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Rowland Sinclair #7
Give the Devil His Due
For fans of Rhys Bowen, Kerry Greenwood and Jacqueline Winspear comes an adventure-packed romp that threads 1934 Sydney's upper class and its seedy underworld.
Wealthy Rowland Sinclair, an artist with leftist friends and a free-wheeling lifestyle, reluctantly agrees to a charity race. He'll drive his beloved yellow Mercedes on the Maroubra Speedway, renamed the Killer Track for the lives it has claimed. His teammates are a young Errol Flynn and the well-known driver Joan Richmond. It's all good fun. But then people start to die...
The body of a journalist covering the race is found murdered in a House of Horrors. An English blueblood with Blackshirt affiliations dies in a Maroubra crash. Reporters stalk Rowly for dirt while bookmakers are after an edge. When someone takes a shot at him--it could be anyone. Then the police arrest one of Rowly's housemates for murder.
Winner of the 2018 Ned Kelly Award for Best Mystery.
Other Rowland Sinclair Mysteries:
A Few Right Thinking Men
A Decline in Prophets
Miles off Course
Paving the New Road
A Murder Unmentioned
Gentlemen Formerly Dressed
Wealthy Rowland Sinclair, an artist with leftist friends and a free-wheeling lifestyle, reluctantly agrees to a charity race. He'll drive his beloved yellow Mercedes on the Maroubra Speedway, renamed the Killer Track for the lives it has claimed. His teammates are a young Errol Flynn and the well-known driver Joan Richmond. It's all good fun. But then people start to die...
The body of a journalist covering the race is found murdered in a House of Horrors. An English blueblood with Blackshirt affiliations dies in a Maroubra crash. Reporters stalk Rowly for dirt while bookmakers are after an edge. When someone takes a shot at him--it could be anyone. Then the police arrest one of Rowly's housemates for murder.
Winner of the 2018 Ned Kelly Award for Best Mystery.
Other Rowland Sinclair Mysteries:
A Few Right Thinking Men
A Decline in Prophets
Miles off Course
Paving the New Road
A Murder Unmentioned
Gentlemen Formerly Dressed
400 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2015
82 people are currently reading
421 people want to read
About the author
Sulari Gentill
28 books1,728 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 95 reviews
September 12, 2020
4.5★
“‘I‘ll buy the painting back,’ Rowland said.
‘What if the gallery won’t sell it?’
‘Then I’ll buy the gallery.’”
Rowland Sinclair is a gentleman artist, meaning only that he was raised as the well-educated younger son of a wealthy Australian grazing family and he is a seriously talented painter. It does not mean he dabbles in art as a casual interest. He does have plenty of money, enough to buy that gallery, but the art itself is his passion.
His other passions are his handsome yellow 1927 Mercedes S-class and Ed, the wonderful, beautiful sculptress, Edna Higgins. She and two of their artist mates. Milt the poet, and Clyde the landscape painter, live with Rowly in one of the family’s Sydney mansions, “Woodlands”.
Rowly and Edna’s obvious mutual admiration seems destined never to be consummated, as she knows she picks up and discards admirers easily and she worries that she might do the same to him, so better to stay just friends. Oh how we all look forward to the small tender moments they do manage to share!
It’s 1934, and Rowland has been asked to race his Mercedes at the Maroubra Speedway for a Red Cross charity event. He’s not raced before, but he’s very proud of the power of his machine and has been teamed up with famous racing driver Joan Richmond and a brash young actor named Errol Flynn.
Maroubra Speedway, 1934
Gentill is one of the best at positioning her characters realistically into the society of the day. I have to keep looking up names to see if they are real people or not. Joan Richmond and Errol Flynn certainly were.
Australian racing driver Joan Richmond
Errol was fresh from his starring role in “In The Wake of The Bounty”, so he’s full of sailing language and confidence. He sweeps our Ed off her feet, takes her out on the town partying and dancing. Another arrow to Rowly’s heart, sigh . . .
DVD cover of In The Wake of The Bounty
Although I’ve followed plenty of motor racing in Australia, my history doesn’t go back nearly as far as the Maroubra Speedway, but apparently it was called the Killer Track because of the fatal crashes. They will be racing for the Lucky Devil Cup II.
1927 crash at Maroubra Speedway
But the race is only part of the story. There’s also the fact that his elderly mother is now living at Woodlands with Rowland and his colourful friends, but her dementia is such that she thinks she’s younger than she is and loves to go dancing with Milt, the poet. She makes a nice bright cameo feature in this adventure.
Wil’s seven-year-old son, Ernest, makes several appearances, as he’s now old enough to be sent to boarding school. Wil’s family lives on the family’s grazing property, so it’s usual that children are sent away to school. He’s in tears, at first, but Rowly lives close enough to collect him on weekends for outings and to take him to pick up his parents from the train.
“Ernest caught sight of his mother through the windows and waved and shouted excitedly, ‘Mater! Mater!’
‘Mater?’ Rowland looked at his nephew quizzically.
‘It’s Latin for mother, Uncle Rowly.’
‘Yes, of course.’
‘I’m studying Latin.’
‘Capital.’”
Of course, there’s a murder and of course one of the foursome will be accused, and of course there are shots fired and some rather scary attacks. It wouldn’t be a Rowland Sinclair mystery without them.
I do enjoy this series, and I love that I can trust Gentill’s research and history. Each chapter is introduced with a clipping from a newspaper of that period that has some bearing on the plot. Such fun!
“‘I‘ll buy the painting back,’ Rowland said.
‘What if the gallery won’t sell it?’
‘Then I’ll buy the gallery.’”
Rowland Sinclair is a gentleman artist, meaning only that he was raised as the well-educated younger son of a wealthy Australian grazing family and he is a seriously talented painter. It does not mean he dabbles in art as a casual interest. He does have plenty of money, enough to buy that gallery, but the art itself is his passion.
His other passions are his handsome yellow 1927 Mercedes S-class and Ed, the wonderful, beautiful sculptress, Edna Higgins. She and two of their artist mates. Milt the poet, and Clyde the landscape painter, live with Rowly in one of the family’s Sydney mansions, “Woodlands”.
Rowly and Edna’s obvious mutual admiration seems destined never to be consummated, as she knows she picks up and discards admirers easily and she worries that she might do the same to him, so better to stay just friends. Oh how we all look forward to the small tender moments they do manage to share!
It’s 1934, and Rowland has been asked to race his Mercedes at the Maroubra Speedway for a Red Cross charity event. He’s not raced before, but he’s very proud of the power of his machine and has been teamed up with famous racing driver Joan Richmond and a brash young actor named Errol Flynn.
Maroubra Speedway, 1934
Gentill is one of the best at positioning her characters realistically into the society of the day. I have to keep looking up names to see if they are real people or not. Joan Richmond and Errol Flynn certainly were.
Australian racing driver Joan Richmond
Errol was fresh from his starring role in “In The Wake of The Bounty”, so he’s full of sailing language and confidence. He sweeps our Ed off her feet, takes her out on the town partying and dancing. Another arrow to Rowly’s heart, sigh . . .
DVD cover of In The Wake of The Bounty
Although I’ve followed plenty of motor racing in Australia, my history doesn’t go back nearly as far as the Maroubra Speedway, but apparently it was called the Killer Track because of the fatal crashes. They will be racing for the Lucky Devil Cup II.
1927 crash at Maroubra Speedway
But the race is only part of the story. There’s also the fact that his elderly mother is now living at Woodlands with Rowland and his colourful friends, but her dementia is such that she thinks she’s younger than she is and loves to go dancing with Milt, the poet. She makes a nice bright cameo feature in this adventure.
Wil’s seven-year-old son, Ernest, makes several appearances, as he’s now old enough to be sent to boarding school. Wil’s family lives on the family’s grazing property, so it’s usual that children are sent away to school. He’s in tears, at first, but Rowly lives close enough to collect him on weekends for outings and to take him to pick up his parents from the train.
