Happy release day!
Thanks to Forge Books for the free early copies in exchange for our honest reviews
THE FIRST TO LIE – Hank Phillippi Ryan (Releasing August 4th, 2020)
Book Description:
Bestselling and award-winning author and investigative reporter Hank Phillippi Ryan delivers another twisty, thrilling cat and mouse novel of suspense that will have you guessing, and second-guessing, and then gasping with surprise.
We all have our reasons for being who we are—but what if being someone else could get you what you want?
After a devastating betrayal, a young woman sets off on an obsessive path to justice, no matter what dark family secrets are revealed. What she doesn’t know—she isn’t the only one plotting her revenge.
An affluent daughter of privilege. A glamorous manipulative wannabe. A determined reporter, in too deep. A grieving widow who must choose her new reality. Who will be the first to lie? And when the stakes are life and death, do a few lies really matter?
Chandra’s Thoughts: 3/5 stars
FUCK YOU PHARMINEX!
end of review
JUST KIDDING! But yay for a storyline about bringing down a big pharma company that doesn’t represent itself or its drug(s) the way it should. And then to use this towards women with fertility issues – let me just say that this makes my blood boil for a number of reasons….. But while this is the main part of the book in terms of storyline, let’s take a big look at the characters that seem to be the most interesting thing within these pages.
Ok, first of all, I didn’t expect so many damn POVs and it took a while for me to get into this book because of it… and then once it all made sense, I did that open mouthed “huh” thing you do when that light bulb goes off over your head. Now, I’m all for suspending some belief in any story that I read… but I do think this one may have *just* gone a little too far. One character, maybe two but then….. what? Sorry readers, I can’t say much more or it’ll spoil this book for you and I refuse to do that.
Full of twists and turns you may or may not see coming, what you will find are motivated characters who will do whatever they need to in order to get to the bottom line. While I found the book to be entertaining, I do think taking it down a notch or two in terms of the whose who would’ve helped me enjoy it more as a story rather than as one of trying to keep track of what was going on. My first by this author and definitely wanting to try another.
My Thoughts: 3.5/5 stars
THE FIRST TO LIE is a new cat and mouse thriller about taking down one of the big pharma companies, Pharminex. It’s no secret that these companies are corrupt and only look out for their best interests. In this case, they’re preying on women that are desperate to conceive. I’d be lying if I said that this didn’t make my blood boil just a little bit.
Its hard to go into much of the plot without ruining any details and spoiling things. I did enjoy the pacing and the cat and mouse aspect. There were plenty of twists and turns to keep you on your toes as the events unfolded. What didn’t work for me was all the different perspectives. Some got confusing to keep straight, and that did take away from the reading experience just a little.
Overall, definitely a solid thriller and I would recommend it to those that want a quick read. I plan on picking up more from Ryan in the future!
Jessicamap Reviews 