The Diamonds of Tilly Devine

by Jackie French

From bestselling author Jackie French comes a compelling book about the choices we make and the chances we never dreamed we'd be given.


1931. The height of the Depression, Sydney, New South Wales

They were beautiful, sparkling and irresistible.

Nice girls do not accept employment from infamous Tilly Devine, the brothel owner with jewels on her fingers and a pistol in her handbag. All of Sydney knows her as the queen of crime, ruling an empire of bootleg whisky and gambling clubs, and rumour has it she's quick to pull the trigger on anyone who crosses her - including her husband.

Yet, destitute after her mother's death, Constance McKie realises she has three choices: starve, jump over The Gap, or enter a life no respectable girl would dare consider. When Tilly Devine offers her a role as one of her 'diamonds', Connie finds that perhaps she's not the girl she thought she was.

A diamond's role is complex, demanding, usually glamorous and entirely secret, and kept far away from Tilly's world of gang wars, bribery and blackmail. But when murder is suspected in the mansion that becomes her home, Connie soon learns that it's not only diamonds that are tougher than steel.

PRAISE FOR JACKIE FRENCH

'I personally consider Jackie French the queen of historical fiction, and let me tell you, she did not disappoint ... I was absolutely hooked until the final page.' Better Reading on The Whisperer's War

'There aren't many books that make me reach for a tissue as I read the final chapter, but this did.' Good Reading on The Whisperer's War

Genres: Historical Fiction

368 pages, Paperback

Expected publication June 30, 2026

About the author

Jackie is an award-winning writer, wombat negotiator and the Australian Children’s Laureate for 2014-2015. She is regarded as one of Australia’s most popular children’s authors, and writes across all genres - from picture books, history, fantasy, ecology and sci-fi to her much loved historical fiction. In her capacity as Australian Children’s Laureate, ‘Share a Story’ will be the primary philosophy behind Jackie’s two-year term.

Reviews

[Tabetha (tabsbooknook) · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review: The Diamonds Of Tilly Divine by @jackie_french_ published by @hqbooks
Release date: 30 June 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Big thanks to @betterreadingau for providing me with an early copy of this book as part of their preview campaign on their new app WAYR.
This is the first book of Jackie’s I’ve read but it won’t be the last! I’m coming to realise I love a historical fiction story, especially those set in Australia.
I had a basic understanding of lady crime boss Tilly Divine and her war with Kate Leigh from the TV series Underbelly. This story has Ms Divine as a driving force behind the future of our FMC Connie, who like many others during the Great Depression has become destitute and is ready to take herself to The Gap.
Tilly offers Connie an alternative, become one of her illustrious diamonds, true ladies of society, and never want for anything else again.
This story veered in ways I did not expect it to and I ate it up. There’s a murder or two involved, corruption but also at the heart of it, love and found family. It was an eye opener into Sydney in the 1930s with society trying to recover from one world war before the next one begins.

[Karyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Diamonds of Tilly Devine – Review

Jackie French delivers her usual compelling storytelling in The Diamonds of Tilly Devine. This is an emotional and gripping Australian historical novel with a dark edge.

Set during the Great Depression, the story follows Constance (Connie) McKie, a young woman forced into desperate choices after her mother’s death. Facing starvation or even the bleak alternative of jumping from The Gap, Connie must decide whether to abandon respectability to survive.

Enter Tilly Devine—the notorious crime boss known for prostitution, violence, and bootlegging. Tilly has been watching Connie, recognising something in her that could be shaped into one of her prized “diamonds.” With few options left, Connie is drawn into Tilly’s world, entering a marriage of convenience and a life that appears glamorous on the surface but is steeped in crime, secrecy, and danger.

When a suspected murder puts Connie’s life at risk, she must navigate this perilous world carefully—but Tilly Devine is not known for abandoning her diamonds.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and found it difficult to put down. I was completely invested in Connie’s journey and eager to see how her story would unfold.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Between the two great wars there was a period in Australia where two women ran the criminal underworld in Sydney, Tilly Devine and Kate Leigh were renowned for their brutal antics. Poverty was rampant and many women turned to prostitution, drug running and sly grog to survive. In The Diamonds of Tilly Devine, Jackie French uses this backdrop and crafts an engaging and gripping story about Constance (Connie) McKie. Connie is destitute after her mother’s death. The bailiff has repossessed everything she owns; she has been ousted from her home, has no ready skills and her options are limited. Enter Tilly Devine who offers Connie an opportunity that will provide security and comfort, as one of her ‘diamonds’. It sounds too good to be true and Connie must decide if aligning herself with the notorious Tilly is a risk she is willing to take.
Connie as the central character is interesting due to her many flaws, she is naïve, she is frightened of her future, and she is hopeful that she can obtain a secure life. These attributes lead to Connie making decisions that will have you shaking your head in disbelief as your concerns about her future escalates. Connie discovers that being a diamond is about pledging loyalty to Tilly and being the happy face of a marriage that is built on convenience. Connie wants security and the man wants the respectability of being married. Compatibility would be nice, and Connie is sure that she can make the situation work to her advantage. She soon discovers her arranged marriage comes with danger and she needs to find a way to protect herself.
French has an uncanny ability to bring history to life through her words; she not only captures the mood of the time, builds realistic worlds but creates characters that are diverse and believable. If you want to explore the seedy underworld of Sydney, pick this book up, you will not be disappointed.

