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Rowland Sinclair #6
A Murder Unmentioned
The gun used in Rowland Sinclair's father's death some thirteen years earlier has turned up in a drained dam at the family's country homestead in Yass. And when Rowland offends right-wing New Guard leader Eric Campbell, Campbell uses his influence to set the police to renew their inquiries into Henry Sinclair's death.
Henry's friends had all been led to believe that the wealthy landowner had died in a much more respectable way. Rowland and his elder brother, Wil, had avoided any discussion of the event ever since--in fact the whole family had ducked the issue for over a decade, keeping secret that Sinclair senior was murdered. The possible involvement of the teenage Rowly and his older brother's intervention has been under the radar as well.
But now the finger of blame is pointing squarely at the Sinclair black sheep, a man careless of what society and the authorities think of him. So he and the trio of artist friends who live in his Sydney suburban mansion, and generally have his back, avail themselves of a racing green Gypsy Moth (Rowland is a pioneer in air travel) and a yellow Mercedes sports car (another frightening mode of transport) to arrive in New South Wales' Southern Tablelands, bent on clearing Rowly's name.
With cameo appearances from historical figures--Bob Menzies in the Sinclair kitchen, Edna Walling in the garden, and Kate Leigh grinning lasciviously at Rowly in a jailhouse crowd--and a real sense of fun contrasting with the quite genuine tension, this is historical crime for those in the know and those who can barely remember what happened last weekend, a story of family secrets and fraternal loyalty. Despite the humor, the Rowland Sinclair Mysteries take a deadly serious look at the 1930s, reflecting our own tumultuous times.
Henry's friends had all been led to believe that the wealthy landowner had died in a much more respectable way. Rowland and his elder brother, Wil, had avoided any discussion of the event ever since--in fact the whole family had ducked the issue for over a decade, keeping secret that Sinclair senior was murdered. The possible involvement of the teenage Rowly and his older brother's intervention has been under the radar as well.
But now the finger of blame is pointing squarely at the Sinclair black sheep, a man careless of what society and the authorities think of him. So he and the trio of artist friends who live in his Sydney suburban mansion, and generally have his back, avail themselves of a racing green Gypsy Moth (Rowland is a pioneer in air travel) and a yellow Mercedes sports car (another frightening mode of transport) to arrive in New South Wales' Southern Tablelands, bent on clearing Rowly's name.
With cameo appearances from historical figures--Bob Menzies in the Sinclair kitchen, Edna Walling in the garden, and Kate Leigh grinning lasciviously at Rowly in a jailhouse crowd--and a real sense of fun contrasting with the quite genuine tension, this is historical crime for those in the know and those who can barely remember what happened last weekend, a story of family secrets and fraternal loyalty. Despite the humor, the Rowland Sinclair Mysteries take a deadly serious look at the 1930s, reflecting our own tumultuous times.
355 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2014
62 people are currently reading
473 people want to read
About the author
Sulari Gentill
28 books1,744 followersOnce upon a time, Sulari Gentill was a corporate lawyer serving as a director on public boards, with only a vague disquiet that there was something else she was meant to do. That feeling did not go away until she began to write. And so Sulari became the author of the Rowland Sinclair Mysteries: thus far, ten historical crime novels chronicling the life and adventures of her 1930s Australian gentleman artist, the Hero Trilogy, based on the myths and epics of the ancient world, and the Ned Kelly Award winning Crossing the Lines (published in the US as After She Wrote Hime). In 2014 she collaborated with National Gallery of Victoria to write a short story which was produced in audio to feature in the Fashion Detective Exhibition, and thereafter published by the NGV. IN 2019 Sulari was part of a 4-member delegation of Australian crime writers sponsored by the Australia Council to tour the US as ambassadors of Australian Crime Writing.
Sulari lives with her husband, Michael, and their boys, Edmund and Atticus, on a small farm in Batlow where she grows French Black Truffles and refers to her writing as “work” so that no one will suggest she get a real job.
THE WOMAN IN THE LIBRARY, Sulari’s latest novel will be released on 7 June 2022.
Sulari lives with her husband, Michael, and their boys, Edmund and Atticus, on a small farm in Batlow where she grows French Black Truffles and refers to her writing as “work” so that no one will suggest she get a real job.
THE WOMAN IN THE LIBRARY, Sulari’s latest novel will be released on 7 June 2022.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
May 4, 2019
Six books in and I still cannot get enough of this series! Sulari Gentill manages to get everything just right - the historical facts, the atmosphere of the time, the mix of fictional and real characters. It all demonstrates a huge amount of research on her part but she does not fall into the trap of trying to display all her knowledge as some authors do. It is just there on the page in the realness of 1930s Australia.
I still think these books are best if you read them in order from book one. The characters grow on you and in this particular book the author delves into the past and the relationship between Wil and Rowly. Some awful secrets are revealed about Rowly's childhood which explain a lot about how he is now. There are murders, past and present, wrongful arrests, misunderstandings cleared up at last, and the amazing discovery of the true culprit.
All totally enjoyable and highly recommended for anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
I still think these books are best if you read them in order from book one. The characters grow on you and in this particular book the author delves into the past and the relationship between Wil and Rowly. Some awful secrets are revealed about Rowly's childhood which explain a lot about how he is now. There are murders, past and present, wrongful arrests, misunderstandings cleared up at last, and the amazing discovery of the true culprit.
All totally enjoyable and highly recommended for anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
July 24, 2020
5★
“Lucy’s behaviour did, in fact, reassure him on this account. She was as cheerfully vacuous as ever. She asked about his time abroad, enquiring after fashions and acquaintances she’d made during her own season in London, and extolling over Kate Sinclair’s presentation at court. Of course, nobody mentioned the murders. They were, after all, at dinner.”
Murders, plural. Not the murder of the title, but murders that took place in Europe before Rowland and his friends escaped (just) home to Australia. Hoping for relative peace and quiet, Rowly, as he’s affectionately known, is visiting his brother on the family property, ‘Oaklea’, near Yass, about 60km (40 miles) from Canberra, the national capitol.
Rowland is a Sinclair, third son of an influential, wealthy grazier and a bit of a black sheep, because he’s a portrait painter, not interested in livestock or life on the land. He has the family mansion ‘Woodlands’ in Sydney which he shares with his artist friends, much to the dismay of the housekeeper and his brother, who manages ‘Oaklea’.
This instalment is about family, not politics, and I found it compulsive reading. I’ve become invested in these people, as if I know them, and I worry about them, and I want them to live happily ever after. Okay, they can have escapades and close calls, but as I learned how dark some of the Sinclair history is, I got nervous.
