First Lie Wins Summary, Review, and Characters

First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston is a twisty thriller that follows Evelyn Porter—a woman with a fake name, a mysterious job, and a past she’s desperate to keep hidden. Tasked by her enigmatic boss, Mr. Smith, to infiltrate the life of her mark, Ryan Sumner, Evelyn’s carefully constructed lies start to unravel. As real feelings for Ryan develop and her dangerous past resurfaces, Evelyn must stay ahead of her enemies while navigating a web of deceit, betrayal, and revenge. Packed with secrets, suspense, and unexpected twists, this fast-paced novel delivers a thrilling ride to its satisfying conclusion.

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 is a sharp and suspenseful psychological thriller that plunges readers into a world of deception, secrets, and high-stakes danger. The story follows Evelyn Porter, a woman who has mastered the art of living under assumed identities. Her current life is far from ordinary—she works for a shadowy figure known only as Mr. Smith, carrying out covert assignments where manipulation and lies are her primary tools. Evelyn thrives in this morally gray existence, as it allows her to escape her own dark and painful past.

Evelyn’s newest mission takes her into the orbit of Ryan Sumner, a wealthy and charismatic man with secrets of his own. Her task is simple on the surface: infiltrate his life, gain his trust, and execute her employer’s cryptic agenda. But as Evelyn gets closer to Ryan, something unexpected happens—she begins to care for him. For someone like Evelyn, whose life is built on manipulation and pretense, genuine feelings are not only rare but dangerous.

As her lies grow deeper, Evelyn finds herself trapped between the life she’s carefully constructed and the fragile reality she begins to yearn for. To make matters worse, her hidden past—a chaotic web of betrayal, loss, and revenge—starts to resurface, threatening to unravel everything. And Ryan, far from being the clueless target she anticipated, may be harboring secrets that could rival her own.

The story accelerates as Evelyn struggles to stay one step ahead of her enemies, including the enigmatic Mr. Smith, whose motives are as opaque as his instructions. With every twist and turn, Evelyn’s choices become more fraught, blurring the line between predator and prey. Can she uncover the truth before her own lies consume her? Or will her past finally catch up to her, putting everything and everyone she cares about in jeopardy?

First Lie Wins is a fast-paced, intricately plotted thriller that keeps readers on edge until the final revelation. It delves into themes of identity, trust, survival, and the moral complexities of living in the shadows. Ashley Elston crafts a compelling narrative with morally ambiguous characters, jaw-dropping twists, and an ending that will leave readers questioning everything they thought they knew.

First Lie Wins Book Review

Ashley Elston’s First Lie Wins is an exhilarating psychological thriller that delivers a masterclass in suspense, deception, and emotional depth. This story is as addictive as it is unpredictable, pulling readers into the morally complex life of Evelyn Porter—a woman who lives by her wits, lies, and an unrelenting drive to survive.

From the opening pages, Elston masterfully immerses us in Evelyn’s clandestine world. Evelyn is an incredibly compelling protagonist, flawed yet deeply human, as she balances her dangerous assignments for the shadowy Mr. Smith with her haunting, traumatic past. The nuanced portrayal of her inner conflict—between her hardened exterior and the flickers of vulnerability she allows herself to feel—keeps readers emotionally invested while the action barrels forward at breakneck speed.

The dynamic between Evelyn and Ryan Sumner is a standout element of the book. Ryan, initially appearing as Evelyn’s unwitting target, grows increasingly complex as the story unfolds. Their connection is a taut interplay of attraction, suspicion, and mutual deceit, making their relationship feel electrifying yet fragile.

Elston’s writing is sharp and cinematic, with vivid descriptions and dialogue that crackles with tension. The plot twists are genuinely jaw-dropping, skillfully executed to keep readers guessing. Just when you think you’ve figured out where the story is heading, Elston pulls the rug out from under you—again and again.

Beyond its edge-of-your-seat thrills, First Lie Wins also delves into thought-provoking themes. It explores the cost of living a life of lies, the blurred lines between good and evil, and the lengths to which people will go to protect their secrets—or their freedom. The emotional stakes are just as high as the physical ones, making this a story that resonates on multiple levels.

While the pacing is relentless in the best way, some readers might wish for a bit more time to linger in the quieter, more introspective moments of Evelyn’s journey. But this is a minor critique in an otherwise stellar novel.

In short, First Lie Wins is a must-read for fans of gripping, twist-filled thrillers with morally complex characters and high emotional stakes. Ashley Elston proves once again that she’s a master of the genre, crafting a story that will leave you breathless and eager to discuss every twist and turn long after you’ve turned the last page.

First Lie Wins Age Rating

The suggested age rating for First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston would likely be 16+. Here’s why:

• Themes: The book deals with morally complex situations, deception, and darker themes like crime and trauma, which may be best suited for older teens and adults.
• Violence: As a psychological thriller, there may be moments of danger or violence that could be intense for younger readers.
• Language: Some strong language might be present, in line with the tone of the genre.
• Mature Content: There could be references to adult relationships or situations that require a mature perspective.

Overall, it’s a gripping read for older teens and adults who enjoy twisty, character-driven thrillers.

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!

Is First Lie Wins worth reading?

Yes, First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston is definitely worth reading, especially if you’re a fan of psychological thrillers with sharp twists and morally gray characters. Here’s why:

• Complex Characters: Syd is a fascinating protagonist—flawed, clever, and deeply relatable. Her emotional struggles add depth to the story.
• Intriguing Plot: The plot keeps you guessing, with unexpected revelations and a tension-filled game of deception.
• Emotional Core: Beyond the lies and schemes, the story explores themes of trust, family, and self-discovery, giving it emotional resonance.
• Quick Pace: The book doesn’t waste time—each chapter pulls you deeper into its web of mystery.

If you enjoy thrillers that make you think and feel, First Lie Wins is a solid pick! Plus, Ashley Elston has a talent for crafting stories that balance suspense with heart, making it a compelling read from start to finish.