35 Discussion-Worthy Book Club Questions For First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston

First Lie Wins was one of the most anticipated book releases of 2024 and has quickly become one of the most rated thrillers on Goodreads was also chosen for Reese Witherspoon’s book club.

If your book club is planning to discuss First Lie Wins, check out this comprehensive book club guide. This guide includes 35 discuss-worthy book club questions, delicious book club food ideas that perfectly complement the themes of the book, and fun, engaging book club activities to try.

I’ve also included a downloadable printable with all the book club questions for First Lie Wins to make your discussions easier. Plus, you can check out these general book club questions that will work with any book.

Whether you’re curious about Evie Porter’s complex identity, the suspenseful plot twists, or the underlying themes, these thought-provoking discussion prompts will help make your book club meeting both insightful and unforgettable. This book is perfect for fans of psychological thrillers and Southern fiction. I think it’s also a perfect fall book club pick

First Lie Wins Book Summary

What is the First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston about? Here is the quick summary and follows up the blurb.

First Lie Wins follows Evie Porter, a woman who leads a life of deception with various identities assigned by her mysterious boss, Mr. Smith. In her latest assignment, Evie infiltrates a Southern town to get close to Ryan Sumner. As she gets more entangled in her mission, Evie struggles with her past and starts envisioning a different life. Things get complicated when her real identity surfaces in the town, forcing her to stay one step ahead of her past while trying to ensure a future for herself.

Blurb: Evie Porter has everything a nice, Southern girl could want: a perfect, doting boyfriend, a house with a white picket fence and a garden, a fancy group of friends. The only catch: Evie Porter doesn’t exist.

The identity comes first: Evie Porter. Once she’s given a name and location by her mysterious boss Mr. Smith, she learns everything there is to know about the town and the people in it. Then the mark: Ryan Sumner. The last piece of the puzzle is the job.

Evie isn’t privy to Mr. Smith’s real identity, but she knows this job will be different. Ryan has gotten under her skin, and she’s starting to envision a different sort of life for herself. But Evie can’t make any mistakes—especially after what happened last time.

Because the one thing she’s worked her entire life to keep clean, the one identity she could always go back to—her real identity—just walked right into this town. Evie Porter must stay one step ahead of her past while making sure there’s still a future in front of her. The stakes couldn’t be higher—but then, Evie has always liked a challenge

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35 First Lie Wins Book Club Questions

