This book was absolutely riveting! I could not put it down! I had no idea that this was a series but it’s so well written that I did not feel like I was missing anything, although I loved it so much that I am going to immediately start reading the first book next. I wanted to read this book because of the great plot of the bad guy on the jury but I really ended up loving Eddie the defense attorney. The book is written so that the POV shifts mostly chapter by chapter between Eddie and the actual murderer Kane.

This book has great characters. Eddie is a great protagonist. Apparently he has a shady past but is now very noble and feels that it is his calling to keep innocent people out of prison so he does not represent guilty suspects. Kane is a really well written bad guy. He’s a very bad person but also very smart and cunning which makes for great reading. Some of my favorite suspense writers almost write their bad guys too well, with a lot of pages spent on the awful crimes that can be too intense for my liking. I like that this author does not spend a lot of time on the graphic violence or Kane’s desire to do harm. Really most of his page time is spent on his craft of blending in and orchestrating his schemes. There are also really well defined secondary characters to round out the cast.

Eddie finds himself on the defense team for a famous actor accused of a double murder of his wife and a friend. The author does a great job with the plotting. On top of the trial strategies we have Eddie trying to work the case and add an element of who done it and how to the story. I’m usually pretty good at staying ahead of twists and turns but this story still managed to surprise me a couple of times which I loved. I also really liked that these surprises were well done and not done just to surprise which seems to be a new trend in the genre that annoys me. I am absolutely delighted with this book and its characters and so excited to see what happens in the next one!

A unique twist on legal fiction that really earns it's designation as a COURTROOM THRILLER. It doesn't skimp on either aspect as our reading perspective vacillates between lawyer Eddie and serial killer/juror Joshua. Written as part of a series, this books stands alone well. I felt neither left out for not having read the prior novels, nor did I feel like I HAVE to read consequent ones unless the plotline tickles my fancy. I can absolutely picture this one hitting the big screen as a summer chiller! 3.5 rounded to four

I'm a big fan of the Eddie Flynn series of legal thrillers by Steve Cavanagh. He's an Irish writer whose books are published much earlier in the UK than in the US. I've been waiting impatiently for what seems like forever for THIRTEEN to be available in the US because I know Mr. Cavanagh is an original thinker and the premise of this book fascinates me. I just received a free e-book copy of this book from Netgalley (in exchange for my honest review) and THIRTEEN is terrific! The book opens with a murder in the prologue and keeps up the momentum all the way to the end. It's a twisty read, with the originality I expect from this writer. Highly recommended!

I absolutely loved this book, having been drawn to it by its intriguing and compelling strapline: The serial killer isn't on trial. He's on the jury...
I adored both main characters, the inimitable former con artist and now defence lawyer, Eddie Flynn, and the devious, clever and utterly evil serial killer Joshua Kane. I also enjoyed Cavanagh’s great writing style, the wit, the punchy dialogue and the roller coaster of a story.
Thirteen made for utterly compulsive reading and is a book I’ll recommend to friends again and again.

Amazing book!! I was truly riveted from the start to the finish. Court drama is not always my cup of tea - I sometimes find the dialog boring and slow - but this covered so many other categories! Lots of mystery, thrilling moments and, surprisingly, action.

I had not read the earlier books in the Eddie Flynn series but I was so captivated by his character I will definitely look for them. Without those prior books, I still had no trouble following the story or becoming attached to his rogue persona. He is one of the few attorneys who seems to be practicing for all the right reasons - to put away the criminals and make sure innocent people remain safe. When the odds are hugely stacked against his client, Eddie became even more diligent and determined to find the truth.

If you are looking for a thrill ride this summer, I highly recommend this book!

*Many thanks to Netgalley and publishers for the copy of Thirteen in exchange for my honest review.

In less than three years, Irish author Steve Cavanagh has gone from promising new-kid-on-the-legal-thriller-block to an absolute standout, "read whatever he puts out" crime writer. In baseball parlance (Cavanagh's books are set in the States, after all), he's developed from talented rookie to a perennial All-Star, delivering at a high level year after year.

