Anatomy of an Alibi

by Ashley Elston

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.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Adult, Psychological Thriller, Suspense

352 pages, ebook

Expected publication January 13, 2026

About the author

Ashley 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.

Reviews

[Jayme · Rating 5 out of 5]

🐝 *2026 Preview!

“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 can be your first of the new year as it will be published on January 20, 2026.

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.

[Nilufer Ozmekik · Rating 5 out of 5]

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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[Kaceey · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Holly B · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[♥︎ Heather ⚔ (New House-Hiatus)]

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. 💐

[Ceecee · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Nikki Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

‼️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.

[Tini · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[TheConnieFox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This tense thriller had me on the edge of my seat the entire time reading it! This author completely achieved the mysterious “whodunit” murder thriller vibes until the very last page! I was fully engaged the entire time while reading this. It comes with multiple points of views and different timelines, which made the story more compelling for me. I chose this book to review because I love mysterious thrillers and because the author Ashley Elston has many positive reviews on her previous books. I haven’t read her famous “First Lie Wins” novel yet, but I will definitely be checking that book out, along with her other books, since this one was really good!

In a short spoiler free summary, this book is about two women, and one man that gets murdered. It is very dark, full of twists and psychological. It is a thriller that comes with a lot of suspense! As I was flipping through the pages, I kept learning more and more of the characters and what really happened. However, I did not know who actually did it, until the ending of the book. Some of the themes in this book include trust and survival, deception versus identity and class and power.

I feel that the characters were strongly developed and it had a diverse cast of characters. Furthermore, the flaws of the characters were the main focus in this story. It was a fast paced read that had a very clear plot. I found that the plot was well executed and planned out. While reading it, I had no idea which character to trust. Be sure to read the trigger warnings for this one. I think that if you love reading a twisty thriller that will keep you on your toes, you will really enjoy this book! Overall, I rate this book a solid 4 out of 5 stars!

Thank you to NetGalley, author Ashley Elston and Viking Penguin | Pamela Dorman Books for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

This book is set to be published on January 13, 2026!

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first chapter, I was immediately pulled into this one! There’s something deliciously unsettling about not knowing who to trust, and Ashley Elston absolutely nails that psychological thriller tug-of-war where you’re never quite sure who’s good, who’s bad, or what everyone’s endgame really is.

The story is wonderfully complex—while still maintaining plausibility—full of intertwining plotlines that somehow all click together in the most satisfying way. Even though I managed to guess one twist correctly (small pat on the back), there were plenty of surprises left to keep me on my toes—and that ending? Perfection!

Just as entertaining as “First Lie Wins” (which I loved, too), this one cements Elston’s place firmly on my auto-read list. She’s mastered the art of smart, twisty suspense that’s impossible to put down!

** I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to the author and publisher! **

[Linzie (suspenseisthrillingme) · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 complicated puzzle of multiple timelines told from multiple POVs, it was a fun, wild ride of long-buried secrets and layers of 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 this brief 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

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easily 4.5 stars. First Elston read. Will definitely read more. So many sides to a series of events, and just when you think you know who the killer is, things change course and you learn parts of a scene you missed, either because the character left it out, the time period wasn't clear, or the truth was hidden in the words without you realizing it. Alibis can easily be crafted, but knowing how to systematically break it down into pieces, so you can run that fine-tooth comb thru every uttered word, that's how you reveal the truth and stun your audience. Wish it were even longer, I didn't want to stop reading it. Couldn't give the full 5 stars because the motivation of one character was never clear because we never got their point of view except thru a few scenes / dialog... we needed the voice in their head to tell us why, why they did it.

[Laura Lovesreading]

Ughhh i loved 'First Lie Wins'
So I'm sure this is going to be another hit!
Cant wait to get my hands on this one!
🩷💚🩷

[Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ashley Elston blew on the scene with her smash adult thriller debut, First Lie Wins, so it's no surprise that her 2026 thriller, ANATOMY OF AN ALIBI, is at the very top of my most anticipated reads for next year. Thank you @vikingbooks @pameladormanbooks for my gifted copy!

Everyone at Chantilly’s Bar noticed the glamorous out-of-towner, Camille Bayliss. However, the woman at the bar wasn’t Camille at all; it was Aubrey Price. Camille seems to have the perfect life with her wealthy background and her lawyer husband, Ben, but she suspects he’s hiding dangerous secrets. Meanwhile, Aubrey’s been haunted for years by a tragic night she can’t forget and she’s sure Ben knows the truth.

