First Lie Wins: The No. 1 New York Times bestseller and Sunday Times Thriller of the Month

Rating: 3.5/5 First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston is a fast-paced mystery that delivers an entertaining read, though it doesn't quite venture into full thriller territory. The story moves quickly, keeping you engaged, and features an intriguing protagonist, Evie, whose narration adds personality and depth to the narrative. Evie’s character is well-rounded, with an interesting backstory that helps ground the story in her perspective. I appreciated how both main characters were portrayed with shades of good and bad, making them feel more human and relatable. Elston doesn’t shy away from showing their flaws, which added complexity to the narrative. The twists in the plot were a highlight—I didn’t see some of them coming, which made for a fun and surprising experience. However, the story’s believability suffered in parts, with the plot occasionally feeling unrealistic. Additionally, there wasn’t quite enough detail about Evie’s work or the organization she’s tied to, leaving some aspects of the story feeling underdeveloped. Despite its flaws, First Lie Wins is an enjoyable mystery that’s perfect for readers who love fast-paced, character-driven stories. While it’s not without its shortcomings, it’s a fun ride that keeps you guessing until the end.

This book is an absolute page turner. It's written in such a clever way, linking all the pieces together. It's easy to read yet so sophisticated. I loved everything about this book and the twists and turns just keep coming. Highly recommend thus book.

Wow! What a cracker of a book. Just wow. Written so well and the story is just incredible. I'm looking forward to the inevitable TV series and hope it does this masterpiece justice.