Steve Cavanagh Books in Order: Eddie Flynn Thrillers, Standalones, and More
Steve Cavanagh is an Irish thriller author and former lawyer best known for creating Eddie Flynn, a criminal defense attorney with an unusual past. Before becoming a lawyer, Eddie was a con artist, and the skills he learned during that part of his life often prove useful when he takes on dangerous cases. His courtroom battles involve murder, deception, powerful criminals, and people who may not be telling the whole truth.
Cavanagh’s novels are known for their fast-moving plots, clever twists, unreliable characters, and courtroom tension. Although the Eddie Flynn books can be read independently, following publication order helps readers understand Eddie’s background and the recurring characters. This guide covers all 10 novels, the prequel and shorter stories, his standalone thrillers, and selected collaborative work.
Steve Cavanagh Books in Order by Series
The Eddie Flynn books make up the main part of Steve Cavanagh’s bibliography. The series follows Eddie through a series of criminal cases, with each novel introducing a different mystery and a new set of challenges.
1. Eddie Flynn Series in Order
The Eddie Flynn series is a legal thriller collection featuring a former con artist who becomes a defense attorney. Eddie does not always play by conventional rules, but he is determined to defend his clients and uncover the truth.
The recommended publication order is listed below. Note that The Defence is the original UK title, while the book was published as The Defense in the United States.
1. The Defence (2015)
Eddie Flynn is a former con artist who has left his old life behind to become a criminal defense lawyer. However, his past comes back to haunt him when a dangerous criminal forces him into a case involving a kidnapped child and a murder accusation. Eddie must use his legal knowledge and old tricks to survive. This opening novel introduces his unconventional approach to justice.
2. The Plea (2016)
Eddie is approached by a wealthy client who appears to have everything under control. But the case soon becomes far more dangerous than a typical courtroom dispute, involving a powerful financial institution and a murder investigation. Eddie has to decide whom he can trust while trying to protect his client and himself. The novel combines legal strategy with deception and high-stakes suspense.
3. The Liar (2017)
A woman is accused of murdering her husband, and Eddie Flynn takes on her defense. The case seems straightforward at first, but the evidence and the people involved raise serious questions. Eddie must uncover what really happened while dealing with a dangerous opponent who may be manipulating the entire situation. This book won the Crime Writers’ Association Gold Dagger for Crime Novel of the Year in 2018.
4. Thirteen (2018)
A Hollywood actor is on trial for murder, and the evidence appears to point directly at him. But the real killer is not sitting in the dock. The murderer is a member of the jury, carefully manipulating the trial from inside the courtroom. Eddie Flynn must work out what is happening before the killer gets away with murder. This is one of the series’ most distinctive courtroom thrillers.
5. Fifty-Fifty (2020)
Two sisters accuse each other of murdering their father. Both have compelling stories, and each claims that the other is responsible. Eddie Flynn is drawn into the case, where determining which sister is telling the truth becomes increasingly difficult. The novel explores family secrets, conflicting accounts, and the danger of trusting appearances.
6. The Devil’s Advocate (2021)
Eddie travels to a small town to defend a teenager accused of murdering a young woman. The local community appears determined to see the boy convicted, and the case is surrounded by disturbing secrets. Eddie must challenge the local power structure and uncover what is really happening. The novel brings together courtroom drama, a hostile community, and a deeply unsettling mystery.
7. The Accomplice (2022)
A man accused of a serious crime insists that he is innocent, but the evidence against him is difficult to ignore. Eddie takes on the case and begins investigating the people and events surrounding the accusation. As the truth becomes more complicated, Eddie discovers that the situation may involve a much wider conspiracy. The story tests his ability to separate appearances from reality.
8. Witness 8 (2024)
Ruby Johnson works as a cleaner in wealthy New York homes, giving her a close view of the private lives of people who rarely notice her. When she becomes connected to a murder investigation, her position as a seemingly ordinary witness becomes increasingly important. Eddie Flynn takes on the case, but the truth is more complicated than the available evidence suggests. The novel explores privilege, observation, and the danger of underestimating someone.
9. Two Kinds of Stranger (2025)
Elly Parker believes she has done a good deed by helping a stranger. But the person she helps may be far more dangerous than she realizes. The story follows a psychological game involving trust, identity, and the consequences of an apparently harmless encounter. Eddie Flynn becomes involved in another case where the truth is difficult to recognize.
10. One of Us Is Guilty (2026)
The tenth Eddie Flynn novel brings a new case involving a wealthy family, an affair, and a possible murder. Patrick Vanderpool is involved with Molly Green, while his wife Vanessa has reasons to fear what is happening behind her back. Both husband and wife have potential motives and opportunities for murder, leaving a complicated question about who is really guilty. This installment was released in the UK in July 2026, while the US publisher lists a March 2027 edition.
2. Eddie Flynn Prequel and Short Stories
In addition to the full-length novels, Steve Cavanagh has written shorter fiction connected to Eddie Flynn. These stories offer extra background and a chance to spend more time in the world of the series.
1. The Cross (2015)
The Cross is a short prequel associated with the Eddie Flynn series. It gives readers an additional look at Eddie’s world before or around the events of the main novels. It is not a full-length installment, but it is a useful extra for readers who want to explore the character beyond the main books. You can read it before The Defence or after the first novel.
2. The Neon Punch (2020)
The Neon Punch is a short story associated with Eddie Flynn. It is a brief additional read rather than a full-length novel. Readers who enjoy the series can include it around the time of Fifty-Fifty, although it is not essential to understanding the main storyline.
