What do you think?
Rate this book
Win a free print copy of this book!
19 days and 15:03:01
100 copies available
U.S. only
Eddie Flynn #9
Two Kinds of Stranger
Win a free print copy of this book!
19 days and 15:03:01
100 copies available
U.S. only
SHE HELPED A PERFECT A STRANGER. SHE DIDN'T KNOW HE WAS THE PERFECT KILLER...
Ellie Parker had everything.
Perfect husband. Perfect apartment. Perfect friends and the perfect job.
As an internet celebrity - famed for her random acts of kindness - everyone knew it.
So when a betrayal causes her to lose it all, millions of people are watching.
But even at her lowest, Ellie will always help someone in need.
Which makes her the perfect target for a sadistic game.
Because as she soon learns, you can never trust a stranger - and a seemingly random encounter plunges her into a nightmare worse than she ever imagined.
The only person she can turn to is conman turned trial lawyer Eddie Flynn, who must take on a case where nothing is what it seems. With the most cruelly ingenious mind manipulating events from the shadows, everyone is in danger - including Eddie and his family.
Ellie Parker had everything.
Perfect husband. Perfect apartment. Perfect friends and the perfect job.
As an internet celebrity - famed for her random acts of kindness - everyone knew it.
So when a betrayal causes her to lose it all, millions of people are watching.
But even at her lowest, Ellie will always help someone in need.
Which makes her the perfect target for a sadistic game.
Because as she soon learns, you can never trust a stranger - and a seemingly random encounter plunges her into a nightmare worse than she ever imagined.
The only person she can turn to is conman turned trial lawyer Eddie Flynn, who must take on a case where nothing is what it seems. With the most cruelly ingenious mind manipulating events from the shadows, everyone is in danger - including Eddie and his family.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 31, 2025
600 people are currently reading
10848 people want to read
About the author
Steve Cavanagh
29 books9,975 followersSteve Cavanagh is a critically acclaimed, Sunday Times best-selling author of the Eddie Flynn series which has sold a million copies in the UK. His third novel, The Liar, won the CWA Gold Dagger for Crime Novel of the year 2018. Thirteen won the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime novel of the year 2019. FIFTY FIFTY was a Richard and Judy Book club choice, and the BBC Between The Covers book club choice. All of his novels have been nominated for major awards. He is a consistent International bestseller.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 450 reviews
August 23, 2025
As soon as EDDIE FLYNN #9 became available abroad, I purchased a copy from Blackwells UK and had it mailed to me because I just couldn’t wait on a U.S. release date-which speaks volumes because as you know, I am VERY selective about what series I follow-preferring standalone books as a general rule. 📬
NO REGRETS!
This series just keeps on getting better and better!
Ellie Parker is a Tik Tok influencer known for her “RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS” #RAK.
So, unfortunately, a betrayal from those closest to her, is captured LIVE for all of her followers to see.
Yet, Ellie continues to practice what she preaches…
A stranger on crutches in the Subway, needs help with some luggage, and of course, she stops to help.
AND things go from bad to worse as Ellie becomes victim to a RANDOM ACT OF VIOLENCE.
OR IS IT?
When she wakes up in the hospital, she finds herself handcuffed to the bed-accused of MURDER.
YES-all of this happens in the first few pages!
And, we haven’t even gotten to Eddie’s ex wife Christine and her husband Kevin, being threatened by a dangerous man.
Eddie and the team he has put together as the series evolved-co counsel Kate Brooks, investigators (and muscle) Melissa Bloch and Gabriel Lake, confidante Harry Ford, and office wizard, Denise-now have not just one case but TWO-both being fast tracked through the legal system, to be tried at the same time.
Con Artist turned attorney Eddie Flynn will have to put the pieces of the puzzles together quickly- for both cases-Fortunately, he has a few tricks up his sleeve.
OH SO CLEVER
Former Judge Harry counsels “ The truth doesn’t matter in the courtroom – it’s all down to which lawyer tells the jury, the most convincing story.”
For strait laced Kate-she must struggle with bending the law to save her innocent clients, Christine and Kevin.
Saving Ellie will be won or lost depending on the answer to ONE SINGLE QUESTION. Eddie has to make sure he gets the RIGHT ANSWER.
This might be my favorite Eddie Flynn book yet! The pace is fast, with each chapter highlighting what a certain character is up to-including our killer.
The last 100 pages alternates between the two trials, and I dare you to try and put this book down once you get to this point of this intricately plotted, entertaining story!
And, then if that wasn’t enough-there is one final twist-the cherry on top of the whip cream topped ice cream sundae! Delicious!
Steve Cavanagh has already announced EDDIE FLYNN #10! Since I am addicted to this series-I for one, can’t wait! ❣️
NO REGRETS!
This series just keeps on getting better and better!
Ellie Parker is a Tik Tok influencer known for her “RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS” #RAK.
So, unfortunately, a betrayal from those closest to her, is captured LIVE for all of her followers to see.
Yet, Ellie continues to practice what she preaches…
A stranger on crutches in the Subway, needs help with some luggage, and of course, she stops to help.
AND things go from bad to worse as Ellie becomes victim to a RANDOM ACT OF VIOLENCE.
OR IS IT?
When she wakes up in the hospital, she finds herself handcuffed to the bed-accused of MURDER.
YES-all of this happens in the first few pages!
And, we haven’t even gotten to Eddie’s ex wife Christine and her husband Kevin, being threatened by a dangerous man.
Eddie and the team he has put together as the series evolved-co counsel Kate Brooks, investigators (and muscle) Melissa Bloch and Gabriel Lake, confidante Harry Ford, and office wizard, Denise-now have not just one case but TWO-both being fast tracked through the legal system, to be tried at the same time.
Con Artist turned attorney Eddie Flynn will have to put the pieces of the puzzles together quickly- for both cases-Fortunately, he has a few tricks up his sleeve.
OH SO CLEVER
Former Judge Harry counsels “ The truth doesn’t matter in the courtroom – it’s all down to which lawyer tells the jury, the most convincing story.”
For strait laced Kate-she must struggle with bending the law to save her innocent clients, Christine and Kevin.
Saving Ellie will be won or lost depending on the answer to ONE SINGLE QUESTION. Eddie has to make sure he gets the RIGHT ANSWER.
This might be my favorite Eddie Flynn book yet! The pace is fast, with each chapter highlighting what a certain character is up to-including our killer.
The last 100 pages alternates between the two trials, and I dare you to try and put this book down once you get to this point of this intricately plotted, entertaining story!
And, then if that wasn’t enough-there is one final twist-the cherry on top of the whip cream topped ice cream sundae! Delicious!
Steve Cavanagh has already announced EDDIE FLYNN #10! Since I am addicted to this series-I for one, can’t wait! ❣️
July 8, 2025
* 4.5 stars*
The first chapter of “Two Kinds of Stranger” was completely gripping and set the scene perfectly for this terrific legal thriller.
Former con artist turned lawyer, Eddie Flynn, doesn’t really have much respect for the law, but when he does step over the line, it’s always to help someone else.
This time around, he’s helping social influencer Ellie Parker, well known for her random acts of kindness which she shares with her many followers on her blog. Ellie has a wonderful life until the day it all comes tumbling down, and what’s worse is that she was live streaming the incident at the time, so millions of her followers were witness to it.
Eddie is also helping his ex wife Christine and her husband Kevin, but I’ll say no more about that, other than they’re being threatened by one seriously dangerous individual.
Ellie Parker has not only suffered humiliation and betrayal with millions watching, but she then becomes the target for a dark and dangerous stranger, and there are no limits to what this stranger will do to satisfy his twisted mind.
Eddie Flynn is not your average lawyer, he can be completely reckless, and plays dirty if he needs to, but you’d definitely want him in your corner!
Lots of twists and turns and some clever courtroom scenes, and wow, I never saw that twist coming at the end! Another winner for Steve Cavanagh.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Headline for an ARC aim exchange for an honest unbiased review *
The first chapter of “Two Kinds of Stranger” was completely gripping and set the scene perfectly for this terrific legal thriller.
Former con artist turned lawyer, Eddie Flynn, doesn’t really have much respect for the law, but when he does step over the line, it’s always to help someone else.
