Rounded up from 4.5 stars

If there's one thing to know about me, it's that Steve Cavanagh is one of my favorite thriller/suspense authors. When I found out that a new Eddie Flynn novel was being released, I jumped at the chance to be able to review it. I love Eddie Flynn and his non-traditional ways of defending his clients. I was kept guessing the whole time as to which sister did it, and anytime I had an idea, I'd be thrown off the scent and back to debating who did it.

This one started a little slow but as we reached the climax of the story I could not put this one down. I highly recommend this one for anybody interested in a good suspense and legal drama.

Although you can read these as stand alones, I highly recommend reading the Eddie Flynn series in order.

Thank you to Atria for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

First, thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. This is my third Steve Cavanagh book, and I’ve really enjoyed all of them. This one is the fifth book in the Eddie Flynn series, so it isn’t necessarily “new” but seems to be a re-release of the book. I really enjoy the characters in this series and find them to be relatable. Eddie is a former criminal who’s become an attorney, a concept that seems far-fetched, but Cavanagh pulls it off. His past as a criminal makes Eddie’s present as an attorney possible. The characters interact well and I will definitely continue the series

Fifty Fifty is the newest installment in the Eddie Flynn series and another title that cannot be put down! Twin sisters Alexandra and Sofia are on trial for murdering their father. One of them is the murder and one of them in lying. But which is which? Cavanagh does not disappoint in this thriller you certainly will not want to put down. His writing is so clear, you can easily picture the movie in your mind. I hope that this is made into a movie or short series! 5 stars for Fifty Fifty!

Okay this book hooked me from the very first page. I immediately wanted to know more. This was such a fun book to read. It literally felt like I was watching a true crime tv show and trying to figure out who done it. I loved the different POV's that really helped craft this story. Steve Cavanagh has a way with twisting his stories and never letting you know what is going to happen next. I was switching who I thought who done it multiple times and that was so fun. I love the addition of the 'she' chapters which made this even more addicting seeing some perspective from the suspects to bring it all together in the end with a nice little bow.

If you have not read any of Steve Cavanagh's books, please do yourself a favor and pick one up. They are so fun and addicting. You will not regret it.

I love this series! Cavanagh has crafted a cast that is a perfect blend of misfits and rebels who combine into a justice-seeking whole that is so much more than the sum of its parts... Each book is a blend of courtroom procedural, mystery, action-adventure, and creepy/violent nightmare - once again, the parts cohering into a whole that is nothing short of breathtakingly suspenseful. It is a delight watching the characters develop - they rise up, overcome, and shatter into a million pieces over and over again, yet never stop moving forward. It makes them relatable and engaging and really adds a depth to the series.

There's always an insane twist in the case, and even though I've seen some of them coming, they never fail to entertain. In this installment, twins are the center of the mystery - and normally that would send me running for the door, since it's a trope that has been used (and abused) to death. But in Cavanagh's talented hands, nothing is ever as clear-cut as it seems, and that includes the tropes.

It's a fantastic series and I really cannot say enough good things!

This was another excellent addition to a fabulous series. I loved not knowing which sister was the “she” POV throughout as it really kept me guessing. Eddie’s moral compass continues to steer him in the right direction in this one, as he takes on the sister he believes to be innocent and does everything he can to go against the prosecution and not the other sister. We are introduced to characters who pop up later in the series (what I get to reading WITNESS 8 early) so it was nice to see how familiar faces joined the team. I’ve got THE DEVIL’S ADVOCATE up next!

This book has one of the best premises that I have heard in a long time – two sisters call 911 and report the same crime, each accusing the other of the brutal murder of their father. To add to the intrigue – their father was a former mayor of New Yokr, making this case quite high profile. The author was very clever when writing the scenes from the guilty sister’s POV such that the reader genuinely had no idea which sister it was.

I did have a quibble with the book’s pacing. The book opens with the verdict about to be handed down, then the story switches to as a past timeline, and we don’t return to the trial for quite some time. I also was bothered by the lack of time spent on certain major events that occurred. It felt like the author rushed through some parts, and spent too much time on others.

