Always a fast, enthralling read from Cavanagh. I am absolutely obsessed with the Eddie Flynn series and while I am catching up, not in any particular order, I still feel like I can seamlessly follow along.

A searing and propulsive narrative ripped straight from the headlines, this audiobook challenges readers to grapple with the imperatives facing lawyers in an inherently stacked system, and raises fundamental questions on police-community relations.

This is the adrenaline-fueled debut novella of the Eddie Flynn series. Although I am reading/listening to them out of sequence, I find them enjoyable nonetheless. Being an audiobook and the first in the series, it provided a good introduction to Eddie.
The author’s note narrated by Steve Cavanagh provided insight into both his background and his personal history and was very informative as well as interesting.
I would like to thank the publisher and author for providing a complimentary advanced copy. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I think a lot of American readers have been drawn to Irish author Steve Cavanagh’s Eddie Flynn series (about an American con man turned New York defense lawyer) after reading his terrific standalone book “Kill for Me, Kill for You.” I was drawn into the Eddie Flynn books out of order when “Witness 8” was published (and filled the gaps in the series with orders from UK bookstores). Anyway, Eddie Flynn is a perfect series for Lincoln Lawyer (Michael Connelly) fans, although Eddie is a little rougher around the edges.

“The Cross” is actually a novella and the introduction (#0.5) to Eddie Flynn that was originally published ten years and is now being re-introduced as a thrilling audiobook narrated by Adam Sims who has voiced previous Eddie Flynn books. Sims brings New York to life with his NY accents and his presentation makes Eddie a deeper character. This is a great way to either supplement or begin Cavanagh’s series. I felt truly immersed with a great plot line as well. 4 stars.

The Cross by Steve Cavanagh (Eddie Flynn #0.5)
🎧 Audiobook read by Adam Sims, plus an author’s note by Steve Cavanagh
⭐ 3.75 stars

First of all, thank you Netgalley, Simon & Schuster Audio and the author for the ALC.

Oh Eddie Flynn… you smooth-talking, witness-wrecking, chaos-attracting legal fox. This novella takes us way back—before Eddie was the guy everyone calls when the odds are impossible. Here, he’s barely keeping the rent paid, working out of an office that probably smells like old coffee and bad decisions, and taking whatever case keeps the lights on.

Enter: a grieving widow. Her husband? Shot dead in a “confrontation” with a cop. The official story paints him as a criminal fresh off a botched robbery at the St. Regis Hotel. She says no way. Eddie says hmm… suspicious. And we all know that when Eddie’s Spidey-sense tingles, things are about to get messy.

What follows is one frantic day in New York—Eddie chasing leads, charming information out of people who should know better, and lining up for a courtroom showdown that’s part legal strategy, part psychological warfare. Because Eddie’s cross-examinations? They’re not polite Q&A sessions. They’re smash-and-grab jobs—he slides in, dismantles your credibility, and leaves you wondering what just happened while the jury is already on his side.

This is vintage Eddie: still married to Christine, still living with daughter Amy, no safety net, no big team to back him up—just wit, hustle, and a knack for sniffing out lies. And in the courtroom? He’s a magician with a law degree. Later books might have the big firm and the ensemble cast, but here, it’s all Eddie, all day, and it is delicious.

Adam Sims nails the narration—giving Eddie the perfect balance of streetwise charm and razor-sharp intelligence. And the author’s note at the end? Gold. Especially when you find out this was inspired by a real-life case Steve Cavanagh wished he could have cross-examined himself. Eddie basically exists here as Steve’s “what if” fantasy—except with better one-liners.

Is it short? Yes. Will it rearrange your brain the way the full-length Flynn novels do? No. But it’s pure courtroom adrenaline with zero filler, and sometimes that’s exactly what you want.

The Cross by Steve Cavanagh (Eddie Flynn #.05)
A Novella Audible read by Adam Sims followed by an author’s note read by Steve Cavanagh
About 4 hours to listen 🎧

From the Publisher blurb: “Cross-examination isn’t a war of words. It’s not a legal battle. It’s not about who shouts the hardest or loudest. Cross-examination is daylight robbery; you go in hard and fast, grab what you need, and get the hell out”

Available for the first time to U.S. fans, this novella was originally published in 2015 when the author (a lawyer) was inspired by a TRUE EVENT (DO listen to his author’s note at the end). At the time, he wished could have cross examined the witness in the actual case-so in this book-he let Eddie Flynn do it for him.

