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Rowland Sinclair #9
Shanghai Secrets
Shanghai in 1935 is a 20th century Babylon, an expatriate playground where fortunes are made and lost, where East and West collide, and the stakes include life itself.
Into this cultural melting pot, Rowland Sinclair arrives from Sydney to represent his brother at international wool negotiations. The black sheep of the family, Rowland is under strict instructions to commit to nothing - but a brutal murder makes that impossible.
As suspicion falls on him, Rowland enters a desperate bid to find answers in a city ruled by taipans and tycoons, where politics and vice are entwined with commerce, and where the only people he can truly trust are an artist, a poet and a free-spirited sculptress.
All the Tears in China throws a classic murder mystery into a glitzy, glamourous, tawdry and dangerous world, entrancing both new and old readers.
Into this cultural melting pot, Rowland Sinclair arrives from Sydney to represent his brother at international wool negotiations. The black sheep of the family, Rowland is under strict instructions to commit to nothing - but a brutal murder makes that impossible.
As suspicion falls on him, Rowland enters a desperate bid to find answers in a city ruled by taipans and tycoons, where politics and vice are entwined with commerce, and where the only people he can truly trust are an artist, a poet and a free-spirited sculptress.
All the Tears in China throws a classic murder mystery into a glitzy, glamourous, tawdry and dangerous world, entrancing both new and old readers.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 21, 2019
72 people are currently reading
587 people want to read
About the author
Sulari Gentill
26 books1,712 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 137 reviews
January 23, 2021
5★
“He had never before been invited to dine by a client, but neither had he been asked to drive a getaway vehicle. It was all rather thrilling. The only person about whom he wasn’t entirely sure was the Chinese butler.” Ranjit Singh, Shanghai taxi driver
Shanghai, 1935. Well, this was a pretty nervous read! We are reminded throughout that Shanghai is a dangerous place with people from all over the world doing all kinds of business, legal, illegal, and lethal. Rowly and his friends are reminded by everyone to be very careful.
“I do need you to understand the danger in which you’ve put yourself and your companions. This is Shanghai. Business dealings here are not always polite. Coercion, extortion, and retribution are as commonplace as drinks before dinner.”
Rowland Sinclair has been sent to Shanghai to meet with international wool merchants on behalf of the wool-growing Sinclair family’s stockpile. Mind you, he knows next to nothing about wool – he’s an artist, as are his three good friends who live with him. But the family needs to be represented, and his grazier brother Wil, who runs the family property, ‘Oaklea’, must remain in Australia at the moment.
Part of the fun in this series is vicariously experiencing Rowly’s wealthy, privileged lifestyle. It’s all dinner suits for Rowland, Clyde, and Milt with evening gowns for Edna, and fine dining and polite manners for them all. Of course his friends travel with him, and of course they stay in the famous Cathy Hotel.
“‘And as you are travelling without servants on this occasion, sir, I shall send up some chambermaids to see to your unpacking.’
‘Please don’t trouble yourself, Mr. Van Hagen. I’m sure we’ll manage.’
‘It’ll be no trouble, sir. This is the Cathay. We pride ourselves on the fact that our guests are not required to manage.’”
That’s all very well . . . until it isn’t. A girl is found murdered in Rowly’s suite and he and his friends are turfed out. Not on the street, mind you, but to a mansion, and later to another, where the food continues to make the mouth water.
Meanwhile, they have acquired a Chinese ‘butler’, Wing Zau, who wants to be a butler, and a chauffeur, Ranjit Singh, the get-away taxi driver of the opening quotation. They are each suspicious of the other, and in a book like this, nobody is above suspicion, except of course, Rowly and friends.
That’s not true. Rowly is suspected of murder and his friends of lying for him. There’s even a suggestion that Ed murdered the girl out of jealousy! Ed, known as ‘the sculptress’ is the love of Rowly’s life, (though neither will admit it to the other), adding romantic tension as a delicious side-attraction to the main story.
The accusations by the police create a rather frightening scenario that reminds me of their escapades in Germany and their run-ins with the Nazis. There are Nazis here, too, and Japanese, whose reputation for cruelty is growing. The air is thick with intrigue over who does business with whom, and who will be offended if you do business with their enemy.
Rowly’s been told he is to make no deals regarding selling the wool, just fill the family seat at the table, but the pressure gets pretty heavy. He is learning quickly to be wary of these friends of the Nazis.
“Japan had left the League of Nations and continued on its own course. News of Japanese atrocities and the plight of the White Russians, as well as the Chinese, in Manchuria had been widely reported in Australia, sparking a kind of removed outrage and occasional fits of fundraising.”
The story includes Aussies, Russians, Germans, English, Americans, Japanese, Indians, and of course, the Chinese. (I'm sure I've omitted some.) Gentill’s history seems faultless to me. Each chapter is introduced with a newspaper or magazine “clipping” from this period of history that gives some background to the action. It’s wonderful stuff!
Of course I haven’t mentioned the desperate situations Rowly gets himself into, or the chase scenes or the close calls. He is attacked, punched, beaten and smashed (with a violin at one point!) more times than I can remember. He is very nearly done for – by “the authorities”.
As I said, Shanghai is a dangerous place. No wonder we use the name for the kidnapping of sailors. [In Australia, a shanghai is a catapult or slingshot, but apparently that comes from an old Scots word, shangan, for a cleft stick. I do find myself down some interesting rabbit holes.]
This was originally published in 2019 as All the Tears in China, and there are plenty of tears in it still. But I haven’t given a sense of how well Gentill describes the spell that Shanghai casts, so I’ll end with one of her descriptive passages.
“Rowland Sinclair cast his eyes across an Eastern Babylon.
Colour was muted by fog, which seemed also to soften the cacophony of sound. On the water, Chinese junks fluttered around steamships like exotic birds, light and graceful against the lumbering momentum of the liners. The port was busy this morning, disembarking passengers and cargo. The waterfront teemed with movement and purpose, scuttling rickshaws, traders, locals in both traditional attire and the Western fashions, amidst the grand buildings of the international settlement. Taxi cabs vied for custom but the Australians had already been warned about the dangers of bandit drivers.”
Bandit drivers! Welcome to Shanghai! This is one of my favourite series. Thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press, for the preview copy.
“He had never before been invited to dine by a client, but neither had he been asked to drive a getaway vehicle. It was all rather thrilling. The only person about whom he wasn’t entirely sure was the Chinese butler.” Ranjit Singh, Shanghai taxi driver
Shanghai, 1935. Well, this was a pretty nervous read! We are reminded throughout that Shanghai is a dangerous place with people from all over the world doing all kinds of business, legal, illegal, and lethal. Rowly and his friends are reminded by everyone to be very careful.
“I do need you to understand the danger in which you’ve put yourself and your companions. This is Shanghai. Business dealings here are not always polite. Coercion, extortion, and retribution are as commonplace as drinks before dinner.”
Rowland Sinclair has been sent to Shanghai to meet with international wool merchants on behalf of the wool-growing Sinclair family’s stockpile. Mind you, he knows next to nothing about wool – he’s an artist, as are his three good friends who live with him. But the family needs to be represented, and his grazier brother Wil, who runs the family property, ‘Oaklea’, must remain in Australia at the moment.
Part of the fun in this series is vicariously experiencing Rowly’s wealthy, privileged lifestyle. It’s all dinner suits for Rowland, Clyde, and Milt with evening gowns for Edna, and fine dining and polite manners for them all. Of course his friends travel with him, and of course they stay in the famous Cathy Hotel.
“‘And as you are travelling without servants on this occasion, sir, I shall send up some chambermaids to see to your unpacking.’
‘Please don’t trouble yourself, Mr. Van Hagen. I’m sure we’ll manage.’
‘It’ll be no trouble, sir. This is the Cathay. We pride ourselves on the fact that our guests are not required to manage.’”
That’s all very well . . . until it isn’t. A girl is found murdered in Rowly’s suite and he and his friends are turfed out. Not on the street, mind you, but to a mansion, and later to another, where the food continues to make the mouth water.
Meanwhile, they have acquired a Chinese ‘butler’, Wing Zau, who wants to be a butler, and a chauffeur, Ranjit Singh, the get-away taxi driver of the opening quotation. They are each suspicious of the other, and in a book like this, nobody is above suspicion, except of course, Rowly and friends.
That’s not true. Rowly is suspected of murder and his friends of lying for him. There’s even a suggestion that Ed murdered the girl out of jealousy! Ed, known as ‘the sculptress’ is the love of Rowly’s life, (though neither will admit it to the other), adding romantic tension as a delicious side-attraction to the main story.
The accusations by the police create a rather frightening scenario that reminds me of their escapades in Germany and their run-ins with the Nazis. There are Nazis here, too, and Japanese, whose reputation for cruelty is growing. The air is thick with intrigue over who does business with whom, and who will be offended if you do business with their enemy.
Rowly’s been told he is to make no deals regarding selling the wool, just fill the family seat at the table, but the pressure gets pretty heavy. He is learning quickly to be wary of these friends of the Nazis.
“Japan had left the League of Nations and continued on its own course. News of Japanese atrocities and the plight of the White Russians, as well as the Chinese, in Manchuria had been widely reported in Australia, sparking a kind of removed outrage and occasional fits of fundraising.”
The story includes Aussies, Russians, Germans, English, Americans, Japanese, Indians, and of course, the Chinese. (I'm sure I've omitted some.) Gentill’s history seems faultless to me. Each chapter is introduced with a newspaper or magazine “clipping” from this period of history that gives some background to the action. It’s wonderful stuff!
Of course I haven’t mentioned the desperate situations Rowly gets himself into, or the chase scenes or the close calls. He is attacked, punched, beaten and smashed (with a violin at one point!) more times than I can remember. He is very nearly done for – by “the authorities”.
As I said, Shanghai is a dangerous place. No wonder we use the name for the kidnapping of sailors. [In Australia, a shanghai is a catapult or slingshot, but apparently that comes from an old Scots word, shangan, for a cleft stick. I do find myself down some interesting rabbit holes.]
This was originally published in 2019 as All the Tears in China, and there are plenty of tears in it still. But I haven’t given a sense of how well Gentill describes the spell that Shanghai casts, so I’ll end with one of her descriptive passages.