When the two women meet, they hatch a daring plan: for twelve hours, Aubrey will take Camille’s place while Camille spies on Ben. But by morning, Ben is dead, and both women are desperate for an alibi, except only one of them has one. Told through multiple timelines and perspectives, this twisty thriller keeps you guessing who to trust. I absolutely had a blast with this one as it's twisty and soooooo multi-dimensional (so much is going on, but you begin to see the bigger picture and you are along for the ride). It's more suspenseful than her last, but in the similar pacing and dynamic that you come to expect since First Lie Wins. My only critique with this entire story is that it is very difficult to follow along on the timeline jumps. I wish the publisher changed it from exact dates to something like "one month before", "one day after", "30 minutes after" - type of timelines. I had to constantly check back to make sure it was going along correctly in my head. That being said, ANATOMY OF ALIBI is fast-paced, addictive, and impossible to put down—proof that Ashley Elston has truly found her stride in the world of suspense fiction.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a decent thriller. At times it was a struggle to hold my attention, as there are so many threats, it's hard to keep up. Also, it would go from past to present, but at times it was hard to know it's the past. All in all though, a solid thriller with a good twist ending.

Thank you to Net Galley and Viking Penguin for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Liana Gold]

I loved her “First Lie Wins”, I can’t wait for this release!!

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I said never again on this genre, and now i officially stand by it 😆

I loved First Lie Wins - it was unique, kept me on the edge of my seat, and defined what a fun thriller should be.

Alston's latest, was cheesy, a bore, predictable, and falls in line with all the other plot points these ridiculous tropes the genre now defines. Meh.

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading and loving First Lie Wins I was excited for the opportunity to read Anatomy of a Lie and it didn’t disappoint. This is one wild story! with multiple timelines and points of view, it kept me guessing right until the end. Even when I thought that I knew how it was going to play out, the author had other ideas. The ending was so good, so unexpected and shocking.

I couldn’t work out how these 2 women could be connected at all. They were so different, from completely different backgrounds. Neither of them made sensible choices in their lives and they were rather frustrating, but that made it all the more fun.

There is such a crazy web of lies, corruption, dark secrets, family drama, complicated relationships and all the things that make for a great thriller. It was a quick read with short chapters that makes you keep reading.

Thanks so much to Viking Penguin for my copy of this book to read. Published on January 13th.

[Stacee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Way too early for a proper review, but this was everything I've come to expect from Ashley's books.

I can't wait to read it again.

[Milena Bookish❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely gripping read! Fast-paced, wildly entertaining, and packed with suspense, this thriller kept me hooked from start to finish. The twists? Jaw-dropping—and there were plenty. If you love thrillers that keep you guessing, this one’s a must-read. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, the ground shifts beneath your feet.

I won’t spoil a thing, because this is the kind of story you need to dive into blind and try to piece together yourself. With every twist and turn, I was floored by how cleverly it was written.

It’s the kind of story that demands to be devoured in one sitting.

Camille Bayliss seems to have it all: a glamorous life, a powerful husband. But behind the polished façade, she suspects her husband Ben—a high-profile lawyer—is hiding dark secrets.

Meanwhile, Aubrey Price is haunted by a traumatic night from ten years ago, and she’s convinced Ben knows more than he’s letting on.

Together, Camille and Aubrey devise a bold plan: for twelve hours, Aubrey will impersonate Camille, giving Camille the chance to spy on Ben and finally get answers. But when Ben turns up dead the next morning, everything unravels. Both women need an alibi—but only one has one.

The narrative weaves through multiple threads, each more compelling than the last. Even when I thought I had one piece figured out, the story kept surprising me. And the ending? Absolutely pitch-perfect.

If you’re drawn to thrillers that blend psychological depth with relentless momentum, this one’s a standout. Rich in intrigue and emotional complexity, it’s a must-read for fans of twisty, character-driven drama.

📅 Releases January 13, 2026. Mark your calendar—you won’t want to miss it.

I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own and have been provided voluntarily.

[✨Poppy✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately, this one just wasn’t for me.

I really enjoyed the first book by this author, but I found myself completely lost with this one. There were many POV and date changes that it became really hard to follow what was happening or when. I don’t mind twists (I actually love a good one!), but I still need to feel like I understand what I’m reading and here, I just didn’t.

It’s definitely a “me” problem, because I can see why others might love the complexity and layered storytelling. I just personally needed a few more clues or anchors to stay engaged.
Thank you NetGalley & Viking Penguin | Pamela Dorman Books for the ARC!

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read and enjoyed First Lie Wins, I was keen to read this one and it was another solid 4 star read.

Much like FLW, this novel draws you in from the start with a brilliant premise. Both Camille and Aubrey are convinced that hotshot lawyer Ben is up to no good and both need answers from him. Camille, his wife, wants evidence of wrong-doing so she can finally divorce him whilst Aubrey believes he knows more about the night that tore her life apart.

When Aubrey pretends to be Camille for one night, allowing Camille to escape Ben's watchful eye, it allows her the freedom to gather the evidence she needs. However, when Ben shows up dead, just who has an alibi for the murder?

This is fast paced and told from multiple points of view as well as over different time periods. I did sometimes have to check back on the dates at the start of each chapter as it was a little confusing what time period was being referred to (dates are, for example, 13 October, then next chapter is 9 September, followed by 14 October then 7 September) but it didn't detract from my enjoyment. It's one of those books where you just never knew who to trust which I love.

