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Anatomy of an Alibi
FROM THE #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF FIRST LIE WINS
A tense, feverish thriller about two women’s lives that are forever intertwined when a murder threatens to expose them both.
“Elston expertly unravels a web of secrets and lies. You won’t be able to put this excellent thriller down until the final shocking page.” —Megan Miranda
Everyone at Chantilly’s Bar noticed out-of-towner Camille Bayliss. Red lips, designer heels, sipping a Negroni. But that woman wasn’t Camille Bayliss. It was Aubrey Price.
Camille Bayliss appears to have the picture-perfect life; she’s married to hotshot lawyer Ben and is the daughter of a wealthy Louisiana family. Only nothing is as it seems: Camille believes Ben has been hiding dirty secrets for years, but she can’t find proof because he tracks her every move.
Aubrey Price has been haunted by the terrible night that changed her life a decade ago, and she’s convinced Benjamin Bayliss knows something about it. Living in a house full of criminals, Aubrey understands there’s more than one way to get to the truth—and she may have found the best way in.
Aubrey and Camille hatch a plan. It sounds simple: For twelve hours, Aubrey will take Camille’s place. Camille will spy on Ben, and the two women will get the answers they desperately seek.
Except the next morning, Ben is found murdered. Both women need an airtight alibi, but only one of them has it. And one false step is all it takes for everything to come undone.
A tense, feverish thriller about two women’s lives that are forever intertwined when a murder threatens to expose them both.
“Elston expertly unravels a web of secrets and lies. You won’t be able to put this excellent thriller down until the final shocking page.” —Megan Miranda
Everyone at Chantilly’s Bar noticed out-of-towner Camille Bayliss. Red lips, designer heels, sipping a Negroni. But that woman wasn’t Camille Bayliss. It was Aubrey Price.
Camille Bayliss appears to have the picture-perfect life; she’s married to hotshot lawyer Ben and is the daughter of a wealthy Louisiana family. Only nothing is as it seems: Camille believes Ben has been hiding dirty secrets for years, but she can’t find proof because he tracks her every move.
Aubrey Price has been haunted by the terrible night that changed her life a decade ago, and she’s convinced Benjamin Bayliss knows something about it. Living in a house full of criminals, Aubrey understands there’s more than one way to get to the truth—and she may have found the best way in.
Aubrey and Camille hatch a plan. It sounds simple: For twelve hours, Aubrey will take Camille’s place. Camille will spy on Ben, and the two women will get the answers they desperately seek.
Except the next morning, Ben is found murdered. Both women need an airtight alibi, but only one of them has it. And one false step is all it takes for everything to come undone.
347 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 13, 2026
11402 people are currently reading
241584 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Elston
11 books9,006 followersAshley Elston worked for many years as a wedding photographer before turning her hand to writing. She lives in Louisiana with her husband and three sons. Elston has written six young adult novels. FIRST LIE WINS, her adult debut, was a number one New York Times bestseller and was selected as a Reese’s Book Club pick.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 10,435 reviews
February 16, 2026
I like twists and turns as much as the next thriller-loving gal. I mean, who wouldn't want to be surprised and stunned and stupefied to within an inch of their life? But in order for the twists to deliver, they have to make sense within the story and its characters. And unfortunately, that didn't really happen here.
Initially, Anatomy of an Alibi seemed off to a good start. We are introduced to Camille and Aubrey, one trying to get out of her marriage and the other impersonating her to give her the alibi she needs to achieve her goal. But then as the story progressed and the twists started piling on, it became ever more convoluted and absurd, and before I knew it, I was tuning out.
The problem is that the story lacked believable and fleshed out characters to anchor all the mayhem. Everyone in here came across as flat and nondescript, there to further the plot along but not much else. When every character is bland and everything they do and say is generic, it's hard to get into the story.
And the sheer number of characters was bewildering. As more and more of them were introduced, I could feel my eyebrows migrating towards my hairline. By the time Aubrey's four roommates came into the picture, each of whom was clearly put there to serve a very specific purpose, I just couldn't take it seriously anymore.
I kept waiting for the moment when I would buy into the story and really care—about the characters, about the plotlines, about the twists—but it just never happened. I'm pretty sure if I had quit the story midway and never found out the conclusion, I wouldn't even have shrugged. When everything is random and all the characters interchangeable, what does it really matter what happens to one when it could've easily happened to another?
And if I'm being honest, I wasn't wild about the writing either. I noticed it in First Lie Wins (Ashley Elston's adult debut), but the superior story there covered for that deficiency. Here, it was on full display. The author favors present tense, which can add a sense of immediacy to the tale, but with the downside that it can also make the writing feel simplistic and forced.
I went into this with high expectations. Ashley Elston's previous book was a standout thriller that delivered both a unique storyline and all the thrills. So to have this one fall short is particularly disappointing.
That all sounds super negative, but it wasn't that bad of a read. It certainly goes by fast enough if you're looking to wile away a few hours. But it prioritizes its twists over everything else, and at the end of the day, it's just hard to come away feeling satisfied with a story like that.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
See also, my thoughts on:
First Lie Wins
~~~~~~~~~~~~
✧ Connect with me ✧ Instagram ✧
✧ This was a pick for my BOTM box. Get your first book for $5 here.
Initially, Anatomy of an Alibi seemed off to a good start. We are introduced to Camille and Aubrey, one trying to get out of her marriage and the other impersonating her to give her the alibi she needs to achieve her goal. But then as the story progressed and the twists started piling on, it became ever more convoluted and absurd, and before I knew it, I was tuning out.
The problem is that the story lacked believable and fleshed out characters to anchor all the mayhem. Everyone in here came across as flat and nondescript, there to further the plot along but not much else. When every character is bland and everything they do and say is generic, it's hard to get into the story.
And the sheer number of characters was bewildering. As more and more of them were introduced, I could feel my eyebrows migrating towards my hairline. By the time Aubrey's four roommates came into the picture, each of whom was clearly put there to serve a very specific purpose, I just couldn't take it seriously anymore.
I kept waiting for the moment when I would buy into the story and really care—about the characters, about the plotlines, about the twists—but it just never happened. I'm pretty sure if I had quit the story midway and never found out the conclusion, I wouldn't even have shrugged. When everything is random and all the characters interchangeable, what does it really matter what happens to one when it could've easily happened to another?
And if I'm being honest, I wasn't wild about the writing either. I noticed it in First Lie Wins (Ashley Elston's adult debut), but the superior story there covered for that deficiency. Here, it was on full display. The author favors present tense, which can add a sense of immediacy to the tale, but with the downside that it can also make the writing feel simplistic and forced.
I went into this with high expectations. Ashley Elston's previous book was a standout thriller that delivered both a unique storyline and all the thrills. So to have this one fall short is particularly disappointing.
That all sounds super negative, but it wasn't that bad of a read. It certainly goes by fast enough if you're looking to wile away a few hours. But it prioritizes its twists over everything else, and at the end of the day, it's just hard to come away feeling satisfied with a story like that.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
See also, my thoughts on:
First Lie Wins
~~~~~~~~~~~~
✧ Connect with me ✧ Instagram ✧
✧ This was a pick for my BOTM box. Get your first book for $5 here.
February 9, 2026
4.5/5 ★
🚨 Warning: Clear your schedule before starting this one because from the very beginning it’s impossible to put down.
In Anatomy of an Alibi, Aubrey Price impersonates Camille Bayliss for one night so Camille can secretly spy on her husband Ben Bayliss, who she suspects is hiding dangerous secrets. When Ben is found murdered the next morning, both women are trapped in a deadly game where only one of them has an airtight alibi, and a single mistake could expose everything.
Ashley Elston is quickly becoming one of my favorite mystery/thriller authors. This was even better than First Lie Wins (4.5 ★), in my opinion.
By the end of chapter two, I was completely hooked. This book is so fast paced and the mystery is so well structured that I flew through it.
Every character in this book felt complex, intelligent, and sneaky. Each one has their own agenda and motivations, all tightly intertwined, making it incredibly engaging to unravel the story from the different perspectives.
My only complaint is that with the story being as fast paced as it was, I was hoping for a twist that fully shocked me. That didn’t quite happen. There were definitely twists throughout the story, but I guessed all but one. The one I didn’t guess came somewhat out of nowhere and left me more confused than surprised. I still think it has twists that will shock a lot of readers, especially those who read less in this genre.
If you enjoyed Kill for Me, Kill for You (4.5 ★), The Kind Worth Killing (3.5 ★), The Intern (4.5 ★), and/or First Lie Wins, I strongly recommend this one. While it didn’t feel identical to any of them, those were the books that immediately came to mind while reading.
Overall, this was an intense mystery and high-stakes thriller that kept me hooked from start to finish.
—
Follow my Bookstagram for all the latest thriller and horror news, tons of recommendations, giveaways, and more!
instagram.com/joshxreads
🚨 Warning: Clear your schedule before starting this one because from the very beginning it’s impossible to put down.
In Anatomy of an Alibi, Aubrey Price impersonates Camille Bayliss for one night so Camille can secretly spy on her husband Ben Bayliss, who she suspects is hiding dangerous secrets. When Ben is found murdered the next morning, both women are trapped in a deadly game where only one of them has an airtight alibi, and a single mistake could expose everything.