1. What did you think of Evie Porter as a character? Did you find her relatable or sympathetic?

2. How did the Southern town setting affect the story? Could it have worked in a different place?

3. Why do you think Mr. Smith hired people like Evie? What was his ultimate goal?

4. How did the author keep the suspense going? Which scenes were the most intense for you?

5. Do you think Evie’s past will ever stop haunting her? Why or why not?

6. How did Evie’s true identity influence the story? Were you surprised by the reveal?

7. How did Evie’s interactions with the townspeople and her “friends” shape her view of her mission?

8. What do you think the title First Lie Wins means? How does it relate to the story?

9. If you were in Evie’s shoes, would you have made the same choices? Why or why not?

10. How important is trust in First Lie Wins? Who did you trust or distrust?

11. How did the ending of First Lie Wins make you feel? Was it satisfying?

12. How did Ashley Elston develop the theme of identity throughout the novel?

13. Did you notice any red flags about Ryan early on, or did his character surprise you?

14. How did Evie’s relationship with Mr. Smith change throughout the story?

15. Do you think Evie can ever truly escape her past? What challenges might she face?

16. What is the significance of the garden and the white picket fence in Evie’s life?

17. How did the other characters in the town contribute to the plot?

18. What do you think about the ethical dilemmas in the book? Was Evie’s job justified?

19. Did the flashbacks help or hurt the story for you?

20. What was the most surprising twist in First Lie Wins for you?

21. How does the book explore the idea of double lives? Did it change your perspective on identity?

22. How did Evie’s character change from the beginning to the end of the book?

23. What do you think will happen to Evie after the events of the book?

24. Which character did you find the most compelling and why?

25. How did Evie’s past experiences shape her actions and decisions?

26. What impact did Evie’s family have on her current life and decisions?

27. How did Evie’s perceptions of herself and her life change throughout the novel?

28. What role did deception play in the relationships depicted in the book?

29. How did Evie’s internal conflicts drive the plot forward?

30. Discuss the quote “You can tell a lot about a person by the way they act when they are left waiting too long.”

31. If you could ask the author one question about the book, what would it be?

32. Do you believe First Lie Wins is one of the best thrillers with shocking twists you have ever read?

33. How did your understanding and respect for Evie change as her past and the reasons behind her choices were revealed?

34. Evie’s actions are often morally ambiguous. How did this affect your connection to her character and your understanding of her motivations?

35. Based on the ending, what do you think could happen next for Evie? Do you think there will be a sequel, and if so, what would you like to see explored?

Free Downloadable First Lie Wins Book Club Questions PDF

Get the printable PDF with all 35 book club questions. Get Now

Food/ Snack Ideas For First Lie Wins Book Club Meeting

Here are a few ideas for First Lie Wins book club gathering. Click on the names to get the full recipe.

Southern-Style Sweet Tea

Southern-style sweet tea is a refreshing and iconic beverage that’s perfect for setting a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Its sweet, flavorful taste complements a variety of snacks and keeps the conversation flowing.

Mini Fried Chicken Sliders

Mini fried chicken sliders are bite-sized versions of a Southern classic. They are easy to handle, deliciously crispy, and can be customized with various toppings, making them a versatile and satisfying choice for a group.

Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are a quintessential Southern appetizer that are both elegant and easy to eat. Their creamy filling and smooth texture make them a delightful treat that pairs well with other savory snacks.

Peach Cobbler

Peach cobbler is a sweet, fruity dessert that’s perfect for sharing. Its warm, comforting flavors evoke a sense of nostalgia and provide a sweet ending to any book club meeting.

Mini Pecan Pies

Mini pecan pies offer a taste of the South in every bite. These bite-sized desserts are rich, sweet, and packed with flavor, making them an ideal treat for satisfying sweet cravings during discussions.

Shrimp and Grits Bites

Shrimp and grits bites bring a sophisticated twist to a Southern staple. These small, flavorful morsels are easy to eat so perfect for reading groups.

Cheddar Cheese Straws

Cheddar cheese straws are crunchy, cheesy snacks that are perfect for munching on during discussions. Their bold flavor and satisfying crunch make them a popular choice for any gathering.

First Lie Wins Book Club Activity Ideas

Character Role-Play: Have members pick a character and discuss the book from that character’s perspective.
Mystery Game: Create a small mystery game where members have to guess who among them is the “secret agent” based on clues.
Garden Party: Host the meeting in a garden setting, reminiscent of Evie’s perfect life.
Plot Mapping: Create a timeline of events to visualize the twists and turns of the plot.
Identity Discussion: Discuss how identity is formed and changed, both in the book and in real life.
Secret Letters: Write anonymous notes as if you were a character from the book and guess who wrote each one.
Favorite Quote Discussion: Share and discuss favorite quotes from the book.
Crafting Session: Make bookmarks or other crafts that represent themes or elements from the book.

More Activities Based On First Lie Wins Book Themes

1. Identity Mask Making

Create masks that represent different aspects of identity. Each member can design a mask that symbolizes a character or a theme from the book, and then explain their choices to the group.

2. Mystery Night

Host a mystery night where members solve a fictional crime or uncover secrets about each other. Use clues and props inspired by the book to make it more immersive.

3. Character Journals

Have each member write a journal entry from the perspective of a character in the book. Share and discuss these entries to gain deeper insights into the characters’ inner thoughts and motivations.

4. Southern Cuisine Cooking Class

Host a cooking class where members learn to make traditional Southern dishes mentioned in the book. This can be a fun, hands-on activity that brings the book’s setting to life.

