This was an immersive psychological legal thriller that kept me second-guessing and questioning everything. I was hooked on the suspense from the start and I absolutely loved the courtroom drama (it felt like I was part of the gallery in the scenes where the defense were cross examining the experts and contesting their statements). The anticipation to find out what the verdict and who the real killer was kept growing with each chapter and the different POVs, and I loved every second of it.

I'm definitely going to be reading this series from the start! I loved Eddie Flynn's character, and I'm so curious about his past.

4.75

I figured this one out immediately because it pointed way too hard at the one sister so it became too obvious it wasn’t her

You know a book is good when you start playing detective, get overconfident, and then realize you’re terrible at solving crimes. Fifty Fifty is a rollercoaster of courtroom drama, unreliable narrators, and enough twists to make you question everything—including whether you should ever trust your own judgment again.

Things that kept me hooked:
📖 Short, quick chapters – Just one more chapter turned into half the book.
💡 A premise that messes with your head – Two suspects, one killer, and good luck figuring out which is which.
🔥 High-stakes legal drama – Lawyers pulling off moves that would make real attorneys weep.
🧠 A game of psychological chess – Trust no one. Suspect everyone. Question your own life choices.
🎭 Characters you love, hate, and don’t know what to do with – Because morally gray is the best color.

This book is proof that Steve Cavanagh plays mind games for a living. If you love courtroom thrillers with a side of I did NOT see that coming, this one’s for you!

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.

Warning: you'll probably read this is one sitting because you can't put it down, so don't start it when you don't have time to sit and enjoy. I can't say too much about it without spoilers, suffice to say even if you figure out the murderer, you'll second-guess yourself more than once. Fantastic ending. One of my favorite authors for good reason. I don't know how he continues to come up with these plots! Loved the mention of his/JT's book "Twisted." So glad this is will finally be available in the U.S. in June 2025.

This book is full of drama and suspense. It's told from multiple perspectives but is easy to follow along with each character. Just when you think you've got it all figured out, there are twists and turns that keep you on your feet. If you're looking for a thrilling legal drama, this is it! I highly recommend.

Eddie Flynn is one of my favorite characters. When I realized this was part of his series, I jumped at the chance. This time he finds himself defending one of 2 sisters accused of Patricide. Both have motive and opportunity, both claim to be innocent. We get a POV from the killer sprinkled throughout the book and he/she is a psychopath. We don’t find out who it is until the very end and with all the twists and turns, you’ll be second guessing yourself just like Eddie.

3.5 rounded up
Great book. Some good plot twists a few I expected.
My first Steve Cavanagh book, I’ll be reading more

Another outstanding work from Steve Cavanagh.

After reading (and loving) Kill for Me, Kill for You, I have been wanting to get my hands on anything and everything Cavanagh writes. When I saw this title come up on my netgalley, I thought this was another standalone novel. I was (pleasantly) surprised to learn that this was another Eddie Flynn book that his US publisher is publishing. After loving Witness 8, I was very excited to jump back into another Eddie Flynn title.

With the Flynn series, you can really start anywhere. I myself started at 1, then went to 8, and now here I am at 5. This was fun to be introduced to Kate and Bloch and I treated it as a sort of prequel to what I had just read in Witness 8. So far, Fifty-Fifty is my favorite. I had a feeling where this story was going to end up, and in typical Cavanagh fashion, he kept me on my toes the entire time. Cavanagh has a tremendous way of gluing readers to the page and his courtroom scenes are explosive and delightfully fun to read. I really wish I could work for Eddie Flynn and his time.

I am grateful that Cavanagh's US publisher is bringing these titles to the states. I am equally grateful that they allowed me early access to this title in exchange for an honest review.

this book had me guessing right up until the very end- i was convinced i had it figured out, and i definitely didn’t. i’ve loved the other steven cavanagh books ive read, and this one did not disappoint.

thanks to netgalley for the chance to read a copy of this addicting book!

Steve Cavanaugh does it again! He’s usually a hit or miss for me, but this one was DEFINITELY a hit.

I loved the legal aspect of this thriller & will def read more of the Eddie Flynn universe. As a paralegal, I sometimes find it hard to enjoy legal thrillers but this one genuinely was done well in my opinion.