“Ernest caught sight of his mother through the windows and waved and shouted excitedly, ‘Mater! Mater!’
‘Mater?’ Rowland looked at his nephew quizzically.
‘It’s Latin for mother, Uncle Rowly.’
‘Yes, of course.’
‘I’m studying Latin.’
‘Capital.’”
Of course, there’s a murder and of course one of the foursome will be accused, and of course there are shots fired and some rather scary attacks. It wouldn’t be a Rowland Sinclair mystery without them.
I do enjoy this series, and I love that I can trust Gentill’s research and history. Each chapter is introduced with a clipping from a newspaper of that period that has some bearing on the plot. Such fun!
December 11, 2019
I love visiting 1930s Sydney with writer Sulari Gentill through her Rowland Sinclair series. Her research is impeccable, with fascinating news clippings heading each chapter and real characters of the day populating the novel.
In this seventh novel of the series, Rowly has been invited to race his splendid yellow Mercedes in a charity race at Maroubra Speedway - known as the killer track for the number of lives lost there. His team includes their captain Joan Richmond, Australia's first professional racing car driver and another amateur driver, Errol Flynn, an up and coming actor. While Rowly prepares himself and his car for the race, there's a lot more going on in this novel with the murder of a journalist, illegal bookmaking, an angry Italian family and Rowly's further attempts to shake the country out of its complacency by staging an exhibition based on the rise of Nazism and anti-semitism that he experienced first hand in Germany.
This was another hugely engaging episode with a difficult murder to solve attempts to end Rowly's life. As well as the mystery and historical elements of this book I really enjoy seeing the continuing growth of Rowly's relationships with his friends and family. His more conservative older brother Wil is coming to appreciate Rowly's choice of friends and their mother, slowly succumbing to dementia, seems very happy to now be living with Rowly and his bohemian household. Sculptress Ed may also finally have started to realise how she feels about Rowly (I must say he's very patient!). Can't wait to read the next book in this series. 4.5★
With thanks to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for a digital copy to read
In this seventh novel of the series, Rowly has been invited to race his splendid yellow Mercedes in a charity race at Maroubra Speedway - known as the killer track for the number of lives lost there. His team includes their captain Joan Richmond, Australia's first professional racing car driver and another amateur driver, Errol Flynn, an up and coming actor. While Rowly prepares himself and his car for the race, there's a lot more going on in this novel with the murder of a journalist, illegal bookmaking, an angry Italian family and Rowly's further attempts to shake the country out of its complacency by staging an exhibition based on the rise of Nazism and anti-semitism that he experienced first hand in Germany.
This was another hugely engaging episode with a difficult murder to solve attempts to end Rowly's life. As well as the mystery and historical elements of this book I really enjoy seeing the continuing growth of Rowly's relationships with his friends and family. His more conservative older brother Wil is coming to appreciate Rowly's choice of friends and their mother, slowly succumbing to dementia, seems very happy to now be living with Rowly and his bohemian household. Sculptress Ed may also finally have started to realise how she feels about Rowly (I must say he's very patient!). Can't wait to read the next book in this series. 4.5★
With thanks to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for a digital copy to read
June 2, 2019
I am reading a book from this series each month and I so look forward to each one. I will be really sad when I get to the latest one!
In Give the Devil His Due Rowley turns to racing his much loved yellow Mercedes in a fund raiser at the Maroubra Race Track (fortunately now long gone!). It appears that betting in the 1930's was a dangerous sport itself and many bad things happen as a result of this one race.
One of the best things about this book was the slow, oh so slow, development of the relationship between Edna and Rowley. I do hope that one day the author lets them get together. They make such a good team. I love what is happening with Rowley's mother too. I know dementia is not amusing but Elisabeth makes it so as she keeps remaking herself. By the end of this book she thinks she is 35 and she is having a great time!
As usual the book is packed with historical details of what was truly a fascinating period in Australian history. Even the politics is interesting which is something I cannot say about current times!
Summary: I love this series. Try it!
In Give the Devil His Due Rowley turns to racing his much loved yellow Mercedes in a fund raiser at the Maroubra Race Track (fortunately now long gone!). It appears that betting in the 1930's was a dangerous sport itself and many bad things happen as a result of this one race.
One of the best things about this book was the slow, oh so slow, development of the relationship between Edna and Rowley. I do hope that one day the author lets them get together. They make such a good team. I love what is happening with Rowley's mother too. I know dementia is not amusing but Elisabeth makes it so as she keeps remaking herself. By the end of this book she thinks she is 35 and she is having a great time!
As usual the book is packed with historical details of what was truly a fascinating period in Australian history. Even the politics is interesting which is something I cannot say about current times!
Summary: I love this series. Try it!
February 3, 2024
The 7th book in the Rowland Sinclair series finds Rowly and his cohort of fellow artists and poets (Edna, Clyde and Milton) back in Sydney and settling down after a hectic time in Germany. The year is 1934 and Rowland has been invited to participate in a car race for charity at the notoriously dangerous Maroubra Speedway. This is a team event and his team consists of noted professional driver Joan Richmond as well as up and coming actor Errol Flynn.
The lead up to the race inevitably involves some media scrutiny and Rowly is interviewed by local journalist Crispin White who visits him at his Woollahra mansion, Woodlands House. White stays on for dinner, over-indulges in wine and is driven home by Milton. So it’s with complete shock to hear the next day that Crispin White was found murdered in Magdalene’s House of the Macabre, a Kings Cross waxworks.
As one of the last people to have been seen with White, Milton becomes a suspect, the fact that he knew White from years before and had had a certain history with the man makes him an even stronger suspect.
But this is just one problem that has edged its way into Rowland’s life. His inclusion in this charity race has invited more than a few unwanted people into his path, namely, SP bookies and the like. He begins to walk a careful tightrope, avoiding men trying to glad hand him looking for inside information.
The other problem comes to him through Clyde whose courtship of Rosalina Martinelli has come to an abrupt end. Her family has arranged for her to marry a good Italian man who has just arrived from Italy. Clyde is warned off but is far from prepared to simply walk away. Rowly’s prepared to back him all the way, even if it means copping a few bruises along the way.
As has become one of the delightful norms throughout the series, Gentill has seamlessly woven some real life characters into the narrative to mingle with her fictional cast. It’s something that adds a satisfying dimension to the story providing added colour to an already vividly imagined tableau.
The drama taking place in Sydney is set to the backdrop of the brewing unrest in Europe, made even more pressing by Rowland and his friend’s recent experiences in Germany. Their politics notwithstanding, Milton and Clyde remain ever faithful to Rowland and the increasing danger he appears to be facing. His subsequent artwork reflects the shocking scenes he witnessed and, still determined to warn his countrymen of what he believes is an impending war, decides to hold an exhibition of his works.
Give the Devil His Due is another outstanding wander through Sydney in the 1930s. Woven together is a gruesome murder, a tragedy on the racetrack followed by threats of revenge. Hints of police corruption adds a considerable level of uncertainty to ongoing investigations and then there’s an illegal gambling syndicate ready to put pressure on anyone who gets in their way.
Although there are many threads, the story unfolds effortlessly. Rowland has time to paint, practice for his race, assist the lovelorn Clyde, run his own quasi-murder investigation, survive a sniper round and compete in said race. And there’s a lovely interaction between the friends and a certain Arthur Stace, the man known for chalking the word “Eternity” on the footpaths and doorsteps of Sydney.
I was once again charmed while, at the same time, frustrated by Rowland’s overly forgiving nature.
The lead up to the race inevitably involves some media scrutiny and Rowly is interviewed by local journalist Crispin White who visits him at his Woollahra mansion, Woodlands House. White stays on for dinner, over-indulges in wine and is driven home by Milton. So it’s with complete shock to hear the next day that Crispin White was found murdered in Magdalene’s House of the Macabre, a Kings Cross waxworks.
