Thank you @atriabooks for my #gifted copy of Witness 8 #AtriaPartner #atriabooks #Witness #SteveCavanagh #EddieFlynn

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝟖
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐡
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟏𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

Steve Cavanagh has done it again! This was one fast-paced thriller with some twists that I did not see coming! This is part of the Eddie Flynn series, but you can absolutely read this book, and any of the other books in the series as a standalone and the books in this series can be read in any order. This was my first book in the series and I did not feel like I was missing any information by starting with the 8th book.

★Lots of Twists
★Fast Paced
★Courtroom Thriller
★Eddie Flynn #8
★Can Be Read as a Standalone
★Multiple POV

🎧The audiobook was narrated by Adam Sims, who I thought was just perfect. The way he brought these characters to life was truly remarkable and I loved my time listening to this highly addictive thriller!

Posted on Goodreads on March 10, 2025: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/144922955?ref=nav_profile_l
**Posted on Instagram - Full Review- on or around March 11, 2025: http://www.instagram.com/nobookmark_noproblem
**Posted on Amazon on March 11, 2025
**-will post on designated date

Thank you NetGalley! Another great read by Steve Cavanagh. I absolutely love the Eddie Flynn series and this was no exception. As soon as it started, I was pulled in

I really struggled to get into this book. A friend suggested that it's helpful to have read the others in the series, which I have not. Highly recommend doing so prior to starting.

Witness 8 is a fast-paced legal thriller that kept me hooked from start to finish. The story follows Ruby Johnson, a former socialite turned housekeeper, who witnesses a murder but chooses to manipulate the situation for her own gain. On the other side is Eddie Flynn, a sharp defense lawyer and former con artist, fighting to prove an innocent man’s innocence while dealing with dangerous criminals.
I loved the multiple points of view and how the mystery unfolded with unexpected twists. Ruby is a fascinating, morally gray character, and Eddie’s courtroom strategies kept me engaged. While I’m not usually into mob-related stories, the legal drama and psychological tension made this an exciting read. Even though it’s part of a series, it works perfectly as a standalone. If you enjoy smart thrillers with complex characters and a gripping plot, Witness 8 is definitely worth picking up!
Very grateful to the publisher for my copy through NetGalley, opinions are my own

Ruby is a housekeeper and nanny on the fancy street she grew up on, except her dad gambled all their money away and she’s taking care of her sick mother alone. When Ruby witnesses a murder on the street, she comes up with a plan to conceal the truth and get some money in the process.

I absolutely loved Cavanagh’s Kill For Me, Kill For You last year. I had no idea this was part of a series of books (oops). The series is about Eddie Flynn, a con artist turned lawyer involved in organized crime cases. I generally don’t enjoy books about that or the mob (or violence in general), so this was a little tough for me. I did like the Ruby storyline and the court case itself, but skimmed through a lot of the mob character scenes.

3.5 stars

I’m looking forward to Cavanagh’s next stand-alone novel for sure!

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria for free advance digital and physical copies of this book in exchange for my honest review!

⤹ 𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬:
🎧 Witness 8 - Steve Cavanagh
🗓️ 𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙚: 3/25/25
📈 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: ★★★★☆
❗ 𝙩𝙬𝙞𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: ★★★ ½
⬇️ 𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬: below
…

Thank you to Atria Books + NetGalley for the opportunity to read 𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 8 by Steve Cavanagh before its release on 𝟯/𝟮𝟱/𝟮𝟱.

𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚𝙙:
➝ alternating perspectives
➝ prologue
➝ humor weaved throughout
➝ game of cat and mouse
➝ Witness 8’s backstory
➝ Mr. Christmas (even though I know I shouldn’t like him)
➝ Eddie’s relationship with Harry

𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣'𝙩 𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧:
➝ the first several chapters felt slow to me
➝ felt like a certain character folded too easily

𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙬𝙞𝙨𝙩 (𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦):
There are a few twists and turns along the way. I wasn’t surprised by who the murderer was. However, I was shocked by a specific element of the maid’s backstory… enough to gasp which is why I gave this one a 3.5 gasp rating. It was very clever.

𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜:
I didn’t realize this was part of a series when I initially requested it. I didn’t have any problems figuring out the characters, but I do think I would’ve been more connected to all of the main cast (especially Harry, Bloch, and Kate) if I had been with them from the beginning.

With that being said, this can certainly be a standalone, but I can see a benefit in reading at least a few of the other books before this one. I think my rating may have been higher had I had more personal investment in the main characters.

“Something is wrong with Ruby Johnson”. Ruby used to live among the elite Upper West Side Manhattanites and now she’s working for them. She babysits for them and she cleans for them. And because she used to be one of them, they trust her into their homes and with their children. But in a way, Ruby is invisible to them. And so, in that they don’t realize is that they are also trusting her with their secrets. When Ruby witnesses a murder on this prestigious block, she is now in on a life changing secret.
Cavanagh has written compelling morally grey characters and he gives insight into their mind and rationales. And then there’s Eddie Flynn – con artist turned lawyer, who uses his sharp mind and charismatic charm for the advantage of his client. With these plus a slew of supporting team members, creates a page turning suspenseful legal drama that you won’t want to put down.

Friends, if you love How to Get Away with Murder or any show/ book that involves a courtroom trial, YOU HAVE TO READ THIS ONE! It comes out tomorrow!!!

After Kill for Me, Kill for You became super popular on booksta last year, I had been wanting to try reading a Steve Cavanagh book. And after reading Witness 8, I now fully understand the love people have for his books!

You guys, I cannot put this book down- even if all the villains were so unbearable and tested my patience 😂 I flew through it and enjoyed every single moment of it!!

I didnt even know that this was part of a series until some friends told me - which means I haven’t read the other books from this series but I wasnt confused at all! I think that reading the previous books will just help you be more familiar with the characters and the main storyline going on about the main character. But again, if you just want to jump on right ahead to this book, I think you would still enjoy it because it can stand on its own.

Alright. Here’s the plot.
Ruby once lived in one of the richest NYC neighborhoods. They lost everything when her dad suddenly left them. Now, Ruby is a nanny/ house cleaner to all those previous neighbors.
One night, there was a party in the neighborhood and almost everyone was invited. Ruby was on her way home and was walking down the street when she witnessed a murder in the rich neighborhood. Buuut she decided to not report the murder right away as this might be her chance to make their lives better.

And then we have Eddie who was a conman turned defense attorney (also our main lead) who likes to take on difficult cases which made him involved in this murder trial. Ahhh I cant say anymore because I will spoil it for you guys 😂

After reading this book, I wanted more courtroom stories and I ended up in a rabbit hole of courtroom shows again 😂

Overall, I highly recommend this one if you are looking for a bingeable thriller!! It was so good!!!

Thank you @atriabooks for sending me a copy of the book! And thank you @simonandschuster for the free audiobook!!!

💭 What are some of your fave shows that are still ongoing??
☕️ I love Ghosts, Traitors, The Pitt, Hunting Party, Squid Game. I need to catch up on White Lotus and Ive also heard Severance is great so I need to watch that too 😂

Steve Cavanagh’s "Witness 8," the newest installment in the author's "Eddie Flynn" series, is a tightly woven legal thriller that plunges readers into a web of intrigue, deception, and moral complexity.

Readers are introduced to Ruby Johnson, a woman shaped by hardship, who becomes a key witness in the murder of Margaret “Maggs” Blakemore, a controversial New York socialite. Ruby’s decision to frame an innocent man—a respected pediatric surgeon—propels the narrative, keeping readers riveted as they unravel the deeper mystery: not who committed the crime, but why Ruby manipulates the case in such an unexpected way.

The pacing in "Witness 8" is expertly handled, maintaining a relentless momentum that keeps readers hooked while allowing space for character depth and plot development. Eddie Flynn, Cavanagh’s recurring con man–turned–defense attorney, is as sharp and charismatic as ever, guiding the reader through Ruby’s puzzling actions with his trademark wit. The supporting cast, from Eddie’s steadfast team to the shadowy figures working against him, adds layers of tension and complexity, making the courtroom scenes and investigative twists even more compelling.

