I really enjoyed this well-crafted story, full of interesting characters. I’ve never read anything by Steve Cavanagh before, but I’d like to now. The one minor issue I had was that the ending seemed to quickly wrap everything up, as if a timer had gone off and the book suddenly needed to end. But, even so, I did enjoy this book. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Steve Cavanagh, and Atria Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Steve Cavanagh is back with another explosive legal thriller, featuring his gritty protagonist, Eddie Flynn. In a story where a clear-cut murder goes to trial, Flynn will have to parse through all the options and defend his client. There is a wildcard or two, which will enrich both the story and the underlying themes of the book. Cavanagh delivers another great novel that kept me eager to forge onwards!

Ruby Johnson has had quite the life. She is a former member of Manhattan’s elite class, but has since found herself as a maid. Ruby’s serving the same type of people with whom she once rubbed elbows. Her job affords her the chance to monitor everyone and collect their secrets, holding onto them until it suits her best.

When she witnesses a murder, Ruby’s got the chance to provide the authorities with what she saw and finger a killer. However, like with much of the other things she has kept to herself, this might be the ultimate piece of blackmail. Ruby has plans to use her knowledge for her own personal benefit.

After John Jackson is accused of murdering his neighbour, he is desperate for representation. While he has money to burn, the fact that DNA was found on the body leaves Jackson a serious suspect and no lawyer will take the case. All but Eddie Flynn, New York’s best former con-man, who is willing to take on any case that brings in the cash. This could be the most challenging case of his career and leaves him vulnerable.

When Flynn agrees to take on the case, his team kicks it into high gear to ensure Jackson gets the best defense possible. While Flynn makes a move to unleash the truth, he soon learns that those from his past have put out a hit on him. Dodging the criminal underbelly, Flynn mounts the best legal circus he can, while trying to determine the true killer. How does Ruby Johnson fit into the mix and what can Eddie Flynn do to connect the dots? Cavanagh delivers a great addition to this series with this legal thriller.

This legal thriller series has never failed to impress me, which speaks volumes to Steve Cavanagh’s abilities. The narrative flows with ease and keeps the reader eager to forge ahead, dodging red herrings and seeking to get to the truth. Strong characters are key to keeping things fresh and flavouring the larger story, which is key to the story’s success. A few plot twists keep the reader eager and ready to make some assumptions, all in an effort to determine the true killer. This is a great story and left me eager to see where things are headed!

Kudos,Mr. Cavanagh, for another strong legal thriller with wonderful twists!

This book is #8 in a series, and I would recommend you read all the books in order to get to know the characters. This book was a solid 5 stars for me. I love this series and this one was no different. These books are easy to read and follow along. You will fall in love with Flynn and his team.

Steve Cavanaugh is just the king of legal thrillers! This one had me glued to the pages to figure everything out!

When Ruby, maid to the ultra-wealthy of Manhattan, witnesses a murder, she devises a plan to not tell the police what she saw.

Meanwhile, Eddie Flynn takes on John Jackson's case; a gun related to the murder of Jackson's neighbor is found in his home, but he swears he's innocent. He will have to use every trick in the book to save his client, while avoiding his own enemies as well.

Fans of Brian Freeman will love this one!

"What if the witness is more twisted than the killer?" So goes the tagline of Steve Cavanagh's latest book about Eddie Flynn.

Summary: Ruby Johnson is living a rough life. She went from living a life of privilege to spending her days cleaning the homes and babysitting the children of the rich. One night she witnesses a terrible crime. While most people would report it, Ruby will evaluate how she can spin this to her advantage. Eddie Flynn is the former con-man turned defense attorney who has his work cut out for him in this case of an innocent man framed for a crime he didn't commit.

Review: This was another terrific offering by Cavanagh! I never thought I would consider a defense attorney to be a hero, but Eddie Flynn is a character that you root for. The story is compelling and fresh. The action keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end. I really enjoyed this one. I hope to read more about Eddie and his friends for years to come.
Rating: Five stars ⭐️

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for graciously providing an ARC for me to review.

