Devil's Hand: A Fischer at Law Novel

by Lori B. Duff

For fans of the new Matlock reboot, a legal thriller featuring an idealistic young lawyer who believes her bruised and abused client . . . even after discovering that client is keeping secrets that are beyond belief.

Attorney Jessica Fischer is back, and this time she feels good about helping her client. Susan Wolan is the wife of a county commissioner and the victim of domestic violence. Jessica knows the abuse happened—she’s seen the handprints on Susan’s body. But she also suspects her client is holding something back from her. What is it—and can she help save Susan from her powerful and connected abuser without damaging her own career?

As if all this weren’t enough, Jessica is simultaneously forced to deal with her estranged father, who has just come back into her life with secrets of his own. After a fall lands him in the emergency room, Jessica realizes that he and her paralegal, Diane—a person she depends on to keep her sane—might be falling for each other. She wonders if she’ll be able to stop herself from falling . . . apart.

Genres: Thriller

318 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 7, 2025

About the author

Lori Duff is a two-time winner of the Georgia Bar Journal's fiction competition and a popular humor Blogger. Her humorous essays have won multiple awards, including the Foreword Indies Gold Medal for humor, and first place in the National Society for Newspaper Columnists in the humor category. She also writes fiction. Her novella, Broken Things, won the Georgia Independent Author of the Year Award for Literary Fiction. Her novel, Devil's Defense, the first in the Fischer at Law Series, won the GIAYA award for Legal Thrillers, and is a finalist in the National Indie Excellence Awards. Devil's Hand, the next in the series, is forthcoming in October 2025 from She Writes Press.

By day, she is the managing law partner of Jones & Duff, LLC and wages war for a living. She prefers making people laugh.

Lori is married to her husband of 26 years, Mike, and together they have two grown children and a rescue dog.

Reviews

[Bharath · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first book in the series introduced Jessica Fischer (looking to setup a practice in a new place). This is the second book in the series – the story is standalone but I still recommend reading the first book for character context.

Susan Wolan, wife of Ray Wolan (County Commissioner from District Two) meets Jessica and says that she wants a divorce. She shows her bruises on her hands which she says are due to Ray. Though Jessica knows there are risks involved in going against Ray, she feels strongly about the case and takes it. There is a lot of action on the personal front for Jessica. Her dad Michael visits her. He hadn’t been in regular touch after his divorce with Jessica’s mother. The visit helps Jessica understand her dad better. Diane Myers who helps Jessica in the office also has a positive view of Michael. Bobby is Jessica’s boyfriend, and they think it is time the parents meet them. There are some surprises in court in Susan’s case.

The case is simple and quite the usual. Though there is a twist, there is not much tension to the story. A big portion of the book is devoted to Jessica’s relationships, and I did not expect that. The story could have done with some more novelty, and the middle sections could have been crisper.


Thanks to Netgalley, She Writes Press and the author for a free electronic review copy.

[Lynn Hesse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the honest look through Jessica's character lens at how personal biases and past traumas play out in both personal and professional realms. Jessica learned that listening and accepting another human being without judgment was impossible, but accepting her own flaws made it easier to empathize. I like this self-examining protagonist who occasionally loses it.

To boot, the story is a page-turner.-Lynn

[The Page Ladies Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jessica Fischer is back, and this time she’s representing Susan Wolan, the wife of a county commissioner who’s a victim of domestic violence. Right away, you feel the weight of this case. Jessica knows the abuse is real she’s seen the bruises but she also senses Susan is keeping something from her. That tension had me flipping pages, desperate to know what secret was lurking in the shadows.

On top of the case, Jessica’s personal life is unraveling. Her estranged father suddenly reappears with more baggage than she’s ready for, and to make matters worse, he seems to be sparking something with Diane, Jessica’s rock-solid paralegal. Watching Jessica try to juggle her career, her client’s safety, and her own messy family drama made her feel so real and relatable.

What I loved most is how Lori B. Duff blends sharp legal drama with emotional depth. Jessica’s voice is witty and sharp, but you can feel the vulnerability simmering underneath. The courtroom battles are intense, but it’s the human struggles trust, betrayal, forgiveness that really stay with you.

[Susan Sparrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not every author who can do smart AND funny, but Lori B. Duff nails it. This legal drama is realistic but gripping with its multiple twists and turns. It's humorous but also heart-wrenching with the main character's evolving story arc. The intertwined plot lines and well written, believable dialogue will keep you up late to finish it. Can't wait for the next book in this series!

