Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Mar. 26, 2024
Best-selling author Lisa Scottoline brings family secrets, justice and the lengths we will go to to protect the ones we love with her thirty-fourth novel, “The Truth About the Devlin’s”.
In a prominent family like the Devlin’s, where every member is a renowned lawyer in the family’s firm, youngest son T.J. is the black sheep. After a stint in rehab and jail, T.J. knows he is the disappointment in the family, especially to his father. But T.J.’s life is completely turned upside when his older brother, John, tells T.J. that he killed one of his clients, and asks T.J. to not only cover it up, but to keep it a secret from their high-profile family. T.J. does what he can to help his brother but it isn’t very long until the spotlight turns to T.J. Using every tool in his arsenal, T.J. investigates the crime in order to clear his name, and uncovers something he never expected.
“Devlin’s” is an addictive page-turner that I found hard to put down. The action starts right away and doesn’t let up until the gripping conclusion. Scottoline, once again, has delivered a dynamic family thriller full of twists and turns.
T.J. is the protagonist and as he narrates the story we learn about his criminal past and the intense pressure put on him by his influential family, especially his father. Although families like the Devlin’s tend to be automatically disliked by the average reader for their unrelatability and arrogance, Scottoline has written them as the rags-to-riches success story, with a common upbringing that only changed with the success of the family legal practice. This also helps cement the drastic efforts made by the family to maintain the practice that made them who they are.
T.J. is likable and, as an alcoholic, he adds an emotional depth to the plot. His story is heartbreaking and real, and it is hard not to root for him. Scottoline explores the many levels of addiction through T.J.’s story, portrayed in an honest and non-judgmental light, and you can’t help but be touched by his struggle.
There are many twists and turns in this novel, building the perfect level of suspense that Scottoline delivers perfectly. The ending is just and satisfying, with all of the plot points coming together effortlessly. “The Truth About the Devlin’s” proves that Scottoline is not slowing down, and I can’t wait to see what she does next.

The Devlins are a family of successful lawyers: mum, dad, son and daughter. But then there’s another son, TJ, the black sheep of the family. We learn early on that he’s had trouble in his life and we’re to learn more about that as the story plays out. Meanwhile, he’s working as an investigator for the family law firm, thrown a bone by them, not really expected to do much of any value. But then one night his brother, John, a man who TJ has always looked up to, revered in fact, asks for TJ’s help. John is in trouble, or at least he thinks he is.

The family are an entitled bunch, hard to warm to, and it’s not initially clear what shadow, or shadows, from TJ’s past are haunting him. But perhaps by helping his brother some kind of redemption may be achieved, perhaps then he’ll be considered something more than just an unfortunate appendage to this otherwise high achieving family. More importantly, maybe TJ will achieve some semblance of self-worth.

It all had the feel of a routine thriller with a twisty plot but populated by characters who seemed largely shallow and one-dimensional. But slowly, as the story developed, the characters began to evolve a degree of depth and complexity. It turns out that TJ’s sister, Gabby, was not the same driven money making machine as her parents and brother John – in fact, she was working pro bono on a case involving the abuse of prison inmates. TJ was actually closer to Gabby than the others and in time he became involved with this case too, helping her out. John and TJ's parents also had a little more going on than I'd initially glimpsed, though I found it hard to warm to any of them.

The problem is, I'm not sure that the story ever really takes off. In time, TJ comes to recognise John for who he really is and there’s some excitement as we approach the end, with a pretty good action scene. Loose ends are tied off, conclusions are reached. But really it’s a pretty low-key tale that retained my interested without ever truly exciting me.

The Truth about the Devlins
Lisa Scottoline (This review is from an ARC sent to me by Net Galley)
“Lisa Scottoline, the #1 bestselling author of What Happened to the Bennetts, presents another pulse-pounding domestic thriller about family, justice, and the lies that tear us apart.”
The parents, the Devlins are a powerful family of lawyers, who founded a prosperous insurance and reinsurance firm, and his more successful siblings, John and Gabby.
TJ is the wayward member of the family who has lost his way, not a lawyer but an investigator who has made many mistakes and is the black sheep of the family. He has been in prison and is a recovering alcoholic.
His world is turned upside when his older brother confesses to a murder.TJ decides he must investigate the murder to save his brother. The lies, deception and what follows could ruin the family. The dysfunction of the family is evident as the story develops. Lisa Scottoline once again delivers a griping tale of fiction that readers will enjoy

This was a great book. I loved every paragraph, every sentence and every word of this masterpiece! I read it in 12 hours, which is a lot for me to do! It had everything and more laid out in the novel! I sure hope There is more to come from this author! I am totally hooked!

I enjoyed this book much more than some of her other more recent books. It hooks you right in with the requisite murder, then all the twists and turns of a family drama complete with long held secrets.

TJ Devlin is the outcast of the Devlin family; a convicted felon and recovering alcoholic, while everyone else is a successful lawyer working for the family law firm. Since getting out of jail, TJ has been working for the family as an investigator. When his brother confesses to a murder, it sets in motion a whole series of events that ends with a shocking conclusion.

