Fifty-Fifty By Steve Cavanagh|Review

I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Two sisters on trial for murder. They accuse each other.Who do YOU believe?
'911 what's your emergency?'
'My dad's dead. My sister Sofia killed him. She's still in the house. Please send help.'
'My dad's dead. My sister Alexandra killed him. She's still in the house. Please send help.'
One of them is a liar and a killer.
But which one?
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Your favourite authors LOVE Fifty-Fifty, the follow-up to the bestselling novel Thirteen:'A terrific writer. He has talent to burn.' Don Winslow
'Unpredictable, daring and completely compelling. Top notch writing.' Alex North
'Very clever, darkly funny, moving, fast-faced.' Jane Casey
'Steve Cavanagh writes the best hooks in the business' Mick Herron
'Absolutely brilliant. Addictive, clever, pacy. Eddie Flynn is one of my heroes.' Jo Spain
'Intelligent, sophisticated and tense.' Mari Hannah

You don’t review books long before you come across the name Steve Cavanagh.  The name is synonymous with the Thriller genre and if you haven’t read anything penned by this ingenious man, then why not? Fifty-Fifty is his new offering.

Fifty-Fifty is a blast to the genitals.  Its swift, precise and you are left reeling on the floor.   I am obsessed with courtroom dramas.  This began when I was a member of a Jury – the atmosphere, the tension and the responsibility emits a fizzing spark within me.  Watching and waiting to see just how it is going to pan out. 

Sisters.  Surely, they are united in shared family experiences?  An unbreakable bond?  These assumptions would be wrong.  Two sisters united in their hate for one another.  They both had a dreadful childhood – a father that become emotionally closed off after the death of their mother.  They were sent off to separate boarding schools and they rarely had contact with their Mayor Father.  The sisters are both difficult to make a connection with.  One appears cold and calculated and one threatens to buckle under the pressure of mental health.  The conflicting stories and the small inconsistences make this an impossible trial to call. 

Opening Fifty-Fifty felt like a door slamming shut behind you when you know no one is home.  Cavanagh knew my weakness and he wasn’t afraid to manipulate it. 

Flynn has his work cut out for him.  This trial is going to take everything he has ever learned as a con man and a lawyer combined to acquit his client.  He is sure that he is defending the innocent sister – Sofia.  She couldn’t have possibly committed such heinous act – she’s too meek and damaged, isn’t she?  The signs started becoming clearer and by that point I was a goner.  I was sure Flynn was on the winning side but occasionally I could feel doubt creeping in. 

Research, a developing romance, circumstantial evidence and two sisters that are determined to blame the other for their father’s murder – it can’t possibly end in anything but both women being declared guilty, can it? 

Fifty-Fifty was like running with both shoelaces tied together.  If you examine the evidence slowly and deliberately you can make it to the end with one conclusion and your conscience intact.  Hurry to the finish line and all you’ll do is trip up and miss vital information. 

Just who is the villain of this story?  Steve Cavanagh gives the reader a deliciously twisted woman who will stop at nothing to come out on top.  He gives a compulsive insight into just how sickening human nature can be.  Its messed up and propelled by greed and manipulation.  You want to root for the good guy or woman but will the good always prevail?  You only must look to history to find your answer. 

Fifty-Fifty has a razor-sharp narrative that will cut your throat.  A disturbing test of morals that is so perfectly paced.  It is as compulsive as it is dark. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Steve Cavanagh is the bestselling author of the Eddie Flynn novels and standalone thrillers. In 2018 The Liar won the Crime Writers Association Gold Dagger for crime novel of the year. In 2019 Thirteen won the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Novel of the year 2019. All of his novels have either been nominated for awards, or have won awards internationally.

He is a former lawyer, and was born and raised in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where he still lives. If you want to get in touch with Steve, use the social media links below. For press, please contact Orion Books, London, or Flatiron Books, New York. Together with Luca Veste, Steve hosts the popular comedy lit podcast Two Crime Writers And A Microphone. 

Steve Cavanagh Website