First Lie Wins

1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• Which phase of Evie’s operation did you enjoy most? How does this book compare to other spy thrillers you have read?
• Elston writes mostly YA fiction. How does First Lie Wins compare with The Lying Woods, which also features lies, secrets, and revenge?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences and perspectives.

• First Lie Wins contains many tense moments when Evie is in danger of revealing her identity and ruining the operation. Which of these moments evoked the strongest emotional response from you, and why?
• Nearly every character in the novel is lying about their identities. How would you feel if you discovered someone close to you was not who they claimed to be? Would you continue the relationship? Why or why not?
• Do you believe it’s ethical to spy on someone if you believe they are being deceitful in order to find out the truth? Why or why not?
• Evie’s motive for taking down Mr. Smith is to gain justice for his crimes. Do you believe it is acceptable to seek justice outside of the law? Why or why not?

3. Societal and Cultural Context

Examine the book’s relevance to broader societal issues, cultural trends, and ethical dilemmas.

• First Lie Wins addresses the consequences of maintaining a false identity. How does this relate to the current issues of social media and the Internet, where people present curated versions of themselves to gain followers or sell products and services?
• How does the novel portray gender roles, and how does it address the tension Evie feels about embodying a traditional life as a wife and mother versus performing her sexualized con-artist persona?

4. Literary Analysis

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and use of narrative techniques.

• How does First Lie Wins use plot twists and narrative surprises to enhance suspense in the novel?
• Choose an example from the text and discuss how Elston builds tension in the scene through the use of dialog and narrative point of view.
• Discuss the book’s use of doubling with Evie Porter and the Lucca Marino imposter. What do the imposters similarities with Evie teach Evie about herself?
• Why is it so important for Evie to put an end to Mr. Smith? What does she plan to do after she can no longer work for him as a con artist?
• What is the thematic significance of having two con artists, Evie, and the Lucca imposter, one of whom is performing the other’s true identity? How do these characters illustrate the blurred distinction between truth and lies in the novel?
• What is the symbolic relevance of Evie’s desire to have a normal family life? In the beginning of the novel, is she confident she can have this life with Ryan? Why or why not?

5. Creative Engagement

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book’s content and themes.



• Create an alternative identity for yourself. Who would this person be, and how would your life be different if you lived as them?
• As of 2024, First Lie Wins is being adapted for film. How would you cast the film? Who would play Evie and why?
• How do you imagine the continuation of Evie’s life as Miss Smith after the novel ends? How might this impact the future of her relationship with Ryan?

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