Witness 8 was a different type of thriller/mystery than I normally read. At first I felt like there were a lot of characters and I did not see how or where they possibly could be intertwined. Steve Cavanagh did an AMAZING job of linking everyone together, detailing how they were connected to each other. Cavanaugh's descriptions were so vivid you could clearly see what he was describing. I highly recommend this book about murder, con men and the legal system.

‘What if the witness was more twisted than the killer?’ is the perfect blurb for Witness 8, much like ‘The serial killer isn't on trial. He's on the jury...’ was for Th1rt3en, which I also loved.

This is book #8 in the E. Flynn series and it did not disappoint. Cavanagh is boundless when it comes to his characters and their diversities. Idiosyncratic, cunning, humorous, ruthless, erudite… I mean, name any descriptive and he’s got a character who owns it. And somehow they all mesh effortlessly, like tea-time and me-time and work together like a wolf pack.

There were several moving parts in this narrative, but SC knits them together seamlessly and keeps you on the hook for over 400 pages of solid entertainment. Seriously, you will not come across a dull moment in this one. So very clever and a damn good time! I can’t wait for #9!

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for this arc in exchange for review.

Pub Date: 3.25.25.

Wow! Really enjoyable writing style and interesting plot. This was my first by this author but won’t be my last. Will be recommending to my students in the future!

Ruby Johnson had money and lived among the wealthy.things changed, so she now works in their houses.
Her own grandmother always said , "There's something wrong with Ruby.".
of course, witnessing a murder is never a good thing.
Soon, someone is accused of murder and it's on. The attorneys for the prosecution and defense face off, but who is reliable in their testimony?
The preparation is intense and sometimes dirty , with manipulation on both sides.
This novel is intense and the excitement builds on every page. Someone is the match and someone is the flame.
An enjoyable read.
I was provided an advance copy of the book and all opinions are my own.

Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)

Witness 8 is another gripping installment in Steve Cavanagh's thrilling Eddie Flynn series, delivering a masterclass in courtroom drama and suspense. Cavanagh expertly weaves a complex narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, showcasing his knack for sharp plotting and engaging characters.
The story revolves around the high-stakes trial of a notorious crime boss, and the tension escalates when the prosecution's key witness goes missing. Eddie Flynn, a former con artist turned defense attorney, finds himself embroiled in a web of deceit and danger as he races against time to uncover the truth and protect his client. The stakes are high, and Cavanagh masterfully builds suspense, ensuring that each twist and turn keeps you guessing.
One of the standout elements of Witness 8 is Cavanagh's ability to create multifaceted characters. Eddie Flynn is a compelling protagonist, balancing his moral compass with the gritty realities of the legal world. The supporting characters are equally well-developed, each adding depth and intrigue to the story. The interplay between the characters enriches the narrative, making it not just a legal thriller but also a character-driven tale.
Cavanagh’s writing is sharp and accessible, effortlessly blending courtroom tactics with moments of tension and humor. The pacing is relentless, propelling the reader through the twists and turns of the plot. Just when you think you have it all figured out, Cavanagh throws in a curveball that leaves you reeling.
While the novel is deeply engaging, some readers might find certain plot elements familiar if they’ve followed the series closely. However, Cavanagh's fresh take and skilled storytelling keep it feeling original and exciting.
In conclusion, Witness 8 is a thrilling read that showcases Steve Cavanagh's prowess in crafting a compelling legal drama. With its intricate plot, well-drawn characters, and a perfect balance of suspense and wit, this book is a must-read for fans of the genre. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a page-turner that keeps you guessing until the very end.

Final Thoughts
Witness 8 solidifies Cavanagh’s place as a master of courtroom thrillers, and I can't wait to see where Eddie Flynn’s journey takes us next!

Favorite Quote:
"In a courtroom, the truth is often the first casualty."

Steve Cavanagh's Witness 8 is a gripping psychological thriller that takes readers on a wild ride through Manhattan’s exclusive Upper West Side. Ruby Johnson, once a resident of this prestigious neighborhood, now works as a maid for the same wealthy families she used to associate with. After her father’s gambling addiction causes her family to lose everything, Ruby is left with bitterness and a burning desire to regain her former life.

