Once a member of the upper elite class, Ruby now works as a maid and babysitter for people who once used to be her neighbors. On her way home one night, she witnesses a murder. Eddie Flynn used to be a con-artist and now he is a lawyer. He takes John Johnson’s case – he’s been charged with murder after a tip lead to finding the murder weapon in his home. Flynn uses his team and their unconventional methods to keep their client out of prison and to prove his innocence.

This is the 8th book in the series. It can be read as a standalone but there are a few references to earlier books. I love Flynn’s character. His out of the box thinking as a lawyer is exactly what makes a lawyer successful. It’s what makes a good lawyer great, and who really helps their clients. As a lawyer myself, I enjoyed this aspect.

There were a little too many points of view in the book for my personal liking. There are a total of 9 points of view being told. At times, I would forget who someone was, or when one was introduced I had to ask myself “who is this again?” It just got to be a little too much for me.

Ruby was an interesting character and the plot surrounding her was great. There was another subplot occurring that I could have done without. Again, that’s my personal opinion. I did enjoy the twist at the end and thought it was a really good one.

I really enjoy this author and so even though this wasn’t the 5 star book I was hoping it would be, I will keep reading his work!

Ruby used to live in one of the brownstones on W 74th and now, after her father lost everything and they had to move, she is a nanny and housekeeper for the homes on the block while taking care of her sick mother. One night she witnesses a murder in one of the houses and can identify who pulled the trigger. Now attorney Eddie Flynn has taken on the case of the accused man and one of the neighbors, John Jackson and is having his own life being threatened. Why is John being framed, what secrets has Ruby been hiding and who killed their neighbor?

I love a novel that takes place in my hood - although I am not aware of a wealthy west 74th enclave. I liked much of this book however, there was a giant plot hole that was driving me crazy for much of the book and I think that took away from some of my enjoyment. I like that the author places his novels in my neighborhood, but I liked his last one (Kill for Me, Kill for You) better. While I enjoyed the audio (I actually thought the narrator was Steve Buscemi at first - which btw would have been amazing!) but there was a bit of confusion on my part and had to go read the book to fully catch up and fully understand what was going on (there was a Eddie Flynn side story that confused me).

3.75 stars

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC to review

This book is the newest in the Eddie Flynn series. This is the first book I’ve read in the series, so it can be read as a standalone. I really enjoyed this book. I was on the edge of my seat through most of it. I highly recommend it. I loved it so much that I am adding the rest of the series to my TBR.

This is my first Eddie Flynn book by Steve Cavanagh, however I have read Kill for Me, Kill for You, which I rated 5 stars. This story follows defense attorney Kate Brooks, who takes on a murder case that seems impossible to win—especially with Witness 8, a mysterious key witness, testifying against her client. But as she digs deeper, things start to unravel in ways she never expected, putting both her case and her life at risk.

The pacing is pretty good with short, addictive chapters that make it easy to fly through. There’s a big twist, of course, and while it was unexpected it didn’t completely impress me. I was hoping for just a little more of that jaw-dropping moment that I felt multiple times in Kill for Me, Kill for You.

That said, it is still an entertaining read, and I’d recommend it to anyone who loves a fast-paced legal thriller.

Another really good book by Steve Cavanagh! I would highly recommend this book if you liked his last one. Thrilling, well written characters, and a satisfying ending. I was a bit confused at times, and certain aspects of Eddie’s character were a bit implausible, but I overall enjoyed it a lot.

Eddie Flynn and his crew are hired to prove a man's innocence. But it ends up being harder than they would think.

This book has some highs and lows for me. This was my first Eddie Flynn book and while I found the characters interesting, they didn't stand out as being very dynamic. There were also a lot of characters to keep track of. I think those that love this series might have an easier time of it since they know some really well, but it was tough for me. I wanted to be drawn into the story more too, but that also fell short.

All in all a decent thriller that just didn't hit for me.

Thank you to the author and publisher for the gifted copy!

I’m becoming a big fan of Steve Cavanagh. After loving his standalone novel Kill For Me, Kill For You, I wanted to dive into his well known Eddie Flynn series. Eddie is an ex con artist, turned defence attorney. He’s slick, likeable, and not much scares him.
In this installment {Book 8} a woman is murdered in a ritzy area of Manhattan, New York.
Ruby Johnson used to live in this exact neighborhood, now she is a Nanny for one of the families. She witnesses the murder, and she knows the players involved. So why is she trying to pin it on the wrong person?
Ruby never ceased to amaze me, the lengths she was willing to go to fulfill her plan. Until, she encounters Eddie Flynn and his team. Lies, murder, hitmen, mayhem, this was a very good crime/ legal thriller. Suspenseful, and some great twists! I really enjoy his writing style.
The author has said you can read any of his Flynn novels as a standalone. I’m now going to go back and start from the beginning. I want some more Eddie Flynn!

