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4.21 AVERAGE
4.21 AVERAGE
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Rating: 4.25/5
Spice Level: 0/5 – No romance, just murder and mayhem
This was a wild ride. It’s told from three POVs—two defense lawyers and the killer. But we don’t know which sister is the killer, just that “she” is still out there tying up loose ends.
Things That Stood Out:
This isn’t a sister-vs-sister case—it’s the city vs. both sisters, since their father was a former mayor. Both sisters seem totally normal. Getting glimpses into “her” mind added a really creepy edge. You know she’s watching, waiting, and planning—but you’re never sure which one she is.
Both lawyers have layered backstories that added to the suspense and made me care about more than just the verdict.
This was my first Steve Cavanagh book and I really liked his writing style—fast-paced, twisty, and smart. I’ll definitely be reading more from him.
Spice Level: 0/5 – No romance, just murder and mayhem
This was a wild ride. It’s told from three POVs—two defense lawyers and the killer. But we don’t know which sister is the killer, just that “she” is still out there tying up loose ends.
Things That Stood Out:
Both lawyers have layered backstories that added to the suspense and made me care about more than just the verdict.
This was my first Steve Cavanagh book and I really liked his writing style—fast-paced, twisty, and smart. I’ll definitely be reading more from him.
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I didn’t know this was an Eddie Flynn book when I got it from the library because it didn’t list it as part of the series. I didn’t mind though as I’ve read two others and have greatly enjoyed them. I think this is my favorite of the three. It was tense and had great courtroom drama. For only having two suspects, the author does a good job making it seem like the case could go either way. It had no idea which sister did it other than trying to predict what an author would do. And I wasn’t far off in my prediction. Also, the body count was a little much, to the point it seemed really implausible. Otherwise I have no complaints. Really good series.
Fifty-Fifty kept me on the edge of my seat, constantly second guessing what I thought was going to happen. Loved the feeling of suspense that Steve Cavanagh provided throughout the book - will definitely be checking out his other works!
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
ARC REVIEW ♊ Fifty Fifty by Steve Cavanagh
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Book #5 in the Eddie Flynn series
Two sisters, one dead father, and a courtroom showdown that’ll have you trusting no one! This legal thriller is as twisty as it is addictive.
"Fifty Fifty" kicks off with a bang. A former NYC mayor is found savagely murdered, and both of his grown daughters are at the scene, each claiming the other did it. This legal face-off unfolds like a high-stakes game of chess, with multiple points of view adding to the suspense, including the most chilling of them all: the anonymous killer. The mysterious narrator makes this book both creepy and compelling. This is one of my favorite narratives, and Cavanagh executes it perfectly here.
Even if you’re jumping into the series out of order (yep, that's me 🙋♀️), you won’t feel lost. Eddie Flynn is as sharp, witty, and morally scrappy as ever, and Cavanagh’s signature humor keeps the darker moments from feeling too heavy. The pacing is brisk, and the legal drama is top-tier.
If you like your thrillers clever, fast, and a little dark with a side of courtroom sass, "Fifty Fifty" needs to be on your reading list!
Trust no one, suspect everyone, and buckle up for the ride!
Thank you to the author and Atria Books for providing this eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was my first book by Steve Cavanaugh. Eddie Flynn is a lawyer that used to be a con artist which gives him a unique perspective on people especially his clients. This is a legal thriller and I loved the way the author gave us little clues to bring the plot together. It was so layered and unpredictable. Two sisters each accusing the other of murder and on trial together. These were some truly interesting characters. I enjoyed the whodunnit legal battle. This story kept me locked in and I did not foresee the ending. I realize this is apart of a series and I must say I'm intrigued and will be reading more. Thank you to Atria and Netgalley for the eARC.
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This exciting crime thriller will have you on the edge of your seat. If you love the legal and courtroom aspects of crime thrillers, this is a book worth checking out. The suspense and twists kept this fast-paced book engaging from start to finish. I was unaware that this was the 5th in the Eddie Flynn series before starting. I am interested in reading the first four to see how his journey all began.
My only qualms with the book as an American are that you can tell that the author is not American. This isn't a huge deal, but there a words and phrases throughout the book that are not used by Americans. These words and phrases detracted from the book. NYPD was overused when the police could have simply been used. The author wanted to drill into the book that this was an American lawyer, and American crime, based in New York.
There were also a few legal/procedural items that were inaccurate, such as reconnection and double jeopardy which resulted in me giving less than 5 stars. The research and updating of those items are necessary.
Thank you, NetGalley, Atria Books, and Steve Cavanagh, for the opportunity to read this digital ARC for my honest review.
My only qualms with the book as an American are that you can tell that the author is not American. This isn't a huge deal, but there a words and phrases throughout the book that are not used by Americans. These words and phrases detracted from the book. NYPD was overused when the police could have simply been used. The author wanted to drill into the book that this was an American lawyer, and American crime, based in New York.
There were also a few legal/procedural items that were inaccurate, such as reconnection and double jeopardy which resulted in me giving less than 5 stars. The research and updating of those items are necessary.
Thank you, NetGalley, Atria Books, and Steve Cavanagh, for the opportunity to read this digital ARC for my honest review.
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No