Book Club - First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston

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In this episode of Literature on the Rocks…

we’re back for our book club discussion of First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston, and this time we’re unpacking the lies we believed, the ones we questioned, and the twists that completely caught us off guard. After sitting with this story, it became clear just how carefully every deception was placed and how easy it was to trust the wrong person a little too quickly.

We talk through first impressions versus final truths, including which characters surprised us most by the end and how Mr Smith managed to hide in plain sight. Looking back, the clues were there, but the misdirection was strong enough to keep us guessing right up until the reveal.

Evie and Ryan’s relationship sparked one of our biggest conversations. Built on secrets but rooted in real connection, it had us questioning whether something that starts with deception can ever turn into something honest and lasting.

We also could not stop talking about Evie herself. Watching her move between identities led us to wonder what we would do if we had to disappear overnight and start fresh with a brand new life.

To close out the episode, we swapped our cocktail for a mocktail that mirrors the spirit of Sweet Alibi while letting the truth shine through.

New Identity Mocktail

Ingredients:

1 oz elderflower syrup

½ oz Aperol style non alcoholic bitter

½ oz lemon juice

1 oz white grape juice

Club soda to top

Edible glitter

Directions:

In a shaker with ice, combine elderflower syrup, non alcoholic bitter, lemon juice, and white grape juice. Shake well and strain into a highball glass over fresh ice. Top with club soda and add a pinch of edible glitter for a little sparkle. Garnish with raspberries or a twist of lemon and sip carefully. Not everything is what it seems.

Listen in to hear where we landed on the lies, the love, and the identities that kept us guessing long after the last page.