3. Steve Cavanagh Standalone Novels in Order
Steve Cavanagh has also written psychological and crime thrillers that are not part of the Eddie Flynn series. These books can be read independently, without following the legal thriller novels first.
1. Twisted (2019)
A writer becomes involved in a disturbing situation after a manuscript appears to describe a murder that resembles a real crime. As the story develops, the line between fiction and reality becomes increasingly difficult to understand. The novel plays with readers’ expectations through unreliable storytelling and unexpected turns. It is a good choice for readers who enjoy psychological suspense and clever narrative twists.
2. Kill for Me, Kill for You (2023)
Two women meet after experiencing devastating losses and discover that each has a reason to want revenge. They consider a dangerous arrangement that could give them the opportunity to punish the people who have hurt them. But the plan becomes much more complicated as secrets and unexpected developments emerge. This standalone thriller combines revenge, murder, and psychological suspense.
4. Steve Cavanagh Collaborative Books and Anthology Contributions
Cavanagh has also contributed to collaborative projects and short-story collections. These works are separate from his main novels and should not be treated as additional Eddie Flynn installments.
1. Scorpion (2017), with Mark Dawson
Scorpion is associated with the Group Fifteen Files shared-world thriller project, created with contributions from other authors. Cavanagh’s involvement is connected to this collaborative series rather than his solo Eddie Flynn novels. Readers interested in his work beyond the main series may want to explore it as an additional story.
2. Belfast Noir (2014), contributor
This anthology brings together crime stories inspired by Belfast and its darker side. Steve Cavanagh is among the contributors, alongside other writers connected to crime fiction. It is a collection of different authors’ work rather than a standalone novel by Cavanagh.
3. The Mammoth Book of the Adventures of Professor Moriarty (2016), contributor
This anthology features stories inspired by Professor Moriarty, the famous adversary of Sherlock Holmes. Cavanagh contributes to the collection alongside other crime and mystery writers. It is an optional read for fans interested in his shorter fiction and Sherlock Holmes-inspired stories.
4. SHERLOCK: Short Story Anthology (2026), contributor
This collection brings together ten contemporary authors to write new mysteries featuring Sherlock Holmes. Steve Cavanagh is one of the contributors, alongside writers such as Stephen Fry, Anthony Horowitz, and Janice Hallett. It is an anthology, not a new Eddie Flynn novel.
Where Should You Start Reading Steve Cavanagh?
If you are new to Steve Cavanagh, the Eddie Flynn series is the natural starting point. The books combine legal drama with psychological suspense, and each case offers a different mystery.
Here are some useful starting choices:
- For the complete character journey: Start with The Defence, the first Eddie Flynn novel.
- For a clever courtroom mystery: Choose Thirteen, where the killer is hiding in the jury.
- For a story involving family secrets: Try Fifty-Fifty, which centers on two sisters accusing each other of murder.
- For a tense small-town investigation: Read The Devil’s Advocate.
- For psychological suspense outside the series: Start with Twisted.
- For a revenge-driven standalone thriller: Choose Kill for Me, Kill for You.
Steve Cavanagh has said that the Eddie Flynn books can be read in any order. Each novel has its own central case, so you do not need to understand every previous investigation. Still, publication order is the best way to follow Eddie’s personal development and recurring connections.
Frequently Asked Questions About Steve Cavanagh Books
How many Eddie Flynn books are there?
There are 10 full-length Eddie Flynn novels as of October 2026. The series begins with The Defence and continues through One of Us Is Guilty. There are also shorter stories, including the prequel The Cross.
What is the first Steve Cavanagh book?
The Defence, published in 2015, is the first full-length Eddie Flynn novel and the book that introduces the character. The short story The Cross is also associated with the series as a prequel.
What is Steve Cavanagh’s latest book?
One of Us Is Guilty is the tenth Eddie Flynn novel and was released in the UK in July 2026. The US hardcover edition is scheduled for March 2027, so publication dates can differ by market.
Do you need to read Eddie Flynn books in order?
No. Steve Cavanagh has stated that the Eddie Flynn books can be read in any order. Each novel focuses on a different case. However, reading them in publication order gives you a better sense of Eddie’s background and the connections between the characters.
Is Twisted part of the Eddie Flynn series?
No. Twisted is a standalone psychological thriller. It does not feature Eddie Flynn and can be read independently.
Is Kill for Me, Kill for You part of the Eddie Flynn series?
No. Kill for Me, Kill for You is also a standalone thriller. It has its own characters and storyline, separate from the courtroom investigations featuring Eddie Flynn.
What is the correct title: The Defence or The Defense?
Both titles refer to the same first Eddie Flynn novel. The Defence is the original UK title, while The Defense is the spelling used for the US edition. When organizing a reading list, you only need to count it once.
Has Steve Cavanagh written any short stories?
Yes. The Cross is a prequel connected to Eddie Flynn, and The Neon Punch is another short story associated with the series. He has also contributed stories to anthologies such as Belfast Noir and SHERLOCK.
Conclusion: A Thrilling Reading Journey with Steve Cavanagh
Steve Cavanagh’s books are an excellent choice for readers who enjoy legal thrillers, psychological suspense, and crime stories filled with unexpected twists. The Eddie Flynn series is the best place to begin, especially if you want to follow a clever defense lawyer who uses his unusual past to solve dangerous cases. With 10 full-length novels, the series offers plenty of courtroom drama and criminal investigations. His standalone books, particularly Twisted and Kill for Me, Kill for You, show another side of his storytelling. Start with The Defence if you want to meet Eddie Flynn from the beginning, or choose one of the standalone thrillers if you prefer a self-contained story.
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