Rowly’s brother Wil, is conservative and always suspicious of his younger brother’s “Communist”, lower class friends. One of Rowly’s best pals, Clyde Watson-Jones, is a landscape painter and a thoroughly decent bloke, but he’s from a poor Catholic farming family. No silver spoons or fancy schools in his background.
The other two who make up this formidable foursome, are “Milton”, a bohemian, Jewish, Communist poet, and Edna, the svelte, gorgeous sculptress whom Rowly adores (as do most men who meet her) but who tries to keep it in check. (Sculptress is the feminine term by which “Ed” is known – it is the 1930s, after all.)
Ed and Milton were pals since early childhood. She’s the sister they all want to protect, who worries about them and mothers them, and the free spirit nobody seems able to capture. And she gets away with all sorts of things.
“Convinced that male attire was more comfortable to work and sleep in, Edna had been blatantly helping herself to the clothing of the men she lived with since she’d moved into ‘Woodlands’. Milton complained bitterly that it took three washes to get her perfume out of his shirts.”
All of the Rowland Sinclair mysteries are built around these four characters, and I’ve enjoyed every one. Every character, every story. I think this is my favourite so far. Most of it takes place on the family property where the famous (in Australia anyway) garden expert Edna Walling is designing a new garden landscape near the homestead. I remember her as a bit of a character from my youth, but she was a knowledgeable conservationist, interested in Australian native plants, and probably ahead of her time.
This book isn’t as political as the previous ones, but then-political-hopeful (now former Prime Minister and a Sir) Robert Menzies, makes a showing as someone brother Wil meets with. He plays a short but crucial role. Wil Sinclair is a man with the highest connections.
We also “visit” Long Bay Penitentiary, when Rowly and Milton . . . but, I’ll say no more. Things look dire, there’s still a gallows at Long Bay when this takes place, and I got pretty worried. So did Edna, who sneaked into Rowly’s room beforehand.
“Edna wiped her eyes with her sleeve. Rowland handed her a handkerchief. She stared at it blankly for a while, and then she laughed through her tears.
‘Oh, Rowly. You carry a monogrammed handkerchief in your pyjamas…how would you possibly cope in prison?’
‘I don’t expect I’ll encounter quite so many weeping women there.’”
His beloved yellow Mercedes gets a workout, as does his biplane, the ‘Rule Britannia’, aka ‘Doris’,, although both get bogged at inconvenient moments.
Wil’s young family and another Sinclair cousin feature strongly, and all in all, it’s a very satisfying addition to the series. I enjoyed getting to know more background, and it was nice being out of the clutches of the Nazis, at least for now. I don’t know what’s coming next!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy to review as they introduce the next adventure. Sulari Gentill is terrific! This is such a wonderful way to absorb a little history.
“Lucy’s behaviour did, in fact, reassure him on this account. She was as cheerfully vacuous as ever. She asked about his time abroad, enquiring after fashions and acquaintances she’d made during her own season in London, and extolling over Kate Sinclair’s presentation at court. Of course, nobody mentioned the murders. They were, after all, at dinner.”
Murders, plural. Not the murder of the title, but murders that took place in Europe before Rowland and his friends escaped (just) home to Australia. Hoping for relative peace and quiet, Rowly, as he’s affectionately known, is visiting his brother on the family property, ‘Oaklea’, near Yass, about 60km (40 miles) from Canberra, the national capitol.
Rowland is a Sinclair, third son of an influential, wealthy grazier and a bit of a black sheep, because he’s a portrait painter, not interested in livestock or life on the land. He has the family mansion ‘Woodlands’ in Sydney which he shares with his artist friends, much to the dismay of the housekeeper and his brother, who manages ‘Oaklea’.
This instalment is about family, not politics, and I found it compulsive reading. I’ve become invested in these people, as if I know them, and I worry about them, and I want them to live happily ever after. Okay, they can have escapades and close calls, but as I learned how dark some of the Sinclair history is, I got nervous.
Rowly’s brother Wil, is conservative and always suspicious of his younger brother’s “Communist”, lower class friends. One of Rowly’s best pals, Clyde Watson-Jones, is a landscape painter and a thoroughly decent bloke, but he’s from a poor Catholic farming family. No silver spoons or fancy schools in his background.
The other two who make up this formidable foursome, are “Milton”, a bohemian, Jewish, Communist poet, and Edna, the svelte, gorgeous sculptress whom Rowly adores (as do most men who meet her) but who tries to keep it in check. (Sculptress is the feminine term by which “Ed” is known – it is the 1930s, after all.)
Ed and Milton were pals since early childhood. She’s the sister they all want to protect, who worries about them and mothers them, and the free spirit nobody seems able to capture. And she gets away with all sorts of things.
“Convinced that male attire was more comfortable to work and sleep in, Edna had been blatantly helping herself to the clothing of the men she lived with since she’d moved into ‘Woodlands’. Milton complained bitterly that it took three washes to get her perfume out of his shirts.”
All of the Rowland Sinclair mysteries are built around these four characters, and I’ve enjoyed every one. Every character, every story. I think this is my favourite so far. Most of it takes place on the family property where the famous (in Australia anyway) garden expert Edna Walling is designing a new garden landscape near the homestead. I remember her as a bit of a character from my youth, but she was a knowledgeable conservationist, interested in Australian native plants, and probably ahead of her time.
This book isn’t as political as the previous ones, but then-political-hopeful (now former Prime Minister and a Sir) Robert Menzies, makes a showing as someone brother Wil meets with. He plays a short but crucial role. Wil Sinclair is a man with the highest connections.
We also “visit” Long Bay Penitentiary, when Rowly and Milton . . . but, I’ll say no more. Things look dire, there’s still a gallows at Long Bay when this takes place, and I got pretty worried. So did Edna, who sneaked into Rowly’s room beforehand.
“Edna wiped her eyes with her sleeve. Rowland handed her a handkerchief. She stared at it blankly for a while, and then she laughed through her tears.
‘Oh, Rowly. You carry a monogrammed handkerchief in your pyjamas…how would you possibly cope in prison?’
‘I don’t expect I’ll encounter quite so many weeping women there.’”
His beloved yellow Mercedes gets a workout, as does his biplane, the ‘Rule Britannia’, aka ‘Doris’,, although both get bogged at inconvenient moments.
Wil’s young family and another Sinclair cousin feature strongly, and all in all, it’s a very satisfying addition to the series. I enjoyed getting to know more background, and it was nice being out of the clutches of the Nazis, at least for now. I don’t know what’s coming next!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy to review as they introduce the next adventure. Sulari Gentill is terrific! This is such a wonderful way to absorb a little history.
