Ashley Elston's debut adult thriller, "First Lie Wins," maintains a firm hold on the New York Times bestseller list, securing the no. 5 spot for an impressive four consecutive weeks since its early release last month.

Readers' reception to "First Lie Wins" has been exceptional. The novel has become a favourite among readers, with an estimated combined sale of 100,000 copies across various formats. Garnering impressive review numbers, it boasts high ratings across various platforms.

On Amazon, it ranks in the top 15 out of millions of titles, with 9,027 reader ratings. The book also tops the list of most sold books in the previous week. In Audible, it is at no. 2 out of more than 200,000 titles, backed by 3,175 ratings. Elston noted that the audiobook format, in particular, sold the most and praised narrator Saskia Maarleveld for it. Over 50,000 individuals rated the book on Goodreads, and 7,409 readers left reviews.

Recognition From Reese Witherspoon and TV Producers

The excitement does not end with readership accolades. Elston has found herself amidst unexpected phone calls from TV producers and New York editors. Reese Witherspoon chose her novel as her book club's January pick. Witherspoon praised the book for its fast-paced narrative and thrilling elements like secret identities and a mysterious boss.

The novel is currently being developed as a Hulu series by actress Octavia Spencer's production company under the direction of "Grey's Anatomy" showrunner Krista Vernoff. Spencer personally reached out to congratulate Elston on the Reese news. Elston describes Spencer as a 'lovely person.'

READ ALSO: Unveiling the Artistic Marvels: 6 Best Book Covers of January 2024

The Genesis of 'First Lie Wins'

Turning 50 just before the news of Reese's Book Club selection, Elston had established herself with six successful Young Adult novels. However, making the New York Times list "never felt like an obtainable dream." In a bold move, she decided to switch genres, agents, and publishers, venturing into the world of adult thrillers.

Elston's background in photography helps her in writing a book. Inspiration struck Elston in the form of a vivid dinner scene in her mind, prompting her to explore the intriguing concept of deception. The original scene, written with no clear direction, became the book's opening scene. While the idea felt special and different initially, Elston confessed that she did not know how the story would unfold.

The novel quickly caught the attention of Pamela Dorman, who purchased it for her imprint at Penguin Random House. 

A Regular Life Beyond Bestsellers

Despite the newfound success, Elston remains grounded in the simplicity of everyday life. Married to Dean Elston, a cattle raiser in Natchitoches Parish, and the mother of three sons, she navigates the normalcy of family discussions about dinner plans and the occasional laundry chore.

Elston shared that her job as a wedding photographer required her to work on weekends. It consumed most of her time, especially with her three sons diving into sports. She stepped back from the job and started writing in her free time.

When asked about her future projects, Elston maintained tight-lipped. However, she said she is keenly interested in continuing in the thriller genre, working on an optimistic idea. As readers eagerly await her next creation, "First Lie Wins" is a testament to Elston's literary prowess and ability to weave captivating tales that resonate with a diverse audience.

RELATED ARTICLE: Reese Witherspoon Kicks Off 2024 with a Riveting Book Club Pick: 'First Lie Wins' by Ashley Elston