The author always does a great job with the suspense and his writing. Feeling like you are right there in the story. I really enjoyed this book and overall this author when it comes to any of his writings. Will definitely be in the look out for books to come.

Finally! For those of us that are fans of the Eddie Flynn series, we can read book 5 after a long wait! And what a book it is.

Eddie Flynn receives a phone call letting him know a potential client is in jail. After meeting with her, she agrees to let him defend her. The case: Her father, the former mayor, has been murdered. The catch: Within a minute of each other, the client and her sister both call 911 to report the other sister committed the murder.

Which sister committed the murder? You can guess. There is a Fifty Fifty shot you will get it right. But, spoiler alert, you most likely will change your opinion several times during this well written novel.

Even if you have never read an Eddie Flynn thriller, do yourself a favor and pick up this book. You will not regret it. It is the perfect summer time read.

My only complaint is there is a death that seems written just for shock effect. It doesn't truly seem to add a lot to the story. But even with that "complaint", the murder is so well written, it will have you sitting on the edge of your seat.

Fifty Fifty, Steve Cavanagh 📚

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Love a good Steve Cavanagh book! (AKA, all of them).

This is book # 5 of the Eddie Flynn series, and was just rereleased today! Highly recommend it ✔️ You do NOT need to read this series in order.

The story is a true “Who did it?!” and it had me roped in right from the start!

Thank you to Steve Cavanagh, Atria Books & NetGalley for this ARC! 🫶🏻

💭: ““911 what’s your emergency?”

“My dad’s dead. My sister Sofia killed him. She’s still in the house. Please send help.”

“My dad’s dead. My sister Alexandra killed him. She’s still in the house. Please send help.”

One of them is a liar and a killer.

But which one?”

This was alright. I thought a lot of it was kind of unnecessary, and there wasn’t really a good investigation. It was just them believing the two girls, and not really doing their own thing I feel. I felt like the book was longer than needed, especially for it to not really be going anywhere until 60% or more of the way through.
I normally love cop and fbi type thrillers, but this one just missed the mark for me. It felt rushed, and not a whole ton of action. The characters also didn’t seem to have too much dimension. Kate was a badass though, I liked her.

FIFTY FIFTY by Steve Cavanagh
Two sisters each call 911 to report that the other has murdered their father. Both have motives, both seem guilty — but only one is telling the truth. Defense attorney Eddie Flynn takes on one sister’s case, while his rival represents the other. As the trial unfolds, it becomes a deadly game of strategy and deceit, with Eddie racing to uncover the real killer before the wrong woman is convicted.

Steve Cavanagh has done it again!
FIFTY FIFTY is a legal thriller that had me from the first page and didnt let go. With a fast-paced plot, short chapters, and (un)likable characters you’ll love to second-guess, this one kept me fully engaged. The story is told through multiple points of view — but don’t let that scare you. Each POV is clear and adds to the tension, especially the chapters narrated by “She,” our mysterious killer.

Did I guess who did it? Yes.
Did it ruin anything? Absolutely not.
The suspense, misdirection, and courtroom drama made every page worth it.

Originally published in 2020 as book 5 in the Eddie Flynn series, FIFTY FIFTY is finally being released in the U.S. on June 3, 2025. Eddie Flynn, the ex-con turned defense attorney, is smart, scrappy, and just the kind of hero you want leading the charge for justice.

Thank you Atria Books via NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Be sure to pick up your copy on June 3!

ARC READ

This was a fast paced legal thriller with multiPOV that was such a fun time. This was my first steve Cavanagh Book and I will definetly be picking up more. I realized that this is technically book 5 of this series but rest assured you do not need to read all the others first (i will definetely be going back to read the others). My guess is some characters in the book were probably met in previous books but I still felt like I got to know the characters (Harry, Harper) and was invested in thier side plots

The pacing was excellent for most of the book. There were many chapters with breadcrumbs where you were trying to figure out what sister it was and you keep second guessing youself the entire time and even more complicated as both lawyers are sure thier client is innocent. Part 4 of this book had me seriously scooting off my chair trying to read as fast I could just to find out what was happening. Then we get to the trial. I loved the courtroom drama. Every witness, I was just waiting to see how the lawyers could counter.
The ending had me high fiving the air with the Kate situation and the final lawyer team (trying not to spoil anything)
Overall I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others who enjoy legal thrillers.

