Devine Justice: Matriarch of Crime

by Charis Constantine

In 1917, at the tender age of sixteen Matilda Mary Twiss married Sapper James Devine, an Aussie Digger who spent more time AWOL and in detention than carrying out his military duties. Two years later, she arrived on Australian shores as a war bride. Making their home in East Sydney, the Devines involved themselves within Sydney’s criminal underworld. After tolerating years of an abusive marriage,Tilly decided to challenge the inferior status of women in society and set out to prove that you didn’t need to be born with a set of testicles to rule Sydney’s underworld! When women were considered nothing more than breeding stock and houseslaves in a patriarchal society, Tilly worked her way up from the street to become the Queen of Woolloomooloo who, at her peak owned 30 brothels, was the leader of a razor gang and became the richest woman in New South Wales. Ruling the criminal underworld with guts and cunning, in a violent world generally considered a man’s domain, Tilly racked up 204 criminal convictions. She served numerous prison sentences in the New South Wales gaols for prostitution, affray, assault, and attempted murder. Devine Justice takes you on a journey back to the 1920s and onwards where you will be introduced to the violent but captivating criminals who dominated Sydney’s underworld and were integrally involved in Tilly Devine’s life.

491 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 28, 2021

About the author

I was born in New South Wales, Australia, but now reside in Queensland.
We live on the Darling Downs southwest of Brisbane where I am embraced by nature, with our beautiful horses, dogs, cats, birds and chickens. I find nothing more inspirational than being surrounded by those you love and all that you love in life.
I have always enjoyed writing and won many awards for my compositions and short stories during my school years. I was always creating tales and writing poetry, or composing songs for as long as I can remember.
Growing up with a love for books, often at night I would hide under the covers with a pen torch reading instead of sleeping. At age seven I was helping fellow pupils at school with their reading. My teacher, Mrs. Mendelssohn often gave me books to read that were two to three grades higher than the one I was in at that time. By age eight I was reading adult books as well as continuing to read the children’s ones.
When not locked away in my office writing, I am either chasing after my precocious Poodle Princess and Prince, my mighty Maremmas or lazing with the horses and chickens.
I didn’t really start writing again until I was into my early fifties.
The first novel I wrote was Luminescence: Memoirs of a Blood Hunter- a riveting and addictive historical fiction with elements of international travels..
However, the characters from my first novel would not let me sleep peacefully- they were forever visiting me in my dreams. So, of course I had to write their stories in the Luminescence Blood Hunter Series, which also includes- Memoirs of Sara, Memoirs of Tycho the Vampyr Hunter and the final installment, Memoirs of Veronika.
My first Lesbiana fiction novel is The Pink Rose. If you want a fictional story that is different, compelling, and which includes strong female characters who will appeal to all women, this series is a ‘must read’ for you’!
I have also recently published a fictional biography about the life and times of Matilda Devine, 1920s Brothel Madam, Crime Queen and Razor Gang Leader. What a woman she was!
I will be releasing a Mafia novel titled, The Godmother within the next few months.

I love to hear from my readers and you can contact me personally via e-mail
charisconstantineauthor@gmail.com