“Everything she is about to tell them is a lie…

Evie Porter has everything a girl could want: a doting boyfriend, a house with a picket fence, a fun group of friends.

The only catch: Evie Porter doesn’t exist.

First comes the identity. Once she’s given a name and location by her employer, 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. For Evie, this job feels different. Ryan has gotten under her skin and she’s started to picture another kind of life for herself – one where her boss doesn’t pull the strings. But Evie can’t make any mistakes. Because the one thing she’s worked her entire life to keep clean, the one identity she could always go back to – her real identity – just walked right into this town. A woman, who looks just like her, has stolen her name – and she wants more. As Evie’s past begins to catch up with her, can she stay one step ahead to save her future?”

Hello and welcome to damppebbles. Today I am delighted to share my review of First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston. First Lie Wins was published by Headline Books on 2nd January 2024 and is available in hardcover, audio and digital formats with the paperback to follow. I chose to read a free eARC of First Lie Wins but that has in no way influenced my review.

Evie Porter is a ghost. She’s recently moved in with her handsome, charming boyfriend, Ryan Sumner. She’s getting to know the quaint little town where she now lives, in her new picturesque house, as well as having to deal with Ryan’s somewhat overprotective friends. But Evie Porter doesn’t really exist. Nor did Wendy Wallace, or Regina Hale or Mia Bianchi. Evie is given a job to complete by her boss. She does what’s necessary and then she’s gone, onto the next identity and the next job. But this job feels different. When an old friend of Ryan’s turns up in town with a new girlfriend, Evie is stunned to discover the woman’s name. Because it’s her name. The name no one else knows. The more she questions the woman about her past, the more unnerved Evie becomes. Because this woman isn’t from Eden, North Carolina. Evie is. And this woman’s mother didn’t pass away when she was in high school from cancer. Evie’s did. It’s like looking in a mirror, same eye colour, same complexion, same hair. But this is only the start of a game of nerves. The first move in a thrilling game of cat and mouse. And to make sure Evie survives this deadly game, she needs to stay one step ahead…

First Lie Wins is an exciting, compulsive, thrilling read that is nigh on impossible to put down for any length of time. It’s gripping, immersive and totally addictive from the highly intriguing start to the riveting, edge-of-your-seat conclusion. What a book! It’s full of energy, there is always something happening and the suspense is written so well, you will find it impossible to tear yourself away from Evie’s terrifying, tricksy world. Her entire life, her personal interactions – they’re all lies! But then she meets her next mark, Ryan Sumner. Evie needs to remember that Ryan isn’t as perfect as he looks on the outside and has dark secrets of his own. After all, that’s why she’s been sent after him! But spending time with Ryan (and his suspicious friends) whilst waiting for her next instruction from her boss, isn’t so bad. Ryan owns a luxurious house he inherited from his grandparents, so Evie gets to play house whilst reminding herself that Ryan is definitely her future. There is no future there. He’s the mark. First Lie Wins is such a thrilling read, probably the most exciting book I’ve read in a while and I loved it!

Would I recommend this book? I would, yes. If you’re a fan of fast-paced, psychological thrillers then First Lie Wins is an absolute must-read. It’s so clever, with tight, punchy plotting, and twists and turns galore. You never really know exactly what’s going on but that adds so much to the appeal of the book. Who can you trust? Evie? Ryan? Certainly not the mysterious boss, Mr Smith, who is pulling all of the strings. A whirlwind of a novel. So much fun, so utterly captivating, a true page-turner without a doubt. The characters are so well-written, I fully believed in them all. The ominous, all-seeing Mr Smith. Whip-smart, wily Evie with her shrewd, quick thinking. Devon, the hired help whose technological know-how knows no bounds, and Ryan with his own secrets who can’t help but fall for a woman who doesn’t exist. The plot is fast paced and thrilling from the moment you crack the spine. My notes for this book include ‘chapter two – WTF??!!!!!!!’. When you get a reaction like that, you know you’re onto a winner, right? All in all, I loved First Lie Wins! An early contender for my book of the year. Hugely gripping, full of irresistible suspense, pitch-perfect plotting all wrapped up in a thrilling, high energy read. More please, Ms Elston! Highly recommended.

I chose to read and review a free eARC of First Lie Wins. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.

First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston was published in the UK by Headline Books on 2nd January 2024 and is available in hardcover, audio and digital formats with the paperback to follow (please note, the following links are affiliate links which means I receive a small percentage of the purchase price at no extra cost to you): | amazon.co.uk | Waterstones | Foyles | bookshop.org | Goodreads | damppebbles bookshop.org shop | damppebbles amazon.co.uk shop | damppebbles amazon.com shop |

Ashley Elston lives is North Louisiana with her husband and three sons. She worked as a wedding and portrait photographer for ten years until she decided to pursue writing full time. Ashley is also a certified landscape horticulturist and loves digging in the dirt. Her debut novel, THE RULES FOR DISAPPEARING was published by Disney Hyperion in 2013 and was a finalist in the Best Young Adult category of the International Thriller Writers Awards.