Ashley Elston is quickly becoming one of my favorite mystery/thriller authors. This was even better than First Lie Wins (4.5 ★), in my opinion.
By the end of chapter two, I was completely hooked. This book is so fast paced and the mystery is so well structured that I flew through it.
Every character in this book felt complex, intelligent, and sneaky. Each one has their own agenda and motivations, all tightly intertwined, making it incredibly engaging to unravel the story from the different perspectives.
My only complaint is that with the story being as fast paced as it was, I was hoping for a twist that fully shocked me. That didn’t quite happen. There were definitely twists throughout the story, but I guessed all but one. The one I didn’t guess came somewhat out of nowhere and left me more confused than surprised. I still think it has twists that will shock a lot of readers, especially those who read less in this genre.
If you enjoyed Kill for Me, Kill for You (4.5 ★), The Kind Worth Killing (3.5 ★), The Intern (4.5 ★), and/or First Lie Wins, I strongly recommend this one. While it didn’t feel identical to any of them, those were the books that immediately came to mind while reading.
Overall, this was an intense mystery and high-stakes thriller that kept me hooked from start to finish.
—
Follow my Bookstagram for all the latest thriller and horror news, tons of recommendations, giveaways, and more!
instagram.com/joshxreads
January 19, 2026
I went back and forth with this one a few times while reading, but ultimately I ended up really digging it. The first 25% or so felt like a LOT - a lot of characters and a lot going on right from the start, you realllly have to strap in and pay attention! So while it took me a minute to get my footing, the second half and ending saved it for me. Super intricate and twisty, a solid 4 stars!
March 10, 2026
Hands down, Ashley Elston did it again. My first Elston read was the adorable YA rom-com 10 Blind Dates—soft, sweet, total swoon fuel. I loved her voice. Then she knocked the wind out of me with Reese’s Book Club pick First Lie Wins, proving the same writer who delivers cinnamon-roll romance can also craft my favorite thriller of last year. I bowed. I whistled. I applauded. And now? She’s back with another twisty rocket ride that had me literally perched on the edge of my seat begging the Good Books Gods (aka Penguin/Viking) for an ARC. Wish granted—thank you!—and I was hooked from page one.
The hook (no spoilers)
Two women, one dangerous bargain, and a dead man at the center of it all.
Aubrey (26) tends bar, shares a place with ex-cons because rent is brutal, and still aches for justice ten years after her parents were killed in a hit-and-run.
Camille is Old-Money Louisiana—sugarcane legacy, glittering parties, and a marriage to powerful attorney Benjamin Bayliss, who controls everything from her schedule to her smile.
Their lives collide when a mysterious flash drive may hold the key to the driver who killed Aubrey’s parents—and Benjamin might be the only one with access to the truth. Camille wants out of her gilded cage. Aubrey wants answers. So they make a risky swap that lets Camille vanish for a few days while Aubrey “plays Camille” and snoops.
And then Benjamin is found stabbed.
Suddenly everyone’s a suspect: Hank (the law partner on the verge of being pushed out), the ever-convenient spouse, and yes—Aubrey, the stand-in with no alibi and her real name and address written on a slip of paper in Ben’s pocket. Was Ben investigating her? Protecting her? Or feeding her to wolves? Meanwhile, Camille’s formidable Everett family hums with secrets, and her brother is tangled in more than he admits. Trust is a currency everyone spends; truth is the one thing nobody can afford.
Why it works
Elston builds a smart, propulsive puzzle that keeps your brain happily sprinting. From the first chapters you’re juggling three delicious questions:
Who killed Ben?
Who killed Aubrey’s parents?
What’s on the flash drive?
I even made a clue board (yes, with string) and still only nailed two out of three. The third answer hit me like a door in a hurricane—clean, earned, and devilishly planted. Points to Ms. Elston for the fair-play misdirection and those “ohhhh” breadcrumbs hiding in plain sight.
Vibe check
Pacing: Lightning fast without sacrificing character.
Tone: Legal-world intrigue, high-stakes domestic tension, found-family grit.
Characters: Women who refuse to stay small, men whose power looks different up close, and side players who actually matter.
Twists: Sharp, surprising, and—praise be—logical.
Final thoughts
Hold your breath. Go in blind. Cook up your theories. Prepare to be sucker-punched by reveals and then grin because the clues were right there. This is an unputdownable, high-octane mystery that rockets straight onto my Top 10 Thrillers of the Year list. Ashley Elston is now an automatic-read thriller queen for me.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Viking / Penguin, Pamela Dorman Books for the ARC of one of my most anticipated 2026 releases in exchange for my honest thoughts. I’m already counting the days until I can shove this into everyone’s hands.
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The hook (no spoilers)
Two women, one dangerous bargain, and a dead man at the center of it all.
Aubrey (26) tends bar, shares a place with ex-cons because rent is brutal, and still aches for justice ten years after her parents were killed in a hit-and-run.
Camille is Old-Money Louisiana—sugarcane legacy, glittering parties, and a marriage to powerful attorney Benjamin Bayliss, who controls everything from her schedule to her smile.
Their lives collide when a mysterious flash drive may hold the key to the driver who killed Aubrey’s parents—and Benjamin might be the only one with access to the truth. Camille wants out of her gilded cage. Aubrey wants answers. So they make a risky swap that lets Camille vanish for a few days while Aubrey “plays Camille” and snoops.
And then Benjamin is found stabbed.
Suddenly everyone’s a suspect: Hank (the law partner on the verge of being pushed out), the ever-convenient spouse, and yes—Aubrey, the stand-in with no alibi and her real name and address written on a slip of paper in Ben’s pocket. Was Ben investigating her? Protecting her? Or feeding her to wolves? Meanwhile, Camille’s formidable Everett family hums with secrets, and her brother is tangled in more than he admits. Trust is a currency everyone spends; truth is the one thing nobody can afford.
Why it works
Elston builds a smart, propulsive puzzle that keeps your brain happily sprinting. From the first chapters you’re juggling three delicious questions:
Who killed Ben?
Who killed Aubrey’s parents?
What’s on the flash drive?
I even made a clue board (yes, with string) and still only nailed two out of three. The third answer hit me like a door in a hurricane—clean, earned, and devilishly planted. Points to Ms. Elston for the fair-play misdirection and those “ohhhh” breadcrumbs hiding in plain sight.
Vibe check
Pacing: Lightning fast without sacrificing character.
Tone: Legal-world intrigue, high-stakes domestic tension, found-family grit.
Characters: Women who refuse to stay small, men whose power looks different up close, and side players who actually matter.
Twists: Sharp, surprising, and—praise be—logical.
Final thoughts
Hold your breath. Go in blind. Cook up your theories. Prepare to be sucker-punched by reveals and then grin because the clues were right there. This is an unputdownable, high-octane mystery that rockets straight onto my Top 10 Thrillers of the Year list. Ashley Elston is now an automatic-read thriller queen for me.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Viking / Penguin, Pamela Dorman Books for the ARC of one of my most anticipated 2026 releases in exchange for my honest thoughts. I’m already counting the days until I can shove this into everyone’s hands.
medium blog
January 13, 2026
NOW AVAILABLE!
“The tricky part about the anatomy of an alibi is not just that someone will vouch that you were somewhere else when a crime was committed-but that the “someone else” is believable…”
Camille Bayliss appears to have it all- she’s married to hotshot lawyer Ben and is the daughter of a well connected and powerful Louisiana family. But, Camille wants out and her Prenup is going to require that she obtains proof of Ben’s wrongdoings if she is to leave unscathed. The problem is that she can’t find that proof because Ben tracks her every move.
Aubrey Price is convinced that Benjamin Bayliss knows something about the night that her parents were killed by a drunk driver-and that the wrong man may be in prison for the crime. And, when Camille comes to see her at the bar where she is working with an accusation of her own-she realizes that she may have just found a way to get to the truth.
Everyone at Chantilly’s Bar notices the woman who comes into the bar in her designer shoes 👠 who orders a Negroni (of all things!) to sip on with her red painted lips. 👄. Her bar tab will say it is Camille Bayliss.
BUT IT WAS ACTUALLY AUBREY PRICE.
Aubrey and Camille had hatched a plan where for twelve hours, Aubrey will take Camille’s place, while Camille spies on Ben, and hopefully obtains the answers that each woman seeks.
EXCEPT the next morning, Ben is found murdered, and only ONE of the women has an airtight alibi.
Was Aubrey set up to be the scapegoat?
NOTHING is what it seems.
The story will unfold through the alternating first person POV’s of Camille, her lawyer Hank, and Aubrey in the present day, and occasionally, from Ben’s POV ten years ago.
Last January, Ashley Elston burst onto the scene when she transitioned from writing YA books to the Adult Thriller market with her book FIRST LIE WINS (5 ⭐️) And, while I’m going to give the edge to that one, this sophomore effort was almost just as good! Review for First Lie Wins: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
And, you will know just HOW apropos this title is when you read the VERY LAST SENTENCE. (No peeking!)🫣
I was hooked from the very entertaining opening scene and I just had to know who COULD and who COULD NOT be trusted.
