In yet another thrilling installment of the Eddie Flynn series, Eddie and his crew head down to Alabama to defend a young man who faces the death penalty for the murder of a young woman that he did not commit. It turns out that Randal Korn, the local district attorney, has a habit of obtaining questionable death penalty sentences at an alarming frequency. Eddie and company soon realize that the problems in this Alabama town go far beyond their current case, and put them all in imminent danger.

Any fan of legal thrillers should not hesitate to dive into this fantastic series. The Devil’s Advocate is another highly entertaining, fast-paced addition to the Eddie Flynn saga.

First, a huge thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Second - WOW. Steve Cavanagh outdid himself with this twisty gem. Not only did this book take on the death penalty, it took on the racism that runs deep in many small, southern communities. And it's done to perfection. You may think you know the ending, but the how is the shock of it all. Highly recommend this one to everyone who enjoys a good story, with well developed characters and an intricate plot. Well done!!!

Eddie Flynn is at it again! I loved this book and could not put it down. A tragic murder of a small town girl leads to a crooked DA that thrives out of watching innocent people committed for crimes they were not responsible for. It is up to Eddie to defend a young man who has been wrongly accused in a town where everyone is against him. As the story continues, the reader is drawn into a web of people and trying to unravel how everyone is connected and who is the true criminal. I loved being able to see how Eddie, Harry, Katie and Bloch fought together to make sure the accused was set free. 5/5 for sure!

The Devil's Advocate by Steve Cavanagh
Eddie Flynn #6
3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (rounded up to 4)
Spice: 0/5
Cursing: min+
Format/Source: ebook ARC from NetGalley, Atria Books, and Simon and Schuster (ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.)
Genres/Tropes: Thriller, suspense, Legal, Christians are evil bigots
Audience: Adult
Setting: NY, Alabama
Characters: Eddie, Harry, Kate, Broch, Randy, Skylar, Andy, Denise, Tom, Colt, Lucy, Patricia, Judge
👍 short chapters, multi POV, fast-paced, "moral" defense lawyer, Randy stinks of decay, justice, Eddie's team
👎 "'Christians' are evil bigots" trope, much more political based and judgemental than Cavanagh's other books, cursing (especially God's Name), needs more research...an AR-15 is not an automatic weapon
#bookstagram #arcreader #booklovers #booktok #twisty #thrillerbooks #netgalley

This book was not only full of immense tension and twists, but it was also so realistically written that I can see several events in this book actually happening. Excellent read!

Wow, the twists are definitely found in this novel! This is the second Steve Cavanaugh book that I have read, and didn't realize this was a part of the series. I am making plans to continue the rest of the series! I love him as an author.

This is the first Eddie Flynn novel I have read, and I am a fan! This book made me so angry, but in the way racism and police corruption would. I have to say it is amazing what ink and paper can make you feel. This was a fast-paced thriller that had me hooked from page one. If you like Law and Order type books, this one is absolutely a must have! A man is accused of a crime he did not commit, and Eddie Flynn is taking the case to find the real killer and free Andy Dubois, a corrupt sheriff. Amazing plot and it was hard to put down!

Oh my goodness how this book infuriated me. Not because it was a bad story or terribly written, because I can see many of the events actually occurring. Each Eddie Flynn book gets better and better. I really enjoyed Harry’s character in this book, he was so important to the story and we got a further look into what kind of man he is. Kate was flawless in the trial and absolutely crushed it. as mad as this made me I did really enjoy it and give it a solid 4 stars! Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and Simon and Schuster for sending me this!

An excellent read for any and all readers! Author comes at you with both barrels and knocks you out of your shoes! Great job fleshing out all the characters. I give this book FIVE stars! Definitely recommend!

The Devil's Advocate by Steve Cavanagh. Fast paced, convoluted murders and motives Engrossing and compelling read. Interesting characters, either love them or loathe them, as with Randal Korn (evil and creepy.) Difficult to stop reading. Surprising and cunningly twisted ending. Very good addition to the Eddie Flynn series.
Thank you to the author, Atria Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

This wasn’t my favorite novel by this author but I still enjoyed the story, specifically the personalities of the main characters. I had a good time reading it and will still recommend his books to others.

*The Devil's Advocate* by Steve Cavanagh is a thrilling legal drama that grips readers from start to finish. Cavanagh delivers a masterfully crafted story that not only showcases his strong writing skills but also introduces a compelling cast of characters that you can’t help but become invested in. The protagonist, Eddie Flynn, is a charismatic, sharp-witted defense lawyer who’s easy to root for, and his journey through the case is an emotional rollercoaster. Cavanagh’s ability to create such a well-rounded and flawed character makes Eddie feel like a real person, one you can’t help but cheer on, even when things look impossible.

The plot itself is a labyrinth of twists and turns, filled with suspense and tension that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. As Eddie navigates the intricacies of a high-profile case involving a ruthless billionaire, Cavanagh expertly weaves in numerous surprises, ensuring that there’s never a dull moment. The courtroom scenes are particularly exhilarating, with the stakes always feeling incredibly high. The tension between Eddie and the opposing counsel, as well as the mounting pressure from outside forces, makes for a gripping read. It’s clear that Cavanagh has a deep understanding of the legal world, and his portrayal of the trial process feels both authentic and exciting.

