Steve Cavanagh Books in Order
Eddie Flynn Series
Steve Cavanagh’s Eddie Flynn series can be read in any order as each is a standalone story. However, we recommend to read them in order for a few reasons:
- 1. Character Development: Eddie Flynn’s character evolves throughout the series. By reading the books in order, you’ll follow his personal journey—from grappling with his past as a con artist to becoming a brilliant yet unconventional lawyer. You’ll also get to see the gradual development of his relationships with recurring characters like Judge Harry Ford, Harper, and Kate Brooks.
- 2. Ongoing Plot Threads: While each book focuses on a new case, there are overarching themes and subplots - such as Eddie’s inner struggles - that are better understood when read chronologically. These elements add depth and emotional weight to the stories.
- 3. Emotional Impact and Building Stakes: As the series progresses, the stakes for Eddie and those around him escalate. Eddie’s friendships and partnerships also develop naturally over time. Their emotional moments - whether it’s building trust, conflicts arising, or camaraderie during high-stakes trials - are far more impactful when you’ve seen the relationships evolve book by book. Reading in order allows you to experience this gradual intensification, making the later books, like Fifty Fifty and Thirteen, even more impactful.
The Defence (Eddie Flynn #1)
Why we love it:
- - The concept of a lawyer forced to defend a mobster under life-threatening conditions is fresh and gripping.
- - High stakes from start to finish.
In The Defence, former con artist turned lawyer Eddie Flynn is thrust back into the courtroom when the Russian mob kidnaps his wife and daughter, forcing him to defend mob boss Olek Volchek in a high-stakes murder trial. With only 48 hours to secure an acquittal, Eddie must outwit both the mob and the FBI while wearing a bomb vest rigged to ensure his compliance.
If you love thrillers with smart, resourceful protagonists and high-stakes scenarios, The Defense is a must-read. Its mix of suspense, action, and legal intrigue makes it a standout in the genre and an unforgettable start to Eddie Flynn’s journey.
The Plea (Eddie Flynn #2)
Why we love it:
- - Rapid pace and perfect to get out of a slump.
- - David Child’s backstory and motivations add depth to the narrative, making the stakes feel personal and real.
In The Plea, the second book in Steve Cavanagh's Eddie Flynn series, Eddie is approached by the FBI with an impossible task. They need him to convince billionaire David Child, who is accused of murder, to plead guilty. Child is tied to a corrupt law firm that the FBI is investigating, and his cooperation is essential to their case. However, when Eddie meets David, he becomes convinced of his innocence and refuses to force a guilty plea. What follows is a pulse-pounding legal battle, as Eddie races to clear David's name while also navigating the dangers of crossing the FBI and the corrupt forces within the law firm.
The Liar (Eddie Flynn #3)
Why we love it:
- - Keeps you guessing until the final, satisfying reveal.
- - Eddie’s inner conflict adds emotional depth to the story.
The Liar follows Eddie who’s hired by a wealthy businessman, Leonard Howell, whose daughter has been kidnapped. However, things take a dark turn when Howell is accused of murder, and Eddie finds himself defending a man who may not be telling him the whole truth. With twists and betrayals lurking at every turn, Eddie must use every ounce of his con artist ingenuity and legal expertise to unravel the lies, clear Howell's name, and bring Caroline home safely—if she's still alive.
The Liar combines intense courtroom drama with a heart-pounding search for a missing child, all while delivering the signature twists and sharp writing that Steve Cavanagh is known for.
Thirteen (Eddie Flynn #4)
Why we love it:
- - Completely unputdownable—the twists keep you turning the pages.
- - It’s fast-paced, clever and gripping. Perfect to get you out of a book slump.
Eddie Flynn is drawn into a high-stakes trial where he faces one of his most dangerous adversaries yet: Joshua Kane, a serial killer who has evaded capture for years. Kane is a master manipulator, using the courtroom as his stage to control the trial and play mind games with Eddie. As Eddie navigates a web of deception and psychological warfare, he must use all his legal and con artist skills to expose Kane’s true nature and stop him before the killer manipulates his way to freedom. The stakes are higher than ever as Eddie races against time to bring justice and protect those he loves.
Thirteen is a standout in the Eddie Flynn series, combining the best elements of legal thriller, psychological suspense, and crime drama. With a brilliant villain, high-stakes courtroom drama, and Eddie’s own emotional journey, this book offers an unforgettable reading experience.
Fifty Fifty (Eddie Flynn #5)
Why we love it:
- - The plot is brilliantly crafted with a high-stakes courtroom drama full of twists taking “he said, she said” to the next level, keeping you guessing until the final pages.
- - Just when you think you know who the killer is, Cavanagh throws in a curveball that changes everything.
