Title: THIRTEEN
Author: Steve Cavanagh
ISBN: 9781250297624
Publisher: Orion Books
Pages: 481
Source: Private Copy
THE SERIAL KILLER ISN’T ON TRIAL.
HE’S ON THE JURY …
‘To your knowledge, is there anything that would preclude you from serving on this jury?’
Murder wasn’t the hard part. It was just the start of the game.
Joshua Kane has been preparing for this moment his whole life. He’s done it before. But this is the big one.
This is the murder trial of the century. And Kane has killed to get the best seat in the house.
But there’s someone on his tail. Someone who suspects that the killer isn’t the man on trial.
Kane knows time is running out – he just needs to get to the conviction without being discovered.
Official Summary
01 July 2025
What an absolute ride! I’ve heard plenty of praise for Steve Cavanagh’s Eddie Flynn series, and now I completely understand why — even though, in true fashion, I’ve jumped in at book four. But honestly, if you’ve done the same, don’t panic — Thirteen works brilliantly as a standalone, though I’m now itching to go back and read the earlier books properly.
The hook alone is enough to reel you in: The serial killer isn’t on trial… he’s on the jury. How genius is that? It immediately sets this apart from your typical legal thriller. The premise is both chilling and clever — Joshua Kane is no ordinary killer. He’s methodical, obsessed, and terrifyingly resourceful. His plan to manipulate the justice system from within is twisted, bold, and utterly gripping.
Eddie Flynn is such a refreshing protagonist. He’s flawed, sharp, and relentless — a former con artist turned defence attorney, who knows how the system works inside out. Watching him unravel the truth behind the trial is tense, fast-paced, and addictive. The courtroom scenes are pure drama, loaded with clever twists and turns.
But what really sets this book apart is how it blends legal thriller with serial killer psychological suspense. Cavanagh strikes that perfect balance — it’s dark and intense, but never loses its sense of pace or clarity. The chapters from Kane’s perspective add a chilling layer, showing just how dangerous and calculated he is.
And that ending? Loved it — satisfying, surprising, and left me wanting more of Eddie Flynn’s world.
I can confidently say I’m now hooked on this series. Starting with book four might not be the traditional route, but Thirteen has convinced me that I need to dive into books one to three ASAP.
If you enjoy your thrillers with courtroom drama, high stakes, and a serial killer with a terrifyingly original MO — this one’s a must-read.
Also By Steve Cavanagh
KILL FOR ME KILL FOR YOU
SHE WILL KILL YOUR WORST ENEMY. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS KILL HERS.
One dark evening in New York City, two strangers meet by chance.
Over drinks, Amanda and Wendy realise they have so much in common.
They both feel alone. They both drink alone.
And they both desperately want revenge against the two men who destroyed their families.
Together, they have the perfect plan.
If you kill for me, I’ll kill for you…
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.
And just like that, I am hooked and eager to dig into the rest of the books in this series. Yes, you can expect to see more of the Eddie Flynn series on the blog. Are you a fan of this series? Which is your favourite book? I look forward to catching up as soon as possible. Another addition to my backlist reading, there is always more to read. On that note, I am going to read some more. Until next time….Happy Reading!
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