“Rowland Sinclair cast his eyes across an Eastern Babylon.
Colour was muted by fog, which seemed also to soften the cacophony of sound. On the water, Chinese junks fluttered around steamships like exotic birds, light and graceful against the lumbering momentum of the liners. The port was busy this morning, disembarking passengers and cargo. The waterfront teemed with movement and purpose, scuttling rickshaws, traders, locals in both traditional attire and the Western fashions, amidst the grand buildings of the international settlement. Taxi cabs vied for custom but the Australians had already been warned about the dangers of bandit drivers.”
Bandit drivers! Welcome to Shanghai! This is one of my favourite series. Thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press, for the preview copy.
July 23, 2019
This is such a good series and I am going to be suffering withdrawal symptoms now for quite a while until the next one comes out!!!
In All the Tears in China the wonderful Rowland Sinclair and his three friends, Edna, Milton and Clyde, are visiting Shanghai in 1935. Supposedly they are there to represent the Sinclairs in some negotiations regarding wool but of course life is never that simple where Rowley is concerned. He contrives to be accused of two separate murders, gets involved with gangsters and the shadier sides of several expatriate groups (including Nazis). He spends time in a particularly bad prison and a sanatorium. Never a dull moment for this guy!
As is customary for all the books in this series, the author has done her homework and there are intriguing facts galore about the politics and customs of the day. Add to this a good story - this became very tense at times especially in the prison - and wonderful characters, and you have 370 pages of pure reading pleasure. I am looking forward to there being a book 10 in 2020.
In All the Tears in China the wonderful Rowland Sinclair and his three friends, Edna, Milton and Clyde, are visiting Shanghai in 1935. Supposedly they are there to represent the Sinclairs in some negotiations regarding wool but of course life is never that simple where Rowley is concerned. He contrives to be accused of two separate murders, gets involved with gangsters and the shadier sides of several expatriate groups (including Nazis). He spends time in a particularly bad prison and a sanatorium. Never a dull moment for this guy!
As is customary for all the books in this series, the author has done her homework and there are intriguing facts galore about the politics and customs of the day. Add to this a good story - this became very tense at times especially in the prison - and wonderful characters, and you have 370 pages of pure reading pleasure. I am looking forward to there being a book 10 in 2020.
August 9, 2020
Shanghai, just prior to WW2 was a melting pot of cultures. Nicknamed 'the Paris of the East' it was the commercial centre of the East attracting banks and merchants from all over the world. With it's special trading status in China it was also the centre of gambling, prostitution and above all opium smuggling.
Into this melee, wool grower Wilfred Sinclair, sends his brother, artist Rowland (Rowly) to represent the family at a meeting with international wool merchants. He instructs him not to make any agreements or sign anything, just to attend the meetings as a placeholder for the Sinclairs. But of course nothing is every that simple for Rowly and if there is trouble to be found, he will find it.
Before Rowly and his friends (Edna, Milton and Clyde) are even settled into the Cathay Hotel, the body of a young woman is found in their suite. Suspected of her murder by the police and eager to clear his name, Rowly and company soon find themselves in even deeper trouble.
Once again Ms Gentill has peopled her novel with real characters and events relevant to the time and place of her novel and for me this is always one of the most enjoyable aspects of the series, along with the news clippings used to head each chapter. All this on top of a well written murder mystery with great characters.
Into this melee, wool grower Wilfred Sinclair, sends his brother, artist Rowland (Rowly) to represent the family at a meeting with international wool merchants. He instructs him not to make any agreements or sign anything, just to attend the meetings as a placeholder for the Sinclairs. But of course nothing is every that simple for Rowly and if there is trouble to be found, he will find it.
Before Rowly and his friends (Edna, Milton and Clyde) are even settled into the Cathay Hotel, the body of a young woman is found in their suite. Suspected of her murder by the police and eager to clear his name, Rowly and company soon find themselves in even deeper trouble.
Once again Ms Gentill has peopled her novel with real characters and events relevant to the time and place of her novel and for me this is always one of the most enjoyable aspects of the series, along with the news clippings used to head each chapter. All this on top of a well written murder mystery with great characters.
September 9, 2019
Another altercation between Rowland Sinclair and some thugs saw his brother Wilfred send Rowly to Singapore in his stead where he had to represent Wil in international wool negotiations. Edna, Clyde and Milton accompanied him, their thoughts to enjoy the cultures of Shanghai, with some sightseeing as well. But it wasn’t long before murder took over; Rowly was the main suspect and while not incarcerated, he was watched. Their search for the killer took them to the dark side of the city, where drug lords ruled and corruption was rife. Rowly and his friends had no idea who they could trust; wondered if they would even leave the city alive.
All the Tears in China is the 9th in the Rowland Sinclair series by Aussie author Sulari Gentill and once again the author has hit the nail on the head. Crimes, mysteries, corruption, brutality, opium, sleazy individuals – all that and more filled this book and kept me turning the pages. All the Tears in China is one I thoroughly enjoyed and I’m looking forward to #10 already. Highly recommended.
All the Tears in China is the 9th in the Rowland Sinclair series by Aussie author Sulari Gentill and once again the author has hit the nail on the head. Crimes, mysteries, corruption, brutality, opium, sleazy individuals – all that and more filled this book and kept me turning the pages. All the Tears in China is one I thoroughly enjoyed and I’m looking forward to #10 already. Highly recommended.
December 18, 2018
All The Tears In China is the ninth book in the Rowland Sinclair series by award-winning Australian author, Sulari Gentill. When wool trader, Wilfred Sinclair sends his younger brother, Rowland to Shanghai on business (with very specific instructions on what NOT to do or say), the added benefit is that he (and his left-leaning friends) will be out of Australia for a while, out of sight of the thugs whose political ire has been demonstrated several times with fists. Unfortunately, this backfires, as Rowland seems to attract trouble in China too.
Shanghai in 1935 has both extremes of luxury and lawlessness. When he is asked to leave the opulent Cathay Hotel due to unfortunate circumstances, Rowland gathers his own little team of useful locals around him and, as events spiral out of control, finds himself needing to investigate a brutal murder to clear his name. As well as murders (more than one), Rowly and his artistic friends encounter arson, attempted kidnapping and coercion.
Gentill’s setting, the international treaty city of Shanghai, allows her to populate her tale with a cast of interesting characters, full of quirks and national traits: refugee White Russians and German Jews, Japanese traders and ex-patriates of many nationalities. Also present: Communists, Bolsheviks and Nazis. An English baronet, a besotted journalist, an Indian taxi driver, a Chinese valet, a wool trader and an English spy all play their part. And of course, Rowland: an appealing, can-do sort of guy, intelligent, a bit impulsive but full of integrity, which is reflected by loyalty of the friends he attracts.
With her superb descriptive prose, Gentill really captures her setting well, enhancing it with quotes from press articles of the era prefacing each chapter. The action and excitement takes off from the first page and does not falter, although poor Rowly does get beaten up rather a lot before the story reaches a heart-stopping climax.
While this is the ninth book in Gentill's Rowland Sinclair series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone, although readers who are unfamiliar with Gentill's work are likely to seek out the back issues once they have had a taste. Gentill's extensive research is apparent on every page, but this is no dry history lesson: the facts drop into the story unobtrusively; there’s also plenty of humour, especially in the banter between the friends. The title is a charming (and meaningful) play on words. All this excellent historical fiction is contained inside a wonderfully colourful cover by Sofya Karmazina. Recommended!
This unbiased review is from a copy provided by Pantera Press and Better Reading Magazine.
Shanghai in 1935 has both extremes of luxury and lawlessness. When he is asked to leave the opulent Cathay Hotel due to unfortunate circumstances, Rowland gathers his own little team of useful locals around him and, as events spiral out of control, finds himself needing to investigate a brutal murder to clear his name. As well as murders (more than one), Rowly and his artistic friends encounter arson, attempted kidnapping and coercion.
Gentill’s setting, the international treaty city of Shanghai, allows her to populate her tale with a cast of interesting characters, full of quirks and national traits: refugee White Russians and German Jews, Japanese traders and ex-patriates of many nationalities. Also present: Communists, Bolsheviks and Nazis. An English baronet, a besotted journalist, an Indian taxi driver, a Chinese valet, a wool trader and an English spy all play their part. And of course, Rowland: an appealing, can-do sort of guy, intelligent, a bit impulsive but full of integrity, which is reflected by loyalty of the friends he attracts.
With her superb descriptive prose, Gentill really captures her setting well, enhancing it with quotes from press articles of the era prefacing each chapter. The action and excitement takes off from the first page and does not falter, although poor Rowly does get beaten up rather a lot before the story reaches a heart-stopping climax.
While this is the ninth book in Gentill's Rowland Sinclair series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone, although readers who are unfamiliar with Gentill's work are likely to seek out the back issues once they have had a taste. Gentill's extensive research is apparent on every page, but this is no dry history lesson: the facts drop into the story unobtrusively; there’s also plenty of humour, especially in the banter between the friends. The title is a charming (and meaningful) play on words. All this excellent historical fiction is contained inside a wonderfully colourful cover by Sofya Karmazina. Recommended!
This unbiased review is from a copy provided by Pantera Press and Better Reading Magazine.
March 18, 2024
It’s 1935 and Rowland Sinclair’s name is being bandied around as a suspected Communist thanks to his recent connection to Mr Egon Kisch. Robert Menzies is not happy with him, disgruntled patriots are out to kill him and his brother Wilfred continues to express his profound disapproval. In short, Sydney, Australia is becoming an unsafe place for Rowland Sinclair.
So Wilfred comes up with a solution to get Rowly to safety. He insists that Rowland, along with friends Edna, Clyde and Milton, travel to Shanghai, China to conduct some business on his behalf. The wool industry is big business and the Sinclair wool is in high demand, it just needs someone to conduct a few meetings with potential buyers and Wil can’t attend. The idea is to represent the Sinclair family but make no deals with any overseas counterparts. But, of course, where Rowland Sinclair is concerned, nothing ever works out to be straightforward or simple.
So on this incredibly fragile premise, Rowland and his friends make the trip to Shanghai and, almost immediately, find their lives in danger. Just the simple act of attempting to travel the short trip from the docks to their hotel leaves them vulnerable to attacks from would-be thieves.
