First Lie Wins
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First Lie Wins is a slick, modern thriller that will give you whiplash, so have your neck brace ready. It’s easy to spoil this one and I think that the early-on reveals are half the fun, so I’ll tread carefully: the main character is not what she seems.
The story is fast-paced and bears twists within twists. It’s fun to be swept up on that kind of ride, but I also kept losing the throughline. After some initial set-up, each chapter skips to either a different person or a different moment in time. Keeping track started to feel like a chore. Along with the quick clip, the story is a blend of tidy and convoluted. It reminds me of the Raymond Chandler detective novels, like The Long Goodbye. The main character successfully navigates unrealistic challenges all while being suave AF. Basically, a book like this requires you to suspend disbelief.
I read this novel pretty inconsistently, which is unlike me. When I had it in my hand, I got sucked in and really enjoyed myself, but I was always a bit reluctant to pick it up in the first place. I just kind of knew it was going to end in a polished, flashy way and that made me roll my eyes a bit. You can’t take something like this seriously, but I’m okay with that on an occasional basis. First Lie Wins receives 3 out of 5 flames.
Here’s some *SPOILER-FILLED* thoughts for those who have read the book:
-wtf Devon’s role was so strange to me. Is he just on call with a limitless supply of cash? Is he the smartest person in the world? Is he incapable of making mistakes? We’re supposed to believe he just follows her all around America and is constantly at the ready? Kind of loser-y
-Am I the only one who thinks that the way she talks about her dead mom is weird? I guess I just don't like the way Elston writes nostalgia
-Should have had some Ryan smut
-Rachel the lawyer was very underutilized. She was astute and distrusting, so she could have added more friction to the story
-How does Mr. Smith successfully operate his shady business if he just kills off all of his employees because he woke up on the wrong side of the bed that morning?
