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.

Witness 8 by Steve Cavanagh

Thank You NetGalley and Atria Books for a complimentary copy of this novel!
There’s something diabolically wrong about Ruby Johnson; ever since she was a little girl something was never quite right!
Fast forward to present day. Ruby works as a maid for the rich on Manhattan’s 74th Street...the same street she used to live on with her parents. One night as she is leaving work, Ruby sees a murder take place, but she has other ideas of her own. She is not planning on notifying the police, she’s going to use this to her advantage. And that includes framing an innocent man and black mail. Enter Eddie Flynn. He’s an ex con-artist who is now a very smart defense attorney. John Jackson is being framed and Eddie Flynn is his only hope! On top of trying to figure out who is doing this and why it’s happening to John, Eddie has a price out on his head. With everything happening simultaneously, will Eddie be able to clear John’s name while at the same time making sure Eddie himself stays alive?
This was a gripping, edge-of-your seat novel! I love how the character of Eddie Flynn can outsmart the other characters in the novel! 5 stars for me! Looking forward to reading more novels by Steve Cavanagh. Look for this latest novel out March 25, 2025!

This was my first book in this series by him! I had high hopes after loving his book Kill for Me, Kill for You last year. This one had a lot of characters to keep track of, and I didn’t really connect with any of them, though I did find Flynn clever. The twists were unexpected, but overall, it didn’t stand out for me. Still excited to read more in the series, though!

Thanks to Netgalley and Atria Books for my advanced e copy in exchange for my honest review.

Publish date: March 25, 2025

Witness 8 by Steve Cavanagh is a psychological thriller told in multi-POV.

This story was a wild ride.

Ruby Johnson witnesses a murder and instead of calling the police she thinks, "How can this benefit me?"

Every chapter from Ruby's POV, I constantly felt myself side eyeing her thinking, "What the actual F, Ruby?!"

At no point did I have any idea what was going on in her head. I literally felt compelled to keep reading to see what she would say and do next.

Eddie Flynn is an ex con man turned lawyer. He uses his con man experience frequently with wild tricks and scenes, again, making me think, "Wait, why are we doing this, Eddie??". And a few chapters later thinking, "Holy guacamole, Eddie is a genius!"

Probably my favorite character was Mr. Christmas, I got major Red Reddington(The Blacklist) vibes from him. Was he a hit man? Yes, but he was classy and pretty thoughtful in the head.

Thank you Atria Books and Net Galley for providing me an Advanced copy of Witness 8!

Steve Cavanagh’s Witness 8 is a fast-paced, compelling legal thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. With its engaging plot, sharp writing, and intricate twists, this book is a must-read for fans of courtroom dramas and psychological suspense.

The novel follows a gripping case in which a key witness, known only as "Witness 8," is at the center of a high-profile trial. Cavanagh does a fantastic job of creating a tense atmosphere as the case unfolds, with numerous twists and turns that keep the reader guessing. The legal intricacies are expertly handled, making the courtroom scenes feel authentic and intense without becoming overly complex or dry.

The character development is a standout in Witness 8. The protagonist, Eddie Flynn, is a likable and morally complex defense attorney, and Cavanagh does an excellent job of balancing his personal struggles with his professional skills. The interplay between Eddie and other key characters adds depth to the story, and their motivations are revealed gradually, building a sense of tension and suspense.

The pacing is relentless, with Cavanagh keeping the narrative moving quickly while still offering enough character-driven moments to engage the reader. The stakes are high throughout, and the final twists are well-executed, offering a satisfying conclusion that both surprises and resonates emotionally.

One minor drawback is that while the plot is highly entertaining, certain twists may feel slightly familiar for seasoned thriller readers. However, Cavanagh’s strong writing and ability to develop intricate characters make the story feel fresh, despite these moments of predictability.

In conclusion, Witness 8 is an absorbing, high-stakes legal thriller that delivers on suspense, twists, and emotional payoff. Steve Cavanagh’s skillful plotting and strong character development make this a standout in the genre. While a few plot elements may feel familiar, the novel remains an engaging and satisfying read from start to finish. Fans of courtroom thrillers will find much to enjoy in this taut, unpredictable narrative.

I was so excited to read this and felt like a good thriller/ mystery was exactly what I wanted. At first I felt like there were too many characters and I was getting a bit lost, but then before I knew it I was 20 chapters in and hooked. I emended binge reading it because I really wanted to know.

