I was looking forward to giving this series a shot after really enjoying KILL FOR ME, KILL FOR YOU from this author last year. Unfortunately, this story was not really my thing. It's a gritty crime procedural set in NY with crime bosses and over-the-top heavy accents and overall just not my thing.

I was also surprised to find how many POVs and characters the story followed. It didn't feel like a very focused story - if it was just following the witness (the corrupt maid) I likely would've enjoyed it more based on my own personal reading preferences.

Thank you to the publisher for granting me access to an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions remain my own.

I love Steve Cavanaugh but this was not my favorite by him. I do like multiple POVs in thrillers but I felt like this book had too many that led to an unnecessary amount of storylines and the character development lacked as a result. The suspense was still present which moved the story along and the twists were mixed throughout as Steve Cavanaugh is known for but the lack of focus on a few characters especially main characters was a bit of this books downfall. I would still recommend reading it but not at the top of my favorites list. 3.25/5

WITNESS 8 by Steve Cavanagh

When Ruby Johnson, a former socialite turned maid, witnesses a murder, her testimony could make or break the case. But defense attorney Eddie Flynn realizes Ruby isn’t just any witness—she has her own dangerous secrets and agenda- that might not line up with the truth.

This was a gripping legal thriller with an unconventional lawyer. Even though it’s part of a series, it works well as a standalone. I loved Eddie’s character, but Ruby’s character felt a little too off from the start—I wish her true nature had been revealed more gradually. There were a lot of POVs, which made for a little confusion, and the ending felt rushed and left a few loose ends. Still, this was an entertaining, fast-paced ride that kept me hooked!

This is Steve Cavanagh’s first book I've ever read. I loved the mystery, development of the characters, and twists that can have you second guessing yourself. It was an absolutely amazing book & I would definitely recommend to others.

This is the first book I've read in the Eddie Flynn series, but I've been wanting to get into it. This one might have finally been last push I needed to start! Very gripping and a great read. I didn't feel like I was really missing anything by not reading the rest of the series first, which was nice too!

Thank you NetGalley for this opportunity!

It pains me to say this, but this installment fell flat for me. Aside from one unexpected twist, the crime plot and court case felt dull and tedious, and the antagonists—especially Ruby the Nanny—lacked the tension and intrigue I was hoping for. The regular characters were the saving grace, keeping me engaged enough to finish. I love this series and will absolutely continue reading it, but Witness 8 is the only one out of the five I’ve read that didn’t earn a five-star rating from me. That said, I still have three more to go, so hopefully, I have better luck with those! My opinion seems to be in the minority, though—most readers have absolutely loved this one.

Ruby is a maid to the ultra-elite. When she witnesses a murder, she keeps the information to herself for her own purposes. Meanwhile, Eddie Flynn, a streetwise defense attorney, is tasked with representing a hopeless case.

To be clear, this is not the typical genre book that I enjoy and I had not read any of Cavanagh’s detective stories before this one, but I am so glad I gave this one a chance! It has a courtroom thrills, mystery, many characters that defy ‘good and evil’, and some twists that may just change your ideas and opinions on the characters. It was a thicker book and took some time to get through, but I highly recommend. I could tell the characters had a rich background and I could have benefited from the knowledge from the previous books, but it didn’t take away from my entertainment.

“This happens every day in America. Innocent people get caught in a machine that destroys them and their families. I didn’t have a magic button to stop the machine. No fail-safe device. No cut off switch. Amid the roar of the grinding steel wheels of justice, I only had words. They were my sole weapon.”

Witness 8 comes out 3/25.

Steve did it again. This was a rollercoaster ride with Eddie and friends . One of the best series out there.

I enjoyed getting to know the characters in this book. I did not realize when I started reading that this was part of a series, but after some research learned that it would be okay to read as a stand alone book. I wish that I had read the whole series first, but still really enjoyed!

Buckle up, thriller fans, because "Witness 8" by Steve Cavanagh is one wild ride you won't want to miss! From the very first page, this book had me hooked, and I found myself completely unable to put it down.

Cavanagh's storytelling is like a rollercoaster - fast, thrilling, and full of unexpected turns. The pages practically turned themselves as I raced through the story, desperate to uncover the next twist. And boy, are there twists! Just when I thought I had it all figured out, Cavanagh threw another curveball that left me reeling.

At the heart of this gripping tale is Eddie Flynn, a defense attorney with a knack for conning his way to the truth. His confidence is infectious, and I found myself rooting for him every step of the way. What really sets Eddie apart is his unconventional team. They're a motley crew from diverse backgrounds, but their dynamics work brilliantly, creating a perfect blend of skills and personalities.

Then there's Ruby, the titular witness. Her character is a masterclass in complexity. Just when I thought I had her pegged, Cavanagh revealed new layers that made me question everything. She's the kind of character you want to dislike, but can't help but feel a twinge of understanding for.

