By Book Club Team 
First Lie Wins is a twisty, psychological thriller centered on family secrets, manipulation, and survival. The story follows two sisters, Sadie and Nora, who grew up in a family where deception was more than a skill—it was a way of life. Trained by their con-artist father, they learned early on how to read people, find their vulnerabilities, and use those weaknesses to their advantage.
| Author | Ashley Elston |
| Publication date | January 2, 2024 |
| Goodreads Rating | 4.03 |
| Pages | 340 |
| ISBN | 0593492919 |
| Topics | Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Suspense, Adult, Contemporary, Crime |
First Lie Wins Book Summary
First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston dives deep into a psychological, suspenseful world where secrets and deception rule. The story follows two sisters, Sadie and Nora, who’ve got a knack for hustling—and not the casual kind. These sisters are professional con artists, raised to manipulate and outsmart by their father, who’s a master of the con game himself.
When their father goes missing under mysterious circumstances, Sadie and Nora are forced to team up to unravel his secrets and discover what he was up to before he disappeared. As they dig deeper, they uncover layers of betrayal and manipulation they never saw coming, and their own bond is tested as they’re forced to question everything they thought they knew about their family—and each other.
It’s got that juicy combo of family drama, suspense, and mind games. If your book club loves a story that keeps you second-guessing and asking who you can trust, this one’s perfect. Plus, it raises those deep questions about family loyalty versus self-preservation—stuff that really hits home.
First Lie Wins Book Review
One of the best aspects of First Lie Wins is how Elston develops her characters—Sadie and Nora are complex, flawed, and relatable in their own ways, making it easy to understand their motives even when they’re making morally gray choices. The sibling dynamic is spot-on, with a mix of love, rivalry, and resentment that adds depth to the story. The tension between them escalates as they dig deeper into their father’s secrets, and you can feel the stakes getting higher with every twist.
The pacing is great, balancing action and character development so well that it’s nearly impossible to put down. And the twists? Just when you think you’ve figured out what’s coming, Elston throws in a curveball that keeps the suspense alive. If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers, mysteries with a family twist, or just love stories where everyone has something to hide, First Lie Wins is a fantastic choice. It’s smart, intense, and leaves you questioning who you’d trust in a family where lying is second nature.
First Lie Wins Age Rating
First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston is her debut adult novel, marking a shift from her previous young adult works. While it doesn’t have an official age rating, readers have noted that it contains mature themes, including crime, deception, and morally complex characters. Some readers have mentioned that the book includes language and scenes that might be more suitable for adults.
First Lie Wins Characters
Here’s a list of the key characters in First Lie Wins:
- Evie Porter (Lucca Marino): The protagonist, a skilled con artist operating under various aliases, with her real name being Lucca Marino.
- Ryan Sumner: Evie’s boyfriend and target, a wealthy businessman with hidden dealings.
- Mr. Smith (George): Evie’s enigmatic employer who assigns her covert missions.
- Amy Holder: A figure from Evie’s past assignments, whose supposed death becomes a pivotal plot point.
- Devon: A tech expert and Evie’s trusted ally, assisting her in navigating complex situations.
- Rachel Murray: A lawyer and long-time friend of Ryan, who becomes suspicious of Evie’s true identity.
- George: Mr. Smith’s deliveryman and Evie’s friend, later revealed to be Mr. Smith himself.
- James Bernard: Ryan’s friend, who is romantically involved with an imposter posing as Lucca Marino.
- Lucca Marino (Imposter): A woman hired by Mr. Smith to impersonate Evie’s real identity, complicating Evie’s mission.
- Andrew Marshall: A political figure whom Evie was hired to infiltrate during a previous job.
- Victor Connolly: Head of one of the largest crime families, connected to Evie’s missions.
- Cameron Mitchell: A football coach who had previously worked with Mr. Smith.
These characters create a suspenseful story filled with deception, hidden motives, and surprising twists!