[Esther · Rating 4 out of 5]

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This review is cross-posted. Check out the original post with the full review [HERE]
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Disclaimer: A copy of this book was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. This does not impact the review and all opinions are my own. Thank you to Books Forward and the author!
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With her first major case behind her, Jessica has finally begun to get a foot in the door that is establishing her law firm in the town of Ashton, Georgia. The coach’s fame and her success has brought her more attention and a larger client base and this time she will be assisting her latest major client with a divorce case. This time, she won’t feel gross and convicted on the inside, because she’s seen the bruises on Susan Wolan’s body and this…this is exactly why she went through law school hell…to the defend the weak and make a difference in someone’s life!

However, this won’t be an easy case and right from the start she knows she’s going to have to fight yet another uphill battle. For one thing, the person that Susan is accusing of being abusive is not only the country commissioner, but one that is known to be a bit of a soft spoken wuss, at least in public. To top this all off, Susan is being pretty rather tightlipped about something and Jess would spend a better part of the book trying to get her client to tell her the full story. The last place she wants this all to spill out would be in court!

I enjoyed this read. I think it’s better executed than the first book, a bit better in pacing for both story and character relationships. Things get a little more serious between Jessica and Bobby though there are still some ups and downs. Book 1 built a good foundation for Devil’s Hand and this case gets a bit more intense than the civil suit in Devil’s Defense. There’s a bit more at stake this time around. The court scene sure packed more heat in this book and there were even some eyebrow raising moments. Just as in book one, there’s no shortage of troubles and issues that arise during her investigations into the divorce. The ending? I’m pretty sure I had my mouth open, as gobsmacked as Jessica was. In fact, I even let out a single loud cackling, “Ha!??” Honestly, exasperating.

A good read, I hope to see more of Jessica Fischer one day.

[Chelsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Attorney Jessica Fischer has just had a battered woman reach out to assist her in getting a divorce. Although she seems odd, Jessica thinks it could be all of the abuse that has made her timid and very reserved. The husband though, is a well known county commissioner and so this could potentially be another big case. Another case to prove herself. As she digs into things though, it seems something isn't quite adding up, but she saw the marks herself. Even took photos for evidence! Yet the husband seems to be complying with all they are asking as the process is started through the courts. Some days she feels great about this case and other days, Susan's answers leave her with even more questions. While trying to get this case under control and the best outcome based on what her client wants, she is also dealing with her father unending her life with a visit that turns into more than just a quick visit. With everything going on, she might just be at her breaking point. This was another fast read court drama, and I enjoyed that she pulled a character from the first book into this one as well. Thank you to the author and Books Forward for the complementary novel. This review is of my own opinion and accord.

[booksy.tx.ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devils hand is so appropriate.
We’re back at it with Jessica in the wild world of law. Now she’s defending Susan Wolan in an abusive divorce case, but all isn’t as it’s told. Everything in Jessica’s life is coming unraveled. She’s dealing with many different relationships and new elements to handle. There are many emotional upheavals she’s having to come to terms with and find a way through. She’s finding her way in Ashton and maybe finding she doesn’t fit as much as she wants to. This is a great story and so well written. It keeps you engaged and interested in the case and Jessica’s life as a whole.

Jessica is quite the complicated character. She’s a great representation of a true person because of her imperfections. In Devils Defense, I found her to be a bit judgmental, but everyone can be at times. However, in this one, I felt like her judgments and feminist stance really took a hard edge. She became a bit unlikable to me for a bit in the story. I do believe I’ll continue reading; I don’t find her unredeemable.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Law — and much more

Without revealing the plot, I have to say that besides the twisty legal story of an abused wife seeking a divorce, there are more very thoughtful layers to the latest Jessica Fischer story by Lori B. Duff. For instance, how does Jessica navigate reconnecting with her father, who visits looking for reconciliation after years of estrangement? And as a child of divorce, how does adult Jessica deal with conflicting feelings about future parenthood when everyone around her seems to take for granted that she’ll one day be a mother? And then there’s the challenge of taking on and trying to understand and respect the wishes and beliefs of a client Jessica has nothing in common with. The Devil’s Hand is written with a light, deft touch that makes for easy reading, but then provokes deep consideration on important topics. It’s rare to be entertained and challenged at the same time. Definitely a great read on many levels.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It had drama, romance, humor, and I felt I knew the characters personally. When a book makes you care about the characters and their outcome, you know it’s a good book.