This time around, he’s helping social influencer Ellie Parker, well known for her random acts of kindness which she shares with her many followers on her blog. Ellie has a wonderful life until the day it all comes tumbling down, and what’s worse is that she was live streaming the incident at the time, so millions of her followers were witness to it.
Eddie is also helping his ex wife Christine and her husband Kevin, but I’ll say no more about that, other than they’re being threatened by one seriously dangerous individual.
Ellie Parker has not only suffered humiliation and betrayal with millions watching, but she then becomes the target for a dark and dangerous stranger, and there are no limits to what this stranger will do to satisfy his twisted mind.
Eddie Flynn is not your average lawyer, he can be completely reckless, and plays dirty if he needs to, but you’d definitely want him in your corner!
Lots of twists and turns and some clever courtroom scenes, and wow, I never saw that twist coming at the end! Another winner for Steve Cavanagh.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Headline for an ARC aim exchange for an honest unbiased review *
September 9, 2025
Did you know Steve Cavanagh has a medical condition that actually makes him incapable of missing?
May he never be cured of this ailment🙌
4.5 stars!
This was so much fun. Fast paced, entertaining, twists and turns and the best slump breaker and book hangover cure💖
ily Steve 💖 this series better outlive me pls and thank you 💖
May he never be cured of this ailment🙌
4.5 stars!
This was so much fun. Fast paced, entertaining, twists and turns and the best slump breaker and book hangover cure💖
ily Steve 💖 this series better outlive me pls and thank you 💖
September 8, 2025
Oh boy—just give me a comfy couch, an endless tray of snacks, a chilled bottle of Santa Barbara or Monterey Chardonnay (2023 vintage, please!), and an Eddie Flynn book, and I’m in pure bliss. Honestly, you could hand me the entire series, lock the door, and forget I exist, because once I dive into one of these novels, I vanish into that world. Hours melt away, my phone goes unanswered, and real life can wait. Eddie Flynn books are not just a pastime—they’re my literary addiction.
This series has firmly earned its place as my all-time favorite in the crime genre. Sorry, Mickey Haller—you know I love you, but Eddie has outsmarted you in my book. He doesn’t need a Lincoln to perch in while surveying cases; Eddie Flynn is a lawyer, a conman, and a master strategist rolled into one, and he’s unbeatable. Every single installment is a wild, clever, adrenaline-fueled ride, and somehow, they keep getting better. The moment I finish one, my craving begins again, leaving me desperately waiting for the next fix. I devoured book nine in one greedy gulp—and now I’m practically begging for book ten to land in my hands.
This latest adventure is an electrifying, edge-of-your-seat thriller that weaves together two gripping storylines. The first follows Ellie Parker, a TikTok sensation and media influencer whose life takes a very public, disastrous turn. After catching her brand-new husband (six months into marriage!) in bed with her best friend—while she’s holding a plate of surprise brownies, no less—Ellie becomes internet-famous for all the wrong reasons. Determined to redirect her energy, she leans harder into her “Good Samaritan” content, making videos where she helps strangers in need. But fate plays a cruel trick. When she offers kindness to a man on crutches struggling with a suitcase outside the subway, she doesn’t realize she’s walking into a trap. Beneath his carefully crafted disguise is a sociopath who thrives on manipulation and cruelty. What begins as an act of compassion spirals into a deadly game. Ellie barely escapes with her life—only to find herself accused of murder and staring down a wrongful conviction. There’s only one man she trusts to save her: Eddie Flynn.
While Eddie gears up to defend Ellie, another nightmare looms closer to home. His ex-wife’s partner Kevin has just helped uncover a suspicious death and a forged will, putting him squarely in the crosshairs of two ruthless criminals. These men, reckless and merciless, are determined to silence anyone who stands in their way—and that includes Kevin, Eddie’s ex-wife, and their daughter. Suddenly, Eddie’s fight is not only for justice in the courtroom but also for the safety of the people he loves most.
Eddie is never alone, of course. He rallies his brilliant team: Kate and Harry on the legal front, and Bloch and Lake in the shadows, pulling strings as street-smart investigators. Together, they race against time to prove Ellie’s innocence while fending off threats to Eddie’s family. Lurking at the heart of it all is Logan, a terrifyingly intelligent sociopath who seems to anticipate their every move, stalking them from the shadows. The tension is suffocating, the stakes are sky-high, and the danger is as personal as it gets.
And this, right here, is what makes the Eddie Flynn series so addictive. It’s not just about clever courtroom drama or slick cons (though those are top-tier). It’s about the way Steve Cavanagh builds stories where legal strategy, psychological warfare, and raw human emotion collide. Eddie isn’t perfect—he bends rules, pulls off outrageous tricks, and dances with danger—but every scheme is aimed at doing the right thing, even if it means breaking the law to protect the innocent. That’s what makes him unforgettable.
Overall: This book blew me away. The pacing was flawless, the twists kept me glued, and Eddie’s daring, borderline-unethical methods had me cheering. The ending made me laugh out loud—it was sharp, brilliant, and perfectly executed. I adored Ellie as a character; she brought something fresh and emotional to the story, and I found myself rooting for her. As always, Eddie’s team was fantastic—every member shines in their own way, and together, they’re unstoppable. This series never misses, and this installment was no exception.
Five criminally perfect stars from me! I’m already counting down the days until the next Eddie Flynn case drops, because I know the ride will be just as addictive, clever, and thrilling.
Millions of thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for sharing this gem with me in exchange for my honest review. I can’t recommend this series enough—it’s my forever favorite.
medium blog
instagram
facebook
twitter
This series has firmly earned its place as my all-time favorite in the crime genre. Sorry, Mickey Haller—you know I love you, but Eddie has outsmarted you in my book. He doesn’t need a Lincoln to perch in while surveying cases; Eddie Flynn is a lawyer, a conman, and a master strategist rolled into one, and he’s unbeatable. Every single installment is a wild, clever, adrenaline-fueled ride, and somehow, they keep getting better. The moment I finish one, my craving begins again, leaving me desperately waiting for the next fix. I devoured book nine in one greedy gulp—and now I’m practically begging for book ten to land in my hands.
This latest adventure is an electrifying, edge-of-your-seat thriller that weaves together two gripping storylines. The first follows Ellie Parker, a TikTok sensation and media influencer whose life takes a very public, disastrous turn. After catching her brand-new husband (six months into marriage!) in bed with her best friend—while she’s holding a plate of surprise brownies, no less—Ellie becomes internet-famous for all the wrong reasons. Determined to redirect her energy, she leans harder into her “Good Samaritan” content, making videos where she helps strangers in need. But fate plays a cruel trick. When she offers kindness to a man on crutches struggling with a suitcase outside the subway, she doesn’t realize she’s walking into a trap. Beneath his carefully crafted disguise is a sociopath who thrives on manipulation and cruelty. What begins as an act of compassion spirals into a deadly game. Ellie barely escapes with her life—only to find herself accused of murder and staring down a wrongful conviction. There’s only one man she trusts to save her: Eddie Flynn.
While Eddie gears up to defend Ellie, another nightmare looms closer to home. His ex-wife’s partner Kevin has just helped uncover a suspicious death and a forged will, putting him squarely in the crosshairs of two ruthless criminals. These men, reckless and merciless, are determined to silence anyone who stands in their way—and that includes Kevin, Eddie’s ex-wife, and their daughter. Suddenly, Eddie’s fight is not only for justice in the courtroom but also for the safety of the people he loves most.
Eddie is never alone, of course. He rallies his brilliant team: Kate and Harry on the legal front, and Bloch and Lake in the shadows, pulling strings as street-smart investigators. Together, they race against time to prove Ellie’s innocence while fending off threats to Eddie’s family. Lurking at the heart of it all is Logan, a terrifyingly intelligent sociopath who seems to anticipate their every move, stalking them from the shadows. The tension is suffocating, the stakes are sky-high, and the danger is as personal as it gets.
And this, right here, is what makes the Eddie Flynn series so addictive. It’s not just about clever courtroom drama or slick cons (though those are top-tier). It’s about the way Steve Cavanagh builds stories where legal strategy, psychological warfare, and raw human emotion collide. Eddie isn’t perfect—he bends rules, pulls off outrageous tricks, and dances with danger—but every scheme is aimed at doing the right thing, even if it means breaking the law to protect the innocent. That’s what makes him unforgettable.