As one of the last people to have been seen with White, Milton becomes a suspect, the fact that he knew White from years before and had had a certain history with the man makes him an even stronger suspect.
But this is just one problem that has edged its way into Rowland’s life. His inclusion in this charity race has invited more than a few unwanted people into his path, namely, SP bookies and the like. He begins to walk a careful tightrope, avoiding men trying to glad hand him looking for inside information.
The other problem comes to him through Clyde whose courtship of Rosalina Martinelli has come to an abrupt end. Her family has arranged for her to marry a good Italian man who has just arrived from Italy. Clyde is warned off but is far from prepared to simply walk away. Rowly’s prepared to back him all the way, even if it means copping a few bruises along the way.
As has become one of the delightful norms throughout the series, Gentill has seamlessly woven some real life characters into the narrative to mingle with her fictional cast. It’s something that adds a satisfying dimension to the story providing added colour to an already vividly imagined tableau.
The drama taking place in Sydney is set to the backdrop of the brewing unrest in Europe, made even more pressing by Rowland and his friend’s recent experiences in Germany. Their politics notwithstanding, Milton and Clyde remain ever faithful to Rowland and the increasing danger he appears to be facing. His subsequent artwork reflects the shocking scenes he witnessed and, still determined to warn his countrymen of what he believes is an impending war, decides to hold an exhibition of his works.
Give the Devil His Due is another outstanding wander through Sydney in the 1930s. Woven together is a gruesome murder, a tragedy on the racetrack followed by threats of revenge. Hints of police corruption adds a considerable level of uncertainty to ongoing investigations and then there’s an illegal gambling syndicate ready to put pressure on anyone who gets in their way.
Although there are many threads, the story unfolds effortlessly. Rowland has time to paint, practice for his race, assist the lovelorn Clyde, run his own quasi-murder investigation, survive a sniper round and compete in said race. And there’s a lovely interaction between the friends and a certain Arthur Stace, the man known for chalking the word “Eternity” on the footpaths and doorsteps of Sydney.
I was once again charmed while, at the same time, frustrated by Rowland’s overly forgiving nature.
June 23, 2019
When reporter Crispin White arrived at Woodlands House to interview Rowland Sinclair about his upcoming participation in the charity race at the Maroubra Speedway, he was also invited to dinner. Milton ran him home after an enlightening couple of hours as Rowly had had a little too much to drink. But it was the shock of White’s murder which started a chain of events that would put not only Rowly, but his good friends, Milt, Clyde and Edna in mortal danger.
With the police keen to arrest Milt for White’s murder, Rowly and his friends knew they had to find the murderer first. But that was easier said than done – foiled and attacked at each turn, with Wilfred as angry at Rowly’s misdemeanors as he’d ever been, Rowly resorted to the one thing which would help him think. He painted. He planned. And he was determined. Could he and his friends find the elusive culprit? Should he pull out of the race? And what had the naive young reporter got to do with it all?
Give The Devil His Due is the 7th in the brilliant Rowland Sinclair series by Aussie author Sulari Gentill, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Rowly is a great character as are Edna, Clyde and Milt. There was family involvement, with Wil softening in his attitude to Rowly’s friends; Ernie – Wil’s eldest son – was a big part of the story, as well as Rowly and Wil’s mother. A fabulous series – one to be read in order – with Give The Devil His Due another to highly recommend.
With the police keen to arrest Milt for White’s murder, Rowly and his friends knew they had to find the murderer first. But that was easier said than done – foiled and attacked at each turn, with Wilfred as angry at Rowly’s misdemeanors as he’d ever been, Rowly resorted to the one thing which would help him think. He painted. He planned. And he was determined. Could he and his friends find the elusive culprit? Should he pull out of the race? And what had the naive young reporter got to do with it all?
Give The Devil His Due is the 7th in the brilliant Rowland Sinclair series by Aussie author Sulari Gentill, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Rowly is a great character as are Edna, Clyde and Milt. There was family involvement, with Wil softening in his attitude to Rowly’s friends; Ernie – Wil’s eldest son – was a big part of the story, as well as Rowly and Wil’s mother. A fabulous series – one to be read in order – with Give The Devil His Due another to highly recommend.
February 1, 2020
Give The Devil His Due is the seventh book in the Rowland Sinclair series by award-winning Australian author, Sulari Gentill. Despite its unpopularity with returned diggers, gentleman artist Rowland Sinclair has been convinced to enter his beloved yellow 1927 Mercedes S Class into a charity event at the notorious Maroubra Speedway. His team leader has plenty of experience; his other team member, an actor named Errol Flynn, is less experienced; but with practice, they stand a fair chance, even on what has been dubbed the killer track.
It seems the bookmakers would prefer if Rowly and his team, current favourites, did not win, and they seem to want to convince Rowly to throw the race. Then Smith’s Weekly journalist, Crispin White, having just interviewed Rowland about his German car, is brutally murdered in a Kings Cross waxworks: has this cursed track taken its next victim?
Worse still, Rowly’s poetic friend, Milton Isaacs comes under suspicion for the murder, and the investigating police detective seems unwilling to make any further enquiries. Meanwhile, Rowly’s artist friend, Clyde Watson-Jones is heartbroken when his girlfriend agrees to a marriage arranged by her family. Rowly is disturbed by New Guard leader, Eric Campbell’s run for parliament and is still trying to make people understand what is happening in Germany, the horrors he saw.
He hopes an exhibition of paintings inspired by the memories that plague him will have an effect, but wonders if he should wait until these other matters are resolved. But Edna tells him: “The world doesn’t stop so we can deal with one thing at a time. Life’s more an all-in brawl than one of your very proper boxing matches… A single identifiable opponent is an unrealistic luxury. As is an umpire to make sure everything’s sporting, that you all shake hands, adjust your ties, and have a cup of tea afterwards.”
In this instalment, Gentill again serves up plenty of fascinating historical detail, giving a few famous (and infamous) figures and products cameos (and some, more significant roles). There are twists and red herrings aplenty, leading to several exciting climaxes. Rowly twice has gainful employment recommended to him, encounters occultists, makes a drunken proposal, is beaten up, spends a night in the rough, and is shot at.
There are kittens, premonitory stories, three abductions for good or evil intent, a missing tiepin, and a missing notebook. Fans of the series will delight in a larger role for Rowly’s (quite spirited) mother, Elisabeth, now residing at Woodlands and relishing the company of his artistic friends.
Press clippings of the time that preface the chapters cleverly serve the purpose of providing information related to the text that follows, as well as depicting social attitudes of the era. As always, Gentill effortlessly evokes the era. Once again, a brilliant dose of Australian historical crime fiction. Readers by now hooked will appreciate knowing they can look forward to a further three (at least) instalments of this award-winning series, beginning with A Dangerous Language.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press.
It seems the bookmakers would prefer if Rowly and his team, current favourites, did not win, and they seem to want to convince Rowly to throw the race. Then Smith’s Weekly journalist, Crispin White, having just interviewed Rowland about his German car, is brutally murdered in a Kings Cross waxworks: has this cursed track taken its next victim?
Worse still, Rowly’s poetic friend, Milton Isaacs comes under suspicion for the murder, and the investigating police detective seems unwilling to make any further enquiries. Meanwhile, Rowly’s artist friend, Clyde Watson-Jones is heartbroken when his girlfriend agrees to a marriage arranged by her family. Rowly is disturbed by New Guard leader, Eric Campbell’s run for parliament and is still trying to make people understand what is happening in Germany, the horrors he saw.
He hopes an exhibition of paintings inspired by the memories that plague him will have an effect, but wonders if he should wait until these other matters are resolved. But Edna tells him: “The world doesn’t stop so we can deal with one thing at a time. Life’s more an all-in brawl than one of your very proper boxing matches… A single identifiable opponent is an unrealistic luxury. As is an umpire to make sure everything’s sporting, that you all shake hands, adjust your ties, and have a cup of tea afterwards.”