I really enjoyed it, and it’s not my second book thy this author and I love his style. I loved the short chapters and the different POV, even if I wasn’t sure at first it turned out to be perfect for the story. It’s a great mystery and a fun book to read.

First to start you do NOT need to read the series in order. This is my very first Steve Cavanaugh book and it did not disappoint.

Keeps you guessing through out the book! Very true crime / crime docuseries vibes!

I had High hopes for this, as this author has such great buzz around his other titles. The storyline could’ve been good but I felt Like it was all over the place. Will try this author again.

Steve Cavanaugh knows how to write phenomenal books. The absolute goat for thrillers and this one is included.

Huge thanks to Atria Books and Steve Cavanagh for this ARC!

💭 What did I love the most?
I’m a sucker for legal thrillers, and this one had me hooked from page one. A morally grey lawyer, a found family, and a villain I loved to hate? Say no more! Cavanagh’s storytelling is expertly crafted, with twists that kept me on my toes. 📚⚖️

🔎 What to expect:
✔️ Multi-POV
✔️ Unlikeable (but compelling) characters
✔️ Courtroom drama
✔️ A whodunit that keeps you guessing

📌 Do you need to read the series in order?
Nope! This was my first Eddie Flynn book, and I followed everything easily. BUT now I need to binge the entire series because these characters are that intriguing. 😍

⚡ How was the pacing?
Fast. The short chapters and constant twists made this a binge-worthy read, but nothing felt too overwhelming.

📖 Would I recommend it?
YES! If you love gripping thrillers, morally complex characters, and courtroom showdowns, this one’s for you! 🖤🔍

Witness 8 by Steve Cavanagh
Thriller
Pub day: 3/25/25
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Certifiable BANGER!!!! I loved every single second of this book! It was over 400 pages and I didn’t even care or notice it was long. This is my second Steve Cavanagh book and both were 5⭐️s! His stories just feel so classic, thrilling, and fun! I was on the absolute edge of my seat!

Witness 8 had a lot of different POVs, characters, and things going on. This can sometimes confuse me or disengage me, but he wrote everything so well that I didn’t miss a beat. I loved how everything was weaved together and how it all played out. There were many surprises, and the end plot twist was something I sort of saw coming but was still great. I truly don’t have one single negative thing to say. It was a wild ride and my heart was RACING out of my chest.

If you love Law & Order or stories with con men and morally gray characters, I think you will love this. I haven’t read a law/police procedural book that I loved this much in a long time. Highly recommend!

*off to buy every single Steve Cav book that exists or will exists*

Thank you Atria Books for my advanced copy to read and review, all thoughts are my own!

Format: E-book
Rating: 4/5⭐️
Pub day: March 25

Loved the detective focus of this story. The characters Bloch, Kate, Eddie and Harry were all so smart yet compassionate and their stories so compelling. Their chapters were my favorites, every decision, their in court arguments, and how their minds worked were fascinating. I did kinda struggled with Ruby’s chapters and the darkness of her character but that was really the only thing that wasn’t a big hit for me. All the moving parts and twists and turns were great. There’s a lot going on, at all times, so complete attention is necessary. And one big highlight was how watching the minds of phenomenal lawyers work and seeing everything play out in such a unique way. Very entertaining and one that would be great on the big screen!

Thank you Atria books for the arc via Netgalley.

Alright, let's dive into Steve Cavanagh's "Witness 8." This book...man, where do I even start? It's like a rollercoaster, but instead of just going up and down, it twists, turns, throws you sideways, and then leaves you completely breathless at the end. Seriously, I couldn't put it down. The story centers around Eddie Flynn, a con artist turned lawyer, who's defending a seemingly impossible case. The client? A guy who’s accused of murdering the head of the Russian mafia in New York. Talk about pressure! The catch? The client refuses to speak and seems determined to be convicted. Flynn, being Flynn, isn't one to back down from a challenge. What makes this book so gripping is Cavanagh's writing style. It's fast-paced, smart, and doesn't waste a single word. He builds tension like a pro, and just when you think you've figured things out, he throws a curveball that sends you reeling. Flynn is a total badass, but he's also flawed and relatable, which makes him a character you root for, even when he's doing some pretty questionable things. The courtroom scenes are electric, and Cavanagh really knows how to use legal jargon and plot twists to keep you on the edge of your seat. It's not just about the legal stuff, though. The book also explores themes of corruption, power, and the lengths people will go to protect themselves and their loved ones. Honestly, if you're looking for a thriller that's going to keep you up all night, "Witness 8" is it. It's a wild ride with a satisfying conclusion (though you might need a minute to catch your breath afterward). Just prepare yourself – you're in for a treat!

