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The First to Lie: A Novel
NOW an ANTHONY AWARD nominee for BEST NOVEL of 2021 NOW a MARY HIGGINS CLARK AWARD nominee!
Bestselling and award-winning author and investigative reporter Hank Phillippi Ryan delivers another twisty, thrilling, cat-and-mouse novel of suspense that will have you guessing, and second-guessing, and then gasping with surprise.
We all have our reasons for being who we are―but what if being someone else could get you what you want?
After a devastating betrayal, a young woman sets off on an obsessive path to justice, no matter what dark family secrets are revealed. What she doesn't know is that she isn't the only one plotting her revenge.
An affluent daughter of privilege. A glamorous manipulative wannabe. A determined reporter, in too deep. A grieving widow who must choose her new reality. Who will be the first to lie? And when the stakes are life and death, do a few lies really matter?
Bestselling and award-winning author and investigative reporter Hank Phillippi Ryan delivers another twisty, thrilling, cat-and-mouse novel of suspense that will have you guessing, and second-guessing, and then gasping with surprise.
We all have our reasons for being who we are―but what if being someone else could get you what you want?
After a devastating betrayal, a young woman sets off on an obsessive path to justice, no matter what dark family secrets are revealed. What she doesn't know is that she isn't the only one plotting her revenge.
An affluent daughter of privilege. A glamorous manipulative wannabe. A determined reporter, in too deep. A grieving widow who must choose her new reality. Who will be the first to lie? And when the stakes are life and death, do a few lies really matter?
464 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 4, 2020
602 people are currently reading
8151 people want to read
About the author
Hank Phillippi Ryan
46 books2,737 followersHank Phillippi Ryan is the USA Today bestselling author of sixteen award winning novels of suspense. National reviews have called her a "master at crafting suspenseful mysteries" and "a superb and gifted storyteller." SHe is also an investigative reporter for WHDH-TV, winning 37 Emmys for her true crime stories.
Her newest is ALL THIS COULD BE YOURS--an INSTANT USA TODAY bestseller.
Is a debut author’s blockbuster bestseller about to ruin her life? A glamorous book tour becomes a deadly cat-and-mouse chase in this new and captivating thriller!
(Freida McFadden says: "Engrossing! With a main character that I loved, and a twist the left me reeling!" And Jeneva Rose says: I absolutely loved it! This is Hank Phillippi Ryan at her best!”)
Don't miss ONE WRONG WORD, now in paperback. BA Paris says: "A gripping rollercoaster of a read!"
Her 2021 thriller THE HOUSE GUEST (Gaslight meets Thelma & Louise) now in a second printing!
Hank is also an award-winning investigative reporter at Boston's WHDH-TV. In addition to 37 EMMYs and 14 Edward R. Murrow awards, Hank's won dozens of other honors
for her ground-breaking journalism.
She is co-host and co-founder of The Back Room, co-host of First Chapter Fun, and host of CRIME TIME on A Mighty Blaze.
Her previous thriller, HER PERFECT LIFE, received starred reviews from Kirkus and Publishers Weekly, calling it "Stellar."
Her earlier psychological thrillers include,THE FIRST TO LIE (with several starred reviews) an Agatha Award and Mary HIggins CLark award nomination) and THE MURDER LIST, which won the Anthony Award for Best Novel of the year, and was ]an Agatha, Macavity and Mary Higgins Clark Award nominee, a number one legal thriller on Amazon, and a USA Today Bestseller.
Her first psychological standalone, TRUST ME (now in paperback) , is an Agatha Award nominee, and was named BEST of 2018 by the New York Post, Real Simple Magazine, BookBub, Crime Reads, and PopSugar. Mary Kubica says: "Dazzling!" and Lisa Gardner says "Mesmerizing!"
The Booklist *starred review says "...it's a knockout. First-rate psychological suspense."
Her thriller SAY NO MORE, is a Library Journal BEST OF 2016. And this just in: it's a nominee for the AGATHA AWARD and the MARY HIGGINS CLARK AWARD! And now, breaking news, it is also a DAPHNE AWARD nominee! Associated Press calls it "stellar" and Publishers Weekly calls it "thrilling" "unflinching" and "gratifying."
Her 2015 book, WHAT YOU SEE, is a Library Journal BEST of 2015, an ANTHONY and AGATHA Award nominee, and a Top Pick!, dubbed "exceptional suspense." It received a starred review from Library Journal which says: "Readers will find themselves racing to the finish!"
Her 2014 book, TRUTH BE TOLD, won the AGATHA Award for best mystery, and is a Library Journal Best of 2014. It received starred reviews from Booklist and Library Journal, which says, "Drop everything and binge read!"
THE WRONG GIRL won the Agatha Award and the Daphne Award, and is a seven-week Boston Globe bestseller and Anthony Award nominee.
THE OTHER WOMAN won the coveted Mary Higgins Clark Award, and was listed as a Best Book of 2012 by the Kansas City Star, the Sacramento Bee, Suspense Magazine, and The Boston Globe, won the prestigious Mary Higgins Clark Award, and was the only novel nominated for the Agatha, Anthony, Macavity, Shamus and Daphne awards for Best Novel of 2012.
Her first four mysteries, beginning with the Agatha Award-winning PRIME TIME, feature Charlotte McNally, a Boston television reporter. FACE TIME was a BookSense Notable Book, and AIR TIME and DRIVE TIME were both Anthony and Agatha Award nominees for best novel of 2009 and 2010. They are now available in all new editions.
Her journalism work work has resulted in new laws, people sent to prison, homes removed from foreclosure, and millions of dollars in refunds and restitution for victims and consumers. She's been a radio reporter, a legislati
Her newest is ALL THIS COULD BE YOURS--an INSTANT USA TODAY bestseller.
Is a debut author’s blockbuster bestseller about to ruin her life? A glamorous book tour becomes a deadly cat-and-mouse chase in this new and captivating thriller!
(Freida McFadden says: "Engrossing! With a main character that I loved, and a twist the left me reeling!" And Jeneva Rose says: I absolutely loved it! This is Hank Phillippi Ryan at her best!”)
Don't miss ONE WRONG WORD, now in paperback. BA Paris says: "A gripping rollercoaster of a read!"
Her 2021 thriller THE HOUSE GUEST (Gaslight meets Thelma & Louise) now in a second printing!
Hank is also an award-winning investigative reporter at Boston's WHDH-TV. In addition to 37 EMMYs and 14 Edward R. Murrow awards, Hank's won dozens of other honors
for her ground-breaking journalism.
She is co-host and co-founder of The Back Room, co-host of First Chapter Fun, and host of CRIME TIME on A Mighty Blaze.
Her previous thriller, HER PERFECT LIFE, received starred reviews from Kirkus and Publishers Weekly, calling it "Stellar."
Her earlier psychological thrillers include,THE FIRST TO LIE (with several starred reviews) an Agatha Award and Mary HIggins CLark award nomination) and THE MURDER LIST, which won the Anthony Award for Best Novel of the year, and was ]an Agatha, Macavity and Mary Higgins Clark Award nominee, a number one legal thriller on Amazon, and a USA Today Bestseller.
Her first psychological standalone, TRUST ME (now in paperback) , is an Agatha Award nominee, and was named BEST of 2018 by the New York Post, Real Simple Magazine, BookBub, Crime Reads, and PopSugar. Mary Kubica says: "Dazzling!" and Lisa Gardner says "Mesmerizing!"
The Booklist *starred review says "...it's a knockout. First-rate psychological suspense."
Her thriller SAY NO MORE, is a Library Journal BEST OF 2016. And this just in: it's a nominee for the AGATHA AWARD and the MARY HIGGINS CLARK AWARD! And now, breaking news, it is also a DAPHNE AWARD nominee! Associated Press calls it "stellar" and Publishers Weekly calls it "thrilling" "unflinching" and "gratifying."
Her 2015 book, WHAT YOU SEE, is a Library Journal BEST of 2015, an ANTHONY and AGATHA Award nominee, and a Top Pick!, dubbed "exceptional suspense." It received a starred review from Library Journal which says: "Readers will find themselves racing to the finish!"
Her 2014 book, TRUTH BE TOLD, won the AGATHA Award for best mystery, and is a Library Journal Best of 2014. It received starred reviews from Booklist and Library Journal, which says, "Drop everything and binge read!"
THE WRONG GIRL won the Agatha Award and the Daphne Award, and is a seven-week Boston Globe bestseller and Anthony Award nominee.
