Book Review: The Defense by Steve Cavanagh ( Eddie Flynn #1)

My Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐

(3.5/5 - for the book ; 5/5 for the audio narration)

When con man–turned-lawyer, Eddie Flynn, finds himself strapped to a bomb and forced to represent Russian mob boss Olek Volchek boss in a murder case, he has to rely on his instincts, reverting to tricks of the trade of the old life he has left behind and his friends (past and present) and former allies to help him save his ten-year-old daughter who is being held hostage by the mafia and ensure that justice is served. Narrated from the PoV of Eddie Flynn in the first person as the events take place in the present day, we are also given plenty of insight into Eddie’s past life, how he became a lawyer and a recent case that significantly impacted both his professional and personal life.

While it might not get points for originality ( the stereotypical Mafia boss and his cronies, in-fighting and gang wars and the overused “Do-as-I-say–or-your-family-dies” trope), Steve Cavanagh’s The Defense is an engaging action-packed legal thriller with interesting characters, well-scripted courtroom drama, a good dose of humor thrown in for good measure, consistent pacing and enough tension to keep you hooked till the end. Though (as with most novels in this genre) there are OTT moments, The Defense by Steve Cavanagh is an entertaining read and a promising beginning to the Eddie Flynn series.

Extra points for the audiobook! I don’t think I would have enjoyed this one as much as I did if I had just read the book. I paired my reading with the fabulous audio narration by Adam Sims who made the story and the characters come alive! Despite the tropes and the farfetchedness, overall I enjoyed this action-packed thriller and liked the main character. I’ve been told that the series gets better as it progresses and I look forward to exploring more from this author!