This was my first book by Steve Cavanagh, and I was unaware this is one of a series. Fortunately, this book reads well on its own.

I enjoyed the setting, NYC high end neighborhood, with drama between the haves and the have nots. There are detectives, mobsters, and ex special forces thrown in for good measure.

The book was a little slow for me at the beginning, but then picked up around midpoint and I was hooked.

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC.

I really enjoyed this book. The twists and turns that I went on were great and I highly recommend this book! I’ll definitely be checking out more books from this author!

Another 5 star read by Steve Cavanagh!! I seriously think this author doesn’t know how to put out a book that is anything but stellar!! It’s grabs you from the beginning and holds you to the very end. I love the Eddie Flynn character and good ole Judge Harry. If you like lawyer/courtroom drama, this is the book for you. I would recommend this book to everyone.

3.25 stars

This one definitely had its ups and downs. When the book was intense, it was amazing, but the lulls in between were a little too bogged down for me. Usually I thoroughly enjoy his books, so I was shocked to not fully attach myself to everything in the middle.

I’m wondering if I struggled because there were too many POVs? I love multiple POVs, but this had too many plots and people running around that I think this book became very convoluted.

Thanks NetGalley and publisher for the digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

Loved this book! I love Eddie Flynn and all the twists throughout. He always keeps me guessing! This series has very likeable characters and well thought out storyline. I will definitely recommend this to all my reader friends!

Fresh, original, unique. The blurb had me hooked--a witness to a murder, but the witness is crazier than the murderer. And that was most certainly the truth.

The interweavings of this crazy nanny/maid to this wealthy inner club were delicious. At first, I struggled keeping so many characters straight, but as the story moved on it got easier. The ending was stunning to say the least.

This will keep you on your toes! Mysterious, thrilling, and characters that won't disappoint in "crazy."

Thanks to Net Galley, I got my hands on an ARC of Steve Cavanagh's upcoming book, Witness 8. Not only did I want to read this book because of the author, I loved Kill For Me, Kill For You, and how unique the plot was from other thrillers I've read, but I also found the premise of this book intriguing. A witness that's crazier than the killer? What? At first, it was hard for me to get into... there were a lot of characters and several different story lines that all intertwined, and it was hard to keep track of who was who sometimes. But I kept pushing through, and eventually, it hooked me. I was invested in the characters, confused about the painting, I was speculating what was going to happen, as well as the "why" for the whole situation, and I couldn't wait to see how it all played out. The ending did leave me with a couple of questions still. However, the Epilogue was awesome! It had me laughing out loud, and I really hope that Steve Cavanagh is planning to continue that story in another book! Because that is a book I would want to read! Highly recommend this one if you're looking for a unique thriller read!

This is my first read from this author, but he has a few books that were already on my tbr pile! When I saw his name come up on netgalley I hoped to be approved for this one. I went in blind, off JUST the author name. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. It did start out a bit slow, he did pretty good with character development so I appreciated it. When it got moving I was really into it! He wrapped everything up nicely with a bow. Definitely will be going forward with his titles on my tbr! I found out after the fact, that this is actually part of a series, I'm really glad I didn't know that when I went in. I am also really glad that you don't have to have read the books before it to understand what's happening.

🎧Song Pairing: Miss Atomic Bomb - The Killers

💭What I thought would happen:

I LOVED Kill For Me, Kill For You so as soon as I saw Stevie had a new book on NetGalley (but then saw it’s 8th in a series and a police procedural (which I just dislike - post approval of course)

📖What actually happens:

Ruby witnesses a murder of a woman she works for instead of reporting it she’s going to use it to bring chaos on a lot of people.

Eddie is an ex con-man turned lawyer who plays fast and loose with the rules of the law. He will defend the suspected murderer but cannot connect A to B, his client has zero motive and insists he’s innocent.

🗯Thoughts/sassy musings:

Colour me SHOCKED that I loved this so much. Like I said above it’s 8th in the series….doesn't matter you won’t feel lost at all and a police procedural/courtroom drama and Oh my god couldn’t get enough! So exciting from the first chapter!

