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Eddie Flynn #0.25
The Neon Punch
“When the world is in crisis people need some kind of escape. The best one is to lose yourself in a good story. There’s nothing like a good book to grasp your attention and to make you forget about the world around you for a few hours. I hope stories give people some kind of relief from the fear, the pain and the difficulties this virus brings to all of us.
“I write about a former con man who became a trial lawyer in New York. Eddie Flynn’s past is never far behind him, and I wanted to take an opportunity to tell a story from Eddie’s past - when he was playing cards and hustling high-rollers for a living instead of hustling juries.” - Steve Cavanagh.
What happens in Vegas does not always stay in Vegas
Short story available at the Daily Record's website, first published as part of the newspaper's Crime Week.
“I write about a former con man who became a trial lawyer in New York. Eddie Flynn’s past is never far behind him, and I wanted to take an opportunity to tell a story from Eddie’s past - when he was playing cards and hustling high-rollers for a living instead of hustling juries.” - Steve Cavanagh.
What happens in Vegas does not always stay in Vegas
Short story available at the Daily Record's website, first published as part of the newspaper's Crime Week.
2 pages, Unknown Binding
First published April 27, 2020
About the author
Steve Cavanagh
24 books13.3k followersSteve Cavanagh is a critically acclaimed, Sunday Times best-selling author of the Eddie Flynn series which has sold a million copies in the UK. His third novel, The Liar, won the CWA Gold Dagger for Crime Novel of the year 2018. Thirteen won the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime novel of the year 2019. FIFTY FIFTY was a Richard and Judy Book club choice, and the BBC Between The Covers book club choice. All of his novels have been nominated for major awards. He is a consistent International bestseller.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
March 9, 2023
The Neon Punch by Steve Cavanagh is a short story featuring conman turned lawyer Eddie Flynn.
Often in the course of defending his clients, we see Eddie revert to his old tricks (enlisting the help of his old contacts) and we are given a brief window into his life from before he became a lawyer. This story is an episode from his past that features Eddie and a few of his old associates as they go about pulling a con in a casino in Las Vegas.
Overall, a quick and fun read that both fans of the series and even those haven't yet read an Eddie Flynn legal thriller would enjoy.
Found this one here: https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/cr...
Often in the course of defending his clients, we see Eddie revert to his old tricks (enlisting the help of his old contacts) and we are given a brief window into his life from before he became a lawyer. This story is an episode from his past that features Eddie and a few of his old associates as they go about pulling a con in a casino in Las Vegas.
Overall, a quick and fun read that both fans of the series and even those haven't yet read an Eddie Flynn legal thriller would enjoy.
Found this one here: https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/cr...
October 13, 2022
An enjoyable and engaging short story featuring con man Eddie Flynn by Steve Cavanagh that is definitely worth reading. It provides a colourful insight into his past life.
March 10, 2023
Eddie Flynn is a Con Artist turned lawyer who dazzles us with his words in a courtroom and I am eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series..
This is a short story which gives us a peek into Eddie’s earlier con artist days, and I was thrilled when GR friend Sujoya, shared the link in her review! ☺️
Eddie Flynn in Las Vegas? YES, please!! 😉
This is a short story which gives us a peek into Eddie’s earlier con artist days, and I was thrilled when GR friend Sujoya, shared the link in her review! ☺️
Eddie Flynn in Las Vegas? YES, please!! 😉
September 11, 2022
Always a fan of Steve Cavanagh’s Eddie Flynn series, I was happy to stumble upon this extremely short piece that could be considered an early preface to the collection. Eddie Flynn has always been a favourite character of mine and this piece, while brief, was a great addition to the collection of legal thrillers that Steve Cavanagh has penned. A glimpse into his past life provides the reader a great look into Flynn’s dicier days before the law took over.
Eddie Flynn may not have always been a lawyer, but has had a way of reading a room, as well as those he is trying to play. In this piece, Eddie Flynn is in Vegas and trying to dupe a professional gambler out of a large pot of money. Just as things are getting tense, a woman appears and seems interested in making a scene. When Eddie intervenes, he finds himself on the wrong end of a punch to the gut. Poker chips fly and a commotion ensues. What follows is proof that Eddie Flynn is a master and knows just how to turn things to his advantage. A great piece by Cavanagh, perfect for a short coffee break.
Steve Cavanagh has a wonderful ability to pull the reader in swiftly. His Eddie Flynn character is not only entertaining, but his backstory is one many readers will find intriguing. This very short piece does not delve too much into that area or character development, but does provide a context as to where Flynn came from and how his pre-law life was just as important as those cases he tries and helps investigate in the series to date. I stumbled upon this piece while reading the latest legal thriller and am pleased to have added it to my list, as well as how it helps enrich the overall Eddie Flynn experience.
Kudos, Mr. Cavanagh, for a great piece that took only a few minutes to digest!
