Audiobook Sample

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Hey there, fellow travelers and tale-chasers,

It’s not every day you stumble across a thriller that hooks you like a fish on a line and reels you through a maze of secrets, all while making you feel the humid breeze of a Southern summer night. That’s exactly what Ashley Elston’s “First Lie Wins: A Novel” did to me, especially in its audiobook form, narrated by the masterful Saskia Maarleveld. The story unfolds like a dusty road trip through the backroads of my memory – full of twists, turns, and the kind of tension that keeps you glancing over your shoulder.

I first popped this audiobook into my ears while driving through the sprawling plains of Texas, the horizon stretching out like an unanswered question. It reminded me of a time when I was holed up in a tiny casita in Oaxaca, listening to a grandmother weave tales of betrayal and resilience under a flickering lantern. Her voice had this intimate, conspiratorial pull, and Maarleveld channels that same magic here. From the opening lines, you’re dropped into Evie Porter’s world – a woman who doesn’t exist, at least not in the way you’d expect. She’s a chameleon, slipping into identities handed to her by the enigmatic Mr. Smith, a puppet master whose shadow looms large over this suspenseful ride.

Evie’s latest gig? Playing house in a quaint Southern town with Ryan Sumner, a mark who’s supposed to be just another job. But here’s where Elston’s storytelling chops shine: Ryan gets under Evie’s skin, stirring up dreams of white picket fences and a life less tangled in lies. It’s a slow burn that feels real – like the way a good mole sauce simmers, layering flavors until it hits you with unexpected heat. I couldn’t help but think of my own brushes with reinvention, like when I traded my city boots for a backpack in Patagonia, chasing a version of myself I hadn’t met yet. Evie’s longing for something solid amidst the chaos struck a chord.

The plot kicks into high gear when Evie’s past – her “real” identity – waltzes into town, threatening to unravel everything. The stakes skyrocket, and Elston keeps you guessing with every chapter. It’s a cat-and-mouse game drenched in Southern charm, where every smile hides a secret and every garden party could be a trap. The pacing is relentless, like a drumbeat you feel in your chest, and it’s perfect for the audiobook experience. You can almost taste the sweet tea and hear the cicadas buzzing as Evie scrambles to stay ahead.

Now, let’s talk about Saskia Maarleveld’s narration, because it’s the heartbeat of this listening experience. Her voice is a warm drawl with a razor’s edge – soft enough to pull you in, sharp enough to keep you on edge. She nails Evie’s duality: the polished Southern belle and the steely survivor underneath. Each character gets their own distinct flavor – Ryan’s easy charm, Mr. Smith’s chilling detachment – and Maarleveld’s timing is impeccable, letting the silences hang just long enough to build dread. It’s the kind of performance that reminds me of those desert nights in Chile, when I listened to “One Hundred Years of Solitude” and felt like the narrator was whispering just to me. Maarleveld turns Elston’s words into a campfire tale you can’t pull away from.

The audiobook clocks in at just over nine hours, and not a minute feels wasted. The sound quality is crisp, with no distractions – just pure, immersive storytelling. Penguin Audio did a stellar job here, letting the narrative breathe while keeping the tension taut. If there’s a flaw, it’s that some of the secondary characters – like Evie’s fancy friends – feel a touch underdeveloped, more like set dressing than fully fleshed-out players. But in a story this focused on Evie’s tightrope walk, it’s a minor quibble.

What I love most about “First Lie Wins” is how it wrestles with identity and transformation – themes that hit close to home for a wanderer like me. Evie’s not just dodging her past; she’s wrestling with who she could be if the lies fell away. It’s raw and human, wrapped in a thriller that keeps you up past midnight. Compared to other suspense hits like “The Girl on the Train”, it’s less about unreliable narrators and more about deliberate deception – a fresh twist that stands out in the genre.

This audiobook is a must for anyone who loves a good mystery with a side of heart. Fans of Southern suspense, strong female leads, or just a d*mn good story will find plenty to sink their teeth into. And if you can snag it as a free audiobook – say, through a trial on Audiobooks.com – it’s an even sweeter deal. Trust me, you’ll want to hear Evie’s tale unfold in Maarleveld’s captivating voice.

Reflecting on it now, “First Lie Wins” feels like a journey I didn’t know I needed – a reminder of how we all wear masks, whether we’re running from something or chasing a new horizon. It’s left me thinking about the stories we tell ourselves to survive, and that’s the mark of a tale worth hearing.

Until the next road and the next story, happy listening, amigos!
Marcus Rivera