What sets "Witness 8" apart is its ability to balance an intricate mystery with rich characterization and emotional resonance. Ruby is a standout character, her morally ambiguous choices making her both enigmatic and deeply human. The blend of dark motives, legal drama, and Eddie’s sharp perspective ensures this novel delivers on every front. Cavanagh once again showcases his talent for crafting a suspenseful and thoroughly satisfying read, cementing "Witness 8" as a standout entry in his impressive body of work.

Please note this review will also be posted to my Instagram at thecasualavidreader.

Witness 8 by Steve Cavanagh is multi-pov story that recounts the complicated trial of an innocent man. This novel follows everyone from a con-man turned defense lawyer to a down on her luck housekeeper with the fate of an innocent man resting in her hands. Can our former con-man unravel the plot before time runs out?

Witness 8 was a wild ride from start to finish. I also loved that while Witness 8 was apart of a series it could be easily read as a standalone with out losing any crucial details between books. I loved that I never seemed to know where the mystery was taking me and was thrilled to be along for the ride when all of the pieces fell together. This novel tugged on my heartstrings while the mystery unfold. Witness 8 really filled the space of a good legal drama that I was missing while waiting for the next season of Lincoln Lawyer.

Witness 8 by Steve Cavanagh

Thank You NetGalley and Atria Books for a complimentary copy of this novel!
There’s something diabolically wrong about Ruby Johnson; ever since she was a little girl something was never quite right!
Fast forward to present day. Ruby works as a maid for the rich on Manhattan’s 74th Street...the same street she used to live on with her parents. One night as she is leaving work, Ruby sees a murder take place, but she has other ideas of her own. She is not planning on notifying the police, she’s going to use this to her advantage. And that includes framing an innocent man and black mail. Enter Eddie Flynn. He’s an ex con-artist who is now a very smart defense attorney. John Jackson is being framed and Eddie Flynn is his only hope! On top of trying to figure out who is doing this and why it’s happening to John, Eddie has a price out on his head. With everything happening simultaneously, will Eddie be able to clear John’s name while at the same time making sure Eddie himself stays alive?
This was a gripping, edge-of-your seat novel! I love how the character of Eddie Flynn can outsmart the other characters in the novel! 5 stars for me! Looking forward to reading more novels by Steve Cavanagh. Look for this latest novel out March 25, 2025!

This was my first book in this series by him! I had high hopes after loving his book Kill for Me, Kill for You last year. This one had a lot of characters to keep track of, and I didn’t really connect with any of them, though I did find Flynn clever. The twists were unexpected, but overall, it didn’t stand out for me. Still excited to read more in the series, though!

Thanks to Netgalley and Atria Books for my advanced e copy in exchange for my honest review.

Publish date: March 25, 2025

Witness 8 by Steve Cavanagh is a psychological thriller told in multi-POV.

This story was a wild ride.

Ruby Johnson witnesses a murder and instead of calling the police she thinks, "How can this benefit me?"

Every chapter from Ruby's POV, I constantly felt myself side eyeing her thinking, "What the actual F, Ruby?!"

At no point did I have any idea what was going on in her head. I literally felt compelled to keep reading to see what she would say and do next.

Eddie Flynn is an ex con man turned lawyer. He uses his con man experience frequently with wild tricks and scenes, again, making me think, "Wait, why are we doing this, Eddie??". And a few chapters later thinking, "Holy guacamole, Eddie is a genius!"

Probably my favorite character was Mr. Christmas, I got major Red Reddington(The Blacklist) vibes from him. Was he a hit man? Yes, but he was classy and pretty thoughtful in the head.

Thank you Atria Books and Net Galley for providing me an Advanced copy of Witness 8!

Steve Cavanagh’s Witness 8 is a fast-paced, compelling legal thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. With its engaging plot, sharp writing, and intricate twists, this book is a must-read for fans of courtroom dramas and psychological suspense.

The novel follows a gripping case in which a key witness, known only as "Witness 8," is at the center of a high-profile trial. Cavanagh does a fantastic job of creating a tense atmosphere as the case unfolds, with numerous twists and turns that keep the reader guessing. The legal intricacies are expertly handled, making the courtroom scenes feel authentic and intense without becoming overly complex or dry.