But the thieves aren’t the worst of it, a woman, whom Rowland meets and dances with on their first night in the city is found later, by Rowland, in his room with her throat cut. The woman is a Russian living off the tips of men who are willing to pay for the privilege of dancing with her.
The local police need to be convinced that Rowland was only involved by virtue of the fact that the woman was found in his room. Not an easy task. And the owner of the hotel wants Rowly and his friends out. After all, you don’t want the other guests to be nervous about a possible killer in their midst.
This leaves the friends in their own accommodation in a foreign land, ignorant of the local customs and language. To make matters even more hairy, members of the wool industry are growing increasingly insistent that a deal be struck to secure reliable stock before the brewing trouble in Europe escalates any further.
The 9th book in the Rowland Sinclair Mysteries series continues to delight with the clever integration of real historical facts and events with Sulari Gentill’s careful fabrication. I appreciated the inclusion of a couple of local characters into Rowly’s entourage, Wing Zau, a Chinese butler and a taxi driver named Ranjit Singh who proved himself with some daring driving during a necessary getaway escape. Both provide local knowledge as well as colourful injections of humour at vital times.
The worldwide unrest taking place at this particular time in history is perfectly captured within this hugely bustling city. The intrigue of international dealings where everyone is looking for an edge in uncertain times is a tempestuous environment to throw someone as trouble-prone as Rowland Sinclair. The result is a plot that develops rapidly and rushes along making the most of the exotic city in which it’s set.
As has become the norm, and is the drawcard to this particular series, Rowland and his friends attract trouble like a dead body draws flies. Murders, burning buildings, beatings, police scrutiny and prison time are all thrown at them to ensure that their stay in Shanghai is a particularly lively one. Rowly has been in some tricky situations in the past but this time just about trumps the lot. And the fact that he’s out of communication range for most of it means that Wil is going to be absolutely apoplectic…again.
So Wilfred comes up with a solution to get Rowly to safety. He insists that Rowland, along with friends Edna, Clyde and Milton, travel to Shanghai, China to conduct some business on his behalf. The wool industry is big business and the Sinclair wool is in high demand, it just needs someone to conduct a few meetings with potential buyers and Wil can’t attend. The idea is to represent the Sinclair family but make no deals with any overseas counterparts. But, of course, where Rowland Sinclair is concerned, nothing ever works out to be straightforward or simple.
So on this incredibly fragile premise, Rowland and his friends make the trip to Shanghai and, almost immediately, find their lives in danger. Just the simple act of attempting to travel the short trip from the docks to their hotel leaves them vulnerable to attacks from would-be thieves.
But the thieves aren’t the worst of it, a woman, whom Rowland meets and dances with on their first night in the city is found later, by Rowland, in his room with her throat cut. The woman is a Russian living off the tips of men who are willing to pay for the privilege of dancing with her.
The local police need to be convinced that Rowland was only involved by virtue of the fact that the woman was found in his room. Not an easy task. And the owner of the hotel wants Rowly and his friends out. After all, you don’t want the other guests to be nervous about a possible killer in their midst.
This leaves the friends in their own accommodation in a foreign land, ignorant of the local customs and language. To make matters even more hairy, members of the wool industry are growing increasingly insistent that a deal be struck to secure reliable stock before the brewing trouble in Europe escalates any further.
The 9th book in the Rowland Sinclair Mysteries series continues to delight with the clever integration of real historical facts and events with Sulari Gentill’s careful fabrication. I appreciated the inclusion of a couple of local characters into Rowly’s entourage, Wing Zau, a Chinese butler and a taxi driver named Ranjit Singh who proved himself with some daring driving during a necessary getaway escape. Both provide local knowledge as well as colourful injections of humour at vital times.
The worldwide unrest taking place at this particular time in history is perfectly captured within this hugely bustling city. The intrigue of international dealings where everyone is looking for an edge in uncertain times is a tempestuous environment to throw someone as trouble-prone as Rowland Sinclair. The result is a plot that develops rapidly and rushes along making the most of the exotic city in which it’s set.
As has become the norm, and is the drawcard to this particular series, Rowland and his friends attract trouble like a dead body draws flies. Murders, burning buildings, beatings, police scrutiny and prison time are all thrown at them to ensure that their stay in Shanghai is a particularly lively one. Rowly has been in some tricky situations in the past but this time just about trumps the lot. And the fact that he’s out of communication range for most of it means that Wil is going to be absolutely apoplectic…again.
December 6, 2018
This is a historical fiction set in Shanghai in 1935. I love the characters and the plot too, but I need to read all the books from this series.
Thank you Netgalley for this copy.
Thank you Netgalley for this copy.
April 11, 2022
Immediately (Rowland) spotted Alastair Blanshard whose imposing stature and bright red hair were as distinctive here as they had been in Munich eighteen months before. They’d last parted in distinctly tense circumstances…“I didn’t realise you were in the wool business, Mr Blanshard,” Rowland said carefully. When they’d last met, Alistair Blanshard had been a spy of sorts.
#9 in the Rowland Sinclair series finds the well-heeled Sydney artist under attack from a trio of thugs (they always seem to move around in threes) for his support of communist Egon Kitsh, before being despatched to Shanghai for the wool sales, representing his brother Wil, who warns him against signing anything. His usual entourage of Edna, the brightly-attired Milton and Clyde sails with him, but not before Edna is on the receiving end of the unwanted attentions of a former suitor.
Shanghai in 1935 is as cosmopolitan as it is seedy and unpleasant, with the Nazi’s ever-present and the Japanese, who have invaded Manchuria trying to buy up wool and other commodities ahead of an embargo. Soon there is a Russian taxi girl (dancer) found dead in his suite at the Cathay Hotel, with the police chief nailing Rowly as the prime suspect. With a butler as interpreter, and the aid of Sikh taxi driver and his sister, Ranjit & Harjeet Singh (ably taking the reins from Johnson the chauffeur and Mary Brown, housekeeper), Rowly and friends set out to clear his name by finding the real killer.
This is the fifth Rowland Sinclair mystery I have read and author Sulari Gentill throws everything at this one – a colourful cover replacing the customary sepia-coloured photograph, then there’s the spy, a dubious monk, an inscrutable Shanghai gangster figure, shifty business associates, white Russians, opium dens, a sadistic gaol warder, the reader left wondering when Rowly will advance his relationship with Edna. And yet, after another 370 pages of Rowly being beaten up (inevitably by men in threes) there was a sameness to it which for me is a sign to move on.
#9 in the Rowland Sinclair series finds the well-heeled Sydney artist under attack from a trio of thugs (they always seem to move around in threes) for his support of communist Egon Kitsh, before being despatched to Shanghai for the wool sales, representing his brother Wil, who warns him against signing anything. His usual entourage of Edna, the brightly-attired Milton and Clyde sails with him, but not before Edna is on the receiving end of the unwanted attentions of a former suitor.
Shanghai in 1935 is as cosmopolitan as it is seedy and unpleasant, with the Nazi’s ever-present and the Japanese, who have invaded Manchuria trying to buy up wool and other commodities ahead of an embargo. Soon there is a Russian taxi girl (dancer) found dead in his suite at the Cathay Hotel, with the police chief nailing Rowly as the prime suspect. With a butler as interpreter, and the aid of Sikh taxi driver and his sister, Ranjit & Harjeet Singh (ably taking the reins from Johnson the chauffeur and Mary Brown, housekeeper), Rowly and friends set out to clear his name by finding the real killer.
This is the fifth Rowland Sinclair mystery I have read and author Sulari Gentill throws everything at this one – a colourful cover replacing the customary sepia-coloured photograph, then there’s the spy, a dubious monk, an inscrutable Shanghai gangster figure, shifty business associates, white Russians, opium dens, a sadistic gaol warder, the reader left wondering when Rowly will advance his relationship with Edna. And yet, after another 370 pages of Rowly being beaten up (inevitably by men in threes) there was a sameness to it which for me is a sign to move on.
October 17, 2022
Another entertaining adventure/mystery featuring Rowland Sinclair and his friends.
The blurb gives a pretty good idea of the plot...
A few thoughts:
I thought that the book felt padded; that there were a few episodes which, while entertaining, weren't really necessary for the plot.
Poor Rowland seemed to get beaten-up rather often. I hope the author gives him some recovery time before his next adventure.
I thought the author did a nice job envisioning 1935 Shanghai. We were treated to some local color along with a brief lesson in Chinese politics, both seamlessly worked into the story.
I am eager awaiting the next book.
p.s. I love the new, colorful covers for this series. Re: this book--the lady on the cover, with a small monkey on her arm, plays a pivotal role in the story.
The blurb gives a pretty good idea of the plot...
A few thoughts:
I thought that the book felt padded; that there were a few episodes which, while entertaining, weren't really necessary for the plot.
Poor Rowland seemed to get beaten-up rather often. I hope the author gives him some recovery time before his next adventure.
I thought the author did a nice job envisioning 1935 Shanghai. We were treated to some local color along with a brief lesson in Chinese politics, both seamlessly worked into the story.
I am eager awaiting the next book.
p.s. I love the new, colorful covers for this series. Re: this book--the lady on the cover, with a small monkey on her arm, plays a pivotal role in the story.
March 23, 2020
I am still, even with the ninth in the series, seriously enamored with Rowland and his companions! I love Gentill's insightful use of history and wicked way of spinning a first rate yarn. For those interested her accounts of the historical are fascinating and provide the steely backbone for Rowly's adventures. The newspaper articles introducing each chapter alternate between the ridiculous and the cutting thrust of commentary on the times.
Wilfred send Rowland of to Shanghai for wool negotiations. Of course nothing is simple. A murder happens, Rowly is accused and things just go downhill from there. A fabulous look at Shanghai in 1935 at the time of the Japanese occupation of Manchria. Of course there's a run in with Nazi sympathizers, there's the Japanese wanting to negotiate buying wool from the Sinclairs, a Shanghai crime lord, White Russian refugees and a lots of other fabulous or just plain villainous characters. Rowly is in deep trouble and it's hard to know who's friend and who's foe.
