First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston’s delivers a thrilling, twist-filled narrative that will keep readers engaged from start to finish.

Title | First Lie Wins |
Writer | Ashley Elston |
Publisher | Pamela Dorman Books |
Publication date | 2nd January 2024 |
MBR star rating /5 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Genre | Suspense, Mystery & Thriller |
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Synopsis: First Lie Wins
the protagonist, Evie Porter, seems to have everything anyone could want: a devoted boyfriend, a perfect house, and a close-knit circle of friends. However, Evie Porter is not who she appears to be—in fact, she doesn’t exist at all.
Evie is a fabricated identity created for an undercover job, crafted with precision and backed by years of experience. Working for a shadowy employer, her task is simple: take on a new identity, infiltrate the lives of the unsuspecting, and get close to her target, Ryan Sumner. She’s done this many times before, and the routine is familiar. But this job feels different. Ryan isn’t just another mark—he’s someone who has gotten under her skin, forcing Evie to question her life and whether she could build a real future outside of her deceptive world.
As Evie tries to maintain her secret life, things begin to unravel when she meets a stranger who not only resembles her but has also stolen her name. This woman from her past threatens to expose everything Evie has worked so hard to protect, pushing her into a dangerous game of survival. With her carefully constructed identity on the line, Evie must stay ahead of the threats closing in on her, even as her personal and professional worlds collide.
A taut psychological thriller, First Lie Wins explores themes of identity, deception, and the lengths one will go to protect the life they’ve built—even when it’s built on lies. As Evie’s past catches up with her, the stakes rise, and the question remains: Can she escape the tangled web of her own making, or will her carefully constructed world come crashing down?
Review of First Lie Win
readers are introduced to a complex and suspenseful world of shifting identities and dangerous secrets. The novel begins with Evie Porter moving in with her boyfriend, Ryan Sumner, after a dinner with friends. But there’s a problem—Evie Porter is not who she claims to be. From the very start, the story hooks readers with the central premise: the person stepping into this idyllic life is living under an assumed identity, hiding her true self and intentions.

This premise sets the stage for a fast-paced thriller filled with twists and turns. In fact, First Lie Wins is packed with so many unexpected moments that it feels like navigating a maze of deceit, making it difficult to reveal too much without spoiling the surprises. The novel is best experienced with as little foreknowledge as possible, allowing readers to be fully immersed in the rollercoaster of suspense and revelations. Fans of psychological thrillers will appreciate the intricate plot that unravels with the tension of a tightly wound mystery.
One of the standout elements of this novel is its ability to keep readers guessing. Elston’s debut thriller is brimming with twists that feel as layered as a bowl of Fusilli pasta. Just when you think you’ve figured out what’s happening, the narrative takes an unexpected turn. This unpredictability is part of the novel’s charm, making it a must-read for fans of the genre who enjoy being kept on the edge of their seat.
However, while First Lie Wins excels in its plot and pacing, there is one aspect that could have been deepened: the internal landscape of its protagonist, Evie. The story is told entirely from Evie’s perspective, which could have been an opportunity for the author to delve into her inner thoughts and motivations, especially given the novel’s focus on identity and deception. But instead, much of the narrative is action-oriented, and readers are left to infer Evie’s emotional state and psychological depth rather than being explicitly shown it. This can leave some craving a stronger connection with her, as the novel’s twists might have been even more impactful with a richer exploration of her psyche.
Conclusion First Lie Wins
Elston’s storytelling is undeniably gripping, especially for a debut. The book’s cinematic quality—its sharp scenes, quick pacing, and the constant sense of something lurking just beneath the surface—makes it easy to imagine First Lie Wins adapted into a film or television series. But in this format, some readers might find themselves wanting more introspection or internal reflection from the characters, particularly Evie, as her decisions and motivations drive the entire story forward.
Nevertheless, as a debut thriller, First Lie Wins is a strong start to Ashley Elston’s career as a novelist. It delivers a thrilling, twist-filled narrative that will keep readers engaged from start to finish. With its blend of red herrings, high-stakes tension, and identity intrigue, this book is perfect for anyone looking to kick off 2024 with a heart-pounding mystery.

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Above all Keep Safe and treat people fairly.
Mark.