The character development is a standout in Witness 8. The protagonist, Eddie Flynn, is a likable and morally complex defense attorney, and Cavanagh does an excellent job of balancing his personal struggles with his professional skills. The interplay between Eddie and other key characters adds depth to the story, and their motivations are revealed gradually, building a sense of tension and suspense.

The pacing is relentless, with Cavanagh keeping the narrative moving quickly while still offering enough character-driven moments to engage the reader. The stakes are high throughout, and the final twists are well-executed, offering a satisfying conclusion that both surprises and resonates emotionally.

One minor drawback is that while the plot is highly entertaining, certain twists may feel slightly familiar for seasoned thriller readers. However, Cavanagh’s strong writing and ability to develop intricate characters make the story feel fresh, despite these moments of predictability.

In conclusion, Witness 8 is an absorbing, high-stakes legal thriller that delivers on suspense, twists, and emotional payoff. Steve Cavanagh’s skillful plotting and strong character development make this a standout in the genre. While a few plot elements may feel familiar, the novel remains an engaging and satisfying read from start to finish. Fans of courtroom thrillers will find much to enjoy in this taut, unpredictable narrative.

I was so excited to read this and felt like a good thriller/ mystery was exactly what I wanted. At first I felt like there were too many characters and I was getting a bit lost, but then before I knew it I was 20 chapters in and hooked. I emended binge reading it because I really wanted to know.

I really enjoyed it, and it’s not my second book thy this author and I love his style. I loved the short chapters and the different POV, even if I wasn’t sure at first it turned out to be perfect for the story. It’s a great mystery and a fun book to read.

First to start you do NOT need to read the series in order. This is my very first Steve Cavanaugh book and it did not disappoint.

Keeps you guessing through out the book! Very true crime / crime docuseries vibes!

I had High hopes for this, as this author has such great buzz around his other titles. The storyline could’ve been good but I felt Like it was all over the place. Will try this author again.

Steve Cavanaugh knows how to write phenomenal books. The absolute goat for thrillers and this one is included.

Huge thanks to Atria Books and Steve Cavanagh for this ARC!

💭 What did I love the most?
I’m a sucker for legal thrillers, and this one had me hooked from page one. A morally grey lawyer, a found family, and a villain I loved to hate? Say no more! Cavanagh’s storytelling is expertly crafted, with twists that kept me on my toes. 📚⚖️

🔎 What to expect:
✔️ Multi-POV
✔️ Unlikeable (but compelling) characters
✔️ Courtroom drama
✔️ A whodunit that keeps you guessing

📌 Do you need to read the series in order?
Nope! This was my first Eddie Flynn book, and I followed everything easily. BUT now I need to binge the entire series because these characters are that intriguing. 😍

⚡ How was the pacing?
Fast. The short chapters and constant twists made this a binge-worthy read, but nothing felt too overwhelming.

📖 Would I recommend it?
YES! If you love gripping thrillers, morally complex characters, and courtroom showdowns, this one’s for you! 🖤🔍

Witness 8 by Steve Cavanagh
Thriller
Pub day: 3/25/25
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Certifiable BANGER!!!! I loved every single second of this book! It was over 400 pages and I didn’t even care or notice it was long. This is my second Steve Cavanagh book and both were 5⭐️s! His stories just feel so classic, thrilling, and fun! I was on the absolute edge of my seat!

Witness 8 had a lot of different POVs, characters, and things going on. This can sometimes confuse me or disengage me, but he wrote everything so well that I didn’t miss a beat. I loved how everything was weaved together and how it all played out. There were many surprises, and the end plot twist was something I sort of saw coming but was still great. I truly don’t have one single negative thing to say. It was a wild ride and my heart was RACING out of my chest.

If you love Law & Order or stories with con men and morally gray characters, I think you will love this. I haven’t read a law/police procedural book that I loved this much in a long time. Highly recommend!

*off to buy every single Steve Cav book that exists or will exists*

Thank you Atria Books for my advanced copy to read and review, all thoughts are my own!