As my first Steve Cavanagh novel, "Witness 8" has definitely made me a fan. The mind-blowing revelations, the intricate plot, and the compelling characters have me itching to dive into his backlist, especially the rest of the Eddie Flynn series.

If you're looking for a thriller that'll keep you guessing until the very end, "Witness 8" is a must-read. Trust me, you'll be as hooked as I was, and probably joining me in the Steve Cavanagh fan club!

Thank you, Atria Books and NetGalley, for my free books.

Witness 8 by Steve Cavanagh is a gripping, twist-filled thriller that keeps you on edge from start to finish. With sharp writing, unexpected turns, and non-stop suspense, this is a must-read for fans of fast-paced legal thrillers!

Ummmm, why have I not been reading more Steve Cavanagh?!

First, I love that you do not have to have read the other Eddie Flynn novels to understand and enjoy Witness 8.

Witness 8 is told from multiple POVs, which I also enjoy because, in my opinion, it makes the novel faster paced. Ruby, our witness, works as a maid in the upscale neighborhood she grew up in, but is no longer a part of, when she is the only witness to a murder. Instead of reporting the crime like any normal person, she uses the crime to her advantage, or at least she tries.

Eddie Flynn, our ex-con defense attorney, sets out to prove that our fall guy, John Jackson, is innocent. Eddie and his team have plenty of wits and tricks up their sleeves to find out who really committed the crime. In the process, however, Eddie must save his own skin.

Steve Cavanagh knocks it out of the park again with Witness 8. This is a great thriller and it keeps you guessing to the very end.

The story centers around Ruby Johnson, a former socialite turned maid/nanny, who finds herself at the heart of a murder case. But Ruby is no ordinary witness, she's more twisted than the killer. When Eddie Flynn, the street smart defense attorney known for taking on hopeless cases gets involved, the stakes skyrocket. Eddie Flynn is wonderful, as usual. I love his antics, he’s entertaining, and he’s so smart. I really disliked Ruby through most of this story, I know that’s the point, but it was hard to get through her story at times. Mr. Christmas though- love him. I had guessed Ruby’s motives part way through, but I still enjoyed the plot lines throughout this entire story. There is a lot going on and Cavanagh does a great job of weaving these stories/plot points together. Great read!

I have tried to start reading this book more than 10 times over the last four months and I simply cannot get into it. I read a few chapters then put it down and have no motivation to keep reading it, then I forget all about it and have to restart, so unfortunate DNF for me.
I cannot really rate the book as I haven't read much of it hence the middle 3 stars.


Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for the opportunity to read this ARC.

This was my first Steve Cavanaugh novel and first Eddie Flynn novel. I have heard of the series in FB groups and on goodreads, but I hadn't had the chance to try one of the series yet. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, and it made me anxious for the man falsely accused of murder. The part of the storyline I didn't like was so much about Eddie's past with the mob and the police mob. It took away from the overall murder mystery story.

The latest book in the Eddie Flynn series but you don't need to read the rest of it to follow along. Like the rest of the books, it has a slow start and a racing exciting ending. Ruby Johnson is working for the rich people on the street where her family lived before their downfall at the hands of her father. She is witness to a murder and devises a plan that does not involve the truth. Eddie Flynn takes the case of the man accused of the murder while also dealing with the hit on his life. There is a lot happening in this book with all the subplots but it all ties together at the end. Eddie's former con man life serves him well in this story and the book starts with what he does best- the courtroom and a con. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for this review.

The Eighth Truth: A Witness in Peril!!!

Thank you NetGallary for an early review copy of Witness8!

Steve Cavanagh delivers another gripping legal thriller in Witness 8, a novel that masterfully blends suspense, courtroom drama, and unexpected twists. Known for his sharp storytelling and ability to craft high-stakes narratives, Cavanagh keeps readers on the edge of their seats with this intricate and fast-paced thriller.

The story revolves around a witness whose testimony could make or break a high-profile case. As the trial unfolds, hidden motives, deception, and dark secrets emerge, turning what seemed like an open-and-shut case into a dangerous game of manipulation. With every chapter, the tension escalates, making it nearly impossible to put the book down.

Cavanagh’s signature blend of legal expertise and psychological depth is on full display. The characters are well-drawn, particularly the protagonist, who navigates a maze of lies and deadly consequences. The dialogue is razor-sharp, the courtroom scenes pulse with intensity, and the plot twists are genuinely shocking.

For fans of legal thrillers, Witness 8 is a must-read. It offers everything one could want—compelling characters, a thrilling mystery, and a conclusion that will leave you thinking long after you’ve turned the last page.

5 Stars! Well done!

Steve Cavanagh is back! After not loving some of his more recent work, Witness 8 had me on the very edge of my seat the entire time. The ending was well pulled off and I highly recommend.

So I did not know that this was a book in a series but that did not impact my ability to understand the story.
This was a fun thriller! Good twists and turns along the way to help keep the reader's interest in the plot.
I would be interested to read the first books in the series.

Thanks Atria books for the ARC. These opinions are my own.