Thanks to Atria Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars

Eddie Flynn (and team) is one of my favorite legal thriller series and Steve Cavanagh does it again.

Ruby Johnson is a nanny and maid on W. 74th Street in NYC. She used to live in the neighborhood until her dad lost all their money and he ran out on her and her mom. Ruby witnesses a murderer, but uses this as an opportunity for blackmail. Eddie and Kate are defending the doctor that Ruby works for who has been framed for the murder.

I tend to read one book and listen to one audiobook at the same time. Funny that in the two I was reading both had characters hearing voices.

The first book I read by Steve Cavanagh was Kill For Me Kill For You which was a runaway hit! Witness 8 was no different!

𝗘𝗱𝗱𝗶𝗲 𝗙𝗹𝘆𝗻𝗻 is a former con-man turned criminal defense attorney that only defends those he believes to be innocent. A prominent doctor in Manhattan is being framed for murder and no one knows what. Meanwhile Ruby, the family nanny, will make anyone question who they allow into their home.

With its rapid fire pacing, long list of questionable characters, a former con-man turned good guy lawyer with incredible wit and heart, and a nanny that is off her rocker, this book hit on all the major points that a thriller needs to hit on. There was suspense, intrigue, humor (Eddie’s a funny guy), oh and…. Short chapters! Definitely a must read for thriller lovers and those that love some legal drama as well.

Witness 8 by Steve Cavanagh is a masterclass in psychological suspense, delivering twist after twist that kept me on the edge of my seat. As a huge fan of this author, I was thrilled to dive into this latest thriller, and it did not disappoint.
The story centers around Ruby Johnson, a former socialite turned maid, 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. With Ruby’s deceitful plans and powerful enemies lurking, Eddie must navigate a web of lies and danger to save his client, and himself.
The twists in Witness 8 are nothing short of phenomenal. Just when I thought I had figured things out, Cavanagh threw in another surprise, leaving me utterly captivated. The pacing is relentless, and the characters are brilliantly crafted. This book was impossible to put down, I raced through it, eager to see how it would all unfold!

A phenomenal, unputdownable thriller that had me hooked from page one! This was my first Eddie Flynn novel. I know that it's the 8th book in the Flynn series, but the rave reviews had me feeling like I was missing out. I'm so glad that I took a chance on it because I absolutely loved every second of this high-octane, action-packed book! There were so many plot twists that my head was spinning. You know the who, but you don't know the why. And that's only part of this multifaceted story. There are more who's and more why's that will keep you guessing the entire time. To say that this book was compelling would be an understatement. I was completely addicted. There were so many interesting characters. I loved them all, even the bad ones. Flynn, an ex-con turned lawyer who played by his own rules, was a stellar MMC. You can't help but be fascinated with his character and his approach. I can't wait to get my hands on this series and start from the beginning. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves exceptional, psychological/legal thrillers. This is a must read!

Thank you to Atria Books for granting me early digital access in exchange for my honest review!

I am a huge fan of Cavanagh and would read a grocery list if he wrote it! I've loved all the Eddie Flynn books and this one is awesome! Twenty-two-year-old Ruby is a babysitter for young Tomas but is worried about her aging mom who needs care that Ruby cannot afford. But when Tomas's father is arrested for the murder of a young woman in the wealthy neighborhood, Eddie takes his case and things get dicey! This is one of those wonderfully-convoluted novels that keeps you guessing until the bitter end with characters like "Jimmy the Hat" and "Mr. Christmas;" even "The Red Priest" painting talks to Ruby. So buckle-up for the ride of your life as your head spins!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

Steve Cavanagh has quickly become a favorite author when I want a good thriller. Witness 8 is the latest installment in the Eddie Flynn series. Although part of a series, I think you can read this book even if you haven’t read any others in the series. Cavanagh does a good job of sprinkling little refreshers throughout the book that explain who Eddie Flynn is and how he got where he is now.

