An enjoyable read with the humor and irony similar to some of her earlier novels. TJ, is the bad younger son in a family of high achieving lawyers. He is a recovering alcoholic. This book explores lots of topics, bad family dynamics, privilege, medical crimes against prisoners, politics, recovery and heartbreak and rebuilding your life TJ is a likeable character, i had to remind myself he was male as his emotional sensitivity and expressiveness. Another theme dealt with was betrayal, particularly among family members and how to forgive and create anew
4.5

The Develins are a family which have 4 members the mother, father, brother and sister are attorneys with a fifth member Tj who works for the firm as an investigator, Tj is an ex convict who is a recovering alcoholic and spent time in prison for leaving his girlfriends 2 year old daughter unattended in a car.
As the story begins a series of unexpected events unravel within the family and continues with many subplots and a very large cast of characters. As you weave your way throughout the book it keeps you guessing until the very end.
I have read virtually every book that this author has written and I wanted to love the book but I just didn't. It dragged at to many points and way to many people in the book made it hard to follow at times and I found myself just wanting to finish this and move on to something else. Will I read more from this author, yes, but I hope that her next book is more fulfilling to me than this was. I really wanted to give this a higher rating but this is how I felt about this effort.

Unlike most mystery/thrillers, this was a very character-driven story. We’re following TJ Devlin as he struggles with his past and his family. This was a redemption heavy story about making amends, being more than just a label, and the lengths one will go for family. I loved how the women in the story did not take a back seat. They were supportive of TJ from the start and the only ones willing to advocate for themselves and what was just. This book touches on some heavy topics - alcoholism, gambling, divorce, child endangerment, testing on people who were incarcerated, and embezzlement. I thought Scottoline handled these topics with care, while still creating an engaging plot that put the reader squarely in the MC’s mind. I can’t wait to read her next book in this genre!

Thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam/G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars.
TJ Devlin is a charming character, a tortured soul who becomes an unlikely hero. He is the black sheep of the family as an alcoholic who served time in prison due to his addiction. He’s a college drop out due to his addiction. His entire family is invested in the prestigious Devlin and Devlin law firm, except for him. He is a pity hire, only because he is a family member, albeit a disappointing one; he’s hired as an investigator for the law firm.

His investigative skills are out to the test as his older brother John confesses that he just murdered one of the clients, an accountant he’d confronted with proof of embezzlement. TJ immerses himself into the investigation, seizing the chance to prove his worth and save his brother. However TJ realizes that John is not really interested in TJ learning - and uncovering- the truth. John betrays TJ in the worst possible way and this is the point where themes of family loyalty, disloyalty, deception, honesty, unconditional love and forgiveness come into play.

There are a lot of intriguing twists in this mystery. It’s good storytelling, per Lisa Scottoline. It is fast paced and the characters are well developed. I’m tempted to give it 3 stars because I didn’t like most of the characters. However, Ms. Scottoline does an absolutely fabulous and thorough job of addressing addictions and family bonds, and the aforementioned thematic elements- all of which should be applauded. Therefore, 3.50 stars rounded up.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an unsolicited and honest review.

Lisa Scottoline definitely has a way with words, a wonderful way.
TJ, the ne'er do well son of the very do well Devlin family, who happens to be the defacto investigator of his high achieving successful family's law firm is called to a murder scene by his older brother John, an attorney in the family firm, who accidentally killed a man with a thrown rock.
Only when he gets to the supposed scene with John, there is no body. The person his brother thought he killed has vanished.
And the story begins.
Family intrigue, hidden secrets, with no one bring exactly who they appear to be, makes for a domestic thriller with twists and turns that keep you riveted.
I could not put this one down.
Another Scottoline home run.
Over the fence.

Lisa Scottoline's "The Truth about the Devlins" is a riveting domestic thriller that delves into family dynamics, justice, and the lies that can shatter familial bonds.

TJ Devlin, a black sheep in the esteemed Devlin family, is the only one of his siblings not working as a lawyer in their prestigious family firm. After a troubled past involving prison time and rehab for alcoholism, TJ finds himself in a dead-end job at the family firm as an investigator. His life takes a dark turn when his older brother, John, confesses to a shocking crime – the murder of a client, an accountant he confronted with evidence of embezzlement. It's an unthinkable act from John, who is not only the firstborn son but also the Most Valuable Devlin.