December 4, 2019
It's good to see Rowly Sinclair and his friends safely back in Sydney after their difficult times in pre-WWII Germany and England. Rowly has finally learnt to fly his gypsy Moth at Kingsford-Smith's flying school, which comes in handy when he is summoned to the family property near Yass by his older brother Wil. The gun that was used to kill his father 13 years ago has just turned up in a dam that was drained in some landscaping work and now the police are investigating what happened on the night of the murder. Rowly has some dark memories of his ruthless and abusive father, which puts some light on his upbringing and his relationship with his brother, but also puts him as a suspect for the murder.
This is the sixth book in Sulari Gentill's historical mystery series and the standard remains high. Filled with excitement and also amusement as Rowly's friends come to his aid as only they can, the settings are well researched and redolent of the 1930s. Some famous figures also pop up - notably them Edna Walling, the famous landscape designer and Robert Menzies, a member of the Victorian parliament at the time, but destined to be Australia's wartime PM. I hope there are many more of these books still to come.
This is the sixth book in Sulari Gentill's historical mystery series and the standard remains high. Filled with excitement and also amusement as Rowly's friends come to his aid as only they can, the settings are well researched and redolent of the 1930s. Some famous figures also pop up - notably them Edna Walling, the famous landscape designer and Robert Menzies, a member of the Victorian parliament at the time, but destined to be Australia's wartime PM. I hope there are many more of these books still to come.
May 24, 2019
The discovery of a gun and some incidentals at the bottom of the dam on the Sinclair property at Yass in NSW, was the beginning of another horror episode for Rowland Sinclair, his brother Wilfred and the friends and family of the Sinclairs. Almost fourteen years prior, Rowly and Wil’s father Henry had been murdered in a burglary – now it appeared the gun was the murder weapon and the police were looking at Rowly as the murderer.
While the secrets were closely held, the discovery of a recent murder – a man no one liked – saw Rowly’s good friends, Edna, Milt and Clyde, step up in an effort to discover what the police couldn’t. But could they? What would be the outcome for Rowland Sinclair in this messy look at the past?
A Murder Unmentioned is the 6th in the Rowland Sinclair series by Aussie author Sulari Gentill, and I loved it! Rowly is such an excellent character, and his “inappropriate companions” are a great support cast – along with Lenin 😊 This one was set mostly on the family property near Yass, with Rowly’s newly acquired skills as the pilot of his green Gipsy Moth coming into play. All in all, an excellent addition to the series, and I’m looking forward to the next – Give the Devil His Due. Highly recommended.
While the secrets were closely held, the discovery of a recent murder – a man no one liked – saw Rowly’s good friends, Edna, Milt and Clyde, step up in an effort to discover what the police couldn’t. But could they? What would be the outcome for Rowland Sinclair in this messy look at the past?
A Murder Unmentioned is the 6th in the Rowland Sinclair series by Aussie author Sulari Gentill, and I loved it! Rowly is such an excellent character, and his “inappropriate companions” are a great support cast – along with Lenin 😊 This one was set mostly on the family property near Yass, with Rowly’s newly acquired skills as the pilot of his green Gipsy Moth coming into play. All in all, an excellent addition to the series, and I’m looking forward to the next – Give the Devil His Due. Highly recommended.
January 28, 2020
A Murder Unmentioned is the sixth book in the Rowland Sinclair series by award-winning Australian author, Sulari Gentill. Gentleman artist, Rowland Sinclair is shocked to learn that his father’s pistol, the weapon used to kill him, has been found in the (now-drained) dam on the Sinclair property at Yass. Rowly’s artistic friends have only a short time to be puzzled by fact that he has never before mentioned Henry Sinclair’s murder: Rowly is summoned by his brother, Wil to Oaklea.
Rowly does get to fly his Gipsy Moth bi-plane down there, but has to deal with damage to his plane from an unsuitable landing spot, political preachers, a critical cousin and a besotted maiden intent on marriage. The police turn up to question the brothers about their father’s demise almost fourteen years earlier, bringing in a hated figure from the past with disturbing revelations. And then someone starts shooting at Rowly. And someone else is murdered.
But if the items recovered from the dam suggest that the original burglary-gone-wrong story is false, then who killed Henry Sinclair? Have people been covering for each other on assumptions of guilt? Is one of them now headed for the gallows?
In this instalment, Gentill again serves up plenty of fascinating historical detail, giving a few famous (and infamous) figures cameos (and some, more significant roles). There are twists and red herrings aplenty, and the identity of the murderer is likely to surprise even the most astute reader.
A kidnapping, a birth and an engagement are in the mix. Rowly’s ugly greyhound, Lenin is injured, a very unusual Christmas is celebrated, Harry Simpson shares more unfortunate dog stories, and someone gets an unenviable perspective of Long Bay Prison. The reader learns quite a bit about Rowly’s youth and perhaps gains more respect for his older brother.
Quotes from press articles of the time that preface the chapters cleverly serve the purpose of providing information related to the text that follows. As always, Gentill effortlessly evokes the era. Once again, a superb dose of Australian historical crime fiction. Readers by now addicted will be delighted to know they can look forward to a further four (at least) instalments of this award-winning series, beginning with Give The Devil His Due.
Rowly does get to fly his Gipsy Moth bi-plane down there, but has to deal with damage to his plane from an unsuitable landing spot, political preachers, a critical cousin and a besotted maiden intent on marriage. The police turn up to question the brothers about their father’s demise almost fourteen years earlier, bringing in a hated figure from the past with disturbing revelations. And then someone starts shooting at Rowly. And someone else is murdered.
But if the items recovered from the dam suggest that the original burglary-gone-wrong story is false, then who killed Henry Sinclair? Have people been covering for each other on assumptions of guilt? Is one of them now headed for the gallows?
In this instalment, Gentill again serves up plenty of fascinating historical detail, giving a few famous (and infamous) figures cameos (and some, more significant roles). There are twists and red herrings aplenty, and the identity of the murderer is likely to surprise even the most astute reader.
A kidnapping, a birth and an engagement are in the mix. Rowly’s ugly greyhound, Lenin is injured, a very unusual Christmas is celebrated, Harry Simpson shares more unfortunate dog stories, and someone gets an unenviable perspective of Long Bay Prison. The reader learns quite a bit about Rowly’s youth and perhaps gains more respect for his older brother.