Wilfred send Rowland of to Shanghai for wool negotiations. Of course nothing is simple. A murder happens, Rowly is accused and things just go downhill from there. A fabulous look at Shanghai in 1935 at the time of the Japanese occupation of Manchria. Of course there's a run in with Nazi sympathizers, there's the Japanese wanting to negotiate buying wool from the Sinclairs, a Shanghai crime lord, White Russian refugees and a lots of other fabulous or just plain villainous characters. Rowly is in deep trouble and it's hard to know who's friend and who's foe.
January 19, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed this but it did take me a long time to read. More me than the book.
There are great titbits of history and it's a rollicking 1930s murder mystery. Terrific Aussie recurring characters and an interesting range of characters popping up in an exotic Shanghai just prior to the onset of WW2.
Just enough smoke and mirrors to make it entertaining but not over involved. Such a relaxing read that I found myself lulled into a sleepy state sometimes. It might have also been the smoke I was breathing in for 6 weeks during the unprecedented bushfire season we are having. Feeling very wired I was keeping track of a bushfire that impacted Batlow where the author lives and is a volunteer firefighter with the RFS! Read a quote from her in one of the online newspapers just after the fire went through!
It's the most recent in the Rowland Sinclair series and the first I've read, but I'll definitely be reading more in the future. A highly recommended murder mystery series.
There are great titbits of history and it's a rollicking 1930s murder mystery. Terrific Aussie recurring characters and an interesting range of characters popping up in an exotic Shanghai just prior to the onset of WW2.
Just enough smoke and mirrors to make it entertaining but not over involved. Such a relaxing read that I found myself lulled into a sleepy state sometimes. It might have also been the smoke I was breathing in for 6 weeks during the unprecedented bushfire season we are having. Feeling very wired I was keeping track of a bushfire that impacted Batlow where the author lives and is a volunteer firefighter with the RFS! Read a quote from her in one of the online newspapers just after the fire went through!
It's the most recent in the Rowland Sinclair series and the first I've read, but I'll definitely be reading more in the future. A highly recommended murder mystery series.
November 26, 2018
‘Perhaps it was a good time to be despatched to China.’
Rowland (Rowly) Sinclair’s efforts to assist the Communist Egon Kisch at the end of 1934 and into early 1935 (read ‘A Dangerous Language’) has made him very unpopular with some Australians. As Rowly’s nephew, Ernest, says:
‘Pater said that half of Sydney wants to kill you.’
So, when Rowly’s brother Wilfred asks him to represent him at international wool negotiations in Shanghai, leaving Australia for a while is not unattractive. Especially when his friends Edna Higgins, Milton Isaacs and Clyde Watson Jones are to accompany him. Rowly is under clear instructions from Wilfred:
‘Your purpose is to hold our place in these meetings. Just listen and be pleasant. For God’s sake, don’t sign anything.’
In 1935, Shanghai is a glittering, glamourous place. It’s also a dangerous place, where loyalties and the law can be difficult to navigate. It seems that everyone is welcome in Shanghai: there are impoverished Russian nobles and badly behaved English-speaking expatriates. There are opium dens and sing-song bars. East meets west in Shanghai, but there is a strict hierarchy, and a marked difference between those with means and those without. But all Rowly needs to do is attend meetings and listen. What could possibly go wrong?
A woman is murdered. Her body found in the suite occupied by Rowly and his party. Suspicion falls on Rowly. Naturally, Rowly fights to clear his name. Naturally, his friends try to help. And naturally, because this is Rowland Sinclair, things become complicated, other people with vastly differing interests are involved. There are red herrings to sort, complicated relationships to try to make sense of, and plenty of action. In order to clear his name, Rowly Sinclair needs to find out who killed the woman and why. There are plenty of twists and turns in this story, with a bit of a surprise at the end.
Each chapter of the novel opens with an excerpt from a contemporary newspaper or magazine article. I enjoyed these excerpts which serve to ground the novel in its time period and give an indication of contemporary concerns and attitudes.
This is the ninth novel in Ms Gentill’s Rowland Sinclair series. While I think it possible to read and enjoy the novel as a standalone, I’d recommend reading the series in order. Why? Because Ms Gentill has created such marvellous main characters that one encounter will surely not be enough.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Pantera Press for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Rowland (Rowly) Sinclair’s efforts to assist the Communist Egon Kisch at the end of 1934 and into early 1935 (read ‘A Dangerous Language’) has made him very unpopular with some Australians. As Rowly’s nephew, Ernest, says:
‘Pater said that half of Sydney wants to kill you.’
So, when Rowly’s brother Wilfred asks him to represent him at international wool negotiations in Shanghai, leaving Australia for a while is not unattractive. Especially when his friends Edna Higgins, Milton Isaacs and Clyde Watson Jones are to accompany him. Rowly is under clear instructions from Wilfred:
‘Your purpose is to hold our place in these meetings. Just listen and be pleasant. For God’s sake, don’t sign anything.’
In 1935, Shanghai is a glittering, glamourous place. It’s also a dangerous place, where loyalties and the law can be difficult to navigate. It seems that everyone is welcome in Shanghai: there are impoverished Russian nobles and badly behaved English-speaking expatriates. There are opium dens and sing-song bars. East meets west in Shanghai, but there is a strict hierarchy, and a marked difference between those with means and those without. But all Rowly needs to do is attend meetings and listen. What could possibly go wrong?
A woman is murdered. Her body found in the suite occupied by Rowly and his party. Suspicion falls on Rowly. Naturally, Rowly fights to clear his name. Naturally, his friends try to help. And naturally, because this is Rowland Sinclair, things become complicated, other people with vastly differing interests are involved. There are red herrings to sort, complicated relationships to try to make sense of, and plenty of action. In order to clear his name, Rowly Sinclair needs to find out who killed the woman and why. There are plenty of twists and turns in this story, with a bit of a surprise at the end.
Each chapter of the novel opens with an excerpt from a contemporary newspaper or magazine article. I enjoyed these excerpts which serve to ground the novel in its time period and give an indication of contemporary concerns and attitudes.
This is the ninth novel in Ms Gentill’s Rowland Sinclair series. While I think it possible to read and enjoy the novel as a standalone, I’d recommend reading the series in order. Why? Because Ms Gentill has created such marvellous main characters that one encounter will surely not be enough.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Pantera Press for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
March 6, 2021
All The Tears In China is the ninth book in the Rowland Sinclair series by award-winning Australian author, Sulari Gentill. The audio version is read by Rupert Degas. When wool trader, Wilfred Sinclair sends his younger brother, Rowland to Shanghai on business (with very specific instructions on what NOT to do or say), the added benefit is that he (and his left-leaning friends) will be out of Australia for a while, out of sight of the thugs whose political ire has been demonstrated several times with fists. Unfortunately, this backfires, as Rowland seems to attract trouble in China too.
Shanghai in 1935 has both extremes of luxury and lawlessness. When he is asked to leave the opulent Cathay Hotel due to unfortunate circumstances, Rowland gathers his own little team of useful locals around him and, as events spiral out of control, finds himself needing to investigate a brutal murder to clear his name. As well as murders (more than one), Rowly and his artistic friends encounter arson, attempted kidnapping and coercion.
Gentill’s setting, the international treaty city of Shanghai, allows her to populate her tale with a cast of interesting characters, full of quirks and national traits: refugee White Russians and German Jews, Japanese traders and ex-patriates of many nationalities. Also present: Communists, Bolsheviks and Nazis. An English baronet, a besotted journalist, an Indian taxi driver, a Chinese valet, a wool trader and an English spy all play their part. And of course, Rowland: an appealing, can-do sort of guy, intelligent, a bit impulsive but full of integrity, which is reflected by loyalty of the friends he attracts.
With her superb descriptive prose, Gentill really captures her setting well, enhancing it with quotes from press articles of the era prefacing each chapter. The action and excitement takes off from the first page and does not falter, although poor Rowly does get beaten up rather a lot before the story reaches a heart-stopping climax.
While this is the ninth book in Gentill's Rowland Sinclair series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone, although readers who are unfamiliar with Gentill's work are likely to seek out the back issues once they have had a taste. Gentill's extensive research is apparent on every page, but this is no dry history lesson: the facts drop into the story unobtrusively; there’s also plenty of humour, especially in the banter between the friends. The title is a charming (and meaningful) play on words. Excellent historical fiction. Recommended!
Shanghai in 1935 has both extremes of luxury and lawlessness. When he is asked to leave the opulent Cathay Hotel due to unfortunate circumstances, Rowland gathers his own little team of useful locals around him and, as events spiral out of control, finds himself needing to investigate a brutal murder to clear his name. As well as murders (more than one), Rowly and his artistic friends encounter arson, attempted kidnapping and coercion.
Gentill’s setting, the international treaty city of Shanghai, allows her to populate her tale with a cast of interesting characters, full of quirks and national traits: refugee White Russians and German Jews, Japanese traders and ex-patriates of many nationalities. Also present: Communists, Bolsheviks and Nazis. An English baronet, a besotted journalist, an Indian taxi driver, a Chinese valet, a wool trader and an English spy all play their part. And of course, Rowland: an appealing, can-do sort of guy, intelligent, a bit impulsive but full of integrity, which is reflected by loyalty of the friends he attracts.
With her superb descriptive prose, Gentill really captures her setting well, enhancing it with quotes from press articles of the era prefacing each chapter. The action and excitement takes off from the first page and does not falter, although poor Rowly does get beaten up rather a lot before the story reaches a heart-stopping climax.
While this is the ninth book in Gentill's Rowland Sinclair series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone, although readers who are unfamiliar with Gentill's work are likely to seek out the back issues once they have had a taste. Gentill's extensive research is apparent on every page, but this is no dry history lesson: the facts drop into the story unobtrusively; there’s also plenty of humour, especially in the banter between the friends. The title is a charming (and meaningful) play on words. Excellent historical fiction. Recommended!
November 9, 2018
I would like to thank Netgalley and Pantera Press for an advance copy of All the Tears in China, the ninth adventure for Australian painter Rowling Sinclair and his friends.
It’s 1934 and Rowly’s efforts to help communist Egon Kisch (see A Dangerous Language) has left Melbourne a little hot for him but his brother Wilfred has a solution. He sends Rowly and his friends to Shanghai in his stead with strict instructions to stall the wool negotiations with Japan. Unfortunately the small matter of a dead body in his hotel suite puts the negotiation on hold while he fights to clear his name.
