Cover Image: Thirteen

Thirteen

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Member Reviews

Talk about a unique premise! I thought I had seen everything but wow, this one proved me wrong.

Eddie Flynn is a lawyer with an interesting past. He was once a con artist. I don’t know if his past has a major impact on his law career but either way, Eddie is a damn good lawyer. He is the best man to help Robert Solomon, a man convicted of killing his wife.

This story was intense! There are chapters narrated by the villain. Invisible, meticulous, dark and menacing, the killer hides in plain sight. This person taunts the legal system. Instead of hiding in shadows, the villain is right there facing the police, prosecutors, judges and lawyers. Talk about guts!

I enjoyed every bit of this narrative. I love the fact that it is a combination of legal and crime thriller. The courtroom drama was spellbinding. I was so curious about the outcome of the case. Which way will the jury go? Eddie was great to read about. His tackles in court were supper impressive. He is the kind of fictional lawyer that you think about whenever faced with injustice. Some of his moves had my jaw drop. I also enjoyed the second storyline of trying to figure out exactly who killed Robert’s wife. The investigation was nail biting, many close calls, no obvious suspects and red herring galore.

I enjoyed this book! Doesn’t matter that its part of a series. I think it’s one that can be read as a standalone. I can’t wait to get my hands on the rest of the series. What a captivating, twisty read!

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This is a legal thriller with a fantastic twist. There's a murder trial. The real killer's on the jury and he's going to make sure an innocent man is found guilty.
Ranged against him is defence lawyer, Eddie Flynn representing Bobby Solomon, a Hollywood movie star accused of murdering his film star wife and her lover - the couple's head of security - while they were asleep in bed. Eddie's a good lawyer but he also has an unfair advantage. In his previous life, he was a con man and he knows how to deceive people, even if they are jurors in a murder trial.
As the story unfolds, we learn of the killer's early life, his motivation to kill and the strange fact that he is impervious to pain. But there are more surprises in store. Eddie discovers that a vital piece of prosecution evidence may prove that Bobby has been framed by an ingenious serial killer, one whom the FBI believe may have killed a dozen times. He's proved elusive because he can change his identity almost at will. This time around, he's murdered one of the potential jurors and assumed his identity. Next he's ensured he's picked as the prosecution and defence carry out their jury selection. And then he makes his bid to sway his fellow jurors to find Solomon guilty. It's up to Eddie and a dogged FBI agent to stop him.
The action careers along with several shocking twists til it reaches a stunning finale. As well as the court drama, there are several murders, details of how the jury system works and the FBI's painstaking search for evidence to nail the killer, before it's too late.
At times, the plot stretches credulity a little too far and even the main characters are a little sketchy - but, hey, this is fiction. All in all, it's a fascinating tale based on a great idea. My advice is to just wallow in it!

My thanks to Flatiron Books and NetGalley for a copy of this book in return for an unbiased review.

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Thirteen by Steve Cavanagh, a Thrilling Enticing Read. A serial killer is on the jury for the crime he committed. What more is there there to say to pull you in? If you like thrillers and courtroom drama, DON'T miss this book!

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An edge of your seat thriller that you won't be able to put down. A high profile celebrity is accused of murder and the murder scene leaves no other option than for him to be the killer. In steps Eddie Flynn a former con man turned lawyer who has to do the impossible and get his client off and try to find the real killer who is watching the whole case unfold. I thought I had it figure out a few times only for a new twist to happen and the story take off in a new direction. A good read. Thank you Netgalley, Steve Cavanagh and Flatiron Books for the ARC for my honest review.

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Wow what a book!
Thirteen’ is an exceptional crime and courtroom drama novel, and is unlike anything I’ve ever read before. It details the lives of defence lawyer Eddie Flynn and serial killer Joshua Kane, who is on the jury for the trial of Hollywood movie star Robert Solomon, who has been charged with the murder of his wife and security guard.
Thank you very much Netgalley for giving me a chance to read and rate this amazing book by Steve Cavanagh

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Courtroom thrillers aren’t normally my go to genre. The blurb made this book sound amazing so i went into this book with high hopes and expectations. The concept is brilliant. Serial killer is in the jury. I just feel like the story fell short overall. It was missing something. Storyline was a tad outlandish as well.

