Intro to First Lie Wins

At its core, First Lie Wins explores the insidious nature of deception and its far-reaching consequences. Elston masterfully weaves a narrative that challenges our perceptions of trust and honesty, forcing us to confront the uncomfortable truth that even the closest relationships can harbor secrets. This novel not only explores the depths of human deception but also delves into the psychological complexities that lie beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary lives.

Amazon Book Description

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...

Themes Explored in First Lie Wins

The novel's title itself is a powerful statement, suggesting that the first lie told often sets the stage for a cascade of deception, making it increasingly difficult to untangle the web of lies that follows. Elston's characters are not mere caricatures but complex individuals grappling with their own flaws and vulnerabilities, making their choices and actions more relatable and haunting.

Beyond its thrilling plot and captivating characters, First Lie Wins delves into the psychological impact of deception on individuals and relationships. Elston explores the emotional toll of betrayal, the erosion of trust, and the lingering effects of lies on one's sense of self and perception of reality.

As readers follow Evie's journey, readers are forced to confront their own biases and assumptions, questioning the lengths to which they might go to protect themselves or those they love. The novel serves as a poignant reminder that even the smallest lies can have far-reaching consequences, and that the pursuit of truth, no matter how painful, is often the only path to healing and redemption.

Readers’ Reactions and Reviews

First Lie Wins has garnered widespread critical acclaim and a dedicated following among readers.

First Lie Wins rates 4.0 stars on Goodreads and 4.3 stars on Amazon. The novel appeared on Amazon's "Most Sold Fiction" list for 62 weeks, and was on the New York Times Best Seller list for 16 weeks. Also, it was Reese's Book Club selection and Book of the Month selection for January 2024.

Literary critics have praised Elston's masterful storytelling, her ability to create complex and nuanced characters, and her exploration of the psychological depths of deception.

Reader reviews have been equally enthusiastic, with many praising the novel's gripping plot, unexpected twists, and the emotional resonance of its themes.

 

My Impression of First Lie Wins

This is my first bad review for a book, and I just can't believe it's THIS book. First Lie Wins was said to be thrilling and shocking, but really it has a few exciting bumps and then comes to a screeching halt before anything thrilling happens. For a debut thriller novel, I really hope Ashley Elston goes back to YA (although, those might be bad too).

Let me just say simply, this book was not worth the hype. I am disappointed because it was Reese's pick and a BOTM choice, yet it was a quick fizzle and burn, and really all over the place. Maybe the people in charge of picking the thriller are just people who don't read thrillers? I'm not sure what to think about that, but I don't think I will be looking to these two sources for good reads anymore.

The book started out very twisty and thrilling, had all the gears in my head turning quickly trying to figure out what was going on. I even made a note that said, "You know a book is going to be good when you say WTF out loud within the first 15 pages." Which I think is generally true, but not in this case. Once I found out what was really going on, I still had hope that our main character and her shadiness was going to lead to something gripping, but unfortunately I was unsatisfied throughout it all. The author tried for some unforeseen twists along the way, which were a good effort, but the direction she took the story after the incredible foundation she laid down for it I just didn't like.

I like it when a book starts off crazy. I like it when the crazy starts early and it makes me adjust in my seat and really pay attention. This book did do that, but story I was then seeking never came to light. I can tell you want I wanted this book to be after reading the first few chapters. I wanted Evie to be some secret spy who was spying on her boyfriend (half right), but spent the whole novel dodging his shadiness with her shadiness and in the end they would either kill each other or marry each other.

I wanted this to stay within the fake/real relationship Elston built between Evie and Ryan. I was way more interested in that story than I was the big scheme that was built around that.

I think this story of Evie being some secret information-getter and dirty job-doer could have been great with some better direction. I think Elston needed to choose between all of Evie's past stories and how she uses them against her boss, or doing all of that to then take down her boyfriend. The book definitely would have been better had she chosen one way or another, and not set up the story to be both and a big disappointment in one of the aspects.

I had hoped that the ending would make up for the displeasing middle, but it really didn't get better. Some unexpected things happened, and the Evie did come out on top, but towards the end a bunch of new information kept coming all at once, and that killed any thrill that it could have brought to the story.

A few things I did like about this book were all of the secrets and Evie's fake/real relationship with Ryan. I liked the snideness with Evie had with Ryan's friends and I liked the sneaking around Evie did for all of her jobs. Like a lot of thriller readers, I am attracted to a shady female main character with a crooked past and a dishonest demeanor. A girl with a past and a plan make for an intriguing story. I just wish the execution of Evie's character had been better.

Conclusion

With all of that said, I am just a blogger, and not someone who would tell you what not to read. If you're intrigued by the captivating world of First Lie Wins and  want to experience the thrill of unraveling its intricate web of deception, grab your copy of First Lie Wins here.

If you are a fan of suspense and thriller novels, and if you appreciate well-crafted narratives that challenge your perceptions and keep you guessing until the very end, check out these other reads as well:

Other Recommendations 

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides