Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

“The Devil to Pay: A Mobster’s Road to Redemption” by Sean Scott Hicks is a gritty and unflinching memoir that delves deep into the underbelly of organized crime in Boston. Hicks’ narrative is a raw and tumultuous journey through a life steeped in criminality, yet it is also a poignant tale of survival and transformation.

The book opens with a vivid portrayal of South Boston’s streets, where loyalty and betrayal are as common as the changing tides. Hicks, born into a world where the Irish Mob’s shadow looms large, finds himself running errands for notorious gangsters before he’s old enough to drive. His adoptive family, the Winter Hill Gang, and their infamous leader, “Uncle Jim” — better known to the world as Whitey Bulger — become his mentors in a life of crime.

Hicks doesn’t shy away from detailing the brutal realities of mob life, from the adrenaline-fueled heists to the cold-blooded violence that often follows. His prose is sharp and direct, much like the punches thrown in back-alley brawls. Yet, amidst the chaos, there are moments of unexpected tenderness, revealing the complex human emotions that drive these men of infamy.

The memoir is an introspective look at the choices that led Hicks down this dark path. The narrative is interspersed with philosophical musings that reflect the author’s struggle with the moral implications of his actions. It’s this inner conflict that gives the book its heart and elevates it beyond a mere crime story.

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of “The Devil to Pay” is Hicks’ candid discussion of his involvement in the infamous Isabella Gardner Museum heist, offering a theory that tantalizes readers with the possibility of solving one of the art world’s greatest mysteries.

In the end, Hicks’ story is one of redemption. It’s about finding hope in the most hopeless of places and the courage to step away from a life that seemed predestined. His journey to legitimacy, marked by a partner, a dog, and a modest business, is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

“The Devil to Pay” is a must-read for anyone fascinated by the allure of the mobster lifestyle and the redemptive power of change.

However, due to what reporters and people who served time with him said, and the grammatical issues with the content,the best I can rate this is 3 stars.