The First to Lie by Hank Phillippi Ryan: Book Review

The First to Lie is suspenseful thriller written by bestselling author, and investigative reporter Hank Phillippi Ryan. This is the first book I have read from this author and it did not disappoint.

The book tells a provocative story of a pharmaceutical company who has developed a drug said to help couples suffering from infertility to become pregnant more easily. There are physicians who work with the company who are seeing patients looking for a miracle. What these physicians aren’t telling their patients before starting treatment is that in some cases patients will have an allergic reaction which causes them to be permanently sterile. There is no opportunity for patients to give informed consent. These patients sign a form, but there is no discussion of this allergic reaction life-changing side effect. Simply put, this is completely unethical practice and certainly not out of the scope of reality.

There are several characters who are undercover in trying to investigate the company about this drug. One is an investigative reporter for a news channel and another her next store neighbour and co-worker. The third character is a lawyer who hopes to sue the pharmaceutical company. Further characters are revealed behind the scenes of the pharmaceutical company, including a couple who lead the company and their children and spouses. But not everything is at it seems in the twisted, suspenseful story. It is obvious that one or more of our characters isn’t who we think they are.

I do not want to give any more of the story away. It is a great discussion on the importance of health care consumers having the right and ability to be informed. All I want to say is “Wow”! If you love a suspenseful, twisted novel which will have you guessing all the way through, this book is for you. You will want to devour this book in one sitting, but I highly suggest you don’t. Read it slowly and digest it in all its magnificence. You may want to take notes. To say The First to Lie is a highly engaging read is an understatement. This may be my first book by this author, but it won’t be my last.

Thanks to Netgalley and Forge Books for the ARC of this book in exchange for the honest review provided here.