Book Review | First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston

What happens when your whole life is a lie?

The identity comes first: Evie Porter. Then, her mark: businessman Ryan Sumner. Finally, the job. Evie is a skilled impostor. She slips into fake identities to complete jobs given by her mysterious boss, Mr Smith. But this time it’s different. Is she starting to feel something real with Ryan? Who is the woman threatening Evie’s disguise? And what does Mr Smith actually want?

And once the lie is told, it’s what most people believe to be true. The first lie has to be the strongest. The most important. The one that has to be told.

First Lie Wins is an exciting thriller that reminds me of my favourite spy show, Alias. The book starts with Evie in domestic bliss with her boyfriend Ryan, as she prepares to meet his friends for the first time. But surprise! Evie is not her real name, and she’s dating Ryan for nefarious reasons.

Then Evie finds herself in trouble, needing to clear her name while maintaining her cover. There are many obstacles facing her, and it was a blast watching Evie handle them. We get flashbacks to her previous jobs, where these past events not only shaped who she is, they also gave her information and assets that she uses in the present. There are scenes of heists and disguises, twisty reveals and satisfying payoffs to the threads that weren’t clear at first.

I love how Evie never pretends to be a good person, but she still tries not to hurt others. She has a moral code, and while she prioritises herself, she’s willing to listen and learn. Her relationship with her (fake) boyfriend is more complex than she expected, which made for some interesting conversations. The characters in this book are not written as black and white, so it’s compelling to see them grappling with situations that ask for something more from them.

First Lie Wins is a thrilling journey of a woman reclaiming her identity, with the help of espionage, romance and revenge!

About the author: Ashley Elston

Photo by Levin Anton