Overall: This book blew me away. The pacing was flawless, the twists kept me glued, and Eddie’s daring, borderline-unethical methods had me cheering. The ending made me laugh out loud—it was sharp, brilliant, and perfectly executed. I adored Ellie as a character; she brought something fresh and emotional to the story, and I found myself rooting for her. As always, Eddie’s team was fantastic—every member shines in their own way, and together, they’re unstoppable. This series never misses, and this installment was no exception.
Five criminally perfect stars from me! I’m already counting down the days until the next Eddie Flynn case drops, because I know the ride will be just as addictive, clever, and thrilling.
Millions of thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for sharing this gem with me in exchange for my honest review. I can’t recommend this series enough—it’s my forever favorite.
medium blog
August 8, 2025
In the beginning I couldn’t quite get into it, but the last part of the book made up for it. Then it was pulsating with life and I needed to know what would happen.
June 17, 2025
4.5
It’s social media influencer, Elly and James’ sixth month anniversary and she’s going to prepare a nice surprise for him, only she’s the one that gets a surprise. A nasty one with millions watching the betrayal. Two weeks ago everything is perfect and her 5 million and counting audience know it, because she trends partly because of #RAK (Random Acts of Kindness). Two weeks later she helps someone struggling in New York’s Grand Central Station, a random act of kindness that plunges her into a nightmare. Cue Eddie Flynn to the rescue, cape and all. The novel is told from several points of view which works extremely well.
A new Eddie Flynn is a cause for a celebratory happy dance and inevitably, exhilarating reading. Right from the start it’s very entertaining as Eddie goes into bat for the “little guy” about to lose it all. You’ve gotta love Eddie and the team – Kate Brooks, Bloch, Gabriel Lake, Harry Ford (not forgetting Clarence, his dog) and Denise. As ever it’s action packed, at times it’s dark but with humour sprinkled throughout which is a great combination leading to an addictive read.
It captures Elly’s fears perfectly (though her blog teeters into nauseatingly saccharine!), Eddie’s confidence and trickery, Kate’s trepidation, the steadfastness of Harry and the ready for anything of Bloch and Lake. They’re up against quite an adversary this time, a shadowy one step ahead opponent and they’re really up against it. This is a “never rains but it pours “ read as manipulative pressure piles on pressure.
There aren’t as many zingy courtroom exchanges this time, Kate is definitely not at the top of her game and there aren’t many Eddie tricks, flicks and shenanigans. However, it’s still very good and thoroughly enjoyable, and I like how the storylines intertwine. There are one or two fortuitous occurrences but hey, it’s fiction and there’s an excellent final twist. Well played sir.
Overall, I’ll happily read another and another Eddie Flynn, what higher praise can you give than that?
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Headline for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
It’s social media influencer, Elly and James’ sixth month anniversary and she’s going to prepare a nice surprise for him, only she’s the one that gets a surprise. A nasty one with millions watching the betrayal. Two weeks ago everything is perfect and her 5 million and counting audience know it, because she trends partly because of #RAK (Random Acts of Kindness). Two weeks later she helps someone struggling in New York’s Grand Central Station, a random act of kindness that plunges her into a nightmare. Cue Eddie Flynn to the rescue, cape and all. The novel is told from several points of view which works extremely well.
A new Eddie Flynn is a cause for a celebratory happy dance and inevitably, exhilarating reading. Right from the start it’s very entertaining as Eddie goes into bat for the “little guy” about to lose it all. You’ve gotta love Eddie and the team – Kate Brooks, Bloch, Gabriel Lake, Harry Ford (not forgetting Clarence, his dog) and Denise. As ever it’s action packed, at times it’s dark but with humour sprinkled throughout which is a great combination leading to an addictive read.
It captures Elly’s fears perfectly (though her blog teeters into nauseatingly saccharine!), Eddie’s confidence and trickery, Kate’s trepidation, the steadfastness of Harry and the ready for anything of Bloch and Lake. They’re up against quite an adversary this time, a shadowy one step ahead opponent and they’re really up against it. This is a “never rains but it pours “ read as manipulative pressure piles on pressure.
There aren’t as many zingy courtroom exchanges this time, Kate is definitely not at the top of her game and there aren’t many Eddie tricks, flicks and shenanigans. However, it’s still very good and thoroughly enjoyable, and I like how the storylines intertwine. There are one or two fortuitous occurrences but hey, it’s fiction and there’s an excellent final twist. Well played sir.
Overall, I’ll happily read another and another Eddie Flynn, what higher praise can you give than that?
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Headline for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
August 29, 2025
MAYBE BEING NICE ISN'T ALWAYS NICE
Eddie Flynn and his team are back in Two Kinds of a Stranger helping Ellie Parker. Ellie had it all! The picture-perfect family, friends and job. But this all collapses as she witnesses the ultimate betrayal while working and all her millions of followers on live sees it too.
Even with all the drama, Ellie never shy’s away from helping people out and she’s about to help the wrong stranger who turns her world more upside down than it already is. Eddie is here to the rescue, but the stranger is not only targeting Ellie but Eddie too!
This was such a fun read. Admittedly the beginning did not hook me as much, but I knew it would eventually spice up and when it did I was pleasantly surprised. I felt so bad for Ellie and was rooting for her all the way. Eddie and his team were enjoyable to read but also fell of the mark too. I feel like there was some things they should have caught on too quicker, but it kept the anticipation going I guess.
I hated the perpetrator in the book and just painterly waited for him to get his comeuppance. He was a good conman and was always one step ahead.
I would have loved more of the legal courtroom aspect to take place in the book, as I love a legal thriller, but I can’t have it all.
The ending absolutely floored me and had my jaw to the floor! I loved it!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
⋆｡°✩pre read⋆｡°✩
Really enjoying this authors books!
Saw he had a new release and had to scoop it!
Hope this is another banger!
💚🤍❤️💚
Eddie Flynn and his team are back in Two Kinds of a Stranger helping Ellie Parker. Ellie had it all! The picture-perfect family, friends and job. But this all collapses as she witnesses the ultimate betrayal while working and all her millions of followers on live sees it too.
Even with all the drama, Ellie never shy’s away from helping people out and she’s about to help the wrong stranger who turns her world more upside down than it already is. Eddie is here to the rescue, but the stranger is not only targeting Ellie but Eddie too!
This was such a fun read. Admittedly the beginning did not hook me as much, but I knew it would eventually spice up and when it did I was pleasantly surprised. I felt so bad for Ellie and was rooting for her all the way. Eddie and his team were enjoyable to read but also fell of the mark too. I feel like there was some things they should have caught on too quicker, but it kept the anticipation going I guess.
I hated the perpetrator in the book and just painterly waited for him to get his comeuppance. He was a good conman and was always one step ahead.
I would have loved more of the legal courtroom aspect to take place in the book, as I love a legal thriller, but I can’t have it all.
The ending absolutely floored me and had my jaw to the floor! I loved it!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
⋆｡°✩pre read⋆｡°✩
Really enjoying this authors books!
Saw he had a new release and had to scoop it!
Hope this is another banger!
💚🤍❤️💚
August 2, 2025
One woman’s kind heart makes her the perfect target for exploitation by an evil and ingenious serial killer!
Elly Parker is a beloved TikTok personality, celebrated for her feel-good brand, centred on daily spontaneous acts of kindness throughout New York City. Until the day she helps the wrong stranger.
In the ninth instalment of this phenomenal series, Eddie Flynn and his team find themselves in the crosshairs of three ruthless killers. With three innocent lives at stake and two high-profile cases on their docket – one with deeply personal ties to Eddie – the tension was relentless. I was hooked from the very first paragraph, which opened with the audio description for @EllysLittleLife’s livestream, tailored for her visually-impaired audience. It was such a clever and original way to introduce a viral video, and it immediately endeared me to Elly. Her thoughtfulness in making her content accessible said so much about her charitable, generous nature, all without needing to spell it out. Whether I still felt this way about her by the close of the novel remains under wraps.