All-in-all I did enjoy this book. The mystery was compelling, the cast of characters were interesting, and I was quite engaged in learning how Eddie Flynn was going to defend his very guilty looking client. This is the 5th book in the Eddie Flynn series and, although I was told I could jump right in without having read any of the others, I do feel like I was missing out on not knowing some of the back story. I will probably try to start the series at the beginning.

It starts with a murder that turns a family upside down-and ends with two sisters accusing each other of the unthinkable. When the police show up, each one swears she’s innocent and that her sister is the real killer. Their stories couldn’t be more different, and yet, somehow, both are strangely convincing.

Now they’re heading to trial together, sitting side by side in court while one jury tries to figure out which sister is lying-and which one has blood on her hands.

From the start, this book had me completely hooked. I kept switching sides, convinced I had it all figured out. I’ll also never be able to hear Elvis Costello’s ‘She’ again without this book flashing through my mind. It’s officially burned into my mental soundtrack

I first discovered Steve Cavanagh last year after a friend recommended The Defense, and I’ve been devouring his books ever since. Eddie Flynn-his lead character-is a former con artist turned defense attorney, and honestly, one of the most entertaining, clever, and layered characters in the genre. He brings grit, wit, and a whole lot of heart to every case, including this one.

If you’re into thrillers that are sharp, unpredictable, and just flat-out fun to read, you cannot go wrong with Cavanagh. His books are razor-sharp, relentlessly paced and full of clever turns…but what truly makes them shine is his character work. Cavanagh always tells a great story-one you can’t pull away from. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Thank you Atria for the gifted physical copy and Simon Audio for the gifted audio!

Fifty Fifty
Steve Cavanagh
Publishing Date: June 3, 2025

🎧 Narrator: Adam Sims 🎧

Another smart and twisty thriller by Steve Cavanagh! Every book I read by him further cements him as one of my absolute favorite thriller authors.

Alexandra and Sofia are sisters on trial for the murder of their father. Odds are 50/50… Will the right sister be convicted?

I love the way Cavanagh creates characters that are as well developed and thoughtful as his storylines. There is depth and emotion that goes further than the suspense, anticipation, and butterflies in the tummy that you expect from a thriller… but that’s all there too!

Eddie Flynn is a favorite MMC of mine and this novel just solidified that even further. But really, Kate was the shining star in this one for me. Getting to know the roots of her character, watching her stand her ground against shitty men (gimme all that feminine rage please), and seeing her growth as this novel went on was perfection. Cavanagh does a really commendable job writing both male and female characters in a realistic and respectful way.

This is my second book from the Eddie Flynn series and certainly won’t be my last.

🎧 Adam Sims is absolute perfection in his narration of this series. He brings the characters to life and keeps the emotion and suspense palpable. As long as he keeps narrating, I will keep reading these with both my ears and eyes.

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for the eARC.

Steve Cavanagh is my go to for a twisty courtroom drama. His books are always well done, interesting, and full of unexpected twists. Fifty Fifty was such a unique concept, and I enjoyed the book. It was not my favorite of his books, but I did enjoy it.

Thank you netGalley for early access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

Eddie is back at it but this time defending Sofia who is up for charges on unaliving her father---the other defendent is her sister. Which sister is telling the truth and which one is not?

This book did a great job casts doubt on both sisters and had you guessing up until the very end. And I loved how the ending set up for future installments

I just love the writing style with this series. I haven't even read them all or in order and I am still shocked and utterly surprised by what continues to happen. Another win for Eddie Flynn with this one for sure!

Steve Cavanagh delivers another gripping legal thriller with Fifty Fifty, maintaining high intensity and clever courtroom tactics throughout. The story centers on defense attorney Eddie Flynn, a former con artist with ties to organized crime, who must rely on his sharp legal instincts to defend a client caught in a deadly case involving two sisters accusing each other of murder. Flynn believes his client is innocent, but ambiguity and tension keep the truth elusive.

Cavanagh crafts a compelling mystery by introducing a “She” narrative—offering the killer’s perspective without revealing her identity—which adds depth and intrigue. The shifting suspicion between the two sisters, Alexandra and Sofia, kept me guessing. Supporting characters are well-developed, and the pacing—helped by varied chapter lengths—drives the story forward. With a tightly plotted courtroom drama, unexpected twists, and a satisfying climax, this fourth installment in the Eddie Flynn series is one of Cavanagh’s best. It refreshes the legal thriller genre by blending classic tension with a modern, twist-filled plot that feels both familiar and innovative.