THE OTHER WOMAN won the coveted Mary Higgins Clark Award, and was listed as a Best Book of 2012 by the Kansas City Star, the Sacramento Bee, Suspense Magazine, and The Boston Globe, won the prestigious Mary Higgins Clark Award, and was the only novel nominated for the Agatha, Anthony, Macavity, Shamus and Daphne awards for Best Novel of 2012.
Her first four mysteries, beginning with the Agatha Award-winning PRIME TIME, feature Charlotte McNally, a Boston television reporter. FACE TIME was a BookSense Notable Book, and AIR TIME and DRIVE TIME were both Anthony and Agatha Award nominees for best novel of 2009 and 2010. They are now available in all new editions.
Her journalism work work has resulted in new laws, people sent to prison, homes removed from foreclosure, and millions of dollars in refunds and restitution for victims and consumers. She's been a radio reporter, a legislati
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,050 reviews
November 30, 2021
WHAT THE HELL I JUST READ? My head is spinning and I already start to suffer from dissociative identity disorder. I don’t know who I am right now. I think I’m redhead, writing and reading to live and breathe with big weakness for French and Californian wines, silly dance moves and Tom Hardy! Okay: it is still me! But I cannot say the same for the characters in this book.
I think writing a review without giving any spoiler is the toughest thing about the story because at the beginning I thought there are two POVS:
Nora: redhead, presentable, over confident, passionate sales representatives of one of the strongest drug firm Pharminex with secret agenda but what she aims to do! Why she stops by at the doctor appointments and interrogate the patients acting like friendly and sharing the same fate with them: suffering from infertility? Why does she try to dig up?
And we’re also introduced Ellie, ambitious reporter, working at TV channel. We’re also introduced Meg, Ellie’s assistant and her neighbor next door, who is acting like she wants sniffing around and prying Ellie’s investigation about the same firm for taking her job.
Then a few pages later we’re introduced a new POV! Wait! What? Okay, let’s say hello to Brooke: 15 years old daughter of Vanderwald family. She is so close to her brother Travis
Hodor I mean hold the door because there is another POV is coming up: we’re also introduced Travis’ soon to be wife Lacey who seems like a cold hearted bitch and sociopath (Satan and Lilith’s abandoned baby girl) Lacey is so ambitious to be accepted by Vanderwald family, already viciously making future plans as Brooke suffers from a big tragedy which is unacceptable and result with the end of her relationship with her own parents.
I thought why the hell there are so many characters in this book and I decided to draw a scheme to memorize their connection but a few pages later…BAMM! And yes another few pages later another BAMMM! I don’t want to give spoilers but the author threw so many bombs on my lap and some of them might have been exploded. That’s why my hair in the air and I sniff smoke during my reading.
I got numb in the end: because there are also two big revelations that I didn’t see it coming but I think there were so much surprises and twists make you paranoid and question your reality!
Nothing as it seems and everybody lies in this book and the lies are three dimensional. I know you didn’t understand what I mean: Let me explain: This book is Inception movies’ another version: There are lies hid inside the lies (like matryoshka dolls : you open up a lie and find out there is another lie hiding so you keep digging and forgetting your own reality!)
I always adored brain cell fryer, mind number, batshit crazy stories like this! But two things made me cut the points: 1)There are so many twists and at some parts I wanted them stop because the revelations turned into extremely illogical and unreal! 2)Ellie is reporter and quite brilliant at scheming and manipulation but she cannot see things before her eyes and acted like moron at some parts!
I wanted to scream at her face: because some of the twists are so predictable from the beginning and she acted like blind not to see the truth. And the part she couldn’t remember somebody till the end of the book: nope, I didn’t buy it! It was ridiculous! I’m shutting up right now! I might have given too much clues!
I’m still giving 3.5 stars and rounding them up to 4! Because even though there are plot holes and over exaggeration about the conclusions and twisty parts, it was still gripping, mysterious and so much entertaining page-turner made me addictive and also exhausted because of overthinking! And it is not fair to give only three stars to this unique, extra ordinarily smart story
I’m looking forward to read more Hank Philippi Ryan books ASAP! I enjoyed the smart, brilliant, exciting and whirlwind writing style.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Tor/ Forge for sharing this head spinning ARC in exchange my honest review.
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I think writing a review without giving any spoiler is the toughest thing about the story because at the beginning I thought there are two POVS:
Nora: redhead, presentable, over confident, passionate sales representatives of one of the strongest drug firm Pharminex with secret agenda but what she aims to do! Why she stops by at the doctor appointments and interrogate the patients acting like friendly and sharing the same fate with them: suffering from infertility? Why does she try to dig up?
And we’re also introduced Ellie, ambitious reporter, working at TV channel. We’re also introduced Meg, Ellie’s assistant and her neighbor next door, who is acting like she wants sniffing around and prying Ellie’s investigation about the same firm for taking her job.
Then a few pages later we’re introduced a new POV! Wait! What? Okay, let’s say hello to Brooke: 15 years old daughter of Vanderwald family. She is so close to her brother Travis
Hodor I mean hold the door because there is another POV is coming up: we’re also introduced Travis’ soon to be wife Lacey who seems like a cold hearted bitch and sociopath (Satan and Lilith’s abandoned baby girl) Lacey is so ambitious to be accepted by Vanderwald family, already viciously making future plans as Brooke suffers from a big tragedy which is unacceptable and result with the end of her relationship with her own parents.
I thought why the hell there are so many characters in this book and I decided to draw a scheme to memorize their connection but a few pages later…BAMM! And yes another few pages later another BAMMM! I don’t want to give spoilers but the author threw so many bombs on my lap and some of them might have been exploded. That’s why my hair in the air and I sniff smoke during my reading.
I got numb in the end: because there are also two big revelations that I didn’t see it coming but I think there were so much surprises and twists make you paranoid and question your reality!
Nothing as it seems and everybody lies in this book and the lies are three dimensional. I know you didn’t understand what I mean: Let me explain: This book is Inception movies’ another version: There are lies hid inside the lies (like matryoshka dolls : you open up a lie and find out there is another lie hiding so you keep digging and forgetting your own reality!)
I always adored brain cell fryer, mind number, batshit crazy stories like this! But two things made me cut the points: 1)There are so many twists and at some parts I wanted them stop because the revelations turned into extremely illogical and unreal! 2)Ellie is reporter and quite brilliant at scheming and manipulation but she cannot see things before her eyes and acted like moron at some parts!
I wanted to scream at her face: because some of the twists are so predictable from the beginning and she acted like blind not to see the truth. And the part she couldn’t remember somebody till the end of the book: nope, I didn’t buy it! It was ridiculous! I’m shutting up right now! I might have given too much clues!
I’m still giving 3.5 stars and rounding them up to 4! Because even though there are plot holes and over exaggeration about the conclusions and twisty parts, it was still gripping, mysterious and so much entertaining page-turner made me addictive and also exhausted because of overthinking! And it is not fair to give only three stars to this unique, extra ordinarily smart story
I’m looking forward to read more Hank Philippi Ryan books ASAP! I enjoyed the smart, brilliant, exciting and whirlwind writing style.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Tor/ Forge for sharing this head spinning ARC in exchange my honest review.
blog
September 10, 2020
EXCERPT: She looked at him as she gathered her tote bag and new Pharminex briefcase. He seemed thoughtful, his eyes softening as he watched her. 'Affectionate', the word came to mind. Or maybe it was more tactics. She thought she'd been the first to lie in this relationship. But maybe he'd been the first. Maybe the first lie was only the beginning.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: 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?
MY THOUGHTS: Talk about twisty - I was tied up in knots like a pretzel reading The First to Lie by Hank Phillippi Ryan! She bashed my brain around like it was a squash ball in a world championship game. I have no idea how the author managed to keep everything straight in her head as she was writing. Don't go looking for any rest breaks while you are reading this, because there aren't any. It's full steam ahead the whole way!
Told from multiple points of view by Nora, a Pharminex sales rep; Ellie, an investigative journalist; Brooke, the daughter of the Vanderwald family, owners of Pharminex; and Lacey, married to Trevor the Vanderwald son and heir to the Pharminex empire, The First to Lie focuses on pharmaceutical ethics, - or should that be the lack of them? - the lack of culpability of medical and corporate professionals, betrayal, and revenge - the dish best eaten cold.
This is very much a cat and mouse game, but with a different twist. It is often difficult to tell who is the cat, and who is the mouse, and there's no guarantee that the mouse is the mouse. It may well be another cat. Everyone lies. You cannot trust anyone. You definitely cannot take anyone at face value except, maybe, the detective. And then that's only a 'maybe'. 'I know who I was when I got up this morning, Alice had told the Caterpillar, but I think I must have been changed several times since then. I can't explain myself, I'm afraid, because I'm not myself, you see.'
