I don't typically read/enjoy too many courtroom thrillers. "Thirteen" was exceptional! This thriller kept a good solid pace without being too terribly drawn out. It has a great lead character along with enough twists and turns to keep it interesting.
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

It is not often that I forget to BREATHE while reading a book. Thirteen, is the exception. I had to stop reading and tell myself to breathe! Masterfully plotted, this exceptional book by Steve Cavanagh is worthy of the hype it has been receiving. Interesting characters and a devious villain, this book will keep you engrossed until the end. Cavanagh is definitely a writer that I will be watching and waiting for his next release.

This book was fantastic. Definitely kept me interested and reading once I found my groove. Kane was definitely an interesting character, as is Eddie. Very enjoyable!

I loved this book so much that I am considering it for one of the book clubs I run in my school library.

I used to read a lot of John Grisham when I was younger and this is in a similar vein but so much more complex. That said, it was still easy to follow thanks to the authors writing style.

I love the film A Few Good Men and this book was like that in terms of the little clues that Eddie (one of our narrators and the lawyer in the case) follows and uses to defend his movie star client who is accused of murder. Eddie is smart and he works with some other smart people who do their best for Bobby, the client. We know he is innocent as our other narrator is the serial killer responsible for the murders Bobby is accused of.

Its like a game of cat and mouse between Eddie and Kane as they are both very smart but for a significant portion of the book it is only Kane, the serial killer come juror, who knows he is playing. When others begin to realise the pace increases even more and I didn't want to put the book down.

I loved Eddie, he's not perfect but he is a good guy lawyer with a heart and I am definitely going back to previous books featuring him. While this is the 4th book I didn't feel like I had to read the first 3 but it may have helped flesh out some things Eddie alludes to about his past.

Even Kane, the serial killer, was fascinating because he was so smart and had a complex back story.

The other jurors, judge, FBI and police characters all contributed to an excellent and believable cast for this novel.

On top of this there are some excellent twists, clues and secrets to keep the reader guessing. Brilliant book.

I'm delighted to have received an advanced copy from Netgalley and Flatiron books. I'm a new Steve Cavanagh fan!

Eddie Flynn has gotten himself involved in a major legal case. Bobby Solomon, a famous movie star, has been accused of killing his wife and chief of security. Eddie Flynn is his defense attorney, and he believes that his client is innocent. And his client is - innocent. Because the killer is on the jury.

Thirteen reminded me of a really good episode of a Law and Order or Criminal Minds. While some of it was a little far fetched, it made for a juicy story and captivating courtroom drama.

I appreciated the alternating perspectives of Eddie and the killer. It keeps the story moving, and it gave me insight into the minds of both.

This is my first Eddie Flynn book. I will be adding the previous three to my list now that I have read Thirteen. I like Eddie, and I would like to follow him on more cases.

This was the first book I've read by Cavanagh. I know this one is a fourth in the series, but I was not familiar with the author. Let me tell you - I really enjoyed this book and will be looking up this series to start from the beginning.

What I liked most about this book was the clever killer. I really like my serial killers smart, and conniving. I liked the look into his process of thinking, and how cold blooded he seemed. It was a game to him, and I loved the glimpse of that.

The other thing I truly enjoyed was the contrast between good and evil. I'm not saying that Eddy, the main character of this series is a truly good guy, he's the grey kind of character that you just want to like. He really seemed down on his luck, but I still rooted for him. Back to the contrast though. I like that this wasn't from the police perspective, even though we get the friendly ex FBI agent involved, etc. It was from the perspective of a lawyer, who can tell that something is not right, and needs to prove it. Eddy's just as smart as the killer, but he's battling the justice system to prove he's right. While the killer is truly helping the justice system to get it wrong. It was such a perfect game of cat and mouse. I love seeing both sides react to the other, even though once side was at a disadvantage and didn't know who his opponent was.

The last twist in the end was unseen. There really wasn't many clues pointing to it. And as a fellow reader has said, How Was I Supposed to Make that connection? I liked the twist, but it wasn't that twisted. All the clues were pointing something else, and it felt like the end was made to make the reader a fool.

The story was great, the writing was dry in some parts, and felt like it was dragging. But I still really found this thriller different from my usual thriller reads.

I really enjoyed this book from start to finish. I could not put it down. I finished it in one day and would have completed it in one sitting if I did not have somewhere I had to be.

This is a dual narrative psychological thriller. You follow a lawyer and a serial killer. You don't really know how everything goes together but you know that it does. If gives you lots of things to guess at which really kept me captivated. The red herrings are thrown around as well but just enough to make it fun. The characters are unlikeable in the best way.