The twists in Two Kinds of Stranger had me frantically flipping pages (and switching between the audiobook and Kindle editions just to keep going). One scene was so tense, I genuinely forgot to breathe. I did predict one of the twists – but far from being disappointed, I was thrilled, because I knew it was going to be a knockout. And it was. Even better than I expected. Another heart-pounding scene occurred in the subway while I was listening on the train, so I decided not to help any strangers that day – well at least not in the vicinity of the train station anyway, just in case.
Narration was shared between Eddie, Kate, Bloch, and Lake, with Eddie taking the lead. We also got the chilling POV of a serial killer, as well as scenes from Elly Parker’s perspective, including snippets of her TikTok content, which added a current and relevant layer to the story.
Adam Sims returned to narrate – and as always, he was outstanding. I especially continue to love his voice for Gabriel Lake. And the way he voiced one of the villains – a breathy, gleefully malevolent tone – actually sent chills down my spine.
After being a little underwhelmed by book eight (Witness 8), I was nervous going into this one. But Two Kinds of Stranger blew me away. It’s a five-star read – and one of the strongest entries in the series.
Elly Parker is a beloved TikTok personality, celebrated for her feel-good brand, centred on daily spontaneous acts of kindness throughout New York City. Until the day she helps the wrong stranger.
In the ninth instalment of this phenomenal series, Eddie Flynn and his team find themselves in the crosshairs of three ruthless killers. With three innocent lives at stake and two high-profile cases on their docket – one with deeply personal ties to Eddie – the tension was relentless. I was hooked from the very first paragraph, which opened with the audio description for @EllysLittleLife’s livestream, tailored for her visually-impaired audience. It was such a clever and original way to introduce a viral video, and it immediately endeared me to Elly. Her thoughtfulness in making her content accessible said so much about her charitable, generous nature, all without needing to spell it out. Whether I still felt this way about her by the close of the novel remains under wraps.
The twists in Two Kinds of Stranger had me frantically flipping pages (and switching between the audiobook and Kindle editions just to keep going). One scene was so tense, I genuinely forgot to breathe. I did predict one of the twists – but far from being disappointed, I was thrilled, because I knew it was going to be a knockout. And it was. Even better than I expected. Another heart-pounding scene occurred in the subway while I was listening on the train, so I decided not to help any strangers that day – well at least not in the vicinity of the train station anyway, just in case.
Narration was shared between Eddie, Kate, Bloch, and Lake, with Eddie taking the lead. We also got the chilling POV of a serial killer, as well as scenes from Elly Parker’s perspective, including snippets of her TikTok content, which added a current and relevant layer to the story.
Adam Sims returned to narrate – and as always, he was outstanding. I especially continue to love his voice for Gabriel Lake. And the way he voiced one of the villains – a breathy, gleefully malevolent tone – actually sent chills down my spine.
After being a little underwhelmed by book eight (Witness 8), I was nervous going into this one. But Two Kinds of Stranger blew me away. It’s a five-star read – and one of the strongest entries in the series.
August 13, 2025
Definitely my favourite Eddy Flynn novel so far.
Elly Parker is a successful journalist and social media influencer. Her life seems perfect - good career; perfect new husband; great best friend. Elly even "gives back" with her random acts of kindness videos.
But the ultimate betrayal derails the perfection and before she can find some peace she finds her life spiralling out of control in ways she could never have imagined. Thankfully she's heard of Eddy Flynn.
There are a couple of connected strands to this novel which Cavanagh knits together seamlessly. The action is fast and almost non-stop leaving you wondering what on earth can happen next.
I loved this book. It was really hard to put down. All the usual suspects are here with Eddy being ably assisted by Bloch, Lake, Harry and Kate. But there are also breaks in the action that involve Eddy's family.
It's a perfect combination and the end is extremely satisfying and twisty.
Very highly recommended whether you're already a fan of Flynn or not. Just be prepared to be hooked from the start.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Headline for the advance review copy. Most appreciated.
Elly Parker is a successful journalist and social media influencer. Her life seems perfect - good career; perfect new husband; great best friend. Elly even "gives back" with her random acts of kindness videos.
But the ultimate betrayal derails the perfection and before she can find some peace she finds her life spiralling out of control in ways she could never have imagined. Thankfully she's heard of Eddy Flynn.
There are a couple of connected strands to this novel which Cavanagh knits together seamlessly. The action is fast and almost non-stop leaving you wondering what on earth can happen next.
I loved this book. It was really hard to put down. All the usual suspects are here with Eddy being ably assisted by Bloch, Lake, Harry and Kate. But there are also breaks in the action that involve Eddy's family.
It's a perfect combination and the end is extremely satisfying and twisty.
Very highly recommended whether you're already a fan of Flynn or not. Just be prepared to be hooked from the start.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Headline for the advance review copy. Most appreciated.
July 20, 2025
Within a few pages of the newest Eddie Flynn book, I felt like I was back amongst old friends, Eddie, Kate, Harry, Bloch and even Clarence!
This is such a brilliant series and Cavanagh has a great way of keeping it fresh and moving along with excellent character development in each novel.
This book tells the story of Ellie, an influencer, who inadvertently films the betrayal of her husband and her best friend for all to see. Quickly removing the video, Ellie is keen to move on, but when both her husband and best friend show us dead, it's clear the police are planning on proving Ellie is guilty of their murder.
Added to this, Eddie's ex-wife and her new husband are being threatened and when this threat includes Eddie's daughter, you know he won't let it go.
Two court cases run side by side as Eddie vows to defend important people in his life, against all the odds as usual.
Like I say, another brilliant novel in the series and I cant wait for number 10!
Thanks to Netgalley and Headline for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
This is such a brilliant series and Cavanagh has a great way of keeping it fresh and moving along with excellent character development in each novel.
This book tells the story of Ellie, an influencer, who inadvertently films the betrayal of her husband and her best friend for all to see. Quickly removing the video, Ellie is keen to move on, but when both her husband and best friend show us dead, it's clear the police are planning on proving Ellie is guilty of their murder.
Added to this, Eddie's ex-wife and her new husband are being threatened and when this threat includes Eddie's daughter, you know he won't let it go.
Two court cases run side by side as Eddie vows to defend important people in his life, against all the odds as usual.
Like I say, another brilliant novel in the series and I cant wait for number 10!
Thanks to Netgalley and Headline for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
September 6, 2025
Steve Cavanagh returns with another stellar Eddie Flynn novel that is exciting from the opening pages. The series has a great take on the law and a protagonist whose past enriches his means to help his clients. Ellie Parker is a social media influencer who helps someone but ends up getting herself in a heap of trouble. She's charged with the murder of her husband and best friend, vowing innocence. While in custody, Ellie calls Eddie Flynn to defend her. He agrees and sets about trying to discover the truth. All the while, Eddie is trying to help his ex-wife and her husband, who are being threatened by a man with significant connections. Eddie has little time to lose focus, knowing that one wrong move could cost his client her freedom and his ex-wife her life. Steve Cavanagh delivers a gripping story that had me flipping pages well into the night.
Ellie Parker is an internet sensation, seeking to get all of her followers to undertake random acts of kindness to make the world a better place. Ellie is living the good life, not only because of all her followers, but she has married the man of her dreams and has the best friend anyone could want. Then, one day, it all comes crashing down after she is betrayed by the two people who matter most to her. Wanting to clear her head, Ellie heads out and commits one of her random acts of kindness, helping a man in need. One thing leads to another and Ellie realises that she may have fallen into a trap. She collapses and is taken to the hospital. When she wakes, the police are there, but they are not interested in her story about the man who turned the tables on her. Rather, they want to charge her with a double murder!
With little hope of anyone believing her, Ellie reaches out to a man she has heard can work miracles. Eddie Flynn is a defense attorney who appears to make things happen when there is no hope. Flynn agrees to help when he hears her story, but there is little evidence to get the ball rolling. As Flynn and his team begin working on the case, they learn a little more about Ellie and her random acts of kindness. Slowly and surely, they piece the narrative together, determined to find the man who received the random act and turned things around targeting Ellie. As Flynn begins to get some momentum, new legal challenges emerge and create roadblocks. Flynn will stop at nothing as the case inches to trial, seemingly an open and shut day in court. However, Flynn is not ready to toss in his cards, as he has a client who needs him more than anything.
