This YA fictional novel is a sleek blend of conmen, mystery, danger, and emotional complexity
Ashley Elston, best known for her Young Adult fiction, makes an impressive leap into adult thrillers with First Lie Wins. It’s billed as her first novel for grown-ups, but her storytelling skills, honed across her earlier work, make this debut feel anything but amateur. Those who have read many “first” adult novels will agree that First Lie Wins stands out as one of the strongest.
The story introduces us to Evie Porter, who appears to be settling into a perfect new life with her boyfriend, Ryan Sumner. Except Evie Porter isn’t her real name — it’s just her latest alias, crafted by her enigmatic handler, Mr. Smith. Her mission is simple in theory: build trust, gather secrets, and deliver leverage. But this time, there’s a complication — a second agent, who could easily pass as Evie’s twin, has been assigned to shadow her and test her loyalty. One mistake, one hesitation, could mean the end of her carefully constructed life, permanently.
Elston crafts a smart, fast-paced thriller where twists feel natural rather than forced, and the tension rarely lets up. Readers will find themselves rooting for Evie even as they question her every move. There’s a delicious undercurrent of romance, but it never overtakes the sharp, suspenseful plotting.
That said, suspension of disbelief is necessary. The ease with which characters assume new identities and produce flawless fake documents can seem a little too effortless, especially in a world where getting a legitimate birth certificate requires a mountain of paperwork. Still, that’s a small quibble in a story this tightly built and entertaining.
First Lie Wins offers a sleek blend of mystery, danger, and emotional complexity. It’s a standout debut in the adult thriller world — clever, engaging, and packed with just enough heart to make the stakes feel real. Elston’s first step into this genre isn’t just good — it’s Slick, smart, and impossible to put down.
GOOD BOOKS = GREAT ESCAPES
Find your next adventure in these new books, ranging from murder mysteries to YA romance and nail-biting thrillers, writes Neil Pate
Six Days in Bombay
Author: Alka Joshi
Publisher: MIRA
A poignant journey of self-discovery and that reads like an honest travelogue cum death mystery. Bestselling au-thor Alka Joshi’s Six Day in Bombay, takes readers from Bombay to Prague, Florence, Paris and London. When famous painter (Mira Novak) dies under mysterious circumstances after a miscarriage at Wadia Hospital in Mumbai, all eyes fall on her nurse Sona. The evidence to prove Sona’s innocence lies hidden in a cryptic note and four paintings left by Mira with Sona. Sona’s investigation leads her to Mira’s former lovers and friends across Europe. It’s a journey of self-discovery for Sona, who gets a peek into the complicated life of a talented artist (Mira).
I See You've Called in Dead
Author: John Kenney
Publisher: Zibby Publishing
This book is a brilliant coming-of-middle-age tale of second chances, living life to the fullest and never giving up on yourself. Bud Stanley is a talented newspaper obituary writer. But his life is in shambles. His wife has left him for another man. He goes on a blind date with a woman who brings her ex. Bud downs several glasses of scotch to drown his sorrows. In his drunken stupor, Bud pens his own obituary. His company wants to fire him, but the system lists him as ‘dead’. The big question is how do you fire a dead person. When Bud’s boss gives him another chance, he starts to attend funerals of strangers to learn how to live life to the fullest.
Murder by Cheesecake: A Golden Girls Cozy Mystery
Author: Rachel Ekstrom Courage
Publisher: Hyperion Avenue Digital
A perfect summer read. A St. Olaf–themed wedding, a murder mystery and four besties who are determined to find the killer without jeopardising the big bash wedding! Rose’s cousin is getting married and she is leaving no stone unturned to make it a memorable event. However, all hell breaks loose after Dorothy’s repulsive date is found dead in a hotel freezer with his face in the cheesecake. With every guest now being a suspect, it is for the fab four-gal gang to wear the sleuth’s hat and save the day.
My Return to the Walter Boys
Author: Ali Novak
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Sometimes, a simple goodbye kiss can change your life. After her summer stint in New York, Jackie Howard returns to the Walter ranch. She needed space—and got it. But Jackie is confused where things stand between her and Cole Walter. Although she stopped texting him over the summer, Jackie thought of him 24x7. She thinks it will be easy to avoid Cole, but when sees him, her knees go weak. He is irresistible. The problem is that the Walter family has been very kind to Jackie. She is afraid of making one wrong move and losing Cole and his family, whom she loves very much.
Zeal
Author: Morgan Jerkins
Publisher: Harper
A multi-generational story of romance, war, slavery, unfulfilled desires and everlasting love. Ardelia and Oliver are hosting their engagement party in 2019 at Harlem. He gives her a crumbled old love letter. that opens doors into the past of their family’s history -- full of secrets and a strange cosmic connection. Cut to circa 1865. After being discharged from the Union Army Harrison returns to Mississippi to reunite with the woman he loves, Tirzah. But he is unable to trace her despite his many efforts. He settles down with a woman at the Freedmen’s Bureau, who secretly thwarts his efforts to find Tirzah. She spots an advertisement in a local newspaper placed by Harrison to find her, but there is a lot at stake now. Zeal is a heartbreaking story spanning across 150 years.
