You know, this book impressed me. I did not know that it was a part of a series because it didn't read like it was. Sure, references are made which will likely make way more sense if you have read the other books in the series, but did not stand out as an issue while reading, like you were missing something. Mentions of past actions or characters, etc. just felt like musings in the book, or indicators of how certain things came together, and it is rare that a book in a series can be read so successfully as a standalone.

Okay, now that I have marvelled the ability of the novel as a standalone, let's get to the story itself. It was quite an interesting one, though it does require you suspend reality altogether, otherwise you are going to have a bad time. The pacing is super fast, and the book barrels along, which makes for an entertaining and fast read. The plot is constantly twisting and turning (albeit predictably at times), it is still fun. There are also quite a few characters to like in here. 

It was pretty cool to read about this crazy pants killer, but the reality of the killer did not quite live up to my expectations completely, but then again, maybe that is just due to the "suspend belief" thing. I found Thirteen to be quite a solid book for the story it tells. I liked it enough that I would happily check out other books in the series at some point. I would definitely recommend Thirteen if you are looking for a fast paced, crazy thriller, as it will definitely deliver on those fronts.

An action-packed courtroom drama. .Completely plausible and the conclusion, when it comes, is satisfying. 13 is the best page-turner I’ve read in a long time and I would strongly recommend it.

A brilliant, brilliant book that ripped along at a pace that left me unwilling to put down. A game of cat and mouse and a question of who can outwit who the best. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will definitely read more by this author.

This is a gripping, brooding page turner. Cavanagh is a master at delaying information. Everything hangs together so beautifully, there were o moments when I was pulled out of the story by a loose end or a grating inaccuracy. Cavanagh stayed one step ahead of me almost until the end but let me catch up just before the last reveal giving me a great sense of satisfaction.

I have to admit that not only had I not read any other titles in the Eddie Flynn series, I didn't know there were earlier books! But clearly this didn't matter at all as I thought this book was incredible and works perfectly as a stand alone story. The pace is quick and unrelenting and I was totally enthralled.

'Thirteen' has the hook: 'The serial killer isn't on trail. He's on the jury.' I'm sorry but if you're not dying to read this book after just hearing that, then we can't be friends!

Although this is the fourth Eddie Flynn book, and I haven't read the others, that didn't stop me wanting to read this and it really didn't effect my enjoyment of the novel at all. Eddie Flynn is the lawyer tasked with defending his client, a Hollywood superstar, who the reader is fully aware is innocent. Eddie is a very likeable character; he has a slightly shady past as a con-artist, is having genuine family issues and is just genuinely a nice guy. The serial killer? Well, Cavanagh had me guessing what this guy would do from the start and the twists and turns kept coming.

This was a gripping thriller and I will definitely be picking up the other Eddie Flynn books.

I honestly loved this. I'm a huge fan of crime and legal thrillers, so I knew this would be right up my street. I just didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did. I honestly couldn't put it down and I was on tenterhooks throughout the whole book. With fast paced action, twists and turns at every page and some shocking revelations, it's one to read.

The story is told from a dual perspective - Eddie’s and Kane’s. These two characters would be our protagonists. Eddie is a defence attorney, a man with a very messed up personal life, who keeps making very dangerous decisions, and that is what makes him so awesome. Eddie has his faults and is not perfect, but at the same time, he is so intriguing and incredibly smart! Kane is a genius psychopath, (Hannibal Lecter could be his inspiration :D), who can steal any identity he chooses. So, when you have these two amazingly developed personalities, the story can’t be boring. :D
And of course, it is not! The narrative is very well paced, creating optical illusions and mind games in every chapter. It has plenty of twists, turns and unexpected findings, and the plot absolutely absorbed me. I love when authors include murderers and their thoughts in the thrillers, Kane’s actions and thoughts gave so much depth and intrigue to this book, and it was an absolute joy to read it. I really enjoyed Eddie’s smart moves while solving this case, but he was pretty lucky to get all the information delivered to him, without the help, I don't think he could’ve succeeded as much. I really liked, that Steve Cavanagh utilized his knowledge of courts and jury in this book, there were plenty of new things I learned, and I am very grateful for that.
I loved the writing style of this book, it is easy and understandable, and this book can easily be read as stand alone. The characters used from the past are well explained and didn’t leave me confused. The chapters are pretty short, and due to constant change between the characters, the pages just fly by. I do have to throw in a disclaimer that there are plenty of blood, graphic murders, and other gross things described in this book, so before reading, make sure you can stomach that. :D I really enjoyed the ending and all the surprises it brought, I think it rounded up the story very nicely.
So, to conclude, Steve Cavanagh definitely knows what he is doing when it comes to writing. He is a master of crime novels, and even though this book was my first encounter with this author’s work, it definitely will not be the last. He chose perfect characters for this book, and the plot kept me guessing and always intrigued. I thoroughly enjoyed this court thriller, and it is an absolute must-read. I do hope you will like it as much as I did.

A very enjoyable tale with great characters and a solid plot. Some very clever twists and turns from both the board keep the pages turning to see what's going to happen next. A sure fire hit for fans of Grisham. Well worth a look!