It’s been awhile since I have read a really CLEVER, FAST PACED thriller and I am thrilled to report that if you have been looking for one too, this is it!
4.5 stars ⭐️ rounded up!
A buddy read with DeAnn and Ceecee! Be sure to watch for their reviews!
Thank You to Pamela Dorman books for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always these are my candid thoughts.
“The tricky part about the anatomy of an alibi is not just that someone will vouch that you were somewhere else when a crime was committed-but that the “someone else” is believable…”
Camille Bayliss appears to have it all- she’s married to hotshot lawyer Ben and is the daughter of a well connected and powerful Louisiana family. But, Camille wants out and her Prenup is going to require that she obtains proof of Ben’s wrongdoings if she is to leave unscathed. The problem is that she can’t find that proof because Ben tracks her every move.
Aubrey Price is convinced that Benjamin Bayliss knows something about the night that her parents were killed by a drunk driver-and that the wrong man may be in prison for the crime. And, when Camille comes to see her at the bar where she is working with an accusation of her own-she realizes that she may have just found a way to get to the truth.
Everyone at Chantilly’s Bar notices the woman who comes into the bar in her designer shoes 👠 who orders a Negroni (of all things!) to sip on with her red painted lips. 👄. Her bar tab will say it is Camille Bayliss.
BUT IT WAS ACTUALLY AUBREY PRICE.
Aubrey and Camille had hatched a plan where for twelve hours, Aubrey will take Camille’s place, while Camille spies on Ben, and hopefully obtains the answers that each woman seeks.
EXCEPT the next morning, Ben is found murdered, and only ONE of the women has an airtight alibi.
Was Aubrey set up to be the scapegoat?
NOTHING is what it seems.
The story will unfold through the alternating first person POV’s of Camille, her lawyer Hank, and Aubrey in the present day, and occasionally, from Ben’s POV ten years ago.
Last January, Ashley Elston burst onto the scene when she transitioned from writing YA books to the Adult Thriller market with her book FIRST LIE WINS (5 ⭐️) And, while I’m going to give the edge to that one, this sophomore effort was almost just as good! Review for First Lie Wins: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
And, you will know just HOW apropos this title is when you read the VERY LAST SENTENCE. (No peeking!)🫣
I was hooked from the very entertaining opening scene and I just had to know who COULD and who COULD NOT be trusted.
It’s been awhile since I have read a really CLEVER, FAST PACED thriller and I am thrilled to report that if you have been looking for one too, this is it!
4.5 stars ⭐️ rounded up!
A buddy read with DeAnn and Ceecee! Be sure to watch for their reviews!
Thank You to Pamela Dorman books for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always these are my candid thoughts.
February 6, 2026
3.5⭐️ rounded up because it kept me entertained.
Camille Bayliss is certain her husband, Ben, is hiding something, but his constant surveillance makes it impossible to gather proof. Aubrey Price has her own reasons for wanting answers, believing Ben was tied to the tragedy that upended her life ten years ago. When the two women meet, they devise a dangerous plan: Aubrey will impersonate Camille for twelve hours while Camille searches for the truth.
Then Ben is murdered, and only one of them has an airtight alibi.
While the audiobook narration by Macleod Andrews, Saskia Maarleveld (a favorite of mine), Amanda Stripling, and Dan Bittner was excellent, I recommend reading this one with your eyes. With multiple POVs and four timelines to follow, you may find yourself going back to reread certain parts once the truth begins to come to light.
This was such a fun one to discuss with Kelsey, and our theories kept changing as the story progressed. We both grew attached to two of the side characters and found ourselves hoping they would not end up being the culprit.
This story is a tangled web with everyone’s lives intersecting. It is fast paced and compulsively readable, making it all too easy to say “just one more chapter.”
My biggest issue was the final twist, which didn’t quite land and left me more confused than shocked, and not in a good way. I’d expand on why this fell short of a four star read, but that would risk spoilers. Even so, it remained an entertaining read that I can easily recommend.
Another great buddy read with my friend Kelsey. Be sure to check out her review as well to see what she thought of it.
Camille Bayliss is certain her husband, Ben, is hiding something, but his constant surveillance makes it impossible to gather proof. Aubrey Price has her own reasons for wanting answers, believing Ben was tied to the tragedy that upended her life ten years ago. When the two women meet, they devise a dangerous plan: Aubrey will impersonate Camille for twelve hours while Camille searches for the truth.
Then Ben is murdered, and only one of them has an airtight alibi.
While the audiobook narration by Macleod Andrews, Saskia Maarleveld (a favorite of mine), Amanda Stripling, and Dan Bittner was excellent, I recommend reading this one with your eyes. With multiple POVs and four timelines to follow, you may find yourself going back to reread certain parts once the truth begins to come to light.
This was such a fun one to discuss with Kelsey, and our theories kept changing as the story progressed. We both grew attached to two of the side characters and found ourselves hoping they would not end up being the culprit.
This story is a tangled web with everyone’s lives intersecting. It is fast paced and compulsively readable, making it all too easy to say “just one more chapter.”
My biggest issue was the final twist, which didn’t quite land and left me more confused than shocked, and not in a good way. I’d expand on why this fell short of a four star read, but that would risk spoilers. Even so, it remained an entertaining read that I can easily recommend.
Another great buddy read with my friend Kelsey. Be sure to check out her review as well to see what she thought of it.
January 3, 2026
I’m so sorry, i really tried to stick it out bc it’s an arc but i was bored af and I want it off my shelf! Not starting the new year struggling to push through a thriller with flat boring characters that I couldn’t care less about their pickle or why they’re in it. 😆👏🏻*dusting hands off*
DNF around 45%.
Really gotta try and crack on with these arcs. 😅
I wasn’t the biggest fan of First Lie Wins, but I’m hoping I enjoy this one much more. Plus I’m in the mood for a thriller 😎
Expected Release Date -01/20/26
Many thanks to Viking Penguin for the advanced digital copy. 💐
DNF around 45%.
Really gotta try and crack on with these arcs. 😅
I wasn’t the biggest fan of First Lie Wins, but I’m hoping I enjoy this one much more. Plus I’m in the mood for a thriller 😎
Expected Release Date -01/20/26
Many thanks to Viking Penguin for the advanced digital copy. 💐
February 8, 2026
‘Alibi: A defense offered by a defendant who claims that he or she was at some other place at the time of the commission of the crime and therefore did not commit the crime charged.’
If you loved Ashley Elston’s, First Lie Wins, you’ll feel right at home here and honestly? I might’ve enjoyed this one even more.
Ashley Elston does what she does best, sharp pacing, morally grey characters, and a plot that quietly tightens around you until you realise you’re holding your breath. First Lie Wins was clever and compulsive, but Anatomy of an Alibi feels a little darker, a little more psychological, and even more confident in its twists.
The premise is instantly juicy, two women, a dangerous secret, and an identity swap that seems smart right up until it absolutely isn’t. Camille Bayliss suspects her powerful husband is hiding something sinister. Aubrey Price has her own unresolved past. They make a deal, step into each other’s lives for just one day…and then a murder blows everything apart.
From there, it becomes a delicious game of alibis, half truths, and carefully curated lies. Elston leans hard into the idea that truth doesn’t matter nearly as much as what can be proven and watching the characters scramble to control the narrative is incredibly addictive.
The dual perspectives work beautifully, the tension never lets up, and just when you think you’ve figured out where it’s going, Elston pivots. Again…and again. It’s the kind of book that makes you suspicious of everyone, including yourself.
While First Lie Wins was a blast, Anatomy of an Alibi felt more layered to me, sharper, colder, and a touch more ruthless. A psychological thriller that trusts its readers and isn’t afraid to let its characters be messy, selfish, and deeply human.
Smart, twisty, and quietly brutal, this one stuck with me long after the final page.
I Highly Recommend.
Thank you Headline Publishing for my early readers copy.
Available Now!
If you loved Ashley Elston’s, First Lie Wins, you’ll feel right at home here and honestly? I might’ve enjoyed this one even more.
Ashley Elston does what she does best, sharp pacing, morally grey characters, and a plot that quietly tightens around you until you realise you’re holding your breath. First Lie Wins was clever and compulsive, but Anatomy of an Alibi feels a little darker, a little more psychological, and even more confident in its twists.
The premise is instantly juicy, two women, a dangerous secret, and an identity swap that seems smart right up until it absolutely isn’t. Camille Bayliss suspects her powerful husband is hiding something sinister. Aubrey Price has her own unresolved past. They make a deal, step into each other’s lives for just one day…and then a murder blows everything apart.
From there, it becomes a delicious game of alibis, half truths, and carefully curated lies. Elston leans hard into the idea that truth doesn’t matter nearly as much as what can be proven and watching the characters scramble to control the narrative is incredibly addictive.
The dual perspectives work beautifully, the tension never lets up, and just when you think you’ve figured out where it’s going, Elston pivots. Again…and again. It’s the kind of book that makes you suspicious of everyone, including yourself.
While First Lie Wins was a blast, Anatomy of an Alibi felt more layered to me, sharper, colder, and a touch more ruthless. A psychological thriller that trusts its readers and isn’t afraid to let its characters be messy, selfish, and deeply human.
