Title: THE PLEA – Eddie Flynn #02
Author: Steve Cavanagh
ISBN: 9781409152347
Publisher: Orion Books
Pages: 380
Source: Private Copy
When David Child, a major client of a corrupt New York law firm, is arrested for murder, the FBI ask con-artist-turned-lawyer Eddie Flynn to secure Child as his client and force him to testify against the firm.
Eddie’s not a man to be coerced into representing a guilty client, but the FBI have incriminating files on Eddie’s wife, and if Eddie won’t play ball, she’ll pay the price.
When Eddie meets Child he’s convinced the man is innocent, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. With the FBI putting pressure on him to secure the plea, Eddie must find a way to prove Child’s innocence while keeping his wife out of danger – not just from the FBI, but from the firm itself.
Official Summary
04 September 2025
Steve Cavanagh has quickly become one of my go-to authors when I want a fast-paced, clever, and twisty legal thriller, and The Plea is another great addition to the Eddie Flynn series. This is the second book, and it perfectly blends courtroom drama, high-stakes deception, and heart-pounding suspense. I am determined to read all the books in the series by the end of this year. (Fingers crossed)
From the start, Eddie is thrown straight into chaos — blackmailed by the FBI, threatened with his wife’s safety, and forced to represent David Child, a wealthy tech genius accused of murder. What I love about Eddie Flynn as a character is that he’s not your typical straight-laced lawyer. His background as a con artist gives him an edge, and he uses unconventional tactics to outsmart people who underestimate him. In this book, those skills are put to the ultimate test as Eddie juggles multiple threats — a corrupt law firm, federal agents with their own agenda, and a client who insists he’s innocent despite damning evidence.
The pacing is relentless, and the tension builds with every chapter. There are twists I didn’t see coming, and I was completely absorbed in trying to figure out who was playing who. What stood out most for me, though, was Eddie’s determination to protect his wife while still holding onto his own moral compass. It adds an emotional layer to all the action and legal strategy.
If I had one complaint, it would be that some parts felt a bit over-the-top — Eddie gets himself out of situations that seem nearly impossible — but honestly, that’s part of the fun with this series. Cavanagh balances the sharp dialogue, clever scams, and intricate legal strategy so well that it’s hard to put the book down.
The Plea is a gripping, high-energy thriller that delivers exactly what I wanted: suspense, smart plotting, and a protagonist you can root for. If you enjoy legal thrillers with plenty of twists and a lead character who’s as cunning as he is flawed, this one’s definitely worth picking up.
Also by Steve Cavanagh
THE DEFENSE
The truth has no place in a courtroom. The truth doesn’t matter in a trial.
The only thing that matters is what the prosecution can prove.
Eddie Flynn used to be a con artist. Then he became a lawyer. Turned out the two weren’t that different.
It’s been over a year since Eddie vowed never to set foot in a courtroom again. But now he doesn’t have a choice. Olek Volchek, the infamous head of the Russian mafia in New York, has strapped a bomb to Eddie’s back and kidnapped his ten-year-old daughter, Amy.
Eddie only has 48 hours to defend Volchek in an impossible murder trial – and win – if he wants to save his daughter.
Under the scrutiny of the media and the FBI, Eddie must use his razor-sharp wit and every con-artist trick in the book to defend his ‘client’ and ensure Amy’s safety. With the timer on his back ticking away, can Eddie convince the jury of the impossible?
Lose this case and he loses everything.
About the Author
Author bio from the author’s site
Steve Cavanagh is the bestselling author of the Eddie Flynn novels and standalone thrillers. In 2018, The Liar won the Crime Writers Association Gold Dagger for crime novel of the year. In 2019, Thirteen won the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year 2019.
All of his novels have either been nominated for awards or have won awards internationally.
He is a former lawyer and was born and raised in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where he still lives.
It’s lots of fun to read this series with my husband, who has been enjoying Eddie Flynn as much as I have. Have you read all the books in the series? I am hoping to get through all of them by the end of the year. Which is your favourite? Not to give too much away, but so far my favourite is The Liar – I will be sharing that review soon. Until next time…. Happy Reading!