In the shadows, Logan waits and hopes that his plan comes to fruition. He has been targeting random people and using his passion to deceive as a means of finding pleasure. He must sit and watch Ellie's legal plight, hoping that she will be put away like the others. However, he did not factor in the Eddie Flynn angle and truths begin to emerge that could put this frame-up on thin ice. As Flynn pushes things to the limits, he must also juggle personal issues. His ex-wife and her husband are being targeted by a man with a vendetta. In the middle of it, Flynn's daughter, who matters more to the former con-man than anything else. Things take a scary turn and Eddie Flynn finds himself in the middle of two cases that could cause mass chaos. Will he save the day or has his luck finally run out? Steve Cavanagh crafts a brilliant piece that had me eager to keep reading!
There is always something exciting in an Eddie Flynn novel, which shows how on-point Steve Cavanagh can be when he writes. The narrative works well and sets the tone for the book at large, while never letting the action dissipate. As things gain momentum, there is little time for the reader to rest, as there is something on every page that helps push things along to the climactic end of this legal thriller. Characters work well to shape the story, including some development of Eddie Flynn himself. Plot points are plentiful and nuanced at times, helping to keep the reader guessing as the story comes together. Cavanagh does well to lay clues out and let the reader collect them as things progress. I always enjoy Cavanagh's work and am eager to see what else he has in store for this series.
Kudos, Mr.Cavanagh, for a great legal thriller!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Ellie Parker is an internet sensation, seeking to get all of her followers to undertake random acts of kindness to make the world a better place. Ellie is living the good life, not only because of all her followers, but she has married the man of her dreams and has the best friend anyone could want. Then, one day, it all comes crashing down after she is betrayed by the two people who matter most to her. Wanting to clear her head, Ellie heads out and commits one of her random acts of kindness, helping a man in need. One thing leads to another and Ellie realises that she may have fallen into a trap. She collapses and is taken to the hospital. When she wakes, the police are there, but they are not interested in her story about the man who turned the tables on her. Rather, they want to charge her with a double murder!
With little hope of anyone believing her, Ellie reaches out to a man she has heard can work miracles. Eddie Flynn is a defense attorney who appears to make things happen when there is no hope. Flynn agrees to help when he hears her story, but there is little evidence to get the ball rolling. As Flynn and his team begin working on the case, they learn a little more about Ellie and her random acts of kindness. Slowly and surely, they piece the narrative together, determined to find the man who received the random act and turned things around targeting Ellie. As Flynn begins to get some momentum, new legal challenges emerge and create roadblocks. Flynn will stop at nothing as the case inches to trial, seemingly an open and shut day in court. However, Flynn is not ready to toss in his cards, as he has a client who needs him more than anything.
In the shadows, Logan waits and hopes that his plan comes to fruition. He has been targeting random people and using his passion to deceive as a means of finding pleasure. He must sit and watch Ellie's legal plight, hoping that she will be put away like the others. However, he did not factor in the Eddie Flynn angle and truths begin to emerge that could put this frame-up on thin ice. As Flynn pushes things to the limits, he must also juggle personal issues. His ex-wife and her husband are being targeted by a man with a vendetta. In the middle of it, Flynn's daughter, who matters more to the former con-man than anything else. Things take a scary turn and Eddie Flynn finds himself in the middle of two cases that could cause mass chaos. Will he save the day or has his luck finally run out? Steve Cavanagh crafts a brilliant piece that had me eager to keep reading!
There is always something exciting in an Eddie Flynn novel, which shows how on-point Steve Cavanagh can be when he writes. The narrative works well and sets the tone for the book at large, while never letting the action dissipate. As things gain momentum, there is little time for the reader to rest, as there is something on every page that helps push things along to the climactic end of this legal thriller. Characters work well to shape the story, including some development of Eddie Flynn himself. Plot points are plentiful and nuanced at times, helping to keep the reader guessing as the story comes together. Cavanagh does well to lay clues out and let the reader collect them as things progress. I always enjoy Cavanagh's work and am eager to see what else he has in store for this series.
Kudos, Mr.Cavanagh, for a great legal thriller!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
June 26, 2025
Fantastically entertaining 9th book in the Eddie Flynn series. A combination of thriller and courtroom drama(s), we have a social influencer, recently married who finds her husband in bed with her best friend. After the shock and leaving both behind, while helping a needy stranger on the subway(do one good thing a day was her social media mantra and tag line) she has a near death experience which puts her in hospital. When she wakes up she finds out both her husband and best friend have been murdered and she is the chief suspect!
Yes a bonkers set up but it works perfectly.
We also have Eddie Flynns ex wife and daughter, along with the wife’s new man being threatened by a very nasty character. This story evolves alongside the main one.
We end up with two court cases as Eddie is separated from his usual team to defend the social influencer as his team defend his ex and her partner. Of course there are some bending and breaking of the law as only ex con artist Eddie can get away with.
I’ve read all the books in the series and they are always a fun read, even if some land better than others.
Two Kinds Of Strangers is a blast from start to finish. The end might be a little too much for some and I was unsure about how I felt about it initially, but really it just added to fun, even if it added a near cartoonish finish to the story.
As you can probably tell I loved this one. Cavanagh is a really good storyteller and a pretty good character writer too. The series really is a joy to read.
Thanks to the publisher for the ARC through Netgalley.
Yes a bonkers set up but it works perfectly.
We also have Eddie Flynns ex wife and daughter, along with the wife’s new man being threatened by a very nasty character. This story evolves alongside the main one.
We end up with two court cases as Eddie is separated from his usual team to defend the social influencer as his team defend his ex and her partner. Of course there are some bending and breaking of the law as only ex con artist Eddie can get away with.
I’ve read all the books in the series and they are always a fun read, even if some land better than others.
Two Kinds Of Strangers is a blast from start to finish. The end might be a little too much for some and I was unsure about how I felt about it initially, but really it just added to fun, even if it added a near cartoonish finish to the story.
As you can probably tell I loved this one. Cavanagh is a really good storyteller and a pretty good character writer too. The series really is a joy to read.
Thanks to the publisher for the ARC through Netgalley.
August 19, 2025
Eddie Flynn strikes again
to tell you I was glued to my seat devouring this book, my family had to drag me to have something to eat.
I am not going to spoil, but I think this one is a bit different than all the other Eddie Flynn's books
I liked, as always, how everything was tied up together in the end
AND THAT FREAKING ENDING!!!!!!!!🤯
I also like the attention given to the other characters. Using the alternating between first person POV for Eddie and third-person for the side characters is a master move.
having said that, and as much as I liked this book, compared to other Cavanagh's, this one was the weakest.
I couldn't help feeling that many chapters were fillers.
the side romance was unnecessary. the resolution could have happened more stronger than just delivering a shocking element.
Some revelations were introduced suddenly without background foreshadowing as usual for a SC book that I got whiplash
while others were smack in the face but were unnoticed?!
for that, its an enjoyable 3.5🌟
to tell you I was glued to my seat devouring this book, my family had to drag me to have something to eat.
I am not going to spoil, but I think this one is a bit different than all the other Eddie Flynn's books
I liked, as always, how everything was tied up together in the end
AND THAT FREAKING ENDING!!!!!!!!🤯
I also like the attention given to the other characters. Using the alternating between first person POV for Eddie and third-person for the side characters is a master move.
having said that, and as much as I liked this book, compared to other Cavanagh's, this one was the weakest.
I couldn't help feeling that many chapters were fillers.
the side romance was unnecessary. the resolution could have happened more stronger than just delivering a shocking element.
Some revelations were introduced suddenly without background foreshadowing as usual for a SC book that I got whiplash
while others were smack in the face but were unnoticed?!
for that, its an enjoyable 3.5🌟
July 6, 2025
This is easily one of my favourite Eddie Flynn books yet, and that’s saying something! What sets Two Kinds of Stranger apart is the way it blends courtroom tension with psychological suspense and a razor-sharp critique of internet fame. I loved how Cavanagh takes a seemingly perfect life and unravels it into a nightmare you can’t look away from.
