First Lie Wins

If you’re in the mood for a sharp, twisty thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat, look no further than Ashley Elston’s First Lie Wins. Recently chosen as a Reese’s Book Club pick, this novel has all the makings of a page-turner: secrets, deception, and a protagonist you can’t quite pin down.

At the heart of the story is Evie Porter — or at least, that’s the name she’s using this time. Evie is a skilled con artist, handpicked by her enigmatic boss, “Mr. Smith,” to slip into new identities and infiltrate the lives of unsuspecting targets. Her latest assignment has her posing as the charming girlfriend in a picture-perfect small-town romance. But when someone from her past suddenly appears, Evie’s carefully constructed façade starts to unravel. For the first time, she might be the one being played.

Elston crafts a narrative full of tension and layered intrigue. The alternating timelines between Evie’s present-day assignment and her past life slowly reveal how she became entangled in this dangerous game. Each chapter peels back another layer, and just when you think you’ve figured out who Evie truly is, Elston throws in another surprise.

What makes this novel stand out is its heroine. Evie is both likable and morally complex — a woman who lies for a living, yet someone readers can’t help but root for. Her voice is sharp, witty, and tinged with vulnerability, making her one of the most compelling protagonists in recent thrillers.

The pacing is brisk, the dialogue snappy, and the plot twists come at just the right moments. Fans of authors like Megan Miranda, Lisa Jewell, or Ruth Ware will feel right at home here. Yet Elston’s style feels fresh, blending psychological suspense with a dash of romance and plenty of clever misdirection.

At just over 300 pages, First Lie Wins is the kind of book you can easily devour in a weekend — and you’ll likely want to. It’s addictive, cinematic, and leaves you thinking about the blurred line between truth and fiction long after the final chapter.

Whether you’re a fan of thrillers or just looking for a book that will grab your attention from the first page, First Lie Wins delivers. It’s no surprise Reese Witherspoon chose it for her book club — this is the kind of story that begs to be discussed, dissected, and recommended to a friend as soon as you finish.

Verdict:

First Lie Wins is a smart, suspenseful ride with a heroine you won’t forget. If you’re ready for a story filled with secrets, deception, and one unforgettable game of cat-and-mouse, add this one to your reading list.