
Member Reviews

Lawyer Eddie Flynn is back on the case again when he is called in to defend a woman accused of murdering her father. The twist is that both she and her sister claim the other one did, and there is evidence against each one.
Another suspenseful one in this series! The twist didn't get me there though like it often does in Cavanagh's books. I was pretty sure I knew what it was going to be, but he did a good job of planting enough clues that it made me doubt myself. I think that is what he is going for though - almost like the jury, the reader has to try to discern who is the killer through the chapters from just "she."
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Fifty Fifty is a twisty crime/police procedural/courtroom thriller that kept me gripped from the first moment of opening the pages. It starts in a courtroom where lawyer Eddie Flynn is waiting to hear how his client has fared. Then we flip to the past. Two 911 calls come in. Two sisters, both claiming the other has murdered their father and they are scared for their life.
Eddie Flynn defends Sofia Avellino, the sister who seems shy and beaten down by life. Competitor lawyer Kate Brooks, on her first murder trial, defends sister Alexandra, who dresses confidently and professes her innocence and her fear of her "crazy" sister Sofia. We see the trial through both of these lawyers' viewpoints, and there is another narrator, "She". She is definitely one of the sisters, and she eliminates anyone in her path who may be a danger to her continued freedom. I will admit that She's murders were a bit gruesome for my tastes, but I was able to read quickly through these parts, and it did not inhibit my enjoyment of the book.
I did not realize until I came to write this review that Eddie Flynn was a continuing character. I thought this was a stand-alone mystery and obviously it read like one to me. I think in this particular book Eddie's role is not as prevalent. Maybe we will see more of the character Kate in upcoming books?
If you like fast paced mysteries, phychological family drama, and aren't afraid of a few gory murders, you will enjoy Fifty Fifty! I was able to get a copy of the audiobook, and I think listening to the story added to my enjoyment. Don't listen at night when you're hoping to fall asleep!
Thank you to Net Galley, Steve Cavanagh, and Atria Books for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is the second book I’ve read in the Eddie Flynn series, though it's book #5 in the series. I found that this book easily works as a standalone, as well as the other that I read.
Fifty Fifty follows the case of two sisters accused of murdering their father and each blaming the other. While only one is telling the truth, we go through many twists and turns in the story trying to figure out who thw killer is.
I kept changing my mind about who the real killer was right up until the end. The clues scattered throughout could point to either sister, and it kept me guessing the whole time.
A solid legal thriller that’s hard to put down once it grabs you. I found many of the characters in this book to be unlikeable and that made it a bit harder for me to get into it but it was still a solid 3⭐️.

Anything that starts with a 911 call, you know it’s going to be good. Had me hooked and on the edge of my seat from the first chapter. The sister relationship was done pretty well but I felt like there could have been a little more depth into their relationship and feelings overall. The ending was so straightforward and kind of wrapped up. I’d recommend! 4 stars!!

I didn’t originally realize this was a republication but I have to admit that the publisher is killing it with this new cover, it is so pretty and definitely what originally drew me to the book (outside of the tempting synopsis and author name of course).
This is my third book by the author and he definitely loves to keep you on your toes with a multiple twist situation.

This book legal thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Featuring the clever and resourceful lawyer Eddie Flynn, the story plunges into a high-stakes game involving murder, deception, and moral ambiguity. Cavanagh’s writing is sharp, fast-paced, and filled with clever twists that continuously surprise. The character development is strong, especially Eddie’s relentless pursuit of truth amid danger. The novel expertly balances courtroom drama with dark, gritty underworld elements, making for an intense and exhilarating read from start to finish.

I swear everything Steve writes I devour and this was no different. I spent a solid day on my sofa enthralled with this thriller, wanting to absolutely finish it before real life kicked in. Will be recommending this book over and over.

I haven’t read all in this series but I had no problem enjoying this latest instalment I didn’t spend a lot of effort trying to determine which of sisters Alexandra or Sofia brutally murdered their father. I figured my fifty-fifty chances wouldn’t outsmart the author. Instead I enjoyed the legal aspects of the complicated case of each sister blaming the other. Legal thrillers have long been my favorite genre and I find myself rooting for Attorney Eddie Flynn as he takes on a new client. It was a tantalizing ‘who dun it’ with both sisters having equally plausible motives. I enjoyed it immensely and will read more of this author’s books. Thanks so much to Atria Books, Simon & Schuster (via NetGalley) for the thrilling Advance Reader Copy of “Fifty Fifty” (Eddie Flynn, #5) by Steve Cavanagh. These are my own honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without compensation.

I love an Eddie Flynn book, because you don't necessarily have to read all of the previous ones to follow. It might enhance your experience if you do, but it's still an entertaining read if you go in without knowing anything. The only downside of this is that the characters can start to seem very flat and basic. It takes on the sense of a franchise rather than a comprehensively written book with a lot of shape and depth. But for a quick thriller beach read, this can't be beat.

