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BOOK STATS & SUMMARY
STATS
| Title | First Lie Wins |
| Author | Ashley Elston |
| Book Club(s) | Reese’s Book Club #91 in January 2024 |
| Publication Date/Year | January 1, 2024 |
| Page Count | 340 |
| Genre(s) | Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Suspense |
| Setting | Southern United States |
| Goodreads Rating | 4.01 |
| Audience | Adult |
| Series | No |
| Translator | N/A |
| Awards | 0; Multiple nominations |
SUMMARY
First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston is a gripping psychological thriller that centers around a high-stakes game of deception and manipulation. As the tension builds, the stakes grow higher, with every character questioning who can be trusted. Elston expertly weaves a tale of suspense and intrigue, where the line between truth and falsehood is often blurred. With twists and turns, First Lie Wins keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eager to discover who will outwit whom in the end.
BOOK RATING & REVIEW
RATING
| BCR Rating | 4 |
| Availability | 3 |
| Format | 4 |
| Diversity | 3 |
| Bechdel Test | Pass |
| Page Turner | Yes |
REVIEW
First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston, Reese’s Book Club pick #91 in January 2024, is a suspenseful psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The Kindle version is a page-turner. It’s a fast-paced, addictive read that makes you question who can really be trusted.
The book’s popularity is no surprise—there was a long waitlist for it the year it first came out, and after reading it, it’s easy to see why. Elston expertly builds suspense, layering twists and turns that make for an engaging and thrilling experience. This novel has many intriguing elements: drama, suspense, and complex characters. If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers, this one is worth picking up.
In short, First Lie Wins delivers a gripping story with well-crafted suspense and unexpected turns, making it a must-read for fans of thrillers and Reese’s Book Club list alike.
BOOK CLUB RESOURCES
BCR RECOMMENDATION
If your book club is looking for a suspenseful, conversation-sparking read, First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston is a fantastic choice. This twisty psychological thriller is packed with secrets, lies, and unexpected turns that will keep your group talking long after the last page.
It was once tough to get your hands on through libraries—thanks to its popularity as a Reese’s Book Club pick—but the good news is it’s now much more readily available. Whether your members prefer print, ebook, or audiobook, this title is easy to access in whatever format suits them best.
With its layered plot and complex characters, this novel offers plenty to unpack together. It would make a great fall pick thanks to its moody suspense, but honestly, it’s a fun, fast-paced read any time of year. If you’re ready for a book that will keep everyone guessing—and eager to discuss—First Lie Wins is a perfect pick for your next meeting.
BOOK DISCUSSION
If your book club is reading First Lie Wins, you’re in luck—there are several helpful resources to guide your discussion. The publisher’s website offers a detailed Reading Group Guide, which can also be found at the back of the book, making it easy to reference during your meeting. You can also pair those deeper questions with the broader questions from the BCR General Book Discussion Guide for a nice mix that will spark thoughtful conversation about characters, plot development, and themes. With these tools, your group will have plenty of material to fuel a lively and engaging discussion.
WHAT TO READ NEXT
If you and your book club liked First Lie Wins, you might also like:
- The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins
- The Women by Kristin Hannah
- Only If You’re Lucky by Stacy Willingham
- Before We Were Innocent by Ella Berman