“There’s something wrong with Ruby Johnson”

And is 😳

My boy Eddie Flynn is baaaack, y’all!

This is my second of the series, third overall and I loved it!

@sscav writing style really ropes me in and has me flipping pages to see what happens next.

I know this one isn’t even out yet, but I’m already ready for the next one!

3.5 ✨ A twisty thriller where Ruby, a once-wealthy woman turned maid/babysitter, becomes entangled in a web of deceit and murder among the rich elite she now serves. After witnessing the murder of Maggs, Ruby carefully removes the evidence, plunging her into a dangerous game of blackmail and survival. Eddie, a lawyer with his own troubles, must defend John Jackson, who is framed for Maggs' murder with a gun found in his closet. As investigator Bloch of Eddie’s team uncovers a mysterious half palm print that doesn’t match John’s DNA, the search for the truth begins to become more complicated.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this arc in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the plot of this book and all of the twists and turns. There were so many elements that I never expected. The characters and ideas were well defined and developed throughout the book.

I, however, was not a fan of the multi povs. It was very hard to keep track of what was going on and it was hard to keep interest.

Thanks NetGalley and Atria Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I always enjoy Cavanagh’s books, and this one was no exception. There are a couple of different plots, which was a bit to follow at first, but everything came together well in the end. I appreciated the unexpected twists, including one to end off the book. Cavanagh has a way of blurring the lines between good and evil, and that was true here. Definitely worth checking out this book when it’s released in March 2025.

Every book I’ve ever read by this author has always been absolutely amazing!!! However, this one just didn’t hit the mark like the others for some reason. It started off soooo well but then more and more POVs were added and more storylines and it just lost its entertainment. I really liked the main storyline and wish it focused more on that instead of the storyline of a hit being put out for Eddie. I get all the storylines were linked together in some way, but honestly a lot of parts were really slow and felt unnecessary.

I really wanted to like this one, but it was just okay. The ending did make it better and the twist was interesting but it didn’t make the story much better. I’m still interested in reading more books by this author but I’m hoping they live up to his other 5 star reads!

This started out with a bang and I was thinking “oh this is going to be good!” But then there were just too many different points of view and too many side stories that didn’t matter. It was disappointing. Maybe it’s because I haven’t read the others in this series so I can’t fully appreciate all the characters? Because to me, this felt all over the place. I wish it had focused on the beginning scene and went another direction.

I am very picky about the books I request on netgalley, because I hate having to give a bad review to a book that hasn’t been released yet, but I also have to be honest and this wasn’t what I thought it would be.

Thank you to netgalley for this free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Witness 8 by Steve Cavanagh is an engaging addition to the Eddie Flynn series! The plot is packed with action, as Flynn and his team juggle defending their client, solving a murder, and dodging hitmen at every turn due to the contract on Flynn's life. This series is perfect to keep on your shelf for when you're in the mood for a highly entertaining, yet lighter crime thriller. Although I’ve jumped around in the series and may have missed some overarching narratives, Cavanagh does a fantastic job of including backstory, making each book easily enjoyable as a standalone.

Cavanagh skillfully weaves together numerous plot threads and multiple perspectives into a consistently paced, twisty, and tension-filled narrative. I particularly enjoyed the dynamic between Flynn’s team members, who come together as a formidable group. While Flynn may have taken somewhat of a backseat compared to previous books, I appreciated that each character has a distinct and important role to play. Cavanagh consistently infuses a healthy dose of humor into these stories, and I find these moments—both in and out of the courtroom, along with Flynn’s creative methods of fact-finding and outsmarting his opponents—very engaging.

Overall, Witness 8 is an entertaining and engaging read that kept me hooked from start to finish. The intricate plot and well-crafted characters make it a standout in the Eddie Flynn series, and the ending takes an unexpected turn that perfectly sets the stage for the next installment. It’s clear that the Cavanagh has a strong vision for where the series is headed, and I look forward to seeing how the story continues to unfold. I’ll definitely pick up the next book as soon as it’s available!

Many thanks to NetGalley, Headline Press, and Steve Cavanagh for an advance copy of this book to review. All opinions are my own.

This is my second book by Steve Cavanagh, and both times I have been incredibly impressed with his ability to craft incredibly nuanced plots. I also love how he managed to throw completely unexpected twists and surprises, like random characters being put in funny situations together or teaming up.

Like many other reviewers, I struggled with the sheer volume of characters and perspectives. There were numerous times where I had to reread a scene or go back to previous info about a character to keep it all straight. I found certain plot points to be that way as well. While the moments of "just do this random thing and it will all make sense soon" often results in entertaining scenes, it added a lot more info to keep track of. I appreciate that Eddie (and Steve, of course) is a mastermind, but the reward isn't always there for a reader who needs to keep pausing and pulling themself out of the story to backtrack.

After reading two of Cavanagh's books, I'm also learning that casual violence and high body counts in fiction aren't for me. I love a fantasy world where a con man is running circles around cops and DAs, but it's harder for me to enjoy when that world also involves killing or brutally harming people at every turn.