I don't want to say too much because it is best to go into this one blind.

I 100% recommend this as a must read thriller.

This was a fun, fast paced courtroom thriller. A good lead character, slightly twisty and just a good solid read.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Flatiron Books, and Steve Cavanagh for the opportunity to read and review this fast-paced thrill ride - loved it! I didn't know this was part of a series but you don't need to read the other books to get full enjoyment from this one, although I now want to read them! 4.5 stars for a great read.

Robert Solomon, a bright upcoming film star, is on trial for killing his wife and security guard in NYC. Evidence points strongly towards his guilt and the fact that he's not being totally honest isn't helping his case. Lawyer Eddie Flynn is brought onto the case as second seat to look into whether or not evidence was planted by the NYPD. As the trial starts, we find out that the jury is being manipulated.

To me, the less said the better to really enjoy this book. I had a hard time putting it down and the twists and turns will leave you reeling. While the entire thing may not be plausible, it sure was a lot of fun! Strong violence if that's a turn off for you.

This book started with a bang. and continued on full force. Although this is the fourth book in the series, and I had not read the other 3, I had no issues with need background or subtext.

This book is a riveting legal thriller that switches between the narrative of lawyer (and previous con artist) Eddie Flynn and serial killer Joshua Kane. Kane wants to get on the jury of a case Eddie is defending and uses some interesting methods to do it. I won't spoil it but the outcome is pretty interesting and the mind of the serial killer is very deep and twisted here.

The end may seem a little unhinged but don't let that deter you. The ride is delightful.

I received this book in order to review.

My first legal thriller. Now I want to read the series from the beginning! It read like a standalone novel thankfully.

I'm glad that I didn't know this book was part of a series until later, because otherwise I might have never read it. It works even as a standalone, however, as I could still follow the storyline despite this being my first time with protagonist Eddie Flynn.

And boy, what a ride. The first chapter was action-packed and sucks you right in. Whether you are reading Flynn's or Kane's (the antagonist) chapters, the excitement never stops. Although I would have preferred Flynn and the other characters to be more fleshed out (maybe they are if you have been following the series), Kane is one of the most fascinating characters I have ever seen. I wish there was more insight from him and more details about his misdeeds throughout the decades, <spoiler>and I was so sorry to see him go!</spoiler>

This was a great courtroom thriller and I have learnt so much about the jury system. With a gripping and engaging storyline, it's full of twists and turns. Every time I thought I had it all figured out, my jaws are left dropping by the time I reach the end of another chapter. Now I feel emotionally invested and will probably continue following Eddie Flynn's story.

I really enjoyed this one! Definitely a page Turner! Great plot, & character development. Would recommend to others who would enjoy this

Holy moly. This is the first book I’ve read by Steve Cavanagh and now I think I need to start the series from the beginning! This is about a very famous actor who is accused and on trial for the murder of his wife and their security guard. This book led me on a chase! I thought I knew what was happening but then it tossed me a 180 and spun what I knew on its head! Great book!

A legal thriller with a twist. The criminal is on the jury! This book was so smart and different. I would definitely recommend it.

3.75 rounded up

This is a courtroom thriller at its finest. Thirteen is told from two perspectives. Eddie Flynn, a defense lawyer whom is always getting into some life threatening situations and Joshua Kane, who is a highly intelligent serial killer. This is definitely a slow burn until the very end but it was a wonderful climax that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

*Thanks so much to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review

5 stars

The serial killer isn't on trial. HE'S ON THE JURY.

If that doesn't capture your attention, I don't know what will! Thirteen by Steve Cavanagh was an absolute winner! I hadn't read any books by this author and will be going back and reading the previous books in the series! I am a huge fan of courtroom dramas and this one did not disappoint!' It was courtroom with a twist!

Eddie Flynn is defending an actor accused of killing his wife and his bodyguard. He is convinced that his client is innocent and thinks he's discovered a link between the murder and a possible serial killer. What makes this even more intriguing is the serial killer is paying very close attention to the court proceedings. Not merely as a spectator, but as a member of the jury.

I cannot not say enough good things about this book. If you haven't read it or read anything by Steve Cavanagh, get this book. It will keep you up reading into the wee hours of the night!