[Aurora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessica Fischer has been living in Ashton, Georgia, for four years when Devil’s Hand takes place. Her client, Susan Wolan, comes to her office seeking legal help after alleging that she’s been battered by her husband, Ray Wolan, who also happens to be the county commissioner. Jessica believes her, but things take a strange turn when Susan insists her husband is possessed by demons. Jessica suspects her client isn’t telling the whole truth. While trying to bring justice to Susan, Jessica is also juggling her personal life, navigating her growing relationship with her boyfriend, Bobby, and the sudden reappearance of her estranged father. Throughout the book, Jessica goes through a lot of emotional growth. She has abandonment issues that make her an avoidant partner, yet deep down there is a real desire for trust and connection.

Her father’s arrival forces her to confront those issues head-on. I really enjoyed his character, he is a work in progress (especially in the dating department). Their evolving relationship was one of my favorite parts of the story. Forgiveness became one of the central themes in this book, not just between Jessica and her father but within herself and her clients. Her friendship with her paralegal, Diane, becomes strained when Diane and her father grow close. Jessica’s shows her complexity as a character as she works out the tangle of emotions this brings forth, encapsulating the essence of the layers that makes us human.

I found Jessica to be a strong, independent feminist, but in this book, she learns she needs to see people more objectively, especially her clients. Her instincts were right that Susan was a victim, but she finds out that things aren’t always black and white. Jessica learns how to hold onto herself and find balance while navigating small-town ideals, faith-driven communities, a male-dominated career, and her own insecurities. Devil’s Hand captures that tension between justice, belief, and personal growth and I think Jessica’s journey will resonate with readers who love layered, character-driven legal thrillers.

I’d like to thank Books Forward PR and Lori B. Duff for the ARC and the opportunity to read and share my review of this book.

[Jill Rey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessica Fischer is married to her work; she takes her cases personally and her pursuit of justice seriously. So, when meek and feeble housewife, Susan Wolan, enters her law office covered in bruises shaped like handprints Jessica immediately agrees to take her on. Looking for a divorce, Jessica Fischer is all too happy to help this woman obtain the justice and freedom she seemingly deserves, but something isn’t adding up.

Interwoven amongst Susan’s case is a visit from Jessica’s father, a man she hasn’t seen or had much of a relationship with for years. With his abandonment early in her life and his incessant flirtation with women, Jessica is forced to face her own childhood traumas and assumptions. “Devil’s Hand” intertwines the law with reality and personal lives with professional responsibilities, as Jessica feels the pressures and expectations for children, caring for parents, and facing a past that’s beginning to boil over.

Author Lori B. Duff has penned a strong, relatable, and hardworking career woman as her lead character. Jessica is fierce, bold, and not afraid to speak up for herself, even when it’s uncomfortable or poorly timed. In a profession filled with men, Jessica proves once again she can hold her own, even when the circumstances of her case take an unexpected turn.

Contrasting Jessica’s powerful personality, Duff delivers the sweet, loving, culinary, and attentive Bobby. Balancing fearlessness with abandonment, past with present, and darkness with light, “Devil’s Hand” takes Jessica’s case and personal life into uncharted territory.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A domestic abuse case causes small town attorney Jessica Fischer to confront deeply held beliefs and issues from her past in Devil’s Hand, the new entry in the excellent Fischer at Law series by Lori B. Duff. Jessica’s new client is Susan Wolan, the very submissive wife of a county commissioner. Jessica listens to her story, photographs her bruises and mounts an aggressive case against her husband. She is also trying to convince Susan, who believes her husband is master of the house and family, to testify against him. Then her own father, who left her and her mother when she was thirteen, comes for a visit hoping to reconcile and stays longer than expected. Jessica’ relationship with reporter Bobby becomes more serious and she meets his family. Suddenly it seems like everyone, her father, her flirtatious assistant and Bobby’s parents, want her to have a baby. With all this on her mind, she doesn’t see her case collapsing.

Legal thriller Devil’s Hand is compulsively readable, carefully plotted with an atmospheric location.. Jessica is intelligent, diligent and emotionally wounded. Bobby is the perfect person to support her but his career makes that difficult. And who couldn’t love mouthy, opinionated, gossipy Diane? I cant wait for the next in this series. 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, She Writes Press and Lori B. Duff for this ARC.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars rounded up to 4

This is the second book in the Jessica Fischer series. This time, she is representing Susan Wolan, the wife of a county commissioner who is in need of Jessica’s legal help due to domestic violence. Jessica is quick to step in. At the same time, Jessica’s estranged father comes for a visit. This brings up past feelings she needs to deal with.

