⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I’ve been trying to get my hands on this novella for nearly five years, ever since I read Thirteen and became hooked on the Eddie Flynn series. The Cross wasn’t available in the U.S. for the longest time, and I even looked into ways to bypass regional restrictions just to read it. Nothing ever worked. So imagine my surprise and delight when I spotted it on NetGalley’s audiobook list this week!
I’ve read the series completely out of order, always jumping at whichever title I could get in the U.S. Eventually I’d love to revisit the whole series from the beginning, and now that I’ve finally listened to this prequel, I can say it was absolutely worth the wait.
Despite its short length, The Cross tackles a weighty and timely subject: police brutality and the excessive use of force in America. In the author’s note, Cavanagh reveals that the story was inspired by the 2014 death of Eric Garner in New York City. The note moved me to tears, which hasn’t ever happened before.
I’m still amazed at how well Steve Cavanagh, an Irish author, captures the tone and cadence of American (especially New York) dialogue. If I ever make it to one of his author events, that’s the first question I’ll ask.
🎧 Adam Sims did a fantastic job with the narration, adding to the intensity and pacing of the story.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Audio for the advance audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
Holly Reads Too Much 