Witness 8 by Steve Cavanagh is a thrilling addition to the Eddie Flynn series that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. As the eighth installment, it continues to deliver the high-stakes legal drama and unexpected twists that fans have come to love.

The story centers around Ruby Johnson, a former elite Manhattan resident turned maid, who witnesses a murder and decides to manipulate the truth for her own gain. Eddie Flynn, the streetwise ex-con-artist-turned-defense attorney, takes on the seemingly hopeless case of John Jackson, who is accused of the crime. The narrative is packed with suspense, as Eddie and his team navigate a web of deceit, corruption, and danger.

Cavanagh’s writing is sharp and engaging, with well-developed characters and a plot that unfolds at a brisk pace. Ruby Johnson is a particularly intriguing antagonist, whose complex motivations and actions add depth to the story. The introduction of Mr. Christmas, a fascinating hitman, adds another layer of excitement and tension.

While the book is filled with twists and turns, some readers might find Ruby’s character a bit too unlikable, which can make it challenging to fully connect with her. However, this does not detract from the overall enjoyment of the book. The legal battles and clever strategies employed by Eddie Flynn and his team are as captivating as ever.

Overall, Witness 8 is a compelling read that will satisfy fans of the series and newcomers alike. It is a testament to Steve Cavanagh’s skill as a storyteller, blending legal drama with psychological intrigue in a way that keeps readers hooked until the very end.

Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for sending me this ebook in exchange for my honest review.

What if the witness was more twisted than the killer?

This was another great book from Steve Cavanagh. The plot line was unique and woven with multiple layers that flowed nicely without being confusing or complicated. I always enjoy Eddie Flynn’s unorthodox tactics and the ways he does whatever it takes to prove his clients’ innocence. The twists and turns of Ruby’s actions really kept me wondering what was going to happen next and how it would all turn out. Overall, I was hooked on this story and really enjoyed it the whole way through.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for an advanced copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review!

Walking home late at night in a wealthy neighborhood, Rose witnesses a murder and does the only logical thing. She sets the wheels in motion to frame an innocent man and blackmail the killer. Nothing could go wrong, right?

Eddie Flynn and his team have their hands more than full as they try to defend an innocent man and unravel the mystery and identify who is behind it all. And things are only complicated as Eddie discovers there's a bounty on his head.

We start the story knowing the what, how, where, and when of the murder but figuring out the why will keep you turning the page at a rapid pace.

The Eddie Flynn stories never disappoint and this one is no exception. Full of action, heart, and humor it easily earns its 5 stars. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC copy.

Steve Cavanaugh became a favorite author of mine last year after reading *Kill for Me, Kill for You*. I went down the rabbit hole with the Eddie Flynn series. Eddie is a former con artist turned legal defense genius! He isn’t your average attorney. He plays dirty; after all, this is New York, a city that runs on “kickbacks and greenbacks.” We follow a young woman named Ruby; she is a nanny and maid to the elite residents in her neighborhood. Ruby and her family used to be “one of them,” and while the residents may overlook her, she never forgot. Ruby has her own hidden agenda; she knows everyone’s secrets. When she witnesses a lover kill another, she sets a plan in motion. Great story, full of twists and turns, with multiple villains and unexpected alliances. Cavanaugh has done a great job with the series. I recommend starting at the beginning to be introduced to the characters. Thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Mystery Thriller

When I requested this book on NetGalley, I had no idea it was a part of a series! Nothing on the cover, synopsis, or information on NetGalley suggested that this was the 8th book in a series. Of course, I should’ve checked Goodreads first before requesting it. It’s not that I regret reading this book, but I prefer to start with the first book in a series to experience character growth.

Witness 8 is supposed to be about Ruby Johnson, a maid and nanny who works for high-class families. She witnesses the murder of one of her neighbors. She knows the killer, too! But being the wicked and manipulative person she is, she decides to hold that information and use it for her own benefit.

