There’s something off about Ruby Johnson. She’s got that quiet, unassuming presence—the kind that makes her easy to overlook. But make no mistake, Ruby sees everything. She used to sip champagne in penthouses; now, she scrubs their floors. And when she witnesses a brutal murder, she doesn’t panic. She plots.

Enter Eddie Flynn, ex-con-turned-defense-lawyer, and the only person standing between an innocent man and a lifetime behind bars. John Jackson is on trial for a murder he swears he didn’t commit. The gun? Found in his home. His DNA? All over it. The case is a prosecutor’s dream—airtight, locked up with a pretty bow on top. But Eddie? He knows better.

And then there’s Mr. Christmas. With a name like that, you’d expect candy canes and goodwill. But this guy isn’t Santa Claus—he’s a stone-cold assassin, and if Eddie doesn’t watch his back, he might not make it to closing arguments.

Witness 8 delivers all the sharp twists and legal thrills I’ve come to expect from Steve Cavanagh. Some reveals weren’t surprising (let’s be real, certain characters just radiate trouble), but others? I’m still picking my jaw up off the floor. The pacing is relentless, the courtroom drama crackles with tension, and Eddie’s signature wit keeps it all effortlessly entertaining. Whether you’re a longtime fan or diving into your first Eddie Flynn novel, this one’s a must-read.

Thanks to Atria Books for this advance copy via NetGalley for an honest, voluntary review.

#Witness8 #NetGalley #AtriaBooks #SteveCavanagh

Witness 8 by Steve Cavanagh is the 8th book in the Eddie Flynn series and releases on March 25! This is my first of the Eddie Flynn series and I’m definitely going to be going back and starting this series at the beginning! 🕵🏻‍♂️

I loved Steve Cavanagh’s book Kill for Me, Kill for You, which came out in 2024 and was really successful, and I think Witness 8 is going to be just as popular! 🫶🏻

Eddie Flynn is a con-man turned defense attorney, and when a woman from a wealthy Manhattan street winds up dead and John Jackson, the woman’s neighbor, has the gun used to kill her with his DNA on it in his home, it seems like an open and shut case. Enter Ruby Johnson, a former resident of this street, who ends up down on her luck and now the maid and nanny of the residents of this street, who ends up using her fly-under-the-radar role to get all of the insider information on what’s actually going down in this neighborhood. 👀

Eddie Flynn’s character is so, so good and totally makes this book. This was one of those books that you find yourself cancelling all obligations and priorities to finish - it’s absolutely unputdownable!! My only warning would be that there is a lot going on and a lot of moving parts and characters, with different POV, so really...cancel your plans! 🤪

I will also add that you don’t need to have read the other books in the series to be able to understand what is going on here - but it does seem like there is background here that would probably be helpful and/or cool. I’m diving into the Eddie Flynn backlog, so I will report back!!

Thank you to NetGalley, Steve Cavanagh, and Atria Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. This baby releases March 25, 2025! 💖

Witness 8 is my first Eddie Flynn lawyer novel. I loved my first Steve Cavanagh book Kill for me, Kill for you so I was extremely excited when I got approved for this ARC.

The story starts with Eddie winning his first case where he gets on the bad side of some cops. It then moves on to Ruby who you find outs father caused them to get evicted from their house on a very wealthy street. She’s now been hired to clean and help take care of the people on the street when her and her mom have to move and she needs to support them. One night on her way home she watches a murder on the street and she takes the murder weapon to frame a father on the street. There are many twists and turns in this book which makes you wonder what’s really going on with Ruby.

The only thing I didn’t like about this book is at the beginning there were so many different storylines going on it was hard to keep up with everything and keep it straight. It felt a little all over the place until it all connected in the end.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is the second book I read from the Eddie Flynn series and I love that this series can be read as standalone novels. If I had read more of the series in order, I think I would have a deeper appreciation for some of the character's relationships, but I don't feel it effected how much I enjoyed this book.

I love the way Cavanagh portrays Eddie Flynn. He crafts a character who elicits a wide range of emotions, skillfully balancing sharp wit with the story's inherent tension; providing moments of levity within the serious legal narrative.