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October 23, 2025
I never read any of the books, but I like the main character. Backstory will definitely read the other books review to come
April 25, 2025
5 stars
Neon Punch. Actually this is too short to even call it a book shot or a novella. Far from a short story. If anything I would call this an "Introductory Snippet". It was never made into a book, as far as I know, only written for a magazine, Crime Week, the April 27, 2020 issue. I finally found it today, after searching for it for a couple weeks, so I read it immediately.
It is the 0.1 introductory piece for the Steve Cavanagh Eddie Flynn series.
A quick glance into the past rumblings of Eddie Flynn - Con Man, before he became an attorney.
Neon Punch. Actually this is too short to even call it a book shot or a novella. Far from a short story. If anything I would call this an "Introductory Snippet". It was never made into a book, as far as I know, only written for a magazine, Crime Week, the April 27, 2020 issue. I finally found it today, after searching for it for a couple weeks, so I read it immediately.
It is the 0.1 introductory piece for the Steve Cavanagh Eddie Flynn series.
A quick glance into the past rumblings of Eddie Flynn - Con Man, before he became an attorney.
June 9, 2022
Chandler and Hammett must be Cavanagh favorite authors. This of course is my first Eddie Flynn short introduction and of course I’m reading another very soon.
June 15, 2026
Currently in the middle of Fifty Fifty as a book club pick and my first dip into the Eddie Flynn series. Came across this short story highlighting Eddie’s pre-lawyer years, and this sure doesn’t change my perspective on him. I have a feeling that I’m going to start the series from the beginning.
June 14, 2022
Perfect length for a short story.
June 26, 2025
A fun short story showing Eddie Flynn in his earlier days of hustling. Great characters and setting in Las Vegas!
September 12, 2022
This was part of an article written by Steve Cavanagh on the Daily Record website, at https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/cr...
It's very short, no details, and no real context if you're not a fan of the Eddie Flynn series. Just a quick story about a con man stealing money. That's about all I'll say, as I don't want to spoil the story for anyone who may want to read it. If you're a fan, go ahead; it only takes a few minutes.
It's very short, no details, and no real context if you're not a fan of the Eddie Flynn series. Just a quick story about a con man stealing money. That's about all I'll say, as I don't want to spoil the story for anyone who may want to read it. If you're a fan, go ahead; it only takes a few minutes.
September 23, 2021
Good fun short story!
March 5, 2022
Even a little time with Eddie Flynn is a good time.
May 13, 2026
The Neon Punch, by Steve Cavanagh is a very short story that featured in the newspaper. A short story featuring Eddie Flynn the one time con artist now turned lawyer before he became a legal hero. In Eddie Flynn’s world a game of poker is never just about the cards.
Set against the neon backdrop of Las Vegas, the story finds Eddie in his element, not a courtroom, but a smoky card room. He is locked in a tense standoff, attempting to dupe a professional gambler out of a massive pot of money. For Eddie, this isn’t just about the cash; it’s a masterclass in “reading the room” and playing the person across the table rather than the hand in his own.
Just as the tension reaches a boiling point, the atmosphere is shattered by a woman who seems determined to cause a scene. When Eddie steps in to intervene, he is met with a brutal punch to the gut. Poker chips fly, chairs scuffle, and a general commotion erupts. While anyone else would be winded and defeated, this is exactly where Eddie Flynn thrives. The punch isn’t the end of the play; it’s the centrepiece of a masterful con.
Using the chaos as a smokescreen, Eddie proves that his background as a con artist is his greatest asset as a lawyer. He knows exactly how to manipulate a distraction and turn a physical blow into a strategic advantage.
The Neon Punch is a short sharp read that while entertaining is far too short to rate any higher than 3 stars. I really enjoy this series and this was a good introduction to both the character of Eddie Flynn and the writing of Steve Cavanagh. Do yourself a favour and read the full length novels in this series.
Set against the neon backdrop of Las Vegas, the story finds Eddie in his element, not a courtroom, but a smoky card room. He is locked in a tense standoff, attempting to dupe a professional gambler out of a massive pot of money. For Eddie, this isn’t just about the cash; it’s a masterclass in “reading the room” and playing the person across the table rather than the hand in his own.
Just as the tension reaches a boiling point, the atmosphere is shattered by a woman who seems determined to cause a scene. When Eddie steps in to intervene, he is met with a brutal punch to the gut. Poker chips fly, chairs scuffle, and a general commotion erupts. While anyone else would be winded and defeated, this is exactly where Eddie Flynn thrives. The punch isn’t the end of the play; it’s the centrepiece of a masterful con.
Using the chaos as a smokescreen, Eddie proves that his background as a con artist is his greatest asset as a lawyer. He knows exactly how to manipulate a distraction and turn a physical blow into a strategic advantage.
The Neon Punch is a short sharp read that while entertaining is far too short to rate any higher than 3 stars. I really enjoy this series and this was a good introduction to both the character of Eddie Flynn and the writing of Steve Cavanagh. Do yourself a favour and read the full length novels in this series.