Exciting. Compelling. Incredibly clever.
🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯
#TheFirsttoLie #NetGalley
FOR THE ARMCHAIR TRAVELLER: The First to Lie is set in Boston, Massachusetts.
THE AUTHOR: Hank Phillippi Ryan is the USA Today bestselling author of eleven award winning novels of suspense. National reviews have called her a "master at crafting suspenseful mysteries" and "a superb and gifted storyteller."
Hank is also an award-winning investigative reporter at Boston's WHDH-TV. In addition to 37 EMMYs and 14 Edward R. Murrow awards, Hank's won dozens of other honors for her ground-breaking journalism.
Her work has resulted in new laws, people sent to prison, homes removed from foreclosure, and millions of dollars in refunds and restitution for victims and consumers. She's been a radio reporter, a legislative aide in the United States Senate and an editorial assistant at Rolling Stone Magazine, working with Hunter S. Thompson, Richard Avedon and Richard Goodwin.
Hank is a founding teacher at Mystery Writers of America University and served as president of national Sisters in Crime. She blogs at Jungle Red Writers and Career Authors.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Macmillan-Tor/Forge, Forge Books via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The First to Lie by Hank Phillipi Ryan for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
ABOUT THIS BOOK: 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?
MY THOUGHTS: Talk about twisty - I was tied up in knots like a pretzel reading The First to Lie by Hank Phillippi Ryan! She bashed my brain around like it was a squash ball in a world championship game. I have no idea how the author managed to keep everything straight in her head as she was writing. Don't go looking for any rest breaks while you are reading this, because there aren't any. It's full steam ahead the whole way!
Told from multiple points of view by Nora, a Pharminex sales rep; Ellie, an investigative journalist; Brooke, the daughter of the Vanderwald family, owners of Pharminex; and Lacey, married to Trevor the Vanderwald son and heir to the Pharminex empire, The First to Lie focuses on pharmaceutical ethics, - or should that be the lack of them? - the lack of culpability of medical and corporate professionals, betrayal, and revenge - the dish best eaten cold.
This is very much a cat and mouse game, but with a different twist. It is often difficult to tell who is the cat, and who is the mouse, and there's no guarantee that the mouse is the mouse. It may well be another cat. Everyone lies. You cannot trust anyone. You definitely cannot take anyone at face value except, maybe, the detective. And then that's only a 'maybe'. 'I know who I was when I got up this morning, Alice had told the Caterpillar, but I think I must have been changed several times since then. I can't explain myself, I'm afraid, because I'm not myself, you see.'
Exciting. Compelling. Incredibly clever.
🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯
#TheFirsttoLie #NetGalley
FOR THE ARMCHAIR TRAVELLER: The First to Lie is set in Boston, Massachusetts.
THE AUTHOR: Hank Phillippi Ryan is the USA Today bestselling author of eleven award winning novels of suspense. National reviews have called her a "master at crafting suspenseful mysteries" and "a superb and gifted storyteller."
Hank is also an award-winning investigative reporter at Boston's WHDH-TV. In addition to 37 EMMYs and 14 Edward R. Murrow awards, Hank's won dozens of other honors for her ground-breaking journalism.
Her work has resulted in new laws, people sent to prison, homes removed from foreclosure, and millions of dollars in refunds and restitution for victims and consumers. She's been a radio reporter, a legislative aide in the United States Senate and an editorial assistant at Rolling Stone Magazine, working with Hunter S. Thompson, Richard Avedon and Richard Goodwin.
Hank is a founding teacher at Mystery Writers of America University and served as president of national Sisters in Crime. She blogs at Jungle Red Writers and Career Authors.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Macmillan-Tor/Forge, Forge Books via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The First to Lie by Hank Phillipi Ryan for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
July 24, 2020
About the book: Bestselling and award-winning author and investigative reporter Hank Phillippi Ryan delivers another twisty, thrilling cat and mouse novel of suspense that will have you guessing, and second-guessing, and then gasping with surprise.
My thoughts: The First to Lie is chock-full of twists, and it’s best to go in completely blind when reading this story of revenge and justice. It will make you question the ethics of right and wrong when it comes to the safety of your loved ones. I was literally on the edge of my seat from the first page wondering where this story would lead. The First to Lie is riveting storytelling at its finest.
I received a gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
My thoughts: The First to Lie is chock-full of twists, and it’s best to go in completely blind when reading this story of revenge and justice. It will make you question the ethics of right and wrong when it comes to the safety of your loved ones. I was literally on the edge of my seat from the first page wondering where this story would lead. The First to Lie is riveting storytelling at its finest.
I received a gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
August 18, 2020
Liar, Liar, Pants on fire....
I am not going to lie; this was not my favorite book by Hank Phillippi Ryan. I usually love and devour her books, but this one took a long time for me to get into. What I can give her high marks for is writing a relevant book. A big pharmaceutical company (Pharminex) has developed a drug to help women get pregnant, but what if it causes more harm than good?
Pharminex is owned by the wealthy, Vanderwald family. Ellie is a reporter who is trying to dig up dirt on the company and is aided by her assistant, Meg. Then there is Nora, a sales rep for Pharminex who visits doctors’ offices to get them to give the medication to the hopeful patients.
Then there is.... you get it, there are a lot of characters with many POV chapters. Why so many???? And why, while reading this, can't I get the Who's song "Who are you out of my head?"
As with Ryan's previous books, this book has some interesting twists and turns. Some revelations I did not see coming and a nice story on revenge, secrets, justice, lies, and the truth.
Overall, an enjoyable read but I struggled initially with getting into this book. She did suck me in but this one I did not love as I have her other books. Oh well, we cannot love them all. But I will still be looking out for more books from her in the future!
Thank you to Macmillan Tor/ Forge an d NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
I am not going to lie; this was not my favorite book by Hank Phillippi Ryan. I usually love and devour her books, but this one took a long time for me to get into. What I can give her high marks for is writing a relevant book. A big pharmaceutical company (Pharminex) has developed a drug to help women get pregnant, but what if it causes more harm than good?
Pharminex is owned by the wealthy, Vanderwald family. Ellie is a reporter who is trying to dig up dirt on the company and is aided by her assistant, Meg. Then there is Nora, a sales rep for Pharminex who visits doctors’ offices to get them to give the medication to the hopeful patients.
Then there is.... you get it, there are a lot of characters with many POV chapters. Why so many???? And why, while reading this, can't I get the Who's song "Who are you out of my head?"
As with Ryan's previous books, this book has some interesting twists and turns. Some revelations I did not see coming and a nice story on revenge, secrets, justice, lies, and the truth.
Overall, an enjoyable read but I struggled initially with getting into this book. She did suck me in but this one I did not love as I have her other books. Oh well, we cannot love them all. But I will still be looking out for more books from her in the future!
Thank you to Macmillan Tor/ Forge an d NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 1, 2020
I had such high hopes for this novel...I mean, characters trying to take down Big Pharma? Yes, please! Unfortunately, it just never quite reached the point of cohesiveness I need to feel truly excited about a story.
The First to Lie had so many things I love...an interesting plot, intrigue, endless mystery and suspense, and twists galore. What it didn't have was believable characters...or believability, in general.
Characters impersonating other characters; and characters who were hired to spy, spying on characters who were spying for their own reasons, made up a huge portion of the story. Confusing, right? Oh, and I figured out one of the earlier twists within the first two chapters. Further, I'm sorry, but dressing up like a doctor (no spoilers) to spy on an organization might work in a hospital, where it's easy to blend in...but it would NEVER fly in a doctor's office, where the staff is small and typically closely knit.
The novel felt clunky in the way it was structured, which made for a somewhat confusing read. It also suffered from that unfortunate syndrome of having one too many twists. Another thing that annoyed me? Characters changing their appearances so they wouldn't be recognized. I can't say much more than that for fear of spoilers, but a wig is not going to make your skeletal structure, or features, appear any different.
I read another review for this book which described it as "breathlessly energetic." I'd say that's true. Probably not in the way the reviewer intended though. This isn't the delightful, endorphin-filled breathlessness one might get after a particularly productive roll in the hay...this was more like the, "I think I'm having a heart attack, call 911," kind. In other words, not delightful at all.
The story used multiple narrators, both in the past and present, but was primarily told from journalist, Ellie's perspective. It focuses on themes like corruption/lack of ethics in big business, journalistic integrity, and revenge.
Overall, it all fell a little flat for me. I do think it's worth reading, and I'd probably even read other selections from Hank Phillippi Ryan's extensive library, but this one, unfortunately, missed the mark.
