Thirteen

Starred review from June 17, 2019
What if the killer is on the jury? That’s the harrowing question posed by Cavanagh’s pulse-pounding third novel featuring New York defense attorney Eddie Flynn (after 2018’s The Liar). Cavanagh juxtaposes the viewpoints of Flynn, brought in to help defend actor Bobby Solomon, who’s accused of killing his wife in their Manhattan home, and Joshua Kane, who murders and connives his way onto the jury in the actor’s trial. Some literal courtroom sleight of hand and sharp questioning by Flynn throws doubt on the seemingly airtight case of the prosecution, but Flynn’s best chance is to identify another killer. His ex-FBI investigator Harper and her contact in the Bureau’s Behavioral Analysis Unit provide a solid lead—a serial killer who has remained hidden by framing others for his crimes. Meanwhile, from within the jury, the ruthless Kane is able to discredit or kill the fellow jurors who won’t vote his way. Cavanagh throws in false leads and red herrings to heighten the uncertainty. This tightly plotted page-turner delivers as both a legal thriller and serial killer investigation. Agent: George Lucas, Inkwell Management.