Anatomy of an Alibi: A Novel

AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

FROM THE #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF FIRST LIE WINS

Two women. One dead husband. And only one alibi.

“Elston expertly unravels a web of secrets and lies. You won’t be able to put this excellent thriller down until the final shocking page.” —Megan Miranda


Everyone at Chantilly’s Bar noticed out-of-towner Camille Bayliss. Red lips, designer heels, sipping a Negroni. But that woman wasn’t Camille Bayliss. It was Aubrey Price.

Camille Bayliss appears to have the picture-perfect life; she’s married to hotshot lawyer Ben and is the daughter of a wealthy Louisiana family. Only nothing is as it seems: Camille believes Ben has been hiding dirty secrets for years, but she can’t find proof because he tracks her every move.

Aubrey Price has been haunted by the terrible night that changed her life a decade ago, and she’s convinced Benjamin Bayliss knows something about it. Living in a house full of criminals, Aubrey understands there’s more than one way to get to the truth—and she may have found the best way in.

Aubrey and Camille hatch a plan. It sounds simple: For twelve hours, Aubrey will take Camille’s place. Camille will spy on Ben, and the two women will get the answers they desperately seek.

Except the next morning, Ben is found murdered. Both women need an airtight alibi, but only one of them has it. And one false step is all it takes for everything to come undone.

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Published Jan 13, 2026

352 pages

Average rating: 7.53

77 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

Angie B.
Feb 07, 2026
10/10 stars
Anatomy of an Alibi by Ashley Elston is the kind of book that’s dangerously easy to read “just one more chapter” of—until suddenly you’re done. The writing is fast, clear, and incredibly engaging, making it hard to put down once the story gets rolling. The plot is packed with twists and turns that keep you guessing without ever feeling confusing or overcomplicated. Just when you think you’ve figured things out, the story pivots again, keeping the tension high all the way through. Best of all, the ending is genuinely satisfying and pulls everything together in a way that feels earned. If you’re looking for a gripping, twisty read that flies by and keeps you hooked from start to finish, this one absolutely delivers.

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