4.5/5 stars

Thirteen is a unique dual point-of-view thriller centered around a celebrity murder trial. Eddie Flynn does not believe that the celebrity is guilty, so he decides to take on the case. What Eddie doesn’t know is that there is a murderer on the jury. As the book progresses, Eddie races to find the real murderer and save his client.

While it was hard to summarize this book without giving away spoilers, I LOVED THIS BOOK. I finished it in 3 days because I couldn’t put it down! Cavanagh’s writing hooked me from the very beginning. His writing gives detail while keeping with the pace of the other best thrillers out there. Also, there is a twist within the last few pages that I DID NOT see coming. I had to read that passage more than once to process. My only complaint was that I wish the celebrity’s POV had been included. Ultimately, I will read and recommend any future novels Cavanagh writes.

Wow! This book was everything that I wanted it to be and more. It was suspenseful from the beginning to the end, with twists that I didn't quite see coming. I felt like I spent the whole book trying to figure everything out, and every time I thought I had it figured out, another twist threw me for a loop. This was my first read by Cavanaugh, but it definitely will not be my last. I am looking forward to checking out some more of his works. I will be posting my review on my social media page soon. Thank you to Flatiron Books and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read a copy of this book.

Scrappymags 5 word review: Jury Duty is a Killer!

Publication date: 8/13/19

Genre: Mystery/Legal Thriller

Shortest. Summary. EVER. Book #4 finds criminal attorney and former con-man Eddie Flynn defending famous actor Bobby Solomon, accused of murdering his young wife and her lover. Here’s what we DO know: a killer has found his way onto the jury. Is he the murderer here or is Solomon hiding more behind those good looks and acting talent?

What’s good under the hood: This is my first book read in the series and I’m officially A FAN. A huge one- ready to go back and read what I’ve missed. With that said, there didn’t seem to be spoilers of previous books and the story was Easy to follow without prior book knowledge. Flynn reminds me a bit of his Chicago namesake Billy Flynn - he’s quick and slick and knows how to work a courtroom. But unlike the “razor-dazzle” man, Eddie has a conscience. He won’t take the case if he thinks Solomon is guilty.

I thought the plot to be improbable at first - serial killer on a jury? I mean, it can’t be easy to get on a jury. And I was right. It depends on the lengths someone is willing to go. And sure ... a little luck. But Serial killer stories freak me out - the unknown victims, the randomness, the terror - and man this one delivered a solid 5/5 Heebie Jeebies.

What lost points: while I think Flynn’s “I won’t defend a guilty person” viewpoint is honorable, it’s simply not how trial lawyers work so those with court/lawyer knowledge will need to suspend a little disbelief.

Recommend to: Trial and legal thriller fans. Mystery fans. Those looking for a quick, riveting fast-paced read.

Not recommended to: Those who can’t suspend a little disbelief, anyone offended by police corruption.

Thanks to NetGalley, Flatiron books, and Author Steve Cavanagh for an advanced copy (and my future total avoidance of jury duty like the plague).

Eddie Flynn, lawyer, has decided to take on the case of a Hollywood actor whose been accused of murdering his wife. There is a lot of damning evidence and most people are convinced of his guilt but Eddie wouldn't take on the case if he didn't believe his client was innocent.

The book is split between Eddie Flynn's perspective and that of Joshua Kane. Kane is a serial killer with a vested interest in the murder case who is determined to get on the jury for the trial whatever it takes.

I'll admit i'm not always the biggest fan of legal thrillers but this one was good. It was such a fast-paced, crazy book which felt unlike any of the thrillers i've read before. It did take me a while to get into this one, about 25% or so, but once I got into it I found myself truly enjoying it.

This is definitely one where you have to be able to suspend your disbelief but as long as you can then this is a really enjoyable, unique legal thriller which i'd highly recommend!

Happy pub day to this book! Thanks to Netgalley and Flatiron books for a free e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

3⭐️

I didn’t know this was part of an ongoing detective series when I requested to read it, but I don’t think you need to read the previous books in order to enjoy this. I could give a synopsis, but I’m just going to put the tag line here because I think it’s what will really draw you in:

“The serial killer isn’t on trial, he’s on the jury”

That sounds so intriguing right?

I really enjoyed how this alternated between the serial killer’s POV and the lawyer’s POV to give the reader a sense of suspense. The last quarter of the book was really fast paced and intense, and definitely kept me reading and reading to see what happens next.

