First Lie Wins

OK, so… this was fun and not a typical genre for me!

Rating- 4.5 Stars

I needed a little brain break from the Throne of Glass series and so I decided to listen to the audio version of First Lie Wins. First Lie Wins is a thriller that follows FMC, Luca, as she navigates a web of lies and deceit. The story is filled with twists and turns, keeping you guessing until the very end. The author doles out information in a unique way through flashbacks and current day that I actually really quite enjoyed. Nothing felt spoon fed rather my wheels were constantly spinning trying to predict the final outcome.

I especially enjoyed how the story not only delved into the suspenseful plot but also explored the main character's journey on a more personal show more level. There’s a hint of romance woven into the narrative, but it’s not your typical love story. Even so, I found myself rooting for Luca to find her version of a happily ever after. 😊

This was a fun change of pace and a perfect reprieve from the Throne of Glass series I’ve been immersed in. I would suggest the audiobook as I did notice that some readers felt confused by all of the flashbacks however, I did not feel that way listening to the audio. show less

Reese Book Club Pick January 2024, Octavia Spencer to Produce Hulu Adaptation

Evie Porter has worked hard to create a life that’s quiet, almost mundane. She’s got the wonderful boyfriend, the comfortable house, the ‘right’ kind of friends. What’s the problem? It’s all a lie.

First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston kicked off my reading year in the best possible way! This is a masterclass of cat and mouse, subtleties, breadcrumbs, until that micdrop. I could not look away and inhaled this in a single sitting. On the surface this is a propulsive, suspense mystery, and clearly I loved it. But go deeper…It’s a look at manipulation, deception, and reclaiming agency. It’s a reminder that no matter where you walk in life true show more friendships are worth nurturing and can save your life. I strongly recommend going in with as little information as possible, so read detailed reviews with caution.

It was picked up prior to publication for Hulu to be produced by Octavia Spencer, so you’re going to want to read it first! This makes an excellent pick for readers who enjoy morally gray characters, explosive suspense, and well paced storytelling.

I received an early review copy from the publisher @vikingbooks @pameladormanbooks via @netgalley . show less

Evie Porter has been playing a role for a long time. She’s not an actress on the stage or screen, and she’ll never win an award from an academy, peers, or audience. Still, she is among the best as she knows better than almost anyone … "First Lie Wins."

The intricate plot is a masterpiece. As the tangled web is unraveled thread by thread, the details are gripping, clever, and astonishing. Each thread jolts to impact the next reveal.

Evie Porter’s actions demand your attention. There is a need to know how the lie you knew was the truth you didn’t know.

I loved it! The adrenalin. The speed. The pace. The deception. The secrets. The lies. The truth. The thrills of it all. Incomparable.

Highly recommended.

Thank you to Ashley Elston, show more Penguin Group Viking, Pamela Dorman Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an eARC of this book.

#FirstLieWins #NetGalley show less

First Lie Wins Ashley Elston is a 2024 Pamela Dorman Books publication.

I love a good con, and this book is one of the best I’ve read in a long time.

This story is centered around Evie Porter, a woman of many identities, living in a shadowy world, constantly on her guard, afraid of blowing her cover- or worse- displeasing her boss…

Her current job seems to put her in danger of doing both…

One really can’t go into many details without giving something away, and besides it’s a little complicated. But all you really need to know is this book is one big, fast paced, thrill -ride!

From start to finish it kept me on my toes, constantly guessing and completely pleased with the way the story ended. Very, very clever, smart, and wildly show more entertaining!!

Overall, one of the best psychological thrillers I’ve read in ages!

4.5 stars show less

Honestly, it was such a fun and clever twist on the classic murder mystery. From the start, it hooked me with this mix of humor, suspense, and drama that never let up. The story feels like a wild game where everyone has secrets, and you’re constantly guessing who’s telling the truth or who’s lying to save themselves.
The characters are super entertaining, each with their own quirks and hidden sides that make the mystery feel layered and unpredictable. I loved how the story keeps you on your toes with twists that are smart but never feel forced. Plus, the writing is easy to follow and just really fun to read.
If you want a YA thriller that’s not too dark but packed with tension, humor, and mystery, First Lie Wins is a perfect pick. show more It’s one of those books you won’t want to put down until you know what really happened, and even then, you might still be guessing! show less

This book was exactly what I needed: a fast-paced thrill-ride I could not put down! With its brisk pace and breezy but clever writing style, the novel never lost momentum. Ashley Elston did a brilliant job with the story's structure, smartly hiding secrets in plain sight until just the right moment, ensuring the tension and conflict kept ratcheting up.

I found myself not only rooting for the main character, who is genuinely smart and likeable, but also trying to guess how things would pan out. (I thought I had it, but I was wrong.) Evie is a true gem of a heroine: intelligent and compelling. I was cheering for her right from the outset. Her smart decisions and the complex layers of her personality kept me glued to the pages.

The narrative show more is as original and engaging as any top-tier thriller I've ever read. I'd compare it to "Gone Girl," another favorite of mine, as both books share sharp twists and clever writing. (However, Evie is much more likeable than either of the protagonists in "Gone Girl.")

While some moments required me to heavily suspend my disbelief—particularly the almost magical timing of some genius IT solutions—those didn’t detract from the story. Instead, they added an element of fun to the unfolding drama, reminding me to just enjoy the ride.

I was thoroughly impressed with my first book by Ashley Elston, and I can't wait to see what she does next in this genre. show less

I've seen a lot of buzz about FIRST LIE WINS, and I'm happy to say that it lived up to the hype. It's a cleverly plotted and fast-paced cat-and-mouse thriller that was impossible to put down. In fact, I read the whole thing during a snow day home from work.

Evie Porter (or whoever she really is) was a fantastic unreliable narrator who was fun to try and figure out. She was flawed yet quite likable, and it was interesting to see how she handled each of her sticky situations. If you're looking for a unique and exciting thriller, I highly recommend this smart and twisty read.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me a copy of this book. Opinions are my own.