Quotes from press articles of the time that preface the chapters cleverly serve the purpose of providing information related to the text that follows. As always, Gentill effortlessly evokes the era. Once again, a superb dose of Australian historical crime fiction. Readers by now addicted will be delighted to know they can look forward to a further four (at least) instalments of this award-winning series, beginning with Give The Devil His Due.
October 21, 2021
Love this series set in 1930's Australia. I especially like that the author doesn't "info dump". Each book features a little more of the Sinclair family history (which is complicated!). The mystery to be solved is my favorite so far in the series. Rowly's young nephew, Ernest, is adorable! Would love for this series to be developed into a mini series. Fantastic audio narration by Rupert Degas! Rated 5 stars.
January 10, 2020
Despite loving these stories my heart grieves as I realize many of the places Rowly visits in previous novels are currently being ravaged by bushfires, including where Clyde is from.
January 10, 2021
A Murder Unmentioned is the sixth book in the Rowland Sinclair series by award-winning Australian author, Sulari Gentill. The audio version is narrated by Rupert Degas. Gentleman artist, Rowland Sinclair is shocked to learn that his father’s pistol, the weapon used to kill him, has been found in the (now-drained) dam on the Sinclair property at Yass. Rowly’s artistic friends have only a short time to be puzzled by fact that he has never before mentioned Henry Sinclair’s murder: Rowly is summoned by his brother, Wil to Oaklea.
Rowly does get to fly his Gipsy Moth bi-plane down there, but has to deal with damage to his plane from an unsuitable landing spot, political preachers, a critical cousin and a besotted maiden intent on marriage. The police turn up to question the brothers about their father’s demise almost fourteen years earlier, bringing in a hated figure from the past with disturbing revelations. And then someone starts shooting at Rowly. And someone else is murdered.
But if the items recovered from the dam suggest that the original burglary-gone-wrong story is false, then who killed Henry Sinclair? Have people been covering for each other on assumptions of guilt? Is one of them now headed for the gallows?
In this instalment, Gentill again serves up plenty of fascinating historical detail, giving a few famous (and infamous) figures cameos (and some, more significant roles). There are twists and red herrings aplenty, and the identity of the murderer is likely to surprise even the most astute reader.
A kidnapping, a birth and an engagement are in the mix. Rowly’s ugly greyhound, Lenin is injured, a very unusual Christmas is celebrated, Harry Simpson shares more unfortunate dog stories, and someone gets an unenviable perspective of Long Bay Prison. The reader learns quite a bit about Rowly’s youth and perhaps gains more respect for his older brother.
Quotes from press articles of the time that preface the chapters cleverly serve the purpose of providing information related to the text that follows. As always, Gentill effortlessly evokes the era. Once again, a superb dose of Australian historical crime fiction. Readers by now addicted will be delighted to know they can look forward to a further four (at least) instalments of this award-winning series, beginning with Give The Devil His Due.
Rowly does get to fly his Gipsy Moth bi-plane down there, but has to deal with damage to his plane from an unsuitable landing spot, political preachers, a critical cousin and a besotted maiden intent on marriage. The police turn up to question the brothers about their father’s demise almost fourteen years earlier, bringing in a hated figure from the past with disturbing revelations. And then someone starts shooting at Rowly. And someone else is murdered.
But if the items recovered from the dam suggest that the original burglary-gone-wrong story is false, then who killed Henry Sinclair? Have people been covering for each other on assumptions of guilt? Is one of them now headed for the gallows?
In this instalment, Gentill again serves up plenty of fascinating historical detail, giving a few famous (and infamous) figures cameos (and some, more significant roles). There are twists and red herrings aplenty, and the identity of the murderer is likely to surprise even the most astute reader.
A kidnapping, a birth and an engagement are in the mix. Rowly’s ugly greyhound, Lenin is injured, a very unusual Christmas is celebrated, Harry Simpson shares more unfortunate dog stories, and someone gets an unenviable perspective of Long Bay Prison. The reader learns quite a bit about Rowly’s youth and perhaps gains more respect for his older brother.
Quotes from press articles of the time that preface the chapters cleverly serve the purpose of providing information related to the text that follows. As always, Gentill effortlessly evokes the era. Once again, a superb dose of Australian historical crime fiction. Readers by now addicted will be delighted to know they can look forward to a further four (at least) instalments of this award-winning series, beginning with Give The Devil His Due.
December 23, 2018
I would like to thank Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for a review copy of A Murder Unmentioned, the sixth novel to feature artist Rowland Sinclair in 1934 Sydney.
When a gun is found in a drained dam near the family property in Yass, NSW the police start an investigation as they believe that it is the gun that killed Rowly and Wil’s father 13 years ago. Not that they are investigating too hard as they have a prime suspect in Rowly.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Murder Unmentioned which is a fun read with a genuine mystery attached. It is a much more intimate novel than the others in the series, concentrating as it does on Rowly’s past and his relationship with his brother, Wil. I found it quite moving in parts when I wasn’t smiling at the antics of Rowly’s friends and series regulars, Milt, Clyde and Ed. The main theme of the novel is the ties that bind. Milt, Clyde and Ed do not hesitate to support Rowly in his time of need and series readers will be used to this but the bond between Rowly and Wil is a revelation and wonderful to read. Wil is a conservative businessman who never holds back in his disapproval of Rowly’s lifestyle and friends. He has always seemed a distant, authoritarian character when in fact he loves Rowly deeply and has done a lot for him secretly over the years. Equally Rowly would do almost anything to help Wil. I found the novel heartwarming.
The mystery at the heart of the novel is just that. Because Rowly and Wil have never talked about the murder of their father they both assumed the other did it. So if not them, who? Ms Gentill has a decent cast of suspects and motives but I couldn’t work it out before the reveal. If that wasn’t enough to keep me busy there are a variety of subplots and twists to contend with. I was gripped from start to finish.
A Murder Unmentioned is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
When a gun is found in a drained dam near the family property in Yass, NSW the police start an investigation as they believe that it is the gun that killed Rowly and Wil’s father 13 years ago. Not that they are investigating too hard as they have a prime suspect in Rowly.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Murder Unmentioned which is a fun read with a genuine mystery attached. It is a much more intimate novel than the others in the series, concentrating as it does on Rowly’s past and his relationship with his brother, Wil. I found it quite moving in parts when I wasn’t smiling at the antics of Rowly’s friends and series regulars, Milt, Clyde and Ed. The main theme of the novel is the ties that bind. Milt, Clyde and Ed do not hesitate to support Rowly in his time of need and series readers will be used to this but the bond between Rowly and Wil is a revelation and wonderful to read. Wil is a conservative businessman who never holds back in his disapproval of Rowly’s lifestyle and friends. He has always seemed a distant, authoritarian character when in fact he loves Rowly deeply and has done a lot for him secretly over the years. Equally Rowly would do almost anything to help Wil. I found the novel heartwarming.
