In what ways does First Lie Wins diverge from the conventions of the thriller? Why do you think the novel does this?

First Lie Wins takes place almost exclusively in the American South. How does Elston situate the reader in this setting and use it to enhance the narrative?

Select one of the interludes. Why does this interlude appear in the place that it does? How would your reading of the novel change if this interlude appeared in a different place?