This one started off good for me but then it dragged in the middle of the book. It did pick back up though and had some really good twists throughout. Good mystery!

When I chose this selection, I was unaware that it was a republication—or a fifth installment in the Eddie Flynn series by Steve Cavanagh. That said, it can easily be enjoyed as a standalone novel; I had not read any of the previous books in the series, and at no point did I feel confused or out of my depth.

The story is gripping and fast-paced, filled with numerous twists that maintain a high level of suspense throughout. The central plot revolves around two sisters, Sofia and Alexandra Avellino, who are both accused of murdering their father. Intriguingly, each sister accuses the other, and both were present at the scene of the crime. They each made separate 911 calls that night, and the reader—along with the jury—must determine who is telling the truth.

Eddie Flynn, acting as Sofia’s defense attorney, serves as our entry point into the legal drama. Through him, we get glimpses into both his character and Sofia’s. On the other side of the courtroom is Kate, representing Alexandra. Her storyline also provides insight into Alexandra’s character as well as Kate’s personal background. The narrative skillfully keeps the reader guessing; I found myself alternating between the sisters in my attempts to determine who was guilty—a testament to the author’s ability to maintain suspense.

That said, I did have some concerns, particularly with the plausibility of Kate’s storyline as it progressed. Certain developments near the end of the book felt far-fetched, detracting somewhat from the overall credibility of the narrative. Additionally, I found it unusual that the two sisters, while out on bond, seemed to be completely unsupervised—an element that raised questions for me.

This was the second book I’ve read by Steve Cavanagh, and while I appreciated many aspects of his storytelling, I’ve come to the conclusion that his writing style may not align with my personal preferences going forward.

Nonetheless, this was an engaging and entertaining read that I believe many readers will thoroughly enjoy.

3.5-3.75

Many thanks to NetGalley, Atria Books, and the author for providing a digital review copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

If you love an awesome courtroom whodunnit ! Then this is for you ! This book had me on the edge of my seat from the first relay call of the 911 call ! This was so good I couldn’t put it down ! The roller coaster with twists and turns . Awesome read !

Great read! This book will have you guessing at every turn. Just when I thought I was sure, something would change. I very much appreciated not only the big twists but the little details laid throughout that left breadcrumbs. Definitely a slow burn but well-written and engaging throughout. Eddie and Kate captured my heart.

Sisters, Sophia and Alexandra Avellino make almost simultaneous 911 calls stating that they’ve found their father, Frank, dead and accuse the other sister of doing it. At the gruesome scene, both are covered in his blood and arrested for his murder. Stuck with a joint trial, Eddie Flynn is representing Sophia and is sure of her innocence. While Kate Brooks is representing Alexandra and is equally assured of her innocence. When the evidence could go fifty fifty, who will the jury believe?

Fifty Fifty is the kind of book that sucks you in and you lose time reading. There were so many twists and turns, I had no idea who was the guilty party. After realizing the book was a series centered around the main lawyer, Eddie Flynn; I want to go back and read the series from the beginning. While the book was very enjoyable, grief was a constant theme throughout the book. I felt that Eddie’s feelings about his family put a damper on an otherwise thrilling book. Eddie was already depressed about a murder that takes place. I felt the book often circled back to his family, making him more unlikable at times. Perhaps the other books in the series would help me understand him better. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading the series from the beginning!

Thank you to NetGalley, Steve Cavanagh and Simon and Schuster Publishing for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was worth the read! It started a little slow, but by the second half, I couldn’t put it down!! I loved the way it’s told from both lawyers point of view with a “She” POV. It left me guessing for most of the book! There were a couple of grammatical errors at locations 649 (missing the word “to” in the phrase “ Kate took the opportunity get a good look at the client..”), location 4271 (You’re doing great. You’re holding up. I just need “to” you to keep things straight for another day or two.) and location 5017 (to Hal to find it, because he) extra “to” also.

Will definitely recommend though!! Thank you for this opportunity!!

Holy smokes what an amazing edge of the seat read!! I couldn't get enough and kept questioning who did it. You think you know and than bam curve ball. Love all the point of views esp from the killer as well. You earned a new fan!!

Incredible story! Kept me guessing the entire time! Very descriptive writing with characters that I felt like I really got to know. Overall a better very great read. I would recommend this book to all my friends.