The mystery at the heart of the novel is just that. Because Rowly and Wil have never talked about the murder of their father they both assumed the other did it. So if not them, who? Ms Gentill has a decent cast of suspects and motives but I couldn’t work it out before the reveal. If that wasn’t enough to keep me busy there are a variety of subplots and twists to contend with. I was gripped from start to finish.
A Murder Unmentioned is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
March 2, 2019
‘Who murdered Henry Sinclair?
In 1920, Henry Sinclair died at the Sinclair family’s country estate, Oaklea, near Yass in New South Wales. The fact that he was murdered was not something that the Sinclair family discussed. But in 1933, when Edna Walling is brought in to work on the gardens at Oaklea, the draining of a dam leads to the discovery of the gun used in Henry Sinclair’s murder. The Sinclair family can no longer avoid the issue. But who murdered Henry Sinclair? Were either of the Sinclair brothers: Wilfred (Wilf) or Rowland (Rowly) involved?
‘What can you tell us about the evening your father, the late Henry Sinclair, was murdered, Mr Sinclair?’
Given the time that has elapsed, will the police be interested in renewing their inquiries? Alas, Rowly has managed to offend Colonel Eric Campbell, the leader of the right-wing New Guard and he uses his influence to ensure that the police renew their inquiries into Henry Sinclair’s death.
Rowly and his trio of friends head to Yass (by aeroplane and car) to try to clear Rowly’s name. Of course, nothing is ever straightforward for Rowly Sinclair. He’s being pursued by a woman who wants to marry him, his mother thinks that he is his older (deceased) brother and his cousin Arthur (a solicitor) is being very helpful. And then there’s another murder!
This is the sixth novel in Ms Gentill’s marvellous Rowland Sinclair series. Ms Gentill draws on the history of the period, and we see appearances by Robert Menzies and Kate Leigh as well as Edna Walling and Eric Campbell. I enjoyed learning more of the Sinclair backstory in this novel. While I’ve read the three novels published after this one, I’ve not yet read all the earlier novels. But I will. The characters intrigue me and the setting is perfect.
Highly recommended.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
In 1920, Henry Sinclair died at the Sinclair family’s country estate, Oaklea, near Yass in New South Wales. The fact that he was murdered was not something that the Sinclair family discussed. But in 1933, when Edna Walling is brought in to work on the gardens at Oaklea, the draining of a dam leads to the discovery of the gun used in Henry Sinclair’s murder. The Sinclair family can no longer avoid the issue. But who murdered Henry Sinclair? Were either of the Sinclair brothers: Wilfred (Wilf) or Rowland (Rowly) involved?
‘What can you tell us about the evening your father, the late Henry Sinclair, was murdered, Mr Sinclair?’
Given the time that has elapsed, will the police be interested in renewing their inquiries? Alas, Rowly has managed to offend Colonel Eric Campbell, the leader of the right-wing New Guard and he uses his influence to ensure that the police renew their inquiries into Henry Sinclair’s death.
Rowly and his trio of friends head to Yass (by aeroplane and car) to try to clear Rowly’s name. Of course, nothing is ever straightforward for Rowly Sinclair. He’s being pursued by a woman who wants to marry him, his mother thinks that he is his older (deceased) brother and his cousin Arthur (a solicitor) is being very helpful. And then there’s another murder!
This is the sixth novel in Ms Gentill’s marvellous Rowland Sinclair series. Ms Gentill draws on the history of the period, and we see appearances by Robert Menzies and Kate Leigh as well as Edna Walling and Eric Campbell. I enjoyed learning more of the Sinclair backstory in this novel. While I’ve read the three novels published after this one, I’ve not yet read all the earlier novels. But I will. The characters intrigue me and the setting is perfect.
Highly recommended.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
January 13, 2024
I do rather like a novel that weaves fact in with fiction and Sulari Gentill does this expertly, I even enjoyed the fleeting appearance of Charles Kingsford Smith at the beginning (if for no other reason than I have his autograph!). In addition it is an intriguing title as how often is a murder unmentioned and when it is, why? So for that reason alone, plus I enjoyed a previous book by this author, the book appealed to me.
The reader quickly understands why this murder has gone unmentioned in the Sinclair family for when Rowland Sinclair's father, Henry, was killed 13 years earlier, the death remained a mystery and suspicions of who committed the murder were rife but nobody was ever charged.
The discovery of a gun in the Sinclair's residence's dam brings the episode back to life, as it were and casts doubt once more on who committed the crime. And so the whole Sinclair family, and it is an extended one, plus their wide circle of friends who are sharing their are under the microscope as they potter about the various Sinclair residences. Of course, the police are called in again to renew their enquiries and a variety of scenarios, many previously unknown, emerge from the woodwork.
They are an interesting cast of characters and there is plenty to think about in this suspenseful mystery but at times it does seem to drag rather slowly along. Notwithstanding it is still an entertaining read.
The reader quickly understands why this murder has gone unmentioned in the Sinclair family for when Rowland Sinclair's father, Henry, was killed 13 years earlier, the death remained a mystery and suspicions of who committed the murder were rife but nobody was ever charged.
The discovery of a gun in the Sinclair's residence's dam brings the episode back to life, as it were and casts doubt once more on who committed the crime. And so the whole Sinclair family, and it is an extended one, plus their wide circle of friends who are sharing their are under the microscope as they potter about the various Sinclair residences. Of course, the police are called in again to renew their enquiries and a variety of scenarios, many previously unknown, emerge from the woodwork.
They are an interesting cast of characters and there is plenty to think about in this suspenseful mystery but at times it does seem to drag rather slowly along. Notwithstanding it is still an entertaining read.
May 19, 2021
Another well written-fun installment in the Rowland Sinclair series. This time, we learn more about the Sinclair family, including the death of the tyrannical head of the family, Henry Sinclair, father of Wilfred and Rowland, in addition to cousin Arthur, who was disinherited by his own father, Uncle Rowland. Wilfred and Rowland are each suspected of murdering their father, which happened 13 years earlier, when Rowland was 15 years old, after Rowland was brutally beaten on Henry's orders. We also learn more about Lucy Bennett, who has been pursuing Rowland and is convinced he is in love with her, after Rowland is forced to make his intentions clear. As always, we get to appreciate the wry humor and the tender interactions between family and friends.