I thoroughly enjoyed All the Tears in China which is a light hearted adventure with some serious points to make. The novel is told in the third person from Rowly and his friends’ points of view with each chapter starting with a excerpt from a contemporaneous newspaper article, giving a flavour of what is to come. Normally I like this approach but I found the excerpts long and slightly distracting in this novel. The plot itself is excellent with a well concealed motive and perpetrator so it held my attention from start to finish. The twists and turns are surprising and the final explanation somewhat mundane, not in reference to the rest of the novel but that it is so ordinary. It is a grand adventure with plenty of action, thrills and spills.
Ms Gentill has obviously put a lot of research into her novel, not just from the newspaper quotations but from her descriptions of Shanghai and its conditions. Shanghai at the time welcomed all comers but there was a strict hierarchy with Western European’s at the top of the heap. Her cameos show how easy life is for some and so difficult for others without labouring the point. It’s very informative without appearing so.
Rowly and his friends, Edna, Milton and Clyde, are by now old acquaintances and interact well as only established characters can. They all have assigned roles with, obviously, Rowly being the clean cut action hero. It is their relationship that brings the fun and feel good factor to the novel.
All the Tears in China is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
It’s 1934 and Rowly’s efforts to help communist Egon Kisch (see A Dangerous Language) has left Melbourne a little hot for him but his brother Wilfred has a solution. He sends Rowly and his friends to Shanghai in his stead with strict instructions to stall the wool negotiations with Japan. Unfortunately the small matter of a dead body in his hotel suite puts the negotiation on hold while he fights to clear his name.
I thoroughly enjoyed All the Tears in China which is a light hearted adventure with some serious points to make. The novel is told in the third person from Rowly and his friends’ points of view with each chapter starting with a excerpt from a contemporaneous newspaper article, giving a flavour of what is to come. Normally I like this approach but I found the excerpts long and slightly distracting in this novel. The plot itself is excellent with a well concealed motive and perpetrator so it held my attention from start to finish. The twists and turns are surprising and the final explanation somewhat mundane, not in reference to the rest of the novel but that it is so ordinary. It is a grand adventure with plenty of action, thrills and spills.
Ms Gentill has obviously put a lot of research into her novel, not just from the newspaper quotations but from her descriptions of Shanghai and its conditions. Shanghai at the time welcomed all comers but there was a strict hierarchy with Western European’s at the top of the heap. Her cameos show how easy life is for some and so difficult for others without labouring the point. It’s very informative without appearing so.
Rowly and his friends, Edna, Milton and Clyde, are by now old acquaintances and interact well as only established characters can. They all have assigned roles with, obviously, Rowly being the clean cut action hero. It is their relationship that brings the fun and feel good factor to the novel.
All the Tears in China is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
January 21, 2019
By the time a series reaches book number nine, there are many elements that a reader can expect, and ALL THE TEARS IN CHINA delivers on them with aplomb. Rowly and his band of colleagues are as close as they always were; Milton is still quoting other people's poetry with Rowly providing the attributions; Clyde is still the sensible one; Edna is obsessed with something (this time it's her newly discovered interest in film); Rowly is still quietly in love with Edna (and he will be beaten up by various lurking types with metronome like regularity); and this little band of artistic types will offend powers that be and get themselves into considerable hot water. Local water being so hot this time, that brother Wilfred, still behaving like part stuffed shirt / part worried brother, sends them off to China, ostensibly so Rowly can act as his representative in international wool sale negotiations, removing him from Sydney and the fall out from the goings on in the previous book.
The story lines in this series are increasingly intertwined, with the fictional action set firmly in the real history of Australia, the rise of Communism, Fascism and the lead up to World War II. Because of these interconnections, ALL THE TEARS IN CHINA will give you a feel for the style (which is delightful), for the plotting (which is always cleverly constructed) and for the characters (who are vivid and real), but you may find you're intrigued by the missing connections and back story which means you're in the lucky position of having eight earlier novels to seek out.
The China that Gentill describes in this outing is fascinating and different from the China of current day - this is before Communist control, when tensions with Japan were ever present, there are a lot of White Russian refugees living there, and there's a distinct feeling of colonialist attitudes in some quarters. The trade negotiations that Rowly is there for (with definite instructions from Wilfred not to agree to anything) are the cause of considerable tension with concerns of trading with the Japanese becoming increasingly prevalent. Nothing compared to the problems they encounter when a young White Russian woman is found dead in Rowly's suite, the day after a night of dancing in the hotel, and an arrangement made to meet in the hotel for tea. Needless to say, Rowland is a convenient prime suspect and the gang of friends are strangers in a strange land, trying to save their friend from prison with the help of their newly acquired Chinese servant, an Indian taxi driver and Wilfred's old friend and local solicitor.
The thing with the Rowland Sinclair series is that the required elements ease the manner in which the real history is incorporated into the story. Whilst the friends are gathering in local assistance, searching for the dead woman's brother, and trying to clear Rowly's name you learn snippets about the White Russian's back story, the way that the ex-pat community operated, and the role of trade, commerce, sanctions and political machinations in the mid 1930's. As you'd expect from that time period, the constant rise in profile and bravado of the German Fascists is a gently delivered lesson of history in real danger of repeating itself.
The Rowland Sinclair series is an interesting one. It's gentle and funny in places. It's characters are vivid, it's sense of place and time light and breezy, yet peppered with reminders of where the world was heading. It's predictable enough to feel like a gathering of old friends, and pointed enough to make you wonder whether that sense of history repeating itself isn't a bit more profound than we've realised.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
The story lines in this series are increasingly intertwined, with the fictional action set firmly in the real history of Australia, the rise of Communism, Fascism and the lead up to World War II. Because of these interconnections, ALL THE TEARS IN CHINA will give you a feel for the style (which is delightful), for the plotting (which is always cleverly constructed) and for the characters (who are vivid and real), but you may find you're intrigued by the missing connections and back story which means you're in the lucky position of having eight earlier novels to seek out.
The China that Gentill describes in this outing is fascinating and different from the China of current day - this is before Communist control, when tensions with Japan were ever present, there are a lot of White Russian refugees living there, and there's a distinct feeling of colonialist attitudes in some quarters. The trade negotiations that Rowly is there for (with definite instructions from Wilfred not to agree to anything) are the cause of considerable tension with concerns of trading with the Japanese becoming increasingly prevalent. Nothing compared to the problems they encounter when a young White Russian woman is found dead in Rowly's suite, the day after a night of dancing in the hotel, and an arrangement made to meet in the hotel for tea. Needless to say, Rowland is a convenient prime suspect and the gang of friends are strangers in a strange land, trying to save their friend from prison with the help of their newly acquired Chinese servant, an Indian taxi driver and Wilfred's old friend and local solicitor.
The thing with the Rowland Sinclair series is that the required elements ease the manner in which the real history is incorporated into the story. Whilst the friends are gathering in local assistance, searching for the dead woman's brother, and trying to clear Rowly's name you learn snippets about the White Russian's back story, the way that the ex-pat community operated, and the role of trade, commerce, sanctions and political machinations in the mid 1930's. As you'd expect from that time period, the constant rise in profile and bravado of the German Fascists is a gently delivered lesson of history in real danger of repeating itself.
The Rowland Sinclair series is an interesting one. It's gentle and funny in places. It's characters are vivid, it's sense of place and time light and breezy, yet peppered with reminders of where the world was heading. It's predictable enough to feel like a gathering of old friends, and pointed enough to make you wonder whether that sense of history repeating itself isn't a bit more profound than we've realised.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
November 10, 2021
Another 5 star read in the Rowland Sinclair series! This one is set in Shanghai and I was concerned that I would miss the Australian setting. Not at all! The author's historical details are in my opinion very accurate and immerses the reader in the 1930's events.
As usual Rowly and his friends get involved in a murder (actually 2!) plus run into gangsters, get beaten up, end up in prison, etc. Some VERY scary moments. Milton has his eyes opened to the fact that Jews are being persecuted in Russia. Rowly is still "secretly" in love with Edna. Clyde tries to keep his friends out of trouble although he's always there with Milton to back up Rowland in a fight.
The author always includes interesting secondary characters; some real some fictional. I use Google a lot while reading this series!
This was one of the better mysteries and as usual the history is fascinating. Rated 5+ stars.
As usual Rowly and his friends get involved in a murder (actually 2!) plus run into gangsters, get beaten up, end up in prison, etc. Some VERY scary moments. Milton has his eyes opened to the fact that Jews are being persecuted in Russia. Rowly is still "secretly" in love with Edna. Clyde tries to keep his friends out of trouble although he's always there with Milton to back up Rowland in a fight.
The author always includes interesting secondary characters; some real some fictional. I use Google a lot while reading this series!
This was one of the better mysteries and as usual the history is fascinating. Rated 5+ stars.
May 10, 2019
It’s my happy place enjoying an adventure with Rowland Sinclair and his friends.
January 20, 2021
I’m checking in on Rowland two-ish in-story years later than I last did, or several instalments after book one, which I read relatively recently. I did not feel that I had missed too much as Sulari Gentil makes small references to earlier events, helping me to understand changes in behaviour or progress in relationships.
Rowland Sinclair is sent by his elder brother Wilfred to Shanghai for two reasons: get him away from people in Sydney who are anti-Communist, and take Wilfred’s place at some wool trade negotiations.
Of course Rowly’s friends Edna Higgins, Milton Isaacs and Clyde Watson Jones go with him.
Almost as soon as they arrive they’re in trouble: from a foiled kidnapping attempt, a dead taxi girl in their hotel suite, getting kicked out of their swank hotel room, Rowland under suspicion of the murder, and to fraught negotiations with the Japanese and Germans, so it’s never a dull moment with the Australian friends.
Rowland’s friends would no doubt have ended up in much worse trouble, but for the help of Wing Chau, Rowland’s hotel-assigned butler/valet, and their driver Harjit Singh. As it is, the gang manages to barely keep their heads above water, as one bad thing after another happens.
There seems no reason behind the murder, though my suspicions grew about a particular motive as events grew more chaotic and dire for Rowland.
I continue to like and appreciate the news articles that preface each chapter, giving us a little insight to the time period, attitudes and conventions.