In this instalment, Gentill again serves up plenty of fascinating historical detail, giving a few famous (and infamous) figures and products cameos (and some, more significant roles). There are twists and red herrings aplenty, leading to several exciting climaxes. Rowly twice has gainful employment recommended to him, encounters occultists, makes a drunken proposal, is beaten up, spends a night in the rough, and is shot at.
There are kittens, premonitory stories, three abductions for good or evil intent, a missing tiepin, and a missing notebook. Fans of the series will delight in a larger role for Rowly’s (quite spirited) mother, Elisabeth, now residing at Woodlands and relishing the company of his artistic friends.
Press clippings of the time that preface the chapters cleverly serve the purpose of providing information related to the text that follows, as well as depicting social attitudes of the era. As always, Gentill effortlessly evokes the era. Once again, a brilliant dose of Australian historical crime fiction. Readers by now hooked will appreciate knowing they can look forward to a further three (at least) instalments of this award-winning series, beginning with A Dangerous Language.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press.
February 6, 2022
Well, I guess the one element I found interesting was the presence of Erol Flynn as I did not know he was Australian. His part of this drama was minor but he was part of the racing car theme. The characters are dramatically larger than life and rather obnoxious for the most part. Male artist/race car driver/connected celebrity is the main character and he is in a spectacular crash as well as being activist against Nazi propaganda in his thinking, at least. This was 1930's and he wanted people to wake up to what Hitler was planning.
I guess this is Australian soap opera? Not my cup of tea.
My library pointed me toward the book so I will be more careful in future.
Library Loan
I guess this is Australian soap opera? Not my cup of tea.
My library pointed me toward the book so I will be more careful in future.
Library Loan
January 1, 2020
Car races, murder, and an art exhibition! Another fabulous Rowland Sinclair read!
Sydney 1934. Rowland Sinclair, the accidental gentleman sleuth is continuing to be the bane of his powerful brother Wilfrid's life, and hopelessly in love with his sometime life model and free spirited sculptress Edna Higgins. I'm hopelessly enamored with Rowly and the gang!
Rowly's returned to the family's Sydney home Woodlands House in the salubrious suburb of Woollahra, with his artistic bohemian friends, poet Milton (Elias Isaacs), a card carrying communist, who quotes others works as though they were his own, landscape painter Clyde Watson Jones, and the beautiful inside and out, Ed (Edna). Rowly's mother Elizabeth, suffering from dementia, is in residence and still calls him by his deceased brother's name, Aubrey. She's a wonderful addition to the menagerie.
Rowley is to race his yellow Mercedes roadster in a charity event for the Australian Red Cross at the jinxed Maroubra speedway.
But in the meantime a reporter, Crispin White, is murdered in the Magdalene’s House of the Macabre, a horror waxworks, after having dinner at Woodlands. Milton comes under suspicion and Rowley and gang must do all they can to prove his innocence.
Throw into the mix Clyde's ex fiancé's Italian family who decide to take action against him and things become very lively.
The fascists are still beguiling the Australian public into seeing them as concerned citizens with the best interests of the country at heart. The conservatives are still trying to handle them.
Psychologically effected, but recovering from his dreadful time in Berlin, Rowley decides to launch an exhibition of his paintings showing the Nazi's up for who they really are.
Rowley is a character I just keep falling in love with. Charming, boyish, principled, avant garde, a talented artist, laconic, sincere and amusing. His handling of his mother is loving and delightful.
Really Gentill's novels are a fabulous trip through Australian political and social history in the 1930's, exposing not just the prejudices of the time, the effects of the Depression, but the sleazy underbelly of the criminal world. We're also treated to the artistic historical developments of the times, and are given an inkling of thoughts and ideas of this island community during this era.
The luminaries we continue to meet are priceless. Kenneth Slessor, a poet whose work I've always admired, Norman Lindsay, Errol Flynn, and Arthur Stace, the man who for thirty years wrote Eternity in fine copperplate all over Sydney.
I must say how pleased I am to have had an ARC of this book from the publishers. Without this I wouldn't have come across Gentill's fabulous Sinclair series. I have enthusiastically taken to reading my way through the series prior to this publication and am enjoying every moment.
A Poisoned Pen Press ARC via NetGalley
Sydney 1934. Rowland Sinclair, the accidental gentleman sleuth is continuing to be the bane of his powerful brother Wilfrid's life, and hopelessly in love with his sometime life model and free spirited sculptress Edna Higgins. I'm hopelessly enamored with Rowly and the gang!
Rowly's returned to the family's Sydney home Woodlands House in the salubrious suburb of Woollahra, with his artistic bohemian friends, poet Milton (Elias Isaacs), a card carrying communist, who quotes others works as though they were his own, landscape painter Clyde Watson Jones, and the beautiful inside and out, Ed (Edna). Rowly's mother Elizabeth, suffering from dementia, is in residence and still calls him by his deceased brother's name, Aubrey. She's a wonderful addition to the menagerie.
Rowley is to race his yellow Mercedes roadster in a charity event for the Australian Red Cross at the jinxed Maroubra speedway.
But in the meantime a reporter, Crispin White, is murdered in the Magdalene’s House of the Macabre, a horror waxworks, after having dinner at Woodlands. Milton comes under suspicion and Rowley and gang must do all they can to prove his innocence.
Throw into the mix Clyde's ex fiancé's Italian family who decide to take action against him and things become very lively.
The fascists are still beguiling the Australian public into seeing them as concerned citizens with the best interests of the country at heart. The conservatives are still trying to handle them.
Psychologically effected, but recovering from his dreadful time in Berlin, Rowley decides to launch an exhibition of his paintings showing the Nazi's up for who they really are.
Rowley is a character I just keep falling in love with. Charming, boyish, principled, avant garde, a talented artist, laconic, sincere and amusing. His handling of his mother is loving and delightful.
Really Gentill's novels are a fabulous trip through Australian political and social history in the 1930's, exposing not just the prejudices of the time, the effects of the Depression, but the sleazy underbelly of the criminal world. We're also treated to the artistic historical developments of the times, and are given an inkling of thoughts and ideas of this island community during this era.
The luminaries we continue to meet are priceless. Kenneth Slessor, a poet whose work I've always admired, Norman Lindsay, Errol Flynn, and Arthur Stace, the man who for thirty years wrote Eternity in fine copperplate all over Sydney.
I must say how pleased I am to have had an ARC of this book from the publishers. Without this I wouldn't have come across Gentill's fabulous Sinclair series. I have enthusiastically taken to reading my way through the series prior to this publication and am enjoying every moment.
A Poisoned Pen Press ARC via NetGalley
January 26, 2021
Give The Devil His Due is the seventh book in the Rowland Sinclair series by award-winning Australian author, Sulari Gentill. The audio version is narrated by Rupert Degas. Despite its unpopularity with returned diggers, gentleman artist Rowland Sinclair has been convinced to enter his beloved yellow 1927 Mercedes S Class into a charity event at the notorious Maroubra Speedway. His team leader has plenty of experience; his other team member, an actor named Errol Flynn, is less experienced; but with practice, they stand a fair chance, even on what has been dubbed the killer track.
It seems the bookmakers would prefer if Rowly and his team, current favourites, did not win, and they seem to want to convince Rowly to throw the race. Then Smith’s Weekly journalist, Crispin White, having just interviewed Rowland about his German car, is brutally murdered in a Kings Cross waxworks: has this cursed track taken its next victim?
Worse still, Rowly’s poetic friend, Milton Isaacs comes under suspicion for the murder, and the investigating police detective seems unwilling to make any further enquiries. Meanwhile, Rowly’s artist friend, Clyde Watson-Jones is heartbroken when his girlfriend agrees to a marriage arranged by her family. Rowly is disturbed by New Guard leader, Eric Campbell’s run for parliament and is still trying to make people understand what is happening in Germany, the horrors he saw.