Ellie Parker is a standout characters, flawed, relatable, and impossible not to root for, and the twists had me questioning everyone right until the end. Fast-paced, clever, and genuinely unsettling in the best way, this is Steve Cavanagh at his absolute best.
If you love legal thrillers with a dark, modern edge, this one’s a must-read.
Ellie Parker is a standout characters, flawed, relatable, and impossible not to root for, and the twists had me questioning everyone right until the end. Fast-paced, clever, and genuinely unsettling in the best way, this is Steve Cavanagh at his absolute best.
If you love legal thrillers with a dark, modern edge, this one’s a must-read.
August 17, 2025
Unfortunately have high standards for this author but this one left me disappointed. Other than the comfort of these characters I felt like there wasn’t a part of this book that was enjoyable. At no point did I feel engaged by the story and there was never really any mystery or intrigue to find out what would happen. The ending (which I did guess) was like the author forgot to put a plot twist in and it was a last minute thought sadly. Would have been more interesting if it was a plot point that came in half way through the book that helped build up the ending.
July 23, 2025
Another brilliant thriller from Steve Cavanagh.
When Ellie is accused of murdering her husband and her best friend, she calls and asks for Eddie Flynn to defend her.
Eddie’s gut instinct tells him immediately that she’s innocent and with someone attempting to kill her as well, he knows they are trying to set her up for the murders.
It’s a difficult case and Eddie needs to use all his skills to get be ready to defend her in court.
He’s also concerned about his ex-wife and their daughter as someone is threatening them and this culminates in another murder.
Eddie knows he can’t defend Christine as he’s too close to them so he eventually agrees to let Kate and Harry represent her.
This is a gripping thriller that I absolutely loved.
Thanks to Headline for the opportunity to read this book.
When Ellie is accused of murdering her husband and her best friend, she calls and asks for Eddie Flynn to defend her.
Eddie’s gut instinct tells him immediately that she’s innocent and with someone attempting to kill her as well, he knows they are trying to set her up for the murders.
It’s a difficult case and Eddie needs to use all his skills to get be ready to defend her in court.
He’s also concerned about his ex-wife and their daughter as someone is threatening them and this culminates in another murder.
Eddie knows he can’t defend Christine as he’s too close to them so he eventually agrees to let Kate and Harry represent her.
This is a gripping thriller that I absolutely loved.
Thanks to Headline for the opportunity to read this book.
July 23, 2025
Eddie Flynn is one of my favourite fictional characters and this is another great story featuring the ex conman turned lawyer.
With some underlying social commentary around the dangers of social media and how much we put out to the world, Two Kinds of Stranger sees Eddie take on the defence of Elly, a social media superstar accused of murder. To complicate matters, Eddie has stakes in another case running at the same time, with lots to lose. With plenty of excellent twists and turns, the plot is as gripping as ever.
The supporting cast are on top form, though Kate's character felt a bit flat this time around, but it doesn't detract from the story. My only complaint was the court-room scenes weren't as lengthy or numerous as I'd hoped, as these (for me at least) are one of the strengths of this series.
That aside, this is another top dollar legal thriller from Steve Cavanagh and I'm hugely grateful to NetGalley and Headline for an ARC copy.
A very solid 4 stars!
With some underlying social commentary around the dangers of social media and how much we put out to the world, Two Kinds of Stranger sees Eddie take on the defence of Elly, a social media superstar accused of murder. To complicate matters, Eddie has stakes in another case running at the same time, with lots to lose. With plenty of excellent twists and turns, the plot is as gripping as ever.
The supporting cast are on top form, though Kate's character felt a bit flat this time around, but it doesn't detract from the story. My only complaint was the court-room scenes weren't as lengthy or numerous as I'd hoped, as these (for me at least) are one of the strengths of this series.
That aside, this is another top dollar legal thriller from Steve Cavanagh and I'm hugely grateful to NetGalley and Headline for an ARC copy.
A very solid 4 stars!
December 26, 2024
I cannot wait for this book! Super excited already!!! Counting down the days
August 2, 2025
I need more😭😭
August 12, 2025
3 stars for the latest instalment in the fabulous Eddie Flynn series, where Eddie has not one but two seemingly impossible trials to win where kindness and loyalty and personal principles are on an trial too.
Whilst I enjoyed the plot on the whole and it felt brilliant to be reunited with those characters, this book didn’t grip me in the way the previous books have. I think it’s because the book is almost over before the trials begin and these have always been my favourite aspects of the book. This book felt more like the plot of an action/thriller movie than a legal thriller. What I love about Eddie and his team felt diluted in this book.
Having said that, I will always be a die hard Eddie Flynn fan and will definitely be back for the next book. I am also an outlier and the majority of people are loving this book and I am glad to see it.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Whilst I enjoyed the plot on the whole and it felt brilliant to be reunited with those characters, this book didn’t grip me in the way the previous books have. I think it’s because the book is almost over before the trials begin and these have always been my favourite aspects of the book. This book felt more like the plot of an action/thriller movie than a legal thriller. What I love about Eddie and his team felt diluted in this book.
Having said that, I will always be a die hard Eddie Flynn fan and will definitely be back for the next book. I am also an outlier and the majority of people are loving this book and I am glad to see it.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
August 2, 2025
This series is of my favorite legal thrillers—smart, fast-paced, and full of twists I never see coming. Eddie’s a former con artist turned lawyer, which makes him such a clever, unpredictable character to follow.
The newest book follows Ellie Parker, an internet-famous woman whose perfect life crashes down—and just when she thinks it can’t get worse, she ends up trapped in a killer’s twisted game. Eddie steps in, and from there it’s nonstop suspense. I was hooked the whole time!
I seriously never want this series to end. It needs to be a TV show like The Lincoln Lawyer—I’d watch every episode.
The newest book follows Ellie Parker, an internet-famous woman whose perfect life crashes down—and just when she thinks it can’t get worse, she ends up trapped in a killer’s twisted game. Eddie steps in, and from there it’s nonstop suspense. I was hooked the whole time!
I seriously never want this series to end. It needs to be a TV show like The Lincoln Lawyer—I’d watch every episode.
July 13, 2025
5 stars
OH MY FCKIN GOD.
OH MY FCKIN GOD.
July 21, 2025
Wow - the Eddie Flynn series just keeps getting better and better.
The first chapter of Two Kinds of Strangers draws you in with a stranglehold as we follow social media content creator Ellie Parker who is famous for her pay it forward good deed of the day. Unfortunately by the end of the day, she's probably going to wish she'd never bothered!
Two Kinds of Stranger is another addictive read from Steve Cavanagh and I must admit to thinking that perhaps Eddie Flynn had met his match with the adversary in this book but I hadn't taken into account the rest of the team.
Brilliant from start to finish and highly recommended from me.
The first chapter of Two Kinds of Strangers draws you in with a stranglehold as we follow social media content creator Ellie Parker who is famous for her pay it forward good deed of the day. Unfortunately by the end of the day, she's probably going to wish she'd never bothered!
Two Kinds of Stranger is another addictive read from Steve Cavanagh and I must admit to thinking that perhaps Eddie Flynn had met his match with the adversary in this book but I hadn't taken into account the rest of the team.
Brilliant from start to finish and highly recommended from me.
August 12, 2025
5 stars. It’s official. The Eddie Flynn books are my favorite thriller series of all time. Every book in this series is fantastic. But some of the books are out of this world good. And two kinds of stranger was out of this world good. My favorite parts of these books are always when Eddie uses his con man skills to outsmart the other team. And I love love love the courtroom scenes. And in two kinds of stranger, there are actually two cases… which means 2 courtrooms. Those scenes are essentially the last quarter of the book, but if I’m honesty, the entire book was unputdownable. I love the entire case of characters. Love the twists, turns, and surprises that you never see coming. Truly, Steve Cavanagh is unparalleled. I’m already ready for the next Eddie Flynn book, and I’m bummed I’m going to have to wait a while for it (this sucker isn’t even out in the US until March 2026). But yes, I loved this author and series SO much that I ordered from a UK bookseller to be able to read this 6+ months early. HIGHLY recommend this book and the entire series.
July 24, 2025
This has shot straight to my top thriller for 2025!!
