Member Reviews

Little did I know before reading this book that it is a republication (new pretty cover and everything). This is Book #5 in the Eddie Flynn series, and I believe that it can totally be read as a standalone, considering that I’ve never read any of the other Eddie Flynn books, and I was not lost or confused at all in this story. This was a very fast-paced story, with lots of twists. However, I did have a few qualms about it…

This story is about two sisters, Sofia and Alexandra Avellino, who are both accused of murdering their father. In fact, each sister is pointing the finger at the other one. Both Sofia and Alexandra were present at their father’s apartment the night he was murdered, and both sisters made a 911 call to the police. We, and the jury just have to decide who is innocent and who is guilty?

Enter Eddie Flynn as Sofia Avellino’s attorney. Through this we learn a little bit about Eddie, and also that of Sofia. Then we have Kate, who is Alexandra Avellino’s attorney. Once again, through this part we learn a little bit about Kate’s life and Alexandra’s. I never knew who was innocent or guilty throughout this story, as my finger pointed at each sister multiple times throughout (and I’m usually pretty good at guessing).

However, I will say that I did have a bit of an issue with Kate’s story towards the end (and maybe all of it if I’m being honest). It was just a bit implausible, and I doubt anything like that would really happen in real life. I also found it weird that while the two sisters were out on bond, no one was monitoring their whereabouts? 🤔 I also have to say that this was the second book that I’ve read by Steve Cavanagh, and it will probably be my last. I’ve discovered that he may not be the author for me moving forward.

All in all, this was an enjoyable story that I know many readers will love.
(3.5 stars- rounded up)

Many thanks to NetGalley, Atria Books, and the author for a DRC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Publication date: June 3, 2025

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Another great Eddie Flynn book! The author’s books are always so satisfying. So many twists and turns that had me guessing until the end.

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Steve Cavanagh has done it again with this addictive courtroom thriller. This is the fifth book in the series which I've read out of order and still thise books are clever and fast-paced. Which sister "did it." The book will leave you continuously changing your mind with the twisty plot.

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“Fifty Fifty" by Steve Cavanagh is a gripping legal thriller that delivers plenty of suspense and intricate plotting, making it an engaging read for fans of the genre. The narrative follows a high-stakes trial that revolves around a captivating and twisted premise, showcasing Cavanagh's knack for crafting tension-filled situations that keep readers on their toes.

The characters are well-developed, Cavanagh's writing style is sharp and accessible, and I appreciated the clever twists and turns woven throughout the plot.

While "Fifty Fifty" has many strengths, it didn't quite resonate with me. The intensity of the courtroom drama, although well-executed, at times felt familiar, and I found myself wishing for a more unique approach to the themes explored in the book. Additionally, some aspects of the plot felt slightly contrived, which detracted from my overall enjoyment.

That said, "Fifty Fifty" remains an entertaining read and will likely appeal to those who enjoy thrillers that combine legal drama with psychological elements. Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest opinions!

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I am a sucker for psych thrillers and suspense novels, so when I read the blurb of this book I immediately knew I wanted to read it! Cavanagh wove together a masterful story in which I didn’t know if i was coming or going! I was engaged the entire time!

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A man is murdered and his two daughters call 911, claiming the other one killed their father. There’s a 50/50 shot that one of them did it. I was immersed in this story, eating it up in a day. The two suspects, the twists and surprises, the courtroom play by play, all very well written. Captivating, fast paced and had me guessing until the very end.

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This was fantastic! I am a big Steve Cavanagh fan, and this book was such a great twist on a "who done it" story line. Throughout the book, the reader goes back on forth betting on the innocence of either Alexandra or Sofia in the murder of their father. Two sisters who called 911 on each other at the same time and same day, but only one can be convicted..... or both. Or neither.

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y’all - this was my second steve cavanagh book and he’s quickly becoming one of my favorite thriller authors. this book started a little slow but kept me guessing the entire time - and yep, the twist got me! I couldn’t put the book down for the last 30%, I had to know whodunnit!!

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I could not put this down. Just when I thought which sister did it, I was wrong. Would love to read more from this author, great work.

