TH1RT3EN

by Steve Cavanagh

Flatiron Books

Publication Date : August 13, 2019

Pages : 336

Synopsis From Publisher :

The murder trial of the century is here. A ruthless prosecuted. A brilliant defense lawyer. A defendant with a secret, and a serial killer on the jury.

For some citizens Jury Duty is seen as a hassle. For others Jury Duty is viewed as your civic duty as a citizen of the United States. We learn in Steve Cavanagh’s latest release, TH1RT3EN some (a very small number, I hope) use the opportunity to manipulate the justice system. With a thrilling and original premise, Cavanagh delivers a twisty and tension filled read perfect for fans of legal thrillers.

The murder trial of Robert Solomon is being coined as the next “ O.J. Trial”. A team of high-powered and well known lawyers have been gathered for Solomon’s defense. The media coverage is round the clock and the defendant is a young well liked actor. Solomon’s lead counsel has recruited Eddie Flynn to second chair the trial. Robert and Eddie are unaware of another key player in the court room; with just as much to lose as Robert. The person who committed the crimes  for which Robert is on trial is on the jury. This person will stop at nothing to make sure Robert is found guilty. 

TH1RT3EN alternates between two points of view, Eddie Flynn and the killer. I love this sort of dual perspective. Getting inside the mind of a killer (even if fictional) is fascinating. When I read or watch anything about a serial killer, I always wonder why they chose to kill. What set them off on a path of destruction? In TH1RT3EN that question is answered.

Cavanagh takes out the guess work as to who the killer is. I know the basic premise of any crime fiction story is trying to identify the killer. In TH1RT3EN we learn very early on the identity of the killer; allowing readers to focus solely on how Flynn will catch the killer. This may be odd, but the absence of the “whodunit” and their motive was very refreshing. Being able to zero in solely on how the killer is trying to avoid capture and Flynn’s attempts to capture the killer made TH1RT3EN gripping and exciting. 

My favorite parts of TH1RT3EN were the sections focusing on the killer and his interactions with his fellow jurors. Cavanagh highlights the diversity within the jury. There are parents, widows, unmarried, divorced, business owners, etc. I don’t think it would be too much of a spoiler to divulge that this is not this killer’s first time on a jury. Readers will get a brief glimpse of how the killer works and widdles away at this jury, attempting to guide them towards the verdict he wants. However I wish we could have had more jury room action. I would have loved to read how he planned to deal with this diverse group and the unpredictability of human nature. 

The best way to describe TH1RT3EN is a legal thriller with a wonderful twist. I really enjoyed TH1RT3EN with its unique plot, shocking reveals, and unpredictability. For those who may be hesitant because the identity of the killer is revealed early on, you need not worry. The identity of the killer is just the beginning of this awesome story. 

*Thanks to Flatiron Books for my free review copy of TH1RT3EN*

Murder and Moore Rating :

5 out of 5 Stars