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Thirteen by Steve Cavanagh – 5 Stars
Publisher: Flatiron Books
ISBN: 9781250297600

The book blurb says enough to introduce this novel about a serial killer Kane who cleverly inserts himself onto a jury so he can pronounce his guilty verdict on a movie star for a murder he, Kane, committed. Eddie, an ex-con, now lawyer, even more cleverly not only displays a brilliant defense, but also orchestrates the discovery, hunt, and end of Kane’s evilness. Both Eddie and Kane have a team of players stacking the odds in their favor and it’s not until the surprising end that all hands are. We loved this book which was captivating throughout and we relished each and every turn and twist. We would love more Eddie books.

Reviewer: Rich and Nancy

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As far as courtroom thrillers go, this one was good. I wish it was a bit more believable. It’s really too outlandish for it to ever actually be real and part of what makes books in this genre so compelling is the thought (or fear) that they could really happen. There are just far too many variables that lines up in order for this scenario to be plausible. The read was still entertaining, but would have been a standout if there was the feeling it was real.

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Another wonderful Steve Cavanaugh thriller featuring his hero Eddie Flynn. A sure fire page turner that keeps you engrossed.

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Pretty damn creative of this particular killer- one who has time and energy to create new identities to direct the outcome of trials. Pretty relentlessly and viciously manipulating people and systems, we do hear alot from him, which is hard to take.
In the ongoing investigation he does get caught . up in his own stuff and it's gratifying to see him squirm.

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This book definitely wasn't a favorite for me. My main complaint is that it spent entirely too much of the book reading from the killer's perspective. I just don't enjoy that as much, personally. And secondly is that there was very little (if at all) character development - of anyone, let alone the main character. I don't know if Cavanagh is taking it for granted that you've read the earlier books in the series, but I haven't. So I left this book knowing next to nothing about the main character. It didn't leave me with any desire to continue reading any further books in the series. The plot lines were over the top, not very believable and predictable. Had to force myself to make it through this one. The only parts that I found enjoyable were some of the courtroom interactions. But there weren't enough of them to make this book good.

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Wow - that's the one word I must use in describing Mr Cavanaugh's novel featuring former con man and huckster turned defense attorney Eddy Flynn. The novel is a wonderful romp through a murder trial and of course it had to be finished in one sitting (only one cup of coffee though - have to watch the cafine so I can sleep until Mr Cavanaugh's next book is published.
Bobby Solomon, a first tier screen actor is accused of killing both his wife, who is his normal co=star, and his agent who were supposedly caught by him in bed together. The star is indicted and is put on trial for murder. Eddy is called upon by the firm handling Bobby's
defense to help them as needed via discrediting testimony by the police officers involved in the arrest. Needing a job Eddy signs on, but due to a change in circumstances finds himself handing the total defense. He hires a former FBI agent to help him with investigations necessary to work the case properly. The lady proves quite capable in working all angles necessary to aid in the defense. She is also introduced as a possible romantic interest in the future since Eddy's current wife is in the process of divorcing him.
Mr Cavanagh skillfully takes us through the events involved in the trial, starting with picking a jury and moving forward from there. Eddy is shown as human - he does not come up with brilliant one time off the cuff ideas. He has his doubts but continues to work the case as well as he is able. His logical approach turns up one startling factor that becomes the most important aspect of the case. The real killer is not only in court to watch the proceedings; he is actually one of the twelve jurors and in the most advantageous position to influence the verdict.
The rating system we are accustomed to in reviewing a book involves stars - five for best. I really think that that total is not enough. The reader will judge the book, undoubtedly have one or two cups of coffee and relish a superb reading experience and like myself will eagerly await Steve Cavanagh's future novels

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WHEW. Thirteen was such a crazy read.
It took me a few days to get through this one, but I think it's because there was SO much information being thrown at you. At times it was a litttttle bit difficult to keep the characters straight and got a little bit confusing.
I absolutely loved the courtroom vibes and feeling like I was actually watching this trial go down.
This book had it all though.
There was murder, suspected infidelity, divorce, crazy people, geniuses, FBI investigations, fights. LOTS of blood and gore.