Smart, twisty, and quietly brutal, this one stuck with me long after the final page.
I Highly Recommend.
Thank you Headline Publishing for my early readers copy.
Available Now!
January 25, 2026
Camille is from a wealthy family and married to prominent Baton Rouge defense lawyer Ben Bayliss. Her vision for the future doesn’t align with her husband’s and she secretly wants out, but she needs to trigger a bad behavior clause in their pre-nup to justify the divorce. She has to dig up some dirt on him, which is hard to do when he digitally tracks her every move.
Aubrey Price works in a bar and lives with a ragtag group of individuals with various criminal talents. After losing her parents in a tragic car crash ten years ago, this is her de facto family. When Camille crosses paths with her and asks Aubrey to pretend to be her on a solo trip to another town so that she can stay behind and investigate Ben, Aubrey agrees.
Everything goes to plan until Ben is found dead. Now one woman has the appearance of an airtight alibi and the other is in deep doo-doo. Will Aubrey end up on the wrong side of this plan?
It’s a great premise, fantastic writing, perfectly orchestrated plotting, well-developed characters, an intriguing Louisiana setting, and all those twists and turns that make thriller-lovers' hearts beat faster. To top it all off, this was an immersion read with my Kindle and the audio, and the narrators were all amazing, including one of my personal favorites, Saskia Maarleveld.
There’s literally no good reason I can come up with for me not to have loved this book and given it 5 stars like so many other friends, especially after Elston blew me away with her debut thriller First Lie Wins, yet here I am. I’m not sure what didn’t click as well for me this time, but it was an issue from the very beginning and never really let up.
I suspect this is just an issue of me not being a big fan of stories involving wealthy families who misuse their influence. I found it harder to connect to the characters in this book, though I did like Aubrey and her housemates - especially Deacon - and also Ben’s law partner Hank. While I enjoyed the story well enough and commend the skill with which Elston writes a thriller, I just didn’t LOVE it the way I wanted to. Perhaps the winter storm outside my windows is making me gloomy!
Having said all of that, it’s with NO hesitation that I recommend this book to my fellow thriller-lovers. There’s a long line of them who loved this one as much or even more than her last one, so please read their reviews before deciding whether to try this.
★★★ ½
Thanks to Pamela Dorman Books, NetGalley and author Ashley Elston for this digital ARC to honestly review, and to my library/Libby for the audio. This is out now.
Aubrey Price works in a bar and lives with a ragtag group of individuals with various criminal talents. After losing her parents in a tragic car crash ten years ago, this is her de facto family. When Camille crosses paths with her and asks Aubrey to pretend to be her on a solo trip to another town so that she can stay behind and investigate Ben, Aubrey agrees.
Everything goes to plan until Ben is found dead. Now one woman has the appearance of an airtight alibi and the other is in deep doo-doo. Will Aubrey end up on the wrong side of this plan?
It’s a great premise, fantastic writing, perfectly orchestrated plotting, well-developed characters, an intriguing Louisiana setting, and all those twists and turns that make thriller-lovers' hearts beat faster. To top it all off, this was an immersion read with my Kindle and the audio, and the narrators were all amazing, including one of my personal favorites, Saskia Maarleveld.
There’s literally no good reason I can come up with for me not to have loved this book and given it 5 stars like so many other friends, especially after Elston blew me away with her debut thriller First Lie Wins, yet here I am. I’m not sure what didn’t click as well for me this time, but it was an issue from the very beginning and never really let up.
I suspect this is just an issue of me not being a big fan of stories involving wealthy families who misuse their influence. I found it harder to connect to the characters in this book, though I did like Aubrey and her housemates - especially Deacon - and also Ben’s law partner Hank. While I enjoyed the story well enough and commend the skill with which Elston writes a thriller, I just didn’t LOVE it the way I wanted to. Perhaps the winter storm outside my windows is making me gloomy!
Having said all of that, it’s with NO hesitation that I recommend this book to my fellow thriller-lovers. There’s a long line of them who loved this one as much or even more than her last one, so please read their reviews before deciding whether to try this.
★★★ ½
Thanks to Pamela Dorman Books, NetGalley and author Ashley Elston for this digital ARC to honestly review, and to my library/Libby for the audio. This is out now.
January 5, 2026
what a fun book to start 2026 with! twisty, fast, suspenseful, LOTS of action, fun on audio—lots to like!
like so many, i was a big fan of her debut novel FIRST LIE WINS and was eager to see what she did with her sophomore novel. at times lots of authors have “sophomore slumps” but this certainly didn’t fall flat at all!
pro tip: listen to this on audiobook. it has a full cast (one of the narrators is Saskia Maarleveld👑) and it was very easy to follow that way.
pro tip #2: pay attention to the dates at the beg of each chapter! the author jumps around A LOT and it’s easy to get lost if you don’t pay attention
this book follows two women who team up a plan to catch one of the woman’s husbands in a lie and finally escape his controlling thumb. but then…he’s murdered. who did it? is this connected to the crime 10 years ago? does anyone know what they did?
if you like murder mysteries and books that are very plot driven, you’ll enjoy this! i was definitely surprised by the twists and had a lot of fun trying to figure it out. the ending was a bit wrapped up for my personal thriller taste, but kinda savage at the same time.
some early reviews critique the side plots and say there’s too much going on but i thought it actually made the story better. everything is so intertwined and so many people have side secrets and motives and it makes you question everyone, which is always fun for a thriller.
this doesn’t beat FIRST LIE WINS for me (loooove a good con artist thriller!) but you’ll have fun with this one come release on January 13!
thanks to Viking for the early copy :)
like so many, i was a big fan of her debut novel FIRST LIE WINS and was eager to see what she did with her sophomore novel. at times lots of authors have “sophomore slumps” but this certainly didn’t fall flat at all!
pro tip: listen to this on audiobook. it has a full cast (one of the narrators is Saskia Maarleveld👑) and it was very easy to follow that way.
pro tip #2: pay attention to the dates at the beg of each chapter! the author jumps around A LOT and it’s easy to get lost if you don’t pay attention
this book follows two women who team up a plan to catch one of the woman’s husbands in a lie and finally escape his controlling thumb. but then…he’s murdered. who did it? is this connected to the crime 10 years ago? does anyone know what they did?
if you like murder mysteries and books that are very plot driven, you’ll enjoy this! i was definitely surprised by the twists and had a lot of fun trying to figure it out. the ending was a bit wrapped up for my personal thriller taste, but kinda savage at the same time.
some early reviews critique the side plots and say there’s too much going on but i thought it actually made the story better. everything is so intertwined and so many people have side secrets and motives and it makes you question everyone, which is always fun for a thriller.
this doesn’t beat FIRST LIE WINS for me (loooove a good con artist thriller!) but you’ll have fun with this one come release on January 13!
thanks to Viking for the early copy :)
March 12, 2026
4.25 The first couple of chapters are SO FUN, then you really have to strap in to understand what’s going on. I was unsure of it at the beginning but ended up really liking it! Enjoyed this much more than First Lie Wins ✨
(Sucker for a romantic subplot sorry)
(Sucker for a romantic subplot sorry)
November 7, 2025
Do you like your thrillers twisty? As in keeping you constantly guessing and questioning everything! Of course you do! And you just found it right here!
I’m not even sure where to start with trying to discuss the premise for fear of giving something away.
So I’ll just give you this:
Two women…one murder…who has the best alibi!⁉️
Told in multiple timelines from multiple perspectives it moves fast, and you’ll need to concentrate (or keep a scorecard) to keep up! But it worked! And it was brilliant!
This was my second thriller by this author who jumped into the thriller ring from the YA world! And yes, I do believe she has found her calling here!📍
I’m already looking forward to her next!
✍️ Ashley Elston
📄 352 Pages
🗓️ January 20 2026
📈 4/5🌟
👉 Thriller, Mystery
Thank you to NetGalley and Viking Penguin/Pamela Dorman Books
I’m not even sure where to start with trying to discuss the premise for fear of giving something away.
So I’ll just give you this:
Two women…one murder…who has the best alibi!⁉️
Told in multiple timelines from multiple perspectives it moves fast, and you’ll need to concentrate (or keep a scorecard) to keep up! But it worked! And it was brilliant!
This was my second thriller by this author who jumped into the thriller ring from the YA world! And yes, I do believe she has found her calling here!📍
I’m already looking forward to her next!
✍️ Ashley Elston
📄 352 Pages
🗓️ January 20 2026
📈 4/5🌟
👉 Thriller, Mystery
Thank you to NetGalley and Viking Penguin/Pamela Dorman Books
March 18, 2026
2.75 stars rounded up. I LOVED Ashley Elston's previous book, First Lie Wins, so I'm so sad to feel so meh about this one. My biggest complaint is that there are soooo many characters who all have their own subplots and relationships to each other. It was hard to keep track of. I found this to be a pretty tedious read, which really took me out of just being immersed and present in the book.
I loved the concept and beginning of this book, so I'm so bummed I didn't love the rest. The ending also really disappointed me. When the murderer was revealed, it felt like a really random and lackluster reveal. I wanted a crazier twist. Although I will say the last chapter was SUPER good!! Especially the last few sentences were sooooo clever so I'm glad I finished the book!