He hopes an exhibition of paintings inspired by the memories that plague him will have an effect, but wonders if he should wait until these other matters are resolved. But Edna tells him: “The world doesn’t stop so we can deal with one thing at a time. Life’s more an all-in brawl than one of your very proper boxing matches… A single identifiable opponent is an unrealistic luxury. As is an umpire to make sure everything’s sporting, that you all shake hands, adjust your ties, and have a cup of tea afterwards.”
In this instalment, Gentill again serves up plenty of fascinating historical detail, giving a few famous (and infamous) figures and products cameos (and some, more significant roles). There are twists and red herrings aplenty, leading to several exciting climaxes. Rowly twice has gainful employment recommended to him, encounters occultists, makes a drunken proposal, is beaten up, spends a night in the rough, and is shot at.
There are kittens, premonitory stories, three abductions for good or evil intent, a missing tiepin, and a missing notebook. Fans of the series will delight in a larger role for Rowly’s (quite spirited) mother, Elisabeth, now residing at Woodlands and relishing the company of his artistic friends.
Press clippings of the time that preface the chapters cleverly serve the purpose of providing information related to the text that follows, as well as depicting social attitudes of the era. As always, Gentill effortlessly evokes the era. Once again, a brilliant dose of Australian historical crime fiction. Readers by now hooked will appreciate knowing they can look forward to a further three (at least) instalments of this award-winning series, beginning with A Dangerous Language
It seems the bookmakers would prefer if Rowly and his team, current favourites, did not win, and they seem to want to convince Rowly to throw the race. Then Smith’s Weekly journalist, Crispin White, having just interviewed Rowland about his German car, is brutally murdered in a Kings Cross waxworks: has this cursed track taken its next victim?
Worse still, Rowly’s poetic friend, Milton Isaacs comes under suspicion for the murder, and the investigating police detective seems unwilling to make any further enquiries. Meanwhile, Rowly’s artist friend, Clyde Watson-Jones is heartbroken when his girlfriend agrees to a marriage arranged by her family. Rowly is disturbed by New Guard leader, Eric Campbell’s run for parliament and is still trying to make people understand what is happening in Germany, the horrors he saw.
He hopes an exhibition of paintings inspired by the memories that plague him will have an effect, but wonders if he should wait until these other matters are resolved. But Edna tells him: “The world doesn’t stop so we can deal with one thing at a time. Life’s more an all-in brawl than one of your very proper boxing matches… A single identifiable opponent is an unrealistic luxury. As is an umpire to make sure everything’s sporting, that you all shake hands, adjust your ties, and have a cup of tea afterwards.”
In this instalment, Gentill again serves up plenty of fascinating historical detail, giving a few famous (and infamous) figures and products cameos (and some, more significant roles). There are twists and red herrings aplenty, leading to several exciting climaxes. Rowly twice has gainful employment recommended to him, encounters occultists, makes a drunken proposal, is beaten up, spends a night in the rough, and is shot at.
There are kittens, premonitory stories, three abductions for good or evil intent, a missing tiepin, and a missing notebook. Fans of the series will delight in a larger role for Rowly’s (quite spirited) mother, Elisabeth, now residing at Woodlands and relishing the company of his artistic friends.
Press clippings of the time that preface the chapters cleverly serve the purpose of providing information related to the text that follows, as well as depicting social attitudes of the era. As always, Gentill effortlessly evokes the era. Once again, a brilliant dose of Australian historical crime fiction. Readers by now hooked will appreciate knowing they can look forward to a further three (at least) instalments of this award-winning series, beginning with A Dangerous Language
November 8, 2015
A visual treat!
My View:
The sub-genre historical crime fiction is more than the re-imagining of an incident set in the past; when executed skilfully it is engaging, thought provoking and shares the authors passion for the era and their understanding of the society and culture of that period. Sulari Gentill’s passion for this era is obvious on every page. The tone, style and colour of this narrative paints an evocative and very visual account of Australian society in the 1930’s. I love reading crime fiction based in this period - the time frame is far enough removed from my life that I have no firsthand knowledge of the time yet the period is still relevant and interesting and accessible. Records still exist from that time frame: news reels, documentaries, oral histories, films, art, fashion, music etc. that allows us a glimpse of the past, it is the context, the social fabric, the political views and the mystery that this talented author weaves into the narrative that makes this work so engaging.
And did I mention great characters? I particularly enjoyed reading about Ed – Edna Higgins; a creative, talented, generous and strong individual who does not conform to societal pressures that inform how a 1930’s woman should be; she is herself.
A great read.
My View:
The sub-genre historical crime fiction is more than the re-imagining of an incident set in the past; when executed skilfully it is engaging, thought provoking and shares the authors passion for the era and their understanding of the society and culture of that period. Sulari Gentill’s passion for this era is obvious on every page. The tone, style and colour of this narrative paints an evocative and very visual account of Australian society in the 1930’s. I love reading crime fiction based in this period - the time frame is far enough removed from my life that I have no firsthand knowledge of the time yet the period is still relevant and interesting and accessible. Records still exist from that time frame: news reels, documentaries, oral histories, films, art, fashion, music etc. that allows us a glimpse of the past, it is the context, the social fabric, the political views and the mystery that this talented author weaves into the narrative that makes this work so engaging.
And did I mention great characters? I particularly enjoyed reading about Ed – Edna Higgins; a creative, talented, generous and strong individual who does not conform to societal pressures that inform how a 1930’s woman should be; she is herself.
A great read.
December 8, 2020
A pause in the music signalled that the formalities were about to begin. Various dignitaries took the stage to acknowledge other dignitaries and to deliver words of welcome and thanks. When the music started again, Rowland danced with Joan, discussing race strategy through the slides of a Gypsy Tap and two waltzes.
“Give the devil his due” – 7th in the Rowland Sinclair mysteries set in the 1930’s, finds the wealthy artist at his Sydney home, “Woodlands” in Woollahra, being interviewed by Crispin White, a columnist with Smith’s Weekly. Rowly shares his home with artist Watson-Jones, the sculptress and Rowly’s flame, Edna Higgins, and the flamboyant poet “Milton” Isaacs. Rowly’s elderly mother Elisabeth also has rooms in the house and appears to be suffering from Alzheimer’s.
As with other books in the series, the main characters are bohemian but generally well-disposed, protected by Rowly’s straight-jacketed older brother, Wilfred and his wife and young sons, plus numerous dignitaries from the era, grand houses with servants, a detective or two and no shortage of scoundrels.
White numbers among the later as Milton can attest. When the journalist is too drunk to drive home, Milton insists on driving him, rather than allow him to stay overnight at “Woodlands”. When White’s body is found the next day at Magdalene’s House of Horrors, Milton is the main suspect.
That’s one element of this many-facetted plot. Clyde is in love with one of Rowly’s former life models, Rosalina Martinelli, to the dismay of her family who her to marry an Italian husband, and there’s the small matter of the nude drawing hanging in an art gallery.
Rowly is invited to race his Mercedes at the Maroubra Invitational motor race as part of the Easter Fair – a speedway circuit with a reputation for being deadly – and is teamed with experienced race driver, Joan Richmond and up-and-coming Australian actor, Errol Flynn. Where racing is concerned, betting follows in some shady SP bookmakers.
Edna is not without her dramas, as well as “stepping out” with Errol Flynn, she is accosted by a former admirer and scoundrel, the unscrupulous Dr Reginald Stuart Jones, who attends to women who find themselves in a “precarious position.”
Then there’s politics. Eric Campbell is campaigning for the Centre Party espousing a doctrine close to that of Adolf Hitler though tactfully not advocating anti-Semitism, and Rowly exhibits paintings drawn from his experiences of the Nazis in Munich.
