Anatomy of an Alibi

A Novel

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. Flirted a little with a local but returned alone to her B&B before midnight in her sleek car.

But that woman wasn’t Camille Bayliss. It was Aubrey Price.

Aubrey 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 perfect way in.

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 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.

It can be murder to walk in another woman’s shoes. . . .
Praise for Anatomy of an Alibi:

“In Anatomy of an Alibi, Ashley Elston expertly unravels a web of secrets and lies in a small southern town. You won’t know who to trust, and you won’t be able to put this excellent thriller down until the final shocking page.”
—Megan Miranda, New York Times bestselling author of All the Missing Girls

“Anatomy of an Alibi is a knockout. Ashley Elston masterfully unravels a story of swapped identities, buried secrets, and a murder that turns two women’s lives upside down. Tense, smart, and relentlessly suspenseful, this is the kind of thriller that grips you from the first page and doesn’t let go. Elston proves once again she’s a powerhouse in crime fiction.”
—Julie Clark, New York Times bestselling author of The Lies I Tell

Praise for First Lie Wins:

“This fast-paced read has everything you could want in a thriller: secret identities, a mysterious boss, and a cat-and-mouse game that kept me guessing the whole way through.”
—Reese Witherspoon (Reese’s Book Club January ’24 Pick)


“A relentless cat-and-mouse thriller . . . This is a classic twist-stuffed suspense for fans who plan to read late into the night.”
—Elle


“The cleverly crafted plot and whip-smart protagonist mean you won’t know who to trust in this edge-of-your-seat thriller.”
Reader’s Digest

“Elston raises the stakes.”
—The New York Times

“You’re in for a thrill ride of twists in this fast-paced novel that kept me on my toes from start to finish.”
—New York Post


First Lie Wins delivers a fun and unpredictable suspense ride that keeps the guessing going until the end.”
—The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

“Ashley Elston handles a highly complicated plot with the assurance of someone who has been writing psychological suspense all her life. . . . No wonder Reese Witherspoon has made First Lie Wins her book club choice.”
The Sunday Times

“One of the best thrillers I’ve ever read . . . Amazing.”
—Jesse Watters

“Riveting!”
Lucy Foley, #1 New York Times–bestselling author of The Paris Apartment

“Buckle up. First Lie Wins features some of the best cat-and-mouse suspense I’ve read in years, while serving up plenty of heart along this wild ride. I’m still breathless.”
—Lisa Gardner, #1 New York Times–bestselling author of One Step Too Far

“What a box of tricks! First Lie Wins flickers past like a shadow play: Just when you think you’ve worked out what you’re seeing, the shapes shift, the scene transforms, and—hold on—maybe you had it wrong a moment ago? Cool and clever and full-on fun, the sort of slippery, high-stakes, now-you-see-me-now-you-don’t thriller that few novelists are bold enough to attempt these days. Pick it up, please. This is a good one.”
—A. J. Finn, #1 New York Times–bestselling author of The Woman in the Window and End of Story


First Lie Wins is a high-stakes thriller that brilliantly explores identity and love, truth and deception. Smart and sharp, fast-paced and twisty, this book kept me on the edge of my seat from the first page to the very last. Ashley Elston has crafted a truly unpredictable, unforgettable story. I loved it!”
—Megan Miranda, New York Times–bestselling author of The Only Survivors

“Wildly inventive, diabolically clever . . . filled with meticulously plotted details and stakes that will wholly consume you. Ashley Elston also delivers one of the most likable, morally gray characters I’ve ever encountered. I devoured First Lie Wins and am now an Ashley Elston fan for life.”
—Julie Clark, New York Times–bestselling author of The Lies I Tell

First Lie Wins is the most suspenseful game of deception I’ve ever read. . . . Ashley Elston peeled back layer upon layer of a carefully crafted plot, revealing a series of twists and reveals I never saw coming. Brilliant!”
—Elle Cosimano, New York Times–bestselling author of Finlay Donovan Is Killing It

“You don’t know who to trust in this taut and expertly plotted thriller from Ashley Elston. First Lie Wins is an edge-of-your-seat read that’s as emotionally moving as it is gripping. I loved every minute of it!”
—Mary Kubica, New York Times–bestselling author of Local Woman Missing

“A suspenseful and taut page-turner that is impossible to put down! First Lie Wins captivated me with its twisty premise and left me spellbound by the memory of its richly drawn characters.”
Megan Shepherd, New York Times–bestselling author of Malice House

“Who is the cat and who is the mouse? It’s hard to tell when even the bad guys are so likable that you can’t help but root for them. Clever, twisty, and suspenseful, First Lie Wins kept me on my toes right up to the satisfying conclusion.”
—Diane Chamberlain, New York Times–bestselling author of The Last House on the Street

“Sharp, engaging, and unputdownable. Elston executes hairpin turns masterfully, leaving readers gasping in surprise but firmly in their seats and ready for more. A smart suspense with romantic elements that keeps the thrills coming and the reader thinking of the story long after the book is done.”
—Alyssa Cole, New York Times–bestselling author of When No One Is Watching

“Outstanding! The deeply woven characters in First Lie Wins pulled me in from the first page, then took me on a spellbinding ride. Ashley Elston has crafted an ingenious, unforgettable cat-and-mouse thriller!”
—Wendy Walker, bestselling author of What Remains


“A propulsive, note-perfect thriller.”
—Cesca Major, author of Maybe Next Time


“A whip-smart, twisty thriller with a surprisingly big heart. First Lie Wins is the type of book that begs to be read in one sitting.”
—Kara Thomas, author of Out of the Ashes


“Prepare to trust no one on this high-speed thrill ride through timelines, identities, and motives as you work to piece together Elston’s expertly crafted puzzle. First Lie Wins is a fun, clever spin on the con artist novel, perfect for fans of The Lies I Tell and The Lady Upstairs.”
—Ashley Winstead, author of Midnight Is the Darkest Hour

“Ingeniously plotted . . . Elston whips up plenty of suspense and delivers a satisfyingly serpentine finale. This promises more good things from Elston to come.”
—Publishers Weekly

“A savvy thriller with intrigue and momentum from the first twist of Lucca’s arrival right up until the final showdowns. Evie is a smart and engaging protagonist, and her time on the run is anything but predictable.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“I really enjoyed this—very unexpected and pacy with a brilliant central character.”
Harriet Tyce, bestselling author of Blood Orange and The Lies You Told

“Absolutely brilliant. I devoured it.”
Heidi Perks, bestselling author of The Whispers

“An absolute CRACKER of a bookclever, original, and compelling.”
Rachel Abbott, bestselling author of Don’t Look Away
© Aimee Ballard
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. View titles by Ashley Elston

About

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. Flirted a little with a local but returned alone to her B&B before midnight in her sleek car.

But that woman wasn’t Camille Bayliss. It was Aubrey Price.

Aubrey 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 perfect way in.

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 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.

It can be murder to walk in another woman’s shoes. . . .

Reviews

Praise for Anatomy of an Alibi:

“In Anatomy of an Alibi, Ashley Elston expertly unravels a web of secrets and lies in a small southern town. You won’t know who to trust, and you won’t be able to put this excellent thriller down until the final shocking page.”
—Megan Miranda, New York Times bestselling author of All the Missing Girls

“Anatomy of an Alibi is a knockout. Ashley Elston masterfully unravels a story of swapped identities, buried secrets, and a murder that turns two women’s lives upside down. Tense, smart, and relentlessly suspenseful, this is the kind of thriller that grips you from the first page and doesn’t let go. Elston proves once again she’s a powerhouse in crime fiction.”
—Julie Clark, New York Times bestselling author of The Lies I Tell

Praise for First Lie Wins:

“This fast-paced read has everything you could want in a thriller: secret identities, a mysterious boss, and a cat-and-mouse game that kept me guessing the whole way through.”
—Reese Witherspoon (Reese’s Book Club January ’24 Pick)


“A relentless cat-and-mouse thriller . . . This is a classic twist-stuffed suspense for fans who plan to read late into the night.”
—Elle


“The cleverly crafted plot and whip-smart protagonist mean you won’t know who to trust in this edge-of-your-seat thriller.”
Reader’s Digest

“Elston raises the stakes.”
—The New York Times

“You’re in for a thrill ride of twists in this fast-paced novel that kept me on my toes from start to finish.”
—New York Post


First Lie Wins delivers a fun and unpredictable suspense ride that keeps the guessing going until the end.”
—The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

“Ashley Elston handles a highly complicated plot with the assurance of someone who has been writing psychological suspense all her life. . . . No wonder Reese Witherspoon has made First Lie Wins her book club choice.”
The Sunday Times

“One of the best thrillers I’ve ever read . . . Amazing.”
—Jesse Watters

“Riveting!”
Lucy Foley, #1 New York Times–bestselling author of The Paris Apartment

