📚 Book Summary

First Lie Wins Summary

by Ryan Holiday
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What is the book First Lie Wins about?

First Lie Wins is an exciting thriller featuring Evie Porter, a woman adept at taking on false identities for secret missions. When a mysterious boss gives her a new name and target, she must skillfully manage deception while safeguarding her true self. The story also explores her complicated connection with Ryan Sumner, set against the backdrop of her high-stakes secret life. This engaging adult debut novel was written by Ashley Elston.

What genre is First Lie Wins by Ryan Holiday?

First Lie Wins by Ryan Holiday fits into the thriller and mystery genre. It includes elements of deception and suspense, delivering a gripping narrative filled with intense plot twists and psychological intrigue. This classification helps attract readers who enjoy fast-paced, suspenseful storytelling in an adult contemporary context.

How many chapters are in First Lie Wins?

The book First Lie Wins by Ryan Holiday contains 24 chapters, showcasing various themes and insights throughout its structure, helping to guide readers through understanding the key concepts he presents.

First Lie Wins summary

Evie Porter, a skilled con artist, operates in a world of deception, leaving her real identity, Lucca Marino, behind. Known only as Mr. Smith, her mysterious employer sends her on secret missions that require creating elaborate personas. In this tense thriller, Evie’s life takes an unpredictable turn when she forms a relationship with Ryan Sumner, a wealthy businessman who lives in his late grandfather's house and runs a trucking company.

To gain Ryan’s trust, Evie fabricates a past that includes an empty apartment, giving the appearance of stability. As their romance develops quickly, Evie moves in, weaving herself into Ryan’s family and business life. However, her secretive ways draw attention, especially from Rachel, Ryan's lawyer friend, who questions Evie’s sudden comfort within Ryan's world. Meanwhile, Evie receives cryptic messages from Mr. Smith that guide her without revealing too much.

Things start to spiral when a woman appears, claiming to be Lucca Marino, Evie’s real self. This newcomer bursts into the scene with James Bernard, a friend of Ryan’s, threatening to unravel Evie’s intricately woven lies. The arrival of the imposter creates a sense of panic for Evie, bringing buried secrets from her past back to the surface, making her feel trapped.

As Evie investigates further, she realizes that Ryan’s trucking business, Glenview Trucking, harbors dark secrets, kicking off a moral conflict in her. The shadows of crime and corrupt deals overshadow the company's respectable facade, challenging Evie’s growing feelings for Ryan. She starts questioning his true nature at a time when her mission’s demands grow heavier.

Her life takes another dangerous turn when she becomes a suspect in the mysterious death of Amy Holder, a previous target linked to one of her missions. It becomes apparent that Mr. Smith plays a bigger role, laying a trap that puts Evie in jeopardy and stirring mistrust toward her newfound connections in Ryan's life.

As the truth unfolds, Evie starts to connect Ryan to Mr. Smith and his underlying criminal operations. It appears that Mr. Smith’s influence spreads far and wide, manipulating the events around her. The deeper she digs, the more convoluted the web of deceit becomes, making her journey heavier with emotional complexity.

In a surprising twist, Evie discovers that Amy Holder is alive and harbors her vendetta against Mr. Smith. United with Amy and her ally Devon, they form a plan to reclaim their lives by taking down Mr. Smith and dismantling his operations. Their new alliance offers Evie a glimmer of hope as they approach the end game.

Flashbacks pepper the narrative, providing glimpses into Evie’s previous identities and missions, portraying her gift for lying and ghosts of her troubled past. These reveal critical moments of her training under Mr. Smith, how she got there, and what she’s willing to risk for freedom from deception.

In the story's climax, Evie outmaneuvers Mr. Smith, exposing his tactics and liberating herself from his grasp. She and Ryan confront the delicacies of their relationship tangled in mistruths, seeking a fresh start amidst chaos and revelations.

The novel wraps up as Evie, along with Amy and Devon, seizes control of Mr. Smith’s vestiges. In this transitional phase, they forge their way forward, with Evie ready to accept who she truly is, casting off the mask of her past to embrace a new

How does The First Lie Wins end?

In the final chapters of First Lie Wins, the secrets unravel, and the tension escalates. The protagonist faces the consequences of the lies and deception that have woven into the fabric of their life. As the revelations come to light, trust shatters, prompting unexpected confrontations and decisions that will change everything.

With lies and layers unpeeled, characters reevaluate their loyalties and choices. The realization hits hard: trust is a fragile thing. As friendships fade and damage is assessed, the core themes of betrayal and redemption surface.

In a gripping climax, the protagonist must choose between holding on to past relationships or letting go for a chance at a better future. Heartfelt discussions reveal hidden grief and another chance for healing through honest dialogue.

The book closes with a moment of introspection, highlighting the weight of responsibility that the protagonist carries. No matter the path taken, growth and self-acceptance shine through despite the heartbreak, suggesting that even amid darkness, light can emerge. Choices have consequences; personal clarity and freedom become paramount as the story ends, leaving readers reflecting on truth's power.

Who are the main characters in First Lie Wins?

  • Evie Porter: A skilled con artist who takes on different fake identities for her work. In this story, she becomes Evie Porter to get close to her target, Ryan Sumner. As she works on the assignment, she finds herself growing attached and struggles to shield her real self.

  • Ryan Sumner: The target of Evie's con, he unexpectedly impacts her emotionally, adding complexity to her mission.

  • Mr. Smith: Evie's enigmatic boss, who gives her new identities and tasks. His true identity remains a mystery, keeping her on edge throughout the story.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Mr. Smith in First Lie Wins?

Mr. Smith in First Lie Wins is the enigmatic and fearsome leader of the criminal network where Evie Porter operates undercover. He directs her missions, assigns false identities, and oversees illegal activities. However, his actual identity is a mystery to Evie, until she and her team eventually gain control of his operation.

Who is George in First Lie Wins?

George in First Lie Wins by Ryan Holiday is a character linked to Ryan and Evie Porter. While specific details about him are scarce, it seems he is someone Ryan interacts with, playing a role in the unfolding secrets among the characters.