Rating - 5⭐️
Eddie Flynn and Kate have their work cut out when they have to defend Elly. Elly is a TikTok star, made famous through her “Random Acts of Kindness”, until one day she helps the wrong stranger and ends up accused of double homicide…
Kate and Eddie have to put their heads together but it all goes wrong, when Eddies ex wife, Christine and her husband Kevin also end up on trial…
Wow wow wow. I’m shocked. This was amazing. So fast paced, multiple POVs, we got two “storylines” and so many twists I think I have vertigo. I was a bit miffed and then THE FINAL CHAPTER, it was everything I wanted. Go Steve this was SMART!!
Rating - 5⭐️
Eddie Flynn and Kate have their work cut out when they have to defend Elly. Elly is a TikTok star, made famous through her “Random Acts of Kindness”, until one day she helps the wrong stranger and ends up accused of double homicide…
Kate and Eddie have to put their heads together but it all goes wrong, when Eddies ex wife, Christine and her husband Kevin also end up on trial…
Wow wow wow. I’m shocked. This was amazing. So fast paced, multiple POVs, we got two “storylines” and so many twists I think I have vertigo. I was a bit miffed and then THE FINAL CHAPTER, it was everything I wanted. Go Steve this was SMART!!
August 14, 2025
Liked it but didn’t LOVE it like some of the others in the series. Lacked a little something for my and the villain was a little like the villain in thirteen. But I love the characters
Want to read
August 30, 2025UGHHHH!!!😭❤️❤️❤️❤️
We’re so back!!!
We’re so back!!!
August 27, 2025
Ik heb dit boek mogen ontvangen als recensie exemplaar van Uitgeverij Luitingh-Sijthoff, waarvoor dank!
-
Ik geef dit boek 3.5 van de 5 sterren.
Ik wil mijn recensie beginnen bij het begin: de vormgeving van het boek. Ik ben namelijk echt fan! Sowieso heb ik weinig boeken in mijn kast staan die kunnen tippen aan de sprayed edges van dit boek, want die zijn echt zo gedetailleerd en zo mooi en passend bij het verhaal - en dat geldt daarmee ook voor de voorkant. Daarnaast is de binnenkant van het boek ook heel tof vormgegeven. Het boek wisselt af tussen stukken proza en stukken transcriptie van TikTok-videos en is daarmee erg interessant qua afwisseling in tempo. De stukken proza zijn wat serieuzer van aard en ook langer, terwijl de transcripties kort zijn, maar wel veel informatie verschaffen.
Voordat ik verder inhoudelijk op het boek inga, wil ik graag even benoemen dat ik het niet aanraad om dit boek los te lezen. Ik heb zelf nog geen van de andere delen uit deze serie gelezen - ik ben dat wel van plan, maar moet ze even ergens zien te vinden - en ik merkte tijdens het lezen best wel dat ik het gevoel had net iets te weinig voorkennis te hebben. Ondanks dat de rechtszaken uit dit boek waarschijnlijk goed los te lezen zijn, weet je eigenlijk niks over de advocaten en mis je dus achtergrondinformatie over hun levens. Hoewel het verhaal verder goed te volgen was, vond ik dat jammer, aangezien ik voor mijn gevoel meer uit het verhaal had kunnen halen.
En dan de inhoud! Ik vond het plot echt heel erg tof. Ik lees vaker politiethrillers, maar een juridische thriller heb ik eigenlijk nog nooit gelezen. Een verhaal over een moordzaak is mij dus niet onbekend, maar ik vond het wel leuk om dat een keer vanaf de andere kant te lezen. Ook is het heel interessant om een inkijkje te krijgen in de juridische wereld. Ik ben daar gelukkig nog nooit mee in aanraking gekomen en weet er dus echt helemaal niks vanaf. Dan is het erg leuk om te lezen hoe zo'n zaak wordt voorbereid, maar ook hoe een rechtszaak in zijn werking gaat.
Verder vond ik de rechtszaken die werden behandeld ook heel interessant en passend bij de moderne maatschappij. Het boek gaat deels over femicide, maar vooral ook over traumaverwerking (of eigenlijk een gebrek daaraan), vertrouwen en (on)schuld. Ik vind daarbij de psychologische aspecten het meest interessant om over te lezen en ik vind ook dat die in dit boek heel goed zijn uitgewerkt. Hoewel de meeste daden echt niet goed te praten zijn, vind ik wel dat er heel goed is beschreven wat de motivaties en beweegredenen waren en daardoor kreeg ik het bijna voor elkaar de dubbelvoudige moord goed te praten voor de dader (gelukkig heb ik een geweten en logisch verstand en deed ik dat niet). Alles aan de psychologische spelletjes van de dader voelde ook zo logisch en goed uitgewerkt dat ik het eigenlijk gewoon eng vond worden. Dat is dus echt heel goed gedaan.
Het oplossen van de zaak vond ik ook een goed uitgewerkte plotlijn. De advocaten zijn natuurlijk niet betrokken bij het politieonderzoek en moeten dus hun eigen onderzoek opstarten om antwoorden te kunnen krijgen en zo hun clienten te kunnen helpen. Dit gebeurt niet altijd op orthodoxe wijze en levert ook vaker frustratie dan resultaat op. Die frustratie was dan weer erg goed voelbaar voor de lezer. De spanning werd steeds opgebouwd en dan kwam er teleurstelling in het onderzoek. Voor mijn gevoel werd ik als lezer ook echt betrokken bij het onderzoek om mee te denken over mogelijke oplossingen om verder te komen en dat vond ik ook erg tof.
De personages vond ik dus iets minder interessant, omdat ik eigenlijk veel opbouw heb gemist in de eerdere 8 delen. Ik heb het gevoel dat ik écht flink wat informatie mis en daardoor misschien sommige keuzes van de personages ook niet goed begreep. Daarnaast voelde de personages eigenlijk heel oppervlakkig en weinig uitgewerkt, waardoor ik in ieder geval van die advocaten niet veel heb onthouden. Als je zoiets in een verhaal niet belangrijk vindt, dan is het denk ik prima om dit boek los te lezen, maar ik heb graag een duidelijk beeld voor me om aan die personages te koppelen en dat ging hier eigenlijk niet.
Al met al vond ik het dus een erg tof verhaal, maar heb ik wel het gevoel wat achtergrondinformatie te missen op sommige punten. Ik raad dit boek dus zeker aan, maar wel na het lezen van de eerste 8 delen.
-
Ik geef dit boek 3.5 van de 5 sterren.
Ik wil mijn recensie beginnen bij het begin: de vormgeving van het boek. Ik ben namelijk echt fan! Sowieso heb ik weinig boeken in mijn kast staan die kunnen tippen aan de sprayed edges van dit boek, want die zijn echt zo gedetailleerd en zo mooi en passend bij het verhaal - en dat geldt daarmee ook voor de voorkant. Daarnaast is de binnenkant van het boek ook heel tof vormgegeven. Het boek wisselt af tussen stukken proza en stukken transcriptie van TikTok-videos en is daarmee erg interessant qua afwisseling in tempo. De stukken proza zijn wat serieuzer van aard en ook langer, terwijl de transcripties kort zijn, maar wel veel informatie verschaffen.
Voordat ik verder inhoudelijk op het boek inga, wil ik graag even benoemen dat ik het niet aanraad om dit boek los te lezen. Ik heb zelf nog geen van de andere delen uit deze serie gelezen - ik ben dat wel van plan, maar moet ze even ergens zien te vinden - en ik merkte tijdens het lezen best wel dat ik het gevoel had net iets te weinig voorkennis te hebben. Ondanks dat de rechtszaken uit dit boek waarschijnlijk goed los te lezen zijn, weet je eigenlijk niks over de advocaten en mis je dus achtergrondinformatie over hun levens. Hoewel het verhaal verder goed te volgen was, vond ik dat jammer, aangezien ik voor mijn gevoel meer uit het verhaal had kunnen halen.
