Thirteen by Steve Cavanagh – 5 Stars
Publisher: Flatiron Books
ISBN: 9781250297600

The book blurb says enough to introduce this novel about a serial killer Kane who cleverly inserts himself onto a jury so he can pronounce his guilty verdict on a movie star for a murder he, Kane, committed. Eddie, an ex-con, now lawyer, even more cleverly not only displays a brilliant defense, but also orchestrates the discovery, hunt, and end of Kane’s evilness. Both Eddie and Kane have a team of players stacking the odds in their favor and it’s not until the surprising end that all hands are. We loved this book which was captivating throughout and we relished each and every turn and twist. We would love more Eddie books.

Reviewer: Rich and Nancy

As far as courtroom thrillers go, this one was good. I wish it was a bit more believable. It’s really too outlandish for it to ever actually be real and part of what makes books in this genre so compelling is the thought (or fear) that they could really happen. There are just far too many variables that lines up in order for this scenario to be plausible. The read was still entertaining, but would have been a standout if there was the feeling it was real.

Another wonderful Steve Cavanaugh thriller featuring his hero Eddie Flynn. A sure fire page turner that keeps you engrossed.

Pretty damn creative of this particular killer- one who has time and energy to create new identities to direct the outcome of trials. Pretty relentlessly and viciously manipulating people and systems, we do hear alot from him, which is hard to take.
In the ongoing investigation he does get caught . up in his own stuff and it's gratifying to see him squirm.

This book definitely wasn't a favorite for me. My main complaint is that it spent entirely too much of the book reading from the killer's perspective. I just don't enjoy that as much, personally. And secondly is that there was very little (if at all) character development - of anyone, let alone the main character. I don't know if Cavanagh is taking it for granted that you've read the earlier books in the series, but I haven't. So I left this book knowing next to nothing about the main character. It didn't leave me with any desire to continue reading any further books in the series. The plot lines were over the top, not very believable and predictable. Had to force myself to make it through this one. The only parts that I found enjoyable were some of the courtroom interactions. But there weren't enough of them to make this book good.

WHEW. Thirteen was such a crazy read.
It took me a few days to get through this one, but I think it's because there was SO much information being thrown at you. At times it was a litttttle bit difficult to keep the characters straight and got a little bit confusing.
I absolutely loved the courtroom vibes and feeling like I was actually watching this trial go down.
This book had it all though.
There was murder, suspected infidelity, divorce, crazy people, geniuses, FBI investigations, fights. LOTS of blood and gore.

I would have liked to get a follow up on ole Amy and Christine. The ending kind of left me hanging.


Overall I enjoyed Thirteen, even if I did have a few nightmares.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good crime novel or murder mystery.
3.5 stars for me.

Thirteen gets off to a slow start, but once in the courtroom it sizzles. Some great scenes keep the eyeballs working. Very clever about the serial killer, even if the author didn't know when to quit. I'll look forward to the next one!
A couple of minor quibbles- How come parking is so easy on W. 46th St? It's not known for easy parking. Then when Flynn didn't want to drive to Centre St. he takes a taxi. The subway would have been right there and a lot faster.
Thanks, NEtGalley for the ARC. It was fun..

THIS TIME THE KILLER ISN’T ON TRIAL.

HE’S ON THE JURY.

That’s the tag line, that made me want to read this book, although I had never read a book by Dublin author, Steve Cavanagh, and despite the fact that it’s #4 in the Eddie Flynn series. Not to worry, it can easily be read as a stand-alone.

Hollywood actor Robert Soloman stands accused of murdering his wife, and her security detail. It looks like an open and shut case.

But, is he being framed??

Forget everything you think you know about serial killers.

You are about to meet a serial killer who falls in the 1% mold of repeat killers- Highly developed social skills, IQ off of the charts, and whatever it is in their heads that makes them want to kill, can be successfully hidden from even their closest friends. He has a very sophisticated M.O.

But, Eddie Flynn, con man turned lawyer, has a few tricks up his sleeve as well.