Recommended for all public libraries.

I have always enjoyed Lisa Scottoline's novels and this one was no exception. The Truth about the Devlins is a thriller/mysery. The Devlin family consists of the parents, and siblings John, TJ and Gabby who all work for the Devlin Law Firm. There are many twists and turns in this story that one is never sure what is going to happen next. Very well thought out and will surprise you at the end as to who was after who. Easy to read and follow. A great book to read.

Bestselling author, Lisa Scottolini, has released another fascinating thriller, The Truth About the Devlins , and it will keep readers on the edge. TJ Devlin is the black sheep in his family – he has served time in prison and is a recovering alcoholic. His brother, John is the favorite, and can do no wrong. The Devlins are a family of lawyers, and keeping the legacy is the most important thing to the parents. One of the senior Devlin’s clients is working with John to put through a merger with a large company, and John tells his brother that he has found embezzlement in the accounts and may have murdered the accountant. TJ is the investigator for the firm, and investigates, making sure he can clear his brother and find the murderer. TJ is close to his sister, Gabby, and helps in her pro bono cases that cause some problems.

Scottolini has done her research as far as Alcoholics Anonymous, and much of the story rings true. She is an excellent storyteller, and there are ups and downs that are unexpected. The Devlin family is a bit dysfunctional, but hides it well and is respected in the community. Scottolini also develops her characters so that they seem real. TJ’s investigations uncover several issues that don’t seem to add up, and puts him and his family in danger.

All told, this is an interesting domestic thriller that will keep readers’ interest throughout.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.

Many thanks to the NetGalley for the ARC! I really enjoy Lisa Scottoline's novels. They always provide an entertaining read and keep me guessing until the very end. As I was reading this book, I found myself frustrated for the positions that TJ's family was putting him in. I think my favorite part of this book was that there was a HEA-ish ending, which are always my favorites!

Wow! One twist after another - this kept me very interested and racing to the end of the book.

The Devlin family (mostly attorneys) - TJ is the family screw up with a criminal record and alcoholism but when his big brother, John, comes to him asking for help with a possible crime (murder) of his own, TJ jumps into action to investigate. Investigating brings a lot of danger as it seems that TJ is being followed. All of this while his sister Gabby asks him to investigate for a pro bono case. TJ is very busy indeed, all while trying to stay alive and keep his rescue cat, Mango, alive as well.

The family rallies to support each other but that is where all the twists and turns start.

I highly recommend this for a fast paced book that keeps you guessing. Scottoline is at her finest with this one.

I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I began reading Scottoline’s novels long before eBooks existed so I automatically put her new titles on my TBR list. This domestic murder mystery is about a family of lawyers set in Philadelphia. TJ is the family failure working as the firm’s investigator. His brother’s confession of killing a client puts family relationships in a new perspective. As TJ attempts to uncover what really happened some dark, deadly secrets are exposed. Cracks appear in their perfect family veneer. Status, wealth and appearances can’t fix everything. There is alcohol addiction in the family and it’s consequences affects so many more individuals than the abuser. The family, friends and loved ones all suffer, regaining and maintaining trust is an ongoing endeavor. TJ’s sister represents pro bono clients. Her current project involves prisoner drug trials and it is a fascinating case with alarming magnitude. She was my favorite but there’s several strong characters that are likeable, sleazy, shady, relatable and sympathetic. The story is filled with tension and suspense in a race to get answers.
An uncorrected ebook of “The Truth about the Devlins”, author Lisa Scottoline, published by G. P. Putnam’s Sons, was provided by NetGalley. These are all my own honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without compensation.

I have been a big fan of Lisa Scottline and she is one of my "must read" authors. However, this one fell short for me. I never really got that invested in the plot and I didn’t find it particularly fast paced.

Huge thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley for The Truth about the Devlins.

TJ Devlin is the black sheep of a prominent family of lawyers; he's an ex-con and studiously attending AA to remain sober after a terrible incident sent him to prison and ended his relationship with a wonderful woman.

But, when TJ's older brother, John, whom he idolizes, confesses to murder, it's up to TJ to figure out what happened, but will it destroy him and his family?

This is my first book by the author and I enjoyed it for the most part.

I liked the writing, it flowed, it was easy to read, and there were no multiple POVs, which I'm not a fan of.

TJ is a relatable, sympathetic character, trying to get his life back on track, desperate for his father's approval, and troubled by the mistakes of his past.

I like the legal procedural aspects of the book towards the end, but felt the narrative dragged, especially in the middle.

There was no suspense and a lack of urgency, despite there being a death and John confessing to murder.

It took too long to get to the point!

Most of the narrative revolved around the Devlins' family dynamics, the gaslighting, that John is the Golden Boy and TJ will be forever the screwup.

The happy ending is predictably corny, but I'll never scoff at a HEA.

Ms. Scotteline created a cast of characters who were equal parts compelling and toxic. Lots of moving pieces. Very fast paced and twisty. I was absolutely rivited by T.J.'s POV, a recovering alcoholic and ex-con who is a compelling unlikely hero. Fans of Succession and Murdough Murder will enjoy THE TRUTH ABOUT THE DEVLINS.

