A review by asourceoffiction
The Plea by Steve Cavanagh
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Having read three of the Eddie Flynn series (slightly out of order; this is number 2!), I've realised what I love about them. They're legal thrillers, but so far removed from reality that they become crazy escapism and I absolutely love it. That also means I can suspend any disbelief when things get ridiculous, and just enjoy the ride. It all comes from the fact that Eddie was once a Robin Hood-style con artist (only scamming those who deserved it), and uses all the street skills he learnt to pull off perfect hustles in court. So the courtroom scenes (which often run the risk of becoming wordy and dull) are always brimming with excitement.
This particular story was another meaty one and I was kept guessing right past where I finally thought I had things figured out. I do think these books tend to blur into each other once you finish them (I couldn't separate plot points from the previous two I've read), but actually I'm ok with that; I know what I'm getting but there'll be clever twists along the way, with some gratuitous violence thrown in - and more than likely some kind of threat to Flynn's family, otherwise where's his motivation?!
The plot has so many intricacies that I got a bit lost from time to time, but it's cleverly laid out and apart from re-reading the odd paragraph I was able to keep up. I'm starting to love the random low-lifes Eddie has on hand to help him at various points (I don't care why The Lizard always refers to himself in the third person, he's awesome!), and I know I'll have just as much fun reading the next in the series.
This particular story was another meaty one and I was kept guessing right past where I finally thought I had things figured out. I do think these books tend to blur into each other once you finish them (I couldn't separate plot points from the previous two I've read), but actually I'm ok with that; I know what I'm getting but there'll be clever twists along the way, with some gratuitous violence thrown in - and more than likely some kind of threat to Flynn's family, otherwise where's his motivation?!
The plot has so many intricacies that I got a bit lost from time to time, but it's cleverly laid out and apart from re-reading the odd paragraph I was able to keep up. I'm starting to love the random low-lifes Eddie has on hand to help him at various points (I don't care why The Lizard always refers to himself in the third person, he's awesome!), and I know I'll have just as much fun reading the next in the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Gore