Fifty-Fifty
Steve Cavanagh
Book Review
The former mayor of NYC, Frank Avellino is brutally murdered at his house. His two daughters, Alexandra Avellino and Sofia Avellino were present at the scene. Now on trial for murder, they both accuse each other. Which sister is the murderer?
“A murder trial required the ultimate poker face”
– Fifty-Fifty, Steve Cavanagh
This is the first time I am reading Steve Cavanagh’s work and I am so impressed. His narrating style is so unique and gripping. I simply LOVED the book.
Before I began reading this book, I asked my mother, as well as my sister who they thought, would be the killer. My sister went by a wild guess while my mother guessed by looking at the cover of the book. After I finished this book, they were both right about the identity of the killer.
The 911 call at the beginning of the book is enough to make the reader get pumped up.
From the start, we begin suspecting both the sisters. The narration switch between each chapter is brilliant and it carries the entire story effortlessly.
Also read the review of Stalker: https://gentlepages.com/stalker-by-lars-kepler-book-review/
“Not a single noise could be heard. Not even a breath. The courtroom was a tomb.”
– Fifty-Fifty, Steve Cavanagh
The number of main characters is quite less and hence it is easier to concentrate on the storyline.
We get introduced to the different characters one by one and it feels like a seat belt check before the Rollercoaster ride takes off. There is no long introduction or page fillers in this book. The story begins almost immediately with just a short introduction to each character.
The character contrast between the two sisters is very evident at the beginning but as the story progresses, I realized that the two sisters have many similarities.
Every time I think I had caught the identity of the murderer, the very next chapter makes me rethink my choice. This happens almost throughout the book.
‘If I was on trial for a murder I committed, I’d be watching the lawyers too. Both sides. Making sure no one figures it all out, and if they get too close – bam.’
– Fifty-Fifty, Steve Cavanagh
I loved the trial/courtroom scenes. It felt really intense and real.
The killer is absolutely genius in her way of killing and she is merciless to the point where she actually enjoys the thought of hurting people.
There is a brilliant switch up of narration somewhere in the middle of the book. That is the crucial part of the storyline. It had me on the edge of the seat.
Eddie Flynn’s character was absolutely well written. The emotion and the weight of the burden he had to carry definitely resonates with the reader.
My favorite character is Kate Brooks. Her character development felt so good. There were many important topics touched in this book like the #metoo movement or the nation divided by race etc.
This book is more than just a crime thriller. It shows how Kate Brooks stood up to her harassing boss and turned the tables.
I could sympathize with her when she was poorly treated by her boss. I could sympathize with her when she was joked around by her male colleagues.
Another character that I loved was Bloch. She was uptight and really cool. I would love it if there was a separate storyline of hers.
Final thoughts:
The cover page is actually brilliant. You will connect the dots after you finish reading the book.
Even if the story has a serious setting, it doesn’t feel boring. In fact, it keeps the reader on edge wanting to know more.
For a crime thriller lover, this book is a good read. I rate this book a 4.5 out of 5. This is my honest and unbiased review.
About the author:
Steve Cavanagh is an Irish author from Belfast and at the age of eighteen, he studied law by mistake. He is now the international award-winning author of the Eddie Flynn novels
Get your copy here: https://www.amazon.in/Fifty-Fifty-Steve-Cavanagh/dp/1409185869/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1613225258&sr=8-1