Thank you NetGalley, Atria Books and Steve Cavanagh for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy of Witness 8.
What a roller coaster ride! I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery/thriller. Lots of action, lots of twists and turns and I didn’t figure out the plot until the very end. My only drawback was too many characters with multiple agendas. It all fit together by the end and I am glad I persevered. I am very fond of Eddie Flynn and even got attached to Ruby.
I have read previous Steve Cavanagh novels and enjoyed them all. His writing is outstanding especially the main character development which is filled with emotions and backstory. The plot is concise and kept me turning the pages. I definitely want more!

This is the EIGHTH installment in the Eddie Flynn series, who is a con-artist turned lawyer. This reminds me a bit of White Collar mixed with Bladklist: a rogue-turned man of the law with many friends in "low" or high...depending how you look at it...places.
Like other Steve Cavanagh books I've read I appreciate the well plotted and twisty storyline. I picture Eddie Flynn as rakish as Neal Caffrey from White Collar in knowing how to anticipate the actions of less than savory players surrounding a crime. 
This was a page turner, and I definitely recommend this one. This could also be read as a standalone as important backstories are covered well enough within these pages.
Thanks to NetGalley and Atria books for the free eARC in exchange for my review.

Disclaimer: Having read the first three Eddie Flynn Novels about 5 years ago, and thoroughly enjoyed them, I always wondered why the next 5 installments were never published in the US. Even stranger, this is the 8th installment of the Eddie Flynn story, and is released in the US before the interim Novels, 4-7. If you, like me, like to read series in order, you may want to hold off until Fifty Fifty and Devil's Advocate are released later this year. Even so, Liar ( NO.3) and the Accomplice ( no. 7 ) still are not available on the Kindle.
With that said, as an Attorney who has been involved in Litigation for Decades, I almost always enjoy reading "Legal Thrillers" to see not only how the Lead character solves the case, or wins the Trial, but also to see if I can pick up some legitimate tricks for my cases.
After using the Lt Caffey fake witness trick, from a Few Good Men, to flip a dirty cop on the stand, Con Man turned Lawyer Eddie Flynn starts a chain of events that form the back drop to a murder trial that seems to be manipulated by a third party the closer Eddie and his team seem to be getting to the truth.
With hired assassins hiding around every corner and key players or witnesses dying, most of the Action takes place outside of the Courtroom in this one.
Although the ultimate court room drama is implausible, the book, overall, is highly entertaining.
Again I would recommend this one, but only after the other titles have been released on the Kindle.

Witness 8, by Steve Cavanagh, is a twisted legal thriller, where it seems no one is safe. Murdering neighbors and hired hitmen tracking each other down. Who committed the original murder and who will survive the path to finding the answers? I appreciate NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the ARC ebook I read and reviewed. All opinions are my own

What if the witness is more twisted than the killer? This is the whole premise of the book. Ruby Johnson has had her own troubles but after witnessing a murder her devious side she has kept hidden starts to emerge. When Eddie Flynn steps in to take the case of the accused murderer, Eddie and Ruby’s path collide with disastrous results.

I was not aware this was a series when I started reading it but that did not matter. I was able to jump right in and follow the characters without any issues. While I liked the premise of the book a lot of it was outlandish to me but it was a fun ride.

Witness 8 is a relentless, pulse-pounding thriller that grips you from the first page and doesn’t let go — a true masterclass in suspense.

Although this was my first time diving into Steve Cavanagh’s Eddie Flynn series, it certainly won’t be my last. Eddie Flynn, a former con man turned sharp-witted trial lawyer, is hired to defend a wealthy man accused of murdering his neighbor on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. But the case takes a dark, unexpected turn with the involvement of Ruby Johnson — a nanny to the accused man’s children — who claims to have witnessed the crime. The twist? Ruby is lying. And as the layers of her dangerous game unfold, it becomes clear that the murder she “witnessed” is only the beginning.

What makes Witness 8 so compelling is the dual narrative — Eddie’s desperate fight for justice and Ruby’s unsettling, unpredictable scheming. Either thread could have anchored a gripping novel on its own, but together, they create a perfect storm of tension. Ruby is a brilliantly drawn character — deeply troubled, enigmatic, and impossible to pin down. Her motives remain shrouded in mystery until the final, heart-stopping reveal.

Eddie, on the other hand, is instantly likable — a flawed but fiercely determined lawyer surrounded by a colorful and unconventional team. Cavanagh’s own legal background adds an extra layer of authenticity, making the courtroom scenes crackle with intensity.

In a crowded field of legal thrillers, Witness 8 stands out. It’s smart, relentless, and brimming with unexpected twists. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. If you haven’t read Steve Cavanagh before, start here — you’ll be hooked. I know I am.