Eddie Flynn, is an ex con-artist-turned-defense attorney who we originally met in “The Defense” (Eddie Flynn #1) .This novella takes us to the time just before that case, when Eddie and his original partner, are struggling to pay the bills, and stay in business.

His client, is the widow of a man who died in a confrontation with a police officer, who is seeking justice for her husband-a man she swears was innocent. The victim himself was accused of killing a man in a robbery gone wrong outside the St. Regis Hotel—but story isn’t adding up to Flynn.

Taking this case to trial will either make a name for Eddie-or force him to close his doors for good, and it will all come down to his cross-examination of the witness.

TW: Police Brutality

I have read ALL of the Eddie Flynn legal thrillers, and the BEST PART about revisiting the PAST with Eddie is having him in the Courtroom, trying this case.

In the more recent installments, his firm is now successful and he has a larger supporting cast of regular characters who share the spotlight with him, and often he investigates while others take the lead in Court. I MISS Eddie’s clever cross examinations, so going back to a time when he was still married and living with his wife Christine and daughter Amy, and he had to be the one to both investigate AND TRY the case in Court was most welcome.

And, as the blurb promises-Eddie finds a way to go in fast and get what he needs-SO CLEVER!

This was definitely worth the listen and has me excited to start reading the latest installment which just arrived in my mailbox 📬!

Expected release date of this Audiobook is November 18, 2025

Thank You to Simon & Schuster Audio Originals for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley Shelf. These are my candid thoughts.

Representing a widow whose husband, Chili Hernandez, was killed at the hands of the police, con artist turned lawyer Eddie Flynn sets out to clear his name and uncover a web of corruption.

While the case itself didn’t keep my attention the way Cavanagh’s full-length novels do, I still appreciated this introduction to the Eddie Flynn series. Having read the series completely out of order, I can appreciate how much this shortened novel lays the groundwork for Eddie’s personal and professional lives.

🎧 Of course, I always love Adam Sims’ narration as Eddie Flynn. It’s pitch perfect as always and my favorite part of reading via audio versus my eyes.

Read if you like:
▪️thriller series
▪️novellas
▪️legal procedurals
▪️unique characters
▪️complex crime webs
▪️NYC setting

📆 Published on audio November 18, 2025

Thank you Simon Audio for the advanced copy.

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (3.75 stars)
No one writes a courtroom thriller quite like Steve Cavanagh, and The Cross is another sharp, high-stakes entry into the Eddie Flynn universe that proves exactly why he's become a master of the genre.
This novella delivers all the intensity, legal drama, and rapid-fire twists fans have come to expect, but in a tighter, faster-paced package. Eddie Flynn, the former con artist turned defense attorney, once again finds himself in a moral and professional bind—representing the widow of a man accused of murder, a case wrapped in lies, corruption, and personal risk.
The courtroom scenes—especially the titular cross-examination—are pure Cavanagh: tactical, tense, and brilliantly executed. As Eddie says, cross-examination isn’t a war of words—it’s daylight robbery. That quote sets the tone perfectly for the story’s central legal showdown, where every question is a gamble and every answer can turn the case.
The novella format means the plot moves at breakneck speed, and while that keeps the tension high, it also leaves a little less room for the deeper character development and intricate subplots found in Cavanagh’s full-length novels. Still, the pacing suits the 24-hour timeline, and Eddie remains one of the most compelling legal protagonists out there.
Adam Sims delivers a strong, engaging performance in the audiobook, keeping the energy up and the characters distinct. His narration pairs perfectly with Cavanagh’s punchy prose and rapid dialogue.
One standout moment? The author’s note at the end, read by Steve Cavanagh himself. It was a real treat to hear about the inspiration behind the book and some of his personal journey—it added a layer of authenticity and connection to the story that made the listening experience even more rewarding.
Overall, The Cross is a gripping legal thriller that punches above its weight for a novella. While it didn’t quite hit the emotional highs of Cavanagh’s longer works, it’s still a must-listen for fans of the Eddie Flynn series and courtroom drama in general.