Available for purchase August 4, 2020.
**My sincere, heartfelt appreciate to NetGalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge for my review copy.
The First to Lie had so many things I love...an interesting plot, intrigue, endless mystery and suspense, and twists galore. What it didn't have was believable characters...or believability, in general.
Characters impersonating other characters; and characters who were hired to spy, spying on characters who were spying for their own reasons, made up a huge portion of the story. Confusing, right? Oh, and I figured out one of the earlier twists within the first two chapters. Further, I'm sorry, but dressing up like a doctor (no spoilers) to spy on an organization might work in a hospital, where it's easy to blend in...but it would NEVER fly in a doctor's office, where the staff is small and typically closely knit.
The novel felt clunky in the way it was structured, which made for a somewhat confusing read. It also suffered from that unfortunate syndrome of having one too many twists. Another thing that annoyed me? Characters changing their appearances so they wouldn't be recognized. I can't say much more than that for fear of spoilers, but a wig is not going to make your skeletal structure, or features, appear any different.
I read another review for this book which described it as "breathlessly energetic." I'd say that's true. Probably not in the way the reviewer intended though. This isn't the delightful, endorphin-filled breathlessness one might get after a particularly productive roll in the hay...this was more like the, "I think I'm having a heart attack, call 911," kind. In other words, not delightful at all.
The story used multiple narrators, both in the past and present, but was primarily told from journalist, Ellie's perspective. It focuses on themes like corruption/lack of ethics in big business, journalistic integrity, and revenge.
Overall, it all fell a little flat for me. I do think it's worth reading, and I'd probably even read other selections from Hank Phillippi Ryan's extensive library, but this one, unfortunately, missed the mark.
Available for purchase August 4, 2020.
**My sincere, heartfelt appreciate to NetGalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge for my review copy.
December 27, 2020
The First to Lie is a new thriller by Hank Phillippi Ryan released in mid 2020. Believe it or not, this is the first book of hers that I've read. I can also confirm it will not be the last. Wow! What a tremendous rollercoaster ride.
Told in multiple POVs, this novel is ripe with duplicity, confusion, double identities, and past secrets coming back with a vengeance. A wealthy family runs a pharmaceutical giant. The son and heir dies in a boating accident; his sister was there and almost died too. Now she's off on her own somewhere. The son's wife is angry at her in-laws because they suggested she take a fertility drug their company made, specifically because she couldn't get pregnant. That's just in the past. Now, two women and 1 man, seemingly reporters and lawyers, are anxious to uncover the story of this pharma company's hidden secrets. The drug has a horrible secret side effect. As we hear each character's story, we begin to lift the veil. Except the police, the executives of the pharma company, and a bunch of new hires and patients keep jumping into the fold!
To begin with, the book was a little shaky in the first few chapters... I'll be honest. The intentional confusion (which I totally get) sets readers up to analyze which narrator is unreliable. Ellie is pretending to be Nora, and she switches identities a few times, so it was a tad difficult to follow. By 10%, it all settles down and I really invested in the story. Don't stop reading! The author has a brilliant mind to weave all the back-and-forth but also to lead readers down multiple paths where we try to guess which person is really someone who's come back from the past. I must admit, while I had part of the story right, a major curveball totally tricked me. And that's a rarity given I mostly read and watch mysteries, as well as write my own. Kudos for the intricate details in this intense tale.
The title is quite important. Because we switch from the past to the present, I found myself asking... is the first lie in the past, or is it happening today, as in the first one in the book. Clever how the author plays us there... as it all comes together, I found myself saying 'nope, can't happen that way, sorry...' yet I also trust in my authors and like when things are a little bit too fictionalized. But guess this... all my questions and concerns were addressed in the final chapters! It's like Ms. Ryan was in my head saying 'yep, I've got you now... just wait and see.' All in all, definitely a strong read. Between 4 and 4.5 stars for me, and I will be reading more from her in the coming months.
Told in multiple POVs, this novel is ripe with duplicity, confusion, double identities, and past secrets coming back with a vengeance. A wealthy family runs a pharmaceutical giant. The son and heir dies in a boating accident; his sister was there and almost died too. Now she's off on her own somewhere. The son's wife is angry at her in-laws because they suggested she take a fertility drug their company made, specifically because she couldn't get pregnant. That's just in the past. Now, two women and 1 man, seemingly reporters and lawyers, are anxious to uncover the story of this pharma company's hidden secrets. The drug has a horrible secret side effect. As we hear each character's story, we begin to lift the veil. Except the police, the executives of the pharma company, and a bunch of new hires and patients keep jumping into the fold!
To begin with, the book was a little shaky in the first few chapters... I'll be honest. The intentional confusion (which I totally get) sets readers up to analyze which narrator is unreliable. Ellie is pretending to be Nora, and she switches identities a few times, so it was a tad difficult to follow. By 10%, it all settles down and I really invested in the story. Don't stop reading! The author has a brilliant mind to weave all the back-and-forth but also to lead readers down multiple paths where we try to guess which person is really someone who's come back from the past. I must admit, while I had part of the story right, a major curveball totally tricked me. And that's a rarity given I mostly read and watch mysteries, as well as write my own. Kudos for the intricate details in this intense tale.
The title is quite important. Because we switch from the past to the present, I found myself asking... is the first lie in the past, or is it happening today, as in the first one in the book. Clever how the author plays us there... as it all comes together, I found myself saying 'nope, can't happen that way, sorry...' yet I also trust in my authors and like when things are a little bit too fictionalized. But guess this... all my questions and concerns were addressed in the final chapters! It's like Ms. Ryan was in my head saying 'yep, I've got you now... just wait and see.' All in all, definitely a strong read. Between 4 and 4.5 stars for me, and I will be reading more from her in the coming months.
July 10, 2020
Sir Walter Scott's famous quote:
"Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive" pretty much sums up this book in a nutshell. The lies and deceptions will have your brain tangled in knots as you try to keep track of them all.
Investigative journalist Ellie Berensen and her assistant Meg are working on a big story about a pharmaceutical company. Ellie has found out that Pharminex has been pushing doctors to prescribe an off label drug to woman with fertility problems. The only problem is it has dangerous side effects in some women which the company has failed to disclose. Pharminex is owned by the rich and powerful Vanderwald family so Ellie knows she must have watertight evidence before she can go live with her story and she'll use whatever means she can to get it.
This was a very addictive read with multiple twists and turns as what you think you know about the characters keeps being swept away. I recommend you just jump in with both feet and enjoy the ride.
4.5★
With many thanks to Macmillan-Tor/Forge and Netgalley for a copy to read
"Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive" pretty much sums up this book in a nutshell. The lies and deceptions will have your brain tangled in knots as you try to keep track of them all.
Investigative journalist Ellie Berensen and her assistant Meg are working on a big story about a pharmaceutical company. Ellie has found out that Pharminex has been pushing doctors to prescribe an off label drug to woman with fertility problems. The only problem is it has dangerous side effects in some women which the company has failed to disclose. Pharminex is owned by the rich and powerful Vanderwald family so Ellie knows she must have watertight evidence before she can go live with her story and she'll use whatever means she can to get it.
This was a very addictive read with multiple twists and turns as what you think you know about the characters keeps being swept away. I recommend you just jump in with both feet and enjoy the ride.
4.5★
With many thanks to Macmillan-Tor/Forge and Netgalley for a copy to read
May 19, 2021
Truth in Advertising.
The title gives an indication as to what’s to come: Lying. And more lying. So much so that it’s difficult to ascertain the story through the multiple characters and subterfuge.
Unlike others before me, I enjoyed the set up more than the conclusion.
I also feel that my enjoyment may have been greater had it been more tightly edited. Repetitiveness and dragging out of conversations and situations did not exactly propel me to pick the book back up after stepping away for real life.
I really liked the author’s previous book The Murder List and will definitely try another.
I purchased this through Barnes and Noble.
The title gives an indication as to what’s to come: Lying. And more lying. So much so that it’s difficult to ascertain the story through the multiple characters and subterfuge.
Unlike others before me, I enjoyed the set up more than the conclusion.
I also feel that my enjoyment may have been greater had it been more tightly edited. Repetitiveness and dragging out of conversations and situations did not exactly propel me to pick the book back up after stepping away for real life.
I really liked the author’s previous book The Murder List and will definitely try another.
I purchased this through Barnes and Noble.
July 20, 2020
Ya peel off the label on that ol' jar.....and there's another one underneath. Similar to the first, but oh so different. And, by the way, what the heck is actually in that jar?
That's what awaits us in The First to Lie. We've got a bevy of characters who put one foot forward with a certain persona only to fade drastically into another of an opposing hue. Who is the actual you?
