A Shadowy Heist with a Twist
“First Lie Wins” is a Thriller novel, a story of Evie Porter, an expert at creating new identities and infiltrating lives at the behest of her mysterious employer, Mr. Smith. Her latest target is Ryan Sumner, a wealthy businessman shrouded in secrets. However, this assignment proves to be different. Evie finds herself developing feelings for Ryan, and begins to question her loyalty to Mr. Smith.
Meanwhile, a woman resembling Evie appears, demanding answers about her past. As the past and present collide, Evie must navigate a web of lies, blackmail, and hidden identities to protect her future and uncover the truth.
Conflict:
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Evie faces internal and external conflicts throughout the narrative. Internally, she struggles with loyalty to Mr. Smith and her growing connection with Ryan. Externally, she faces the threat of exposure from her doppelganger and the consequences of her deceptive past. The clash between her desire for freedom and Mr. Smith’s manipulative hold on her drives the story forward.
First Lie Wins By Ashley Elston
REESE’S BOOK CLUB PICK | INSTANT 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
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn commission from qualifying purchases or subscriptions through my links in this content.Moral Ambiguity of the Protagonist
Evie Porter is not a typical hero. She’s skilled at deception, manipulation, and her allegiances constantly shift depending on the situation. While she has the capacity for empathy and kindness, she’s primarily driven by self-preservation and a willingness to use underhanded tactics to achieve her goals. This moral ambiguity can be challenging for some listeners.
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Here’s what you might find yourself grappling with:
- Rooting for the “bad guy”: You may find yourself drawn to Evie’s charisma and resourcefulness, even when she’s doing ethically questionable things. This can create a disconnect, where you want her to succeed despite her questionable methods.
- Blurred lines between right and wrong: The narrative doesn’t always provide clear-cut moral guidelines. Evie’s actions are often justified by the circumstances, leaving the listener to decide where they stand on her choices.
- No clear-cut redemption arc: While Evie undergoes some growth throughout the story, she doesn’t undergo a complete transformation into a moral paragon. This may leave some listeners wanting more closure or feeling unsatisfied with her development.
A Twisty Ending Novel, open for Interpretation and Speculation
Are you looking for audiobook that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end? The twisty ending is designed to leave you thinking long after you’ve finished the final chapter. With unforeseen turns and lingering questions, the ending will keep you engaged and guessing.
This audiobook is perfect for thriller enthusiasts who enjoy intricate twists and turns. It is also ideal for fans of morally ambiguous characters like Lisbeth Salander from “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”. Those who enjoy a blend of action, suspense, and psychological manipulation will be glued to the pages (or headphones) as the protagonist navigates her shadowy world.
The Verdict:
“First Lie Wins” is a fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled thriller that will keep readers guessing until the very end. The author masterfully creates a world of deception and hidden agendas, with a compelling anti-heroine at its core. The audiobook, narrated by Saskia Maarleveld, adds another layer of immersion, delivering the twists and turns with a captivating voice. If you enjoy thrillers with complex characters and mind-bending twists, this one is definitely worth a listen.
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