I was captivated from the first chapter and couldn't put this one down. We are given a scenario in which we have two sisters with similar motives, similar opportunities, but only one that did it. The parallels that Cavanagh created between the two truly kept me guessing until the very end. There were scenes that had me gripping my kindle with suspense wondering where he was going to take the story. I truly loved the side characters and the witty banter throughout. This story was phenomenal and I can't wait to read more of Eddie Flynn series!

POV: 1st, singular/3rd, multiple
Angst: high

Fifty-Fifty Steve Cavanagh. Very good courtroom drama and legal thriller Fascinating the way the author ties together all the elements at the end. Interesting reading about Eddie's and Judge Henry's initial encounters with Kate, Bloch, and of course, Clarence. Hopefully there will be more cases and crimes for this new team to tackle. Another very good addition to the Eddie Flynn series.
Thank you to the author, Atria Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

I didnt know this was part of a series but it was still a very good book from one of my favorite authors.

I really liked this story and I had such a great time with it. I did not initially think the plot would be captivating to me but it definitely was. I really will be looking forward to his future books.

I love when thrillers have multiple POV, and in Fifty Fifty you see situations play out through the eyes and minds of quite a few different characters, but I particularly enjoyed that there were chapters from the murderer’s POV, without giving away the identity.

But I have to be honest here – despite the cleverly hidden clues and the misdirection that the author uses liberally throughout the book, I did make my mind up as to who the killer was quite early on, and I was, in the end, proven right.

I was stressed reading this book because I kept telling my husband “I don’t know which one it is!” 😭 Like, I’m great at guessing thriller books but this one had me going back and forth like every other chapter 😅

It was so incredibly intricate and engaging. This story was well-written and the plot was super twisty and entertaining. I loved how the author played the point of view from both defense attorneys and the court setting didn’t get too overwhelming. There was enough violence, drama, and mystery that I was FULLY obsessed with this story.

The twists felt so natural- they always popped up at the perfect times but never felt too out of left field. And again, they played the two sisters against each other perfectly! I honestly can’t tell you how much I loved this book!

With shocking turns, amazing writing, and a lot of relevant themes on the treatment of women and our justice system- this book had all of the things I adore in a thriller/mystery! ✨

Are legal thrillers your jam? Then this is a must read for you!
Sisters are supposed to have each-other's back, not try to stick a knife in them!
But these aren’t your average sisters. They’ve never been close and in fact, at odds for years.

Their only common ground is their father. A father who has just been discovered dead in his home. And wouldn’t you know…both daughters just happened to pay dear ole’ daddy a visit that same night. Instantly, each point the finger at one another as his killer! Within minutes 911 receives a call from both sisters claiming the other one is the murderer.

Quiet please🤫 Court is in session!

Eddie Flynn is our unconventional defense lawyer we’ve all come to know and love. A former con artist, he will only represent you if he truly believes you’re innocent. A con can always recognize another con!

Eddie will be representing Sofia, the daughter found crouching over her father and the second 911 caller.

Kate, a young new lawyer trying her first case will be representing sister Alexandra, the initial 911 caller, found cowering in the bathroom thinking she would be the next victim.

Who to believe?

Well, I can’t tell you how many times I flip-flopped on who the guilty party was. It was basically fifty-fifty on who the killer was. Any guesses??

I love Eddie’s character! His street smarts work perfectly in the courtroom! Kate’s character was strong and dedicated and I can’t wait to see her again as the series moves forward.

Though it’s part of a series, it can definitely stand on its own.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books.

I absolutely LOVED this book! There were just so many things to love: the characters, the plot twists, alternating perspectives - I could go on and on. Even though I suspected one of the bigger twists, I didn’t piece together how the twist came to be until it was expertly unveiled in the story. I have not previously read any Eddie Flynn novels, but I know what I will be binge reading soon!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an advanced copy of this excellent story!

This book was a good, slow burn. As it began, building the characters and the background it remained interesting enough to keep going. Once you hit the midpoint things started to speed up and it was difficult to put down. The multiple twists at the ending was unexpected but so good.

A huge thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of 'Fifty Fifty' by Steve Cavanagh.

I must admit, I thought I had the entire plot figured out and was tempted to stop reading. But, boy, was I wrong! Steve Cavanagh never disappoints, and I'm absolutely loving the Eddie Flynn series.

This book delivers exceptional character development, detailed plotting, and a gripping narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Definitely recommended!

I KNEW IT!!! Ok no I didn’t. Not even close. I got caught in every twist and turn, but not once was I disappointed with being wrong. I LOVE when authors wrap up little side bits in the story, especially when the ending to that part is so satisfying! After reading the acknowledgements, I too would like to thank Mrs. Tracy Cavanagh for being so supportive so that this book could be finished.