Like the first book, Duff’s series explores a legal matter, but focuses heavily on character development and the nuanced, gray areas of the law. As a fan of legal thrillers, this type of book, which is a little heavier on story than courtroom drama, took some getting used to, since it was a bit different from other legal books I've read. However, I did enjoy both books, and I plan to follow the series.

I see Jessica, the lawyer, as a young lady who is definitely learning and growing from her mistakes. When she took on this case, I was silently sending her vibes to do things differently (I won’t spoil anything). But she had to experience and learn from so much in this book, both on a personal level and as a lawyer. Is she even a bit bratty at times? I think so. At times, I’m not sure I even like her. But flawed can be okay.

If you think you don’t care for legal thrillers (fiction), give these a try: Devil’s Defense and her newest book, Devil’s Hand. As I mentioned, they are a little different.

[Stacey E. · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one took me a bit to get through, and even after I finally finished it, I was left feeling underwhelmed. It wasn’t quite the story I was hoping for. The twist was surprisingly predictable and I guessed it very early on, which made the buildup fall flat.

A big part of my struggle was with Jessica. She consistently got on my nerves, with her “woe is me” attitude in nearly every situation. Instead of feeling sympathetic toward her, I found myself getting frustrated, which made it hard to stay invested. She often felt more like a perpetual victim than a fully developed, dynamic character.

The writing itself was okay, but the overall story felt sub-par. There was so much extra detail about Jessica’s personal life that didn’t seem to move the plot forward. Those sections dragged the pacing down and made the book feel much longer than it actually was.

In the end, this just wasn’t what I had hoped for. While I can appreciate some elements, the predictable twist, slow pacing, and an unlikeable main character made it a miss for me.

Thank you NetGalley and She Writes Press for the opportunity to read and review this advanced copy.

[Caroline Connell · Rating 5 out of 5]

After enjoying the first book in this series, I was anxious to read the second novel. Loved the continuation of Jessica Fischer's journey navigating life in a small town while building her law practice. This legal case had many twists and turns that keeps the reader on her toes. And the secondary characters make the story that much fuller, dealing with issues that affect us all. Highly recommend. A fun read! With a cliffhanger ending...ready for the next installment.
(Thank you to She Writes Press for an Advance Reader Copy.)

[Melanie Houghton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure how much I’d like this book when I first started reading it. It’s the 2nd in the series and I haven’t read the first one. I had a hard time getting into the first couple chapters. But boy am I glad I kept going! It works as a stand alone and made me curious about how some things happened. I’ll be reading the first one now. The characters are entertaining, enjoyable and Bobby’s mind is very fascinating. We got to see Jessica grow professionally and emotionally. Do we like Coach or not? I can’t wait for the next book.

[RebeccaReviewedIt · Rating 4 out of 5]

was sent the sequel to Devil’s Defense, and we’re back with Jessica Fischer. Her case with her new client seems cut and dry, but her client keeps making things harder for her. Not to mention that the ex-husband to be has hired about the last lawyer that Jessica wants to deal with. It’s a pretty easy, low stakes read. It is a legal thriller, so you kind of feel behind the scenes of the legal case. The book seems to wrap up pretty well, leaves the door wide open for a third book if she wanted. Thank you so much to Books Forward for my copy!

[Elizabeth Behrman · Rating 3 out of 5]

very much like its predecessor: good, not great. I am growing to like the central character Jessica Fischer somewhat better. I do like her thinking through things (the novel claims she overthinks everything but i don't agree). Less of a fan of her anger problem. I get that she was brought up less than nurturatively but it still seems a bit over the top. Getting to like her love interest Bobby more. Still a fan of her best friend, and want to know more. Will read the next one.

[Jill Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lori Duff has done it again! Devil’s Hand, Book Two of the Fischer at Law Series is as fulfilling and fun as the first. Many of the endearing characters have returned with more depth and new ones introduced. Romances have ignited and a legal issue embroiled. Intrigue and plot twists make this a fabulous page-turning read. I look forward to the next one in the series!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lori knows how to create relevant story threads throughout "Devils Hands." Jessica, the protagonist, finds herself fighting for a Southern Baptist woman who believes her husband is filled with the devil. Signs of physical abuse map her client's body. This challenges Jessica in a new way. She begins to learn that representing her client doesn't mean that she must share the same belief systems or that her client's well-being isn't Jessica's responsibility.
Living in a rural town means Jessica has to make a lot of social adjustments as well.
This is a page turner. I'm ready for the next book in "A Fisher at Law novel."