Milton glanced at his friend. He’d always believed Rowland Sinclair naïve- doggedly romantic, conditioned by a privileged upbringing to expect the best from the world. That Rowland was coming to doubt his fellow man was probably inevitable but alarming nevertheless.
All very full-on, with the author adding social commentary on unemployed men “on the wallaby” – living rough as they travel from town to town, seeking work who, though impoverished, share the little they have with anyone in trouble. Eventually, the threads are drawn together and return to the murder in the House of Horrors, which points to the most basic urge of all.
“Give the devil his due” – 7th in the Rowland Sinclair mysteries set in the 1930’s, finds the wealthy artist at his Sydney home, “Woodlands” in Woollahra, being interviewed by Crispin White, a columnist with Smith’s Weekly. Rowly shares his home with artist Watson-Jones, the sculptress and Rowly’s flame, Edna Higgins, and the flamboyant poet “Milton” Isaacs. Rowly’s elderly mother Elisabeth also has rooms in the house and appears to be suffering from Alzheimer’s.
As with other books in the series, the main characters are bohemian but generally well-disposed, protected by Rowly’s straight-jacketed older brother, Wilfred and his wife and young sons, plus numerous dignitaries from the era, grand houses with servants, a detective or two and no shortage of scoundrels.
White numbers among the later as Milton can attest. When the journalist is too drunk to drive home, Milton insists on driving him, rather than allow him to stay overnight at “Woodlands”. When White’s body is found the next day at Magdalene’s House of Horrors, Milton is the main suspect.
That’s one element of this many-facetted plot. Clyde is in love with one of Rowly’s former life models, Rosalina Martinelli, to the dismay of her family who her to marry an Italian husband, and there’s the small matter of the nude drawing hanging in an art gallery.
Rowly is invited to race his Mercedes at the Maroubra Invitational motor race as part of the Easter Fair – a speedway circuit with a reputation for being deadly – and is teamed with experienced race driver, Joan Richmond and up-and-coming Australian actor, Errol Flynn. Where racing is concerned, betting follows in some shady SP bookmakers.
Edna is not without her dramas, as well as “stepping out” with Errol Flynn, she is accosted by a former admirer and scoundrel, the unscrupulous Dr Reginald Stuart Jones, who attends to women who find themselves in a “precarious position.”
Then there’s politics. Eric Campbell is campaigning for the Centre Party espousing a doctrine close to that of Adolf Hitler though tactfully not advocating anti-Semitism, and Rowly exhibits paintings drawn from his experiences of the Nazis in Munich.
Milton glanced at his friend. He’d always believed Rowland Sinclair naïve- doggedly romantic, conditioned by a privileged upbringing to expect the best from the world. That Rowland was coming to doubt his fellow man was probably inevitable but alarming nevertheless.
All very full-on, with the author adding social commentary on unemployed men “on the wallaby” – living rough as they travel from town to town, seeking work who, though impoverished, share the little they have with anyone in trouble. Eventually, the threads are drawn together and return to the murder in the House of Horrors, which points to the most basic urge of all.
June 22, 2021
I always enjoy a break with Rowly and his friends. This series is entertaining and enjoyable in the way it recreates the lifestyle and politics of Sydney in the 1930’s. Gentill includes people from all walks of life and weaves intriguing corruption and crime into a great yarn.
Being an audiobook may have been my least favourite part of this particular story as the voices created for the female characters felt a bit annoying/condescending. This may have been due to the use of the same male voice for every character.
Being an audiobook may have been my least favourite part of this particular story as the voices created for the female characters felt a bit annoying/condescending. This may have been due to the use of the same male voice for every character.
October 24, 2021
Another stellar entry in this series! (I know, I'm writing the same things again & again 😂)
June 20, 2021
I really love this series. I feel like the main characters are family at this point. Once again, Rowland, Edna, Milton and Clyde manage to get themselves into perilous situations, trying to do the right thing. Once again, Wilfred gets upset with Rowland and completely misunderstands him. Once again, Rowland is the object of his nephew Ernie's complete devotion. Lovely.
This time, the action centers around a motor race in which Rowland has agreed to participate to benefit the Red Cross. The race is taking place, though, on an extremely dangerous track. During practice runs, another driver is killed and his sister, also a race car driver, blames Rowland. And there are bookies who stand to lose a great deal of money if Rowland's team, the favorites, wins. Oh, and a member of Rowland's team is Errol Flynn (yes . . . that Errol Flynn), who is dating Edna. And in the midst of all of this, a reporter who has interviewed Rowland about the race is murdered in strange circumstances, having his throat slashed in a house of macabre waxworks. Milton was the last person to see the reporter alive, and they have history, so Milton becomes the main (and soon the only) suspect. Oh . . . and the family of Clyde's former girlfriend, now engaged to another man, becomes upset because of a gift he delivers to her that is grossly misunderstood. Oh . . . and Rowland decides to stage an exhibition of his artwork based on his experience in Nazi Germany two books back.
With the combination of all that is presented to learn about Australia in the '30s--including and especially the political situation, the wry humor, the deep affection between the characters, and the fast-moving action, I found this installment in the series, like the ones the precede it, to be a very enjoyable read.
This time, the action centers around a motor race in which Rowland has agreed to participate to benefit the Red Cross. The race is taking place, though, on an extremely dangerous track. During practice runs, another driver is killed and his sister, also a race car driver, blames Rowland. And there are bookies who stand to lose a great deal of money if Rowland's team, the favorites, wins. Oh, and a member of Rowland's team is Errol Flynn (yes . . . that Errol Flynn), who is dating Edna. And in the midst of all of this, a reporter who has interviewed Rowland about the race is murdered in strange circumstances, having his throat slashed in a house of macabre waxworks. Milton was the last person to see the reporter alive, and they have history, so Milton becomes the main (and soon the only) suspect. Oh . . . and the family of Clyde's former girlfriend, now engaged to another man, becomes upset because of a gift he delivers to her that is grossly misunderstood. Oh . . . and Rowland decides to stage an exhibition of his artwork based on his experience in Nazi Germany two books back.
With the combination of all that is presented to learn about Australia in the '30s--including and especially the political situation, the wry humor, the deep affection between the characters, and the fast-moving action, I found this installment in the series, like the ones the precede it, to be a very enjoyable read.
July 14, 2022
Wealthy painter Rowland Sinclair and his friends Milt, Clyde, and Edna--all creative types who live in his family mansion--continue to try to tell the Australian public about the rising threat of Fascism in Germany, to little avail. When a journalist is murdered in a macabre waxworks, Milt comes under suspicion. Rowly has agreed to race his Mercedes (hated by many of the locals, who see it as a tribute to their enemy in World War I) in a charity event for the Red Cross, on a team that also includes a famous race driver and young actor Errol Flynn. Clyde takes it hard when his girlfriend becomes engaged to another man. And free-loving Edna, trying to clear Milt, almost falls prey to a slimy gynecologist.
April 10, 2021
I'm reading this series back to back as our local library had the complete series, books one to nine, available.
The racing car aspect in this book wasn't that engaging for me, fortunately, there were a lot of other things happening to and around Rowly and his friends to keep me interested.
Just making note that Rowly seems to get into a whole lot of fist fights, and, the 'scary' young artist with her occult leanings and cohorts was an odd extra in Give the Devil His Due ..... that title may be the influencing cause for both.
The worst fight - a thrashing actually - is brought about by a misunderstanding involving a piece of artwork ...... Claude is definitely better off without 'her'.
Extra: rogue - violent - Gynaecologist, abortion.
The racing car aspect in this book wasn't that engaging for me, fortunately, there were a lot of other things happening to and around Rowly and his friends to keep me interested.
Just making note that Rowly seems to get into a whole lot of fist fights, and, the 'scary' young artist with her occult leanings and cohorts was an odd extra in Give the Devil His Due ..... that title may be the influencing cause for both.
