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!