I loved the concept and beginning of this book, so I'm so bummed I didn't love the rest. The ending also really disappointed me. When the murderer was revealed, it felt like a really random and lackluster reveal. I wanted a crazier twist. Although I will say the last chapter was SUPER good!! Especially the last few sentences were sooooo clever so I'm glad I finished the book!
November 13, 2025
First Lie Wins is one of my all-time favorite thrillers. I tore through it and recommend it to anyone who wants a twisty, fast, absolutely gripping read.
Unfortunately, Anatomy of an Alibi completely missed the mark for me. I rushed to pick it up, hoping for the same sharp twists and addictive pacing as First Lie Wins, but instead I ended up confused, bored, and honestly disappointed.
There are just too many characters to keep track of, and none of them are particularly likable, Hank being the one exception. There are also way too many subplots that go nowhere and feel unnecessary, making the whole story more confusing than intriguing. The relationships pop up out of nowhere and feel forced, and a lot of character arcs and motivations never get a real resolution. Overall, the plot lines just didn’t feel believable.
This isn’t a book I’d recommend. I’m still hoping Elston writes something closer to First Lie Wins again, but after this one, I’ll definitely be hesitant to pick up her next thriller.
Unfortunately, Anatomy of an Alibi completely missed the mark for me. I rushed to pick it up, hoping for the same sharp twists and addictive pacing as First Lie Wins, but instead I ended up confused, bored, and honestly disappointed.
There are just too many characters to keep track of, and none of them are particularly likable, Hank being the one exception. There are also way too many subplots that go nowhere and feel unnecessary, making the whole story more confusing than intriguing. The relationships pop up out of nowhere and feel forced, and a lot of character arcs and motivations never get a real resolution. Overall, the plot lines just didn’t feel believable.
This isn’t a book I’d recommend. I’m still hoping Elston writes something closer to First Lie Wins again, but after this one, I’ll definitely be hesitant to pick up her next thriller.
November 30, 2025
Camille is from a wealthy family and married to a successful lawyer, Ben. She should be living the high life, BUT she suspects Ben is up to something. And, of course.... he is! Problem is she doesn't know what or why, but has her suspicions.
Ben also tracks and monitors her, so she comes up with a plan of her own to do a little switheroo. Her plan was clever, but flawed.
Can anyone really leave a clear, unwavering digital trail?
Lots of secrets are revealed and someone performs a solid Oscar performance! Find out who has the alibi they need.
Twisty and clever!
Thanks to NG for my ARC. OUT Jan 13, 2026
Ben also tracks and monitors her, so she comes up with a plan of her own to do a little switheroo. Her plan was clever, but flawed.
Can anyone really leave a clear, unwavering digital trail?
Lots of secrets are revealed and someone performs a solid Oscar performance! Find out who has the alibi they need.
Twisty and clever!
Thanks to NG for my ARC. OUT Jan 13, 2026
February 1, 2026
After First Lie Wins became my favorite book of the year in 2024, I knew I needed to get my hands on Elston’s next novel as soon as I could. Let me tell you, with Anatomy of an Alibi she cemented her talent for writing twisty, unputdownable thrillers in no uncertain terms. A brilliant yet complicated puzzle of multiple timelines told from multiple POVs, it was a fun, wild ride of long-buried secrets and manipulative lies. You see, on top of one heck of a dysfunctional family, the two women at the center of the action were matched wit for wit in this epic game of cat-and-mouse. Don’t get me wrong, they weren’t the only ones playing for keeps as the web of well-hidden schemes were unraveled thread by thread as this complex plot flew by in a wink of an eye. Compelling, intense, and beyond ingenious, it was everything I look for in a one-sitting read.
All said and done, despite an incredibly intricate plot which required a ton of focus to keep my eye on the ball, I couldn’t put this book down until I knew all the whos, whats, and whys. With cliffhangers galore and a storyline with a definite Hitchcockian vibe, I was thrown more than once by one of the “HOLY S***!?!” twists. Coming in hot and heavy after the halfway point, I even dropped my book in surprise near the end. After all, thanks to a blindingly fast pace and a group of highly suspicious characters, there was no telling who the killer really was until it was laid at my feet. That’s right. Even I didn’t know the truth until the heart-pounding reveal. Even better, if you prefer a bit of depth to your thrillers, this one had that as well. Exploring class, identity, and trust, it was a humdinger of a read that will take a while to get over. Rating of 4.5 stars.
BRIEF BLURB:
Please oh please go into this one as blind as you can! I mean, even the publisher-provided synopsis gave just a bit too much away. All you need to know before diving in is what I’m about to tell you in the following blurb…
A wealthy trophy wife named Camille Bayliss suspects that something suspicious is going on in her marriage to Ben. Hoping to get to the bottom of it, she confronts bartender Aubrey Price about some information she has found that seems to connect her to Ben. The only problem is that Camille is wrong. Sort of. Hoping to catch him out, they plan a devious scheme. The only problem is that both of them are hiding things from one another. At least, that was their only problem…until Ben ends up dead. With their lies spinning out of control, they have to rush to work out who killed Ben and why before one of them ends up behind bars. After all, only one of them has the perfect alibi…
Thank you Ashley Elston, Pamela Dorman Books, and NetGalley for my complimentary digital and physical copies. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: January 13, 2026
Content warning: blackmail, a fatal hit-and-run, violence, police corruption, gun violence, mention of: controlling relationship
All said and done, despite an incredibly intricate plot which required a ton of focus to keep my eye on the ball, I couldn’t put this book down until I knew all the whos, whats, and whys. With cliffhangers galore and a storyline with a definite Hitchcockian vibe, I was thrown more than once by one of the “HOLY S***!?!” twists. Coming in hot and heavy after the halfway point, I even dropped my book in surprise near the end. After all, thanks to a blindingly fast pace and a group of highly suspicious characters, there was no telling who the killer really was until it was laid at my feet. That’s right. Even I didn’t know the truth until the heart-pounding reveal. Even better, if you prefer a bit of depth to your thrillers, this one had that as well. Exploring class, identity, and trust, it was a humdinger of a read that will take a while to get over. Rating of 4.5 stars.
BRIEF BLURB:
Please oh please go into this one as blind as you can! I mean, even the publisher-provided synopsis gave just a bit too much away. All you need to know before diving in is what I’m about to tell you in the following blurb…
A wealthy trophy wife named Camille Bayliss suspects that something suspicious is going on in her marriage to Ben. Hoping to get to the bottom of it, she confronts bartender Aubrey Price about some information she has found that seems to connect her to Ben. The only problem is that Camille is wrong. Sort of. Hoping to catch him out, they plan a devious scheme. The only problem is that both of them are hiding things from one another. At least, that was their only problem…until Ben ends up dead. With their lies spinning out of control, they have to rush to work out who killed Ben and why before one of them ends up behind bars. After all, only one of them has the perfect alibi…
Thank you Ashley Elston, Pamela Dorman Books, and NetGalley for my complimentary digital and physical copies. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: January 13, 2026
Content warning: blackmail, a fatal hit-and-run, violence, police corruption, gun violence, mention of: controlling relationship
January 30, 2026
TWISTED WEB OF LIES
Two women.
One dead husband.
And only one alibi.
Ok this is the second book by this author, and I can for sure say that her writing style is right up my alley!
She knows how to suck you in and have you immersed in the mysterious drama of it all.
I didn’t attempt to try and guess what the truth was, I enjoyed the story and was tantalizingly surprised by all the reveals.
The book is told in dual narratives with some being in the present and past, which was done so well. The story is very complex and admittedly I was scratching my head in confusion at the beginning, but it added to me just wanting to further read on to figure it all out.
I didn’t want to put this one down and if you enjoyed First Lie Wins, I assure you, you will digest this one just as much!
So excited to see what Ashley writes next.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
pre read
Ughhh i loved 'First Lie Wins'
So I'm sure this is going to be another hit!
Excited to finally get my hands on this one!
🩷💚🩷
Two women.
One dead husband.
And only one alibi.
Ok this is the second book by this author, and I can for sure say that her writing style is right up my alley!
She knows how to suck you in and have you immersed in the mysterious drama of it all.
I didn’t attempt to try and guess what the truth was, I enjoyed the story and was tantalizingly surprised by all the reveals.
The book is told in dual narratives with some being in the present and past, which was done so well. The story is very complex and admittedly I was scratching my head in confusion at the beginning, but it added to me just wanting to further read on to figure it all out.
I didn’t want to put this one down and if you enjoyed First Lie Wins, I assure you, you will digest this one just as much!
So excited to see what Ashley writes next.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
pre read
Ughhh i loved 'First Lie Wins'
So I'm sure this is going to be another hit!
Excited to finally get my hands on this one!
🩷💚🩷
January 16, 2026
A great build up with a strong cast of characters. Really liked how it flowed and the mounting suspicion. I did feel like the ending was a little weak and would have liked another twist ontop of the small one. But a solid read overall.
January 20, 2026
The perfect crime requires the perfect alibi.
Camille Bayliss is trapped in a (gilded) cage of a marriage to hotshot Baton Rouge attorney Benjamin Bayliss.
She desperately needs freedom from her husband’s suffocating 24/7 surveillance to uncover his darkest secrets.