This was only my second Steve Cavanagh and I’m thinking of going back and starting the Flynn series from the start! While you didn’t have to read them all to enjoy this one, I’m excited to go back and read more about his story. This was such a twisty book and you never knew where the witness was going to go or what she was going to do next. No one was safe from her. They have better chances with the murdered

Witness 8 by Steve Cavanagh Convoluted story lines with suspense, intrigue, humor, tension that will keep you guessing till the very end. So much packed into the story including a psycho nanny, hit men around every corner (Mr Christmas does stand out), crooked cops, mobsters, blackmail, murder, mayhem, power hungry politicians, the entitled rich and more. Then there is Eddie, good guy lawyer and ex con man with an incredible backup team each with their own mysterious and sometimes questionable pasts working furiously to prove the innocence of their client.
Thank you to Steve Cavanagh, Atria Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

This is a book you won’t put down! I am now hooked on Steve Cavanagh! Eddie Flyn is the man! Once a con artist and now a lawyer he can skirt danger like no other. Every chapter has a twist and makes your heart pound. Thank you Netgalley for the arc of this great book! Comes out next March and I’m sure it will go to the top of the best seller chart! Witness 8 by Steve Cavanagh is a 5 star read!

This is only my second Cavanaugh book and my first Flynn! Now I feel like I need to go back and read his whole origin story because I’m hooked on this conman turned defense attorney storyline.

This one was a crazy journey because the witness to the murder was way more screwed up and dangerous than the actual murderer - which made this as twisted as they come!

This booK was CRAZY GOOD! Actually it's closer PSYCHOPATHICALLY GREAT! I say that because you'll meet more than a couple psychopaths in this read & it's full of twists and turns plus ridiculously well-written. I enjoyed it more than Kill for Me, Kill for You, which was a great read itself. If you enjoy mystery and suspense reads, do yourself a favor and pick up Witness 8. Bet you can't put it down til the end!!!

There’s something not quite right with Ruby and her grandmother noticed it when she was a young girl. Ruby Johnson is now considered the help for a Manhattan upper class neighborhood that she and her family once lived in. Bring practically invisible to the people that employee her Ruby knows all their secrets. After witnessing a murder unseen one night Ruby uses the crime for her own personal gain instead of telling authorities what she witnessed.

Eddie Flynn, now defense attorney, ex con artist defends Dr. John Jackson who is accused of killing his neighbor. With unconventional methods are Eddie and his team able to win the case that has DNA evidence against his client all while Eddie deals with his own personal grievances.

As the 8th book in the Eddie Flynn series could be read as a stand alone. I loved the multiple POVS from the characters in the story. The murder mystery was paced so well and had many other twist and turn. There was so much going on in the book but in the best way when it all comes together. So many secrets and moving pieces, well thought out and revealed so well by Steve. If you like fast paced, action packed, criminal procedures, mystery/thrillers this is definitely the book for you. I’ve only read Th13rteen in this series but I definitely want to catch up on them all because the two I’ve read had me hooked and intrigued within the first chapter.

This book and the premise sounded very suspenseful and thrilling. Ruby is definitely an unreliable narrator and I loved reading her chapters, but I could have done without alot of the other perspectives. It was too much back and forth with trivial information. If they cut it down to 2-3 perspectives that would have been easier to keep up with. This was very slow paced and unfortunately lost my attention, thank you for the copy.

Wow, wow, wow! This was my first Steve Cavanagh book and it won’t be my last. This book was amazing and I could not put it down. I was hooked from the first page and it had me hooked all the way to the last page. The character development in this book was phenomenal and I found myself loving some characters and despising others. If you have never taken a journey with ex con-man turned attorney Eddie Flynn you are truly missing out! This book will stick with me for a long time. Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me the privilege to read an ARC of this book!

Wow another great book by Steve Cavanagh! A little bit of suspense, a little bit of WTF and a whole lot of awesome!

Thank you to NetGalley, author Steve Cavanaugh and Atria bookstore publishing for the ARC and opportunity to review this book.

I went into this book with high hopes and perhaps that was my mistake. This author is a tremendous writer and has so much potential for 5 star books. I feel this book was too lengthy and it didn’t need to be. Many times I felt myself thinking parts were unnecessary and just filler.

The storyline was great but it was slow. There were too many characters to keep track of in my opinion. While the author did a great job of putting everything together it wasn’t until the last 20% and that’s a long time to wait for real action.

The chapters were short and that’s a plus for me. It takes a lot of keep my attention focused and I find that easier with short chapters. I was hoping for more thrilling aspects or more suspense. I feel the different aspects in the book could have actually been more than 1 book. The author has great thoughts just too many in one book.

The authors defence strategy and means of getting his clients acquitted is phenomenal. I love when he gets to the meat and bones of his defence!

