When you pick up “First Lie Wins” by Ashley Elston, buckle up—you’re in for one heck of a ride. This whip-smart thriller marks Elston’s foray into adult fiction after penning several young adult novels, and boy, does she come out swinging. With more twists and turns than a country back road, this book will keep you guessing until the very last page.
The Chameleon at the Center
At the heart of this rollercoaster is Evie Porter, a woman who’s perfected the art of blending in. She’s got the whole Southern belle thing down pat—the perfect boyfriend, the white picket fence, the garden that would make any green thumb jealous. But here’s the kicker: Evie Porter doesn’t actually exist.
Evie is just the latest in a long line of identities created by our protagonist, whose real name… well, that’s complicated. She’s a chameleon, slipping in and out of lives like you or I might change outfits. Her current mission? Get close to Ryan Sumner, a seemingly ordinary guy who’s caught the attention of her mysterious boss, Mr. Smith.
But as our girl starts to dig into Ryan’s life, something unexpected happens. She starts to feel… things. Real things. And that’s when the cracks start to show in her carefully constructed facade.
A Dance of Deception
Elston’s writing is like a well-choreographed dance, each step revealing just enough to keep you on your toes without giving away the whole routine. The pacing is spot-on, ramping up the tension with each chapter until you’re flipping pages faster than a cards dealer in Vegas.
What really sets “First Lie Wins” apart is the complexity of its characters. Our protagonist isn’t your typical heroine. She’s done some questionable things, made some morally gray choices. But Elston has this knack for making you root for her anyway. You find yourself holding your breath, hoping she’ll make it out okay, even as you’re questioning every move she makes.
And Ryan? Oh boy. Just when you think you’ve got him figured out, Elston throws another curveball. The chemistry between him and our protagonist is electric, making their scenes together crackle with tension—both romantic and suspenseful.
A Web of Secrets
As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that nothing and no one is quite what they seem. Elston weaves a intricate web of secrets, lies, and hidden agendas that’ll have you second-guessing everything you thought you knew.
The introduction of “Lucca Marino” – a woman claiming to be our protagonist’s true identity – adds another layer of intrigue to an already complex plot. It’s like watching a high-stakes game of chess, with moves and countermoves that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat.
Echoes of the Past
One of the most fascinating aspects of “First Lie Wins” is how Elston gradually reveals our protagonist’s backstory. Through flashbacks and memories, we get glimpses of the events that shaped her into the person she is today. It’s like putting together a jigsaw puzzle, each piece revealing a bit more of the bigger picture.
These glimpses into the past add depth to our protagonist’s character, making her more than just a skilled liar. You start to understand the why behind her actions, even if you don’t always agree with them.
A Southern Twist
Elston’s Southern roots shine through in her vivid descriptions of small-town life. From the gossipy neighbors to the importance of appearances, she nails the unique culture of the American South. It’s like a character in itself, adding flavor and context to the story.
But don’t let the charming setting fool you – underneath the sweet tea and Southern hospitality lies a dark undercurrent of danger and deceit. It’s this contrast that makes the setting so effective, ramping up the tension as our protagonist tries to maintain her cover in a town where everyone knows everyone else’s business.
The Big Reveal
Without giving too much away (because trust me, you want to experience this for yourself), the climax of “First Lie Wins” is a masterclass in suspense writing. Elston brings all the threads together in a way that’s both surprising and satisfying. It’s the kind of ending that’ll have you going back to reread earlier chapters, picking up on all the clever foreshadowing you missed the first time around.
Comparisons and Contrasts
If you’re a fan of authors like Gillian Flynn or Paula Hawkins, you’ll find a lot to love in “First Lie Wins”. Elston shares their talent for creating complex, morally ambiguous female protagonists and intricate plots that keep you guessing.
However, Elston brings her own unique voice to the genre. Her background in young adult fiction shows in her accessible, engaging writing style. She has a knack for creating tension without relying on graphic violence or excessive gore, making this a great pick for readers who like their thrillers on the less brutal side.
A Step Up from YA
For readers familiar with Elston’s young adult works like “The Rules for Disappearing” or “This Is Our Story”, “First Lie Wins” represents a significant evolution in her writing. While her YA novels showcased her ability to craft suspenseful plots, this adult debut allows her to explore more complex themes and characters.
The shift to adult fiction gives Elston the freedom to delve into darker territory, examining the long-term consequences of a life built on lies. It’s a mature, nuanced take on identity and morality that shows real growth as a writer.
Room for Improvement?
If I had to nitpick, there were a couple of moments where the plot relied a bit heavily on coincidence. But honestly? In a story this twisty and engaging, I was more than willing to suspend my disbelief.
Some readers might also find the number of identities and double-crosses a bit overwhelming at times. But stick with it – Elston does a great job of bringing everything together in a way that makes sense by the end.
Final Thoughts
“First Lie Wins” is the kind of book that’ll have you calling in sick to work just so you can finish it. It’s a page-turner in the truest sense of the word, with a protagonist you can’t help but root for, even as you question her every move.
Elston has crafted a thriller that’s smart, sexy, and surprising. It’s the perfect beach read, airplane read, stay-up-way-too-late read. Heck, it’s the perfect read for pretty much any situation where you want to lose yourself in a story that’ll keep you guessing until the very end.
For a debut adult novel, “First Lie Wins” is impressively polished and assured. It’s clear that Elston’s experience in YA has honed her storytelling skills to a razor-sharp edge. If this is what she can do with her first adult thriller, I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.
In the crowded field of psychological thrillers, “First Lie Wins” stands out as a fresh, exciting new voice. It’s a book that’ll stick with you long after you’ve turned the last page, leaving you questioning the nature of identity and the lies we tell ourselves and others.
So go ahead, pick up “First Lie Wins”. Just don’t blame me if you end up staying up all night to finish it. Trust me, it’s worth the lack of sleep.