Aubrey Price, a local bartender, is haunted by the decade-old hit-and-run that left her an orphan at 16.
She believes Mr. Bayliss holds answers about the night her parents died.
So, the two women concoct a 12-hour identity swap: Aubrey will become Camille, creating an airtight digital trail, while the real Camille investigates her husband.
Cut to the following morning and Ben Bayliss is discovered murdered in his own home.
Uh oh, only one woman possesses the credit card receipts, phone location data, and witness sightings that prove she was elsewhere when the crime occurred...
And we're off to the races in Ashley Elston's Anatomy of an Alibi.
Elston alternates between “Before the Alibi,” “The Alibi,” and “After the Alibi,” weaving in flashback chapters that gradually illuminate the 10-year-old tragedy that connects all the major players.
There's also a lengthy cast of secondary characters.
Heads up: some readers (ahem) may find themselves flipping back to previous chapters to reorient themselves after particularly complex revelations.
In other words, pay very close attention to those chapter headings, my friends.
With red herrings aplenty, you'll start second-guessing every character’s motive.
I thoroughly enjoyed this labyrinthine mystery and masterfully constructed psychological thriller almost as much as Elston's First Lie Wins (2024), a con artist thriller and New York Times bestseller.
Much like that novel, Elston has crafted another clever and intricate puzzle.
The sheer number of moving parts in Anatomy of an Alibi keeps you on your toes from the first page to the last.
If complex whodunnits are your jam, prepare to have your intellect challenged.
Put on your sleuthing caps, Sherlocks, there's a murder afoot!
January 13, 2026
HAPPY PUB DAY
‼️INCOMING BANGER ALERT‼️
From the bestselling author of First Lie Wins, Anatomy Of An Alibi is her twistiest novel yet! And when I saw my sweet friend Jayme’s review on GR, I knew I had to have it!
Two women are brought together by a crime from ten years ago and a murder in the present. These two crimes are seriously connected and your job is to figure out the why and the who. There are so many details that it would take pages just to lay it out.
The whole time, I pictured Ashley Elston with one of those boards with lines connecting everything together. Lol then, I saw a video on IG with actual boards, multiple haha. It takes a genius to weave this together. JS
I alternated back and forth between the audio and a physical copy the publisher sent. I was obsessed! I couldn’t stop thinking about it! The multicast was stellar! Do not speed your audio to 2x or I seriously think you will miss a ton! Pay attention to detail, jumping timelines, and the multiple POV and you will be just fine.
This book will be HUGE in 2026 and thriller fiends, please add this to your TBR! Pre-order your copy! You don’t want to miss this!
5 bangin’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pub Date - 1/13/26
Thank you to Viking Books, PRH audio and Netgalley for the gifted copies.
‼️INCOMING BANGER ALERT‼️
From the bestselling author of First Lie Wins, Anatomy Of An Alibi is her twistiest novel yet! And when I saw my sweet friend Jayme’s review on GR, I knew I had to have it!
Two women are brought together by a crime from ten years ago and a murder in the present. These two crimes are seriously connected and your job is to figure out the why and the who. There are so many details that it would take pages just to lay it out.
The whole time, I pictured Ashley Elston with one of those boards with lines connecting everything together. Lol then, I saw a video on IG with actual boards, multiple haha. It takes a genius to weave this together. JS
I alternated back and forth between the audio and a physical copy the publisher sent. I was obsessed! I couldn’t stop thinking about it! The multicast was stellar! Do not speed your audio to 2x or I seriously think you will miss a ton! Pay attention to detail, jumping timelines, and the multiple POV and you will be just fine.
This book will be HUGE in 2026 and thriller fiends, please add this to your TBR! Pre-order your copy! You don’t want to miss this!
5 bangin’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pub Date - 1/13/26
Thank you to Viking Books, PRH audio and Netgalley for the gifted copies.
January 26, 2026
Twisty. Frenetic. Occasionally exhausting.
“Alibi: A defense offered by a defendant who claims that he or she was at some other place at the time of the commission of the crime and therefore did not commit the crime charged.” — Louisiana State Bar Association
Let us breathe in the last part of that statement.
“…and therefore, did not commit the crime charged.”
Hmm. How, exactly, should readers interpret that?
This novel sets out to examine the anatomy of an alibi—a meticulous, piece-by-piece construction of a defense meant to prove someone wasn’t there when the crime occurred. And that is, more or less, the story readers are following.
But first, readers will find themselves asking: what crime—and who is it really about?
Ben, a successful attorney is dead. Or at least, we as readers, know a murder has occurred. From there, suspicion spreads quickly. Was it Camille, his wife, worn down by his controlling nature? Hank, his business partner? Aubrey, whose past feels carefully guarded? Or someone else entirely, protecting secrets that run deeper than Ben’s murder?
An alibi must be built—but why? To get away with murder? Or to conceal something far more complicated?
Told through alternating points of view, the story immediately pulls readers into a compelling mystery where everyone feels like a suspect—but not always for the same reason. The tension lies not just in who committed the crime, but in whose alibi can be trusted, what crime this story is truly about, and whether justice will ultimately prevail. (No spoilers from me.)
And this is where the novel both succeeds and stumbles.
The twists come fast and furious—so many, in fact, that readers may begin to feel a bit of narrative whiplash. With an ever-expanding cast of characters and constant reversals, the story sometimes feels less like a carefully plotted mystery and more like a runaway roller coaster. Intriguing? Yes. Overwhelming at times? Also, yes.
By the end, readers may find themselves wanting resolution—and perhaps a moment to steady themselves—rather than yet another sharp turn.
A gripping premise with strong intrigue, but one that could have benefited from some restraint. That said, I may be an outlier—so I encourage readers to explore other reviews and perspectives before deciding if this whirlwind mystery is right for them.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 stars, rounded down.
“Alibi: A defense offered by a defendant who claims that he or she was at some other place at the time of the commission of the crime and therefore did not commit the crime charged.” — Louisiana State Bar Association
Let us breathe in the last part of that statement.
“…and therefore, did not commit the crime charged.”
Hmm. How, exactly, should readers interpret that?
This novel sets out to examine the anatomy of an alibi—a meticulous, piece-by-piece construction of a defense meant to prove someone wasn’t there when the crime occurred. And that is, more or less, the story readers are following.
But first, readers will find themselves asking: what crime—and who is it really about?
Ben, a successful attorney is dead. Or at least, we as readers, know a murder has occurred. From there, suspicion spreads quickly. Was it Camille, his wife, worn down by his controlling nature? Hank, his business partner? Aubrey, whose past feels carefully guarded? Or someone else entirely, protecting secrets that run deeper than Ben’s murder?
An alibi must be built—but why? To get away with murder? Or to conceal something far more complicated?
Told through alternating points of view, the story immediately pulls readers into a compelling mystery where everyone feels like a suspect—but not always for the same reason. The tension lies not just in who committed the crime, but in whose alibi can be trusted, what crime this story is truly about, and whether justice will ultimately prevail. (No spoilers from me.)
And this is where the novel both succeeds and stumbles.
The twists come fast and furious—so many, in fact, that readers may begin to feel a bit of narrative whiplash. With an ever-expanding cast of characters and constant reversals, the story sometimes feels less like a carefully plotted mystery and more like a runaway roller coaster. Intriguing? Yes. Overwhelming at times? Also, yes.
By the end, readers may find themselves wanting resolution—and perhaps a moment to steady themselves—rather than yet another sharp turn.
A gripping premise with strong intrigue, but one that could have benefited from some restraint. That said, I may be an outlier—so I encourage readers to explore other reviews and perspectives before deciding if this whirlwind mystery is right for them.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 stars, rounded down.
February 23, 2026
The story starts out strong: two women, one alibi, and a dead husband.
Aubrey was impersonating Camille for 12 hours. Why?
Now both women need an alibi.
What really happened and what was the motive for both the alibi and the murder?
I picked this one up without reading the Goodreads synopsis, because I enjoyed the author’s previous book, which was a good decision. Do not read the synopsis. It gives too much away, along with plot points I enjoyed discovering as I read.
Nothing is as it seems, and just when you think you know what’s going on, you discover you do not.
The story alternates POV, as the intricate plot develops. The less I say about this plot, the better, so I’ll end by saying if you’re in the mood for a fun twisty read, you can’t go wrong with this one.
* the cast of narrators did a great job with the audiobook
Aubrey was impersonating Camille for 12 hours. Why?
Now both women need an alibi.
What really happened and what was the motive for both the alibi and the murder?
I picked this one up without reading the Goodreads synopsis, because I enjoyed the author’s previous book, which was a good decision. Do not read the synopsis. It gives too much away, along with plot points I enjoyed discovering as I read.
Nothing is as it seems, and just when you think you know what’s going on, you discover you do not.
The story alternates POV, as the intricate plot develops. The less I say about this plot, the better, so I’ll end by saying if you’re in the mood for a fun twisty read, you can’t go wrong with this one.