: This story is told not only through the perspectives of Eddie and Kate as they realize they’re part of a larger, darker plan, but also through the perspective of the killer. Only called “She” in those chapters, she narrates the additional crimes and murders she commits to ensure her sister is wrongly convicted for the patricide she committed. I’ve read books that included narration from the killer, but never with the killer being clearly narrowed down to one of two people. I thought Cavanagh did a really good job sprinkling in clear clues that pointed to either or both of the sisters. I would definitely encourage people to give this a read

Thank you to Atria Books eGalley and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC! The whole time I kept flipping back and forth between which sister did it. jist enough mystery with a law case. I feel like some people didn't get what they deserved and others got exactly what they deserved. Definitely would love to see a show made!

I loved this book! Every time I thought I had figured it out, there was another twist that made me second guess what I was thinking. I would highly recommend this book and I want to read the rest of the series now!

Another solid Steve Cavanaugh book. Well-written and I love how knowledgeable Steve is with courtroom law. Eddie is a likeable character. Didn't know who actually committed the crime til the end. Well done as usual.

I have been wanting to get my hands on this novel and I am so honored I did! Excellent novel. Cavanagh’s writing never disappoints. I devoured this novel.

I love the Eddie Flynn series and I am glad they are finally getting recognition in The United States.
Steve Cavanagh has a fresh take on legal thrillers and I am always excited when he has a new book drop.

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC of the US ebook release!

5 Stars — A Gripping, Page-Turning Thriller!

Fifty Fifty by Steve Cavanagh is an absolute masterclass in suspense. From the very first chapter, I was completely hooked and found myself racing through the pages, desperate to uncover the truth. Cavanagh’s sharp writing and perfectly paced twists kept me guessing and flip flopping on who I thought the killer was.

The courtroom drama is intense, the characters are brilliantly drawn, and the tension never lets up. It’s one of those rare thrillers where you find yourself saying, "Just one more chapter," only to realize you’ve read half the book in one sitting. If you love smart, suspenseful stories that keep you on the edge of your seat, Fifty Fifty is a must-read. Highly recommend!

From the very first line, this book had my adrenaline pumping. It moves fast—like really fast—and I couldn’t put it down. The legal case at the center was gripping, and since this is the book that really introduces Flynn and Brooks' law firm, I finally felt like I had a solid grasp on how everything began.

Eddie, in particular, stood out to me. There’s something so humble about him—he’s honest, endearing, and just a genuinely likable guy. I found myself rooting for him right away. Kate is still a newer character, so she’s clearly in development mode, but I’m excited to see where her arc goes. And then there’s Bloch—such a mystery. I need the author to dive deeper into her background in the next book.

This series is one I could see myself reading for a long time. The pace, the cases, the characters—they’ve all got me hooked. If you’re into legal dramas with heart and edge, this one’s a must-read. I already feel connected to these characters, and I can’t wait to see how they grow.

I would like to express my deep gratitude to Atria Books and NetGalley for their generosity in allowing me to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

A former politician was murdered brutally by one of his daughters. But who did it?
Is it the 'established' daughter who seems to be the father's favorite? Or is it the troubled one who has been in and out of rehab?

At first, you may think you have it all figured out, but nope! Steve Cavanagh didn't give it away too easily. Each page keeps you on the edge of your seat. If you enjoy solving cases, then Fifty Fifty is a must-read for you! This is a solid five-star for me!

Steve Cavanagh, via Eddie Flynn, continues to deliver clever twists and engaging storylines in Fifty Fifty. This is only my second Eddie Flynn novel (the first one I read was further down the line when his working relationship with Kate and Bloch was already well established), so I was glad I got to read their origination story.

I enjoyed the multiple narratives provided throughout the book, most of all the anonymity of ‘She’. It was a good way to present a detached voice of a killer without assigning too many identifiable characteristics. A very entertaining read overall.

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for the opportunity to read this arc!

<i>Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.</i>

3.5 stars rounded up

A really solid thriller. I went back and forth through almost the whole book on who committed the murder. Very interested in reading more of the Eddie Flynn series.

Fantastic book! I would highly recommend both this book and other books by this author. Be sure to read this book!