July 11, 2026
3.5 🌟🌟🌟💫 📖
A quick, fun hit of nostalgia for Eddie Flynn fans.
As a die-hard fan of the Eddie Flynn books, I loved stepping back into his shady, pre-lawyer past in Las Vegas. The Neon Punch perfectly showcases Eddie's brilliant ability to read a room and pull off a classic grift. It’s fast-paced, clever, and full of Cavanagh's usual charm. My only complaint is that it's essentially a micro-story; it functions more like a teaser scene than a fully realized short story. Still, it's a perfect, bite-sized read for a quick coffee break.
A quick, fun hit of nostalgia for Eddie Flynn fans.
As a die-hard fan of the Eddie Flynn books, I loved stepping back into his shady, pre-lawyer past in Las Vegas. The Neon Punch perfectly showcases Eddie's brilliant ability to read a room and pull off a classic grift. It’s fast-paced, clever, and full of Cavanagh's usual charm. My only complaint is that it's essentially a micro-story; it functions more like a teaser scene than a fully realized short story. Still, it's a perfect, bite-sized read for a quick coffee break.
September 30, 2024
This is the first piece of writing by Steve Cavanagh introducing Eddie Flynn to the world.
You can read it here: https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/cr...
Doesn't really matter if you read after or before his other books as I have already read most of his books and still found it endearing to read especially as you can link it to his past as a con artist which is mentioned throughout the series.
You can read it here: https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/cr...
Doesn't really matter if you read after or before his other books as I have already read most of his books and still found it endearing to read especially as you can link it to his past as a con artist which is mentioned throughout the series.
January 14, 2026
It is my first time reading Steve Cavanagh and through this little novella I can 100% say that he will lay out a compelling narrative throughout the Eddie Flynn series.
In this novella, the protagonist's back story has been laid down, which is nothing more than a 4 min read but will amuse you throughout. So, I recommend giving it a quick read before beginning the series.
In this novella, the protagonist's back story has been laid down, which is nothing more than a 4 min read but will amuse you throughout. So, I recommend giving it a quick read before beginning the series.
April 15, 2022
As they say What happens in Vegas....
Here we have a nifty sleigh of hand ala Eddie Flynn style. The series have been so entertaining that I needed to lap up this 2 pager as soon as I found out about it.
Hors d'oeuvre of the day.
Not an unpleasant read.
Here we have a nifty sleigh of hand ala Eddie Flynn style. The series have been so entertaining that I needed to lap up this 2 pager as soon as I found out about it.
Hors d'oeuvre of the day.
Not an unpleasant read.
June 25, 2022
A cool little short story that's the prequel to the Eddie Flynn mystery series; it's set in the time before Eddie became a lawyer. Eddie is in Vegas, playing cards, when a beautiful blonde in a short red dress walks up.
February 12, 2024
4 Stars.
Extremely short, but another insight into the world of Eddie Flynn.
Had to hunt to find it, if you want to read it you can find it here: https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/cr...
Extremely short, but another insight into the world of Eddie Flynn.
Had to hunt to find it, if you want to read it you can find it here: https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/cr...
August 29, 2024
Okay, not gonna lie, I didn't really care for this one. It was very short (which is fine), plus I'm a criminal law nut and live and breathe everything to do with criminal defense. Gambling and casinos? Absolutely not. 5 stars only because it's Eddie, mwah 💋🫶
July 28, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
A short read for the early adventures of Eddie Flynn as a con man. It was a fun read because, as expected, Eddie has something up his sleeve —in one way or another. Truly his early experiences would totally complement his lawyer life.
A short read for the early adventures of Eddie Flynn as a con man. It was a fun read because, as expected, Eddie has something up his sleeve —in one way or another. Truly his early experiences would totally complement his lawyer life.
October 28, 2025
This was just my second meeting with Eddie Flynn, and I'm starting to think that Eddie Flynn, the conman, is a lot more fun than Eddie Flynn, the lawyer! Still, this one was just too short to give me a lot more than 'fun'. I wouldn't mind reading a longer novel about his hustling days, though!
2026
August 1, 2026Dit was niet echt een boek maar een paar blz. Hierdoor heb ik geen rating gegeven en is het meer om het begin van de boekenserie te begrijpen.
“At least you didn’t get punched in the face,” I said.
“Oh, honey, that’s my favourite part,” she said.
“At least you didn’t get punched in the face,” I said.
“Oh, honey, that’s my favourite part,” she said.
September 7, 2026
Wanted to get a feel for the writing to see if I wanted to read this series. This is really short and gave me the opportunity to do just that. Set 17 years pre-series by the sounds of it. Quite good and I’m gonna give the series a go.
December 28, 2021
A fun short story for the end of year as I await Eddie Flynn #7!
February 20, 2023
Fun little short about a time in Eddie's past. Enjoyed the look back.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews