The Devil’s Advocate

Riveting and Unpredictable Legal Thriller - A 5-Star Masterpiece Steve Cavanagh's "The Devil's Advocate," the sixth installment in the Eddie Flynn series, is nothing short of a literary masterpiece. I must say it's a captivating narrative that kept me glued to the pages. Unlike my usual practice, I didn't take any notes while reading this book; I was too captivated by the gripping storytelling and intense characters that Cavanagh has crafted. This time, Eddie Flynn finds himself facing off against the despicable prosecutor Randall Corn, known as the "king of death row." Corn has sent more men to their demise than any other district attorney in U.S. history, relishing every moment of it. The story kicks off with the brutal murder of Skyler Edwards in rural Alabama, and Eddie is thrust into defending Andy Dubois, the prime suspect. The twist? Even if Dubois is innocent, the town demands justice, and Corn is all too eager to oblige. Cavanagh skillfully weaves the narrative through multiple perspectives, giving us insight into Eddie's mind, the corrupt sheriff Dubois, the ruthless Randall Corn, an enigmatic character known as the pastor, and a few others. This choice of characters adds depth to the story, providing a nuanced understanding of their motives and actions. The pacing of the book is relentless, filled with unexpected twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I devoured the book in two sittings, only stopping because sleep was a necessity. The stakes are high, with Eddie battling not only for his client's innocence but also against the malevolent forces of Corn, a prosecutor who takes sadistic pleasure in sending innocent people to their death. One notable improvement in this installment is the increased focus on legal elements, addressing a common complaint about the series. The courtroom drama is more pronounced, adding authenticity to Eddie's role as a defense attorney. It's a thrilling ride, and you can't help but wonder if Eddie will emerge victorious or succumb to the catastrophic consequences of failure. Cavanagh brings back familiar faces like Harry, Kate Brooks, and Blush, providing a sense of continuity and camaraderie. However, the standout character is undoubtedly Randall Corn – a truly malevolent force who orchestrates events to satisfy his sadistic pleasure. The underlying theme of white supremacy and the potential for a race war, led by the cunning pastor, adds another layer of complexity to the narrative. The setting in the South introduces the high stakes of the death penalty, making every move a perilous gamble for Eddie and his team. Furthermore, the choice to make Andy Dubois a black man in a predominantly white cast provides a poignant perspective on racial disparities in the criminal justice system. It's a bold move by the author, shedding light on the harsh realities faced by many, especially when confronted with the death penalty. In conclusion, "The Devil's Advocate" is a riveting legal thriller that deserves every bit of its 5-star rating. Steve Cavanagh has outdone himself, delivering a compelling story with well-developed characters, unexpected twists, and a thought-provoking exploration of justice and morality. This book is a must-read for any fan of the genre, and it solidifies Cavanagh's place as a master storyteller in the legal thriller realm.

Great plot and characters - as previous Eddie Flynn stories a "can't put down". Have given 5 stars even though this time found the ending a bit weak and unrealistic.

In the Author’s Note for The Devil’s Advocate, Steve Cavanagh explains the fact that over a period of about three years just five prosecutors were responsible for securing 450 death sentences between them, around 15% of the total death row population of the entire US. Some real life District Attorneys are so obsessed with the death penalty they disregard the institution they swore allegiance to, just to send someone to death row. And it’s with these facts that the 6th Eddie Flynn novel takes and runs with. Honing in on the small town of Buckstown Alabama, DA Randal Korn will stop at nothing to see a death sentence passed. And his latest trial is no different. Young black man Andy Dubois is accused of murdering a young white waitress Skylar Edwards, and everyone in town believes he is guilty - not helped by an actual confession. But some evidence just isn’t adding up and after Andy’s lawyer goes missing, con-artist turned Defence lawyer Flynn is brought in to represent him. Flynn is an amazingly solid and likeable character as are the counterparts in his law firm – a delightful cast which you care about and are rooting for every step of the way. It’s a fast and furious novel which excels with its courtroom scenes as you just don’t know what’s coming next from either side – and that’s part of the fun. This novel has everything and doesn’t suffer at all for it. Murderous DAs, corrupt police force, tampered/missing evidence, small-town racism, bribed jurors, US-government goodies/baddies, a mysterious character called The Pastor, jaw-dropping twists and end of chapter cliff-hangers. Another astounding, unputdownable Flynn novel from Steve Cavanagh.

Gut geschrieben, schönes Englisch, spannend wie ein Roman von John Grisham, ein Blick hinter die Kulissen des US-Rechtssystems. Mittelgroße Schriftgröße, für alte Augen etwas zu klein, aber sonst ok, empfehlenswert! Macht Lust auf weitere Bände von Cavanagh.

I liked this first time I have read his books but I will read more by him.