First Lie Wins

A Novel

By: Ashley Elston

Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld

REESE’S BOOK CLUB PICK | #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

“This fast-paced read has everything you could want in a thriller: secret identities, a mysterious boss and a cat & mouse game that kept me guessing the whole way through.”—Reese Witherspoon

Evie Porter has everything a nice Southern girl could want: a doting boyfriend, a house with a white picket fence, a tight group of friends. The only catch: Evie Porter doesn’t exist.

The identity comes first: Evie Porter. Once she’s given a name and location by her mysterious boss, Mr. Smith, she learns everything there is to know about the town and the people in it. Then the mark: Ryan Sumner. The last piece of the puzzle is the job.

Evie isn’t privy to Mr. Smith’s real identity, but she knows this job isn't like the others. Ryan has gotten under her skin, and she’s starting to envision a different sort of life for herself. But Evie can’t make any mistakes—especially after what happened last time.

Evie Porter must stay one step ahead of her past while making sure there's still a future in front of her. The stakes couldn't be higher—but then, Evie has always liked a challenge. . . .

©2024 Ashley Elston (P)2024 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“This fast-paced read has everything you could want in a thriller: secret identities, a mysterious boss and a cat & mouse game that kept me guessing the whole way through.”—Reese Witherspoon (Reese’s Book Club January ’24 Pick)

“A relentless cat-and-mouse thriller. . . This is a classic twist-stuffed suspense for fans who plan to read late into the night.”—Elle

“The cleverly crafted plot and whip-smart protagonist mean you won’t know who to trust in this edge-of-your-seat thriller. . . Riveting.”—Reader's Digest

What’s The lie?

I enjoyed the readers voices, the story was very intriguing, I couldn’t stop listening! This book takes some crazy twists and leaves nothing to question by the end!

Kept my interest!!

Liked the various characters and kept my interest. Not super cheesy like some books in this genre can be—good narration and interesting plot.

Phenomenal all the way through

Can’t say enough about this book. It had everything. Amazing the way the story weaves through different events at different times and is never confusing; just thoroughly enjoyable. Loved it. I’d call it a “must” read/listen.

Love a good twist

The plot just kept getting thicker and thicker. I almost expected something more at the end but this was well executed. I could see this on the big screen! Narrators were awesome.

Worth 5 credits, worth full price! LOVED!

I value time, and my audible time is limited, so I don’t waste it on half thought out books. I haven’t even finished the last 4 or 5 books I have started, and they all had a ton of 5 star reviews. I understand people like different things, but I truly don’t get how so many bad books have so many great reviews. What I’m trying to say it this…This is def NOT one of those books. This had my full, undivided attention from the first word to the last. LOVED it!!! Narration was perfect as well. It’s intelligent, it’s captivating and it’s different! Characters and story line are so well developed, and I loved that it all tied up nicely with a bow at the end. I also appreciated how it was easy to follow, and the characters were easy to follow as well. I can’t say enough about this book…one of the best I have ever listened to on audible. Is it worth a credit? ABSOLUTELY! Is it worth paying full price? YES!! I don’t want to give anything away, so just know this…it’s not the same “missing spouse or child” mystery/suspense book so many authors seem to be stuck writing these days. I guess it’s what sells, but why not something different? This is it! Can’t wait to find more books from this author. Don’t hesitate, just listen!!! And buckle up, you’re in for a ride!!!

It got me…who usually doesn’t happen

This was just the kind of book i was looking for. Modern day cat and mouse, interesting female lead and compelling story that hooked me with a satisfying ending! Just what I needed.

Keeps you hooked from the beginning

Wonderful thriller with lots of twists, definitely took me by surprise - would recommend to anyone that loves mysteries and/or who done its.

Fun read!

Fast paced and filled with mystery. The main character is fun and smart. Finished quickly, couldn’t put it down.

Couldn’t put it down!

This book had me hooked from the beginning and it did not disappoint! Amazing storyline with great narration!

GREAT READ

This story was FANTASTIC! It kept me guessing until the very end. I really enjoyed the characters, along with the narrator.