A review by dogoodwithbooks
First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston

dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Didn't know what to expect going into this book, but it definitely lived up to the hype. Every time I picked up this book, I was given curveball after curveball as you untangle the complicated webs that surround Evie and her line of work. This type of intricacy could throw off some readers, but I felt that Elston did a great job with executing the unraveling of Evie's career with Mr. Smith and what she ultimately wants from her life. Wanting to know what happens next, this is the kind of book you can get lost in. 

Evie was an interesting main character and I think she's the perfect narrator for readers who want morally grey woman MCs and don't mind the idea of FMCs getting their hands dirty. I also felt that Elston was thorough with the overall development of Evie's character, especially when you get flashbacks into why Evie got into her line of work and her experiences working for Mr. Smith before the events of First Lie Wins. Though there were few side characters, I thought that the side characters that were there truly made an impact with examining these different sides of Evie as well as stand out on their own. 

For readers looking for intricately-webbed thrillers with a morally grey FMC that will leave you guessing until the very end, this is a book you should keep your eye on. 
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