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The First to Lie

Publishers Weekly Starred Review

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―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?

Stellar…Hank Phillippi Ryan could win a sixth Agatha with this one.
—Publishers Weekly * Starred Review

One of my favorite authors of suspense… Book clubs will gobble up The First to Lie.
—Author Sarah Pekkanen

From one of our top thriller writers—a chilling tale of deception and revenge.
—Author Angie Kim

Put this one on your list because Hank Phillippi Ryan is at the top of her game.
—Author Samantha Downing

A masterfully twisty… breathless, keep-you-up-all-night thriller.
—Author Jennifer Hillier

Hank Phillippi Ryan is the modern queen of the cat and mouse tale.
—Author J.T. Ellison

Flawless pacing… powerful… a magnificent, intricately plotted thriller.
—Author Samantha M. Bailey

A must-read for thriller lovers… a compelling and twist-filled plot…
—Author Vanessa Lillie

Expert pacing, richly drawn characters, and seamless storytelling… Fabulous!
—Author Hannah Mary McKinnon

Addictive and utterly compelling, Ryan has crafted a story that is ferociously smart and tightly plotted.
—Author Christina McDonald

A masterfully plotted novel of ambition, revenge, and family grief.
—Author Elisabeth Elo

With jaw-dropping discoveries…will shock even the savviest of suspense readers.
—Author Heather Gudenkauf

Read full praise

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About Hank

HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN is the on-air investigative reporter for Boston’s WHDH-TV, winning 36 EMMYs and dozens more journalism honors. Nationally bestselling author of 12 thrillers, Ryan’s also an award-winner in her second profession—with five Agathas, three Anthonys, the Daphne, and the coveted Mary Higgins Clark Award. Critics call her “a master of suspense.” Hank’s newest book is The Murder List: a USA Today Bestseller and an Agatha and Mary Higgins Clark Award nominee. The Library Journal starred review says, “Masterly plotted—a twisted ending—a riveting, character-driven story.” Coming Aug. 4: Hank’s standalone psychological suspense The First to Lie.