First Lie Wins: Reese’s Book Club : A Novel – Ashley Elston

Evie Porter seems to have it all: a charming boyfriend, a picture-perfect life, and a tight-knit community. But nothing about her is real. She’s a master of disguise, crafted by a shadowy figure known only as Mr. Smith, who assigns her identities, targets, and missions. When her latest job involves Ryan Sumner, a man who seems too good to be true, Evie’s carefully constructed world begins to unravel. As she navigates a dangerous game of deception, she must confront her past mistakes and outwit those who want her silenced.

The story shifts between timelines, revealing Evie’s origins as Lucca Marino, a desperate teen turned cunning con artist. Her assignments grow increasingly risky, blurring the lines between her fabricated personas and her true self. Ryan’s unexpected vulnerability forces her to question her loyalty to Mr. Smith, but trusting the wrong person could be fatal. Elston weaves a tangled web of secrets, where every clue feels like a red herring and no one is who they seem.

Fans of twisty psychological thrillers will relish the breakneck pacing and clever misdirection. Evie’s voice is sharp and relatable, even as she walks a moral tightrope. The stakes escalate relentlessly, with stakes involving stolen identities, hidden motives, and a shocking betrayal that redefines the game. Elston’s prose keeps the tension taut, balancing action with introspection about what it means to lose—and reclaim—yourself.

The novel explores themes of reinvention and survival, asking how far someone will go to escape their past. Supporting characters, like the enigmatic Devon and the ruthless Mr. Smith, add layers of intrigue, but Evie remains the magnetic center. Her journey is as much about self-discovery as it is about survival, making the story resonate long after the final twist.

Critics and readers alike have praised First Lie Wins for its originality and heart-pounding suspense. It’s a story that demands to be devoured in one sitting, perfect for fans of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo or Gone Girl , but with a fresh voice and unforgettable protagonist.