The characters are beset by multiple problems, making it hard for them to make headway in their plans to solve the murder. Even so, the plot moved well, and though I wondered occasionally where the many plot points would eventually resolve, I was engaged and interested in the resolution to all the gang’s problems.
I understand that Rowland has had a terrible time whilst in Germany in previous book(s); though it’s only referenced, I did wonder how Rowland had managed to retain such an open, and sometimes terribly naïve view of everyone he meets while in Shanghai. Though it sometimes turned out well, I was glad he had Milton’s more realistic attitude to protect, or at least extricate Rowland from some of his more gullible decisions.
I had to chuckle a little during a few scenes: Edna teaching Rowland how to make tea, and Clyde making breakfast for the gang. Little scenes like these are wonderful, amidst all the political and criminal activity swirling around the Australians. This was another entertaining entry in the Rowland Sinclair mysteries, and it’s encouraged me to read all the instalments I’ve missed.
Rowland Sinclair is sent by his elder brother Wilfred to Shanghai for two reasons: get him away from people in Sydney who are anti-Communist, and take Wilfred’s place at some wool trade negotiations.
Of course Rowly’s friends Edna Higgins, Milton Isaacs and Clyde Watson Jones go with him.
Almost as soon as they arrive they’re in trouble: from a foiled kidnapping attempt, a dead taxi girl in their hotel suite, getting kicked out of their swank hotel room, Rowland under suspicion of the murder, and to fraught negotiations with the Japanese and Germans, so it’s never a dull moment with the Australian friends.
Rowland’s friends would no doubt have ended up in much worse trouble, but for the help of Wing Chau, Rowland’s hotel-assigned butler/valet, and their driver Harjit Singh. As it is, the gang manages to barely keep their heads above water, as one bad thing after another happens.
There seems no reason behind the murder, though my suspicions grew about a particular motive as events grew more chaotic and dire for Rowland.
I continue to like and appreciate the news articles that preface each chapter, giving us a little insight to the time period, attitudes and conventions.
The characters are beset by multiple problems, making it hard for them to make headway in their plans to solve the murder. Even so, the plot moved well, and though I wondered occasionally where the many plot points would eventually resolve, I was engaged and interested in the resolution to all the gang’s problems.
I understand that Rowland has had a terrible time whilst in Germany in previous book(s); though it’s only referenced, I did wonder how Rowland had managed to retain such an open, and sometimes terribly naïve view of everyone he meets while in Shanghai. Though it sometimes turned out well, I was glad he had Milton’s more realistic attitude to protect, or at least extricate Rowland from some of his more gullible decisions.
I had to chuckle a little during a few scenes: Edna teaching Rowland how to make tea, and Clyde making breakfast for the gang. Little scenes like these are wonderful, amidst all the political and criminal activity swirling around the Australians. This was another entertaining entry in the Rowland Sinclair mysteries, and it’s encouraged me to read all the instalments I’ve missed.
July 1, 2023
This is the best so far of this very good series.
Read
March 29, 2019*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
Sulari Gentill is an award winning author of the best selling Rowland Sinclair Mysteries, which All the Tears in China is book nine of this well received series. It was interesting to note that Gentill also writes under the name of S.D. Gentill, as a fantasy genre based author. I fully intended on reading the first novel in this series, A Few Right Thinking Men, which was shortlisted for the Commonwealth Writers Prize for the Best First Book. However, time got away with me and I found myself reading the latest and the ninth book in this established series. I enjoyed All the Tears in China and for this reason I do not feel that it is necessary to read the previous books in the series to appreciate this novel.
I have had my eye on this series and author for some time. I adore detective crime mystery style books, particularly period pieces, and I was keen on delving into the world of Rowland Sinclair. I had expectations of Rowland being a little like a female Phryne Fisher from Kerry Greenwood’s Miss Fisher series. Although I won’t be able to commit to reading all the previous books in this established series very soon, I am interested in exploring more of Sulari Gentill’s writing, in particular her standalone metafiction novel, Crossing the Lines.
As a newcomer to this series, I did not feel out of the loop. I would prefer to have read the previous books in the series, as I think it would have enhanced my reading experience of All the Tears in China. However, if you are in a similar position to me and time poor, I would happily recommend All the Tears in China to fans of historical fiction, crime, mystery and detective based books.
Rowland is an enigmatic lead and he has such a great page presence. I enjoyed the banter between Rowland and his little gang, I think Gentill has great characterisation skills. Likewise, the sub characters that feature in this novel are rendered well.
In terms of setting, Gentill has nailed it. I appreciated the colour and world of 1935 Shanghai. All the Tears in China features a nicely layered and vivid setting. Gentill accurately portrays the period details of the specific locale, along with the moral thinking and social consciousness of the population at this time. Adding the newspaper and magazine extracts to the opening of each chapter was a bonus side piece that I came to look forward to on each turn of the page. It was my favourite part of the book.
I really enjoyed the mystery aspect of All the Tears in China. My interest was piqued by the mention of a possible connection to the late Grand Duchess Anastasia of Russia, who had unclear links to the victim of this tale. Moving alongside this aspect of the case, is the emphasis on the uprising of the Fascists, Nazis and other extreme political groups. Gentill really works at setting up the incoming storm of World War II, which is just a stone’s throw away.
All the Tears in China is a thoroughly entertaining read. With a winning combination of history, intrigue, colourful characters and a perplexing mystery to solve, All the Tears in China is a book that has broad appeal. I am happy to give this book my full endorsement.
*Please note that a free copy of this book was provided to me for review purposes through Beauty & Lace and Pantera Press. To read the original review on the Beauty & Lace website please visit here.
All the Tears in China is book #40 of the 2019 Australian Women Writers Challenge
Sulari Gentill is an award winning author of the best selling Rowland Sinclair Mysteries, which All the Tears in China is book nine of this well received series. It was interesting to note that Gentill also writes under the name of S.D. Gentill, as a fantasy genre based author. I fully intended on reading the first novel in this series, A Few Right Thinking Men, which was shortlisted for the Commonwealth Writers Prize for the Best First Book. However, time got away with me and I found myself reading the latest and the ninth book in this established series. I enjoyed All the Tears in China and for this reason I do not feel that it is necessary to read the previous books in the series to appreciate this novel.
I have had my eye on this series and author for some time. I adore detective crime mystery style books, particularly period pieces, and I was keen on delving into the world of Rowland Sinclair. I had expectations of Rowland being a little like a female Phryne Fisher from Kerry Greenwood’s Miss Fisher series. Although I won’t be able to commit to reading all the previous books in this established series very soon, I am interested in exploring more of Sulari Gentill’s writing, in particular her standalone metafiction novel, Crossing the Lines.
As a newcomer to this series, I did not feel out of the loop. I would prefer to have read the previous books in the series, as I think it would have enhanced my reading experience of All the Tears in China. However, if you are in a similar position to me and time poor, I would happily recommend All the Tears in China to fans of historical fiction, crime, mystery and detective based books.
Rowland is an enigmatic lead and he has such a great page presence. I enjoyed the banter between Rowland and his little gang, I think Gentill has great characterisation skills. Likewise, the sub characters that feature in this novel are rendered well.
In terms of setting, Gentill has nailed it. I appreciated the colour and world of 1935 Shanghai. All the Tears in China features a nicely layered and vivid setting. Gentill accurately portrays the period details of the specific locale, along with the moral thinking and social consciousness of the population at this time. Adding the newspaper and magazine extracts to the opening of each chapter was a bonus side piece that I came to look forward to on each turn of the page. It was my favourite part of the book.
I really enjoyed the mystery aspect of All the Tears in China. My interest was piqued by the mention of a possible connection to the late Grand Duchess Anastasia of Russia, who had unclear links to the victim of this tale. Moving alongside this aspect of the case, is the emphasis on the uprising of the Fascists, Nazis and other extreme political groups. Gentill really works at setting up the incoming storm of World War II, which is just a stone’s throw away.
All the Tears in China is a thoroughly entertaining read. With a winning combination of history, intrigue, colourful characters and a perplexing mystery to solve, All the Tears in China is a book that has broad appeal. I am happy to give this book my full endorsement.
*Please note that a free copy of this book was provided to me for review purposes through Beauty & Lace and Pantera Press. To read the original review on the Beauty & Lace website please visit here.
All the Tears in China is book #40 of the 2019 Australian Women Writers Challenge
December 24, 2018
"All the Tears in China" by Sulari Gentill is another engrossing adventure, book #9, from the Rowland Sinclair's series. Rowland and his bohemian friends traveled to Shanghai, China, to attend to Rowland's family business. Once again, Rowland entangled himself into a series of unfortunate events- murders, political complications, incarceration, and sickness. Not only Rowland had to clear his name as a suspect of two murder cases, the need of entangling himself from all the complications was also imminent. To save himself, Rowland and his friends had to find out who was the mastermind behind the commotions.
Sulari Gentill did an amazing job with all the researches about the pre- WWII Shanghai. She captured the corruption, the abusive use of opium on the Chinese, the tension between the Communist and the Nationalist as well as the ongoing Sino-Japanese feud accurately. Not in great depth, but enough to showcase the interesting historical aspect in China during 1930s. Her skill of interweaving real people with her fictional characters was done superbly. Because of the author's mentioning of Emily Hahn, the author piqued my interests in reading Emily Hahn's memoirs and few of her renowned works.
The Rowland Sinclair series is an excellent historical mystery series. Rich contents, intense actions, good levels of suspense, wonderful writing and the ever-lovable characters make the series a highly enjoyable one. Readers who love good historical fiction with suspense elements should definitely check it out. Each book could be read as a standalone. I began the series from book 4, and on my way to read the first three installments. I have never encountered problems following the general background of the recurring characters.
"All the Tears in China" is another successful additional to the series. And by the way, what a beautiful title was chosen for the installment. I simply adore Rowland and his amazing friends and I can't wait for their next unforgettable adventure.
Sulari Gentill did an amazing job with all the researches about the pre- WWII Shanghai. She captured the corruption, the abusive use of opium on the Chinese, the tension between the Communist and the Nationalist as well as the ongoing Sino-Japanese feud accurately. Not in great depth, but enough to showcase the interesting historical aspect in China during 1930s. Her skill of interweaving real people with her fictional characters was done superbly. Because of the author's mentioning of Emily Hahn, the author piqued my interests in reading Emily Hahn's memoirs and few of her renowned works.