His fourth legal thriller, THIRTEEN, has a compulsive hook: a serial killer finagles himself onto the jury for a high-profile celebrity murder trial. But why, to what end? It's a delicious set-up, but the fantastic thing about Cavanagh's latest Eddie Flynn tale is that THIRTEEN delivers so much more than just a high-concept premise that makes for a cool hashtag or marketing campaign.

There's a propulsive narrative drive (I read it in one sitting), plenty of action and intrigue inside and outside of the courtroom, and further development of the character of Eddie Flynn. A hustler and con man turned lawyer who's apt to use a few tricks, Eddie still retains a sense of honour and justice - even if it gets battered at times, ground down by the road roller of the criminal justice system.

In THIRTEEN, Eddie is faced with every defense lawyer's worst nightmare: a client his gut tells him is innocent of the brutal crime, even if the facts all point to guilt. Is Eddie good enough to overcome the odds? Or has his celebrity client used his Hollywood skills to pull the wool over Eddie's eyes?

Cavanagh takes the reader on a merry dance, switching between Eddie's perspective and that of the killer on the jury. It's a chess match that Eddie doesn't even know he's playing, even as he battles against the prosecution's very strong case while juggling the ways his own life outside the courtroom is teetering on a precipice. Eddie knows his life needs to change, and puts it all on the line for a shot at reclaiming his family, but is it enough? Has he unwittingly put himself in the firing line again, the very thing that's stopped his previous attempts at reconciliation with his wife and daughter?

THIRTEEN is the kind of book where Cavanagh keeps the needle high and his foot to the floor, while delivering plenty of oomph throughout the ride. He brings the New York courtroom setting to vivid life, taking readers into the inner workings of the jury system while keeping a nice balance and never overwhelming with legal details. There's a host of strong characters, returning and new, conflicts that feel authentic and organic rather than author-hand-forced, and plenty of action to get the heart racing as our brains wonder just how things might unfold. A terrific read that delivers on multiple levels.

Steve Cavanagh and Eddie Flynn just might be the best tandem to hit the courtroom crime scene since Michael Connelly introduced 'Lincoln lawyer' Mickey Haller to the world over a decade ago.

I was super surprised with Thirteen. I’m a big fan for anything crime related, so who wouldn’t be drawn in by “He’s on the jury”? The beginning dragged just a bit for me, but the second half more than made up for it! I’ve already recommended it to my dad, and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in crime or suspense.

A big thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this book, and for introducing me to an author and character that I will surely be following. This is the fourth book in the Eddie Flynn series, based on the character of the same name who is a con artist turned defense lawyer. It's completely readable as a standalone and although it does mention a bit about Eddie's life and character journey, nothing leaves you feeling lost.

Genre: Thriller, Suspense

Length: 368 pages

Blurb:

Eddie Flynn protects the innocent. When a high profile case involving an incredibly popular actor comes his way through one of the biggest law firms in the city, Eddie refuses. The actor is on trial for the murder of his actress wife and bodyguard. Eddie has no reason to believe his innocence, nor does he know why the reputed firm wants him on the case. Until Eddie meets the accused. Willing to go to any length to protect an innocent man, Eddie takes the case up under overwhelming evidence against his client. Eddie is confident that the real killer is out there - he just has to convince the jury of that. But the killer is closer than even Eddie can imagine. And convincing a jury may not be so easy when the killer is part of it.

Overall Rating: 8 out of 10

Plot: 9 out of 10

Characterization: 9 out of 10

Primary Element: 9 out of 10 for its suspense

Writing Style: 8 out of 10

Part of a Series: Yes. This is #4, but can be read as a standalone without any problem.

Highlighted Takeaway:

The plot twist. It's very rare that the killer-reveal takes you by real surprise, but Steve Cavanagh manages to do just that.