While I found this book slightly less suspenseful than the previous book I read in the series (Thirteen), it was still an engaging story and you just have to keep reading to find out what tricks Eddie has up his sleeve. While there seemed to be too many subplots that might have impacted the suspenseful storyline, I enjoyed how Cavanagh weaved them together to create a chilling ending.

I really enjoyed this book, especially as all the action began towards the second half of the book. It was really cool to see how people were connected to eachother and watching the pieces fall into place. Overall this book was a great read and I will absolutely be reading more from this author. Thank you to NetGalley, Steve Cavanaugh and Atria Books for my eARC in exchange for an honest review

many thanks to atria books, the author, and netgalley for this arc

wow, wow, wow, if I could give this book 6 stars I would. I was hooked from page one through to the end and it just kept getting better. the multiple povs were perfection and I never once felt confused about who was talking. even though I haven't read any of the previous books in the series, I felt connected to the characters and was painted a really good picture of their flaws and motivations. the cliffhanger chapters were so well done and even when I was convinced I knew what was going on, I was still wrong (yet nothing ever seemed to come out of left field).

I could not recommend this book enough, it is truly one of the best I've read this year. if you like procedural novels with some very interesting approaches to the law, this will 100% be up your alley. there's truly something for everyone in this book; rich people's lives falling apart, crooked cops, schemes, and genuinely good banter. do yourself a favor and pick this one up.

Where do I even begin with this one?? Let me tell you it is a doozy but in a good way. I liked the multiple POVs; I think it helped tie the whole story together. The plot twists were crazy and the characters were likable. So much went on in just 416 pages.

I have never read anything by this author, but I will be looking out for other books they write in the future. I really enjoyed the story as well as the pacing of the story.

There's a party on West 74th street, Manhattan, New York. All the neighbors are in attendance. Ruby, the nanny/housekeeper for many of the residents along the street is walking on her way home when she witnesses one of the neighbors get shot and killed in their home. She knows the killer, watches them run away from the scene. An anonymous tip points the police in the direction of a neighbor- one who appears to be a kind, caring and ethical person, husband and father. The evidence is pointing at him, but Eddie and crew believe he's innocent and have to come up with a plan to clear his name despite the piling evidence.

This is the 8th book in the Eddie Flynn series but can be read as a stand alone with out any issues. Thank you Netgalley, the author and publisher for the ARC!

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for this gifted copy!

Steve Cavanagh is easily becoming one of my new favorite authors. His thrillers are fast paced, detailed, and exhilarating. I love that his Eddie Flynn series can be read as stand alone books like Witness 8. Wow, there is a whole lot of crazy in this book. We follow Eddie Flynn, ex con artist turned defense attorney, on his next case defending a well known, wealthy surgeon who is accused of murdering his neighbor. I couldn’t put this book down. I’m pretty sure I read it in less than 2 days. As my third Steve Cavanagh book, I am committed to reading the rest of his books.

4.5/5 stars

Thank you @atriabooks for my #gifted copy of Witness 8 #AtriaPartner #atriabooks #Witness #SteveCavanagh #EddieFlynn

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝟖
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐡
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟏𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

Steve Cavanagh has done it again! This was one fast-paced thriller with some twists that I did not see coming! This is part of the Eddie Flynn series, but you can absolutely read this book, and any of the other books in the series as a standalone and the books in this series can be read in any order. This was my first book in the series and I did not feel like I was missing any information by starting with the 8th book.

★Lots of Twists
★Fast Paced
★Courtroom Thriller
★Eddie Flynn #8
★Can Be Read as a Standalone
★Multiple POV

🎧The audiobook was narrated by Adam Sims, who I thought was just perfect. The way he brought these characters to life was truly remarkable and I loved my time listening to this highly addictive thriller!

Posted on Goodreads on March 10, 2025: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/144922955?ref=nav_profile_l
**Posted on Instagram - Full Review- on or around March 11, 2025: http://www.instagram.com/nobookmark_noproblem
**Posted on Amazon on March 11, 2025
**-will post on designated date

Thank you NetGalley! Another great read by Steve Cavanagh. I absolutely love the Eddie Flynn series and this was no exception. As soon as it started, I was pulled in

I really struggled to get into this book. A friend suggested that it's helpful to have read the others in the series, which I have not. Highly recommend doing so prior to starting.