A huge thanks to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

REVIEW 〰️ TH1RT3EN 〰️ BY STEVE KAVANAGH 〰️ AUGUST 13, 2019 〰️ THANKS TO #NETGALLEY AND @flatiron_books
〰️
“The serial killer isn’t on trial. He’s on the jury.” Okay, everything about that preface just made me absolutely need to acquire this book. I’ve never thought of this as a premise, but it may be the most genius thing I’ve ever even imagined. So thrilling and twisty and scary and fun! So, I managed to snag this one, very thankfully.
〰️
It did not take me long to finish this book. I read it mostly Thursday night into yesterday morning and finished the tiny bit I had left this morning. The thing about this book is that you find out basically in chapter one who the serial killer is, so it’s just quite a mystery per se. It is really twisty, though! The writing really captured my attention and the author’s detail was something that made me say, “whoa.” Who researches that much about dissolving a body? I think Mr. Kavanagh just wanted to show exactly how twisted and methodical his character is.
〰️
One of the things I really liked about reading this book was how everything, every little piece of evidence was completely explained. There wasn’t anything in here that wasn’t a priority. He explained everything.
〰️
The only way to know that this book is part of a series is the small “old case” reminders, but it doesn’t give anything away about those books. I also may not have even known if I hadn’t read that it was part of a series from another review. I enjoyed the protagonist enough that I would definitely like to go back and read the other books that he’s in.
〰️
I really loved this book. It was a little bit graphic but it was easy to get through and it wasn’t drawn out. The twists and turns can’t be beat, and the writing is great. If you like thrillers, you will absolutely love this book!

A legal thriller that pits an ex con turned lawyer against a cunning serial killer. But, this time, the killer isn't on trial -- he's on the jury. This is the 4th in a series but can be read as a standalone.

The first thing you must do when reading this is to suspend disbelief and just go with the flow. The premise is good, the writing is excellent, the case is quite complicated but there were many times I just had to shake my head and say, "SERIOUSLY???" I kept reading.

Film star Robert (Bobby) Solomon is on trial for the murders of his wife and co-star, Ariella Bloom, and their chief of security, Carl Tozer. Eddie Flynn is asked by Solomon's high-powered legal eagle, Rudy Carp, to sit second chair in the "Trial of the Century." Carp wants Flynn on the team to discredit the NYPD cops who rushed to arrest Bobby and offers a lucrative proposition that may be just what Flynn needs to get his life back on track. Flynn agrees, but only because he believes that Bobby Solomon is innocent. If Bobby didn't do it, however, who did? The reader knows. A nasty piece of work, Joshua Kane, is on a mission that makes sense only to him. NO SPOILERS.

I really wanted to love this book given all the hype and stellar reviews I've seen on social media. I even considered reading books 1-3 as I don't like to come in at the 4th book in a series, but I'm glad I just went ahead as I doubt, now, that I'll read those. I just didn't buy into the character of Eddie Flynn, crusader for the good guys, nor did I care for the excessive amount of gratuitous violence in the story. The psychopath, Joshua Kane, wasn't even interesting for his pathology, and I definitely had difficulty imagining that he could manage to manipulate so many things the way he did. Yeah, definitely legal fiction. Sure it was an interesting premise to consider how a killer could get himself seated on a murder trial jury, but having served on them myself over 7 times (and once as foreperson on a murder trial), I can't see it being possible in even the remotest way despite all the dead bodies littered along the way. I love a good legal thriller but, like the law itself, it has to follow the rules. Lots of convenient coincidences and a killer who can outsmart everyone with incredible forethought and masterful long range planning with a vendetta that seemed quite lame, but then again, he's just another total whack job of a serial killer.

Should you read it? As I said, I'm a fan of legal thrillers and I like the parry and thrust of good courtroom drama. This has plenty of that. Just absorb it all without questioning if any of it would actually be even remotely possible in a US court. I know I'm in the minority with my lackluster praise for this novel, so I'll leave it here. I don't think I care enough about Eddie Flynn to read more of his adventures in lawyering. It wasn't even that somehow Eddie managed to live through all his near death experiences, it was just, ultimately, that I didn't relate to this whole story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for this e-book ARC to read and review.

Thanks to Netgalley, Flatiron publishing, and Steve Cavanaugh for this ARC. Omg, I fell in love with this book! Is that even possible ? Lol
It’s one of the best mystery books I’ve read this year, ok, maybe even the best. Just the phrase that ...the killer is on the jury, was what got me to want so desperately to read this book.. I loved every character and the storyline just get getting better and better. I loved the ending as to who done it, such a mystery to me. I am going back to read the other books of this series now. Thanks for introducing me to a new author that is now on my favorites list. Keep on writing Mr. Cavanaugh, ! thank you . 5 star review on Goodreads, Amazon , Twitter, Instagram, FB, and to my book clubs for a recommendation.