Two sisters accuse each other of murdering their father in cold blood. Both women were present at the scene, both claim to be innocent, and both insist the other is the killer. But only one of them is telling the truth. Eddie Flynn, a con-artist-turned-defence lawyer known for his tenacity and unorthodox tactics, is hired to defend one of the sisters, while his colleague, lawyer Kate Brooks, defends the other. As the trial progresses, Eddie and Kate each wrestle with the possibility that they may be defending a killer.
With its sharp dialogue, intense courtroom scenes, and surprising twists, Fifty Fifty offers an immersive experience for fans of thrillers, mysteries, and courtroom drama. It’s a race against time, where a brutal killer could walk free if the wrong person is found guilty.
The Devil’s Advocate (Eddie Flynn #6)
Why we love it:
- - The story makes you feel furious throughout, but that’s the point, and makes for a truly gripping read.
- - The different POVs are well-executed and add to the suspense.
In The Devil’s Advocate, Eddie Flynn swaps the city for small-town America, but don’t expect a quiet getaway! Eddie is defending Andy Dubois, a young man falsely accused of murder in a town where the corrupt prosecutor, Randal Korn, has turned the death penalty into his personal weapon. As Eddie digs deeper, he uncovers a sinister conspiracy that makes even his streetwise skills feel stretched. Packed with courtroom fireworks, shady characters, and Eddie’s quick-thinking charm, this is a thrilling rollercoaster ride where justice fights dirty—but Eddie fights dirtier!
The Accomplice (Eddie Flynn #7)
Why we love it:
- - As always, this keeps you on your toes with the intricate plot and shocking revelations.
- - Eddie’s blend of clever courtroom tactics and con artist charm delivers plenty of humour and heart, making him a character you can’t help but root for.
In The Accomplice by Steve Cavanagh, prepare for a wild ride as Flynn tackles his most chaotic case yet! When a notorious hitman is finally caught, it turns out his wife, Carrie, is accused of helping him pull off his crimes—and Eddie’s convinced she’s innocent. What follows is a twisty, fast-paced courtroom showdown packed with razor-sharp wit, jaw-dropping surprises, and Eddie’s signature con artist charm. With danger lurking around every corner and secrets bubbling to the surface, this legal thriller will keep you guessing - and grinning - right up to its thrilling conclusion.
Witness 8 (Eddie Flynn #8)
Why we love it:
- - It frustrates you throughout, wondering whether justice will prevail, keeping you hooked and reading all night!
- - It's a classic Cavanagh with even more high-stakes action as the bounty on Eddie's life creates futrher tension as he faces off against contract killers, including the chilling Mr Christmas.
Witness 8, the eighth installment in the Eddie Flynn series, combines a gripping murder case with an explosive subplot involving hitmen. The story follows Ruby, a domestic worker who witness a murder across the street. Instead of going to the police, Ruby takes the murder weapon and begins leveraging her knowledge to manipulate those around her, revealing hidden truths and secrets. Meanwhile, Eddie Flynn defends a case involving a questionable police stop, which ties into broader corruption and puts him in the crosshairs of dangerous individuals. With a $50,000 bounty on his head, Eddie faces attempts on his life from contract killers.
This New York-set legal thriller showcases Steve Cavanagh’s trademark fast-paced narrative, unpredictable turns, and a blend of legal acumen with emotional depth.
Standalones
Twisted (2019)
Why we love it:
- - A page-turner with short chapters and relentless tension that's impossible to put down.
- - Perfect for both newcomers to Steve Cavanagh and longtime fans.
In Twisted, Steve Cavanagh delivers a gripping standalone thriller about secrets, deception, and betrayal. The story follows Maria Cooper, who discovers her husband, J.T., a reclusive bestselling author, has a dark past he’s been hiding. When Maria plans to leave him, she sets off a deadly chain of events involving murder, manipulation, and shocking twists. As secrets unravel, nothing is as it seems, and everyone has something to hide.
Readers will love Twisted for its unpredictable plot, jaw-dropping twists, and morally complex characters. The relentless pace and sharp writing keep the tension high, making it a must-read for fans of dark, psychological thrillers.
Kill For Me Kill For You (2023)
Why we love it:
- - A twisted take on a deadly pact where two strangers agree to murder for each other, inspired by Strangers on a Train.
- - It builds suspense with every chapter, making you question who can be trusted.
When two strangers, Amanda and Wendy, meet by chance, they discover a shared desperation for revenge. Bound by a chilling pact, they agree to kill for each other to avoid suspicion. But as the bodies pile up, secrets unravel, and the lines between victim and perpetrator blur.
With Steve Cavanagh’s trademark twists, Kill for Me Kill for You is a dark, psychological thriller that will leave readers questioning everything. It's accessible to new readers, showcasing Cavanagh's masterful ability to deliver standalone suspense.
Happy Reading!
Steve Cavanagh is a master of legal thrillers, best known for his fast-paced, twist-filled Eddie Flynn series—and now you know just where to start! For more thriller inspiration, check out our guide on Freida McFadden’s books in order or cosy up with a mystery read with Richard Osman's books in order.