Like his other books, the story alternates between character point of views, as gaps are filled in and the full story is finally unfolded at the end. Ruby is a nanny for wealthy families. She used to be one of those wealthy families. One night she witnesses a murder. She knows the murder and the victim and places an anonymous call to police. From there, everything just gets complicated. I didn’t think this story had as many twists and turns as others I have read by him, but it is still a solid read!

I unfortunately went into this not knowing it was part of a series. I do own the series, but haven't gotten around to reading it yet. I will come back and read/ review this when I've read the others! I've heard you don't have to read them in order but I do 🤣

Another great Eddie Flynn novel! It is not just the colorful main character that has me looking forward to the next Eddie Flynn novel, it is the skill that Steve Cavanagh displays in creating original twists in his novels. He makes a thriller exciting by putting the reader in the action as it unfolds. It is not your mothers "Who done it?" he is on a level all alone. I love a psychological thriller and Steve Cavanagh is by far my favorite! I cannot wait for the next book! If you are looking for an author to create a loyal bookstore customer, put a Steve Cavvangh novel in their hands!

Ruby Johnson-a nanny and maid to many of the wealthy families on West 74th Street, in Manhattan.. She knows all the neighborhood secrets, gossip etc. As usual, “the help” is easy to move around unseen. One night while walking home Ruby witnesses a murder. She knows the victim AND the killer, and she devises a plan.. the puppet strings are being pulled and it starts with an anonymous call to the police, to provide a tip about the murder.
 
Steve Cavanagh has done it AGAIN. Witness 8 did NOT disappoint. The plot was brilliant and easy to follow but it still gave what it needed to give. Plots within the plot within the plot that all came together PERFECTLY. Seeing everything play out from different perspectives made it that much more entertaining. The plot was consistent, it was twisty and tensioned filled. Mr. Christmas was a pleasant surprise to the list of characters and I hope he sticks around the next book. I enjoyed seeing Kate in action in the courtroom. Harry still has my heart!

Thank you NetGalley for this advanced e copy!

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing this book, with my honest review below.

Witness 8 knocked my socks off! I went in not knowing that main character (ex con man and current lawyer) Eddie Flynn was part of a series a books and really would not have known until I looked for more books by the author as this was begging to be part of a series. Lucky for me I now have a new series that will likely become a favorite!

This read like a heist novel, not because it necessarily is one (though there’s a lot of entertaining duplicity) but because it had all the best plot development of a solid heist. Eddie Flynn and his tight knit crew get more than they bargained for when defending affluent doctor John Jackson of murder, unraveling the mystery of how Jackson’s loner nanny is involved, who actually committed the crime, and evading several hitmen after Eddie. It may sound like there are a lot of things happening in this book, and to be sure there are a lot of characters’ perspectives coming into play, but everything was beautifully weaved together from the start and resulted in a highly entertaining mystery and pseudo caper.

I plan to enjoy getting better acquainted with Eddie Flynn’s world and look forward to where some of the villains in this book will pop up in the future, and I’m willing to bet you will too!

Eddie Fly is back in action in the eighth installment in the Eddie Flynn series, Witness 8. Out August 1st in the UK. First and foremost if you have not read any part of this series, YOU’RE MISSING OUT! Eddie Flynn is an all around badass, period. End of story! In fact, if I’m ever on trial for murder I’m calling STEVE CAVANAGH!

Ruby Johnson witnesses a murder one night in her neighborhood. As the local outcast who once was a part of, she now is a nanny and maid to the rich. Suddenly she decides to rewrite the narrative, using the suspect as an opportunity. However, something just isn’t right with Ruby Johnson.

Eddie is defending the man who has been accused of the crime, John Jackson. Deep in his gut he truly believes the man is innocent. With his powerhouse team in action, everyone is kicking ass and taking names! Bloch, Harry, Lake, Kate and Tony Two F**ks are back!

Do yourself a favor and READ THIS SERIES!!! Eddie Flynn, a natural conman by nature who is NOW the BEST defense attorney EVER! Brilliant! Hilarious! Shocking reveals!

5 BRILLIANT ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you @atriabooks , @ sscav and @netgalley for the opportunity! One of the best of 2024!
Publication date March 11, 2025