Storyline was 5 stars
Characters were 3 stars (too many)
Ending was 4 stars just took too long to get there
Suspense 2 stars
Thrills 2 stars

Overall a 3 to 3.5 star read for me.

Witness 8 is a fast paced, hold your breath, gasp out loud book that keeps the lights on and the pages turning.

Eddie Flynn is back and does he have his hands full.

He is a target of multiple hitman, he is defending a well know surgeon Jack Johnson for murder and it does not look promising for Jack.

Jack however has Eddie and his team on his side so there is some hope.

Ruby Johnson a babysitter/maid for the Jackson's witnesses the murder and decides to frame Jack.

Ruby presents herself as charming, hard working and a caring soul which is far from the truth.

Body count is mounting , red herrings, twists that will surprise you that had me turning the pages as fast as I could.

Expect the unexpected from Steve Cavanagh .

I highly recommend that you get your copy of Witness 8 ( and any Eddie Flynn book) clear your schedule and settle in for a a great read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for the privilege of reading and reviewing Witness 8.

I am always eager to read each exciting and twisty new book by Steve Cavanagh. Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for this ARC, which is much appreciated. Witness 8 is the eighth book in the popular, clever Eddie Flynn series. The series centres around court trials where Eddie is the defence lawyer.

Eddie is a unique and brilliant lawyer who prefers to defend clients he believes are innocent. Before becoming a lawyer, he was a con man. He has an accomplished team investigating the cases before a new trial but often relies on his old con man tricks of misdirections and deception in defending accused clients. This makes the trials entertaining, surprising and tension-filled. Eddie's capable team includes his friend and mentor, Harry, a retired judge; his associate lawyer, Kate Brooks; an investigator and skilled fighter, Melissa Bloch; and former FBI Gabriel Lake. He had also called on criminals from his past for advice and assistance when he was known as Eddie Fly. The intense plot contains twists, vivid descriptions of scenes, and intriguing characters. The story was complex but easy to follow, and it could be adapted for a great TV series.


He has completed a trial in which he blamed a policeman for his illegal activities. This led to many distractions in planning his subsequent trial. The consequence was a group of crooked police officers, nicknamed New York's Finest, was out for revenge. A sizeable monetary bounty has been promised to reward whoever kills Eddie. Among those hoping to destroy Eddie is the fascinating, calm, and deadly Mr. Christmas, a hired hitman who will kill without remorse. He enjoys old movies, especially ones starring Marlon Brando. A former Seal and skilled military sniper, Angel, would like the reward but mainly enjoys the excitement of the kill. A group of Neo-nazis, the 88, are also aiming for Eddie, along with other reward seekers. His friend and colleague, Harry, lies in a coma after flinging himself in front of Eddie, taking Angel's bullets aimed at Eddie. This has interfered with plans for the new trial and added pressure on his team.

Ruby Johnson is a young woman who will become Witness 8 for the prosecution. She is a nanny or housekeeper for wealthy families in Manhattan's posh West 74th Street. Her family once lived in one of these homes, but everything was lost due to her father's gambling debts. He disappeared, and Ruby and her mother now live in a rundown apartment in a slum area. Ruby resents that her employers no longer acknowledge her as one of them. Her own grandmother remarked that there was something wrong with Ruby. She presents herself as a cheerful and charming employee, but sometimes, people catch a glimpse that 'something is wrong with Ruby.' Ruby has witnessed a woman who treated her kindly being murdered. She knew the woman was having affairs with two men in the neighbourhood and saw which one killed the woman. She places an anonymous call to the police, saying the killer was Dr. John Jackson, an innocent, popular and respected brain surgeon. She works in their home as a nanny for their little boy, and we follow with sadness the devastating effects this act has on his reputation and emotional state.

She has a scheme to place false evidence and use blackmail to obtain funds to put her mother in an upscale retirement home and to travel. She also has a more secret, devious motive. She devises a petition to force the doctor's family to move, which increases the neighbour's fear of the doctor. The family grandmother senses something is wrong with Ruby, placing the grandmother's life in danger. No one is safe.

Eddie Flynn feels the doctor is innocent and prepares for his trial while dodging attempts on his life. Dr. Jackson has become increasingly emotionally distraught and in no condition to testify. False DNA evidence and the murder weapon were found in his house, and Eddie's team must find alternate people who could be deemed guilty and explain the false evidence. When the trial begins, it falls on Eddy's associate lawyer, Kate, to conduct much of the defence. Kate prefers to follow a straight legal process but may feel compelled to follow some of Eddie's plans and con man trickery. The lack of Eddie's time in court lessens the fun of watching him operate.

This rollercoaster, tension-filled story will keep you in suspense and on the edge of your seat. What verdict will be reached for the trial? What will happen to Ruby once the extent of her crimes is revealed? Will the intriguing Mr. Christmas play any further role? Will Eddie continue to dodge bullets? Will Harry succumb to his injuries? What about the blackmail attempts? The publication of the much-anticipated book is set for March 2025 in North America.