Witness 8 is a fast-paced legal thriller that kept me hooked from start to finish. The story follows Ruby Johnson, a former socialite turned housekeeper, who witnesses a murder but chooses to manipulate the situation for her own gain. On the other side is Eddie Flynn, a sharp defense lawyer and former con artist, fighting to prove an innocent man’s innocence while dealing with dangerous criminals.
I loved the multiple points of view and how the mystery unfolded with unexpected twists. Ruby is a fascinating, morally gray character, and Eddie’s courtroom strategies kept me engaged. While I’m not usually into mob-related stories, the legal drama and psychological tension made this an exciting read. Even though it’s part of a series, it works perfectly as a standalone. If you enjoy smart thrillers with complex characters and a gripping plot, Witness 8 is definitely worth picking up!
Very grateful to the publisher for my copy through NetGalley, opinions are my own

Ruby is a housekeeper and nanny on the fancy street she grew up on, except her dad gambled all their money away and she’s taking care of her sick mother alone. When Ruby witnesses a murder on the street, she comes up with a plan to conceal the truth and get some money in the process.

I absolutely loved Cavanagh’s Kill For Me, Kill For You last year. I had no idea this was part of a series of books (oops). The series is about Eddie Flynn, a con artist turned lawyer involved in organized crime cases. I generally don’t enjoy books about that or the mob (or violence in general), so this was a little tough for me. I did like the Ruby storyline and the court case itself, but skimmed through a lot of the mob character scenes.

3.5 stars

I’m looking forward to Cavanagh’s next stand-alone novel for sure!

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria for free advance digital and physical copies of this book in exchange for my honest review!

⤹ 𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬:
🎧 Witness 8 - Steve Cavanagh
🗓️ 𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙚: 3/25/25
📈 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: ★★★★☆
❗ 𝙩𝙬𝙞𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: ★★★ ½
⬇️ 𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬: below
…

Thank you to Atria Books + NetGalley for the opportunity to read 𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 8 by Steve Cavanagh before its release on 𝟯/𝟮𝟱/𝟮𝟱.

𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚𝙙:
➝ alternating perspectives
➝ prologue
➝ humor weaved throughout
➝ game of cat and mouse
➝ Witness 8’s backstory
➝ Mr. Christmas (even though I know I shouldn’t like him)
➝ Eddie’s relationship with Harry

𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣'𝙩 𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧:
➝ the first several chapters felt slow to me
➝ felt like a certain character folded too easily

𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙬𝙞𝙨𝙩 (𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦):
There are a few twists and turns along the way. I wasn’t surprised by who the murderer was. However, I was shocked by a specific element of the maid’s backstory… enough to gasp which is why I gave this one a 3.5 gasp rating. It was very clever.

𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜:
I didn’t realize this was part of a series when I initially requested it. I didn’t have any problems figuring out the characters, but I do think I would’ve been more connected to all of the main cast (especially Harry, Bloch, and Kate) if I had been with them from the beginning.

With that being said, this can certainly be a standalone, but I can see a benefit in reading at least a few of the other books before this one. I think my rating may have been higher had I had more personal investment in the main characters.

“Something is wrong with Ruby Johnson”. Ruby used to live among the elite Upper West Side Manhattanites and now she’s working for them. She babysits for them and she cleans for them. And because she used to be one of them, they trust her into their homes and with their children. But in a way, Ruby is invisible to them. And so, in that they don’t realize is that they are also trusting her with their secrets. When Ruby witnesses a murder on this prestigious block, she is now in on a life changing secret.
Cavanagh has written compelling morally grey characters and he gives insight into their mind and rationales. And then there’s Eddie Flynn – con artist turned lawyer, who uses his sharp mind and charismatic charm for the advantage of his client. With these plus a slew of supporting team members, creates a page turning suspenseful legal drama that you won’t want to put down.

Friends, if you love How to Get Away with Murder or any show/ book that involves a courtroom trial, YOU HAVE TO READ THIS ONE! It comes out tomorrow!!!

