Book Review: First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston

Written by Safa Alhassan 

First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston is the only thriller I’ve enjoyed this much in such a long time. I wasn’t disappointed at all because it honestly felt like I was watching a movie. I couldn’t predict a lot of what was going to happen, and the surprises didn’t all come at once. They were spaced out perfectly, so the story was never boring or tiring. What initially caught my attention was the title. I couldn’t figure out what it meant, and that intrigued me because thrillers are a genre I love, but unfortunately, many fail to meet my expectations. So from the first page, I was completely captivated. I kept reading and reading, eager to see what would happen next. Funny enough, I was reading this book simultaneously with another one, I think it was an African novel, though I can’t quite remember the title. It felt like I was caught between two worlds, and that was an exciting new experience for me.

At some point, the book started feeling playful, like I was solving a puzzle. And I don’t mean playful in a childish sense. I mean it was exciting, and I had an adrenaline rush as I tried to figure out who the culprits were. I was blown away multiple times, and I loved every second of it. I don’t want to give too much away because I really believe you should read it for yourself. I avoided reading the book jacket entirely, especially because it’s a thriller, and I wanted to be swept away without knowing any spoilers. And swept away I was.

The writing was solid. The author’s choice of words was simple, which I liked because it made the book easy to follow. The flow wasn’t perfect at times, but you wouldn’t even notice that because the plot and the story were so captivating.

The book is about Evie Porter, a woman living a fake life, one that would have been perfect if it were real with a man named Ryan Sumner. Ryan comes from a good home and is well-to-do, and he loves Evie. But the twist is that Evie doesn’t actually exist. She works for a boss who constantly gives her new identities to carry out his dirty work. What I loved most was her relationship with Ryan. The real twist begins at a party, where a woman shows up claiming to be Evie, using her real name, telling her whole story, and impersonating her! That’s when the intensity kicks in, and you’re left wide-eyed, wondering how it will all unfold.

If you’re a lover of thrillers, this book is impressive. And if you’re looking to try new genres, I’d definitely recommend starting with this one. It’s refreshing, unpredictable, and full of surprises that will have you gasping. It’s one of those books that will keep you on your toes with each turn of the page. It’s perfect for a quiet weekend because it will keep your mind very busy.

Thrillers, in general, are such a fascinating genre because of their intense, mysterious nature. They pull you into a world of suspense and make you feel like you’re right there solving the mystery alongside the characters. You never know what’s coming next, and that makes them incredibly exciting. If you enjoy the adrenaline rush of piecing together clues and being surprised, then a good thriller is always the way to go.

That being said, it’s also important to step outside your comfort zone and explore other genres as well. Sometimes, you can find hidden gems in stories you wouldn’t usually pick up. For me, reading First Lie Wins alongside an African book opened up a new way of experiencing different worlds at once, and I loved it. It reminded me that there's something valuable in every genre, and we shouldn't limit ourselves to just one.

First Lie Wins is my first Ashley Elston book and i wouldn’t mind exploring other books she have written. I loved this one and would totally recommend it 101%. It’s an exciting, thrilling read, and I’m sure you’ll love it too.