I received this book in exchange for my honest review, and all opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the opportunity to review this novel.

Witness 8 is a gripping psychological and legal thriller that delivers a compelling narrative through multiple POVs. The varied perspectives provide a deep, layered understanding of each character, which enhances the tension and intrigue throughout the novel. The short chapters and fast-paced storytelling make for an addictive read, and while courtroom dramas are not typically my preference, the legal scenes were engaging and well-executed.

Mr. Christmas, a hitman with surprising depth, was a standout character, while Ruby was the least compelling for me. The novel ties up all major plot points while leaving subtle openings for future installments, making me eager to explore the previous books in the series. My only critique is that the major twist felt somewhat abrupt before the narrative quickly moved forward. However, this did not detract from my overall enjoyment of the book.

I read Kill For Me, Kill For You and knew I had to read more from Cavanagh. I didn't realize this was part of a series but I didn't feel lost at all.

Ruby who was living in wealth and lost it all because of her father is now a maid for the wealthy. She was walking home and witness a murder. Instead of calling the police, she decides she can use this an opportunity.

The story is told in multiple POV and there's a lot of characters to keep track. I could not put this book down. I enjoyed Ruby's POV and what motivated her and also Eddy's POV and how he was creative with his defense.

I highly recommend this if you enjoy morally grey characters and legal thrillers.

Thank you @atriabooks for a copy of this book.

Witness 8 by Steve Cavanagh is the eighth book in the Eddie Flynn series. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC through NetGalley. I requested this book because of Cavanagh's "Kill for Me, Kill for You" that I read last year. This book did not disappoint. I found it to have just enough twists to keep my interest, and I didn't see the biggest twist coming. Because I haven't read any of the other books in this series, I had a little difficulty keeping the characters straight. That being said, there was plenty of back story and character details included in Witness 8 for me to be able to figure it out and be able to develop connections to the characters. I will definitely go back and read the rest of the books in the series. You can get a copy on March 25, 2025. Thank you, NetGalley and Atria books for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Witness 8 was a great fast paced thriller. It took me a little bit to get used to the different perspectives but I appreciated them the further along I went. I can very much imagine this as a movie or even a TV series if they wanted to keep it going. The characters were very detailed and had good backstories.

Eddie Flynn is a con-man turned lawyer who has surrounded himself with a loyal team. Together they help Flynn defend the wrongly accused or those who have simply made a mistake. His methods are unorthodox but they get results. Unfortunately, his latest results have put him crosswise of one of the biggest criminal organizations in NYC and they have put a contract out on his life.

While dodging hit men coming from all directions, Flynn fights for his client who has been set up for a murder that he didn't commit, with no idea why. The who? She's a piece of work!

This is the 8th in the series and they are all winners! Cavanaugh's work is becoming more accessible in the US which is a win for us all and well deserved. I think my days of ordering his books from Ireland might be over!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing me with Cavanaugh's latest book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Steve Cavanagh’s "Witness 8" delivers an intriguing legal thriller packed with twists, but it suffers from an overstuffed cast and a plot that can be difficult to follow. Eddie Flynn is once again thrown into a high-stakes case, where the key witness, Ruby Johnson, has her own dangerous secrets. The premise is compelling, and Cavanagh’s signature fast pacing keeps things moving.

However, the sheer number of characters makes it tough to track who’s who and how they fit into the bigger picture. At times, the plot feels tangled rather than cleverly layered, which slows the momentum. While there are some strong moments of tension and classic courtroom drama, the book lacks the tight, focused storytelling of Cavanagh’s best work.

Overall, Witness 8 is an enjoyable but slightly chaotic read. Fans of the series may still appreciate the twists and legal maneuvering, but newcomers might find it overwhelming.

Steve Cavanagh has quickly become a favorite author for me! I have not read the previous books in this series but after finishing this book I will be!

Ruby once grew up among the upper west 74th street in New York. But after her father left her and her mother broke, they find themselves holed up in a small apartment in Hell’s Kitchen. Ruby isn’t ready to leave the old neighborhood. She finds work among the wealthy families she used to live around. Now Working as a maid, a nanny, really whatever they need, she will do she’s determined to save money to help her mother. Don’t worry Ruby has an agenda. She’s waiting for perfect opportunity and then she will be able to set her plan into action. The plan has dropped in her lap when Ruby witnesses a murder, and she has wicked plans in mind that don’t involve telling the authorities the truth.
Detective Eddie Flynn is back once a former con artist, he’s now a top criminal attorney in New York. If he believes in your innocence he will fight with everything he has to get you acquitted. His latest has him defending a doctor whose accused of murder, but Eddie finds himself dodging bullets as someone has put a hit out on him. This was an edge of your seat read and I loved it!