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.

Ok I kinda liked this one but the story had a stupid reveal. Definitely liked the narrator and probably what held my interest. Really good at subtly changing his voice for different characters. I really think this is my last book by this author. I'm very unsatisfied with every book by him I've finished. The 2 stars are for the narrator

I honestly don’t know how anyone who loves a riveting crime/legal thriller and couldn’t fall for Eddie Flynn hook, line, and sinker. Reprised for the eighth time in Witness 8, this streetwise con artist turned wily defense attorney protagonist was the epitome of morally gray in the best possible way. He wasn’t, however, the only gem of a character. With a long list of multiple POVs—including a motley crew of strong individuals—it was a frenzy of fast-paced action within a complex but well-thought-out plot. Addictive, deceptive, and exceptionally well-constructed, I couldn’t put this book down no matter what and finished it in only a handful of hours.

Just as Cavanagh’s last book, Kill for Me, Kill for You, kept my guessing in the extreme, his newest addition to the Eddie Flynn series did so as well. With plenty of blind turns and head-scratching short, cliffhanger chapters, there wasn’t a chance of me working it all out before each timely reveal. From the multiple villains and their dastardly deeds to the various plates that Eddie had up in the air, there was plenty going on that kept me firmly—and happily—in suspense as I ripped through the each and every page. After all, these interconnected plot lines just couldn’t go wrong and quickly gave me a very Harlan Coben-esque feel.

All said and done, I’m happy to shout from the rafters that Mr. Cavanagh has done it again. You see, from the explosive beginning to the somewhat open-ended conclusion, my attention never wavered as I inhaled page after page. Due to plenty of crooked dealings, shady individuals, and a few shameless wealthy people behaving oh so badly, time seemed to stand still as I ignored the world around me. But fear not, for while this is the eighth book in the series, it’s fine as a standalone and won’t leave you scratching your head despite the continuing characters and hinted at past cases. So what are you waiting for? Order it—and the rest of the series—right now! Rating of 4.5 stars.

Thank you to Steve Cavanagh, Atria Books, and NetGalley for my complimentary physical and digital copies. All opinions are my own.

Last year, a dear friend introduced me to The Defense, the first book in the series, and after reading it, I was completely hooked.

In this latest installment, a murder on Manhattan’s Upper West Side leads to an innocent man being accused. A witness was there, but instead of coming forward with the truth-she begins manipulating the situation for her own gain. What follows is a dangerous chain reaction. A criminal defense attorney is hired by the accused doctor and his family to clear his name, but more help is needed. Enter Eddie Flynn—a lawyer who doesn’t always play by the rules but is relentless in his pursuit of justice. As the case unfolds, blackmail, extortion, and mob involvement complicate everything.

The novel is packed with sinister villains, dark twists, and even moments of sharp humor. What I love most about Eddie is his unwavering commitment to discovering the truth, even when it puts his own life on the line. At its core, this story is about Eddie and his team fighting to prevent an innocent man from going to prison.

I love thrillers that juggle multiple storylines, seamlessly weaving them into a larger, gripping plot. This book is filled with morally complex characters, some deeply unsettling and others who push the boundaries of legality. Steve Cavanagh has crafted a cast that is both thrilling and entertaining.

Though this is the eighth book in the series, it can absolutely be read as a standalone. Cavanagh writes with a fast-paced tempo, delivering sharp dialogue and intelligent storytelling that keeps readers on their toes.

If you love legal thrillers with high stakes and unforgettable characters, this one is a must-read! 5/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I was really looking forward to reading this and it started and ended good but in between that it really dragged for me. It felt like there were too many side stories and characters happening. And it just didn’t connect for me. Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for the ARC

The setting is Manhattan's Upper West Side. West 74th Street is lined with luxury townhouses. Maid and nanny, Ruby Johnson knows the street well. Not only does she work for many of its wealthy families, but she used to live there before her father lost all the family's money. She knows many of her neighbors' secrets. And now, Ruby knows the biggest one. She has witnessed a murder. Ruby immediately recognizes who shot and killed the woman across the street from the vantage point of her current place of employment, the home of brain surgeon John Jackson, who is quickly arrested as the prime suspect for the murder. The gun used is found in the Jackson home, along with his DNA. Ex-con artist turned defense attorney Eddie Flynn takes on the case. With his team of unusual experts, they work to determine who is framing Jackson and why. Meanwhile, Flynn has to dodge a hit placed on him, which brings some of the country's top assassins to New York City.

Steve Cavanagh's Kill for Me, Kill for You was one of my favorite books of 2024. When I saw he had a new book being released in 2025, I jumped at the opportunity to read it. In looking at the eye-catching cover of Witness 8, it was not tagged as part of a series, and given how much I loved his last book, I jumped at it. I started reading without realizing it is the author's ninth installment in his popular Eddie Flynn series. It turns out that it reads well as a standalone. Very well. This was a fun book. I enjoy Cavanagh's writing style and appreciate his sense of humor. This creative psychological thriller is told from multiple points of view. The characters are over-the-top, and even the most despicable ones have some redeeming qualities. Eddie is great. It is understandable why Cavanagh created a series around him. I'm now a fan.