En dan de inhoud! Ik vond het plot echt heel erg tof. Ik lees vaker politiethrillers, maar een juridische thriller heb ik eigenlijk nog nooit gelezen. Een verhaal over een moordzaak is mij dus niet onbekend, maar ik vond het wel leuk om dat een keer vanaf de andere kant te lezen. Ook is het heel interessant om een inkijkje te krijgen in de juridische wereld. Ik ben daar gelukkig nog nooit mee in aanraking gekomen en weet er dus echt helemaal niks vanaf. Dan is het erg leuk om te lezen hoe zo'n zaak wordt voorbereid, maar ook hoe een rechtszaak in zijn werking gaat.
Verder vond ik de rechtszaken die werden behandeld ook heel interessant en passend bij de moderne maatschappij. Het boek gaat deels over femicide, maar vooral ook over traumaverwerking (of eigenlijk een gebrek daaraan), vertrouwen en (on)schuld. Ik vind daarbij de psychologische aspecten het meest interessant om over te lezen en ik vind ook dat die in dit boek heel goed zijn uitgewerkt. Hoewel de meeste daden echt niet goed te praten zijn, vind ik wel dat er heel goed is beschreven wat de motivaties en beweegredenen waren en daardoor kreeg ik het bijna voor elkaar de dubbelvoudige moord goed te praten voor de dader (gelukkig heb ik een geweten en logisch verstand en deed ik dat niet). Alles aan de psychologische spelletjes van de dader voelde ook zo logisch en goed uitgewerkt dat ik het eigenlijk gewoon eng vond worden. Dat is dus echt heel goed gedaan.
Het oplossen van de zaak vond ik ook een goed uitgewerkte plotlijn. De advocaten zijn natuurlijk niet betrokken bij het politieonderzoek en moeten dus hun eigen onderzoek opstarten om antwoorden te kunnen krijgen en zo hun clienten te kunnen helpen. Dit gebeurt niet altijd op orthodoxe wijze en levert ook vaker frustratie dan resultaat op. Die frustratie was dan weer erg goed voelbaar voor de lezer. De spanning werd steeds opgebouwd en dan kwam er teleurstelling in het onderzoek. Voor mijn gevoel werd ik als lezer ook echt betrokken bij het onderzoek om mee te denken over mogelijke oplossingen om verder te komen en dat vond ik ook erg tof.
De personages vond ik dus iets minder interessant, omdat ik eigenlijk veel opbouw heb gemist in de eerdere 8 delen. Ik heb het gevoel dat ik écht flink wat informatie mis en daardoor misschien sommige keuzes van de personages ook niet goed begreep. Daarnaast voelde de personages eigenlijk heel oppervlakkig en weinig uitgewerkt, waardoor ik in ieder geval van die advocaten niet veel heb onthouden. Als je zoiets in een verhaal niet belangrijk vindt, dan is het denk ik prima om dit boek los te lezen, maar ik heb graag een duidelijk beeld voor me om aan die personages te koppelen en dat ging hier eigenlijk niet.
Al met al vond ik het dus een erg tof verhaal, maar heb ik wel het gevoel wat achtergrondinformatie te missen op sommige punten. Ik raad dit boek dus zeker aan, maar wel na het lezen van de eerste 8 delen.
August 29, 2025
Influencer Elly Parker belandt na een vriendelijke ontmoeting in de metro in een dodelijk spel met een gevaarlijke oplichter. Ze roept de hulp in van advocaat Eddie Flynn, die zelf ook in de problemen komt als zijn familie bedreigd wordt. Komt de waarheid aan het licht? En wie overleeft dit gevaarlijke spel?
Oh jongens wat een thriller! Het begin pakte me niet meteen en ik was heel even bang dat dit boek tegen zou vallen. Maar niets is wat het lijkt en gelukkig zat ik er daarna helemaal in!
Eddie’s manier van werken is heel tof, hij weet overal de grenzen wel op te zoeken. Dit maakt het verhaal heel boeiend, omdat je ook benieuwd bent wat voor slims Eddie nu weer gaat bedenken.
En Logan... Wát een creep zeg. Kreeg er helemaal de rillingen van. Ook heel interessant om te zien hoe zijn karakter veranderde door het boek heen. Dit maakte het namelijk ook realistisch.
De schrijfstijl is er eentje waar je even aan moet wennen, maar uiteindelijk leest het lekker vlot weg. Het verhaal is spannender dan ik had verwacht en ik zat op meerdere momenten echt zenuwachtig te lezen.
De verschillende POVs vond ik echt een goede toevoeging. Het gaf een goed kijkje in de personages en een mooie afwisseling in het verhaal.
De rechtzaken hadden van mij iets meer aandacht mogen krijgen, want deze scènes waren heel interessant om te lezen.
Oh en die plottwist op het einde, jeeetje. Die zag ik dus echt niet aankomen!
Al met al een steengoede thriller die me positief heeft verrast! Aanrader dus.
Bedankt Uitgeverij Luitingh-Sijthoff voor dit prachtige recensie exemplaar!
Oh jongens wat een thriller! Het begin pakte me niet meteen en ik was heel even bang dat dit boek tegen zou vallen. Maar niets is wat het lijkt en gelukkig zat ik er daarna helemaal in!
Eddie’s manier van werken is heel tof, hij weet overal de grenzen wel op te zoeken. Dit maakt het verhaal heel boeiend, omdat je ook benieuwd bent wat voor slims Eddie nu weer gaat bedenken.
En Logan... Wát een creep zeg. Kreeg er helemaal de rillingen van. Ook heel interessant om te zien hoe zijn karakter veranderde door het boek heen. Dit maakte het namelijk ook realistisch.
De schrijfstijl is er eentje waar je even aan moet wennen, maar uiteindelijk leest het lekker vlot weg. Het verhaal is spannender dan ik had verwacht en ik zat op meerdere momenten echt zenuwachtig te lezen.
De verschillende POVs vond ik echt een goede toevoeging. Het gaf een goed kijkje in de personages en een mooie afwisseling in het verhaal.
De rechtzaken hadden van mij iets meer aandacht mogen krijgen, want deze scènes waren heel interessant om te lezen.
Oh en die plottwist op het einde, jeeetje. Die zag ik dus echt niet aankomen!
Al met al een steengoede thriller die me positief heeft verrast! Aanrader dus.
Bedankt Uitgeverij Luitingh-Sijthoff voor dit prachtige recensie exemplaar!
June 28, 2025
4 ⭐️
Thank you to Headline and NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This was crazy good, oh my goodness. What initially drew me in was the title and the blurb, and I’m so glad I requested this. I don’t think I’ve ever read a thriller quite like it before.
The story is told through multiple narratives from different characters. At first, I found that a little confusing, but it ended up working really well with how the plot unfolded. It’s quite a complex story, with two separate cases being investigated that slowly begin to intertwine. It was so gripping. I found myself holding my breath, unable to put it down, desperate to know what twist was coming next and how everything would play out.
One thing I especially appreciated was that one of the points of view was from the antagonist. It was genuinely entertaining to see how their mind worked and to get such a clear understanding of them as a character. The twists were brilliant and completely unexpected. While the beginning was a little slow, and I did wonder how everything would come together, I was satisfied with how it all played out. The ending especially took me by surprise in the best way.
This was my first Steve Cavanagh book, and I didn’t realise it’s part of a series following the lawyer Eddie Flynn. That said, I thought it worked well as an interconnected standalone. I’ll definitely be picking up more from the series in the future!
Thank you to Headline and NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This was crazy good, oh my goodness. What initially drew me in was the title and the blurb, and I’m so glad I requested this. I don’t think I’ve ever read a thriller quite like it before.
The story is told through multiple narratives from different characters. At first, I found that a little confusing, but it ended up working really well with how the plot unfolded. It’s quite a complex story, with two separate cases being investigated that slowly begin to intertwine. It was so gripping. I found myself holding my breath, unable to put it down, desperate to know what twist was coming next and how everything would play out.
One thing I especially appreciated was that one of the points of view was from the antagonist. It was genuinely entertaining to see how their mind worked and to get such a clear understanding of them as a character. The twists were brilliant and completely unexpected. While the beginning was a little slow, and I did wonder how everything would come together, I was satisfied with how it all played out. The ending especially took me by surprise in the best way.
This was my first Steve Cavanagh book, and I didn’t realise it’s part of a series following the lawyer Eddie Flynn. That said, I thought it worked well as an interconnected standalone. I’ll definitely be picking up more from the series in the future!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 450 reviews