I would have liked to get a follow up on ole Amy and Christine. The ending kind of left me hanging.


Overall I enjoyed Thirteen, even if I did have a few nightmares.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good crime novel or murder mystery.
3.5 stars for me.

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Thirteen gets off to a slow start, but once in the courtroom it sizzles. Some great scenes keep the eyeballs working. Very clever about the serial killer, even if the author didn't know when to quit. I'll look forward to the next one!
A couple of minor quibbles- How come parking is so easy on W. 46th St? It's not known for easy parking. Then when Flynn didn't want to drive to Centre St. he takes a taxi. The subway would have been right there and a lot faster.
Thanks, NEtGalley for the ARC. It was fun..

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THIS TIME THE KILLER ISN’T ON TRIAL.

HE’S ON THE JURY.

That’s the tag line, that made me want to read this book, although I had never read a book by Dublin author, Steve Cavanagh, and despite the fact that it’s #4 in the Eddie Flynn series. Not to worry, it can easily be read as a stand-alone.

Hollywood actor Robert Soloman stands accused of murdering his wife, and her security detail. It looks like an open and shut case.

But, is he being framed??

Forget everything you think you know about serial killers.

You are about to meet a serial killer who falls in the 1% mold of repeat killers- Highly developed social skills, IQ off of the charts, and whatever it is in their heads that makes them want to kill, can be successfully hidden from even their closest friends. He has a very sophisticated M.O.

But, Eddie Flynn, con man turned lawyer, has a few tricks up his sleeve as well.

I enjoyed reading about their Face-Off.

I think you will too.

Recommended for fans of Michael Connelly books, you can read about juror 13 on in the U.S. on Aug. 13th, 2019-or read the first three books in this series while you are waiting!! 😉

I would like to thank Netgalley, Flatiron books, and Steve Cavanagh for the digital ARC I received in exchange for a candid review!

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This is one of the best books I have ever read and I have told lots of people. A very unique and interesting plot. A great criminal read. Really impressed with this book. Great writing and look forward to more from Mr Cavanagh

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Thank you to both NetGalley, Flatiron books and the author for my Digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest unbiased review

I really enjoyed this book. murders, secrets, lies this book has them all! and the premise is just fantastic and very original!

Here comes the blurb as they say it better than I could!

It’s the murder trial of the century. And Joshua Kane has killed to get the best seat in the house – and to be sure the wrong man goes down for the crime. Because this time, the killer isn’t on trial. He’s on the jury.
But there’s someone on his tail. Former-conman-turned-criminal-defence-attorney Eddie Flynn doesn’t believe that his movie-star client killed two people. He suspects that the real killer is closer than they think – but who would guess just how close?

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Thirteen was a truly gripping book from beginning to end. At first I worried it would matter that I hadn't read the previous books in the series, but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of this book. Taut plotting, great writing and lots of twists and turns!

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This was an absolutely fantastic legal thriller. I loved every second of it and the only reason I'm not sad to have finished it is that I have a lot more to read in the series!
I loved how it kept me guessing throughout the book and how great the twists were towards the end. This is a highly praised series and now I know why.

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THE SERIAL KILLER ISN'T ON TRIAL.

HE'S ON THE JURY...

They were Hollywood's hottest power couple. They had the world at their feet. Now one of them is dead and Hollywood star Robert Solomon is charged with the brutal murder of his beautiful wife.

This is the celebrity murder trial of the century and the defense want one man on their team: con artist turned lawyer Eddie Flynn.

All the evidence points to Robert's guilt, but as the trial begins a series of sinister incidents in the court room start to raise doubts in Eddie's mind.

What if there's more than one actor in the courtroom?

What if the killer isn't on trial? What if the killer is on the jury?


Overall this was a fun read, the shifting perspectives did not make it difficult to follow, which I was originally concerned about. It was a great book to draw you into the series as a whole and I look forward to exploring the other titles in this series.

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