Determined to prove his worth and save his brother, TJ launches his own investigation into the murder. However, as he delves deeper into the case, he and John become entangled in a treacherous web of deception and death. TJ is faced with an excruciating dilemma: to protect his family, he must confront uncomfortable truths that could potentially shatter the very foundation of their existence.

Scottoline weaves a suspenseful narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The story explores the complexities of family relationships, ambition, and the lengths to which one will go to protect their loved ones. The characters are well-developed and multifaceted, and TJ's journey from a black sheep to a determined investigator is both compelling and relatable.

"The Truth about the Devlins" is a gripping exploration of how far people are willing to go to safeguard their family, even when the truth threatens to tear them apart. Scottoline's storytelling prowess shines through in this intense and thought-provoking thriller.

Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of The Truth About the Devlins by Lisa Scottoline.
After TJ Devlin’s time in prison and rehab, he joins the family firm as an investigator – in all likelihood a made-up job since TJ is the black sheep of the family. When his older brother, John, confesses he just committed murder, TJ dives into the investigation to try and save his brother as well as his self-esteem. But will HE (or someone in his family) be the next one murdered when he sticks his nose in where he doesn’t belong?
I finished The Truth About the Devlins in two days! It was very fast paced and kept my attention with lots of twists and turns in every chapter. Although all the members of their family had some sort of problem or predicament, they managed to prove that families stick together through all their disagreements and conflicts. I highly recommend this one!

I am a huge fan of Lisa Scottoline. Her stories just suck you in and keep you guessing. This book is no difference. I really enjoyed it.

Love TJ Devlin!
I can’t believe I just finished this amazing book
This book took me and hooked me from page one till the very end.
Devlin and Devlin and Devlin and Devlin, are a family run law firm by the Devlin family.
We meet TJ Devlin, right away, he is the black sheep of the family, their son, who is not a lawyer, and who has done time in jail.
His brother needs help because his brother feels he murdered a client

This will take you on such a twisty ride that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat, and cheering TJ, every step of the way

I love Lisa's storytelling. I wanted this to be a five star read. It just didn't do it for me. I still liked it but it wasn't something so memorable that I will think about it for a long time like I did with her previous book about the Bennett family. I'm not sure if I didn't love the main character or that there was too much happening, perhaps both? Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. Three stars.

Four Devlins, parents Paul and Marie, brother John and sister Gabby run the successful family law firm. The fifth Devlin, self-deprecating, recovering alcoholic and ex-con TJ is the titular firm “investigator.” It’s to TJ that John turns when he thinks he may have committed murder. What has happened is far more complicated than that and as TJ tries to help John, the family favorite, he is entangled in a net of complex crimes. These crimes can not only destroy his family and everything they have worked for but they may cost TJ his much valued sobriety and his life.

The Truth about the Devlins is a star turn by best-selling author Lisa Scottoline. Each character is so well described that you would recognize them on the street. However TJ, the sensitive black sheep of the family, will grab your heart. You want him to triumph, to find love and, seriously, to stay alive. You’ll have different feelings for other family members. This multilayered family drama/thriller has some difficult themes: medical experimentation, child neglect, addiction, greed and white collar crime. The satisfying, breathtaking conclusion will leave you hoping this is the first of a series featuring TJ Devlin. 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, PENGUIN GROUP Putnam and Lise Scottoline for this ARC.

I was not a fan of Lisa's historical novels so was super excited to see she was back to writing books like her previous ones. The Devlins are a family with their own law business. TJ has been to prison. John finds himself in a panic situation and goes to TJ for help. Before you know it, John has turned the family against TJ and it's a race for TJ to figure out what is going on. This book was good-kept my attention, but sort of dull compared to previous books by Lisa.

"Truth about the Devlins" is a fast-paced, addictive crime mystery that grips you from the very first page. With its well-constructed characterization and a realistic approach to a highly dysfunctional family dynamic, power struggles, and legal battles, this book is a thrilling rollercoaster ride.

Thomas Jefferson, aka T.J. Devlin, is the black sheep of his family of successful lawyers. He's a recovering alcoholic with a criminal record, and the only employment he can secure is within his own family's law firm. Instead of leveraging his family's privilege, he took responsibility for his past mistakes. T.J. pleaded guilty and served his time, striving every day to redeem himself. But when his golden-boy older brother, John, a criminal lawyer, needs his help with a murder case, T.J. finds himself entangled in a complex web of family secrets.