I was also just completely on edge the entirety of this book. I just had to keep reading once I started and figure out who the heck was guilty! While there were only two suspects so I wouldn’t call the ending “shocking”, I did think it had a wow factor & I very much enjoyed it.

So many twists and turns, never knowing who did it! I was a little disappointed when I found out this was book number 5. I would have loved to read the others first! But nonetheless it was such a great read and now il be reading so many more from this author, this is a must read!

This is my first Eddie Flynn story as I did not realize until roughly half way through a book. Typically I don’t love to start mid series but this book was great and holds as a great stand alone. This book left me guessing at every turn and held the right amount of tension and build up. Loved it!

I absolutely devoured this book! I loved, loved, loved it. I loved the whole court storyline! I second guessed the entire way!

I loved Eddie and his relationship with Harry. Same for Kate and Bloch. I haven't read a really good thriller like this in a long time! I cannot wait to read this entire series!

Thank you NetGalley & Atria for this ARC for my honest review!

#NetGalley #FiftyFifty #SteveCavanagh #Atria

I’ve read this series majorly out of order but these books are completely enjoyable individually!!

I loved Fifty Fifty in particular, it captivated me from the very start. I loved all the various POVs and the storyline was very original. I would 100% recommend this series & this book!

Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy

If I had a dollar for every time I changed my mind on which sister was guilty, I would be able to get some take out. But seriously, each sister thinks the other brutally murdered their dad, and I was here for it! Another amazing novel by Steve Cavanagh, with his main character, conman turned lawyer, Eddie Flynn. The story was super fun to try to figure out who murdered their dad, and I did not see the twists coming! I will absolutely be reading more Cavanagh novels!

This book was so good. I recently discovered Steve Cavanaugh and I’m now obsessed with his books. Thank you for the net galley copy of fifty fifty. It was fast paced with just enough action and mystery. The end was a bit rushed but overall a great book.

I like the thriller part, but not the courtroom or law prep. These are some very twisted sisters!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

I just read Steve Cavanagh for the first time last year and I loved his thriller. It was such a face paced read but with character development and just a bingeable read. I saw that this was coming out and I didn't realize that it was a sequel in an already published series. However, you don't need to read the other books in the series to understand what is going on in this one. The characters in this book were written so well. I loved how each chapter was a different characters perspective and it kept the book readable. I devoured it in two sittings. We follow two siblings who are both on trial for the murder of their father but only one of them killed him. We follow two different detectives trying to get the sisters off from murder. It is such a complex story where I kept going back and forth on who I thought actually killed him. Towards the end I thought I was correct but I still wasn't 100% sure and I adore books that keep you guessing until the very end and have you questioning what is actually true. I will definitely be picking up another book by Steve Cavanagh. Solid read; definitely recommend. 3.5/5 stars.

If Steve Cavanagh is writing it, you can bet I’m reading it! The storylines suck you in and turn everything upside down that you think will happen - Fifty Fifty is no different! This is part of a series but can definitely be read standalone.

Thank you to NetGalley, Steve Cavanagh, and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Steve Cavanagh’s Fifty Fifty is a gripping legal thriller that delves into a high-stakes murder case involving two sisters, Alexandra and Sofia Avellino. After their father, Frank Avellino, a former NYC mayor and millionaire, is brutally murdered, both sisters make separate 911 calls, accusing the other of the crime. The case hinges on which sister is telling the truth, and which one is lying.

The story alternates between Eddie Flynn, a former conman turned lawyer, and Kate Brooks, a defense attorney representing Alexandra. Eddie defends Sofia, despite her mental health struggles, while Kate is convinced of Alexandra’s innocence. The central mystery: which sister is the cold-blooded killer? Is it the seemingly successful Alexandra, or the vulnerable Sofia with a troubled past?

Cavanagh expertly builds suspense, with tense courtroom scenes and unexpected twists. The complex backstory of the Avellino family and the psychological damage inflicted on the sisters adds depth to the story. While there are moments where the plotting feels a bit forced, the novel’s fast pace and engaging characters make it an irresistible read.

Fifty Fifty is a thrilling, well-written addition to Cavanagh’s Eddie Flynn series, filled with moral dilemmas and suspense. Highly recommended for fans of courtroom drama and psychological thrillers.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.