Books First Lie Wins: Reese's Book Club: A Novel Book by Ashley Elston

First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston is a psychological thriller that follows Evie Porter, a skilled con artist who adopts new identities for high-stakes assignments given by a mysterious figure known as Mr. Smith. In this story, Evie targets Ryan Sumner, a seemingly upstanding businessman with a hidden side, by infiltrating his life under the guise of a perfect Southern girlfriend.

Evie is adept at maintaining her fabricated persona, carefully navigating Ryan's social circle while concealing her true past. The tension escalates when Evie encounters a woman who looks exactly like her and claims to be Lucca Marino—Evie’s actual name—accompanied by one of Ryan’s old friends. This meeting threatens to unravel Evie's carefully constructed life as her past identity resurfaces.

The novel weaves between Evie's present infiltration and flashbacks to her previous aliases and assignments, revealing the dangerous and complex world she inhabits. As Evie grows closer to Ryan, she discovers he may also have secrets, including illicit dealings linked to his trucking business. Meanwhile, she uncovers that Mr. Smith might have betrayed her, putting her life at risk.

Ultimately, Evie teams up with Amy Holder and suspected allies to confront Mr. Smith’s manipulations and takes control of the shadowy empire he built. The story blends suspense, deception, and emotional stakes centered on identity, trust, and survival.

Themes include deception and trust, identity and reinvention, betrayal and redemption, and the cost of living a life built on lies.

The novel is praised for its fast-paced plot, complex characters, and surprising twists, keeping readers on edge as Evie fights to protect her past and secure her future.

Recommended for readers who enjoy psychological thrillers, suspense, and stories about hidden identities and secrets.

1 BOOK