“Buckle up. First Lie Wins features some of the best cat-and-mouse suspense I’ve read in years, while serving up plenty of heart along this wild ride. I’m still breathless.”
—Lisa Gardner, #1 New York Times–bestselling author of One Step Too Far

“What a box of tricks! First Lie Wins flickers past like a shadow play: Just when you think you’ve worked out what you’re seeing, the shapes shift, the scene transforms, and—hold on—maybe you had it wrong a moment ago? Cool and clever and full-on fun, the sort of slippery, high-stakes, now-you-see-me-now-you-don’t thriller that few novelists are bold enough to attempt these days. Pick it up, please. This is a good one.”
—A. J. Finn, #1 New York Times–bestselling author of The Woman in the Window and End of Story


First Lie Wins is a high-stakes thriller that brilliantly explores identity and love, truth and deception. Smart and sharp, fast-paced and twisty, this book kept me on the edge of my seat from the first page to the very last. Ashley Elston has crafted a truly unpredictable, unforgettable story. I loved it!”
—Megan Miranda, New York Times–bestselling author of The Only Survivors

“Wildly inventive, diabolically clever . . . filled with meticulously plotted details and stakes that will wholly consume you. Ashley Elston also delivers one of the most likable, morally gray characters I’ve ever encountered. I devoured First Lie Wins and am now an Ashley Elston fan for life.”
—Julie Clark, New York Times–bestselling author of The Lies I Tell

First Lie Wins is the most suspenseful game of deception I’ve ever read. . . . Ashley Elston peeled back layer upon layer of a carefully crafted plot, revealing a series of twists and reveals I never saw coming. Brilliant!”
—Elle Cosimano, New York Times–bestselling author of Finlay Donovan Is Killing It

“You don’t know who to trust in this taut and expertly plotted thriller from Ashley Elston. First Lie Wins is an edge-of-your-seat read that’s as emotionally moving as it is gripping. I loved every minute of it!”
—Mary Kubica, New York Times–bestselling author of Local Woman Missing

“A suspenseful and taut page-turner that is impossible to put down! First Lie Wins captivated me with its twisty premise and left me spellbound by the memory of its richly drawn characters.”
Megan Shepherd, New York Times–bestselling author of Malice House

“Who is the cat and who is the mouse? It’s hard to tell when even the bad guys are so likable that you can’t help but root for them. Clever, twisty, and suspenseful, First Lie Wins kept me on my toes right up to the satisfying conclusion.”
—Diane Chamberlain, New York Times–bestselling author of The Last House on the Street

“Sharp, engaging, and unputdownable. Elston executes hairpin turns masterfully, leaving readers gasping in surprise but firmly in their seats and ready for more. A smart suspense with romantic elements that keeps the thrills coming and the reader thinking of the story long after the book is done.”
—Alyssa Cole, New York Times–bestselling author of When No One Is Watching

“Outstanding! The deeply woven characters in First Lie Wins pulled me in from the first page, then took me on a spellbinding ride. Ashley Elston has crafted an ingenious, unforgettable cat-and-mouse thriller!”
—Wendy Walker, bestselling author of What Remains


“A propulsive, note-perfect thriller.”
—Cesca Major, author of Maybe Next Time


“A whip-smart, twisty thriller with a surprisingly big heart. First Lie Wins is the type of book that begs to be read in one sitting.”
—Kara Thomas, author of Out of the Ashes


“Prepare to trust no one on this high-speed thrill ride through timelines, identities, and motives as you work to piece together Elston’s expertly crafted puzzle. First Lie Wins is a fun, clever spin on the con artist novel, perfect for fans of The Lies I Tell and The Lady Upstairs.”
—Ashley Winstead, author of Midnight Is the Darkest Hour

“Ingeniously plotted . . . Elston whips up plenty of suspense and delivers a satisfyingly serpentine finale. This promises more good things from Elston to come.”
—Publishers Weekly

“A savvy thriller with intrigue and momentum from the first twist of Lucca’s arrival right up until the final showdowns. Evie is a smart and engaging protagonist, and her time on the run is anything but predictable.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“I really enjoyed this—very unexpected and pacy with a brilliant central character.”
Harriet Tyce, bestselling author of Blood Orange and The Lies You Told

“Absolutely brilliant. I devoured it.”
Heidi Perks, bestselling author of The Whispers

“An absolute CRACKER of a bookclever, original, and compelling.”
Rachel Abbott, bestselling author of Don’t Look Away

Author

© Aimee Ballard
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. View titles by Ashley Elston
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