The worst fight - a thrashing actually - is brought about by a misunderstanding involving a piece of artwork ...... Claude is definitely better off without 'her'.
Extra: rogue - violent - Gynaecologist, abortion.
January 14, 2020
This series continues to entertain me. This outing gives us an auto race on a dilapidated track, a decidedly strange coven, illegal betting, a murder, and Errol Flynn. Plus continuing looks at Australian politics on the local and national level.
Bring on the next book!
Bring on the next book!
November 4, 2021
I start each new book in this series wondering if the author can keep up the realistic characterizations, fascinating dialogue, interesting history plus a mystery with loads of twists and turns. Sulari Gentill has yet to disappoint me! An added plus this time is an actor who is not well known yet but is featured prominently in the adventure. I'm sure if he was still alive he would very much approve of his inclusion! Highly recommend this series although best to read in order. Rated 5 stars.
November 10, 2015
‘Rowland Sinclair’s dealings with the press were rarely so civil.’
This is the seventh novel in Ms Gentill’s historical crime series which features Rowland Sinclair and is set during the 1930s. Rowland Sinclair is a wealthy gentleman artist who lives in a Woollahra mansion with his greyhound Lenin and an assortment of bohemian friends including Edna Higgins, a sculptor for whom he has feelings, and Clyde Watson Jones, a landscape painter, who can also be handy with his fists.
In this novel, Rowland Sinclair is planning to race his yellow 1927 Mercedes S-Class at the Maroubra speedway for a charity race in aid of the Red Cross. When a journalist who interviews him is killed, Rowland Sinclair is caught up in the mystery surrounding his murder. Sinclair was one of the last people to see the journalist alive. Who killed the journalist, and why?
The story, which incorporates some real characters such as the young Rosaleen Norton (known in later years as the ‘Witch of King’s Cross’), the poet Kenneth Slessor, the actor Errol Flynn, the painter Norman Lindsay and Arthur Stace ( Sydney’s ‘Eternity’ man), moves at a rapid pace. The journalist’s murder is only the first, and it seems that someone is after Rowland Sinclair as well.
I really enjoyed this novel. There are plenty of twists and turns as Sinclair and his friends try to find out who killed the journalist. Ms Gentill has a great mix of characters, and the use of actual newspaper articles from the period as chapter openings serves to reinforce the setting. I loved the depiction of Errol Flynn (he fits right in, naturally) and wanted to know more about Arthur Stace. While some aspects of the story clearly draw on facts established in earlier novels, it is possible to read (and enjoy) this novel on a standalone basis. Across this series, Ms Gentill has drawn on the political unrest that followed the Great Depression. Her exploration of the tensions between the communist and fascist sympathisers, her blending of history and fiction provide an intriguing setting.
But back to the mystery: it’s a great read, and I’m looking to read the rest of the series.
Note: My thanks to Pantera Press for providing me with a copy of the novel for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
This is the seventh novel in Ms Gentill’s historical crime series which features Rowland Sinclair and is set during the 1930s. Rowland Sinclair is a wealthy gentleman artist who lives in a Woollahra mansion with his greyhound Lenin and an assortment of bohemian friends including Edna Higgins, a sculptor for whom he has feelings, and Clyde Watson Jones, a landscape painter, who can also be handy with his fists.
In this novel, Rowland Sinclair is planning to race his yellow 1927 Mercedes S-Class at the Maroubra speedway for a charity race in aid of the Red Cross. When a journalist who interviews him is killed, Rowland Sinclair is caught up in the mystery surrounding his murder. Sinclair was one of the last people to see the journalist alive. Who killed the journalist, and why?
The story, which incorporates some real characters such as the young Rosaleen Norton (known in later years as the ‘Witch of King’s Cross’), the poet Kenneth Slessor, the actor Errol Flynn, the painter Norman Lindsay and Arthur Stace ( Sydney’s ‘Eternity’ man), moves at a rapid pace. The journalist’s murder is only the first, and it seems that someone is after Rowland Sinclair as well.
I really enjoyed this novel. There are plenty of twists and turns as Sinclair and his friends try to find out who killed the journalist. Ms Gentill has a great mix of characters, and the use of actual newspaper articles from the period as chapter openings serves to reinforce the setting. I loved the depiction of Errol Flynn (he fits right in, naturally) and wanted to know more about Arthur Stace. While some aspects of the story clearly draw on facts established in earlier novels, it is possible to read (and enjoy) this novel on a standalone basis. Across this series, Ms Gentill has drawn on the political unrest that followed the Great Depression. Her exploration of the tensions between the communist and fascist sympathisers, her blending of history and fiction provide an intriguing setting.
But back to the mystery: it’s a great read, and I’m looking to read the rest of the series.
Note: My thanks to Pantera Press for providing me with a copy of the novel for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
October 16, 2019
I would like to thank Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for an advance copy of Give the Devil his Due, the seventh novel to feature artist Rowland Sinclair, set in 1930s Sydney.
Rowlie is taking part in a charity motor race at the Maroubra racetrack along with teammates Errol Flynn and Joan Richmond. They are the subject of much press interest so Rowlie is horrified when a journalist, Crispin White is murdered shortly after interviewing him and his friend Milton Isaacs becomes the prime suspect.
I thoroughly enjoyed Give the Devil his Due which is an amusing romp through Sydney with a more serious undertone and a good mystery to boot. I have read most of the novels in the series so this is another welcome addition. Rowlie, his bohemian lifestyle and unconventional friends, Milton Isaacs, Clyde Watson-Jones and Edna Higgins, have become good friends over the series so a newcomer may find it all a little baffling at first but will soon settle in. Rowlie is extremely rich so he houses his friends, all impoverished artists of one kind or another, in his mansion. They are extremely close and fairly left wing which enrages Rowlie’s more conservative brother, Wilfred. This closeness and their political views are what frequently leads them into trouble and adventure. I really enjoy their relationship and the often humorous dialogue between them as it brings a lightness and warmth to what could otherwise be quite a dark novel. Being left wing (Milton and Clyde are communists) in the thirties was quite dangerous with fascism on the rise and anti communism being standard in politics. Ms Gentill doesn’t shy away from either the implications of this or its repercussions. It’s fascinating reading.
The plot is equally well done with Rowlie and his friends trying to find White’s murderer to clear Milton. Along the way they have multiple adventures and uncover quite a few other crimes. It’s high octane as they careen from one crisis to another. The only downside to the novel is the contemporaneous press excerpts at the start of each chapter. They are interesting and always refer to events in that chapter but they tend to interrupt the flow of the novel.
Give the Devil his Due is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
Rowlie is taking part in a charity motor race at the Maroubra racetrack along with teammates Errol Flynn and Joan Richmond. They are the subject of much press interest so Rowlie is horrified when a journalist, Crispin White is murdered shortly after interviewing him and his friend Milton Isaacs becomes the prime suspect.
I thoroughly enjoyed Give the Devil his Due which is an amusing romp through Sydney with a more serious undertone and a good mystery to boot. I have read most of the novels in the series so this is another welcome addition. Rowlie, his bohemian lifestyle and unconventional friends, Milton Isaacs, Clyde Watson-Jones and Edna Higgins, have become good friends over the series so a newcomer may find it all a little baffling at first but will soon settle in. Rowlie is extremely rich so he houses his friends, all impoverished artists of one kind or another, in his mansion. They are extremely close and fairly left wing which enrages Rowlie’s more conservative brother, Wilfred. This closeness and their political views are what frequently leads them into trouble and adventure. I really enjoy their relationship and the often humorous dialogue between them as it brings a lightness and warmth to what could otherwise be quite a dark novel. Being left wing (Milton and Clyde are communists) in the thirties was quite dangerous with fascism on the rise and anti communism being standard in politics. Ms Gentill doesn’t shy away from either the implications of this or its repercussions. It’s fascinating reading.