This was my first book by Steve Cavanagh and now I want to read this whole series. The short chapters multiple POVs kept me turning the pages! The villain was super villainy and I was disgusted by her but couldn’t look away.

3.5 STARS - This was my first book by Steve Cavanagh, and I warmed quickly to the main character Eddie Flynn and his crew because they gave off vibes of Harlan Coben's Myron Bolitar series with its humour and strong secondary characters.

The main plot was about a nefarious nanny named Ruby, but as more and more perspectives and subplots are added, this plot became overshadowed. With almost double digit POVs the pacing slowed, and the tension wasn't quite as high as I had anticipated, but there are some good red herrings and a final twist for a decent, if predictable, wrap up.

Some readers mention this can be read as a standalone book but this 8th book in the Eddie Flynn series had me feeling like I should have read at least a couple of the earlier books beforehand to understand the relationships between Eddie and his crew.

Overall, I enjoyed this story that has a lot going on. It could have benefitted from more courtroom drama and dangerous takedowns, but the strength of this book is in Eddie's dark past and the secondary cast who worked well together. I especially loved Bloch who I pictured as a blend of Kalinda Sharma from The Good Wife and Win from Harlan Coben's books - small in stature but tough and a little unhinged. I plan to go back and read some of the backlist in this series.

Disclaimer: Thanks to Atria Books for the complimentary digital copy of this book which was given in exchange for my honest review.

***** This review was posted on my blog and socials - March 6, 2025. It was also posted to Indigo.ca.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital ARC
.

I will read any book written by Steve Cavanagh. This was a fast paced edge of my seat legal thriller. I enjoy reading about Eddie Flynn and his

associates and I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
I

I really wanted to enjoy this. The description left me very interested. However I just didn't love the different POVs. I found myself drifting and I couldn't stay focused while reading. Sadly I had to DNF.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this advanced copy. I love these legal thrillers by Steve Cavanagh, and especially this one with the tie to organized crime, which is fascinating. I love following Eddie through these books, to see what case he has now. Great legal thriller.

So, funny story—months ago, I picked up *Th1RT3EN* because someone on TikTok raved about it. I had no idea it was book three (or four? Still not sure) in a series until I finished and went looking for what I *thought* would be book two. That’s how you know an author is *good*—when you can jump in mid-series and still be completely hooked. Steve Cavanagh has this incredible ability to keep each story fresh, giving you just enough background without making you feel lost.

Now, onto *Witness 8*…

This time, Eddie Flynn is taking on a case in an upscale Manhattan neighborhood where Ruby Johnson—a former socialite turned housekeeper—witnesses a murder. But instead of calling the police, she sees an *opportunity* and decides to play her own game. Meanwhile, Eddie, a former con artist turned defense lawyer, is fighting to clear his client, John Jackson, who’s in deep trouble. With the murder weapon covered in Jackson’s DNA and conveniently stashed in his closet, the case seems open-and-shut. But nothing is ever that simple, especially when deadly criminals are gunning for Eddie, determined to silence him for good.

Like *Th1RT3EN*, I found this book super easy to jump into without reading the previous ones (though now that I know it’s a series, I totally recommend reading them all!). Cavanagh’s storytelling is gripping and full of twists—some I saw coming, but others caught me completely off guard. The multiple POVs were easy to follow, and the mix of crime, deception, and high-stakes legal drama made this an absolute page-turner.

The beginning was a little slow, but once it picked up, I could not put it down. If you love legal thrillers packed with action, *Witness 8* is for you. A messy web of unlikeable characters, shocking twists, and nonstop tension—what more could you ask for?

Did not realize this book was in a series and was very confused from the start. I loved "Kill for me, Kill for You" so was excited to pick this one up. However, was too lost throughout! Thank you NetGalley for the e-arc.

For Fans Of: Peter Swanson, John Grisham
Title: Witness 8
Author: Steve Cavanagh
Rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗
Genre: 🔪 Thriller
Violence: 🪓🪓🪓
Triggers: Police corruption, domestic abuse, deportation, weapons

Premise: Author of Kill for Me, Kill for You returns with 8th Eddie Flynn novel. Flynn’s client is innocent. But the murder weapon covered in his DNA is found in his house & a witness claims to have seen him kill the victim. Why would she lie?

Thoughts: I came to Cavanagh’s Eddie Flynn via Thirteen, 3rd in the series. The author’s take on the legal thriller—not usually my thing—so engrossed me that I started from the beginning & have been hooked since. Why? This con-man turned lawyer approaches the courtroom with a unique mindset, problem-solving witnesses & evidence not through legal procedure but a keen understanding of human nature. I ❤️ Flynn’s cross-examination scenes. The result: twists I never see coming. But Witness 8 proves the books are more than clever trial banter. The suspense comes from not only discovering how Flynn will win an impossible case but unraveling the complex machinations that landed his client in peril. And the stakes are often life & death as Flynn’s prowess earns him powerful adversaries. Ingenious plotting is complemented by rich character development, creating heroes more than a shade morally gray & compelling villains. Witness 8 in particular has 2 antagonists I can’t get enough of: the maid orchestrating the client’s predicament for ambiguous reasons & the debonair killer hired to end Eddie. These elements add up to a book that might be my favorite in the series. So far.

Thanks to Atria & NetGalley for this book in exchange for an honest review.