I loved this book! Plot was fantastic, characters were fantastic, I really enjoyed the story! It definitely gripped me! I highly recommend!

I’d give this one a solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½! From the very first page, I was hooked and couldn’t stop turning pages. It has that slick Lincoln Lawyer energy—legal drama meets suspense—which totally worked for me. While I had a pretty good idea of who did it early on, the author keeps the tension tight with just enough doubt to keep you guessing. Even knowing the “who,” I needed to see how it all unraveled, and it paid off. It also feels like the start of a potential series, and if that happens, I’m 100% in for book two. A gripping, smart read.

This was my first by Steve Cavanagh and part of a series. While I thought the plot was original and interesting, I did find myself getting lost at times and not particularly caring about the protagonist. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review. I don't think this one was for me but I would recommend it for fans of the genre.

OMG I cannot get enough! This book was everything! I could not put it down. Eddie Flynn was giving all the vibes as an ex-con man turned successful defense attorney as was newly independent defense attorney on her own Kate Brooks. The two are defending sisters who are accusing each other of brutally murdering their father in cold blood to inherit his fortune. Who did it? Was it Alexandra or was it Sofia? Was it both or was it neither? Cavanaugh will have you changing your guess throughout the entire novel up until the very end.
I look forward to reading Steve Cavanaugh's entire body of work--he has a way of hooking you from the first page of his novels. This is the second novel of his I have read and I can't seem to put them down. He definitely has a way with words. All his novels seem to be legal thrillers--however that is great!

Fifty-Fifty is the fifth book in the Eddie Flynn crime fiction series by Steve Cavanagh, but can be read as a standalone. I love this legal thriller series and this story is just as addictive and compelling as the two others I’ve read. These stories are clearly written, cleverly plotted, and full of shocking twists and turns.
Fifty-Fifty is set in New York City and features Eddie Flynn, an ex-con turned esteemed lawyer who is awaiting a verdict on a high profile case. We jump right into the complexities of this riveting, wild case that is both suspenseful and emotional, and then conclude where we began, awaiting a verdict. I loved the symmetry, the final, explosive plot points of the conclusion, and the characters and their dynamics with one another.
This series is fast becoming one of my all-time favorites. I’ve read three books by this author and none have disappointed. They are all engaging, entertaining, and consistently captivating. I look forward to going back to book one and reading my way through them all.

This was a new author for me and I had seen this book everywhere. The cover caught my eye for the request, but once I got started, I couldn't put this one down. It was such a great read!

This is the second book I’ve read in the Eddie Flynn series, and even though it's book #5, I had no trouble jumping in. You don’t need to read the previous books to follow the story. This one easily works as a standalone.
Fifty Fifty follows the case of two sisters accused of murdering their father and each blaming the other. The sisters couldn’t be more different and they go to trial to share their stories accusing each other. Only one is telling the truth though and we are all in for a ride to figure out which one it is!
The title Fifty-Fifty is spot on. I kept changing my mind about who the real killer was right up until the end. The clues scattered throughout could point to either sister, and it kept me guessing the whole time. My brain was spinning trying to piece it all together and I really didn’t figure it out until the book revealed it.
A solid legal thriller that’s hard to put down once it grabs you. I tore through it and would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good courtroom drama with twists and turns.

Thank you NetGalley for the copy of Fifty Fifty. This was my first book by Steve Cavanagh and my first time meeting Eddie Flynn. The premise of the book is so interesting, two sisters accusing each other of murdering their father!? Sign me up! This book did not disappoint. I enjoyed the multiple points of views especially from Kate. I thought I had it solved but plot twist, I did not! The ending of this book was perfect and I cannot wait to read the next in the series!

This book was so amazing. I tried to read kill for me kill for you, and I didn’t like that book at all, but this book was amazing. The plot was so much better. I love the aspect of penning two sisters to a crime that was really really good! Also, the murder wasn’t your typical murder and there were a lot of things that were thought out and planned accordingly that I appreciate it as the reader. Highly highly highly recommend this book for anyone that loves crime thrillers this is perfect.

Fifty Fifty by Steve Cavanagh - Steve Cavanagh has quickly become one of my automatic read authors. His books are so good and this one did NOT disappoint. Nonstop twists. I thought I knew the ending several times but never really guessed it. This book kept me turning pages and guessing until the last page.

What a twisty weave of deception this book is.
Wow. So crazy.
Two 911 calls.
One murder.
Which sister brutally killed their father?
This story is a ride. It took me a bit to get through, but I don’t think the story is to blame. The book has multiple POVs and every time they switched it felt like the pace completely changed. It was hard to keep up with.
That’s my only complaint though.
Another great read by Steve Cavanaugh!
Thank you Atria books and netgalley for the arc!