#ATBR2020 Review: The First to Lie by Hank Phillippi Ryan @jessmapreviews
The First to Lie
by Hank Phillippi Ryan
Publisher: Forge Books
Publish Date: August 4, 2020
Kindle Edition
304 Pages
Standalone
Genres: Suspense, Mystery
What happens when an undercover reporter gets in too deep? And when a practiced liar has to face off with her own truth—how does she choose her true reality?
Who will be the first to lie?
Bestselling and award-winning author and investigative reporter Hank Phillippi Ryan delivers another twisty, thrilling suspense novel that will leave you breathless.
My Review:
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.
★★★
Jessica's Review:
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!
3.5 stars
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