“Thirteen” by Steve Cavanagh

“Thirteen” by Steve Cavanagh is another legal thriller in the Eddie Flynn series. Bobby, a rising Hollywood star is accused of murdering his wife Ariella and his chief of security. Ariella, also being an actress, the murder trial is high-profile and has enough media attention. With all evidence stacked up against Bobby, a con-man turned lawyer Eddie Flynn is pulled in as the defense attorney. As Eddie starts investigating along with his ex-FBI friend, they uncover the possibility of a serial killer being linked to the murder. 

A serial killer infiltrating the jury in the murder trial to watch the proceedings against a man he framed - this is one hell of a premise!

The novel has consistent high points keeping the readers guessing. With genuine twists revealed at the right time, the novel is fast paced. The final twist about the serial killer’s connections is the only one that doesn’t fit well. The narration with dual perspectives from the protagonist and from the antagonist makes it even more gripping. 

Eddie’s character as a street smart lawyer who carries some burden of guilt from his past and at the same time yearns for a future with his wife and daughter is well etched. The serial killer’s motive behind the killings and his manipulative moves against FBI to be always one step ahead and eluding capture are brilliantly portrayed. 

Steve Cavanagh

An intriguing legal thriller with a novel premise that never dips in pace! Highly recommended!

Fifty-Fifty by Steve Cavanagh

Fifty-fifty starts off as a murder mystery with two sisters on trial, each accusing the other for the gruesome murder of their father, a millionaire. 

In a male dominated profession, a young female lawyer Kate Brooks who is part of an established firm is forced to stand against the firm after being subjected to harassment. She represents Alexandra, one of the sisters and is convinced that her client is innocent. An ex-con artist turned lawyer Eddie Flynn represents Sofia, the other sister and believes in her innocence. The prosecutor Dreyer convinces the judge to have a joint trial for both the sisters which means Eddie will be pitted against Kate with a possibility that either one or both the sisters will be convicted at the end of the trial. 

The novel starting off as a murder mystery is tense and has enough elements to sustain the suspense, but the brilliant courtroom drama that ensues is what makes this novel a compelling thriller. With a steady pace, the novel piques the reader’s interest with enough high points. The readers are kept guessing with their suspicion oscillating from one sister to another as events unfold in this taut legal thriller.

A plot that stands out from template murder mysteries, the intense courtroom drama and a convincing climax makes this novel gripping!