Ellie Berensen is an investigative reporter for Channel Eleven in Boston. This new news gig is a start-up in a highly competitive chunk of Boston's wickedly cut-throat venue for the latest and greatest appeal for attention. Ellie knows that she has to come up with something ground scorching in order to make a name for herself in this business.
Enter Meg West, Ellie's new assistant producer, who has all the personal appeal of damp laundry concentrating on mildew. Meg seems to show up in unlikely places much to Ellie's frustration. Turns out that Meg is now renting the apartment across from Ellie. She's also made friends with Ellie's cat. Meg the Meek or Meg the Merciless?
We now pivot towards Nora Quinn, a newly hired sales representative for Pharminex. The Boston blizzards have raised hell with this Southern belle from Charleston, South Carolina. But Nora is determined to make inroads into her new position. Nora is not so concerned with adding notches to her resume. There's something within Pharminex that has drawn Nora in. Something deadly.
Spotlight on Pharminex now. The pharmaceutical company has ponied out a ground-breaking alternative to change people's lives. Monifan is a new and effective fertility drug that has been FDA approved. Young women have been swooping into their doctor's offices clamoring for the drug that promises hope to the infertile. But how many successes can make up for a disaster? There may be something sinister hiding behind this innocent label.
I've always enjoyed a Hank Phillippi Ryan offering especially in Trust Me and The Murder List. The writing is spot-on and entertaining. But there seems to be a trend with authors lately with adding bucketfuls of characters into the mix. This one suffers a bit with an influx of individuals from the present and then a swift turn to 2004 for more. Plus the original residents of this story may not all be who they say they are. Some sorting through and rearranging the chess pieces here. But, all in all, The First to Lie is one to reach for when it's published. Quirky and good.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Tor/Forge Books (Macmillan Publishing) and to Hank Phillippi Ryan for the opportunity.
That's what awaits us in The First to Lie. We've got a bevy of characters who put one foot forward with a certain persona only to fade drastically into another of an opposing hue. Who is the actual you?
Ellie Berensen is an investigative reporter for Channel Eleven in Boston. This new news gig is a start-up in a highly competitive chunk of Boston's wickedly cut-throat venue for the latest and greatest appeal for attention. Ellie knows that she has to come up with something ground scorching in order to make a name for herself in this business.
Enter Meg West, Ellie's new assistant producer, who has all the personal appeal of damp laundry concentrating on mildew. Meg seems to show up in unlikely places much to Ellie's frustration. Turns out that Meg is now renting the apartment across from Ellie. She's also made friends with Ellie's cat. Meg the Meek or Meg the Merciless?
We now pivot towards Nora Quinn, a newly hired sales representative for Pharminex. The Boston blizzards have raised hell with this Southern belle from Charleston, South Carolina. But Nora is determined to make inroads into her new position. Nora is not so concerned with adding notches to her resume. There's something within Pharminex that has drawn Nora in. Something deadly.
Spotlight on Pharminex now. The pharmaceutical company has ponied out a ground-breaking alternative to change people's lives. Monifan is a new and effective fertility drug that has been FDA approved. Young women have been swooping into their doctor's offices clamoring for the drug that promises hope to the infertile. But how many successes can make up for a disaster? There may be something sinister hiding behind this innocent label.
I've always enjoyed a Hank Phillippi Ryan offering especially in Trust Me and The Murder List. The writing is spot-on and entertaining. But there seems to be a trend with authors lately with adding bucketfuls of characters into the mix. This one suffers a bit with an influx of individuals from the present and then a swift turn to 2004 for more. Plus the original residents of this story may not all be who they say they are. Some sorting through and rearranging the chess pieces here. But, all in all, The First to Lie is one to reach for when it's published. Quirky and good.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Tor/Forge Books (Macmillan Publishing) and to Hank Phillippi Ryan for the opportunity.
July 31, 2020
A flawlessly written mystery with twists around every corner, The First To Lie is a timely story about deceit, justice and revenge, all centered around the devastation wrought by a large pharmaceutical company and the family that owns it. Addictive and utterly compelling, Ryan has crafted a story that is ferociously smart and tightly plotted. You won’t want to put this one down until you’ve reached the final gasp-worthy conclusion!
August 29, 2020
A big pharmaceutical company has a drug that promises to help with fertility, but the side effects are horrific and kept secret from the public. An investigative reporter wants to expose them. A sales rep with the company has her own agenda.
A story of lies and deception told using multiple points of view. The multiple POVs started off fine, but got more confusing as the story progressed. The plot was intricate and the characters were clever. In the end it was an entertaining thriller, but it took a while for me to get into this one.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A story of lies and deception told using multiple points of view. The multiple POVs started off fine, but got more confusing as the story progressed. The plot was intricate and the characters were clever. In the end it was an entertaining thriller, but it took a while for me to get into this one.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 29, 2020
You are going to be blown away. You never see this coming. You are going to be on the edge of your seat trying to figure out where Ryan is going with this story.
You think you have it figured out then boom, nope that's not who she is.
All I can say is that this is a must read and just true to figure it out as you read it.
4.5 stars and I HIGHLY recommend this one.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
You think you have it figured out then boom, nope that's not who she is.
All I can say is that this is a must read and just true to figure it out as you read it.
4.5 stars and I HIGHLY recommend this one.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
September 14, 2020
Revealing a lot about this book would definitely spoil it. To say it is twisty is an understatement. The story is told primarily in the alternating points of view of Nora, a sales rep for the pharmaceutical company Pharminex, and Ellie, a TV reporter investigating Pharminex. Ellie suspects that Pharminex has been pushing a fertility drug without adequately explaining its risks. There is also some backstory about the family that owns Pharminex. Just assume everyone in the book is lying. The motivations aren’t terribly credible. You also have to believe that one character is too stupid and unobservant to live and that the obsession to give birth blocks all thoughts of surrogacy or adoption. Despite the facts that the plot was preposterous and I hated the ending, this book was certainly a page turner. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
July 15, 2020
Thanks to publishers and netgalley for providing me this eARC. First to Lie is a story about an evil Pharma company, Pharminex (aren't they all) and its wonder drug Monifan, which is supposed to help women conceive but one of its side effect is to render them infertile. This part is usually omitted by doctors who prescribe Monifan pushed by Pharminex.
.
The book revolves around Lacey and Brooke, who are out to destroy Pharminex as they both have been the victims of Monifan. This simple story is so convoluted by the end that I just wanted it to finish. I probably would have DNFed it if I haven't had to give feedback.
.
It starts with Nora/Ellie and then later comes Meg. If you are thinking that I was just talking about Lacey and Brooke, then I was thinking the same while reading. You can see the twists miles before, so many impersonations, double lives that you just want it to get over with.
.
The premise of the story was good but presentation was sub par. The writing does not engage and the author's attempt to introduce mystery falls flat. Reader knows where the story is going but the book just goes on and on and on. It took around halfway to get to a point of coherence. The characters seems one dimensional. They just keep repeating themselves. I couldn't feel anything for any of the character. A real struggle to finish for me.
.
The book revolves around Lacey and Brooke, who are out to destroy Pharminex as they both have been the victims of Monifan. This simple story is so convoluted by the end that I just wanted it to finish. I probably would have DNFed it if I haven't had to give feedback.
.
It starts with Nora/Ellie and then later comes Meg. If you are thinking that I was just talking about Lacey and Brooke, then I was thinking the same while reading. You can see the twists miles before, so many impersonations, double lives that you just want it to get over with.
.
The premise of the story was good but presentation was sub par. The writing does not engage and the author's attempt to introduce mystery falls flat. Reader knows where the story is going but the book just goes on and on and on. It took around halfway to get to a point of coherence. The characters seems one dimensional. They just keep repeating themselves. I couldn't feel anything for any of the character. A real struggle to finish for me.
August 19, 2020
This thriller is an endless flow of elaborate lies and deception that will overwhelm your mind.
I was intrigued after reading the latest newsletter from Christina McDonald, which included a review of the book and interview with the author. So I bumped it up on my TBR list!
I was drawn in immediately, but it took a bit to get my bearings and sketch out what was going on.
The writing was terrific, but the middle of the book was a little wordy and slow. Yes, it was far-fetched. The details felt overdone....but I still couldn't put it down! I loved the storyline and interwoven mysteries.
There is so much going on in this book, I don’t know where to start without giving something away. So I won’t!
Thank you to Edelweiss, Hank Phillippi Ryan and Forge Books, for this free digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!