The plot is equally well done with Rowlie and his friends trying to find White’s murderer to clear Milton. Along the way they have multiple adventures and uncover quite a few other crimes. It’s high octane as they careen from one crisis to another. The only downside to the novel is the contemporaneous press excerpts at the start of each chapter. They are interesting and always refer to events in that chapter but they tend to interrupt the flow of the novel.
Give the Devil his Due is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
January 13, 2020
This is the seventh book in the series, and I think you should have a working knowledge of the characters before approaching the characters at this late a stage. I will begin by saying I really enjoyed the book. Try as I might I couldn't read it as quickly as some others. Although this could be because I have been trying to cram a lot of reading into my free time, but it could also be (and probably is the actual reason) the fact that a lot goes on in the tale. We are being shown a slice of Australia before the Second World War and when a large part of the world still underestimates the power and intent of the Nazis.
Rowland has had a lot of setbacks both locally and abroad by the time the scene is set for this instalment. He is going to race his beloved Mercedes in a charity race, but there is a lot of hue and cry over Rowland's loyalties and his allegiance to any one 'group'. This last part has to do with the rag-tag group of people who are closer than family to him. Their joys and sorrows are shared equally amongst them, and there are quite a few of the latter here. I continue to love the informative news articles that headline each chapter, giving us insight into how a particular line of narrative might have found its way into the story.
It is historical fiction at its most fascinating. Emotions, love lives are part of the story but not the be-all and end-all of the entire book. The people, their interpersonal dependencies and the conversations are the highlights of it all. No relationship is straightforward, and the nuances of each can be heart-rending as well as bolstering as well as everyday lighter moments. We see how ideals fare when one's heroes are shown to be mere men with the same prejudices that one's sworn enemies might carry.
I would only recommend this series to someone with a decided interest in the various capricious qualities of politics in a country that's only starting to carve its own identity while still belonging to the higher colonial power. I really enjoyed the book, when I turned the last page and one murder case, two personal issues were resolved, for the
Rowland has had a lot of setbacks both locally and abroad by the time the scene is set for this instalment. He is going to race his beloved Mercedes in a charity race, but there is a lot of hue and cry over Rowland's loyalties and his allegiance to any one 'group'. This last part has to do with the rag-tag group of people who are closer than family to him. Their joys and sorrows are shared equally amongst them, and there are quite a few of the latter here. I continue to love the informative news articles that headline each chapter, giving us insight into how a particular line of narrative might have found its way into the story.
It is historical fiction at its most fascinating. Emotions, love lives are part of the story but not the be-all and end-all of the entire book. The people, their interpersonal dependencies and the conversations are the highlights of it all. No relationship is straightforward, and the nuances of each can be heart-rending as well as bolstering as well as everyday lighter moments. We see how ideals fare when one's heroes are shown to be mere men with the same prejudices that one's sworn enemies might carry.
I would only recommend this series to someone with a decided interest in the various capricious qualities of politics in a country that's only starting to carve its own identity while still belonging to the higher colonial power. I really enjoyed the book, when I turned the last page and one murder case, two personal issues were resolved, for the
August 21, 2019
"Give the Devil His Due" is a mystery set in 1934 in Australia. This is the seventh novel in a series. You don't have to read the previous books in order to follow this one. Besides the mystery, the story involved the dangers of a romance gone wrong and of car racing. Rowley ended up in quite bad shape between all three storylines. The mystery was a clue-based. Rowley and his friends asked questions and followed up on clues because the detective on the case felt that one of Rowley's friends was the murderer. Interesting historical details were woven into the the story. The main characters were interesting, engaging people. There was a fair amount of bad language. There were no sex scenes. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting novel.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
January 18, 2020
The story of Rowland Sinclair and his family - the closest we could get to aristocracy in Australia in itself is an unusual family and background. The understated riches, lifestyle and manner of Rowland is in itself admirable and a story on its own. Set him against a motley crowd of arty types like Edna who has acquired a reputation which is not fair, Communists and so called hangers on and then set an attempted murder/s in this background and you have a fascinating story.
Set on a race track with a killer reputation, we have people gunning for Rowland Sinclair. In the process others get killed which adds to the mystery. The 1930s political scene in Australia was complicated and amazing and to someone like me who did not have a clue as to what Australia was like then, the story was a revelation.
Loved the writing.
Set on a race track with a killer reputation, we have people gunning for Rowland Sinclair. In the process others get killed which adds to the mystery. The 1930s political scene in Australia was complicated and amazing and to someone like me who did not have a clue as to what Australia was like then, the story was a revelation.
Loved the writing.
January 6, 2020
I'm huge fan of this series and I love the well balanced mix of fiction and historical facts.
This instalment was excellent and it kept me hooked till the last page.
It was great to meet again Rowland and his friends and read about the development in their life, it's like to meet a group of old friends. The cast of characters is as likeable and well thought as usual.
The well crafted plot and the solid mystery that kept me guessing were gripping and entertaining.
It was an excellent read, strongly recommended.
Many thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
This instalment was excellent and it kept me hooked till the last page.
It was great to meet again Rowland and his friends and read about the development in their life, it's like to meet a group of old friends. The cast of characters is as likeable and well thought as usual.
The well crafted plot and the solid mystery that kept me guessing were gripping and entertaining.
It was an excellent read, strongly recommended.
Many thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
January 20, 2021
Another delightful entry in Sulari Gentill’s mystery series set in 30s Australia. This one features a motor race (which this antique car geek loved), the growing threat of fascism in Europe and closer to home for Rowland Sinclair and his friends (unfortunately all too relevant to current events), and the unfortunate murder of journalist covering the race.
Rowland’s racing team includes historical figures Joan Richmond, female motorsport pioneer, and Errol Flynn, who is really better at boats, and his friends mechanic Clyde, sculptress Edna, and poet Milt are all along for a quite dangerous but still merry whirl of a caper.
Cannot recommend this series enough!
Rowland’s racing team includes historical figures Joan Richmond, female motorsport pioneer, and Errol Flynn, who is really better at boats, and his friends mechanic Clyde, sculptress Edna, and poet Milt are all along for a quite dangerous but still merry whirl of a caper.
Cannot recommend this series enough!
July 11, 2021
2021 bk 207. Gentill does it again. This time the focus is on a charity automobile race - with Rowly driving the Mercedes that Australians love to hate since it was a German made car. In this race a pro is paired up with 2 amateurs and Rowly is pressed into service by his mother. A supposedly cursed race track, a murder at a house of horrors, a young impressionable journalist, and someone attempting to murder Rowland Sinclair provide lots of suspense and mystery in this 7th in the series. - So good I read it until 3 a.m. and immediately started on its sequel.
March 4, 2019
Another fun addition to the Rowland Sinclair series. There were lots of different threads being drawn together, which worked for the most part, but meant there wasn't a strong feeling of narrative arc. Excellent character interactions as usual!
July 31, 2022
This is such a fun series. Even if it’s pretty predictable and sometimes silly, it’s just entertaining to listen to. Sadly no one listens to Rowland when he tries to warn them of the danger of Hitler and the Nazi party. Sometimes the crime and the solution get lost in their shenanigans.
July 4, 2023
Whatever country first
Whatever "country first" is not an original idea of the 2000nd's.
Rowland's escapades once again grip us in an unrelinquable hold.
Looking forward to the next book in the series ❤.
Whatever "country first" is not an original idea of the 2000nd's.
Rowland's escapades once again grip us in an unrelinquable hold.
Looking forward to the next book in the series ❤.
September 25, 2018
Another great book in an enjoyable series. I continue to enjoy the characters that get introduced in each book and learning more about the history (involving these characters) of Australia and New South Wales. I'll be starting the next book of the series very soon, although will have to wait for the ninth book to be released!!
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