September 28, 2018
This installment was super exciting from the get-go, with a bit a different emphasis to the other books so far. A very clever plot, with lots of new and interesting elements - I particularly liked spending a bit more time at the Sinclair family home and getting to know the family a bit better. It just shows how in-depth the planning must be for the characters and over-arching storyline in this series. Very impressive!
October 26, 2021
Love this series! This episode sees the bond between Sinclair brothers Wil & Rowly explained from past events, tested by current events & strengthened. I knew it made sense that I liked Wil!
March 5, 2019
Possibly the best entry so far in this series.
The focus is strictly on family with the politics of the day staying in the background. The author digs deep into the relationship between Rowland and his older brother Wil, revealing secrets from the past.
All of this brought about by the discovery of the gun involved in the death of their father, Henry Sinclair.
Who killed Henry? Wil? Rowland? or someone else?
And why are the police now so zealously looking into this 13 year-old shooting? Who could be stirring them into action? And why?
Lots of drama to be sure. However, Rowland's staunch friends (Milt, Clyde and Edna) are on hand to make sure nothing happens to Rowland and to provide moral and physical support during the crisis.
I loved it and I'm looking forward to the next.
The focus is strictly on family with the politics of the day staying in the background. The author digs deep into the relationship between Rowland and his older brother Wil, revealing secrets from the past.
All of this brought about by the discovery of the gun involved in the death of their father, Henry Sinclair.
Who killed Henry? Wil? Rowland? or someone else?
And why are the police now so zealously looking into this 13 year-old shooting? Who could be stirring them into action? And why?
Lots of drama to be sure. However, Rowland's staunch friends (Milt, Clyde and Edna) are on hand to make sure nothing happens to Rowland and to provide moral and physical support during the crisis.
I loved it and I'm looking forward to the next.
April 19, 2022
The back story of the lives of the Sinclair Brothers and, this time, their cousin. Rowly and his too politeness and the trouble it gets him into, but finally gets out of. Mystery involves who murdered Rowly and Wil's father. The telling of who Milt is quoting never gets old.
Anyone wanting to add romance to a true mystery should read this series for serious suggestions.
Anyone wanting to add romance to a true mystery should read this series for serious suggestions.
June 24, 2023
What I didn’t realise when I started this book was that it is the sixth book with the same main character. Fortunately, it does work as a stand-alone story. I really liked the writing style and the slight craziness of the main character and his unusual friends. It has an air of Agatha Christie about the tale, crossed with some Downton Abbey for good measure. As usual, I liked the historical setting (1930s) and very much enjoyed the twisty tale of the murder and seeing how that developed.
I think the fact that I am very much looking forward to starting these books from book one means I might well be hooked on the series.
I think the fact that I am very much looking forward to starting these books from book one means I might well be hooked on the series.
October 28, 2014
Sulari Gentill has never pulled her punches when it comes to putting Rowly Sinclair in a spot of peril, and it turns out that she's even prepared to do that retrospectively. In the process she makes the idea of being a scion of this particular landed gentry family a rather sobering prospect. In the first book Sinclair's uncle (he of the same name) was murdered, and now, in A MURDER UNMENTIONED, it turns out that Sinclair's father had suffered the same fate.
A family secret long kept is not just that Sinclair senior was murdered, the possible involvement of the teenage Rowly and his older brother's intervention has been under the radar as well.
In all of these books, Rowland Sinclair has been a reluctant hero. With hindsight, his reluctance to also follow the family script makes perfect sense now, so much so that you have to wonder if Gentill's been planning this personal arc all along.
A MURDER UNMENTIONED follows the discovery of a gun, that triggers a reinvestigation, that ultimately casts light into some dark corners of the Sinclair family. It's not just Rowly's reluctance that starts to make sense. Wilfred's protectiveness, and their mother's mental decline also clearly have some basis in past events. These revelations come to light for the reader, as they do for Rowly's band of supporters – they of the “leap in and defend, help, protect regardless of the circumstances, and regardless of the threat”.
Part of the outcome of all of these revelations is a strengthening of relationships. The friendship between Rowly, Edna, Milton and Clyde; the affection and regard between brothers Wilfred and Rowly (which has always been there despite the rather stiff and stilted manner of expression). Finally there is acceptance of their mother's situation and a sharing of the load. There's also some fracturing of relationships, as desired romances aren't, and others turn out to be utterly disastrous.
Told, as always, with a light hand, great sympathy and a sense of humour, A MURDER UNMENTIONED sits in its timeframe as snug as a hand in a finely crafted suede glove. Somehow Gentill is able to take the reader into the timeframe in which the books are set, and in this case, back into the past further, and make you feel like it was written then. The joy of new flight, the fascination of elaborate sports cars, the isolation of the squatter lifestyle combined with the frisson of recognition that comes with real characters being incorporated seamlessly into the fictional all contribute to the enjoyment.
What holds the reader to this series is that sense of an entire world, and the bringing to life of history, combined with strong plots, and wonderful characters that you're given full permission to like. The humour is perfect, the situations believable, and the clues to solving the mystery are there for anyone who wants to play along. The only warning is that you probably shouldn't start with this novel – you need to meet Rowly long before you find out about the past. You'll see so much more in this book if you do, and besides there is so much wonderful reading in the entire series.
http://www.austcrimefiction.org/revie...
A family secret long kept is not just that Sinclair senior was murdered, the possible involvement of the teenage Rowly and his older brother's intervention has been under the radar as well.
In all of these books, Rowland Sinclair has been a reluctant hero. With hindsight, his reluctance to also follow the family script makes perfect sense now, so much so that you have to wonder if Gentill's been planning this personal arc all along.
A MURDER UNMENTIONED follows the discovery of a gun, that triggers a reinvestigation, that ultimately casts light into some dark corners of the Sinclair family. It's not just Rowly's reluctance that starts to make sense. Wilfred's protectiveness, and their mother's mental decline also clearly have some basis in past events. These revelations come to light for the reader, as they do for Rowly's band of supporters – they of the “leap in and defend, help, protect regardless of the circumstances, and regardless of the threat”.
Part of the outcome of all of these revelations is a strengthening of relationships. The friendship between Rowly, Edna, Milton and Clyde; the affection and regard between brothers Wilfred and Rowly (which has always been there despite the rather stiff and stilted manner of expression). Finally there is acceptance of their mother's situation and a sharing of the load. There's also some fracturing of relationships, as desired romances aren't, and others turn out to be utterly disastrous.
