Review of 'The Diamonds of Tilly Devine' by Jackie French
Release date: June 30th, 2026
Publisher: HQ Fiction
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REVIEW
Wow! I am just speechless after reading The Diamonds of Tilly Devine. What an incredible historical fiction mystery. It contains everything you want in this genre. Jackie French is an exceptional researcher and writer and it shows in this novel. The detail and accuracy in the time period is phenomenal. I truly felt transported to the 1930s in Sydney, Australia during the height of the depression.
Reading this novel was like watching a television series as it all played out so visually strong. It is a deep and complex story with known villains but also various potential suspects for the murders that occur. Appearances are challenged as many are not as they seem. The world that lies hidden in the crime realm is vast, tucked behind facades of morality and money. I really cannot praise The Diamonds of Tilly Devine enough. I knew it would be good but this went way beyond my expectations. I truly was pulled into this mind-bending world and lived it through the characters who were exquisitely drawn and delivered to perfection.
The book’s title is an interesting one. The diamonds are not what you expect. In fact, the title made me think the story was about one thing but in fact it was about a very different topic. The strong yet sometimes scary character of Tilly Devine was inspired by an English Australian organised crime boss of the 1930s which is when the story is set. But as Jackie French states in her Author notes, her version of this woman is purely fictional. But what a fascinating creation as this Tilly kept me turning the pages in awe of her fearlessness, respect, protectiveness, connections, instincts and activities. She fiercely looks after her diamond girls and satisfies her customers. Yes, she loves her jewels but carries a pistol in her handbag. You would not want to be on the wrong side of her! She reigns supreme over her empire of bootleg whisky and gambling clubs. But one of her quieter business arms is providing brides for men in high and or precarious positions— such as men who stood a lot to lose if they were found out. By entering these arranged marriages, these women keep up the act of ‘normalcy’ as society and law see it at the time. Tilly certainly delivered on all her promises and offered men a chance to marry women who understood the circumstances in exchange for a comfortable home, financial security and possibility of children. It was preferred the couple become acquainted, and see if they liked each other or were compatible. The arrangement worked better if they did. These women came from various backgrounds and were hand-picked by Tilly after being observed.
Main character Constance McKie is an impoverished attractive young woman. She has just lost her mother, who has been sick for years. Now that she is gone, Constance is left in a terrible situation. When Tilly comes along, she has three choices in front of her: to starve, take her own life or become a ‘diamond’ girl. Even though a diamond’s life is complex and taxing, she decides to go for it. And although the first while of training is not too bad, what is to come will be harder than she imagined. Especially when she is hooked up with a difficult character who proves to be not what she expects. But from that experience, another springs forth that will provide love like she has never known. And yet in her happiest moments there will be challenges and dangers lurking in the background. Through her harrowing experiences, we get to see how tough Connie really is and the diamond she has become.
The novel ends on a high note—even a positive one. The court scenes, the various characters, the events, all of it was pure mesmerising to follow. Even the Author Notes at the back were as amazing as the novel. You not only get a clear picture of what Jackie attempted to convey in the story but can see how successful she was in delivering those important life and death messages and themes. I highly recommend this incredible historical fiction mystery that took my breath away. The Diamonds of Tilly Devine is a 5 Star masterpiece. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Huge thanks to HQ Fiction/Insider for a review copy.