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC!

Fifty Fifty by Steve Cavanagh:
A sharp, fast-paced legal thriller where two sisters are accused of killing their father-and each says the other did it. Packed with twists, smart dialogue, and a tense courtroom showdown, it keeps you guessing to the end. Gripping and addictive. Loved the twists. I couldn't put this one down.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you #NetGalley and #AtriaBooks for this #ARC

So I started reading this book and then next thing I know it’s already 2am and I’m still reading even if I have to go to work the next day 😂

But omg. This book was worth going zombie mode for! It was sooo bingeable! I just started reading Steve Cavanagh’s books this year and I swear, he became an autobuy author from me after my first read of his books!!

I think legal thrillers is one of my favorite tropes of the thriller genre and omg the courtroom scenes in this book are ✨chef’s kiss✨! 👌

Okay. Here’s the plot.
The mayor of NY was murdered.
There were two 911 calls placed that night -one from each daughter. And they’re both claiming that the other killed their father. Who’s telling the truth??

I swear you’re in for a ride for this one!! This comes out June 3rd (next Tuesday!) and you definitely want to read this if you love bingeable thrillers!!!

Thank you @atriabooks for the free book! Thank you @simon.audio for the free audiobook!!

Thank you Atria Books for my #gifted copy of Fifty Fifty! #atriabooks #AtriaInfluencer #FiftyFifty #SteveCavanagh

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐅𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐲 𝐅𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐲
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐡
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟑, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

𝟱★

Another 5★ for Steve Cavanagh! This book was so good and the type of book that immediately hooks you! Part of the Eddie Flynn Series, which are 100% standalone books, (this is the second book I’ve read from the series and you can read them in any order - trust me!) Cavanagh has once again delivered a book that will make you question everything!

Two sisters and two 911 calls and one murder of their father, the former mayor of NYC. Both daughters claim the other one did it. One of the daughters, Alexandria, is a rising real estate star, while the other one, Sofia, has a dark history. One of them is a liar and a killer. Which one is it?

The pacing of this book was perfect and I could not turn the page quickly enough! You will not want to miss this one!

Posted on Goodreads on June 1, 2025: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/144922955?ref=nav_profile_l
**Posted on Instagram - Full Review- on or around June 1, 2025: http://www.instagram.com/nobookmark_noproblem
**Posted on Amazon on June 3, 2025
**-will post on designated date

💭: Holy crap this book was FANTASTIC! Two sisters call 911 minutes apart after finding their father murdered. The only issue? Each sister is claiming the other is the murderer!

Eddie Flynn takes on Sofia’s defense, while Kate takes on Alexandra’s. They have to prove their clients innocence, but it won’t be easy. So much of the evidence points to each girl potentially being the murderer.

I couldn’t put it down! I loved the “She” chapters where the killer is telling their side. We don’t find out who “she” is until the end. She is an unreliable narrator that could be either sister with the information we learn. GAH!😍 It was so good! I went back and forth with who I thought did it.

Fifty Fifty is my 5th book by Steve Cavanagh and my 3rd Eddie Flynn book. I have to say that Eddie Flynn, ex-con and now a trial lawyer, is one of my favorite characters ever and I will definitely be going to Cavanagh's back list and reading more of Eddie Flynn!

In this courtroom drama two sisters both accuse the other of brutally killing their father, and Eddie Flynn is hired by one of the sisters to defend her during a joint trial where both sisters are being accused of the murder.

In the usual Cavanagh way, this book is also twisty and so enthralling, I couldn't get enough. I went back and forth, back and forth, again and again, thinking it was one sister over the other who did the slaying of their father. I was honestly so shocked by the reveal of who actually did it.

As in all of Cavanagh's books, you don't need to have read any of the first Eddie Flynn books to read Fifty Fifty. I have read 3 of them completely out of order, and had no issue whatsoever. Each book can be read as a standalone.

If you like "throw your book" twists, then this is a book you absolutely need to read! I can't recommend it enough.