The Rowland Sinclair series is an excellent historical mystery series. Rich contents, intense actions, good levels of suspense, wonderful writing and the ever-lovable characters make the series a highly enjoyable one. Readers who love good historical fiction with suspense elements should definitely check it out. Each book could be read as a standalone. I began the series from book 4, and on my way to read the first three installments. I have never encountered problems following the general background of the recurring characters.
"All the Tears in China" is another successful additional to the series. And by the way, what a beautiful title was chosen for the installment. I simply adore Rowland and his amazing friends and I can't wait for their next unforgettable adventure.
January 21, 2019
"All the Tears in China" is a mystery set in 1935 in Australia and Shanghai. This is the ninth novel in a series. This story referred back to events that happened in previous books, but it can be read as a standalone novel. This book did not spoil the whodunits of the previous mysteries. The main characters were interesting, caring people. Interesting historical details were woven into the the story.
Rowland Sinclair is sent to Shanghai to represent the family in a wool deal with the Japanese. He supposed to keep good relations while not committing to any deal. Of course, he's not willing to play nice with the Japanese once he realizes they're friends with the Germans. They don't take his attitude well. Also, someone makes it look like Rowland murdered a Russian woman who claimed to be one of the royal family in exile. He has to clear his name of murder before returning home.
He and his friends search for clues as to who may have wanted to kill the woman. They pass the information they find on to the detective, who clearly wants to put him in jail. Rowland's life is in danger, so they must solve the mystery as soon as possible. I strongly suspected two people of being the murderer, and it became clear which it was by that character's behavior at the end. The main characters took a little longer to figure it out. Of course, it ends with an exciting, suspenseful race to save Rowland's life.
There was some bad language (if you're American) to a fair amount of bad language (if you count British/Australia bad words). There were no sex scenes. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting, suspenseful novel.
I received an ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
Rowland Sinclair is sent to Shanghai to represent the family in a wool deal with the Japanese. He supposed to keep good relations while not committing to any deal. Of course, he's not willing to play nice with the Japanese once he realizes they're friends with the Germans. They don't take his attitude well. Also, someone makes it look like Rowland murdered a Russian woman who claimed to be one of the royal family in exile. He has to clear his name of murder before returning home.
He and his friends search for clues as to who may have wanted to kill the woman. They pass the information they find on to the detective, who clearly wants to put him in jail. Rowland's life is in danger, so they must solve the mystery as soon as possible. I strongly suspected two people of being the murderer, and it became clear which it was by that character's behavior at the end. The main characters took a little longer to figure it out. Of course, it ends with an exciting, suspenseful race to save Rowland's life.
There was some bad language (if you're American) to a fair amount of bad language (if you count British/Australia bad words). There were no sex scenes. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting, suspenseful novel.
I received an ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
April 1, 2019
I was very disappointed! The story was unrealistic and really made me want to rush to the end. The plot was quite clever but poorly executed
December 30, 2018
All the Tears in China, the ninth books in the Rowland Sinclair series by Sulari Gentill, finds our hero and his friends on their way to Shanghai, China. It is 1935. A note for readers -- it is difficult to get into this story without reading the previous books, so be warned. Don’t start here. Bad idea, anyway, as you would be sorry to miss anything.
As readers of the series know, Rowland, Rowly to his friends, has made an enemy of Robert Menzies, the governor-general of Australia. Never a good idea. To keep his brother from being arrested, or worse, Wilfred Sinclair, the patriarch of the family asks him to go to Shanghai and look into the family’s interests over there. “But don’t touch anything,” is pretty much the edict. Wilfred tasks him to nod and smile and act important without saying anything important – and certainly not to commit to anything. Well, readers of these books will also know that’s pretty much impossible for our intrepid hero.
Soon, there’s a murder – a young Russian woman that Rowly has danced with is found murdered in his suite. Chief Inspector Rudolph is not at all amused. Rowly goes to work figuring out whodunnit while trying to keep himself and his friends safe. This he does, eventually, and, since everybody seems to “have it in” for Rowly, the culprit may or may not be a surprise.
The problem I have with the Rowland Sinclair books is that they are becoming formulaic – Rowly is beaten up about every twenty pages – indeed, he gets into a fight on the very first page! I can understand that what’s going on in the world is part and parcel of the plot – the actual mystery is generally secondary – but I could do with a lot less personal violence because there’s no mystery to it, anymore; you can see it coming from a mile away. Also, Rowly gets himself in deep, deep trouble in every book; in one especially gruesome portion of this one, you’ll despair for him, but of course he gets himself out of it, or there wouldn’t be more books, would there? So that’s generating emotions that feel false to me. And then, at the end, someone is got rid of in a way that seems too pat, after causing a lot of hate and consternation (I can’t say more without spoilers).
One can’t fault the characters, however. One hallmark of the series is the sharply defined people that populate the pages, especially the trio that make up Rowly’s friends; Clyde, Milton, the men, and Edna, near and yet so far Edna. Then, of course there are the others that we get to meet, among them Wing Zau, a Chinese valet who soon begins to help Rowly with his inquiries, Voronoff, a Russian who becomes quite enamored of Edna, Victor Sassoon, the rich businessman who owns the hotel and is not too happy when the body is found there. Emily “Mickey” Hahn – goodness, what a character! Then, there are the Chinese gangsters, suspects, red herrings, traitors and spies who populate the pages. You might need a scorecard. An epilog happily gives us further information. Surely Ms. Gentile is a master at creating individuals that will be remembered after the last page is turned.
Finally – war is coming. Rowly knows it. The author knows it. And boy, does the reader know it. Every page pretty much trumpets the fact. What will his place and his friend’s place be when the war he fears finally comes? It will be interesting to see how the author handles this, although she still has some time.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy ahead of publication, in exchange for this review.
As readers of the series know, Rowland, Rowly to his friends, has made an enemy of Robert Menzies, the governor-general of Australia. Never a good idea. To keep his brother from being arrested, or worse, Wilfred Sinclair, the patriarch of the family asks him to go to Shanghai and look into the family’s interests over there. “But don’t touch anything,” is pretty much the edict. Wilfred tasks him to nod and smile and act important without saying anything important – and certainly not to commit to anything. Well, readers of these books will also know that’s pretty much impossible for our intrepid hero.
Soon, there’s a murder – a young Russian woman that Rowly has danced with is found murdered in his suite. Chief Inspector Rudolph is not at all amused. Rowly goes to work figuring out whodunnit while trying to keep himself and his friends safe. This he does, eventually, and, since everybody seems to “have it in” for Rowly, the culprit may or may not be a surprise.
The problem I have with the Rowland Sinclair books is that they are becoming formulaic – Rowly is beaten up about every twenty pages – indeed, he gets into a fight on the very first page! I can understand that what’s going on in the world is part and parcel of the plot – the actual mystery is generally secondary – but I could do with a lot less personal violence because there’s no mystery to it, anymore; you can see it coming from a mile away. Also, Rowly gets himself in deep, deep trouble in every book; in one especially gruesome portion of this one, you’ll despair for him, but of course he gets himself out of it, or there wouldn’t be more books, would there? So that’s generating emotions that feel false to me. And then, at the end, someone is got rid of in a way that seems too pat, after causing a lot of hate and consternation (I can’t say more without spoilers).
One can’t fault the characters, however. One hallmark of the series is the sharply defined people that populate the pages, especially the trio that make up Rowly’s friends; Clyde, Milton, the men, and Edna, near and yet so far Edna. Then, of course there are the others that we get to meet, among them Wing Zau, a Chinese valet who soon begins to help Rowly with his inquiries, Voronoff, a Russian who becomes quite enamored of Edna, Victor Sassoon, the rich businessman who owns the hotel and is not too happy when the body is found there. Emily “Mickey” Hahn – goodness, what a character! Then, there are the Chinese gangsters, suspects, red herrings, traitors and spies who populate the pages. You might need a scorecard. An epilog happily gives us further information. Surely Ms. Gentile is a master at creating individuals that will be remembered after the last page is turned.
Finally – war is coming. Rowly knows it. The author knows it. And boy, does the reader know it. Every page pretty much trumpets the fact. What will his place and his friend’s place be when the war he fears finally comes? It will be interesting to see how the author handles this, although she still has some time.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy ahead of publication, in exchange for this review.
May 7, 2019
Sulari Gentill spins another fun murder/mystery story with Rowland Sinclair once again her likeable, unbelievably rich gentleman who shares his improbable bohemian artistic lifestyle with his loyal friends Clyde, Milton and Edna. This is the 9th book in the Rowland Sinclair series and I enjoyed it as much as the other one I have read #2 “A decline in Prophets”.
Wilfred Sinclair, Rowland’s married older brother manages the family estates and would like Rowland to “grow up” and assume some of the responsibility but Rowland is loath to work with or for his brother especially when he is constantly berated for being untrustworthy and or incapable. Unfortunately for Rowland, Wilfred’s opinion is often vindicated as trouble seems to find Rowland no matter where he is.
In All the Tears of China, despite Wilfred’s misgivings, he is obliged to send Rowland to Shanghai to represent the family business at preliminary meetings with Japanese wool buyers but he tells Rowland emphatically that he is not to agree to any anything and certainly not to sign any business agreements. Rowland dubiously agrees to go to China as long as his three friends can go with him and so the four set sail.
Within hours of arriving in Shanghai however the mad romp begins, as Rowland is caught up in a murder in his room, is in a brawl and caught up other mysterious dealings before he can meet his brother’s clients. Set in Shanghai in the 1930’s, the city is a cosmopolitan community made up of local Shanghainese, Chinese from other regions, Chinese criminal gangs, ex-colonials, European refugees, exiled Jews, economic migrants, German Nazi’s, Japanese businessman and now the Australian tourists with their friend Rowland.
Within the murder/mystery/thriller genre Sulari Gentill adds more colour and humour to what may seem a predictable format. In All the Tears she prefaces each chapter with a likely snippet from a newspaper which assists the reader to understand what was happening in the country or world and/or how people might have thought around the time she has set her story. For example some of her pieces include; The departure of the communist Egon Kisch’s from Australia in 1935, The plight of Russian Refuges, Abductions and armed robberies of the foreign community in Shanghai, Communist Party fights for Aborigines, Fascist Terror rages from West to Far East, China to Expel or Western Influence, Christmas messages by Phonograph records and other funny inclusions about etiquette, movie projectors, English puddings, dish-washing and an Aid to Courting.