Fantastic read! This book is one to savour, a gripping thriller of a ride that never lets up. I liked the clever plot of a con artist lawyer and a serial killer sitting on the jury it’s very original and intense reading. I think the book would make a great film too! Eddie Flynn lawyer character is a great fictional character I liked him a lot and his friend Harry the judge. Kane the bad guy character is crafty, evil and frightening in this powerful courtroom drama. I would highly recommend this book.

They were Hollywood's hottest power couple. They had the world at their feet. Now one of them is dead and Hollywood star Robert Solomon is charged with the brutal murder of his beautiful wife.

This is the celebrity murder trial of the century and the defence want one man on their team: con artist turned lawyer Eddie Flynn.

All the evidence points to Robert's guilt, but as the trial begins a series of sinister incidents in the court room start to raise doubts in Eddie's mind.

What if there's more than one actor in the courtroom?

What if the killer isn't on trial? What if the killer is on the jury?

This is my first time reading a Steve Cavanagh book - I started off not liking this book, it seemed very ‘bitty’ and unconnected. Kept on reading because I’d seen (but not read) 5 star reviews. I’m glad I kept on reading. It became one of those books you only stop reading for pitstops (food, drink). Not saying anything about the story because I wouldn’t want to spoil it for anybody else. Unputdownable! 5*

Wow! A legal thriller, with a difference! A serial killer thriller that is completely off the wall, and will keep you reading until the end!

A thoroughly original and fast-paced read following the story of con-man turned defence lawyer, Eddie Flynn. After several headline-grabbing court victories and just at a time when Eddie is trying to live a quiet and low-key life in the hope of reuniting with his estranged wife Christine, he is approached by 'lawyer to the stars' Rudy Carp who offers Eddie a substantial and tempting amount of money to assist him with a case. And not just any case - the team are defending popular Hollywood actor Robert Solomon, who stands accused of murdering his wife and co-star Ariella and his head security man. The guilt of Robert seems cut and dried with the evidence mounting up but Eddie meets with Robert and very quickly believes that he is an innocent man.
So far so 'courtroom drama' but this is merely the beginning because it also appears that there may be a serial killer on the jury who has positioned themselves there via a wickedly fiendish series of events and would appear that their sole task is to ensure the defendant is given a guilty verdict regardless of whether he is actually guilty or not.
This was a fascinating and suspenseful read which raced along at breakneck speed. I loved the character of Eddie Flynn who is a brilliant lawyer and fascinating character.
A massive 5 stars from me - I would recommend this book to all.
Thanks to Netgalley and publishers for the ARC.

I enjoy a good thriller but I don’t think I have ever read a court room thriller before this one. I was a little concerned about reading the fourth in a series in case there was anything I needed to know from the previous books, and while some background may have helped, overall you can read this as a stand alone. I throughly enjoyed this book. Very fast paced and a twist at the end that I had not seen coming which is always a bonus. I enjoyed the plot and the characters. I will keep an eye out at my library for the first 3in the series now after reading this.

This thriller comes with a killer premise and delivers page-turning action. It's not the first in this series, but can be read as a standalone (as I did). Highly recommended for fans of serial killer and/or courtroom dramas.

This book was extremely far-fetched but if you can suspend logic for a bit, it is really good fun. I enjoyed the courtroom stuff as well as the jury dynamic.

Thirteen is an extraordinary book. We follow a serial killer as he identifies his victims with meticulous preparations before the deeds. There are links between the victims and concealed calling cards. Others are found guilty for the murders. Then he succeeds in getting onto the Jury where a public star is accused of murdering his partner. The killer is determined to secure a guilty verdict. He leaves nothing to chance..
You might think the police have simply be given the run around or taken soft options when identifying credible killers. But in this high profile case there are some doubts among the lawyers and support staff representing the accused. But do they have convincing counter arguments as they clash with the prosecutor.
The book starts slowly as the characters are identified but momentum and tension increase throughout until the final court room climax. Will the serial killer see it through or will a not guilty verdict prevail? You'll need to read the book to find out.
I started reading Thirteen with some doubts about whether it was just another thriller, similar to many others we have all read. Not a bit of it. I became hooked and did not want to put it down. Congratulations to Steve Cavanagh you deserve high praise with this one.
Highly recommended but try to keep calm as you read it. .

AMAZING. Nearly didn’t read more than a few pages. What a mistake that would have been. An excellent, original kept me guessing book. 5/5 on good reads.

When a beautiful film star is found stabbed to death in bed with her murdered bodyguard the media believes it is an open and shut case, the husband did it. Eddie Flynn is called in to join the defence team, they need someone who can dig and antagonise the New York police, he needs a steady job that may persuade his wife not to file for divorce. Eddie will not represent a guilty client but Bobby Solomon could well be innocent. As Flynn looks into the evidence he finds links with a couple of unsolved cases and further research with the FBI reveals the possibility of a serial killer on the loose. Worse, it appears that this killer is as keen on the outcome, he infiltrates the trial juries.
Writing down a precis to the plot of this novel is virtually impossible, the story sounds so far-fetched. However in the hands of Cavanagh this becomes a fast-paced and emotionally draining read. There is a nice little twist at the end which, although flagged up, just makes the reader double take.

What a fantastic read. Loved every page and was gripped from start to finish. This is definitely the start of my Steve Cavanagh journey.