5. Photo Essay

Create a photo essay that captures the essence of the book’s setting and themes. Members can take or find photos that they feel represent aspects of the story and present them along with explanations.

6. Memory Boxes

Ask each member to bring a small box filled with items that represent key elements of the book or their favorite scenes. Share these boxes and discuss why each item was chosen.

Books To Read After First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston

If you loved the book and are looking for books like First Lie Wins check out these recommendations.

The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine

The Last Mrs. Parrish follows Amber Patterson, who’s tired of being a nobody. She sets her sights on Daphne Parrish, a rich socialite, and starts weaving this intricate plan to become her best friend and steal her life. It’s full of shocking twists and dark secrets, kind of like Evie’s story. You’ll totally be on the edge of your seat!

The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave

You might also like The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave. This one follows Hannah Hall, whose husband suddenly disappears, leaving behind a cryptic note. As she digs into his past, she uncovers all these secrets and lies that turn her world upside down. It’s suspenseful and emotional, just like the twists in First Lie Wins. You’ll love the mystery and trying to piece everything together.

The Lies I Tell by Julie Clark

If you’re into stories about con artists like Evie, you should read The Lies I Tell by Julie Clark. It’s about Meg Williams, a master con artist with multiple identities. She’s got this new target, Kat Roberts, who’s been waiting years to get revenge on her.

You Can Trust Me by Wendy Heard

You Can Trust Me by Wendy Heard is another great pick. It’s about two friends, Summer and Leo, who are con artists traveling around California. Leo targets a billionaire and ends up disappearing, so Summer has to infiltrate his private island to find her. The stakes are super high, and Summer has to figure out what happened to Leo while navigating all these dangers. It’s thrilling and explores themes of trust and survival, just like First Lie Wins.

FAQs About First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston

Check out these frequently asked questions about ‘First Lie Wins’ to get a few more details about the book and find more topics for group discussion.

Is “First Lie Wins” a clean read?

The book includes some strong language, moderate profanity, and mild language. There are also instances where the name of Deity is used in vain. While there aren’t any explicit sex scenes, there is some kissing and suggestions of more.

What is the book “First Lie Wins” about?

First Lie Wins follows Evie Porter, a woman who adopts various identities as assigned by her mysterious boss, Mr. Smith.

Will “First Lie Wins” be a movie?

Yes! Krista Vernoff, the showrunner of Grey’s Anatomy, and actress-producer Octavia Spencer have secured the film rights to adapt First Lie Wins for Hulu. Elston is set to be one of the executive producers.

Is there a sequel to the First Lie Wins book?

The author Elston has said that the story is complete on her end. While Hulu may create a second season of the show, which she will be an Executive Producer for, she has no plans to write more for this plotline.

What is the best quote from “First Lie Wins”?

One of the standout quotes from “First Lie Wins” is: There’s an old saying: The first lie wins. It’s not referring to the little white kind that tumble out with no thought; it refers to the big one.”

What is the theme of “First Lie Wins”?

The central theme of “First Lie Wins” revolves around identity and deception. It explores how far individuals will go to protect their secrets and the complexity of living a life built on lies.

What is the meaning of “First Lie Wins”?

The title “First Lie Wins” suggests that the first lie sets everything in motion. Once you start lying, it gets easier to keep deceiving, and sticking to the truth becomes harder.

Who are the characters in “First Lie Wins”?

The main characters in “First Lie Wins” include:

• Evie Porter: The protagonist, who assumes different identities for her assignments.

• Mr. Smith: Evie’s enigmatic boss who orchestrates her missions.

• Ryan Sumner: The mark in Evie’s latest assignment, who becomes more than just a target.

• Various residents of the Southern town, who interact with Evie in her assumed identity.

Is First Lie Wins a debut novel?

Louisiana-based author Ashley Elston has written six successful young adult novels. So, First Lie Wins is her debut novel for adults.

Conclusion:

First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston is packed with intrigue, deception, so it’s a great for book club choice for discussions.

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