Told, as always, with a light hand, great sympathy and a sense of humour, A MURDER UNMENTIONED sits in its timeframe as snug as a hand in a finely crafted suede glove. Somehow Gentill is able to take the reader into the timeframe in which the books are set, and in this case, back into the past further, and make you feel like it was written then. The joy of new flight, the fascination of elaborate sports cars, the isolation of the squatter lifestyle combined with the frisson of recognition that comes with real characters being incorporated seamlessly into the fictional all contribute to the enjoyment.
What holds the reader to this series is that sense of an entire world, and the bringing to life of history, combined with strong plots, and wonderful characters that you're given full permission to like. The humour is perfect, the situations believable, and the clues to solving the mystery are there for anyone who wants to play along. The only warning is that you probably shouldn't start with this novel – you need to meet Rowly long before you find out about the past. You'll see so much more in this book if you do, and besides there is so much wonderful reading in the entire series.
http://www.austcrimefiction.org/revie...
February 28, 2019
A Murder Unmentioned is the sixth book in the Rowland Sinclair series and the third I have read. The unmentioned murder is from the past. Rowland was fifteen when his father died and he was sent to England. We now learn his father was murdered and suddenly Rowland is the prime suspect. The other suspect is his brother, Wilfred. Complicating matters, there is another murder and clearly some secret maneuvering in the background.
The Rowland Sinclair series is a historical mystery series that takes place in Australia during the years fascism was growing in Europe and around the world. Fascist politicians were building power in England and Australia as well and anti-fascist activism by labor and the left were critical to turning those countries away from the abyss. Sinclair is one of those who fought fascism, at considerable risk. Genti;l mixes fiction and fact seamlessly with great effect.
A Murder Unmentioned is the third book in this series I’ve read and my favorite. I was engrossed in the events, perhaps because the mystery was so much more individual, not part of some larger movement or conspiracy. The mystery in the past was fair and I began to suspect the solution, not too soon, but soon enough I was not surprised by the revelation. That’s the way it should be. In the other books in the series, I faithfully read the bits of real news and fictional news snippets that open the chapters. This time I skipped them. I think that may be the reason I found this book so much more enjoyable.
I received an e-galley A Murder Unmentioned from the publisher through NetGalley.
A Murder Unmentioned at Poisoned Pen Press
Sulari Gentill author site
A Decline in Prophets by Sulari Gentill
Paving the New Road by Sulari Gentill
★★★★
https://tonstantweaderreviews.wordpre...
The Rowland Sinclair series is a historical mystery series that takes place in Australia during the years fascism was growing in Europe and around the world. Fascist politicians were building power in England and Australia as well and anti-fascist activism by labor and the left were critical to turning those countries away from the abyss. Sinclair is one of those who fought fascism, at considerable risk. Genti;l mixes fiction and fact seamlessly with great effect.
A Murder Unmentioned is the third book in this series I’ve read and my favorite. I was engrossed in the events, perhaps because the mystery was so much more individual, not part of some larger movement or conspiracy. The mystery in the past was fair and I began to suspect the solution, not too soon, but soon enough I was not surprised by the revelation. That’s the way it should be. In the other books in the series, I faithfully read the bits of real news and fictional news snippets that open the chapters. This time I skipped them. I think that may be the reason I found this book so much more enjoyable.
I received an e-galley A Murder Unmentioned from the publisher through NetGalley.
A Murder Unmentioned at Poisoned Pen Press
Sulari Gentill author site
A Decline in Prophets by Sulari Gentill
Paving the New Road by Sulari Gentill
★★★★
https://tonstantweaderreviews.wordpre...
January 12, 2019
"A Murder Unmentioned" is another great addition to the Rowland Sinclair series. Rowland and his brother, Wil, are haunted by the ghost from the past in this installment. Their father was murdered thirteen years ago and his death is still an unsolved mystery. When the weapon that killed their father has been unearthed, the brothers are the prime suspects in the eyes of the authority. Another murder case that Rowland entangled himself in, fire, kidnapping and so forth, what's going on? Are the two murder cases related? A political scheme against Wil? Rowland and his bohemian friends decided to take the matters into their hands to solve the puzzles themselves. Yet, the murder of Rowland's father has to be unmentioned. Why?
This installment has less political or historical elements than other titles in the series. Instead, readers get to learn more about the relationship between the members of the Sinclair family. Solid writing with an interesting plot though the mystery is relatively weak in "A Murder Unmentioned,", but the story is enjoyable through and through. Sulari Gentil never ceased to capture my attention in her Rowland Sinclair series. No doubt she does great research on the tiniest details on random historical tidbits. The excerpts of the articles or newspaper clips at the beginning of each chapters are always fun to read.
A soild 4-star rating.
This installment has less political or historical elements than other titles in the series. Instead, readers get to learn more about the relationship between the members of the Sinclair family. Solid writing with an interesting plot though the mystery is relatively weak in "A Murder Unmentioned,", but the story is enjoyable through and through. Sulari Gentil never ceased to capture my attention in her Rowland Sinclair series. No doubt she does great research on the tiniest details on random historical tidbits. The excerpts of the articles or newspaper clips at the beginning of each chapters are always fun to read.
A soild 4-star rating.
June 3, 2021
2021 bk 129. Another well-written plot by Sulari Gentill. Each new book brings surprising details of the life of the Sinclairs in 1930's Australia. Rowly's flying skills are improving, and he will need them to help get himself and his brother out of trouble. Someone is anxious to see the brothers discredited, stripped of power, jailed, and hopefully hung for the death of their father who died when Rowly was in his teens and Wil just returned from war. As the two explore what happened that evening, details are revealed to police, family and friends that they thought were long buried. A very different book as Rowly has to learn to seek out the truth to help himself. Excellent read, in fact so good that I started this book at breakfast time and spent all day reading it - and completed it just as my microwave beeped that dinner was ready.
June 20, 2021
I really enjoyed this book featuring Rowland Sinclair, his good friends, his brother and his family, and a cousin who is hanging around. There is a mystery when a gun is found after a dam is cleared, and suspicion is cast on Rowland. His friends work tirelessly to get him out of trouble, with one of them actually assaulting a police officer to get thrown in prison with him. Also someone shoots at Rowland but shoots his dog, Lenin, instead. Thankfully, the dog survives. Great characters, great story, really fun mystery/thriller.
I received an e-ARC of this book by the author and publishing via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
I received an e-ARC of this book by the author and publishing via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
February 7, 2024
Less historical characters and more about family dynamics make this one of the better books in the series. But why does Edna have to be perpetually referred to as "the sculptress"? Rowley's male friends are generally referred to by name. Edna annoys me anyway. Either she is too stupid to realize that Rowley is madly in love with her, or she is cruel enough to be aware of it and take advantage of it or she believes she isn't good enough for him. No matter which one it is, it's tiresome.