What I Liked:

Eddie Flynn's character is one of the most rounded, yet realistic, I've read. There are a few fictional characters who I absolutely love because of their complexity and human-ness, with David Baldacci's Amos Decker being one such character. Eddie Flynn makes it to that list and as one of the top ones for sure. Cavanagh has created a very relatable character in Flynn, one who keeps you hooked from the first page.

What I Didn’t Like:

Not a thing!

Who Should Read It:

Anyone who enjoyed watching The Mentalist, and anyone who enjoys reading fast-paced courtroom-action-suspense novels. Also anyone who enjoys a good serial killer mystery and legal thrillers.

Who Should Avoid:

Anyone who is put off very quickly by violence. There isn't too much gore in this book, but there is some violence which may not sit too well with those not too used to it.

Read It For:

The suspense, the intricate storyline, and Eddie Flynn.

I don't have a single bad thing to say about this book. Fans of court house drama and crime will be very pleased with this refreshing story. Read it!

A refreshing twist to the run of the mill thriller. The tag line was enough to entice me, "The serial killer isn't on trial. He's on the Jury" - and Cavanagh kept me hooked by allowing a look through the eyes of a monster as he plots his own murderous masterpiece.

The story line flips back and forth between the killer and criminal defense lawyer Eddie Flynn, who has been asked to join the defense team of a Hollywood movie star that has been accused of murdering his equally famous wife. All evidence points to his guilt, but Eddie will not rest if an innocent man is sent to prison for murder. This story is fast paced, extremely interesting, quite gory at times and an all around good read - especially if you are into legal thrillers!

I have to say that my favorite part of the story was following the killer, and seeing/guessing what he was going to do next. This read wasn't EXTREMELY predictable and it had a lot of plot lines that were explored that felt cohesive to the story. I really enjoyed that even though you get the killers POV, you don't know his motive; you get to work the whole thing out, including his identity, with Flynn the entire book.

The only part that put me off a little was the ailment that the killer had. I guess it made him a little unbelievable, although it is possible... just not probable? You will see if you read the book what I mean. It wasn't enough to turn me off from the story; it was written in extremely well and it was 100% essential to the killers character arc, it just sort of struck me as .... "meh".

Thirteen is book 4 of the Eddie Flynn series. I read this as a stand alone, and had no issues. I thoroughly enjoyed Eddie's character, and you do not have to read the previous 3 to read this one. I have a feeling that those 3 would be equally as riveting, however.

Thank you NetGalley, for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

he captures the mood and time with atmosphere and suspense. A true legend. He is an author to watch.

What happens when the man you're looking for, is right in front of your eyes?

When a high-profile client is found on trial for murder, lawyer Eddie Flynn will do whatever it takes to save his client Robert 'Bobby' Solomon. It isn't as easy as it seems. All evidence points toward Mr. Solomon, and for awhile the readers are led to believe that it is the end for Bobby.

This fast-paced thriller jumps back and fourth from the perspective of Eddie, and a serial killer by the name of Joshua Kane. Their stories are intertwined in a way you could not imagine. Kane is determined to get Bobby a guilty verdict while he sits on the jury. The question is why? It was very interesting to see the good vs. evil concept played out on page. Each chapter had it's own tone, depending on who's view it was from.

Thirteen is the fourth installment of the series, something I had no clue when I picked it up! The novel is so well written, that it could also work as a stand alone as it does a very good job at describing the characters to first time readers. I loved how the characters were so well-written and full of knowledge, it also helped to have some very supportive secondary characters.

Every point in the book serves a purpose, it does not include unnecessary information and explains legal concepts very well. I've always been very interested in court cases, as well as legal matters. This book did an amazing job at blending everything well together!

I've given this a 5/5 stars! And I plan on picking up the others in the series.

*I would like to thank NetGalley and Flatiron Books for the copy of this book in exchange of an honest review

I loved this book, and I usually don’t like a courtroom drama!
From the very beginning, the action begins. You quickly learn that the main character is a serial killer. His well calculated plan to get on the jury of a trial for a murder that he actually committed is memorizing. From start to finish, this book keeps your attention and has you wanting to read “just one more chapter.”

