First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston was published in January 2024. The novel is a fast-paced thriller that is engaging and exciting. First Lie Wins had everything I would hope for in a mystery/thriller novel: morally gray but lovable characters, drama, and action.
The book follows Evie Porter and her seemingly perfect life in Louisiana; she has a wealthy boyfriend and a lavish country lifestyle. However, Evie Porter is a fake persona, and she has been sent here for her job by her mysterious boss, Mr. Smith. The mystery unfolds from the very start, and the more the novel reveals about Evie Porter and her life as a con artist, the more mysterious the book becomes. Her mark is her boyfriend, and as she dives into his world of secrets and deception to carry out her mission, she also grapples with the fact that she might have genuine feelings for him. Reading a con artist’s perspective was fascinating. As the novel went on, the I found myself rooting for Evie, and her boyfriend as well, even though they’re not necessarily the “good guys,” more like morally gray characters.
I had high expectations going into this book, as it is a Reese’s Book Club pick (Reese Witherspoon’s book club) and highly rated on Goodreads. Many enjoyed this book and it was nominated for Goodreads Readers’ Favorite Mystery and Thriller of 2024. It is also called “a genuine page-turner” by Kirkus Reviews. This novel exceeded my expectations.
I found this book so engaging because, from the first to the last chapter, I was on the edge of my seat waiting for what was going to happen. The novel does not reveal the full truth of every character until the end; it just kept me guessing and guessing. Every character is written so well, the main and side characters, so I felt very connected to the story I was reading.
This is the debut adult novel for young adult author Ashley Elston. Although this is categorized as an adult novel, I would recommend this book to young adult readers as well. I would advise young adult readers that the novel does contain explicit language, drugs and alcohol, but it is not overly gory, violent, or sexually explicit. Although there are some heavier themes, like death and grief, the novel is overall very fun and exciting.
I would recommend this book to people who do not often read leisurely. When I was reading this, I honestly felt like I was watching a suspenseful action-thriller movie or show.