Many thanks to NetGalley and especially Atria for the ARC fin exchange for an honest review

Fifty Fifty by Steve Cavanagh ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If you’re looking for a fast-paced legal thriller, look no further than the Eddie Flynn series.

This one was a page turner and kept me guessing the entire time. Such an interesting premise, and I felt like it was explored in the best way. This one was particularly interesting because it literally tells you one of the sisters did the crime in the very beginning, so the whole time I was trying to decide which one I believed more.

I had previously read Witness 8 as my intro to these characters, so I really enjoyed getting to revisit them and seeing more of their journey. While reading Witness 8 did reveal some of the things that happened to the characters, I didn’t feel like I needed to have read these in any particular order.

Keeping my review short because I believe one should experience these books as blindly as possible. Fans of books that grip you from the beginning, twists and turns, and books that explore the entire legal process will find much to love.

Thank you NetGalley for the gift of this book

Two sisters blame each other for the murder of their father . Both were there when it happened and both called 911 at the same time .

The lawyers Eddie and Kate each representing one sister have to go head to head and discover the truth …

Who do you think did it ?

A huge thank you to Atria books and NetGalley for offering me the chance to read this book as an ARC. It was such a good read. I’m glad to know it is a series. This gives me more to read by Steve Cavanagh!

Thank you NetGalley and Atria for this gifted copy!

Steve Cavanagh is officially one of my favorite authors. I love his Eddie Flynn series. IT IS SO GOOD. Every case he takes on is unique and twisty. When a political figure is murdered, both of his daughters each accuse each other. Alexandra, so put together and seemingly level headed and Sofia, the black sheep of the family. Both had childhood abuse and each have motive. As the trial progress, more murders occur with people too close to this case. Once you have it figured it out another twist gets thrown at you. I was back and forth with the sisters and the evidence was damning but nothing would’ve made me want to be either of their lawyers. Well written, evenly paced. I really enjoyed this one.

A rich man is murdered, and his two daughters are in custody. Each sister is claiming to be victimized and pointing an accusing finger at the other as the killer. Only one of them is telling the truth . . . but which one? No one wants to put the wrong sister in jeopardy. The lawyers on both sides have to remind themselves that it’s their job to present evidence to the jury, and it’s those members alone who decide guilt or innocence.

You simply can’t go wrong with an Eddie Flynn mystery.

I highly recommend this novel for fans of twisty psychological thrillers and suspenseful courtroom dramas.

I thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of Fifty Fifty for my unbiased evaluation.  4 stars

4.25 🌟

This was a fun one! The second I saw the premise on NetGalley, I knew I had to request it:


“911 what’s your emergency?”

“My dad’s dead. My sister Sofia killed him. She’s still in the house. Please send help.”

“My dad’s dead. My sister Alexandra killed him. She’s still in the house. Please send help.”

One of them is a liar and a killer.

But which one?


I enjoy legal thrillers, but man, every time I read one, I'm so grateful that I do not work in any capacity with the law. What a convoluted mess that is. I liked both lawyers in this, and you get each of their POVs. The sisters are both interesting. It's hard to tell which one to believe, and they will keep you guessing until the end. This is my kind of book!

If you're like me and have no idea this is part of a series, don't worry - you can read it as a standalone. And now I have to read the first four books in the Eddie Flynn series (as if my TBR needs any fattening).

Recommended for those who like fast-paced legal thrillers and whodunnits.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria for the ARC.

Wow, this one was a wild legal thriller!

We begin with two different 911 calls made within minutes of one another. Each is from a sister claiming that their father was killed by the other sister. With the suspicion being blamed on both girls, they are both taken into custody with a high-profile legal case to follow. Because not only is this a case of sisters blaming one another, but their father was none other than Frank Avellino, the former New York City mayor. And his murder was horrendous to look at, even for the most seasoned cops. The girls are soon presented with a pick of the litter in their choice of defense attorney.

