melissamay94's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
hollaylonn's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
unablelemon's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
kellyhook_readsbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Read this as a pre-curser for a later book in the series that I heard was great (thirteen). An action-packed legal thriller with conmen, hostages, and the Russian mob.
anne_dwt's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
Het boek zit vol verassingen. Ik heb geen moment zien aankomen hoe het boek zou gaan aflopen.
Deze schrijver is echt heel erg leuk en ik kan niet wachten om de rest van zijn boeken te gaan lezen!
Deze schrijver is echt heel erg leuk en ik kan niet wachten om de rest van zijn boeken te gaan lezen!
jadeey1504's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
5.0
georginamay22's review against another edition
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Normally you mention the mafia and I'm out, but this book has be gripped. It was so fast paced and gave you just the right amount of info.
sydnihilton's review against another edition
3.0
3 stars because the character development is 10/10, especially with Eddie Flynn. Only 3 stars because the events were so unrealistic and out there that I couldn't even go along with it for the sake of the book. I'm glad I read the series out of order because I may have stopped at this book if it was the first I'd read.
daid64's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This series has been on my wish list for a while and the first book did not disappoint! Eddie Flynn is forced into representing a criminal boss. Eddie is flawed but likeable, talented and a bit of a rogue.
It starts of at high speed and doesn’t let up! A great cast of characters and ones I hope to see again in later books.
It starts of at high speed and doesn’t let up! A great cast of characters and ones I hope to see again in later books.
rachaelreads92's review against another edition
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
⭐⭐⭐
"The Defence" marks my second venture into Steve Cavanaugh's literary landscape, having previously explored "Th1rt3en." Drawing parallels with my experience reading "Th1rt3en," I found myself somewhat ahead of the narrative in "The Defence," which diminished some of the suspense. Additionally, the recurrent labeling of Eddie as an ex-conman grew somewhat monotonous.
In this inaugural instalment of the Eddie Flynn series, we encounter a protagonist who shies away from the courtroom after skilfully defending a culpable client, who later perpetrates a heinous act. However, an unplanned encounter at a coffee shop thrusts Eddie into a high-stakes dilemma entangling the Russian mafia. With a ticking bomb affixed to his back and his daughter taken hostage, Eddie races against time, with a mere forty-eight hours to secure an almost implausible acquittal in a murder trial. As the story unfolds, Eddie navigates media scrutiny, FBI investigation, and police attention, resorting to his dubious contacts from his prior life as a conman.
While I initially anticipated a courtroom-centered drama, the majority of the narrative unfolds outside the courtroom's confines. Eddie's multifaceted skill set, encompassing legal expertise and pickpocketing finesse, adds intricate layers to his character. The pacing remains swift, and action remains a constant companion. Nonetheless, certain elements of the plot strain credibility, hindering complete immersion in the story. The climax, while aiding in redeeming the narrative somewhat, carries an air of chaos.
While "The Defence" did not fully meet my expectations, it didn't entirely miss the mark either. Character development felt lacking, as the actions of key players occasionally seemed incongruent with their roles as criminal masterminds or gang members. Occasional narrative detours and an excess of backstory for Eddie could have been more evenly distributed throughout the series. Furthermore, the swift resolution of a high-stakes mobster murder trial in a mere forty-eight hours felt implausible given the gravity of the situation.
Despite these aspects, "The Defence" sparked my curiosity about the trajectory of the Eddie Flynn series. There is evident potential for growth, and I remain hopeful that subsequent instalments will provide a more polished and captivating reading experience. While this book didn't resonate with me as profoundly as I had hoped, I am intrigued enough to await the series' evolution in forthcoming works.
"The Defence" marks my second venture into Steve Cavanaugh's literary landscape, having previously explored "Th1rt3en." Drawing parallels with my experience reading "Th1rt3en," I found myself somewhat ahead of the narrative in "The Defence," which diminished some of the suspense. Additionally, the recurrent labeling of Eddie as an ex-conman grew somewhat monotonous.
In this inaugural instalment of the Eddie Flynn series, we encounter a protagonist who shies away from the courtroom after skilfully defending a culpable client, who later perpetrates a heinous act. However, an unplanned encounter at a coffee shop thrusts Eddie into a high-stakes dilemma entangling the Russian mafia. With a ticking bomb affixed to his back and his daughter taken hostage, Eddie races against time, with a mere forty-eight hours to secure an almost implausible acquittal in a murder trial. As the story unfolds, Eddie navigates media scrutiny, FBI investigation, and police attention, resorting to his dubious contacts from his prior life as a conman.
While I initially anticipated a courtroom-centered drama, the majority of the narrative unfolds outside the courtroom's confines. Eddie's multifaceted skill set, encompassing legal expertise and pickpocketing finesse, adds intricate layers to his character. The pacing remains swift, and action remains a constant companion. Nonetheless, certain elements of the plot strain credibility, hindering complete immersion in the story. The climax, while aiding in redeeming the narrative somewhat, carries an air of chaos.
While "The Defence" did not fully meet my expectations, it didn't entirely miss the mark either. Character development felt lacking, as the actions of key players occasionally seemed incongruent with their roles as criminal masterminds or gang members. Occasional narrative detours and an excess of backstory for Eddie could have been more evenly distributed throughout the series. Furthermore, the swift resolution of a high-stakes mobster murder trial in a mere forty-eight hours felt implausible given the gravity of the situation.
Despite these aspects, "The Defence" sparked my curiosity about the trajectory of the Eddie Flynn series. There is evident potential for growth, and I remain hopeful that subsequent instalments will provide a more polished and captivating reading experience. While this book didn't resonate with me as profoundly as I had hoped, I am intrigued enough to await the series' evolution in forthcoming works.