I fell in love with Scottoline's storytelling when I read What Happened to the Bennetts. The Truth About the Devlins cements her role on my must-read list. This is a novel no reader can put down.

TJ Devlin is the charming disappointment in the prominent Devlin family, all of whom are lawyers at their highly successful firm—except him. After a stint in prison and rehab for alcoholism, TJ can’t get hired anywhere except at the firm, in a make-work job with the title of investigator.

But one night, TJ’s world turns upside down after his older brother John confesses that he murdered one of their clients, an accountant he’d confronted with proof of embezzlement. It seems impossible coming from John, the firstborn son and Most Valuable Devlin.

TJ plunges into the investigation, seizing the chance to prove his worth and save his brother. But in no time, TJ and John find themselves entangled in a lethal web of deception and murder. TJ will fight to save his family, but what he learns might break them first.

Highly recommended. #TheTruthAboutTheDevlins #NetGalley #SaltMarshAuthorSeries

Lisa Scottoline is a master storyteller. The Truth About The Devlins is a brilliant, deeply layered novel and a compulsive, satisfying read. I love everything about the book.
This is a crime thriller about a family of lawyers with the exception of Tj- recovering alcoholic and recently released from prison. The story is gripping from the first pages as well as the twists and turns which will keep the pages flying. TJ is desperate to be in his family's good graces by helping his older brother out of a jam. Things quickly take a turn once he becomes entangled in the complexity of his older brother's life and the legal ramifications.
I loved TJ, his humor, his angst, his moral compass. His struggles with sobriety is presented with depth and humanity. Learning about the Prison medical tests on prisoners was infuriating and upsetting. This is a fast paced one that left me breathless and wanting more! Lisa Scottsline has done it again with her latest. For those who love legal dramas and multi-faced family tanglings, get yourself a copy of this one!
Thank you to NetGalley, G.P. Putnam’s Sons & Lisa Scottoline for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to netgalley for providing me with this arc for my honest review.

A family of lawyers except for TJ who is just recently out of prison. At his father birthday his brother tells him he may have killed a client so he rushes to help. Only then does everything get complicated. His brother lies about everything he’s told TJ when TJ tries to go to his parents for help and they just think TJ is drinking again.
I really enjoyed this book. I had a hard time putting it down.

The Truth about the Devlins by Lisa Scottoline is little slow to start but it picks up pace later and with enough twists and turns along the way, some of which I wasn’t expecting made it an interesting domestic /legal thriller read.

I would like to thank PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.

The Devlins are a family of well reputed attorneys, except for TJ, who is a recovering alcoholic and has done time in jail. But on the night of his father's birthday, when his older brother John confesses that he just might have murdered one of the clients, TJ seizes the opportunity to help his brother. Will TJ redeem himself and prove his brother innocent or will his investigation tear the family apart ?

The Truth about the Devlins by Lisa Scottoline is a well written domestic/legal thriller . With skillfully drawn characters and a tightly woven plot filled with twists and turns that left me hooked to the end.

I would like to thank PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.

A family of lawyers. The kids all have secrets from their parents. Which one should we believe? That's the main storyline of The Truth About the Devlins, the first book I've read from author Lisa Scottoline. Set in Philadelphia, the plot amps up suspense by drawing in various side stories, including a recovering alcoholic's battle to stay sober, a family torn by a past jail sentence, and relationships that have fallen further apart than we'd realized. Good character development and easy dialog. It felt a little too dramatic in some parts, as in how much can really happen to one family? So much murder, betrayal, and crimes that send people to jail. And the shootings and violence, wow! All good for a thriller, just a lot if you like it to be more realistic too. That said, I will read more from the author.

Lisa Scottoline’s THE TRUTH ABOUT THE DEVLINS is domestic suspense of the highest order. I could not put this one down.

Ex-con, recovering alcoholic TJ Devlin ‘works’ as an investigator in his prominent family’s law practice. Let’s be honest, it’s just about the only job he can get. When older (golden boy) brother John drags him out of a family gathering to admit to a serious crime, TJ can only help him. That help is thwarted when the evidence of the crime disappears and strange things begin to happen. TJ is left holding the bag when John throws him under the bus to his father, resulting in the much anticipated disappointment. TJ, however, holds firm to his commitment to his brother, whom he has always looked up to, and accepts his father’s outrage and ultimatums.

As TJ tries to set things right and protect the family, his sister, Gabby begins working on a lawsuit against Holmesburg prison, who conducted experimental testing on the inmates in the 1960s and 70s. As this investigation heats up, many people are attempting to silence the family on all fronts.

As always, I really enjoyed Lisa Scottoline’s writing style. I felt like I was a fly on the wall in the board room and racing down the streets of my very own Delaware County PA. I always love it when a novel is based in my area and I can picture the streets that the author is talking about. If you want a domestic suspense that will keep you entertained and engaged, don’t miss this one!

Thank you to Netgalley and GP Putnam & Sons for this ARC opportunity. All opinions are my own and given voluntarily.