Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for the advanced copy of Witness 8 by Steve Cavanagh. Suspense, legal drama, murder, and lies, Witness 8 has it all. While walking home one night Ruby witnesses a woman’s murder and watches the killer leave the house and dispose of the murder weapon. What would you do? Call 911 and report the murder, or take the opportunity to blackmail someone? Steve Cavanagh adds another amazing story to the Eddie Flynn series. Read as a stand alone or a continuation of the series. You will not be disappointed!

John Jackson, paediatric surgeon, is a family man with a wife and son, in a nice house, in a rich neighbourhood, with a nice job, a nanny that cares for the family, and a murder conviction. He stands accused of murdering the socialite Maggs, another resident on the street, in cold blood after she invited him into her home. The police had two other suspects who were more likely to be involved, but then the weapon appeared in John's closet. He insists he's innocent, and ex-con man turned lawyer Eddie Flynn believes him. However, during this case Eddie has a hit out on him - 50k to whoever kills the lawyer, paid by the corrupt cop gang named New York's Finest. Several attempts on his life are made during the case, including by the Angel of death, an ex-military sniper, and by the mysterious Mr. Christmas, a Marlon Brando fanatic with a penchant for decorum and manners. At the centre of all this chaos, though, is the nanny. Ruby used to live on this street with her mother, until her father went missing and the banks foreclosed their property. Now Ruby's mother is dying, and Ruby is determined to get money for her care - by any means necessary, even murder.

This book is the definition of high action - every chapter has some sort of event that ramps up tension, or releases tension through gunfire or murder. On top of this, there are several interesting plotlines that unfold in this book. There's the murder trial, the hit on Eddie's life, Ruby's motivation and blackmailing of others, Mr. Christmas' weaseling through each of these, and the repercussions of Eddie's colleagues taking down a child trafficking ring. What was also interestingly done was the psychosis of Ruby, which started as a significant puzzle. While we could see the truth of Magg's murder through Ruby's eyes, and the blackmailing and orchestrating she did behind the scenes to get money for her mother, the reader still isn't told who the real murderer was or why Ruby was slowly unraveling until the very end. Instead, there were subtle hints throughout the entire novel, such as the flies that seemed to congregate on that portrait of the red priest.

From a negative angle, however, there were simply too many perspectives and it was difficult to feel integrated into the story. Likewise, the character names were far too similar and that made the too many plotlines problem even harder to follow. More problematic for me, though, was that Eddie always seemed to have an answer to everything. Even if he claimed he was "making something up on the fly", the success rate of his plans was 100%. This made it feel like there weren't any actual stakes, or like the conflicts didn't actually matter, because after the first few it was clear Eddie was never in actual danger. Even with Harry being shot, this still felt like there was too convenient of an answer - almost like Eddie had a major case of too much plot armour.

Thank you NetGalley and Orion publishing for this ARC. I definitely enjoyed this installment of the Eddie Flynn series. As always, jam packed with thrills and action. My favorite part in these stories is always the way the pieces start to fall into place. This story is a ride worth taking…

We are back with Eddie Flynn as he picks up the complicated case of a murderer claiming he's innocent.

You've read that story before, but this isn't about the murderer, this is about the witness. How twisted can the witness really be? Find out in Cavanagh's latest book in the Eddie Flynn series.

Witness 8 is book #8 in the Eddie Flynn series. I like to mention this, because although we are well into the series, I think this could easily be a stand alone as well. So don't be afraid to dive in here and meet MC 'Eddie'. (Who else is thinking about the coincidence, not so coincidence Witness 8 being the 8th book in the series ha!)

First of all, my rating is based on the obvious talent this author has. Not only is this my first Eddie Flynn book, but it's my first book from Steve Cavanagh. I can smell the talent people. He writes a mean book.

Now, although the talent was leaping off the page, this story is really more of a 3 star book. I have some piddly annoyances ..

To start it off, we have way too many character POVs. It was unnecessary and started to slog the flow down. This is a suspenseful story ... and sometimes it wasn't treated as such. The 'who-dun-it' or 'what-will-happen' wasn't really a mystery. So I was looking for more an action packed pace rather than a slow build before the reveal.

Which is also a shame. There is no need to build tension. A lot of repetitive reminders of the storyline put my spidey-senses tingling and the dots were easily connected.

The overall storyline didn't excite me.

All that being said, it was still a well done book. A great plane read that I wouldn't be mad I picked it up on my way to the gate.

P.S. Quick side note because these type of coincidences make my mind spin .. there is a bit of a numbers game that I do wonder if the author is doing on purpose or not. We have Book 6 with the word 'devil' in the title. Book 5 is called Fifty-Fifty. Book 4 is Th1rt3en, which is a shame it's not book 3. Ha.

Thanks to Atria and NetGalley for providing a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

So, this is a series, which I didn't realize; I probably would have gotten more out of it had I had any connection to the recurrent characters, for whom we are clearly meant to feel some spark of concern or emotion. but there are SO MANY of them. So many that I had to stop and reorient myself any time I picked the book up again after a day or two (which I did often, because I didn't find it all that compelling).