Unfortunately, this book didn’t absolutely blow me away. I had a good time reading it, and definitely didn’t actively dislike it. But nothing really gripped me or surprised me about this book. It’s a pretty standard detective mystery novel and you kind of just KNOW how it’s going to end, you get what I’m saying?

Thank you #FlatironBooks and #Netgalley for my advance copy. #partner

The story is told from two different perspectives, Eddie Flynn, the trial lawyer and Kane, a serial killer. Imagine a serial killer on the trial of the jury?! It’s a story that has never been told. While this book wasn’t a favorite for me, I was able to appreciate the cleverness of it all. It took me a while to get into it and I often put it down.

The cons to this book for me was that I wish that it stuck to one story at a time longer. Once I got into one of their perspectives it would switch to another. There was also a lot of back story which made it drag. I’m a fan of courtroom and legal dramas but this was a miss for me. Don’t let it deter you though since this seems to be a fan favorite!

This book is out today!!

Joshua Kane was enjoying the crisp evening, the feel of a good suit and a clean neck.
“I tossed the coin again,” he said.
Kane shot Elton in the face, walked briskly into a dark alley, and disappeared. Such a quick, easy execution gave Kane no pleasure. Ideally he would’ve liked a few days with Elton, but he couldn’t spare the time.
He had a lot of work to do.

This is how "Thirteen" started and it is "bloody" and full of suspense.
Other important thing: I like this writing style.


My rating is 4*.

Wow-- this book is probably the best mystery/suspense/thriller I have read in a long time. I loved Flynn's character and Cavanagh had me guessing until the very end. I'm still in awe. I definitely will be reading more of Cavanaghs books. My full review will be on my blog angelasepilogues.wordpress.com

I have a new love and his name is Eddie Flynn. Thirteen is the first book I have read from the author Steve Cavanagh and half way through I order all of his back list titles. I am not a huge fan of court procedurals, but Eddie Flynn has changed that. I love the fact that he was a con man first and became a lawyer later. A lawyer with a heart of gold.

This was a book that I wasn't able to figure out the twists and turn before hand. It was fast paced and kept me on the edge turning pages until my eyes wouldn't stay open. It was a little unbelievable as to how smart Eddie was, but thats what good fiction is all about.

I highly recommend this smart and twisty book to anybody who is looking for a good thriller. Thank you Netgalley for the book in exchange for an honest opinion. This was definitely a 4 star read!

Rating: 4 non-stop stars

This is a crackerjack book! It starts a bang, and does not let up. It a mixture of a serial killer murder mystery and a courtroom drama. This book is the fourth book in Steve Cavanagh’s ‘Eddie Flynn’ series. I did not feel like I missed much of the series backstory by not have reading the earlier books in the series before reading this.

Eddie Flynn is a reformed con artist turned defense attorney. He takes down-and-out clients that most attorneys won’t touch. His defense strong suit is showing either the poor police work, or outright police deceit used against his clients. Of course, that does not endeared him to the NYPD. When approached by a big name legal firm to subcontract the police cross-examination at the murder trial of a big Hollywood star, Eddie accepts.

Is the star, Robert Solomon, being framed? Did Robert actually murder his wife and their security person? On the other hand, could something else be going on? Ding, ding, ding. We soon learn that this is probably the case. What if a killer could get himself added to the jury for this murder case? What if he continues to cause havoc during the trial?

That is the premise of this fast-paced thriller. The story never lets up. There are plenty of characters, and an intricate plot as to how the serial killer pulls off the murders and implicates others. I loved that! Be warned, there are copious amounts of violence. This is a serial killer after all. That should be the first hint that violence will be involved.

What I did have to suspend belief about was the super-hero traits of our hero, Eddie Flynn. He is run through a physical and emotional wringer over the course of a few days. He only gets thirty minutes of sleep and just takes over the counter pain meds. However, he still is alert and brilliant at the trial the next day. If I had not shaken my head quite a few times while reading these descriptions and saying, ‘Rrrrright’ to myself in disbelief, I probably would have given this book five stars. I recommend this thrilling ride to legal drama buffs, and those readers who like a clever murderer. I am going to try to find the first three books in the series now. I have some catching up to do!

‘Thank-You’ to NetGalley; the publisher, Flatiron Books; and the author, Steve Cavanagh for providing a free e-ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

"The serial killer isn't on trial. He's on the jury."

What a hook! This book separates itself from other thrillers I've read as it flips back and forth from the perspective of our hero, Eddie Flynn, and the serial killer himself, Joshua Kane. Even though you're getting a look into the mind of the serial killer, there's several twists and turns to keep you on your toes right until the very end!