Thanks to HQ Insiders for the ARC, views are mine

[Rachael Fletcher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from HQ Insiders.

'The Diamonds of Tilly Devine' is a historical novel set in Sydney during the Great Depression. The story follows Constance McKie, whose life intersects with the criminal underworld associated with the infamous Tilly Devine. As Constance navigates poverty, family hardship and difficult choices, the novel explores the challenges of survival while blending fictional characters with real historical events.

One of the novel's strengths is its intriguing premise. Jackie French offers an imaginative interpretation of how Tilly Devine may have expanded her wealth, providing an interesting fictional perspective on one of Australia's most notorious historical figures. Readers interested in Australian history are likely to appreciate the references to the era, particularly the portrayal of Tilly Devine and the social conditions of the time. The novel also presents a feminist perspective, highlighting women striving for independence and control over their own futures during a period when opportunities for financial security and personal autonomy were limited.

While the historical setting and concepts were engaging, I found it difficult to connect with the characters. They often felt underdeveloped, making it challenging to become emotionally invested in their journeys. The dialogue also felt somewhat formal and unnatural, with some conversations lacking a smooth or believable flow. In addition, the pacing was uneven, with major events unfolding quickly and, at times, without enough development to create a strong emotional impact.

Overall, 'The Diamonds of Tilly Devine' presents an interesting historical premise and offers an imaginative glimpse into a fascinating period of Australian history. Although the historical elements and themes appealed to me more than the characterisation and pacing, readers who enjoy historical fiction centred on real-life figures and lesser-known aspects of Australia's past may still find it an engaging read.

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 5 out of 5]

1931. Surry Hills, New South Wales. After nursing her sick mother for five years and she passes away, Constance McKie finds herself evicted and homeless, and she has no family to help. The country is in the grip of a depression, people are starving and Constance is considering jumping off The Gap, and joining her parents.

Tilly Devine has been secretly watching her, she’s offers Connie a chance to be one of her 'diamonds', she will not be a prostitute, but a member of elite group of women. Tilly acts as a type of match maker and men use her service for a variety of reasons, it might give her the opportunity to get married, have a family and hopefully leave the city.

Tilly Devine is a rich madam, she owns real estate, is the queen of Sydney's underworld crime gangs, involved in the sly grog trade, and been arrested more than once, rumoured to carry a gun in her purse and has cops on her payroll.

I received a copy of The Diamonds of Tilly Devine by Jackie French from NetGalley and Harlequin Australia in exchange for an unbiased review. I really liked this narrative it was quite easy to imagine a nice girl like Constance finding herself homeless and destitute and Tilly offered her a way to escape this.

But when someone is involved in crime, in dark and seedy things, of course Constance’s path to happiness isn’t an easy one, without risk and danger. A body is found in the house she is living in, Constance discovers that diamonds have to be strong, stick together, they have a bond and Tilly never gives up and neither should she.

A gusty story by Jackie French, she always delivers and I expected not to be disappointed and I wasn't. Five stars from me and I would like to read a sequel and find out what happens next to Connie and Jim Pardner?

[Jennifer (JC-S) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sydney, 1931. During the height of the Depression Constance (Connie) McKie becomes destitute. Her mother has died, she is evicted from her dwelling in Surry Hills, and she believes that she has three choices available to her: suicide, prostitution or starvation. Connie is aware that Tilly Devine has been watching her. Tilly Devine? Yes, that Tilly Devine: the bejewelled brothel owner who carries a pistol in her handbag. Connie is surprised when Tilly offers her a role as one of her ‘diamonds’.

‘A diamond's role is complex, demanding, usually glamorous and entirely secret, and kept far away from Tilly's world of gang wars, bribery and blackmail.’

A diamond’s role can lead to a wealthy marriage. And marriage is offered to Connie: an opportunity to leave Sydney and poverty behind. Prepared and trained, Connie enters a world which will prove to include both danger and happiness.