I heard so many good things about this book and was really looking forward to reading it. The book is part of a series and whilst i prefer to read books in the order that they were written, this book can be read as a standalone novel.

Early in the book we learn that the main character is a serial killer and he murders people and finds himself on the jury.

The book was so gripping and so well written. I found it really hard to do anything else or concentrate on anything else whilst reading this book.

I thought this would make a nice change from the usual crime stories but I was reminded that I just don't like courtroom dramas. That has nothing to do with the book itself, it's just a setting I do not enjoy.

I didn’t expect much going into this, having discovered this is part of a series that I haven't read, but the description sounded stand-alone enough that I figured I'd read it anyway, even if I don't have any background information on certain characters. The premise was really intriguing to me, a serial killer that is on the jury? How fascinating!

This definitely grabbed you right from the start. It was a well-crafted thriller; the bad guy was interesting and realistic, the lawyer was flawed but likeable, the defendant was suspicious, so you weren’t really sure what side to come down on. And most importantly, the plot, motive and flow were all very strong and detailed, but not over the top.

The story had a lot of great little things that subtly built up to create a fast moving, intriguing book that was three steps ahead of me the entire time, always coming up with another twist that I didn’t see coming. Sure, there were a few things that ended up being a bit predictable, but not so transparent that I had it all pegged from the start.

Things got pretty wild towards the end and it started to move really quickly, but it didn’t derail the book and I was so pleased with the payoff. In fact, I was pleased with this entire book. I didn’t feel lost at all, a good job was done to fill in the gaps for those who foolishly didn’t read any other books. I was expecting your typical thriller but this strayed far from the usual formula, was very clever and outwitted me. I definitely recommend it.

A lot of thrillers have covers that warn you about the “shocking twist” contained inside. Never let it be said this author does things in half measures. He delivers a fast paced legal thriller with so many twists I lost count.

The plot in a nutshell: former conman turned lawyer Eddie Flynn takes on the case of a lifetime when he agrees to represent a disgraced movie star on trial for murder, unaware the real killer is on the jury. Dual story lines mean we spend equal time with Eddie & Joshua Kane, a clever & resourceful psychopath.

It all begins when Eddie is offered second chair for the trial of Robert Solomon. Through a series of circumstances, he ends up trying the case alone. He’s used to dealing with less illustrious clientele & the spotlight created by the media feeding frenzy is not helping his personal life.

Although this is book #4 in the series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone. We get plenty of background on Eddie as well as Joshua as they work the case from opposite sides. Most of the first half is taken up by introducing the players & setting the scene for what follows. Then it becomes a full on thriller packed with action, reveals & suspense.

It took me a little while to get into the story. Eddie is a likeable guy, burdened by guilt for the life he used to lead. He’s trying to make a difference but alcoholism & a tendency to attract trouble has ended up costing him his family. As for the killer, he too is trying to right past wrongs but that’s where any similarity ends. We meet him through this case but gradually learn the breathtaking scope of his crimes.

This is a great book to pack with you for the beach or any travelling you have planned this summer. You will have to suspend your disbelief in places but my advice is just go with it & enjoy the roller coaster ride.

Legal thrillers aren’t really the types of books I lean toward, but this one was really good. The character development was on point.

This is a great reading. Published 2018 in UK, the story moves quickly and has twists and turns.
Thirteen comes from the selection of alternates to a jury. A crime is committed, the unsubscribe found, a famous movie star, and now to trail. Is he really guilty or is he being framed by someone? Questioning until the very end.

Wow! What a suspenseful, twisty ride! I love a good serial killer story and this one was great. Part courtroom drama, part police procedural, part thriller, it kept me up all night because I literally couldn’t put it down.
Told in alternating perspectives between Eddie Flynn, conman-turned-lawyer, and the killer, there was lots of action & gore, and it kept me guessing til the very end. This is 4th in a series, but very much a stand alone story that didn’t require reading of the others to fully enjoy. But you can bet I’m going to go back & read all of them now!