My Rating: 4 ⭐️’s
Published: August 4th 2020 by Forge Books
Pages: 352
Recommend: Yes
@HankPRyan @ForgeReads @weiss_squad
#psychologicalthriller #NoRulesJustThrills #MustRead @Christinamac79 #InExchangeForReview
After publication, my reviews can be found:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/amz...
Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/takemeaway21
BN.com, BookBub
More on the author:
https://hankphillippiryan.com
I was intrigued after reading the latest newsletter from Christina McDonald, which included a review of the book and interview with the author. So I bumped it up on my TBR list!
I was drawn in immediately, but it took a bit to get my bearings and sketch out what was going on.
The writing was terrific, but the middle of the book was a little wordy and slow. Yes, it was far-fetched. The details felt overdone....but I still couldn't put it down! I loved the storyline and interwoven mysteries.
There is so much going on in this book, I don’t know where to start without giving something away. So I won’t!
Thank you to Edelweiss, Hank Phillippi Ryan and Forge Books, for this free digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!
My Rating: 4 ⭐️’s
Published: August 4th 2020 by Forge Books
Pages: 352
Recommend: Yes
@HankPRyan @ForgeReads @weiss_squad
#psychologicalthriller #NoRulesJustThrills #MustRead @Christinamac79 #InExchangeForReview
After publication, my reviews can be found:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/amz...
Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/takemeaway21
BN.com, BookBub
More on the author:
https://hankphillippiryan.com
August 2, 2020
A timely and dynamic story full of twists and turns.
SUMMARY
Pharminex, is a pharmaceutical company owned by the powerful and wealthy Vanderwald family. The company president Winton Trevor Vanderwald, Jr, is soon to be awarded the Massachusetts Medical Science Association’s Humanitarian of the Year award for his continuing and generous contributions to science and medicine. A huge gala will also be held to raise money for a scholarship in honor of the Vanderwald’s deceased son.
Pharminex has a new drug on the market. Monifan has been approved by the FDA but only to be used to decrease recovery time after surgeries. Pharminex thinks Monifan can also help women with fertility issues who are desperate to have a child. But the drug is not approved for that. What if it doesn’t work? What are the risks associated with marketing a drug off-label Is the company willing to take that risk Exactly how much is a human life worth? Pharminex has calculated that cost.
Nora Quinn is an auburn hair new sales rep for Pharminex. According to her training she has one goal: to make sure doctors prescribed the drugs offered by Pharminex, as often as and as much as they can. The hot drug on the market...Monifan.
Ellie Berensen, a blond “wholesome” and determined reporter, is on the trail of the Monifan story. Her new job at Channel 11 depends on her producing a blockbuster story.
Brooke Vanderwald is the Vanderwald’s only daughter if her grades are good she will be headed to Vasser or Yale shortly. At least that’s what her mother thinks. Brooke has a better idea.
Lacey Grisham Vanderwald is the new wife of Trevor Vanderwald the only son and rightful heir of Pharminex. More than anything Lacey wants a baby to cement her position in the Vanderwald family.
Who will be the first to lie?
REVIEW
What a vexing book! The First to Lie is told from four perspectives and multiple time frames you’ll want to hang on to your hat, because it's going to be a bumpy ride. It’s a phycological thriller, with the emphasis on phycological. The characters are both intriguing and perplexing and propel the narrative through a plethora of twists and turns.
More than anything else I really appreciate the timely and dynamic story of a drug being marketed to women for an off-label use, with devastating consequences for some. It’s so terrifying that stories such as this have some basis in reality. We are seeing examples on the news of real life situations where pharmaceutical companies have put their profits over safety, responsibility or due diligence.
Author Hank Phillippi Ryan has plenty of tricks up her sleeve because of her real world experience as a television investigative reporter in Boston Massachusetts. Her writing deftly peels away layer after layer to reveal the truth of who is the first to lie.
She is also the best-selling author of 12 thrillers and has received numerous awards. Her most recent books include The Murder List (2019), and Trust Me (2018)
Thanks to Netgalley and Forge Books for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher Forge Books
Published August 4, 2020
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
SUMMARY
Pharminex, is a pharmaceutical company owned by the powerful and wealthy Vanderwald family. The company president Winton Trevor Vanderwald, Jr, is soon to be awarded the Massachusetts Medical Science Association’s Humanitarian of the Year award for his continuing and generous contributions to science and medicine. A huge gala will also be held to raise money for a scholarship in honor of the Vanderwald’s deceased son.
Pharminex has a new drug on the market. Monifan has been approved by the FDA but only to be used to decrease recovery time after surgeries. Pharminex thinks Monifan can also help women with fertility issues who are desperate to have a child. But the drug is not approved for that. What if it doesn’t work? What are the risks associated with marketing a drug off-label Is the company willing to take that risk Exactly how much is a human life worth? Pharminex has calculated that cost.
Nora Quinn is an auburn hair new sales rep for Pharminex. According to her training she has one goal: to make sure doctors prescribed the drugs offered by Pharminex, as often as and as much as they can. The hot drug on the market...Monifan.
Ellie Berensen, a blond “wholesome” and determined reporter, is on the trail of the Monifan story. Her new job at Channel 11 depends on her producing a blockbuster story.
Brooke Vanderwald is the Vanderwald’s only daughter if her grades are good she will be headed to Vasser or Yale shortly. At least that’s what her mother thinks. Brooke has a better idea.
Lacey Grisham Vanderwald is the new wife of Trevor Vanderwald the only son and rightful heir of Pharminex. More than anything Lacey wants a baby to cement her position in the Vanderwald family.
Who will be the first to lie?
REVIEW
What a vexing book! The First to Lie is told from four perspectives and multiple time frames you’ll want to hang on to your hat, because it's going to be a bumpy ride. It’s a phycological thriller, with the emphasis on phycological. The characters are both intriguing and perplexing and propel the narrative through a plethora of twists and turns.
More than anything else I really appreciate the timely and dynamic story of a drug being marketed to women for an off-label use, with devastating consequences for some. It’s so terrifying that stories such as this have some basis in reality. We are seeing examples on the news of real life situations where pharmaceutical companies have put their profits over safety, responsibility or due diligence.
Author Hank Phillippi Ryan has plenty of tricks up her sleeve because of her real world experience as a television investigative reporter in Boston Massachusetts. Her writing deftly peels away layer after layer to reveal the truth of who is the first to lie.
She is also the best-selling author of 12 thrillers and has received numerous awards. Her most recent books include The Murder List (2019), and Trust Me (2018)
Thanks to Netgalley and Forge Books for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher Forge Books
Published August 4, 2020
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
September 2, 2020
Elle Berenson is an investigative reporter in Boston working on a story about a drug called Monifan. Rumors are circulating that the drug increases the chances of pregnancy but with a possible side effect of infertility. If Elle can break this story, it will propel her career as a reporter. Her research must be above board but that is challenged by her over-eager assistant Meg who lacks procedural ethics.
Nora Quinn is a representative for Monifan who spends her time meeting with patients who have had unfavorable experiences with the drug. Nora doesn’t like some of the things that she is hearing. She becomes increasingly uncomfortable with her job while her company continues to claim their product is safe.
The First To Lie by Hank Phillipi Ryan is a compelling and satisfying multi-layered book. The novel is filled with family secrets, deception, and revenge. The book made me think of this quote, "Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive!"
Nora Quinn is a representative for Monifan who spends her time meeting with patients who have had unfavorable experiences with the drug. Nora doesn’t like some of the things that she is hearing. She becomes increasingly uncomfortable with her job while her company continues to claim their product is safe.
The First To Lie by Hank Phillipi Ryan is a compelling and satisfying multi-layered book. The novel is filled with family secrets, deception, and revenge. The book made me think of this quote, "Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive!"
August 4, 2020
Hank Philippi Ryan dazzles in First To Lie, an intricately plotted bag of tricks starring Ellie, Meg, and Nora, three women focused on a new fertility drug. Wealth and power, deceit and betrayal, greed…Philippi Ryan handles the big issues with a deft hand, tangling and then untangling the threads all the way to the flawless conclusion. A smart, relevant page-turner.
July 3, 2020
I think writing a review for this book without giving any spoiler is going to be impossible for me. So I am just going to keep it simple!
An amazingly twisted book filled with mystery that will literally fry your brain thanks to the multiple characters and deception all through the book.
It took me a while to actually get into this because there are so many characters and each of their version is narrated in this book. Once I finally understood what was going on I just couldn't stop reading it and the final conclusion was just amazing. It was totally unexpected!
This is my first book by this author and I am looking forward to read more of her books.
Highly recommended to all mystery & thriller lovers!!
Thank You to NetGalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge for this ARC!!
