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A review by heresyourletter
First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I would describe this as a "cozy thriller", much like the style of Hallmark movies. It was an easy read and enjoyable for the most part, with lots of plot twists. However, I found it hard to sympathize with some of the characters' decisions. Devon was the only character I liked and I kept wanting the main character to end up with him instead.
I also find it hard to believe that someone who spent the entire book wanting to "get out" of her line of work and have a nice quiet life in a home of her own would then become a spy boss at the end. .
I also find it hard to believe that someone who spent the entire book wanting to "get out" of her line of work and have a nice quiet life in a home of her own would then become a spy boss at the end.
Moderate: Death of parent, Alcohol, Death, Cancer, Car accident, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Murder, Sexual content, Blood, Classism, and Infidelity
Despite being a thriller, the descriptions of violence are very toned down. It's more about the threat of violence than actual violence.
One character is briefly incarcerated and questioned about a crime by police.
One character drinks heavily over the course of several days (and drives home after).
One very brief "closed door" sex scene.
Very brief mention of a character's interest in BDSM.
The main character's mother dies of cancer before the book begins. There are a couple of flashbacks to show her suffering with her terminal illness.
Two characters die in a car accident after the car is tampered with.
Several prominent politicians/judges are filmed in a hotel room with a group of women who are implied to be either exotic dancers or sex workers.
One character threatens to cut off the fingers of another character.
Brief description of a character setting fire to a hotel bed.
One character falls and hits their head on the floor. Brief mention of blood.
It is mentioned that all spies (except 2) were killed by their boss after a mission.
One character is implied to have been killed by an organized crime boss.