A Book A Week

After relishing my previous read and taking my time with it, I sought a book that would immediately captivate me. While I didn't have a particular title in mind, I yearned for a page-turner that I could effortlessly consume within a few hours. That's when I stumbled upon Ashley Elston's First Lie Wins, her inaugural foray into adult fiction after establishing herself as a YA author. Let me tell you, this book delivers a powerful punch. Several of my book-blogging friends had been enjoying it for the past month, and having experienced it myself, it's evident why. With brisk chapters, alternating timelines, and a plot rife with twists and turns, it offers precisely the kind of enthralling read I was in the mood for.

Revealing too much about this story would rob you of the excitement of discovering it for yourself. In fact, even the publisher's summary provides more details than necessary. The narrative revolves around Evie Porter, a charming Southern girl whose life appears to be the epitome of perfection. Her relationship with her wealthy businessman boyfriend has rapidly evolved, and they've decided to take the plunge into the next chapter by moving into a flawless home together. Evie has met his circle of friends, a group of affluent socialites in their own right, and is eager to embark on this new phase of her life. There's only one problem—Evie Porter doesn't actually exist. 

Ashley Elston's First Lie Wins immediately captivated me with its ability to forge a connection with a character about whom I initially knew little. As the truth about Evie Porter emerged, my intrigue deepened, and I grew more fond of the character. Elston employs a brisk pace, seamlessly transitioning between past and present, offering morsels of information that tantalizingly foreshadow events to come. The narrative's clever plotting drew me in, and while some suspension of disbelief is required, the thrill of the twists overshadowed any minor concerns. First Lie Wins is one of the most inventively plotted thrillers I've read this year. Elston doesn't attempt to make the book more than it is, delivering all the thrills, character revelations, and shocking twists that thriller enthusiasts crave. This was a delightful read, and I eagerly anticipate Elston's future ventures into this genre.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 15)