Reviews tagging 'Death of parent'

First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston

96 reviews

torturedreadersdept's review against another edition

challenging dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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Content Warnings

Minor: Addiction, Cancer, Cursing, Death, Stalking, Car accident, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Alcohol, and Classism

klandry98's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Gaslighting

Moderate: Addiction, Cancer, Death, Car accident, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Alcohol

Minor: Drug use

emmaspaperbacks's review against another edition

mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

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Content Warnings

Minor: Cancer, Car accident, Death of parent, and Fire/Fire injury

acobbva's review against another edition

mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Death of parent and Murder

celina246's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

got a little confusing because it's very detail-oriented (don't read it when you're tired), but the nice thing is the book catches you up. a pretty interesting thriller.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Grief and Death of parent

emmy_likes_2_read's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

1.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Toxic relationship, Stalking, and Gaslighting

Moderate: Alcoholism, Cancer, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Car accident, Death of parent, and Alcohol

riannonsbookishera's review against another edition

mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

The premise is intriguing, centered on characters whose lives are intertwined with secrets and lies. The plot was rich with tension, and characters were well-developed, each hiding layers of truths and lies that made them as deceiving as the narrater seems. 

While this book is marketed as a thriller, it often feels more like a domestic drama with suspenseful elements rather than a full-fledged thriller. The pacing is steady, but I found myself wishing for more high-stakes moments and twists that every thrill seeker is looking for in a "thriller". The plot builds slowly, and though it is well-crafted, it lacks the heart-pounding intensity that you might be expecting when picking up this book. 

Despite this, the conclusion is satisfying and delivers a powerful punch that ties up the story beautifully. It's a solid read for those who enjoy character-driven stories with an undercurrent of suspense. While I would have appreciated more thrills, the strong ending makes it a worthwhile read. If you go in with the right expectations, you'll likely find it a rewarding experience. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Cancer, Death, Car accident, Death of parent, and Fire/Fire injury

missbitiz's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Car accident, Murder, and Fire/Fire injury

Moderate: Cancer, Terminal illness, and Death of parent

Minor: Addiction, Alcoholism, and Torture

tayreads10's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional lighthearted mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I flew through this book! I was so sucked into the plot of her shady employment dilemmas and how that played out. Thoroughly enjoyed and hoping there is a sequel to continue where it leaves off!

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Alcoholism, Cancer, Death, Drug abuse, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, Murder, and Fire/Fire injury

lyddie's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I was worried this would be just like all the other “woman trying to escape a dangerous man” type of books but it wasn’t! I thought this book was really fun, full or interconnected mysteries and characters with surprising reveals throughout! Short and sweet. Definitely recommend for fans of espionage! 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Death and Death of parent