The plot kicks into high gear when Ruby witnesses a murder in one of the homes she works for. Instead of going to the police, she sees this as a golden opportunity to cash in on her insider knowledge and change her life, and her mother’s, forever. Ruby, who is both intelligent and devious, sets out to manipulate the situation, aiming to pin the murder on the wrong man in order to build her new future.

Cavanagh excels at weaving intricate twists and turns throughout the story. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, another secret or villain emerges, keeping you on edge. The novel is populated by a range of morally grey characters, and Ruby’s cunning plans make her both an intriguing and chilling protagonist.

The novel’s pacing is swift, and while there are occasional lulls, the tension quickly ramps up again as the stakes grow higher. Witness 8 explores themes of power, privilege, and survival, all while maintaining a relentless sense of suspense. Ruby’s evolution from a downtrodden maid to a master manipulator is both believable and terrifying, making her a standout character in the world of thrillers.

If you enjoy fast-paced, twist-filled novels with complex characters and high stakes, Witness 8 is a must-read. Steve Cavanagh has crafted another page-turner that will leave you breathless until the very last chapter.

Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher Atria Books for this advanced e-ARC.

This was my first Steve Cavanagh book. I won't say it's my last because I've always heard really good things about Thirteen, but I will say that it took me 3 weeks to finish this book mainly due to the fact that I dreaded it. It just dragged on. I love books with multiple perspectives, but this was just too much. The story telling was laborious. There were too many side characters, scene explaining, and unnecessary jargon. This book wasn't for me, but maybe it will be for you. Hopefully the next Steve Cavanagh book will be a hit for me and not another miss.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria books for allowing me to read an arc in exchange for my review. You can find this book on shelves March 25, 2025.

Oh Eddie - such a generous and caring character willing to defend those in his circle. This is the second book I have read in this series - I had no issues keeping up with the characters and plot.
A thriller with a manipulative young woman cashing in on her friend's murder; Eddie creates such anger with NYPD they put a contract out on his life; Mr. Christmas - a hitman. So much to keep you enthralled and entertained!
Told from various POVs - Eddie as first person, other perspectives third person. It sounds clunky - yet done very well. There were a few times I needed a moment to remember.
Great read!

This was such a great, twisty read with lots of action. Loved to be back in Eddie Flynn’s mind and seeing him beat all the odds again.

This story was great! It had so many twists and turns--enough to keep you confused for a moment, but then makes you say "AHA!" later when all of the pieces fit together in a perfect little puzzle. Thoroughly enjoyed the plotline, and the short chapters!

I loved this book!! Kept me invested from the very beginning. An edge of your seat legal thriller that I would highly recommend to any fan of the genre.

Ruby witnesses a man fleeing the scene after committing murder. Someone who once moved unnoticed within the wealthy community she used to call home now begins weaving a web of manipulation and revenge, ensnaring those around her. Her cunning and deceit slowly infiltrate the lives of Manhattan’s elite, unraveling their carefully crafted facades.

Meanwhile, Eddie—a conman turned lawyer—finds himself defending the man accused of the crime, only to become a target himself. With a price on his head, criminals across the country are closing in, determined to collect.

It’s an entertaining read, though the numerous shifting points of view occasionally gave me whiplash. The heart of the narrative, however, lies with Ruby and Eddie.

Ruby is a fascinating character, and I found myself wishing for a deeper dive into her backstory and psychological unraveling. Throughout the book, you can see her mental stability teeter on the edge and then plunge into darkness, making her descent both chilling and intriguing.

In many ways, the story immediately brought to mind Better Call Saul—the sharp drama, witty banter, and boundary-pushing legal antics would have fit seamlessly into the series.

While the plot is layered with intersecting plots that gradually build and collide, yet despite the clever twists, I didn’t find myself fully engrossed in the prose. Perhaps a deeper exploration of Ruby’s twisted psyche or familiarity with the author’s earlier works would have helped me connect more deeply with the characters.

That said, it’s not a disappointing read, and fans of Eddie’s journey from prior books will likely find much to enjoy in this one as well.

