🏛️⚖️ TH1RT3EN (2019) ⚖️🏛️ - Book Review
MY REVIEW
Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: Flatiron Books (August
13, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1250297605
ISBN-13: 978-1250297600
Click Picture for Purchase Information
“It’s the
murder trial of the century. And Joshua Kane has killed to get the best seat in
the house – and to be sure the wrong man goes down for the crime. Because this
time, the killer isn’t on trial. He’s on the jury.
But there’s
someone on his tail. Former-conman-turned-criminal-defense-attorney Eddie Flynn
doesn’t believe that his movie-star client killed two people. He suspects that
the real killer is closer than they think – but who would guess just how close?”
The serial killer isn’t on trial. He’s on the jury
With
that, Cavanagh begins this tale of the Eddie Flynn series.
When
I decided to borrow this book, I had NO idea it was part of a series. And,
while some “series” books can be read as a standalone, this would probably be
better enjoyed by reading the prior novels.
The tagline was what really drew me to the book. And, it being a suspense novel, I
was definitely interested. There was a lot of buzz surrounding this, so I
decided to add it to the pile to read.
 |
| [TH1RT3EN - Steve Cavanagh] |
For those not familiar with Cavanagh’s work, Eddie Flynn series is a con-man turned attorney. While this book is part of a series, it can act as a standalone read. However, it might be best to browse through the previous three books to get an idea of Eddie’s Flynn’s personal life and history to this point.
T1RT3EEN (as it is
stylized) is told from two points of view (POV) –
Eddie Flynn
Joshua Kane (the serial
killer)
Kane
is a ruthless serial killer who has literally killed to be on the jury of a
famous actor, Robert “Bobby” Soloman, who is being tried for the murder of his
security officer and wife. Bobby insists he is innocent.
Flynn
has been hired as a consultant to Bobby’s legal team. It’s not just a job – it
is a new beginning for Flynn who is hoping to reconnect with his wife.
But,
as new evidence comes out, Bobby’s legal team (which has been hired by the
movie company) bails on him. Flynn has a choice – stay with Bobby and risk the
job he covets or leave Bobby on his own.
Flynn
has already been targeted by the police for his work on another case.
The
evidence against Bobby is damning despite his claims of innocence.
Then
there is Joshua Kane – he has killed to be on the jury. But, why? What is his
motive?
With
that, Cavanagh, in short chapters, weaves the tale, alternating the POV. Kane
is precise and methodical, carefully covering his tracks and assuming
identities. But, Kane isn’t done – he begins to target the jurors as well.
The
FBI is busy investigating “Dollar Bill” for the folded dollar bills he leaves
with his victim – and one of Bobby’s victims has a folded dollar bill with
parts of the bill – the olive branch, the spears, and the stars colored in.
But, there is no connection between the victims – they’re from most of the
thirteen states of the “colonies” though. The information is helpful in proving
Bobby’s innocence – but why is someone working so hard to make sure he’s
convicted?
At
times it felt the plot was moving far too fast to keep up, and at times it
plodded along. It is clear from about midway who the serial killer was.
The
only problem I had was motive – what was the Kane’s motive for killing the
people and why did he select the targets he did? That was one thing that wasn’t
explained. It would’ve worked better for me had I known why he did it.
This
was my first title by the author and I would be interested to read the other
novels to see Eddie Flynn’s past up to this novel. It is worth noting that the
goal Eddie is working to isn’t successful at the end of this novel.
It
was a fairly engaging, quick read. I finished it in three (3) days, which is
about average for me. The novel was interesting, but not worth the “hype” that
led up to the debut.
3⭐⭐⭐/5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Steve
Cavanagh is the international award-winning author of the Eddie Flynn novels.
His debut novel, The Defense, was nominated for the Ian Fleming
Steel Dagger Award for Thriller of the Year, and The Plea won
the Prix Polar Award for Best International Novel. Steve is still a practicing
lawyer (someday he’ll get the hang of it) and co-host of the chart-topping
podcast Two Crime Writers And A Microphone. He has been involved in several
high-profile civil rights cases, his Eddie Flynn novels have been published in
over twenty countries, he’s married with two young children, and in his spare
time he is mostly asleep.
You can
follow him on the following social media accounts:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SSCav1/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sscav
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