On the other side, Eddie Flynn, the defense attorney (who used to be a conman), takes the case of the accused of the murder, whom he believes is innocent despite the strong evidence against him.

The plot is very clever and intriguing. It is the strongest aspect of the story. The courtroom scenes were quite compelling and showed the author’s expertise in writing them. However, I didn’t enjoy reading the book as much as I was expecting. I feel the many perspectives spoiled it for me. The main story was overshadowed by numerous distractions, some of which were unnecessary to the plot and only served to lengthen the pages.

Perhaps if I had read the previous books, my view on this book would’ve been different since I see mine as an unpopular opinion. I’m not giving it a negative rating because the story has its moments and merits. I’m just disappointed because I was looking forward to enjoying this one more than I did.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.

Thank you to NetGalley, the Publishers, and Steve Cavanagh for an ARC of Witness 8. I am not okay after this book. Absolutely riveting, jaw dropping, wildly suspenseful. The note from the editor at the beginning completely sums this book up. If it wasn’t for the fact that my eyes were heavy and I was rereading the same sentence multiple times and finally put it down, I would’ve stayed up all night to finish it. This was my first Eddie Flynn book, but not my first book by Steve, and this will not be my last. I felt like this story completely took over my life and this was something that was actually going on. All I can say with certainty is you will not be disappointed.

There is something wrong with Ruby. Her grandmother has said so her whole life. But what if the witness to a murder is more wicked than the murderer? Eddie Flynn, ex con now defense lawyer, and his team are doing any and every trick in the book to keep his client out of jail. Mind you he’s working this case and also has a hits out on himself. Action packed - there is no break in this story that will keep you up all night until you’re reading the same sentence multiple times.

Ruby Johnson used to live on West 74th Street. Now she is the maid/nanny for several residents on the street. Ruby witnesses a murder and takes this as an opportunity. A opportunity for what we don’t know.

Meanwhile, we meet John Jackson, the man accused of killing Maggs. John was home alone on the night Maggs was killed so he has no alibi. Then the police find the murder weapon with a partial palm print and DNA matching John.

Enter Eddie Flynn, defense attorney and former con man. He is hired to take the case for John. Eddie and his ragtag team have unconventional methods of solving cases.

What a wild ride. You will find yourself wondering who, what, how, and why. It is my first book by Steve Cavanagh. It definitely won’t be my last.

Thank you Atria Books and NetGalley for the advanced electronic copy of this book!

All opinions are my own.

Last year’s twisty, suspenseful ‘Kill For Me, Kill For You’ was the first novel I have read from Steve Cavanagh, and it was one of my favourite reads of the year.

Cavanagh’s new thriller, ‘Witness 8’, deals with a murder in a very posh Manhattan neighbourhood, where the killer thinks they have gotten away with it… but we know there was a witness to the crime, and that witness is way more twisted than the killer.

Ruby Johnson, a former resident who fell on hard times and now works babysitting and odd jobs for her former neighbours, is that witness, and she sees a chance to strike it rich - yes she makes an anonymous call to the police and names the killer, but she is lying - because blackmail pays better.

When that accused innocent neighbour, a do-gooding doctor, is framed and going to trial, he hires lawyer Eddie Flynn, an ex-con turned shady defense attorney, who also has the mob after him.

The accused is innocent, the witness is unhinged, and the defence lawyer is borderline unethical. So fun and weird stuff is gonna happen.

What can I tell you without giving away the twists and turns of this one? Nothing actually, I started up way too late reading it, which is the best thing you can say about a thriller.

‘Witness 8’ is the eighth book featuring lawyer Edide Flynn, and much as that makes me want to read all the blacklist titles, you don't have to before this one as it totally stands alone.

This is a fast paced thriller with lots of twists, an interesting case, and even some humour. Highly recommend.


Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. It publishes March 25, 2025.

I honestly wasn't expecting to love this half as much as I did. It's kind of a "boy" crime novel but with a fuuuun behind the scenes POV, such interesting characters, and the best plot line. Every time I didn't understand where something was going, Eddie Flynn made me and the antagonists look like fools. Every little detail was just a piece of his larger puzzle.

This book has:
Crime
A conman turned defense lawyer
Corruption
Mobs
Hitmen
A dog
Friendship tropes
Twists and turns
Great characters

Eddie Flynn uses his previous con-man ways creatively as a lawyer. He knows how to defend his clients using sneaky tactics, but unfortunately this can get him into trouble, especially when he calls out a crooked cop who is linked to some very corrupt individuals. Thankfully Eddie has special friends in all the right places. But that is just part of this story...

There is also Ruby Johnson. A horrible woman from the start. When she witnesses a murder, she takes things into her own hands causing damage to several families that live on the rich NY street she works on. Since we get Ruby's POV throughout the book, the more her behavior comes to light, the more you grow to hate her.

Eddie and his "family" of friends on the other hand become more likeable. I read a book or two in this series a few years ago and definitely missed this series. If you are looking for a legal thriller with some great characters, this is a great read.

Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Wait. A. Minute.

I hit page #4 and I KNEW this was going to be good!! You should know this story is told in multiple POVs with a lot of different things going on at once, but hear me out... stick with it because it's alllllll tied together and takes you on one helluva ride! I was sucked in immediately and thoroughly enjoyed several of the characters. Action packed, great banter, clever scheming, and a realistic crime made this the perfect legal thriller. Witness 8 left me reeling!!! I had no choice but to look up more books by Steve and was stoked to realize "Eddy Flynn" is in fact a series. Ironically I already had book 1 marked in my never-ending TBR shelf on Goodreads. Let's just say it won't be there for long because I am diving allllll the way in because, 🗣 Greenbacks and Kickbacks!!! 👀🤣😂🤣👌🏻

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book from first to last page.
I keep thinking about it long after being done with it and that, to me, is the best indicator of a great book!

Oooh this was such a roller coaster. Like reading an elevated episode of Law&Order plus so much more. Every single character was written so well and just the adrenaline rush chapter after chapter was so much fun to read. This was my first book in this series and I definitely want to go back to start this whole thing.

My only thing was the main culprit, which isn't spoiler - I just couldn't buy into why she would do so so much when it seemed like she was just bitter. But revenge could be so many levels, right, but her character just became too annoying, too convenient to move the situations along. But I overlooked that and gave credence to everyone else in the book. There was so much turns in different aspects of each character that this was such an enormously well driven plot line. Well, maybe except Ruby. Just when you thought the author would limit the storyline, the arc to a certain point, he upped the ante and blew up more of the plot Great fun read for sure.

Pub date: March 25, 2025

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This is a great book! I have thought so many times about it long after reading it. I loved the plot and how it all played out.

Ruby works as a housekeeper/maid/nanny on a very upper class street in Manhattan. She used to live on that very street before her father gambled away everything the family had. Now Ruby works and tries to care for her ailing mother. Ruby learns a lot of secrets about the people on the street since she seems to blend into the background without much notice. Ruby witnesses a murder late one night, but rather than report it she starts a plan to use the information to help herself financially and help her mother get the care she needs. Eddie Flynn is a defense attorney hired to represent Dr. John Jackson who has been accused of the murder. Eddie was a former con artist who takes on difficult cases and uses tricks from his former life to help defend those he feels are wrongly accused. This is the first book in the Eddie Flynn series that I have read, but it was fine as a stand alone book. The plot moved along at a good pace and I liked the character of Eddie and the members of his team. I did feel the ending was rather predictable but I still enjoyed it overall - it wasn’t great but it kept me entertained. I give the book 3.5 stars out of 5, which I’ll round up to 4.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review. The book will be published on March 25, 2025.