Eddie Flynn is not your typical lawyer. He was once a con artist who changed his ways when someone took a leap of faith on him. Eddie is notorious for only defending clients who he believes didn't commit the crime. He is instantly drawn to Sophia Avellino, as anyone can tell she's had a troubled past and seems to be struggling in her present situation. There's no way should could be such a gruesome killer. That leaves her sister, Alexandra Avellino. She is scooped up by the defense team of a big name law firm. With these two pitted against one another, things are bound to shake out in the court room.

---

We get perspectives from different characters in this one. Mainly Eddie, Kate (legal team of big firm), and "She." The allusive She keeps you guessing which sister it is referring to. The way the perspectives change makes this book move quickly, as you constantly want to know what's going to happen with one character as it cuts to another perspective. Also, we are introduced to Kate, a fresh out of law school legal associate, looking to make her way into the law world, which isn't easy when you work at a male dominated practice that looks at you like you have no place in the room. Anyone who's read from the Eddie Flynn series knows just how likeable Eddie can be and this one was no different.

Overall, this one had me guessing and cockily confident that I'd figured out the twist, but even I was surprised by some of the twists in this one. I would say anyone who picks this up is bound to be surprised by at least some aspect of the story. It was compelling, as you quickly cared about Eddie and Kate, even though they're pitted against one another in the courtroom. The only thing to be aware of is it's definitely a courtroom thriller. If you aren't into seeing the case play out in front of the jury and the behind the scenes details of lawyers and how they build their case, this one may not be for you. Even if you haven't read others in the series, Cavanaugh did a fantastic job of getting the information you needed to know the context of any overlapping characters. So don't be afraid to pick this one up, because if you're into legal thrillers, this one is a must read!

*Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for providing a free copy in exchange for my honest review.*

4⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Publishing for an advanced copy of Fifty Fifty.

Lawyer Eddie Flynn is called in about a new case. Two sisters both called 911 saying the other one killed their father. Sofia and Alexandra have not had a relationship with one another since they were kids. Alexandra is the one who has her life together and is doing well for herself while Sofia has struggled since they were kids death of their mother when they were kids. Eddie meets with Sofia and believes in her innocence so he takes her case on. The evidence shows that both of the women could be responsible so Eddie will just have to do what he does best, find the needle in the haystack!

This was a really great fast paced book that kept me guessing the entire time! I loved the plot and the characters and the twist and turns were great!

This book wrecked my nerves in the best way possible. I don’t think I took a full breath the entire time I was reading it. Fifty Fifty is the definition of a perfect whodunit: two sisters, one murdered father, and an unrelenting courtroom drama where both women point the finger at each other. Cavanagh masterfully plays with perception and tension—just when I thought I had it figured out, another twist dropped and flipped everything upside down.

The pacing is razor sharp, the courtroom scenes are brilliantly written, and the psychological manipulation will have your anxiety spiking (in a good way!). I pride myself on guessing twists, but this one? No chance. Absolutely unputdownable.

A legal thriller that messes with your mind and keeps you questioning everyone’s truth—HIGHLY recommend if you love a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat mystery with zero filler.

"Justice, if there was such a thing, rarely saw its reflection in a verdict." ⚖️✨

“My biggest problem as a lawyer is I want to guilty to get punished and the innocent to go free. And the law doesn't work that way. Never has. Never will." ⚖️✨

EDDDDDDDDDDDDDDIE FLYYYYYYYNNNNNNNNNN, strikes again. I am obsessed with this character by Steve Cavanagh and am hopeful that this legal thriller series will continue to thrive!! This edition, released today, June 3, 2025, isn't the first time this book has been released, and is #5 in the Eddie Flynn series. Fifty Fifty can totally be read alone, although some of the characters are seen in his other books and their histories and details may make more sense when you read these stories chronologically.