An amazingly twisted book filled with mystery that will literally fry your brain thanks to the multiple characters and deception all through the book.
It took me a while to actually get into this because there are so many characters and each of their version is narrated in this book. Once I finally understood what was going on I just couldn't stop reading it and the final conclusion was just amazing. It was totally unexpected!
This is my first book by this author and I am looking forward to read more of her books.
Highly recommended to all mystery & thriller lovers!!
Thank You to NetGalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge for this ARC!!
July 2, 2020
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.
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.
November 4, 2020
I usually enjoy this author's books, but this one didn't work for me. Multiple characters impersonating other characters made the story confusing and frankly unbelievable. Can't say more without revealing too much information, but really?? I know that many others seemed to like this book, so this is just my opinion...
August 4, 2020
I love books with twists. The First to Lie was one of those books. Hank Phillippi Ryan kept me guessing throughout and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. And she had me at that first big twist. I couldn’t help but to gasp out loud more than once while reading this twisty psychological suspense novel.
In The First to Lie, we meet Ellie and Nora, and then we meet Brooke and Lacey. Ellie is an investigative reporter trying to uncover a story about a corrupt pharmaceutical company. Nora is a rep for the company. Brooke’s parents own the company. And Lacey wants to be the wife of the heir of the company. This book is told by their four POVs.
I took this book with me wherever I went because I had to know. I picked it up whenever I could spare a few minutes. My 3 1/2 hour hair appointment went by quickly because I was completely engrossed in the story.
When I got to the end and flipped that last page, I was completely satisfied with how things turned out. Those are my favorite kind of stories.
*Thank you to Forge Reads for the advance copy!*
In The First to Lie, we meet Ellie and Nora, and then we meet Brooke and Lacey. Ellie is an investigative reporter trying to uncover a story about a corrupt pharmaceutical company. Nora is a rep for the company. Brooke’s parents own the company. And Lacey wants to be the wife of the heir of the company. This book is told by their four POVs.
I took this book with me wherever I went because I had to know. I picked it up whenever I could spare a few minutes. My 3 1/2 hour hair appointment went by quickly because I was completely engrossed in the story.
When I got to the end and flipped that last page, I was completely satisfied with how things turned out. Those are my favorite kind of stories.
*Thank you to Forge Reads for the advance copy!*
August 9, 2020
Deception
Lies
Big Pharma
The First To Lie is an upcoming book by one of my favorite thriller queen authors, Hank P Ryan - who has won 5 Agatha awards and 37 Emmys among a few of her awards for her amazing books and investigative journalism.
The First to Lie is an exciting and twisty medical thriller about bringing down Pharminex, a giant pharmaceutical company who is marketing the use of a very expensive drug as non- formulary offering big promises to treat fertility issues in women, owned by the Vanderwald family.
This story has a lot of deception and multi-generation of lies with twists you will never see coming. The story is told in multiple POV from Ellie - a deeply invested reporter, Nora - a pharmaceutical rep who pretends to be one of the patients, Brooke - a 15 yo daughter of the Vanderwald family and Lucy - a very calculated young woman who longs to be a part of the Vanderwald family.
Overall the story is about women who are desperate to have a family, women who will try anything, and a big pharma offering empty promises for profits. Ryan opens the door to the ins and outs of investigative reporting, the world of medical ethics and big pharma, in a thrilling and twisty story your mind will be blown.
I really enjoyed this amazing twisty breathtaking and surprising thriller that is fast paced, and has a well plotted revenge.
Lies
Big Pharma
The First To Lie is an upcoming book by one of my favorite thriller queen authors, Hank P Ryan - who has won 5 Agatha awards and 37 Emmys among a few of her awards for her amazing books and investigative journalism.
The First to Lie is an exciting and twisty medical thriller about bringing down Pharminex, a giant pharmaceutical company who is marketing the use of a very expensive drug as non- formulary offering big promises to treat fertility issues in women, owned by the Vanderwald family.
This story has a lot of deception and multi-generation of lies with twists you will never see coming. The story is told in multiple POV from Ellie - a deeply invested reporter, Nora - a pharmaceutical rep who pretends to be one of the patients, Brooke - a 15 yo daughter of the Vanderwald family and Lucy - a very calculated young woman who longs to be a part of the Vanderwald family.
Overall the story is about women who are desperate to have a family, women who will try anything, and a big pharma offering empty promises for profits. Ryan opens the door to the ins and outs of investigative reporting, the world of medical ethics and big pharma, in a thrilling and twisty story your mind will be blown.
I really enjoyed this amazing twisty breathtaking and surprising thriller that is fast paced, and has a well plotted revenge.
May 31, 2022
“She thought she’d been the first to lie in this relationship. But maybe he’d been the first. Maybe the first lie was only the beginning.”
This was a twisty ride that left me guessing who was really who they said they were. Was anyone telling the truth? And what the hell was going on with some of the key players?
Ellie is a reporter tracking down a big story on a powerful pharmaceutical company backed by a powerful family. She has a mysterious, personal stake in this and Ellie will get her information by any means necessary, including lying. But she’s not the only keeping secrets. Who will be the first to lie?
The cleverly written story about Ellie trying to get answers for her big story on Pharminex intertwined characters from the past that seemed to not be all that crucial with the present but actually ended up having big pieces to the puzzle. As well as a “different” set of characters that all had a vested interest in bring down the Vanderwalds and Pharminex.
It got a bit confusing at first but once you understood the big picture it made sense it had layers, and it really made the story nail bightingly good! I also appreciated some of the twists at the very end that brought out some bittersweet feel good moments.
Hank Phillipi Ryan is a new to me author but this will definitely not be the last book of hers that I read!
Thank You much to Suzy Approved Book Tours, Hank Phillippi and Forge Reads for this intense & thrilling book.
This was a twisty ride that left me guessing who was really who they said they were. Was anyone telling the truth? And what the hell was going on with some of the key players?
Ellie is a reporter tracking down a big story on a powerful pharmaceutical company backed by a powerful family. She has a mysterious, personal stake in this and Ellie will get her information by any means necessary, including lying. But she’s not the only keeping secrets. Who will be the first to lie?
The cleverly written story about Ellie trying to get answers for her big story on Pharminex intertwined characters from the past that seemed to not be all that crucial with the present but actually ended up having big pieces to the puzzle. As well as a “different” set of characters that all had a vested interest in bring down the Vanderwalds and Pharminex.
It got a bit confusing at first but once you understood the big picture it made sense it had layers, and it really made the story nail bightingly good! I also appreciated some of the twists at the very end that brought out some bittersweet feel good moments.
Hank Phillipi Ryan is a new to me author but this will definitely not be the last book of hers that I read!
Thank You much to Suzy Approved Book Tours, Hank Phillippi and Forge Reads for this intense & thrilling book.
August 14, 2020
The First to Lie is a mind-blowing, twisty thriller that will capture you on the first page and have you speed reading to get to the last page!! It will keep you guessing until the end.
This is the first time reading a book by this author, but it won't be my last!! I was not disappointed and I am an avid reader of mystery and thrillers.
Every time I thought I had everything figured out, I would realize I was wrong. That is my bar set for a great thriller!
Thank you Netgalley and MacmillanTor/Forge for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This is the first time reading a book by this author, but it won't be my last!! I was not disappointed and I am an avid reader of mystery and thrillers.
Every time I thought I had everything figured out, I would realize I was wrong. That is my bar set for a great thriller!
Thank you Netgalley and MacmillanTor/Forge for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
August 6, 2020
What a tangled web of characters in this book.
You won’t know who to trust or who is who in this twisty book that takes us into what power and money can do and what being an undercover reporter involves.
We get a glimpse into what people will do to save themselves, make money, reveal the truth, and keep the truth a secret.
A few of the characters were quite unlikable....well quite a few were.
Ms. Ryan did another marvelous job of keeping you guessing and wondering what is going to happen next.
Be prepared to stay up late as you near the end...it is GOOD is all I can say, and VERY clever.
Great story line once you have all the characters and their names straightened out. :)
Be sure to make THE FIRST TO LIE part of your summer reading plans. 4/5
This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
You won’t know who to trust or who is who in this twisty book that takes us into what power and money can do and what being an undercover reporter involves.
We get a glimpse into what people will do to save themselves, make money, reveal the truth, and keep the truth a secret.
A few of the characters were quite unlikable....well quite a few were.
Ms. Ryan did another marvelous job of keeping you guessing and wondering what is going to happen next.
Be prepared to stay up late as you near the end...it is GOOD is all I can say, and VERY clever.