* the cast of narrators did a great job with the audiobook
January 26, 2026
Hmm lots of thoughts on this. Thrillers are meant to be thrilling, right? For the first half it, I couldn’t put it down. I was glued to the first 40% in one sitting. Corrupt families, swapped identities, multiple POVs are generally some of my favorites in thrillers. I love deciphering the whodunnits. It started off really strong and I thought that it would top her debut, First Lie Wins, which I inhaled. The story quickly began to feel cluttered with multiple subplots, 15 characters and a ton of easter eggs, it made my head spin and my draw towards it began dissipating. Don’t get me wrong, it was still a very twisty murder mystery, I just wasn’t feeling the ending and how much of an ‘info dump’ this book felt. It was almost as if the author scrambled a bunch of ideas and threw them all into the book without being polished.
Full RTF!:)
Full RTF!:)
Read
January 14, 2026This was just a FUN listen - I didn't know how it was going to play out but I loved every minute of it.
October 30, 2025
4.5 rounded up
Wealthy Camille Bayliss, wife of hotshot lawyer Benjamin Bayliss, and Aubrey Price, from a very different background, swap identities for one night which allows Camille to temporarily evade her husband‘s watchfulness. Both women know that Ben is harbouring dirty secrets and has been doing so for years. The hours that Aubrey assumes Camille‘s identity allows the latter an opportunity to dig up some evidence against Ben. However, that self same night Ben is brutally murdered and both women need an airtight alibi though only one of them has precisely that. One false step and the whole lot will come crashing down. This riveting novel is told from several perspectives which deepens the suspect pool..
To find yourself getting totally lost in a book to the exclusion of what’s around you and the tasks that need doing (dogs to walk, dinner to cook etc) is a truly wonderful thing. I love Ashley Elston’s last book First Lie Wins but this one is even stronger in my opinion. It’s so twisty as various alibis are either confirmed or appear to be confirmed or are quite simply blown out of the water as more suspects reveal themselves. The alternate points of view are both utterly engrossing as well as being illuminating and I’m gripped and desperate to get to the truth. Several chapters have bomb like revelations which make my jaw drop as they’re so unexpected. It’s full of tension and suspense as you have no idea what’s going to happen next.
There’s a bit of everything in this novel. There are those that are power hungry and controlling. The dynamics between characters are excellent with some that are friendly and some that are not so much and some that are born of necessity. There are coverups, multiple acts of corruption, scheming and how, and many people who are a shady as, both proving you can’t choose your family or feel comfortable with what they might do.
The author does a very good job of sticking to the novels theme and although I do guess part of the alibi web/network it doesn’t spoil the ultimate surprise. The final paragraph is a cracker and so clever as it takes us right back to where it all starts.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Headline for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
Wealthy Camille Bayliss, wife of hotshot lawyer Benjamin Bayliss, and Aubrey Price, from a very different background, swap identities for one night which allows Camille to temporarily evade her husband‘s watchfulness. Both women know that Ben is harbouring dirty secrets and has been doing so for years. The hours that Aubrey assumes Camille‘s identity allows the latter an opportunity to dig up some evidence against Ben. However, that self same night Ben is brutally murdered and both women need an airtight alibi though only one of them has precisely that. One false step and the whole lot will come crashing down. This riveting novel is told from several perspectives which deepens the suspect pool..
To find yourself getting totally lost in a book to the exclusion of what’s around you and the tasks that need doing (dogs to walk, dinner to cook etc) is a truly wonderful thing. I love Ashley Elston’s last book First Lie Wins but this one is even stronger in my opinion. It’s so twisty as various alibis are either confirmed or appear to be confirmed or are quite simply blown out of the water as more suspects reveal themselves. The alternate points of view are both utterly engrossing as well as being illuminating and I’m gripped and desperate to get to the truth. Several chapters have bomb like revelations which make my jaw drop as they’re so unexpected. It’s full of tension and suspense as you have no idea what’s going to happen next.
There’s a bit of everything in this novel. There are those that are power hungry and controlling. The dynamics between characters are excellent with some that are friendly and some that are not so much and some that are born of necessity. There are coverups, multiple acts of corruption, scheming and how, and many people who are a shady as, both proving you can’t choose your family or feel comfortable with what they might do.
The author does a very good job of sticking to the novels theme and although I do guess part of the alibi web/network it doesn’t spoil the ultimate surprise. The final paragraph is a cracker and so clever as it takes us right back to where it all starts.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Headline for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
January 14, 2026
3.5 stars rounded up. Overall, I enjoyed this one and found it quite fast-paced and very serviceable as a thriller - not quite as good as "First Lie" but certainly enough for the author to go on my "auto" list! I really liked how everything kept circling back to the "alibi" - neat concept!
November 19, 2025
My only alibi for staying up all night: this book!
"This is the tricky part. It's not just the anatomy of an alibi: having someone vouch you were somewhere else when the crime was committed, but it's the psychology of it: that someone is believable."
In "Anatomy of an Alibi", Ashley Elston delivers a high-stakes thriller where two women's lives become irrevocably linked by a murder that threatens to expose them both. Camille Bayliss appears to have the perfect life: married to a hotshot lawyer and wrapped in wealth, but she is longing for an escape. Meanwhile, Aubrey Price is convinced Camille's husband knows something about the night that destroyed her life. Together, they forge a seemingly perfect plan: Aubrey will take Camille's place for twelve hours so Camille can spy on her husband. But when a body turns up, both women suddenly need an airtight alibi - and only one of them has it.
Let's be honest: as a lawyer, any book beginning with the legal definition of an alibi is guaranteed to grab my attention from page one, and "Anatomy of an Alibi" did just that and held it until its flawless, full-circle finish. Full of twists and an intriguing plot, this was a relentless, action-packed, and absolutely exhilarating thrill. Elston excels at suspense, suspicion, and moral ambiguity - the plot frequently flips expectations, the characters are flawed and fascinating, and the stakes feel real.
Having absolutely loved "First Lie Wins", author Ashley Elston's foray into adult mystery/thrillers last year, I came in with high hopes and I was not disappointed: this is a must-read for me and firmly cements Elston's upcoming works on my must-read list. If you're looking for a twisty mystery with momentum, smart plotting and morally gray characters, this is it.
Many thanks to Viking Penguin | Pamela Dorman Books for providing me with an ARC of this fabulous thriller via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
"Anatomy of an Alibi" is slated to be released on January 13, 2026.
"This is the tricky part. It's not just the anatomy of an alibi: having someone vouch you were somewhere else when the crime was committed, but it's the psychology of it: that someone is believable."
In "Anatomy of an Alibi", Ashley Elston delivers a high-stakes thriller where two women's lives become irrevocably linked by a murder that threatens to expose them both. Camille Bayliss appears to have the perfect life: married to a hotshot lawyer and wrapped in wealth, but she is longing for an escape. Meanwhile, Aubrey Price is convinced Camille's husband knows something about the night that destroyed her life. Together, they forge a seemingly perfect plan: Aubrey will take Camille's place for twelve hours so Camille can spy on her husband. But when a body turns up, both women suddenly need an airtight alibi - and only one of them has it.
Let's be honest: as a lawyer, any book beginning with the legal definition of an alibi is guaranteed to grab my attention from page one, and "Anatomy of an Alibi" did just that and held it until its flawless, full-circle finish. Full of twists and an intriguing plot, this was a relentless, action-packed, and absolutely exhilarating thrill. Elston excels at suspense, suspicion, and moral ambiguity - the plot frequently flips expectations, the characters are flawed and fascinating, and the stakes feel real.
Having absolutely loved "First Lie Wins", author Ashley Elston's foray into adult mystery/thrillers last year, I came in with high hopes and I was not disappointed: this is a must-read for me and firmly cements Elston's upcoming works on my must-read list. If you're looking for a twisty mystery with momentum, smart plotting and morally gray characters, this is it.
Many thanks to Viking Penguin | Pamela Dorman Books for providing me with an ARC of this fabulous thriller via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
"Anatomy of an Alibi" is slated to be released on January 13, 2026.
March 14, 2026
╰┈➤ 𝟹.𝟸𝟻 ✰ ꜱᴛᴀʀꜱ
📚⋮ 𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐥𝐢𝐛𝐢 𝐛𝐲 𝐀𝐬𝐡𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐄𝐥𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧
📜⋮ 𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬: 𝟹𝟺𝟽
🏷️⋮ 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: 𝙿𝚜𝚢𝚌𝚑𝚘𝚕𝚘𝚐𝚒𝚌𝚊𝚕 𝚃𝚑𝚛𝚒𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚛
📱⋮ 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭: 𝙺𝚒𝚗𝚍𝚕𝚎
📆⋮ 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝: 𝟹/𝟷𝟶/𝟸𝟼-𝟹/𝟷𝟹/𝟸𝟼
💬⋮ 𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬
「 ”Camille Bayliss appears to have the picture-perfect life; she's married to hotshot lawyer Ben and is the daughter of a wealthy Louisiana family. Only nothing is as it seems: Camille believes Ben has been hiding dirty secrets for years, but she can't find proof because he tracks her every move. Aubrey Price has been haunted by the terrible night that changed her life a decade ago, and she's convinced Benjamin Bayliss knows something about it. Aubrey and Camille hatch a plan. It sounds simple: For twelve hours, Aubrey will take Camille's place. Camille will spy on Ben, and the two women will get the answers they desperately seek. Except the next morning, Ben is found murdered. Both women need an airtight alibi, but only one of them has it. And one false step is all it takes for everything to come undone.”」
─ ⊹ ⊱ ⊰ ⊹ ─ ─ ⊹ ⊱ ⊰ ⊹ ─ ─ ⊹ ⊱ ⊰ ⊹ ─
ᴍʏ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: ★★★.25/5
ɢᴏᴏᴅʀᴇᴀᴅꜱ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: 𝟹.𝟾𝟻 ☆ ꜱᴛᴀʀꜱ
ᴘᴀɪʀ ᴡɪᴛʜ: ᴀ ꜱʜᴏᴛ ᴏꜰ ᴡʜɪꜱᴋᴇʏ 🥃
ᴡᴏᴜʟᴅ ɪ ʀᴇᴄᴏᴍᴍᴇɴᴅ?: 👎🏼
ɴᴏᴡ ᴘʟᴀʏɪɴɢ: ꜰᴀᴛʜᴇʀ ꜰɪɢᴜʀᴇ — ᴛᴀʏʟᴏʀ ꜱᴡɪꜰᴛ
0:29 ———♡——— 3:32
╭───
┆
╰⪼ 🎶 I′ll be your father figure, I drink that brown liquor, I can make deals with the devil because my dick’s bigger. this love is pure profit, just step into my office. I dry your tears with my sleeve, leave it with me; I protect the family.