Eddie Flynn, con man turned lawyer, takes a case working with a law firm and ends up working on the 'celebrity murder trial of the century' to show his estranged wife that he has a stable job. Did actor Bobby Soloman really kill his beautiful wife and head of security? Flynn and the defence team are out to prove that he did not. After some digging, Flynn suspects these murders are the work of a seasoned serial killer... little does he know the killer might be right under his nose.

3.5 stars rounding up.

Thank you to Netgalley and Flatiron Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This story was such a unique angle to the usual serial killer thriller fare! It took a little while to lay the foundation and really get going, but once it did, the hits just kept coming!

The action and the court scenes were twisty and clever and kept me hooked all the way through the 2nd half of the book and I could not put it down!

I thoroughly enjoyed this one! Although I found out this book is part of a series, this was the first one I read, and it was just fine as a stand-alone. Definitely recommended!

I received a free ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Wow, what a ride this was. I couldn't put it down and ended up reading it into the small hours! I picked this book up as I'd seen several good reviews of it from friends and I'm so glad I did.

This is the fourth book in the Eddie Flynn series, though it's the first one I've read, and it works perfectly well as a standalone. Eddie, former conman turned lawyer, is asked to work on the case of Hollywood star Bobby Solomon, who is standing trial for murdering his wife and his head of security. Yet unbeknownst to Eddie there is a rogue juror. A serial killer, a chameleon, has infiltrated the jury process, and he's hell bent on making sure Bobby Solomon is found guilty.

I really don't want to say too much more about the plot, just that it's twisty and turny, and certainly has the wow-factor that a good legal thriller needs. Yet it's so much more than that. I really enjoyed the characters, as well as the action in and out of the courtroom and I'll certainly be on the lookout for more of Steve Cavanagh's work in the future. I can't recommend this book highly enough.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis: Just like the cover says, the serial killer is on the jury for another man accused of his crimes. ⁣
⁣
Review: The concept of the book is very unique and appealing and drew me into the book. The story is told in alternating chapters from the perspective of Kane, the lunatic serial killer, and Eddie Flynn, the attorney representing the innocent man. I was impressed with Kane's pre-planning and what went into each step of his crimes. Kane is a mastermind, extremely sinister, and a great villain. He doesn't feel pain, can impersonate others, and can copy anyone's handwriting. This is not the first book in the series, which features Eddie Flynn, however, I did not feel I missed many details. You had to suspend reality for many parts and this was a slow build, but I was curious to see how it all ended. I would recommend this if you like courtroom dramas and legal thrillers.⁣
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These fish tacos are from @wegmans, we love their prepared food section! If you have a Wegmans near you, what's your go-to there? ⁣
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Thank you Flatiron Books for my advanced copy. This book releases tomorrow, August 13. ⁣

I read this book in two sittings.

I really enjoyed the dual point of view of the serial killer and the lawyer. I kept guessing who was the serial killer even though we had some clues in the beginning of the book.

I am curious to read more about the lawyer so I think I will be picking up the backlist titles from this author.

“The serial killer isn’t on trial, he’s on the Jury.”
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Robert Solomon, Hollywood star, is charged with the brutal murder of his wife and security guard, all evidence points to his guilt, but after talking to Robert, his lawyer Eddie Flynn, beleives that he is innocent and has been set up.
This is the best courtroom drama I’ve read this year, it a was brilliant, exciting and intense legal thriller that kept me engaged until the end.
This is the fourth book in a series, the first one for me, but it can be read as a standalone.
I highly recommend it.
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Thank you Netgalley for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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“Joshua Kane was not like other people. There was no one like him.
He was special. That’s what his mother told him.”
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“He was a man who’d murdered for pleasure. It was a game. Only this wasn’t a man. This was one of the monsters.”

The synopsis of this book caught my attention and I knew I was going to LOVE it!

When a famous actor's wife and security guard are brutally murdered the famous actor is the prime suspect. But, he swears his innocence... As the court case of the century begins a series of strange and bazaar incidences begin occurring. This fast paced novel will have you thinking you have it all figured out when BAM! it hits you with a twist.

This is a book with a unique premise which I really enjoyed. It was a quick read and one of my favorite courtroom dramas that I have read this year!

Rating: ★★★★☆+

Synopsis

THE SERIAL KILLER ISN’T ON TRIAL.

HE’S ON THE JURY…

They were Hollywood’s hottest power couple. They had the world at their feet. Now one of them is dead and Hollywood star Robert Solomon is charged with the brutal murder of his beautiful wife.