After Kill for Me, Kill for You became super popular on booksta last year, I had been wanting to try reading a Steve Cavanagh book. And after reading Witness 8, I now fully understand the love people have for his books!

You guys, I cannot put this book down- even if all the villains were so unbearable and tested my patience 😂 I flew through it and enjoyed every single moment of it!!

I didnt even know that this was part of a series until some friends told me - which means I haven’t read the other books from this series but I wasnt confused at all! I think that reading the previous books will just help you be more familiar with the characters and the main storyline going on about the main character. But again, if you just want to jump on right ahead to this book, I think you would still enjoy it because it can stand on its own.

Alright. Here’s the plot.
Ruby once lived in one of the richest NYC neighborhoods. They lost everything when her dad suddenly left them. Now, Ruby is a nanny/ house cleaner to all those previous neighbors.
One night, there was a party in the neighborhood and almost everyone was invited. Ruby was on her way home and was walking down the street when she witnessed a murder in the rich neighborhood. Buuut she decided to not report the murder right away as this might be her chance to make their lives better.

And then we have Eddie who was a conman turned defense attorney (also our main lead) who likes to take on difficult cases which made him involved in this murder trial. Ahhh I cant say anymore because I will spoil it for you guys 😂

After reading this book, I wanted more courtroom stories and I ended up in a rabbit hole of courtroom shows again 😂

Overall, I highly recommend this one if you are looking for a bingeable thriller!! It was so good!!!

Thank you @atriabooks for sending me a copy of the book! And thank you @simonandschuster for the free audiobook!!!

💭 What are some of your fave shows that are still ongoing??
☕️ I love Ghosts, Traitors, The Pitt, Hunting Party, Squid Game. I need to catch up on White Lotus and Ive also heard Severance is great so I need to watch that too 😂

Steve Cavanagh’s "Witness 8," the newest installment in the author's "Eddie Flynn" series, is a tightly woven legal thriller that plunges readers into a web of intrigue, deception, and moral complexity.

Readers are introduced to Ruby Johnson, a woman shaped by hardship, who becomes a key witness in the murder of Margaret “Maggs” Blakemore, a controversial New York socialite. Ruby’s decision to frame an innocent man—a respected pediatric surgeon—propels the narrative, keeping readers riveted as they unravel the deeper mystery: not who committed the crime, but why Ruby manipulates the case in such an unexpected way.

The pacing in "Witness 8" is expertly handled, maintaining a relentless momentum that keeps readers hooked while allowing space for character depth and plot development. Eddie Flynn, Cavanagh’s recurring con man–turned–defense attorney, is as sharp and charismatic as ever, guiding the reader through Ruby’s puzzling actions with his trademark wit. The supporting cast, from Eddie’s steadfast team to the shadowy figures working against him, adds layers of tension and complexity, making the courtroom scenes and investigative twists even more compelling.

What sets "Witness 8" apart is its ability to balance an intricate mystery with rich characterization and emotional resonance. Ruby is a standout character, her morally ambiguous choices making her both enigmatic and deeply human. The blend of dark motives, legal drama, and Eddie’s sharp perspective ensures this novel delivers on every front. Cavanagh once again showcases his talent for crafting a suspenseful and thoroughly satisfying read, cementing "Witness 8" as a standout entry in his impressive body of work.

Please note this review will also be posted to my Instagram at thecasualavidreader.

Witness 8 by Steve Cavanagh is multi-pov story that recounts the complicated trial of an innocent man. This novel follows everyone from a con-man turned defense lawyer to a down on her luck housekeeper with the fate of an innocent man resting in her hands. Can our former con-man unravel the plot before time runs out?

Witness 8 was a wild ride from start to finish. I also loved that while Witness 8 was apart of a series it could be easily read as a standalone with out losing any crucial details between books. I loved that I never seemed to know where the mystery was taking me and was thrilled to be along for the ride when all of the pieces fell together. This novel tugged on my heartstrings while the mystery unfold. Witness 8 really filled the space of a good legal drama that I was missing while waiting for the next season of Lincoln Lawyer.