I became immersed in this novel. I could imagine Tilly Devine as portrayed, the marriages of convenience for the reasons described, and the heartbreaking physical and emotional scars of the Great War. There are other aspects to the story as well, and it is not clear until very close to the end how the story will resolve.

I finished the novel hoping for a bright future for Connie.

Note: My thanks to NetGalley and HQ Fiction for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

[Charlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jackie French’s “The Diamonds of Tilly Devine” is set in Sydney in the 1930s, and describes a world of both extreme poverty and glittering extravagance. The story follows Constance McKie, a destitute young woman who saves herself from starvation by accepting employment from the notorious gangland queen, Tilly Devine. Connie becomes one of Tilly's "diamonds"—only to find herself tangled in a dark web of suspicion and murder.

The strength of the novel lies in the vivid depiction of the grimy, desperate, gang-ruled streets of Surry Hills, juxtaposed with the lavish homes and lifestyle of the wealthy. Tilly Devine is a fascinating, complex historical figure, and the other characters are also interesting and well developed.

However, it seems that, at times, the pacing of the novel falters, and the narrative loses plausibility. While the novel promises to be a high-stakes crime thriller, the momentum of the story does not always follow through.

This novel offers a highly atmospheric historical read, but certain aspects of the plot prevent it from fully captivating and engaging the reader throughout the novel.

Thanks to HQ Insiders for the Advanced Reader Copy.

[Brant D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Australian History Brought to Life !

This was first Jackie French read, i've known of her work for years but just never got around to picking one up.

Set during the Great Depression, the novel follows Connie McKie, a young woman pushed to the edge after her mother’s death, left choosing between starvation or something even more desperate. Just when things seem hopeless, she catches the attention of the infamous Tilly Devinea ruthless crime boss involved in prostitution, violence, and bootlegging who sees potential in Connie to become one of her prized “diamonds.” With nowhere else to turn, Connie is drawn into Tilly’s dangerous world, entering a marriage of convenience and a life that looks glamorous on the surface but is full of crime, secrets, and constant risk. When a suspected murder puts her in real danger, Connie has to carefully navigate her situation, knowing Tilly isn’t the kind of person who lets her girls go easily. I really enjoyed this book it was hard to put down, and I found myself completely hooked on Connie’s story and keen to see how everything would unfold.

I'm looking forward to reading Jackie's previous works

[Sharon J · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Diamonds of Tilly Devine by Jackie French was a fascinating story set in New South Wales, Australia, starting in the 1930s in Surrey Hills, Sydney where Constance, having looked after her mother for many years until she died now finds herself homeless and in the verge of going to The Gap to end it all. However Tilly Devine, who successfully runs brothels offers her to become one of her ‘diamonds’ who are special ladies for men needing wives.

The story is complex but also very heart moving with lots of fearful moments when it looks like everything will fall apart.

Well written with captivating characters and intriguing plots. Excellent portrayal of the period.

Highly recommended read.

This review is based on a complimentary copy from Harlequin Australia via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#TheDiamondsOfTillyDevine #NetGalley

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story from Jackie French.

What choices does a woman who has no job or a home have in Sydney in 1931. She can jump off the Gap, join the homeless and live on the street or she can sell her body. Luckily for Constance, the infamous Tilly Devine offers her another choice - become one of Tilly's diamonds. A diamond is a complex role, glamorous and secret but one that offers comfort and security. Diamonds owe a loyalty to Tilly but at the same time, they are kept apart from the underbelly that is Tilly's world.

Constance accepts the offer and her arranged marriage appears to be wonderful. However, it is soon obvious that there is a very dark side to this arrangement. In order to find a path to happiness she must be strong like a "diamond" and never give up as she faces these dangers.

I thoroughly enjoyed the novel as the characters were captivating and it was a great description of the period.

Thanks to HQ insiders for my copy

[Annette Heslin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was looking forward to reading this book and it sure didn't disappoint. I haven't read a Jackie French book yet that I haven't liked. But the mere mention of Tilly Devine - Female Gangster of the Underworld had me wanting to reach out and read this particular book.

Constance (Connie) McKie whose father died in a tragic accident moved with her mother to be closer to schools and an education. But her mother became ill and Connie cared for her for the last seven years until she passed away.

No money and all her their worldly possessions repossessed, Connie was offered a job by Tilly to be one of her Diamonds. Uncertain and wary she accepted and so became a life that she never dreamed she would have. It wasn't an easy life with ups and downs, murder, love, happiness and riches. To tell would spoil the story as it needs to be read to be enjoyed.