Add to that another myriad of non-recurrent characters, all with their own machinations. A girl who will do anything, ANYTHING, to "save" her sainted, sickly mother (I feel like I'm seeing a lot of this in suspense novels lately, and I'm not a fan); a couple of wholly interchangeable murder suspects; the group of child traffickers; the gang of ex-policeman drug runners who are out to get Edie; oh and let's not forget THE HITMAN WHO IS PLAYING 3D CHESS who also has a silly nickname. The whole thing seems to have come straight out of a 70s movie but with another dozen characters added. I gather that other books in this series are better, but this one is Not For Me and I will probably be avoiding this author/series for the foreseeable.

Witness 8 was definitely a roller coaster of a read. I knew I was in for a treat from the very beginning when an already questionable character witnesses her neighbour get murdered and has a very STRANGE response to it. I definitely had to find out exactly how dark her morals went and where her plan in motion would take us!

I enjoyed the lawyer aspects of this book too, there was a lot of style, finesse and some excellent bluffing that made me *mentally* clap hands 😂

Definitely give this book a try I assure you you’ll have a fun time reading.

**note - this is the first book I’ve read with the Eddie Flynn character so if you haven’t read the previous books don’t let that put you off you don’t need any background to dive into this one!**

Thank you to Atria Books and Steve Cavanagh for the EARC!

Publish date: March 11th 2025

This my first book by Steve Cavanagh and it did not disappoint! Mystery/Thrillers have always been my go-to reads and this is a perfect book for anytime of the year. I loved the easy flow of the writing, keeping the reader engaged from the very first page. I have said this many times before and I'll say it again - I absolutely LOVE multiple POV, especially when it comes to this genre. It keeps things fresh and interesting, and as the reader it keeps me guessing throughout the entire book. You have a multitude of complex characters which makes the story as a whole even more intriguing. I know that this is part of a series involving our detective Eddy Flynn, but I read this as a standalone and it was perfect! I will definitely be reading more books by this author. I highly recommend if you love a murder mystery and crime. This checks all the boxes!

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for an advanced eCopy of this book!

Fantastic addition to the Eddie Flynn saga. I tore through this book in two days and could not put it down. This book finds Eddie trying to help an innocent man accused of murdering his neighbor who he didn’t even really know. John Jackson is a surgeon who is only guilty of having a babysitter who knows everyone’s secrets and uses them for her own reasons. Definitely my favorite in the Flynn series, not to be missed.

Witness 8 had my mind running with possibilities of how this book was going to end. I was totally engaged until the end. The ending was just ok. All the suspense and then a very poor ending. I was totally let down.

Hard to believe nobody had a Ring camera.

Synopsis: Ruby Johnson, a nanny on an affluent New York street where she used to live growing up, witnesses a murder, uses the information to her advantage and frames her employer. Lawyer Eddie Flynn defends the accused, Jack Johnson, while watching his every move. Witness 8 follows clues to uncover the real perpetrator.

What worked for me: Strong, engaging characters; very in-depth scenes that read like you’re watching them happen on your TV screen; twists and turns. You can just tell Steve Cavanagh is an established, research-heavy writer.

What didn’t work for me: So. Many. Characters. And POVs. I couldn’t keep track! Rudy vs. Ruby and Jackson vs. Johnson. If you’re going to have dozens of characters, then please do not have similar first or last names.

Note: I did not realize this is part of a series. While the book absolutely can be read as a standalone, I wonder if I would have enjoyed it more had I known some of the potentially previously established plot points — because there was a LOT going on.

Did I easily know what was happening every page? No. Did I stay up late to find out what would happen next? Yes. Strong 3.5 stars.

Thank you to #NetGalley and Atria Books for the advanced reader copy of #Witness8. To be published March 11, 2025.

Witness 8 by Steve Cavanagh

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"Witness 8" by Steve Cavanagh is a masterful legal thriller that had me hooked from the very first page. The story follows Eddie Flynn, a former con artist turned lawyer, who is drawn into a high-stakes trial involving a pivotal witness whose life is in danger. Cavanagh’s sharp writing and fast-paced narrative made it impossible for me to put the book down.

I found myself completely invested in Eddie’s journey, especially as he navigates the murky waters of the legal system while trying to protect his witness. I can’t agree more with a fellow reviewer who described Eddie as “the kind of character you can’t help but root for.” His blend of charm and cunning truly makes him a compelling protagonist.

The tension in the courtroom scenes was palpable. I was on the edge of my seat during the trial sequences, where every piece of evidence felt like it could tip the scales of justice. I resonated with another reviewer who mentioned that Cavanagh “weaves intricate plots with brilliant twists,” as I found myself consistently surprised by the twists and turns throughout the story.

I also appreciated how Cavanagh explored the moral complexities of the legal profession. Eddie's internal conflicts really struck a chord with me, especially when he faced difficult choices regarding how far he would go to protect his client. I found a comment from a fellow reader particularly insightful: “The ethical dilemmas Eddie faces add layers to the story that are thought-provoking.”