I enjoyed reading about their Face-Off.

I think you will too.

Recommended for fans of Michael Connelly books, you can read about juror 13 on in the U.S. on Aug. 13th, 2019-or read the first three books in this series while you are waiting!! 😉

I would like to thank Netgalley, Flatiron books, and Steve Cavanagh for the digital ARC I received in exchange for a candid review!

This is one of the best books I have ever read and I have told lots of people. A very unique and interesting plot. A great criminal read. Really impressed with this book. Great writing and look forward to more from Mr Cavanagh

Thank you to both NetGalley, Flatiron books and the author for my Digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest unbiased review

I really enjoyed this book. murders, secrets, lies this book has them all! and the premise is just fantastic and very original!

Here comes the blurb as they say it better than I could!

It’s the murder trial of the century. And Joshua Kane has killed to get the best seat in the house – and to be sure the wrong man goes down for the crime. Because this time, the killer isn’t on trial. He’s on the jury.
But there’s someone on his tail. Former-conman-turned-criminal-defence-attorney Eddie Flynn doesn’t believe that his movie-star client killed two people. He suspects that the real killer is closer than they think – but who would guess just how close?

Thirteen was a truly gripping book from beginning to end. At first I worried it would matter that I hadn't read the previous books in the series, but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of this book. Taut plotting, great writing and lots of twists and turns!

This was an absolutely fantastic legal thriller. I loved every second of it and the only reason I'm not sad to have finished it is that I have a lot more to read in the series!
I loved how it kept me guessing throughout the book and how great the twists were towards the end. This is a highly praised series and now I know why.

I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

THE SERIAL KILLER ISN'T ON TRIAL.

HE'S ON THE JURY...

THAT TAGLINE OH MY! IT GRABBED MY ATTENTION AND REFUSED TO LET GO!

This story has strong and brilliant plot, GENIUS! Type of thriller story that i'm looking for. I don.t want to spoil anything, but this is become one of my most favourite thriller so far. This is a face-paced and cleverly constructed. You won't disappointed, you can trust me. Thirteen completely blew me away.

An excellent psychological thriller, with a unique premise (the serial killer is on the jury!), and many twists and turns along the way. I loved the main character (no, not the serial killer), the writing voice and the authentic dialogue.

This book was another stunning legal thriller - a new genre I'm getting more into in 2019. The case was very intriguing and I enjoy trying to put the pieces together as I read it. I thought both the main case any longer running case we're both well done and expertly described.

My one fault with the book was that I felt that the main case wrapped up too quickly in favor of focusing on the longer running case.

I recommend this book to fans legal thrillers. I plan to read other books in this series going forward.

Review given in exchange for a copy of this book provided through netgalley.

Oh my gosh.....what a brilliant mystery! I loved the set up with the “bad guy” and the crime itself. Very well plotted with characters that were all really interesting. The story itself is clever and gives new meaning to the phrase hiding in plain sight. Lots of twists and turns right up until the end. Once I picked this up I could not put it down! Thank you NetGalley for the advanced readers copy for review.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.

The blurb for this novel is really intriguing, but in practice it was all a bit much really. Kane, the baddie (this is not a spoiler) made no sense to me. He killed everyone in his path, seemed to spend inordinate amounts of time and money (where did he get his money?) preparing for ridiculously devious crimes for inadequate motivation. The Eddie chapters were better, and he was a likeable character.

The novel kept my interest, but it got to the point where I skimmed the Kane chapters, taking it for granted that whoever he encountered would be dead within a page or two.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Beyond amazing I enjoyed this book so very much. The characters and storyline were fantastic. The ending I did not see coming Could not put down nor did I want to.

An exciting and entertaining thriller that you cannot put down.
I was hooked since the first pages and it was great to read the twists and turns of the plot.
A really good book that can be read as a stand alone even if it's part of a series.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book, all opinions are mine.

Fantastic story, one I just couldn't stop reading. Believable characters and non-stop action. I hope there are plenty more to come!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair review.