Thank you Netgalley for this advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

I did not realize this was the 8th book in a series at all. Of course there was histories between characters but not in a way that made me think anything of it.
I thoroughly enjoyed Eddie Flynn and all the characters. Ruby was... wow. I mean on the one hand I understand her deep love and affection for her mom. But she was ... look wow is the only way to describe her. I really liked the Mr Christmas character too. For a hit man, he sure was polite. And while I can't ever be in his shoes, his morals made sense.
I loved how effective the team worked together and am looking forward to ready the previous books.

This is the first Eddie Flynn book I have read by Steve Cavanagh, and it caught my attention from the first chapter. Witness 8 is twisty and fast-paced. I’ve gone ahead and purchased the earlier books in this series because I’m hooked! Thank you NetGalley and to the publishers for the opportunity to read Witness 8. I will be recommending this to others!

Eddie the Fly is back! Along with Kate, Bloch, Harry and Lake and I am there for every single second of it! I gobbled this up like Thanksgiving dinner.

In this installment we are introduced to Ruby who is every kind of crazy and Mr. Christmas who is aptly named because this dude has ice flowing through his veins. It is my fervent prayer we get more of both in future books.

This time Eddie and company defend a surgeon who is framed for a murder by his nanny...all of this unfolds in the prologue but the cat and mouse games Cavanagh is so well known for are where it's at in this one.

Ohhhhhh....there's also a hit out on Eddie this time, so yeah.

Thank you to the publisher for gifting me a copy!! It felt like (Mr.) Christmas Day!! All opinions are my own!

This is a fabulous story! Things are not always what they seem and Eddie and his team do a great job turning every rock, and even spreading the dirt when needed, in order to right a wrong. Now, there is a backstory as compelling and interesting as the murder, and by the time we learn the entire story, we’ve been through a lot with our friends. The Author does a brilliant job in providing the facts and information to allow maximum buildup that keeps you in your seat from start to finish.
While not sorry I had the opportunity to read this book now, it’s going to make the time until publication seem like an eternity!
My thanks to Atria publishing via NetGalley for the download of this book for review purposes.

This is the First Eddie Flynn book I have read by Steve Cavanagh, and it does not disappoint. I will definitely be reading the previous books in this series. However, this book can be read as a stand-alone. It is fast-paced and made me want to keep reading. Thank you Netgalley for the Arc. I will be buying copies for our libraries.

Let me say, Steve Cavanagh is a must-read for all of his books! If you haven't read anything yet, start NOW! I always love Eddie Flynn's continuing story, and this does not disappoint. The book is a quick read, different points of view, and a whopper of a story. 5 stars, and keep the books coming!

"Witness 8" begins as a straightforward murder case in Manhattan but soon transforms into a complicated web of intrigue, manipulation, and secret agendas. The narrative offers a multitude of viewpoints, which can be a bit much at times, and I often found myself wanting to reconnect with Eddie. This book was truly a thrilling experience! I wasn't aware it was part of a series when I got the ARC, but it can definitely be enjoyed independently. With so many surprising twists, I’m looking forward to diving into the other books in the series!

Thank You NetGalley and Atria Books for allowing me to read this ARC.

Ruby Johnson is a former resident of the Manhattan upper class neighborhood where she is now the maid, cleaning houses like the one she used to live in. On night, on her walk home, she witnesses a murder. But instead of reporting what she actually saw to the police, she has her own agenda.

Eddie Flynn is a former con man, now defense attorney, willing to take on the most hopeless cases. His newest case is for Jack Johnson, an innocent man accused of murder. And just when he takes that on, Eddie finds out that some organized criminals have a bounty on his head.

This psychological thriller has lots of twists and turns and an ending I NEVER saw coming! The story is written in multiple POV so you get lots of perspectives and lots of pieces to the puzzle and you spend the whole book trying to put it all together. There are so many unexpected surprises throughout this book. With Eddie’s unconventional team and their sometimes unorthodox methods help give the perfect balance of humor and entertainment while keeping you guessing and on the edge of your seat. This book kept me invested from start to finish!

Witness 8 is part of a series but can be read stand alone. Steve Cavanagh is a new author to me but after reading Kill for You, Kill for Me and now Witness 8, I am definitely going to be reading more of his books!

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the opportunity to read an ARC of Witness 8 in exchange for my honest review.