⊱ ────── {⋆ ‧₊˚♪𝄞 ⋆} ────── ⊰
ʀᴇᴀᴅ ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ʟɪᴋᴇ:
💵 ᴡʜᴏᴅᴜɴɴɪᴛꜱ
🔪 ᴍᴜʟᴛɪᴘʟᴇ ᴘᴏᴠꜱ
💵 ʟᴏᴜɪꜱɪᴀɴᴀ ꜱᴇᴛᴛɪɴɢ
🔪 ᴘᴏᴡᴇʀꜰᴜʟ ꜰᴀᴍɪʟɪᴇꜱ
💵 ᴍᴜʟᴛɪᴘʟᴇ ᴛɪᴍᴇʟɪɴᴇꜱ
🔪 ꜱʟᴏᴡ ʙᴜʀɴ ᴛʜʀɪʟʟᴇʀꜱ
─ ⊹ ⊱ ⊰ ⊹ ─ ─ ⊹ ⊱ ⊰ ⊹ ─ ─ ⊹ ⊱ ⊰ ⊹ ─
💭⋮ 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
• I thought thrillers were supposed to ya know… thrill. What a let down. I was excited for this one too since I loved the author’s other book, First Lie Wins. But this was just not what I expected or wanted. There were too many characters, an unexciting plot twist/reveal, & me left with more questions than answers. I don’t mind slow burn thrillers, but I wanted a THRILLER. Not a family soap opera that’s giving Succession.
─ ⊹ ⊱ ⊰ ⊹ ─ ─ ⊹ ⊱ ⊰ ⊹ ─ ─ ⊹ ⊱ ⊰ ⊹ ─ ─ ⊹ ⊱ ⊰ ⊹ ─ ─ ⊹ ⊱ ⊰ ⊹ ─
❝𝑰𝒕’𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒐𝒎𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒃𝒊—𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒗𝒐𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒆𝒍𝒔𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒓𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒅—𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒊𝒕’𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒔𝒚𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒊𝒕: 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆.❞
📚⋮ 𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐥𝐢𝐛𝐢 𝐛𝐲 𝐀𝐬𝐡𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐄𝐥𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧
📜⋮ 𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬: 𝟹𝟺𝟽
🏷️⋮ 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: 𝙿𝚜𝚢𝚌𝚑𝚘𝚕𝚘𝚐𝚒𝚌𝚊𝚕 𝚃𝚑𝚛𝚒𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚛
📱⋮ 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭: 𝙺𝚒𝚗𝚍𝚕𝚎
📆⋮ 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝: 𝟹/𝟷𝟶/𝟸𝟼-𝟹/𝟷𝟹/𝟸𝟼
💬⋮ 𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬
「 ”Camille Bayliss appears to have the picture-perfect life; she's married to hotshot lawyer Ben and is the daughter of a wealthy Louisiana family. Only nothing is as it seems: Camille believes Ben has been hiding dirty secrets for years, but she can't find proof because he tracks her every move. Aubrey Price has been haunted by the terrible night that changed her life a decade ago, and she's convinced Benjamin Bayliss knows something about it. Aubrey and Camille hatch a plan. It sounds simple: For twelve hours, Aubrey will take Camille's place. Camille will spy on Ben, and the two women will get the answers they desperately seek. Except the next morning, Ben is found murdered. Both women need an airtight alibi, but only one of them has it. And one false step is all it takes for everything to come undone.”」
─ ⊹ ⊱ ⊰ ⊹ ─ ─ ⊹ ⊱ ⊰ ⊹ ─ ─ ⊹ ⊱ ⊰ ⊹ ─
❝ “𝑭𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒚 𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒑𝒔 𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒖𝒕. 𝑭𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒚 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒔 𝒇𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒚. 𝑭𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒚 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒔 𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒇𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒚 𝒔𝒖𝒄𝒄𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆.” ❞
ᴍʏ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: ★★★.25/5
ɢᴏᴏᴅʀᴇᴀᴅꜱ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: 𝟹.𝟾𝟻 ☆ ꜱᴛᴀʀꜱ
ᴘᴀɪʀ ᴡɪᴛʜ: ᴀ ꜱʜᴏᴛ ᴏꜰ ᴡʜɪꜱᴋᴇʏ 🥃
ᴡᴏᴜʟᴅ ɪ ʀᴇᴄᴏᴍᴍᴇɴᴅ?: 👎🏼
ɴᴏᴡ ᴘʟᴀʏɪɴɢ: ꜰᴀᴛʜᴇʀ ꜰɪɢᴜʀᴇ — ᴛᴀʏʟᴏʀ ꜱᴡɪꜰᴛ
0:29 ———♡——— 3:32
⇄ ◃◃ ⅠⅠ ▹▹ ↻
╭───
┆
╰⪼ 🎶 I′ll be your father figure, I drink that brown liquor, I can make deals with the devil because my dick’s bigger. this love is pure profit, just step into my office. I dry your tears with my sleeve, leave it with me; I protect the family.
⊱ ────── {⋆ ‧₊˚♪𝄞 ⋆} ────── ⊰
ʀᴇᴀᴅ ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ʟɪᴋᴇ:
💵 ᴡʜᴏᴅᴜɴɴɪᴛꜱ
🔪 ᴍᴜʟᴛɪᴘʟᴇ ᴘᴏᴠꜱ
💵 ʟᴏᴜɪꜱɪᴀɴᴀ ꜱᴇᴛᴛɪɴɢ
🔪 ᴘᴏᴡᴇʀꜰᴜʟ ꜰᴀᴍɪʟɪᴇꜱ
💵 ᴍᴜʟᴛɪᴘʟᴇ ᴛɪᴍᴇʟɪɴᴇꜱ
🔪 ꜱʟᴏᴡ ʙᴜʀɴ ᴛʜʀɪʟʟᴇʀꜱ
─ ⊹ ⊱ ⊰ ⊹ ─ ─ ⊹ ⊱ ⊰ ⊹ ─ ─ ⊹ ⊱ ⊰ ⊹ ─
💭⋮ 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
• I thought thrillers were supposed to ya know… thrill. What a let down. I was excited for this one too since I loved the author’s other book, First Lie Wins. But this was just not what I expected or wanted. There were too many characters, an unexciting plot twist/reveal, & me left with more questions than answers. I don’t mind slow burn thrillers, but I wanted a THRILLER. Not a family soap opera that’s giving Succession.
─ ⊹ ⊱ ⊰ ⊹ ─ ─ ⊹ ⊱ ⊰ ⊹ ─ ─ ⊹ ⊱ ⊰ ⊹ ─ ─ ⊹ ⊱ ⊰ ⊹ ─ ─ ⊹ ⊱ ⊰ ⊹ ─
❝𝑳𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒄𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒂𝒕 𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒌.❞
February 17, 2026
Rating is subject to change.
This had a whole lot going on… 4 POVs, 3+ timelines, jumping around. If you’re a fan of MESSY, this is for you.
I did have moments where I was invested, but also moments I couldn’t wait for it to end. I’m torn.
The ending??? I’m wondering if I missed something or if it was just really anticlimactic?
This had a whole lot going on… 4 POVs, 3+ timelines, jumping around. If you’re a fan of MESSY, this is for you.
I did have moments where I was invested, but also moments I couldn’t wait for it to end. I’m torn.
The ending??? I’m wondering if I missed something or if it was just really anticlimactic?
January 14, 2026
Thank you, Viking Penguin | Pamela Dorman Books, for sending me this ARC. This was such a fun, twisty read. I was hooked from the beginning. I loved the multiple POVs, the dual timeline, and the characters. The plot unravelled seamlessly. This one surely checks all the boxes. Highly recommend! 4 stars! I can't wait to read more from this author.
Pub Date: Jan 13, 2026
As always, all thoughts are my own. 🖤💫
Pub Date: Jan 13, 2026
As always, all thoughts are my own. 🖤💫
Displaying 1 - 30 of 10,435 reviews