I'm a big fan of Eddie Flynn and really have enjoyed all of the Cavanagh novels. This was no exception. In fact, I enjoyed how short and to the point it was while still leaving you at the edge of your seat. If you're a fan of the Flynn stories the way I am, you will enjoy this one. Don't miss the author's note at the end!

with gratitude to netgalley and Simon & Schuster Audio for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Release: November 18, 2025
Author: Steve Cavanagh
Publisher: Simon & Scheuster

Rating: 4 ★ 

Eddie Flynn—once a con artist, now a defense attorney—knows that cross-examination isn’t about theatrics; it’s a smash-and-grab for the truth. When he takes on the case of a widow determined to clear her late husband’s name after a deadly encounter with a police officer, he’s walking a dangerous tightrope. The official story claims the man was a killer in a botched robbery, but the pieces don’t fit, and Flynn’s instincts tell him there’s more to uncover. With his struggling law firm’s survival hanging by a thread, losing could mean financial ruin. Over the course of a tense, breakneck day tearing through New York City for answers, Flynn unravels a tangled conspiracy—one that could cost him far more than his career if he dares to bring the truth to light in court.

At just over 160 pages, The Cross proves you don’t need a full-length novel to deliver high-stakes action, courtroom fireworks, and a protagonist worth rooting for. Eddie Flynn—former con artist turned lawyer—navigates a case that’s part legal battle, part street fight, as he defends a widow determined to clear her late husband’s name. The story moves at a breakneck pace, bouncing between tense legal strategy, dangerous confrontations, and Flynn’s trademark clever comebacks.

Even in such a short format, Steve Cavanagh manages to pack in plenty of twists, witty dialogue, and that satisfying “aha” factor when Flynn outsmarts everyone in the room. The courtroom scenes are razor-sharp, the stakes feel real, and the mix of legal maneuvering with criminal underworld grit makes for an addictive read.

That said, the novella’s brevity means some threads feel a little rushed, and I couldn’t help wishing for a bit more time to dig into the case’s complexities. Still, as an introduction—or reintroduction—to the Eddie Flynn series, it’s a winner. Fast, twisty, and impossible not to binge in one sitting, The Cross is both a satisfying bite-sized thriller and a solid hook for diving into the rest of the series.

Favorite Quote:
“Cross-examination isn’t a war of words. It’s not a legal battle. It’s not about who shouts the hardest or loudest. Cross-examination is daylight robbery; you go in hard and fast, grab what you need, and get the hell out.”

This audiobook had me hooked from the start! The Cross by Steve Cavanagh is a pure adrenaline filled novella. Eddie Flynn isn’t just a lawyer, he’s basically a stuntman in a suit. The whole story takes place over 24 hours, and the pacing is insane. Every time I thought I knew where it was going, the author threw in another twist that made me rethink everything. Listening to Adam Sims narrate made it even better. He gives Eddie Flynn so much personality and nails the tension in every scene, whether it’s a high speed chase across New York or a razor sharp cross examination. I loved how the legal drama was just as exciting as the action. If you want something you can binge in a day that feels like a mix between a courtroom showdown and an action movie, this audiobook is it. Totally recommend for thriller junkies!

I did not think this was anywhere close to as good at Steve's normal books. Then I realized this was a prequel to the first book, and I didn't really start liking his books until later in the series. So kind of boring to me.

ALC review pub date 11.18.25

This novella of the Eddie Flynn series includes all the action and domination of the courtroom that you normally get in a full length book in just a 4h 13min audiobook.

It is the prequel to the first book, The Defense, and follows Eddie as he tries to clear the name of a man wrongfully murdered by crooked cops. In the duration of the trial, Eddie is fighting for his life as it’s on the line. His client is the widow of the deceased man, and Eddie will stop at nothing to seek justice.

The perfect novella to a series that I have loved! This audiobook was an absolute WHIRLWIND and narrated by Adam Sims who did an incredible job bringing Eddie’s personality and character to life. Highly recommend this series to anyone looking for a good legal thriller where you never know what the main character is about to do! Steve Cavanagh is a mastermind that I just cannot wrap my brain around how he does it 🤯

Thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio for my ALC!