T.J. is brought to the alleged crime scene by John, who leaves in the middle of their father's birthday celebration. This sudden departure raises suspicions that T.J. might be in trouble again, a convenient scapegoat for the family. However, there's no dead body, blood, or the rock John insists he used to attack the alleged victim. John immediately relaxes and tries to conceal the incident, even lying to their parents, claiming that T.J. has relapsed into alcoholism, even though he's been sober for a considerable time. T.J. is determined to turn his life around, but he may still be stalking his ex, who is somehow linked to the crime that landed him in prison.

The situation takes a dark turn when the accountant is found shot the next day at a different location. T.J. becomes suspicious after realizing they are being followed by an unknown car. It appears that someone knows about their involvement with the victim. Ignoring his brother's objections, T.J. continues his investigation, unwittingly plunging himself into a perilous situation with nobody by his side due to his tarnished past. Meanwhile, he takes on a pro bono case assigned by his sister, Gabby, related to illegal drug tests conducted on inmates in multiple prisons by several pharmaceutical companies, resulting in terminal diseases.

As T.J. delves deeper into the case and faces his own demons, he begins to understand that his family is entangled in a perilous situation that could jeopardize their entire bond. Can the Devlins protect themselves from the looming threat, even if it proves more daunting than they could have ever imagined?

I admired T.J.'s character, his tenacious battle with addiction, his genuine efforts to learn from his mistakes, and his unwavering loyalty to his family, even when their own mistakes jeopardize his freedom. There were moments when I wished I could reach into the book and give him a well-deserved break.

In conclusion, "Truth about the Devlins" is a heart-pounding, captivating page-turner with a satisfying ending. Though it's not part of a series, I hope to see more of T.J. in future books, perhaps as a kickass lawyer. He's a compelling character who deserves a sequel.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam/ G. P. Putnam's Sons for providing me with a digital review copy of this exceptional book in exchange for my honest thoughts.

There is a lot going on in this novel — dynamics of a family law firm, alcohol addiction, medical experimentation, murders, corporate greed and corruption, etc. The telling of the story was compelling to this reader and forced me to read it in one day. There was even a touch of humor when the main character was inadvertently locked out of his car by a cat. The only negative comment (albeit small) is how tiresome it became to constantly have TJ feeling sorry for himself. Although I was certain as to who the guilty party was, there are several surprises along the way in this captivating novel.
I am a long time fan of Lisa Scottoline’s books (I definitely miss Bennie Rosato and her all female law firm adventures) and thank her for an intriguing stand alone book as well as NetGalley and G.P Putnam’s Sons for the opportunity to read and review this novel prior to publication.

Devlin & Devlin is a law firm, although it could be called Devlin & Devlin & Devlin & Devlin, which is really Mom & Dad & Oldest Son & Only Daughter. That’s actually missing a Devlin son, TJ, a recovering alcoholic and ex-con. He’s not drinking, long out of jail, and he’s employed as an investigator at the family firm, although his non-supportive family considers the job a “sinecure” — a position without responsibility, labor, or meaningful work. TJ would object to that assumption — he’s doing his best to deserve a paycheck and he’s been two years sober (despite what his family suspects).

TJ is the affable narrator and main character, no matter his black sheep status. He’s put in the unusual position of trying to help out his older brother, John (the Most Valuable Devlin), who believes he accidentally killed a client. The case gets more complicated and Top Devlin (John and TJ’s father) is a miserable person who will never give TJ the benefit of the doubt (or any love or trust). It doesn’t help that John throws his brother (who was trying to protect him) under the bus either. Mom keeps turning a blind eye and sister Gabby is in a world of her own. The Devlins are in danger thanks to John, but only TJ realizes it.

The author creates such an empathetic character in TJ that you can’t help rooting for him. He’s definitely struggling to stay sober and it’s mainly his family that gets in the way. I so wanted justice for TJ and bad karma for the rest of the Devlins. You’ll have to read this terrific domestic and legal thriller to find out if that happened. 5 stars!

Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES Both Gabby and Mango (a cat) have green eyes. Another character, Daniel, has “greenish” eyes.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO The brothers do argue over whether a trained plant is a mountain laurel or an azalea. I’d have sided with TJ since it’s easier to make a laurel into an arch (and mom later confirms that).

Thank you to Penguin Group/GP Putnam and NetGalley for a free advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!