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Steve Cavanagh is quickly becoming one of my favorite thriller writers. This was a great legal thriller - some creative liberties were taken, but for the most part, it felt incredibly realistic. It had me guessing all the way to the end -- I will definitely be continuing on with this series!

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This is my second Steve Kavanagh book and let me just say, he does not disappoint. Fifty Fifty tells the story of two sisters accused of murdering their father. Each points the finger at the other, and only they know the truth.
The title holds true. I was changing my mind of who the killer was until the very end. The hints that were dropped throughout the story could have pointed to either sister and it kept me on my toes the entire time.
I really enjoyed the pacing of the first Kavanagh book I read and Fifty Fifty met my expectations. Whether you’ve read any Eddie Flynn books previously or not, this one is top-tier.

Thank you to Steve Kavanagh and Atria Books for the ARC ahead of Fifty Fifty’s US release!

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Steve Cavanagh has done it again!!!!!!! I read Kill for me, Kill for you and thought it was the best suspense book I had ever read. Now I want to read more by this author!!!! Fifty Fifty did not disappoint. Edge of your seat from start to finish. Two sisters accusing each other of the murder of their father. Two lawyers trying to prove that their client is innocent. The whole time you really don't know who did it. You don't know who to hate and who to root for. Dark, mysterious, and a wild ride for sure. I will be recommending this to all of my mystery reader friends and patrons. This is a must read!

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Damn, this was so fun and twisty! Cavanagh has fully won me over and I’ll be searching out all the Eddie Flynn books now!

You’ll be on the edge of your seat the entire time, fully convinced you know what’s what until you don’t. The perfect legal thriller!

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Anything by Steve cavanagh is a MASTERPIECE!!!! An auto read for me !! Please please please keep them coming

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I like Eddie Flynn, and all characters in their pursuit of justice in this book. It did reaffirm something I already knew which is I could never be a defense attorney. I loved Eddie’s moral compass, and I loved Kate’s determination. I loved that I truly had no idea which sister it was so I have to say job well done to Steve Cavanagh!

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Frank Avellino was a multi millionaire and ex NYC mayor. Sofia and Alexandra are his daughters. Sofia is the sister that self harms and has issues. Alexandra is the sister more put together. Their mother was a cold nasty woman whose punishment for the girls was to bite them for making the wrong move when playing chess. The sisters call 911 telling the operator the other sister just brutally killed their father and one of the sisters was hiding in the bathroom. Which sister fatally stabbed their father? Rumor was the father was going to cut one of them out of the will.

The book alternates chapters between Eddie, Kate, Sofia , Alexandra and “she” , the one killing and who’s disturbed. I loved all the characters. The story left me constantly questioning which sister killed their father and others. It was a suspenseful story. The trial made me feel like I was in the courtroom as an observer. The courtroom drama was gripping. This book is part of a series but can be read as a standalone.

Pub date: June 3, 2025

Thank you #netgalley, #atriabooks, #steven Cavanagh

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I’ve only read one book by Cavanaugh. “Kill for me, kill for you”. This was much better.
It was well written and gripping and seriously had me second guessing myself to the very end. I’ve haven’t read any of the Eddie Flynn series yet but I will definitely go and find them now

I was worried that I would lost reading this since it was number 5 or 6 in the series. I was not. This could be a stand alone book, only missing a little background.

Cavanaugh and Eddie Flynn have a new fan!!

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I thoroughly enjoyed this ARC provided by NetGalley. This story of two sisters both claiming the other murdered their father had some of everything. There were so many twists and turns all the way through. This was great storytelling with several points of view. No one could be trusted. I would read this again just to enjoy the ride.

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Such a great book with Eddie Flynn as the main character set in New York City. Two sisters are arrested for the murder of their father and they both accuse each other of being the murderer. It’s a great courtroom drama full of twists and turns that keeps you reading well past bedtime! Plus this can be read as a stand alone or as part of the series. Cannot recommend this book enough!

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A father is murdered and two sisters are blaming each other. Who is the murderer? This book starts off with a bang and is a non-stop, fast paced thriller until the very end. I spent the whole book guessing which sister was the murderer. Steve writes such strong women characters in his books and this one is no different.

Highly recommend the Eddie Flynn series and the way the books are set up, you don’t need to read any others in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing me with an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

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