Ultimately, *The Devil's Advocate* succeeds in being both a page-turner and an insightful look into the complexities of the legal system. With strong characters, a twisting plot, and heart-pounding trial scenes, Cavanagh has crafted a standout novel that’s sure to captivate fans of legal thrillers. If you’re looking for a book that will keep you guessing until the very end, this one is an absolute must-read.

Randal Korn, district attorney of Sunville County, Alabama, sadistically enjoys watching men die in the electric chair, and the more innocent they are, the better. And so we meet our central evil villain of “The Devil’s Advocate.” This is part of Cavanagh’s con man turned defense lawyer Eddie Flynn series and by this thriller (the sixth), Kate Brooks and her investigator Melissa Bloch, have joined Eddie and former judge/now consultant Harry Ford in Alabama. Clarence, Harry’s adorable stray dog, is back in New York with newly hired legal secretary Denise. All of the Flynn books do well as standalones — enough backstory is eventually revealed to get to know the main defense team quickly.

There are some similarities to Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” (although Eddie as Atticus is a childless outsider). A young black man is accused (without much evidence) of killing a young white woman. Harper Lee probably would be horrified to read a book where racism is far worse and law enforcement are true monsters. We do, however, have to patiently wait for the bad guys to get their comeuppance. There are also quite a few more senseless murders that are committed only to make sure an innocent man gets the electric chair without regard that the real killer goes free. Randal Korn is one of the most memorable despicable fictional beings — even the reader will imagine smelling Koran’s strange rotting flesh disease. But Skylar’s murderer is equally reprehensible.

Since I’m now familiar with Eddie and crew, I trust that they will prevail in the end (however, previous series characters have been unfortunately harmed), so I read this series with optimism (and, eh, hope for sweet sudden justified revenge). This installment was amazing as the others I’ve read. 4.5 stars!

Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES Dr. Cheryl Banbury has green eyes.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): MAYBE Camellias are more shrub-like and wouldn’t be peaking out of the grass as individual flowers. Also, it’s Alabama and not a single mention of kudzu, “the vine that ate the South”. Cotton fields and Spanish moss do make a geographically proper appearance.

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!

You never know what situation Eddie Flynn will find himself in, and this time, it's a case that had me questioning everything. The Devil’s Advocate delivers a gripping legal thriller with serious 1950s vibes—think deep-seated corruption, small-town secrets, and a justice system that’s anything but just. Cavanagh masterfully builds tension, making every twist hit hard. If you love courtroom thrillers with high stakes and a protagonist who never backs down, this one’s a must-read.

Read this book so fast. The story line was as usual amazing from Steve but it made my blood BOIL. Definitely recommend!

Great read in the Eddie Flynn series.
Eddie is at it again in his own inestimable ways with his faithful gang alongside.
Eddie heads south to try and save a young man from death row. Andy has been arrested
and jailed by the #1 death penalty prosecutor in the US. Eddie has been asked by Berlin,
a multi faceted secret govt agent to represent Andy and get the prosecutor at the same time.
Eddie and his gang all head south to run right into racism, murder, domestic terrorism and mayhem at every turn.
Non stop action and suspense, with returning and engaging characters from Eddie's likeable office crew.
A really enjoyable, riveting read.
Next case, please.

I have become a big fan of Steve Cavanaugh’s writing. I’ve enjoyed digging into his Eddie Flynn series. This book in the series is different. In a good way. The Devil’s Advocate finds Eddie and his team traveling to the deep south to take on a pro bono case. The scary part about this story is it isn’t just a story. It handles racism and the judicial system and issues that really happen in our world.

You are reading a story about fictitious characters, but in reality you could be reading the story of a real person that has encountered these issues. Race, financial status, and who you know shouldn’t play a role in being accused of a crime, and especially in getting a fair trial. Eddie and his team have to work and uncover if that is exactly what is at play in this Stephen Cavanaugh novel. I felt so many things, my biggest feeling being anger how many people have probably been unfairly prosecuted and convicted because of race. I really enjoyed the novel and I’m thankful to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC an exchange for my honest review.

Engaging and entertaining. A recommended purchase for collections where legal thrillers are popular.

In The Devil’s Advocate, Steve Cavanagh crafts a fast-paced, heart-pounding legal thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Set in the high-stakes world of courtroom drama, the novel follows Eddie Flynn, a former con artist turned defense lawyer, who is drawn into a case that threatens to unravel both his career and his life.

Cavanagh’s writing is sharp, engaging, and filled with twists and turns that make the book a page-turner. Eddie Flynn is a deeply flawed but likeable protagonist, whose quick wit and unorthodox methods often clash with the strict rules of the legal world. His complex character is what drives much of the novel's suspense, as readers are taken on a journey through the dark underbelly of the justice system, where morality is often negotiable, and survival is key.

A thrilling book that keeps you turning the pages until the shocking ending. Full of twists and turns and shocks. Brilliant! I highly recommend reading this book! 📖