WITNESS 8 by Steve Cavanagh ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“What if the witness to a murder was more twisted than the killer.” If that line doesn’t hook you, I don’t know what will. This thriller was engaging and keeps you guessing the entire time. The twist at the end I’m quite sure no one would ever guess. 8 points of view was a bit excessive to me. They are all very different characters, so it wasn’t confusing, but just a lot. Overall, loved this thriller, binged it in 2 days, and think it’s a great one to pick up!

Eddie, who is an ex-con, is one of the most sought after defense attorneys in NYC. He is defending a surgeon who was put on trial for murder. Unfortunately, the only witness to the murder has an agenda of her own.

Pub. Date: 3/25/25

Perfect if you like:
•Murder mystery.
•Courtroom thriller.
•A twist you won’t see coming.
•Can be read standalone.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: None.
Mood: 🍿🫗

⚠️: explicit language.

What an excellent installment in the Eddie Flynn series. Blending legal drama with psychological suspense, this is a book note to be missed. The pacing is quick, the chapters are short and the multiple point of views in the book makes this book fly by. This book will keep you up until the early morning hours. Go get this one, you won’t be disappointed!

The Eddie Flynn saga continues with another banger from Steve Cavanaugh. I was a huge fan of this book

Absolutely loved it. Great twists and turns and a perfect murder mystery crime thriller. Eddie is a con man turned lawyer and his main rule is only to take in innocent clients. So when a prominent doctor is charged with a murder that shakes an entire street Eddie is the one to take the case. With several side stories also taking place and coinciding with the main plot this one will keep you turning pages and on your toes. Fantastic story that I highly recommend to any crime or thriller lovers

This is my first book from this author and, obviously, the first Eddie Flynn book I've read. I hear people rave about Steve Cavanagh all the time, so I was excited to have an opportunity to read this one early.

This book is fast-paced and sort of non-stop action for our cast of characters. We initially meet Ruby, who is walking home and witnesses a murder. Ruby could call the police but Ruby has some bigger plans for this terrible situation that has fallen into her hands. For Ruby, this is an opportunity.

This book has a lot of characters and if you've read other books in the Eddie Flynn series, you probably are familiar with some of them. I was not and the only true criticism I could offer of this story is there are just so many characters.

My favorite aspect of this story was how the author made things twist and turn, and you'd wonder why something was coming from left field, but then, by the end, you could see how all the puzzle pieces slowly were falling into place. In my humble opinion, Steve Cavanagh is one of the few authors I've seen have this many facets occurring while still keeping the main story intact. One reason I don't usually enjoy things that are fast-paced is that I think a lot gets lost, but that was not the case with this story.

I highly recommend this book if you love fast-paced books, a wild cast of characters who may, or may not, be a little shifty, and a super satisfying conclusion to one twisted story.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC of this novel. It is my 2nd Steve Cavanagh and my first Eddie Flynn novel. It did not matter that I had not read an Eddie Flynn novel before. It was easy to catch up. This was another extremely well-constructed novel from Mr. Cavanagh. The pace starts slow and picks up speed and then, by the end, everything is coming at the reader really quickly. He sprinkles in the surprises and twists, and waits for the biggest one at the end. The reader can't figure out the central mystery of the novel or the various next moves of Mr. Flynn, a con man by trade and a lawyer by profession. This book is a lot of fun. Perfect vacation read.

Witness 8 by Steve Cavanagh ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

This was a such a fun read! I think I’m becoming a bit obsessed with Cavanagh.

While the page number is high, it didn’t feel like a big book at all. The pacing was great - quick, and twisty with something happening at every turn. The characters were distinct, and I loved all the quirks. The plot itself was interesting - like a tv crime show - think FBI, Law and Order, or Chicago PD in the best way. I was completely entertained, and I would read another Eddie Flynn edition in a heartbeat.

Fans of action-packed thrillers that walk through the whole process (crime through legal proceedings), have a plethora of unsavory and morally ambiguous characters that you can’t help but root for, and have lots of moving pieces will love this one.