Great story line once you have all the characters and their names straightened out. :)
Be sure to make THE FIRST TO LIE part of your summer reading plans. 4/5
This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 28, 2021
“They can fix anything. I tell myself that. I’ll try anything.”
Couples and women with the same devastating feeling as mentioned above are exactly how a “miracle drug” like Monifan can get away with murder, quite literally.
Pharmaceutical companies prey on people’s desperation to have children. They knowingly create and distribute a pill that may not only fail at helping to get you pregnant but have the opposite effect and cause you to be sterile. When you’re making millions of dollars, why worry about a few mishaps? As far as the company is concerned...it’s fairly easy for the public to make up some sad story. These women came to them initially with a problem and they only tried to help.
“Who cares how rare it is when it’s you?”
“It’s called off-label use. Remember? You did read the consent before you signed it, didn’t you? But my dear, there’s always adoption...”
Ellie, a reporter for Channel 11 is determined to take down Pharminex and the Vanderwald family that stands behind it no matter what she has to do to succeed.
“Knock em dead.”
Wannabe mothers continue to line up in waiting rooms, hoping that this new pill will be their saving grace. Most, still not understanding that of all the women in this world why it’s them that can’t conceive. You can spend all the time in the world building and preparing for a family and yet if it wasn’t meant to be what else can you do but ask for help?
“Was there a destiny, a set path, that some deep force has for you at birth? No matter how determined or driven you were ,no matter what road map to life you created for yourself, you could only go so far until the universe, laughing, yanked you back where you belonged.”
Hank Phillippi Ryan paints a world where it’s dangerous to trust anyone. Everyone has a back story, but what happens when their beliefs clash with the justice that you’re trying to get for your own past experience? This becomes a race to a finish line where many won’t make it out alive.
A story that is a true testament of keeping your friends close but your enemies even closer.
“I can’t explain myself, I’m afraid, because I’m not myself, you see.”
I hosted a buddy read this past week featuring Hank Phillippi’s “The First To Lie” and whew was it a whirlwind!
My only critique would be that a few things were a little far fetched, but not enough to lower my rating.
Also, our Overbooked Book Club had the pleasure of meeting Hank via Private Live Chat and she was even more wonderful that I had anticipated! Ladies and gentlemen, this is an author that you want to support!
4.5 ⭐️
Couples and women with the same devastating feeling as mentioned above are exactly how a “miracle drug” like Monifan can get away with murder, quite literally.
Pharmaceutical companies prey on people’s desperation to have children. They knowingly create and distribute a pill that may not only fail at helping to get you pregnant but have the opposite effect and cause you to be sterile. When you’re making millions of dollars, why worry about a few mishaps? As far as the company is concerned...it’s fairly easy for the public to make up some sad story. These women came to them initially with a problem and they only tried to help.
“Who cares how rare it is when it’s you?”
“It’s called off-label use. Remember? You did read the consent before you signed it, didn’t you? But my dear, there’s always adoption...”
Ellie, a reporter for Channel 11 is determined to take down Pharminex and the Vanderwald family that stands behind it no matter what she has to do to succeed.
“Knock em dead.”
Wannabe mothers continue to line up in waiting rooms, hoping that this new pill will be their saving grace. Most, still not understanding that of all the women in this world why it’s them that can’t conceive. You can spend all the time in the world building and preparing for a family and yet if it wasn’t meant to be what else can you do but ask for help?
“Was there a destiny, a set path, that some deep force has for you at birth? No matter how determined or driven you were ,no matter what road map to life you created for yourself, you could only go so far until the universe, laughing, yanked you back where you belonged.”
Hank Phillippi Ryan paints a world where it’s dangerous to trust anyone. Everyone has a back story, but what happens when their beliefs clash with the justice that you’re trying to get for your own past experience? This becomes a race to a finish line where many won’t make it out alive.
A story that is a true testament of keeping your friends close but your enemies even closer.
“I can’t explain myself, I’m afraid, because I’m not myself, you see.”
I hosted a buddy read this past week featuring Hank Phillippi’s “The First To Lie” and whew was it a whirlwind!
My only critique would be that a few things were a little far fetched, but not enough to lower my rating.
Also, our Overbooked Book Club had the pleasure of meeting Hank via Private Live Chat and she was even more wonderful that I had anticipated! Ladies and gentlemen, this is an author that you want to support!
4.5 ⭐️
July 31, 2020
"Oh, what a tangled web we weave. When first we practise to deceive!" -Sir Walter Scott-
Aliases, conflicting stories and grand deception - this book has it all. There's Ellie, the eager investigative reporter who steps up her game as she assumes a position at a new Boston news agency. She's certain that digging into a Big Pharma company's secrets will be the big break she needs to make a name for herself. Then there's Nora who goes undercover at that same pharmaceutical firm to break this same news story, to reveal the company for its charlatan practices and bring the company down. Don't forget Meg, who may be even more eager than Ellie to break that earth shattering news story. Although much to Meg's frustration, she's been assigned as Ellie's assistant and steps over the line on way too many occasions. There's also that really cute lawyer who wants to help Ellie get the goods on this family held company. "So what's his motive?", Ellie wonders. Alternating chapters are presented with various characters' narratives across two time periods - current day and before "the accident".
Author Hank Philippi Ryan does a spectacular job of keeping the reader just a touch off balance as characters and their motivations are introduced. Her writing style flows smoothly as she deftly interweaves the various narratives. The tension is well maintained throughout the course of the book with heightened increase at the penultimate moment. It's a twisty tale where the differing narratives all come together in a spectacular climax. I just could not put this book down.
Trigger warning: Infertility stress and depression therefrom play strong roles.
I am grateful to author Hank Phillipi Ryan and her publisher MacMillan Publishing Group, LLC for having provided a free uncorrected digital galley through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Aliases, conflicting stories and grand deception - this book has it all. There's Ellie, the eager investigative reporter who steps up her game as she assumes a position at a new Boston news agency. She's certain that digging into a Big Pharma company's secrets will be the big break she needs to make a name for herself. Then there's Nora who goes undercover at that same pharmaceutical firm to break this same news story, to reveal the company for its charlatan practices and bring the company down. Don't forget Meg, who may be even more eager than Ellie to break that earth shattering news story. Although much to Meg's frustration, she's been assigned as Ellie's assistant and steps over the line on way too many occasions. There's also that really cute lawyer who wants to help Ellie get the goods on this family held company. "So what's his motive?", Ellie wonders. Alternating chapters are presented with various characters' narratives across two time periods - current day and before "the accident".
Author Hank Philippi Ryan does a spectacular job of keeping the reader just a touch off balance as characters and their motivations are introduced. Her writing style flows smoothly as she deftly interweaves the various narratives. The tension is well maintained throughout the course of the book with heightened increase at the penultimate moment. It's a twisty tale where the differing narratives all come together in a spectacular climax. I just could not put this book down.
Trigger warning: Infertility stress and depression therefrom play strong roles.
I am grateful to author Hank Phillipi Ryan and her publisher MacMillan Publishing Group, LLC for having provided a free uncorrected digital galley through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
July 18, 2020
The First To Lie is a stand alone book from Hank Philippi Ryan and I really wanted to loved it after reading so many fantastic reviews. It took me a really long time to get into this story with so many characters and points of view. And the characters all pretending to be someone else did not help. It was really confusing for a long time. In the end it was a good story but hard to stay on track with who was telling it.
It is a story of revenge, of a rich family who own a pharmaceutical company and are selling a so called miracle drug for fertility, preying on desperate women. Mostly told from the point of view of a reporter who is trying to out them publicly. There is so much going on, so many people involved but if you can get it all straight it is a great story
Thanks to Forge books and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book
It is a story of revenge, of a rich family who own a pharmaceutical company and are selling a so called miracle drug for fertility, preying on desperate women. Mostly told from the point of view of a reporter who is trying to out them publicly. There is so much going on, so many people involved but if you can get it all straight it is a great story
Thanks to Forge books and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book
August 13, 2020
"This was my first book by Hank and I found it really suspenseful. A wealthy family behind a pharmaceutical company has some secrets! A company that has a drug that promises the chances of getting pregnant will greatly increase, but could also cause complete sterility! There are alot of characters in this book. People who want to expose the truth behind this drug. Ellie, a reporter will do whatever it takes, going undercover! There were a few things I predicted and alot that I did not! I love a thriller with lots of mystery and suspense and I definitely got it with this one. If you want a crazy and unique twisty thriller, you got it in this book!!
Thanks to the publisher and @suzyapprovedbooktours for this copy to review! All opinions are my own!
Thanks to the publisher and @suzyapprovedbooktours for this copy to review! All opinions are my own!
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