A review by saarahnina
First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston

4.0

"First Lie Wins" by Ashley Elston is a captivating adult spy-thriller that skillfully weaves together themes of friendship, trust, and the complexity of human relationships. The story follows a woman who has multiple false identities over her life and the missions she carries out with those identities and the people she meets along the way. As the characters navigate the treacherous game of deceit, readers are drawn into a world of suspense and intrigue.

One of the standout qualities of the novel is Elston's ability to create multi-dimensional characters. Each character, is thoughtfully explored, adding depth to the narrative and highlighting the intricate nature of human relationships, friendships and rivalries.

If you are looking for relatable characters, with insecurities and personal traumas, this book is not the one. But if you’re looking for a Girl Boss, who is not always likeable, but has a whole lot of confidence, this book will serve your needs.

The plot unfolds at a brisk pace, keeping readers engaged from start to finish. Elston's writing is clear and evocative, effectively drawing readers into the characters' world and conveying the tension and uncertainty that permeates the story. Elston masterfully crafts a sense of unease and suspicion, keeping readers guessing as they attempt to unravel the truth alongside the characters.

While some elements of the plot may follow familiar tropes, the execution and pacing make "First Lie Wins" a satisfying read. The novel offers a compelling exploration of the consequences of dishonesty and the power dynamics at play within a group of rather mysterious or “shady” individuals.

Reading this book, I learned a lot of “dos and don’ts” for living a life on the run, or living undercover. (Hey, it could happen to me!) I was impressed with the cleverness and so many times I underestimated the heroine.

I received this book from Netgalley for review consideration. All opinions are my own and completely honest.