Thanks to Netgally and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
WOW! Seriously, the best courtroom drama/thriller I've read in a long time! Twists coming out of nowhere, murder happening left and right, and justice in more ways than one. I absolutely loved it and now my TBR just got a whole lot longer because I have to read everything Steve Cavanagh has written.

Two sisters on trial together for the brutal murder of their father. Each sister insists the other is guilty and evidence points to both. The chapters from the murderers POV will have your mind reeling. This book was full of suspense and is the definition of thriller. It was a quick read because I did not want to stop reading and it had me guessing until the last chapter.

My first by this author. I’m interested in reading past Eddie Flynn books. I love that he’s a former con artist.
This book didn’t give anything away as to who done it. It was neck and neck neck the whole way. I was not in love with the ending but did like the new friendships that developed.

The story is about two sisters, Alexandra and Sofia Avellino, who are both accused of killing their father. Each one says the other is guilty, but only one of them is telling the truth.

Eddie Flynn, a smart and clever lawyer, has to figure out who the real killer is. The book is full of twists and surprises that keep you guessing until the very end. The courtroom scenes are exciting, and the story moves fast, making it hard to put down. Without spoiling, I had a feeling where it was going which is why I’m giving it four stars instead of five.

If you like mysteries or legal thrillers, Fifty Fifty is a great book to try!

Book Review: Fifty Fifty by Steve Cavanagh

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Steve Cavanagh’s Fifty Fifty is a masterclass in deception, a legal thriller that keeps you second-guessing every motive, every alibi, and every carefully placed clue. The premise is deceptively simple: two sisters, Alexandra and Sofia Avellino, each call 911 to report their father’s brutal murder. Each one swears the other did it. One is lying. One is a murderer. But which one…
What Makes Fifty Fifty Stand Out?

While many thrillers rely on unreliable narrators, Fifty Fifty takes it a step further by making the reader feel like they’re in the jury box. The alternating perspectives between Eddie Flynn (a former conman turned defense attorney) and Kate Brooks (a rookie lawyer thrown into the deep end) create a layered, high-stakes courtroom drama where no one—not the attorneys, not the accused, and certainly not the reader—can be sure who is telling the truth.

Strengths:

✔ Unrelenting Suspense – Cavanagh structures the novel in a way that keeps you turning the pages, desperate for answers.
✔ Clever Courtroom Drama – If you enjoy legal thrillers that blend sharp strategy with psychological warfare, this book delivers.
✔ Mind-Blowing Twists – Just when you think you’ve figured it out, the story veers in a completely unexpected direction.
✔ Well-Developed Characters – Eddie Flynn remains a standout protagonist, but Kate Brooks’ perspective adds a fresh dynamic.

Potential Weaknesses:

✖ Some readers might find the pacing too fast—there’s barely time to breathe before the next twist hits.
✖ A few legal elements stretch believability, but that’s part of what makes it so thrilling.

Final Verdict:

If you love books that keep you guessing until the final page, Fifty Fifty is a must-read. Cavanagh has crafted a near-perfect legal thriller with enough twists and turns to leave you reeling. Even seasoned mystery readers will struggle to unravel this one before the shocking reveal.

I love the Eddie Flynn series – You feel the anxiety as if you were watching it all play out front and center. When you think you got it, NOPE, guess again! Thank you for the ARC Net Galley #FiftyFifty #SteveCavanagh #NetGalley

Two sisters, two 911 calls, one brutal murder ✨

It’s my boy, Eddie Flynn! In Fifty Fifty, we have multiple points of view, including that of Eddie a conman turned defense attorney, Kate- a young lawyer working to make her mark, we have diary entries from the deceased, and the point of view of the unknown- She who is obviously the murderer, but we don’t know who it is just yet.

Y’all. I love this series so much! I really thought I had the answers and knew what was going on, but I was so incredibly wrong up until the very end. I’ve been reading these completely out of order, but I think this is my favorite one so far!

This thriller kept me guessing until the very end—I never figured out the killer! I found myself obsessively analyzing the killer’s POV sections, trying to piece it together, but the twists completely surprised me. The multiple POVs were a highlight, adding depth and tension, and the courtroom scenes were absolutely gripping. While this book can definitely be read as a standalone, I enjoyed it so much that I’ll be picking up the rest of the Eddie Flynn series. A solid 5-star read!

Thank you Atria Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Entertaining and engaging. A recommended purchase for collections where crime and thrillers are popular.