4.5 ★s
Thirteen is the fourth book in the Eddie Flynn series by Irish lawyer and author, Steve Cavanagh. Eddie Flynn had been approached by high-profile lawyer Rudy Carp, but was reluctant to join his team for Bobby Solomon’s trial. Bobby was charged with the murder of his wife, Ariel Bloom and his head of security, Carl Tozer. On meeting Bobby, however, Eddie became convinced of his innocence. Eddie’s role would be to discredit the NYPD’s handling of evidence.

The case looked almost hopeless but there was a piece of evidence that had Eddie puzzled, so he called on his ex-FBI friend, Harper, to do some digging. His good friend Judge Harry Ford would be on the bench and the prosecution had a hired gun to put their case. Art Pryor had a reputation for getting convictions, and doing so quickly. But then the unexpected happened, and suddenly Eddie was defending Bobby by himself.

Cavanagh sets up his story with chapters that alternate between Eddie’s narrative and the perspective of the murderer. So the reader is immediately aware of what this man has done to get onto the jury, and why, if not the full extent of his actions. Eddie is smart, but is this serial killer smarter?

Cavanagh’s tale is full of twists and turns and red herrings to mislead and distract the reader. Eddie indulges in some clever courtroom antics and also mixes it with the bad guys in a physical sense. There’s plenty of action leading to a heart-stopping climax in this gripping page-turner.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Flatiron Books

There’s no shortage of legal thrillers to get you attention, but Steve Cavanagh has come up with an interesting twist that makes “THIRTE3N” a good choice. Lawyer Eddie Flynn tells the story from his point of view, but we also hear from one of the jurors, who just happens to be the murderer. An excellent “hook” in this fast-paced story.

''Thirteen'' is one of those rare novels that live up to the hype created by both critics and readers. This was also the first book written by the Irish author Steve Cavanagh and i proceeded to read the book with caution, but any reservations I had vanished after reading the first 40-50 pages of the novel. The story unfolds in a fast pace and its not-too-short and not-too-long length guarantees the total absence of verbalism and unnecessary descriptive parts that have nothing to do with the central plotline. As a result, the reader never gets bored and you will find yourselves turning the pages in a frenetic pace in order to see what happens next.
Eddie Flynn is an ex-grifter and currently successful attorney who takes on the case of a possible murder by a famous young actor, Robert Solomon who is charged with double homicide, his wife and head of security. The case seems impossible at first sight due to vast amount of evidence against his client but Flynn is a remarkable lawyer who will do his best in order to acquit the young thespian. The trial itself, which begins at the middle of the book, ends up being a battle of wits between Flynn and the real perpetrator who is sitting on the jury. Steve Cavanagh has studied law and he is currently a legal practitioner, specializing in civil rights law and his professional experience helps to create a genuine trial atmosphere. The dialogue between lawyers and law enforcement agents sounds more truthful as it is based on those happening in real life.
The story is narrated by two points of view, Flynn's and the real killer's, which adds to the overall tension as the trial is coming to an end and the revelation of the true guilty party gets closer. It should be noted that there is a critique to the American dream which is denounced by the perpetrator as ''the great American lie'' and even acts as a motivation for his gruesome acts. Such social commentary is more than welcomed when it is placed in the right time, at the right place and S. Cavanagh inserts his critique in a masterful and subtle way.
Of course there are many twists from beginning to end in the novel's rich plot and don't be surprised if you find yourselves finishing the book even in one sitting. If you still haven't read it, you better do yourselves a favour and delve into this perfect example of blending a murder mystery, a serial-killer hunt and a legal thriller.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
Thanks to NetGalley and publisher for this compelling book in return for an honest review. This is a fast-paced thriller which combines legal maneuvering in a courtroom drama with an attempt to expose a secretive and warped serial killer in order to save a famous celebrity on trial for murder. The plot was complicated and preposterous, but I found the story intriguing and enjoyable.

The description of the diabolical serial killer seemed far fetched and lacked believability. He is a master of disguise, capable of impersonating the gestures and voices of others and forging their handwriting. He also has a physiological inability to feel pain. He has been carrying out his murderous deeds for years, always evading suspicion. Some suspension of disbelief is essential in order to connect with the mystery.

His mode of operation is targeting people who have had recent good luck and fortune. Instead of killing them, he sets them up as prime suspects for the murder of others.

This time his victim is a young actor who has risen to fame as a much in demand Hollywood Star. He married an actress who co-stars with him in a big budget movie soon to be released. They also have an upcoming reality show together. He found his wife and security guard murdered in their home, and there is much evidence pointing to him as the killer.

Eddie Flynn, a charismatic con-man turned defence lawyer, feels that despite all the signs pointing towards the actor’s guilt he has a gut feeling that he is innocent. He agrees to defend him. He feels the case will prove to his estranged wife that he can try a legal case without putting his family in jeopardy (which has been a problem in their past). Alcohol was an escape for him. What he doesn’t realize is how complicated and dangerous this case will be. The true killer is on the jury through treachery, murder and disguise. Not only is Flynn in danger, but also the legal teams, both prosecution and defence, and members of the jury.

Flynn decides that his client can only be saved by exposing corrupt cops who have manipulated the evidence and to discover the true killer. The trial has already started so there isn’t much time. He must rely on all his legal expertise and skills from his con-man past. People connected to the case are being killed. Is it even possible in such a complicated trial to have a successful outcome?

The Tagline for this book is what initially drew me to it. It’s clever and intriguing, I mean, the serial killer is on the jury??!! What??!! With a hook like that, I just HAD to read this book!

It’s the fourth in a series, and admittedly I haven’t read the others, but that didn’t matter - it was very easy to follow and get an idea of Eddie’s past. And if you only ever read this, it also works well as a stand alone novel.

Con-man turned criminal defense attorney, Eddie Flynn, has just landed the case of his career. In fact, it’s the case of the century! However, the prosecution’s case is solid and looks like a slam dunk, but...

“In a criminal trial, forensic evidence is God. But I’m a defense attorney. I got the devil on my side. And he doesn’t play fair.”

This book was incredibly exciting and so very well written. The author takes us on a journey through alternating POV chapters between Eddie and our serial killer, and boy does it make for thrilling reading!

Layers upon layers, and twists and turns that had me continually guessing, and cheering, and gasping. And totally surprised!

All in all, Thirteen was very well executed, and should be a hit with any reader who enjoys the courtroom drama and mystery/thriller/suspense genres. A great read! And that cover - stunning!

Thank you to Steve Cavanagh, Flatiron Books, and NetGalley for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

An entertaining story with some unexpected twists that keep you guessing until the very end. The plot moves along at a good pace and you can never be sure that everything is as it seems...