*Thanks so much to partner Atria Books and to NetGalley for the gifted eARC!*

FIFTY FIFTY BY STEVE CAVANAUGH

It was fun to find out why this book was called Fifty Fifty!
But I certainly won't post it as that would make for a HUGE spoiler…and I never post spoilers. You will just have to read it for yourself!

Reading this book, I fell in love with Cavanaugh's protagonist Eddie Flynn. You've got to love an ex con artist turned defense attorney. He has a huge heart and surrounds himself with great people to help him win his trial. These people are unique, flawed and wonderful. To me Eddie spends more of his time being a detective than an attorney. Lately I've come to really enjoy detective reads and so I will go back and read this series from Book 1 but I think I am compelled to read his latest Kill For Me Kill For You first if for no other reason than I love the title!

This book is a re-release paperback and was gifted to me by Steve Cavanaugh, First Atria a division of Simon & Schuster, and NetGalley. The re-release is scheduled for June 3rd.

Fifty Fifty completely blew me away! From the very first chapter, I was pulled into the tense story of two sisters on trial for the brutal murder of their father. I stayed hooked all the way to the final page, because I didn’t know who done it. We go in knowing that one of them is guilty. Both claim it was the other. But every time I thought I had it figured out, Steve Cavanagh flipped the story on its head. I didn’t know what to believe until the very last page.

The twists in this book are so smart and so well timed. They were always unexpected. I found myself questioning everyone’s motives, doubting every point of view, and racing through chapters just to see what would happen next. I genuinely didn’t know who to believe, and that level of uncertainty was thrilling.

As someone who really appreciates legal thrillers, I was especially impressed with how accurate the whole legal process was described. The legal strategies, the tension in the trial, the jury’s reaction to every testimony, the back-and-forth between the prosecution and both defense teams, it added so much authenticity and depth to the story.

The multiple points of view were another standout. Each voice was distinct and compelling, but I was especially fascinated by the chapters from the murderer’s perspective. They were chilling, insightful, and unsettling in the best possible way. Steve Cavanagh didn’t shy away from the details of the murder scenes. It gave the book a psychological edge that elevated the entire narrative.

Huge thanks to Atria Books, Steve Cavanagh, and NetGalley for the ARC. This was my first Steve Cavanagh book, and I can’t believe I’ve waited so long to read one of his books. I’ll be catching up on the rest of the Eddie Flynn series ASAP.

—————————

¡Fifty Fifty me cautivó por completo! Desde el primer capítulo, me sumergí en la tensa historia de dos hermanas enjuiciadas por el brutal asesinato de su padre. Me quedé enganchada hasta la última página, porque desconocía quién lo había hecho. Entramos sabiendo que una de ellas es culpable. Ambas afirman que fue la otra. Pero cada vez que creía haberlo descubierto, Steve Cavanagh le daba la vuelta a la historia. No supe qué creer hasta la última página.

Los giros de este libro son ingeniosos y muy oportunos. Siempre inesperados. Me vi cuestionando las motivaciones de todos, dudando de cada punto de vista y leyendo los capítulos a toda prisa solo para ver qué pasaba después. Realmente no sabía a quién creer, y ese nivel de incertidumbre era emocionante.

Como alguien que realmente aprecia los thrillers legales, me impresionó especialmente la precisión con la que se describe todo el proceso legal. Las estrategias legales, la tensión del juicio, la reacción del jurado a cada testimonio, el intercambio de opiniones entre la fiscalía y ambos equipos de defensa, aportaron mucha autenticidad y profundidad a la historia.

Los múltiples puntos de vista fueron otro punto a destacar. Cada voz era distinta y cautivadora, pero me fascinaron especialmente los capítulos desde la perspectiva de la asesina. Fueron escalofriantes, perspicaces e inquietantes, en el mejor sentido de la palabra. Steve Cavanagh no rehuyó los detalles de las escenas de asesinato. Esto le dio al libro un matiz psicológico que elevó toda la narrativa.

Muchísimas gracias a Atria Books, Steve Cavanagh y NetGalley por el ARC. Este fue mi primer libro de Steve Cavanagh, y no puedo creer que haya esperado tanto tiempo para leer uno de sus libros. Me pondré al día con el resto de la serie de Eddie Flynn lo antes posible.