Once again, an entertaining, slightly educational and fun read.
Wilfred Sinclair, Rowland’s married older brother manages the family estates and would like Rowland to “grow up” and assume some of the responsibility but Rowland is loath to work with or for his brother especially when he is constantly berated for being untrustworthy and or incapable. Unfortunately for Rowland, Wilfred’s opinion is often vindicated as trouble seems to find Rowland no matter where he is.
In All the Tears of China, despite Wilfred’s misgivings, he is obliged to send Rowland to Shanghai to represent the family business at preliminary meetings with Japanese wool buyers but he tells Rowland emphatically that he is not to agree to any anything and certainly not to sign any business agreements. Rowland dubiously agrees to go to China as long as his three friends can go with him and so the four set sail.
Within hours of arriving in Shanghai however the mad romp begins, as Rowland is caught up in a murder in his room, is in a brawl and caught up other mysterious dealings before he can meet his brother’s clients. Set in Shanghai in the 1930’s, the city is a cosmopolitan community made up of local Shanghainese, Chinese from other regions, Chinese criminal gangs, ex-colonials, European refugees, exiled Jews, economic migrants, German Nazi’s, Japanese businessman and now the Australian tourists with their friend Rowland.
Within the murder/mystery/thriller genre Sulari Gentill adds more colour and humour to what may seem a predictable format. In All the Tears she prefaces each chapter with a likely snippet from a newspaper which assists the reader to understand what was happening in the country or world and/or how people might have thought around the time she has set her story. For example some of her pieces include; The departure of the communist Egon Kisch’s from Australia in 1935, The plight of Russian Refuges, Abductions and armed robberies of the foreign community in Shanghai, Communist Party fights for Aborigines, Fascist Terror rages from West to Far East, China to Expel or Western Influence, Christmas messages by Phonograph records and other funny inclusions about etiquette, movie projectors, English puddings, dish-washing and an Aid to Courting.
Once again, an entertaining, slightly educational and fun read.
April 27, 2022
All the Tears in China - Gentill
(also published as Shanghai Secrets)
Audio performance by Rupert Degas
4 stars
Rowland Sinclair is under threat again. He is a very reluctant and unqualified businessman. Nevertheless, his brother Wilfred sends him to Shanghai for international wool trading negotiations. He is instructed to make no deals. He is to promise nothing, do nothing. It’s 1935. The Japanese are facing a potential trade embargo over their illegal invasion of Manchuria. The financial stakes are high. There’s no chance that Rowland will be left alone to do nothing. His problems begin with a dead girl in his hotel suite.
As usual, the historical setting is detailed and the plot is suspenseful. Rowland is lucky to have his trusty friends as he faces enemies on all fronts. This book is full of colorful, fictional, and historical characters. (The incidental inclusion of Emily Hahn reminded me that I have a biography that I’d like to read,Nobody Said Not to Go: The Life, Loves, and Adventures of Emily Hahn) Gentill captures the seething ethnic/immigrant/refugee mix of Shanghai between the wars. The combined fascist threat of Japan and Nazi Germany is ever present; as is the institutional blindness of the western powers who have a greater fear of communism. The historical notes at the end of this book ( as with others in the series) are some of the most informative that I’ve ever read. Just know that the author mixes up actual history with her fictional events in her very interesting epilogs.
If Rowland and his friends have a habit of collecting dangerous enemies, they are also able to find trustworthy friends. I’d love to read a spinoff series about the fledgling detective agency that is starting at the end of this book.
(also published as Shanghai Secrets)
Audio performance by Rupert Degas
4 stars
Rowland Sinclair is under threat again. He is a very reluctant and unqualified businessman. Nevertheless, his brother Wilfred sends him to Shanghai for international wool trading negotiations. He is instructed to make no deals. He is to promise nothing, do nothing. It’s 1935. The Japanese are facing a potential trade embargo over their illegal invasion of Manchuria. The financial stakes are high. There’s no chance that Rowland will be left alone to do nothing. His problems begin with a dead girl in his hotel suite.
As usual, the historical setting is detailed and the plot is suspenseful. Rowland is lucky to have his trusty friends as he faces enemies on all fronts. This book is full of colorful, fictional, and historical characters. (The incidental inclusion of Emily Hahn reminded me that I have a biography that I’d like to read,Nobody Said Not to Go: The Life, Loves, and Adventures of Emily Hahn) Gentill captures the seething ethnic/immigrant/refugee mix of Shanghai between the wars. The combined fascist threat of Japan and Nazi Germany is ever present; as is the institutional blindness of the western powers who have a greater fear of communism. The historical notes at the end of this book ( as with others in the series) are some of the most informative that I’ve ever read. Just know that the author mixes up actual history with her fictional events in her very interesting epilogs.
If Rowland and his friends have a habit of collecting dangerous enemies, they are also able to find trustworthy friends. I’d love to read a spinoff series about the fledgling detective agency that is starting at the end of this book.
February 14, 2019
The anticipation I feel as I wait for the next Rowland Sinclair mystery is hard to describe. I love spending time with Rowland Sinclair and his three friends almost as much as I love spending time with my real life friends! It's a real treat to be a part of the humour, loyalty and kindness that they constantly display towards each other.
All the Tears in China picks up where we left off in book 8. Only a few days have gone by and Rowly is still paying for his involvement with Egon Kisch. To get him out of harm's way and to help the family fortune, brother Wilfred decides to send Rowland (and his friends) to Shanghai to broker a wool deal with the Japanese.
Naturally, from the moment they arrive in 1935 Shanghai, the level of danger and intrigue that Rowly seems to always attract only increases.
I love the blend of fact and fiction. Sulari Gentill has a lovely knack of allowing real life figures to rub along with our fictional favourites naturally. She also brings to life the bizarre, curious and precarious world of pre-WWII China.
Full review here - http://bronasbooks.blogspot.com/2019/...
All the Tears in China picks up where we left off in book 8. Only a few days have gone by and Rowly is still paying for his involvement with Egon Kisch. To get him out of harm's way and to help the family fortune, brother Wilfred decides to send Rowland (and his friends) to Shanghai to broker a wool deal with the Japanese.
Naturally, from the moment they arrive in 1935 Shanghai, the level of danger and intrigue that Rowly seems to always attract only increases.
I love the blend of fact and fiction. Sulari Gentill has a lovely knack of allowing real life figures to rub along with our fictional favourites naturally. She also brings to life the bizarre, curious and precarious world of pre-WWII China.
Full review here - http://bronasbooks.blogspot.com/2019/...
January 10, 2021
Sulari Gentill has done it again! Another very good book from this author.
The whole story is based on a single premise. Rowland Sinclair is sent to Shanghai to represent his brother with a wool consortium, not to negotiate, not to purchase, not to sign anything but to show that by sending his brother, he gave the consortium the respect and the "face" that they deserve.
Rowland is accompanied by Clive and Milton and Edna on a first class journey and then a hotel in Shanghai. Rowland did not expect to face any serious threats enroute or in Shanghai but from the word go, he was assaulted, threatened and then faced with a murder charge and imprisoned. Most unfair and very brutal and all with the idea of using blackmail to get him to sign the agreements. When Rowland knew that Nazi influenced Germans were behind the Japanese bids, nothing on earth would prevail to get him to sign. Hence the punishment which almost left him for dead.
The findings were surprising. It was not just the Japanese consortium that wanted the Sinclair wool, but it was big brother Wilfred's best friend Gilbert Carmel who was desperate to get Rowland to sign and did not care if Rowland died after signing the agreement and who was the mastermind behind the whole scheme.
I finished the book in one go, always sad because I have nothing else from this author on my Kindle. Thats the bad part.
The whole story is based on a single premise. Rowland Sinclair is sent to Shanghai to represent his brother with a wool consortium, not to negotiate, not to purchase, not to sign anything but to show that by sending his brother, he gave the consortium the respect and the "face" that they deserve.
Rowland is accompanied by Clive and Milton and Edna on a first class journey and then a hotel in Shanghai. Rowland did not expect to face any serious threats enroute or in Shanghai but from the word go, he was assaulted, threatened and then faced with a murder charge and imprisoned. Most unfair and very brutal and all with the idea of using blackmail to get him to sign the agreements. When Rowland knew that Nazi influenced Germans were behind the Japanese bids, nothing on earth would prevail to get him to sign. Hence the punishment which almost left him for dead.
The findings were surprising. It was not just the Japanese consortium that wanted the Sinclair wool, but it was big brother Wilfred's best friend Gilbert Carmel who was desperate to get Rowland to sign and did not care if Rowland died after signing the agreement and who was the mastermind behind the whole scheme.
I finished the book in one go, always sad because I have nothing else from this author on my Kindle. Thats the bad part.
July 12, 2021
2021 bk 210. Gentill continues her practice of bringing in living persons as minor characters in her mysteries. I sat up in amazement that among the living people was a person, not famous in history, but an author whose books I owned. I was so excited that I had to pull out Emily Hahn's "China to Me" to compare other people and events - I won't tell what actually happened and what didn't, but I was pleased at the minute accuracy of this novel, the first of what she considers her Rowland Sinclair World War II mysteries. Sent to Shanghai, China to keep Rowley from being further vilified and beaten, the story opens poorly with an immediate kidnapping attempt. Further foul deeds follow as Rowley tries to follow his father's wishes, is introduced to the differing customs, and comes to realize that the Nazi's are working with the Japanese. In some ways I feared more for the lives of Rowley and his compatriots in this book than any of the others. Excellent, well written mystery.
April 3, 2019
Rowland Sinclair has been dispatched to Shanghai in 1935 to attend an international wool conference in his brother's place...with strict instructions to avoid agreeing to anything. Once there, the murder of a Russian taxi dancer in his suite leaves him under suspicion. This was my first book in the series, even though this one is officially number 9. I was quite impressed and pleased with the historical bits about Shanghai which gave weight to the story and the action wherein. I hope that is typical of the other books too! Quite enjoyable!
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
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