THE TWISTS! The cleverness of “abusing” the law! The motives! I very much wanted more more more! While I know nothing of American law, police procedures…do I know if this is even remotely accurate…absolutely not. Like watching Greys with no medical knowledge is exciting 😂

Anyways, read it. It really in no way disappointed. I’m going to have to go back and read book 1-7.

this was one of my highly anticipated end of the year reads, especially after being introduced to Eddie Flynn in SC’s Th1rt3en while trying to finally jump into the thriller genre a few months ago, and while i find that this started off really promising, really fast it also crash and burned pretty quick for me. i wasnt a huge fan of all the POVs there was a point where it started to feel like homework to keep up with all of these characters and remember the things they are telling us.

in all honesty i would have loved to see way less of ruby, she was very bland to me and not at all interesting as a main character should be… and if we were going to have this much going on i would have liked to see more from a few different characters, a bit more into the court room and trial (i really enjoyed watching kate in these scenes, i think this was honestly really the only time she really flourished in but at the same time i would have liked to see eddie in the court room more like in 13, as kate felt more of like a placeholder for eddie.)

i am still really eager to jump into the other Eddie Flynn books, i think SC’s writing is phenomenal and all the thought that goes into creating this universe for us but for me this one felt insanely off compared to my previous experience with 13 and if i feel that way after only having read one previous book, i can only imagine how others who have been invested for years could feel about this one. i think it will be very hit or miss with his audience and wholeheartedly believe if you have been looking for a sign to start EFs journey that you should not let this one be your first and if it was your first that you should give the others in this series a chance before writing it off!!!

Witness 8 by Steve Cavanagh is a gripping psychological and legal thriller. This is my first book from Steve Cavanagh though I'd always wanted to read one of his books and I wasn't disappointed. Witness 8 is a book in a series but I didn't feel like I missed anything. There are many characters and subplots but the author skillfully connected them all together. The suspense and twists were out of this world. I also enjoyed the dry with in the book and the character development. I look forward to reading more from Steve Cavanagh. Thank you, Netgalley and Atria books for giving me the ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are mine.

Love Steve as a writer. This book started a bit slow for me compared to his others and took me a while to get into. Maybe about 50% in the book finally picked up. You have gang relations, dirty cops, legal jargon, rich families etc all involved in this book. Very dynamic. Loved the character development. Just wish it picked up faster. Not my favorite of his books but would recommend.

Witness 8 was a different type of thriller/mystery than I normally read. At first I felt like there were a lot of characters and I did not see how or where they possibly could be intertwined. Steve Cavanagh did an AMAZING job of linking everyone together, detailing how they were connected to each other. Cavanaugh's descriptions were so vivid you could clearly see what he was describing. I highly recommend this book about murder, con men and the legal system.

‘What if the witness was more twisted than the killer?’ is the perfect blurb for Witness 8, much like ‘The serial killer isn't on trial. He's on the jury...’ was for Th1rt3en, which I also loved.

This is book #8 in the E. Flynn series and it did not disappoint. Cavanagh is boundless when it comes to his characters and their diversities. Idiosyncratic, cunning, humorous, ruthless, erudite… I mean, name any descriptive and he’s got a character who owns it. And somehow they all mesh effortlessly, like tea-time and me-time and work together like a wolf pack.

There were several moving parts in this narrative, but SC knits them together seamlessly and keeps you on the hook for over 400 pages of solid entertainment. Seriously, you will not come across a dull moment in this one. So very clever and a damn good time! I can’t wait for #9!

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for this arc in exchange for review.

Pub Date: 3.25.25.

Wow! Really enjoyable writing style and interesting plot. This was my first by this author but won’t be my last. Will be recommending to my students in the future!

Ruby Johnson had money and lived among the wealthy.things changed, so she now works in their houses.
Her own grandmother always said , "There's something wrong with Ruby.".
of course, witnessing a murder is never a good thing.
Soon, someone is accused of murder and it's on. The attorneys for the prosecution and defense face off, but who is reliable in their testimony?
The preparation is intense and sometimes dirty , with manipulation on both sides.
This novel is intense and the excitement builds on every page. Someone is the match and someone is the flame.
An enjoyable read.
I was provided an advance copy of the book and all opinions are my own.

Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)

Witness 8 is another gripping installment in Steve Cavanagh's thrilling Eddie Flynn series, delivering a masterclass in courtroom drama and suspense. Cavanagh expertly weaves a complex narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, showcasing his knack for sharp plotting and engaging characters.
The story revolves around the high-stakes trial of a notorious crime boss, and the tension escalates when the prosecution's key witness goes missing. Eddie Flynn, a former con artist turned defense attorney, finds himself embroiled in a web of deceit and danger as he races against time to uncover the truth and protect his client. The stakes are high, and Cavanagh masterfully builds suspense, ensuring that each twist and turn keeps you guessing.
One of the standout elements of Witness 8 is Cavanagh's ability to create multifaceted characters. Eddie Flynn is a compelling protagonist, balancing his moral compass with the gritty realities of the legal world. The supporting characters are equally well-developed, each adding depth and intrigue to the story. The interplay between the characters enriches the narrative, making it not just a legal thriller but also a character-driven tale.
Cavanagh’s writing is sharp and accessible, effortlessly blending courtroom tactics with moments of tension and humor. The pacing is relentless, propelling the reader through the twists and turns of the plot. Just when you think you have it all figured out, Cavanagh throws in a curveball that leaves you reeling.
While the novel is deeply engaging, some readers might find certain plot elements familiar if they’ve followed the series closely. However, Cavanagh's fresh take and skilled storytelling keep it feeling original and exciting.
In conclusion, Witness 8 is a thrilling read that showcases Steve Cavanagh's prowess in crafting a compelling legal drama. With its intricate plot, well-drawn characters, and a perfect balance of suspense and wit, this book is a must-read for fans of the genre. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a page-turner that keeps you guessing until the very end.

Final Thoughts
Witness 8 solidifies Cavanagh’s place as a master of courtroom thrillers, and I can't wait to see where Eddie Flynn’s journey takes us next!

Favorite Quote:
"In a courtroom, the truth is often the first casualty."

Steve Cavanagh's Witness 8 is a gripping psychological thriller that takes readers on a wild ride through Manhattan’s exclusive Upper West Side. Ruby Johnson, once a resident of this prestigious neighborhood, now works as a maid for the same wealthy families she used to associate with. After her father’s gambling addiction causes her family to lose everything, Ruby is left with bitterness and a burning desire to regain her former life.

The plot kicks into high gear when Ruby witnesses a murder in one of the homes she works for. Instead of going to the police, she sees this as a golden opportunity to cash in on her insider knowledge and change her life, and her mother’s, forever. Ruby, who is both intelligent and devious, sets out to manipulate the situation, aiming to pin the murder on the wrong man in order to build her new future.

Cavanagh excels at weaving intricate twists and turns throughout the story. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, another secret or villain emerges, keeping you on edge. The novel is populated by a range of morally grey characters, and Ruby’s cunning plans make her both an intriguing and chilling protagonist.

The novel’s pacing is swift, and while there are occasional lulls, the tension quickly ramps up again as the stakes grow higher. Witness 8 explores themes of power, privilege, and survival, all while maintaining a relentless sense of suspense. Ruby’s evolution from a downtrodden maid to a master manipulator is both believable and terrifying, making her a standout character in the world of thrillers.

If you enjoy fast-paced, twist-filled novels with complex characters and high stakes, Witness 8 is a must-read. Steve Cavanagh has crafted another page-turner that will leave you breathless until the very last chapter.

Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher Atria Books for this advanced e-ARC.

This was my first Steve Cavanagh book. I won't say it's my last because I've always heard really good things about Thirteen, but I will say that it took me 3 weeks to finish this book mainly due to the fact that I dreaded it. It just dragged on. I love books with multiple perspectives, but this was just too much. The story telling was laborious. There were too many side characters, scene explaining, and unnecessary jargon. This book wasn't for me, but maybe it will be for you. Hopefully the next Steve Cavanagh book will be a hit for me and not another miss.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria books for allowing me to read an arc in exchange for my review. You can find this book on shelves March 25, 2025.

Oh Eddie - such a generous and caring character willing to defend those in his circle. This is the second book I have read in this series - I had no issues keeping up with the characters and plot.
A thriller with a manipulative young woman cashing in on her friend's murder; Eddie creates such anger with NYPD they put a contract out on his life; Mr. Christmas - a hitman. So much to keep you enthralled and entertained!
Told from various POVs - Eddie as first person, other perspectives third person. It sounds clunky - yet done very well. There were a few times I needed a moment to remember.
Great read!