A fantastic read, and an ending that was perfect for Connie.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to HQ Insiders for the ARC of this novel - I couldn't wait to get my hands on it!

I am a fan of Jackie French .... She has an amazing way of weaving stories together and this one is no different. Set in the era of Tilly Devine and Kate Leigh, Australia's notorious female gangsters, it's the story of one woman's determination to survive and live a life worth living.

I find Tilly Devine fascinating .... The glamour, the crime - and let's be honest - she's what drew me to this book. But Tilly isn't the heroine of this story. It's Connie. And what a diamond she is. Her kindness, strength and ability to see the best in people makes her a character you can't help but like.

An enjoyable read with an awesome storyline, based on a simple rumour ...... Who knows if it was true?

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it when a new Jackie French book turns up. She never fails to deliver a wonderful tale, full of believable, amazing characters. The Diamonds of Tilly Devine did not disappoint. Set in depression era New South Wales, it tells the story of Connie, who becomes one of Tilly Devine’s diamonds. Tilly is, amongst other things, a brothel owner, but she keeps her best girls for more important positions, offering them up to men who are in the market for a more permanent arrangement with the women. These women are her diamonds.
Connie’s lot in life has a number of ups and downs, and we ride them with her. This was such a wonderful story. I loved every minute of it.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.

[Maree Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jackie French is a must read author for me now. I just love her writing style. This is the 4th book of hers that I have read. I started with Becoming Mrs Mulberry, then The Sea Captain's Wife and finally The Whisperer's War.

Jackie creates such wonderful characters that you either fall in love with or detest with a passion, as she totally intends for you to do.

I came to love Connie and Owen and all the staff at Green Glen, and laughed and cried along with them.

Jackie really needs to write a sequel to this so we can see how Connie, her children, and the other Diamonds fare over the coming years.

Thank you to NetGalley and HQ Books Australia for the digital ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been fascinated by Tilly Devine, known as The Gamgster Queen of Woolloomooloo ever since watching the Underbelly TV series. She may have a nefarious past, it’s hard not to admire a woman who succeeds despite the circumstances of the time. However, in Diamonds the real heroine of the story is Constance McKie aka Connie. She went through such a tough time, stood up for what she believed in and remained true to herself. I really enjoyed seeing the mouse become a tiger.

Jackie’s research was evident as she transports you to depression era Sydney in 1932. You really get a feel for what it was like to live at the time, the gang wars, the impact of the war and telephone exchanges. Tilly’s Diamonds are the highest level of escorts, companionate marriage. Tilly picks Connie after observing her caring for her mother and arranges for her to marry Ted Glendenning, the third richest man in NSW. She thinks she’s entering a lavender marriage but soon finds out there is more than what she bargained for. An interesting look at the underbelly of Sydney, family dynamics, business and corruption and the Catholic Church and sin with strong female characters.

[Nicole West · Rating 5 out of 5]

You never disappoint Nora Roberts 💜

I fell in love with the character of Tilly Devine, a ruthless but compassionate brothel madam who looked out for her sex workers, especially her real diamond ladies.

The setting is Sydney between 1941 and 1938, and covers religious beliefs, the laws of prostitution and homosexuality.

The story of Connie will draw you in from the beginning. It starts with her unfortunate timing found on the streets after her mother dies. She has been watched, and this will lead her into the arms of Tilly Devine. As the story progresses, Connie's life will take different twists and turns as she accepts her fate.

I especially love the Authors notes at the end.

Thanks, HQ, for my ARC copy 📚❤️

[Win · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of ARC from HQ
Set in 1930’s NSW during the depression Constance McKie known as Connie is a single woman on her own after losing her parents. Connie had no prospects. Will she take her own life in desperation, be able to find a low paying job in tough economic times or can she find a man of means? Enter Tilly Divine. This is the story of Tilly Devine’s Diamonds & what a great story it is. It’s an atmospheric read, you can visualise the fashion, the gangsters, the downtrodden. Ride along with Connie through the peaks and troughs of her life. She’ll solve a mystery, have an abundance of love and she’ll take unexpected twists and turns to get to her destiny.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

The time period does appeal, as does the underbelly aspect of the story.
A story of ups and downs, which makes for very interesting reading.
I love how the women are strong and fierce, each in her own way.
As for the men, they are good, very bad and many shades in between.
A fantastic read. I highly recommend.

[Karina Peacock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Superb!

Such a great read, the 20’s and 30’s were really brought to life in the story!

The setting, the characters everything was perfect!

A very enjoyable read!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Veronica ⭐️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

RTC

[Melissa Coles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this I couldn’t put it down