November 7, 2022
The character development in this one was top notch!
November 6, 2014
This is the sixth instalment in the Rowland Sinclair series, and with every one, I think I fall a little more for Rowly.
Sulari has an amazing way of weaving the events and politics of pre world war 2 Australia through the stories. As well as being a great read, through Rowly and the adventures of his little band of communists and depraved artistics, history is brought to life.
This book takes us back to Rowly's teenage years and shows us a darker side to what we otherwise have assumed was a privileged upbringing. In doing so, Sulari adds layers upon layers of complexity and depth to both Rowly and Wilfred and, I think, helps us understand and like them more. In each, we see past the class hierarchy to the integrity below.
Sulari has an amazing way of weaving the events and politics of pre world war 2 Australia through the stories. As well as being a great read, through Rowly and the adventures of his little band of communists and depraved artistics, history is brought to life.
This book takes us back to Rowly's teenage years and shows us a darker side to what we otherwise have assumed was a privileged upbringing. In doing so, Sulari adds layers upon layers of complexity and depth to both Rowly and Wilfred and, I think, helps us understand and like them more. In each, we see past the class hierarchy to the integrity below.
January 25, 2019
Having finished the book in record time, I am so sad that I could not get to all the books by this author. I just missed out one by a couple of days as it is archived, but I did get one at least.
Rowland Sinclair is an odd bird for the upper classes. He is more democratic, has communist ideals, does not fit in with the hounds and huntin groups, does not conform to finding a deb and a suitable bride and seems to have an eclectic bunch of friends. He is also financially independent, artistic (paintings not considered exhibition worthy because of their content!) but is a happy man.
His father's death several years ago was always under suspicion. He was found shot one evening when Rowland was just a teenager and Wilfred the elder a few years older. Now the case is being resurrected, and a series of happenings show that there is a sinister hand afoot, giving out information which was private and within the family. A series of accidents involving Rowland, Wilfred's children is too much to be a coincidence and the whole family is on guard.
Set in Australia on sweeping farms, with tones of more Downton Abbey than rural Australia this was descriptive and very good reading. The characterization of all was varied and added to the interest in the story. The uncovering of the villain in the piece was done step by step and the general telling of a simple mystery murder/s was very well handled
I enjoyed my introduction to this author and will be looking out for more books.
Rowland Sinclair is an odd bird for the upper classes. He is more democratic, has communist ideals, does not fit in with the hounds and huntin groups, does not conform to finding a deb and a suitable bride and seems to have an eclectic bunch of friends. He is also financially independent, artistic (paintings not considered exhibition worthy because of their content!) but is a happy man.
His father's death several years ago was always under suspicion. He was found shot one evening when Rowland was just a teenager and Wilfred the elder a few years older. Now the case is being resurrected, and a series of happenings show that there is a sinister hand afoot, giving out information which was private and within the family. A series of accidents involving Rowland, Wilfred's children is too much to be a coincidence and the whole family is on guard.
Set in Australia on sweeping farms, with tones of more Downton Abbey than rural Australia this was descriptive and very good reading. The characterization of all was varied and added to the interest in the story. The uncovering of the villain in the piece was done step by step and the general telling of a simple mystery murder/s was very well handled
I enjoyed my introduction to this author and will be looking out for more books.
March 4, 2019
This book is the sixth installment in the Rowland Sinclair and I'm ever so curious now to go back and read the series from the beginning. I don't often get a chance to read and Australian author and I am very impressed by Ms. Gentill. In this story, Rowly and his friends have returned to Australia from Europe. Rowly soon finds out that the gun that killed his father 13 years earlier has been discovered on the family property and he's the police's prime suspect. Rowly's friends are determined to find the real killer and what unfolds is a complex conspiracy to bring down the Sinclair brothers and see Rowly in prison.
I was delighted by the characterizations of Rowly and his friends and family. From his aging mother to his young nephew they all have distinctive personalities and add color to the story. This story also has an airplane, the single-engine kind that my dad used to fly when I was a kid, which I found irresistable. In fact, it was the airplane on the cover that got me interested in the book in the first place. There are some wonderful descriptions of the landscape as seen from the air and some less than perfect landings. The family drama here is as intriguing as the mystery. Bottom line, while this is not a thriller, I really enjoyed everything about it and would highly recommend it.
I was delighted by the characterizations of Rowly and his friends and family. From his aging mother to his young nephew they all have distinctive personalities and add color to the story. This story also has an airplane, the single-engine kind that my dad used to fly when I was a kid, which I found irresistable. In fact, it was the airplane on the cover that got me interested in the book in the first place. There are some wonderful descriptions of the landscape as seen from the air and some less than perfect landings. The family drama here is as intriguing as the mystery. Bottom line, while this is not a thriller, I really enjoyed everything about it and would highly recommend it.
December 16, 2020
In my review of the previous entry to this series, I noted that Gentill had firmly landed on the side of fun history cameos, and lighter character tone (to balance heavier political material). Here, of course, she proves me wrong by centring firmly at the heart of the series: the Sinclairs and the book is probably the strongest in the series yet. Gentill explores both the privilege of the family and the trauma that has created such a strong sibling bond. The plot is directly related to the relationships - most murder mysteries rely on the characters being inexplicably dense, but here Gentill plays the reticence of the family - born both of a ruling-class set of mores and the nature of abusive families - to parlay the plot into adequate realism. The book also fleshes out Ernie, the young nephew of Rowland, recognising the child's scene-stealing potential. It is hard to write children well, but Ernie lands in the mind's eye from a joyous run. This series has been a great pleasure to discover, and I have been madly recommending it lately, hoping this quality continues.
August 17, 2019
I really liked this book. It seemed to have the right blend of colorful characters and interesting action. Rowland Sinclair is the main character as an entitled gentleman who is the black sheep of the family. His friends are a mix of artists and writers who have different idealogical leanings than the local establishment, therefore there are minor conflicts over lifestyle and money. Rowland has all the money one could ever want and his friends have little to none and are his houseguests in one of the family homes. The murder of Rowland’s father is the basis of the story, even though it happened in the past when Rowland was in his teens. His crazy band of friends get together to solve the crime after the gun used for the murder is uncovered in a damn drained for alternate reasons. The story winds around the remembrance of the murder and present political conflicts with friends and family. I will read more of this author.
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