The pacing is relentless, and just when I thought I had everything figured out, Cavanagh delivered another shocking revelation. I caught myself gasping at the unexpected turns, which made for an exhilarating reading experience.

In conclusion, "Witness 8" is a must-read for anyone who enjoys gripping legal thrillers filled with suspense and depth. Cavanagh has crafted a story that not only entertains but also keeps you reflecting long after the last page. I wholeheartedly recommend it!

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for this complimentary review copy.

Twists and turns, multiple villains, unexpected surprises along with Eddie's gang of well-rounded and quality crew that you can't help but admire as they tackle another high-profile case.

I would expect nothing less from Cavanagh. Eddie Flynn is as entertaining as ever, solving another case, and off course a hitman hot on this trail. Brilliant plot line, intricate yet easy to follow.

4.5 stars

I swear, Steve Cavanagh knows how to truly right the most suspenseful stories that leave bread crumbs, and then it all adds up in the end. Eddie was amazing, I loved his "outside of the box" tactics. A little grey in areas, but overall, a solid dude. I was SHOCKED by Mr. Christmas and Ruby. Both creeped me out from the moment they were introduced. This story took me on a ride, and I was on the edge of my seat for the majority of the story. The twists were twisting, and it SHOOK me. I literally did not expect half of this. I gasped SO loudly near the ending. Brilliantly written and such a wild chase for answers that you'll never expect!

I received this ARC from NetGalley and Atria Books to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.

This was a great read. It was hard to put down! The only thing I didn’t like about it was the two totally different plots going on at once. It could have been two different books.

This is another in the Eddie Flynn series. Eddie grew up with a father who was a con man and of course Eddie learned a lot from him. He became a lawyer but can’t quite leave all the conning behind. He is brilliant in using various cons to win his cases. This one is no different. Unlike some of Mr. Cavanaugh’s books, we know who the killer and the villain are in the story from the beginning but we just don’t know why. With one blackmailing the other and hiding the truth from the police and the lawyers, how does Eddie find the truth and stay alive while several people are targeting his life?

The book contains quite a bit of vulgar language, especially from one minor character. There is no graphic violence or sexual situations.


Thanks to Netgalley for the chance to read it in exchange for my thoughts.

I went into this not realizing that it was apart of a series. That said, I managed to finish it just fine but I'm sure reading from the beginning of the series would have been very helpful as far as learning the characters better but it did work as a standalone. Overall, I did find this to be an engaging and entertaining read. I was definitely at the edge of my seat reading this, I enjoyed it very much and would recommend you add this series to your TBR!!

Great and unique idea for a book; where unbeknownst to the crime solvers, there is a witness who is manipulating everything ... who's a suspect, who's a going to get rich, who's going to live or die. Creative to be sure ... but unfortunately for me, the plot just didn't deliver a great book.

I love the Eddie Fynn series, mostly because of how unique and quirky Eddie is .... but in this book, he sort of takes a backseat to the controlling witness and therefore we never get the full force of Eddie's magic. And we certainly never see that magic in the courtroom.

I'll always give props to an author for trying something different ... and by no means will I tell people to not read this book. It's just that the first 7 books of the series laid such a phenomenal groundwork for courtroom thriller brilliance, I was ultimately a little (but just a little). disappointed with the final product.

Steve Cavanagh's books are always at the top of my list to read, and Witness 8 did not disappoint. The premise is definitely one not explored often, is the witness worse than the killer. Cavanaugh invites you along to make that decision, while keeping the reader guessing as to how the pieces, players and the ending might all come together. I really liked the variety of characters, especially Eddie Flynn and his team, as well as the myriad of other criminals that Cavanaugh weaves into the story. I absolutely could not Witness 8 down as I tried to race through the story to figure out how it would end!

#Witness8 #NetGalley

I thought this book started out really promising, with an engaging narrative, intriguing characters and plot.
But then it came some revelations and the pacing started to bother me a little.
By the end I thought this book was trying to do too much and the author failed to hold my attention during the second half.
From this author I've only read Kill Me, Kill For You, and even though I personally liked that book more than I did this Witness 8, I remember having some similar feelings, negative points with that one, too.
I am now reconsidering if this author is for my personal taste in thrillers.
Yet, I do recommend this book to anyone who has ever read a book by this author before and enjoyed it.

Thank you, NetGalley and Atria books, for providing me with a free eARC of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion.

Witness Eight by Steve Cavanagh is my first book in the EddIe Flynn series. I don’t feel like I missed much jumping right in. Ruby is a maid and nanny for families in a very affluent neighborhood. The twist is that her and her family used to live in that same neighborhood, and she knows their secrets. One night when everyone is gathered for a big party, Ruby witnesses a murder. She saw more than she should. Ruby anonymously calls the police and ends up with rapscallion lawyer, Eddie Flynn. Eddie was a con artist and hasn’t completely hanged his ways. Twits, turns and a good storyline, as to be expected by Steve Cavanagh.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC for my honest review.