Best-Selling 2024 Reese's Book Club Pick Thriller Ranked Among 'Best Books to Read on Vacation'
Sure, summer is still a few months away. But with warmer weather peeking through the chilly spring afternoons, it's hard not to think about packing your bags and heading out on summer vacation. Whether it's taking a cruise around the Caribbean, camping in the mountains, or having a ‘staycation' in your one-bedroom apartment with the windows open, we all deserve a break from the world to relax, soak in the sun, and catch up on some much-needed reading.
In 2025, Ellereported that the biggest vacation trend was going on a "reading retreat." Bookworms and bibliophiles step away from the hustle of modern life, put down their phones, and pick up their books. Yet, with so many books to choose from, what does one crack open when getting away from the world? How about a "captivating thriller that delves into the intricacies of identity, deception, and the relentless pursuit of survival?"
Released in 2024, Ashley Elston's First Lie Wins tells the tale of Evie Porter, a "nice, Southern girl," with a doting boyfriend, a house with a white picket fence and a garden, and a fancy group of friends. Except, Evie Porter is a lie-a fake identity given to her by a "Mr. Smith," and a target: Ryan Summer. It's a gripping game of cat and mouse, of juggling identities and deception.
The novel is also a No. 1 New York Times Bestseller, a selection for Reese Witherspoon's Reese's Book Club, and one of Penguin Random House's "Best Books to Read on Vacation."
The Happy Reader, who described Best Lie Wins as that "captivating" page-turner, said that author Elston "skillfully weaves together two timelines, alternating between Evie's present-day predicament and her past assignments orchestrated by the enigmatic Mr. Smith." The novel's main character, Evie, is a "compelling and multi-dimensional lead, grappling with the consequences of her actions while striving to carve out a future for herself."
GoodReads gives the book 3.99/5 Stars, with 249k five-star reviews and 365k four-star reviews.
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"Prior to writing fiction, I was a wedding photographer," Elston told 225in 2025. "I took a step back from that and suddenly had more free time on my hands, and I've just always loved to read. My first book was terrible, but I felt more equipped after writing it. The next book I wrote was published and sold. No one was more surprised than I was that I became an author."
In January, Elston released Anatomy of an Alibi, her first novel since First Lie Wins.
Initially, Octavia Spencer and Grey's Anatomy showrunner Krista Vernoff are adapting First Lie Wins into a film for Hulu. In February, screenwriter Kevin Williamson (Scream) took over the project for Universal TV.
There is no news on a release date, so this upcoming summer vacation is a great chance to read the book if you haven't already.
Related: Best-Selling Author Announces Exclusive Collaboration After Hit Novel
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This story was originally published April 15, 2026 at 11:05 AM.