Thanks to Netgalley and Headline for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anatomy of an Alibi by Ashley Elston is a fast, tightly constructed thriller that thrives on perspective and timing. Told across multiple timelines and viewpoints, the story moves between present day with Aubrey, Camille, and Hank, and Ben’s perspective ten years earlier. That structure keeps the tension high and the pages flying, while also slowly revealing how deeply entangled these characters truly are. The premise—two women swapping identities for twelve hours to uncover the truth—feels fresh, especially as it reframes the classic dead spouse trope around the idea of whose alibi can actually hold up.

What really elevates this novel is how smart the twists are. Nothing feels gratuitous or thrown in just to shock; each reveal makes sense in hindsight and deepens the moral complexity of the story. Elston leans into morally gray characters with sketchy pasts and questionable motivations, letting past secrets collide with present day consequences in a way that feels tense, suspenseful, and deeply satisfying. This is the kind of thriller that trusts its readers, rewards close attention, and proves that clever plotting can still pack an emotional punch.

[Holden Wunders · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was absolutely enamored with First Lie Wins and while this wasn’t as gripping as her previous, Elston still has what it takes to make a solid thriller.

Anatomy of an Alibi flits between two different POVs of women who are struggling for answers. The question is perpetually, are they truly working together? There are two lesser POV shifts and while I appreciate one of them being from the past and the now dead husband, the other felt unnecessary to me. It wasn’t that I didn’t enjoy it or hated when it shifted to him, it truly felt pointless.

I liked the concept of the story, the overall writing and twists and turns but the ending was a little out of left field to me. With about 150 pages to the end I started thinking it could be X person as the killer and was excited to feel like I was right. It got closer and closer to reveal X had some aspects to play but person Y was the actual killer. Who was person Y you ask? I truly couldn’t remember. They told me the name and I went who? This person was barely in the story and with a large cast of characters and side characters to remember, I truly had no idea who that was. They even had to recap in the chapter reminding us of who it was because they were essentially non existent the whole story. That to me is cheap. It’s okay if your readers predict an ending, it makes us feel smart and we followed along to your storytelling. To do this just felt like a cheat and I wasn’t super into it.

Everything else about the story was interesting and it was a fun read. I’m by no means mad about reading this in a few days and will continue to read books by Elston but it seems we will have to wait longer for another First Lie Wins.

[Harleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

Anatomy of an Alibi was a fast-paced thriller that kept me on my toes. Just when I thought I figured it out, nope, wrong again. I enjoyed the multiple POVs and different timelines, but at times the plot became convoluted, and I had trouble keeping track of the past and present storylines.

The characters were all pretty morally ambiguous, and they weren’t likable (except Hank and maybe Aubrey).

Overall, I enjoyed this story and would recommend it to anyone who likes thrillers with a twist that keeps you guessing until the end.

Thank you to NetGalley and Viking Penguin for the arc. All opinions are my own.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5
This book was so good. I couldn’t put it down. It’s told from multiple perspectives. You start putting the pieces of the mystery together as the book goes along. The twists and turns are great and many of them you don’t see coming.
Couldn’t recommend more!

[katie ⋅♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the opening pages I was completely hooked. Ashley Elston has such a talent for creating that deliciously disorienting feeling where every character seems like they might be hiding something and you’re never quite sure whose version of the truth you can trust. It’s the kind of psychological suspense that keeps you leaning in, second guessing everyone and everything.

Elston will remain a "must-read" author for me!!

I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author and publisher!

[Madison West · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.75 ⭐️

Aubrey and Camille switch places for a day in hopes of uncovering the secrets Camille’s husband, Ben, has been keeping. But everything changes when Ben is found murdered that same day. The book features too many characters who share the same narrative voice, and the pacing drags so much that it felt twice as long as it needed to be. I struggled daily to pick it back up. A quarter of the story could have been cut if the author hadn’t repeatedly reminded us that the setting is Louisiana. While I loved First Lie Wins by the same author, I unfortunately can’t recommend this one. Thank you to the publisher for my advanced copy.

[sydney · Rating 3 out of 5]

i did not love this book nor dislike it either. i’m in the middle. i felt the mystery aspect was okay but not great. some parts dragged on esp Hank’s POV. i think the book would have done better with just the female POV’s since they were the main focus of the book.

however, it was a semi-fast paced mystery thriller to read during the fall.

thank you NetGalley and Viking Penguin for the digital ARC.

[Delaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fans of First Lie Wins will love this one. But if you didn’t like FLW, this one probably won’t do it for you either. It’s more of a low stakes sort of thriller.

I enjoyed this read, the multiple POV kept the story moving along nicely. Around 350ish pages was just the right amount for the story, and it wrapped up well. Like I said, if you enjoyed First Lie Wins this one is definitely for you.

Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC