But Evie can’t make any mistakes—especially after what happened last time.

Because the one thing she’s worked her entire life to keep clean, the one identity she could always go back to—her real identity—just walked right into this town. Evie Porter must stay one step ahead of her past while making sure there’s still a future in front of her. The stakes couldn’t be higher—but then, Evie has always liked a challenge…

My Thoughts:

“First Lie Wins” is a captivating thriller that delves into the intricacies of identity, deception, and the relentless pursuit of survival. Set in a picturesque Southern town, the story follows Evie Porter, a young woman living a meticulously constructed facade. With a perfect boyfriend, a charming home, and a circle of affluent friends, Evie seems to have it all – until her past catches up with her.

Elston skillfully weaves together two timelines, alternating between Evie’s present-day predicament and her past assignments orchestrated by the enigmatic Mr. Smith. As Evie navigates the complexities of her current situation, the reader is drawn deeper into a web of mystery and suspense, fueled by the uncertainty of who to trust and what is real.

One of the novel’s strengths lies in its protagonist’s character development. Evie is a compelling and multi-dimensional lead, grappling with the consequences of her actions while striving to carve out a future for herself. Elston masterfully explores the psychological toll of living a life built on lies, blurring the lines between truth and illusion.

The narrative unfolds at a brisk pace, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with twists and turns at every corner. As Evie races to outmaneuver her adversaries and protect her secrets, the stakes escalate, culminating in a gripping finale that will leave readers breathless.

Additionally, Saskia Maarleveld’s narration of the audiobook enhances the immersive experience, bringing the characters to life with her adept vocal performances. Her skillful delivery adds depth and intensity to the story, making it a compelling listen for fans of the genre.

Overall, “First Lie Wins” is a must-read for anyone seeking a thrilling and thought-provoking tale of deception and redemption. Ashley Elston’s masterful storytelling and nuanced characterizations make this novel an unforgettable journey into the heart of darkness.

A Similar Book I’ve Reviewed:

The Lies I Tell by Julie Clark