This is the celebrity murder trial of the century and the defence want one man on their team: con artist turned lawyer Eddie Flynn.

All the evidence points to Robert’s guilt, but as the trial begins a series of sinister incidents in the court room start to raise doubts in Eddie’s mind.

What if there’s more than one actor in the courtroom?

What if the killer isn’t on trial? What if the killer is on the jury?

Review

Thanks to the publisher and author for an advance reading copy of Thirteen (Eddie Flynn #4) in exchange for an honest review. Receiving this ARC did not influence my thoughts or opinions on the novel.

With a hook like “THE SERIAL KILLER ISN’T ON TRIAL. HE’S ON THE JURY.”, how could you NOT be at least somewhat intrigued? This may, in fact, be one of the best hooks I have ever come across for a novel. It is an automatic double-take type of hook when skimming the shelves at a bookstore or your online retailer of choice. I mean, it had me auto-requesting an ARC and I had never even heard of Steve Cavanagh (even though he had already written three (3) other Eddie Flynn novels prior to Thirteen ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ ), so I can only imagine what it would do to a reader in their local B&N.

The good news for those of you who have had their curiosity piqued: Cavanagh does way more than reel you in with a hook; Thirteen is a highly entertaining thrill-ride inside and outside of the courtroom. Mystery, murder, and a court case for the century all come to play in one of the most highly original thrillers I have ever come across. It is like a Law & Order episode of crack. With two (2) POVs, that of Eddie Flynn and that of Joshua Kane, the author never lets off the gas. In fact, he injects some N2O in places that’ll have you gripping the book harder and harder as you hold on for dear life.

While we understand the gist of the story from the synopsis, Cavanagh does a fantastic job of holding the reader’s attention throughout the novel. Twists and turns aplenty, and the ability to see the case unfold before Flynn’s eyes, will keep you reading well into the night. While it is difficult to say that I liked Kane as he is a serial killer, I thought his character was a very enjoyable one to come across, but Flynn absolutely stole the show. I mean come on: con artist turned lawyer embroiled in trial of the century with a murderer in the jury. WHAT MORE DO YOU NEED.

All in all, even if you aren’t one for courtroom dramas or are burnt out on Season 104 of Law & Order, Thirteen is definitely one I would recommend checking out. It has something for everyone: thrills, chills, murder, and mystery, all wrapped in a crisp dollar bill.

Have I read previous books in this series? No

Did I recognize the author? Nope 

Did I read the synopsis? Absolutely not

Did I pick up this book solely based on a badass tag line? Hell yes!

Honestly, the only thing I needed to know about this book is that there was a serial killer… on the Jury. That’s it. I had to read this book.

I’m normally not a huge fan of courtroom dramas and legal thrillers. I mean, I like courtroom scenes if I’m reading a true crime book because I want the full picture but aside from that it’s pretty rare that I pick one up willingly. Thirteen…I simply couldn’t put down!

I find that once you read enough thrillers, it’s hard to be surprised but Cavanaugh did an excellent job of keeping me guessing from start to finish. The dual POV with Kane and Flynn was pulled off flawlessly and getting into the head of the killer; learning about the details, getting his background and figuring out his next move all while trying to stay hidden in the open was the twisted cherry on top to ensure that this page turner will keep you up well into the night. I also love a good twist and this one…well; I had to kick myself for not seeing it sooner.  Well done!!

 As with a lot of books, Thirteen had its flaws. Solomon annoyed me and Eddie’s relationship with the police seemed a little far stretched but I have no real complaints.

 Though this is the fourth book in this series it worked well as a standalone but I’m sure getting a deeper look into Eddie’s background would open the reader’s eyes to some things that would be missed by not reading the earlier books in the series. Besides, if Cavanaugh’s other books are half as good as this I wouldn’t want to pass by them! I know I plan on going back to the beginning.

 Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book to read and give my honest opinion.

I really wanted to love this book, because the plot sounded incredible. And it is an amazing plot, but I think it could have been written with more jaw dropping twists that I was hoping for.

The serial killer isn't on trial...he's on the jury. The celebrity murder trial of the century makes this book so intriguing. We know from early in the story how the serial killer ended up on the jury, but I really think this book could have been written in a way where this was a huge twist at the end.

It was very fast paced which I liked, but it just didn't hit the mark for me. I didn't connect with the characters much and found myself skimming pages at times rather than taking it all in.

This won't stop me from reading Cavanagh's other books though. This one had a great storyline, but was hopnig for more.

Thank you to Flatiron and Netgalley for an advanced copy. All reviews are my own opinion.