Fifty Fifty is about two sisters, Sofia and Alexandra, that both find themselves on trial for the murder of their father…the former mayor in New York. 👯‍♀️

Twisty and turny in Cavanagh's signature style, this book truly had me bouncing between whodunit until the very end. The suspense and nerve-wracking twists kept me up way past my bedtime and totally captivated and invested. I am totally hooked on Eddie Flynn and loved that this book had the "She" chapter - you truly weren't sure which of the sisters it was until the very end! The good vs. evil sister drama was deliciously evil and excellently executed. 👏🏻

As a lawyer, I sometimes cringe at "legal thrillers, especially when written by the defense perspective. But I truly love Eddie Flynn's character and his values and how he incorporates real issues and strategies into the story and highlights unrealistic legal points for the purpose of the plot. ⚖️

If you enjoyed Witness 8 or Kill for Me, Kill for You by Steve Cavanagh you will definitely love this one too! Just remember that I warned you to clear your schedule and buckle your seatbelt!! 🎢

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I love a good courtroom drama but throw in some thriller and I am hooked. What an excellent and well-written story. I loved everything about this story. I haven't read the others in this series but I don't think it took away anything.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this arc.

Two sisters, two frantic 911 calls, each accusing the other of stabbing their father, former NYC mayor Frank Avellino. One of the sisters is guilty, but which one?

You probably recognize Steve Cavanagh’s name from the wildly popular thriller “Kill for Me, Kill for You.” That fantastically twisty book was one of my top thrillers in 2024 and since my toxic trait is adding books to my TBR without reading the synopsis… well, you can probably see where this is going! I grabbed Fifty Fifty without knowing it’s the fifth book in the Eddie Flynn series, and while this is not a problem because this book reads great all by itself, my never-ending TBR just grew by seven books (eight if you count book #9, Two Kinds of Stranger, which isn’t out yet) because I need more Eddie Flynn in my life!

Eddie is such a great character, a con artist turned criminal defense attorney (some might say the two aren’t all that different!), and the supporting cast is stellar too. I particularly liked watching Kate come into her own as a young attorney. The plot is crafty, clever, and completely original. The twists kept me on my toes the entire time, and I kept changing my mind on which sister was the culprit (I had a “fifty fifty” chance of getting it right, lol!). I know the word “unputdownable” gets bandied about a lot, but this book is genuinely so bingeable, I finished it in less than two days! Perfect for fans of John Grisham and David Ellis.

I both read and listened to this one, and Adam Sims does a great job narrating the audiobook version, infusing Eddie with an engaging bit of wise guy attitude. It was nice to have both print and audio on this one, because the plot is intricate and there are a lot of characters to keep track of, so it was helpful to be able to easily flip back and reference things that happened earlier in the plot.

Many thanks to Atria Books and Simon Audio for the advance copies of this book!

BRAVO...another masterful legal thriller with nonstop twists!

All you need to know about this story: Two sisters on trial for murder. They accuse each other. Who do you believe, Sophia or Alexandra?

FIFTY FIFTY is a tense, gripping rollercoaster of psychological suspense that had me guessing at every turn. Ex-con turned defense attorney Eddie Flynn is back in the courtroom defending Sophia, one of two sisters accused of killing their father, the mayor of NY. His antics and dark humor always make for an interesting story, both in and out of the courtroom. He has "colorful" friends in high places which always up the stakes. The side characters (particularly Kate and Harry) are becoming more developed as I read more of this series. I live for the courtroom drama as Eddie always has a trick up his sleeve to outwit his opponent. Petition to adapt ALL Cavanagh's books to screen, please!

ENTERTAINING, addicting and begging to be devoured (especially on audio), get comfy and DIG IN.

**Although this is book 5 in the Eddie Flynn series, it can be read as a standalone.

A masterpiece makes its way to the US!! Fifty Fifty by Steve Cavanagh was a fantastic read! A courtroom drama meets thriller, this one keeps you guessing until the very end. I loved getting to know Eddie and Kate and their friends who come to their aid. I’ll keep this spoiler free, but will say you will guess 10 different endings and not get one right!!