Step into the glamorous yet gritty world of Rowland Sinclair, where a dashing artist-turned-sleuth unravels mysteries in 1930s Australia! Sulari Gentill’s acclaimed historical mystery series blends the elegance of the Jazz Age with the raw tension of a nation on the brink. With Rowland Sinclair, a wealthy bohemian with a knack for scandal and justice, readers are whisked into a thrilling ride through political intrigue, murder, and high society.
From Sydney’s bustling streets to the global stage, this series captures the charm of Agatha Christie and the adventurous spirit of Phryne Fisher, all while grounding itself in Australia’s unique historical landscape. Ready to meet Rowly and his eclectic crew? Let’s dive in!
How Rowland Sinclair Began
Born from the imagination of Sulari Gentill, a former lawyer who traded contracts for storytelling, the Rowland Sinclair series kicked off in 2010 with A Few Right Thinking Men. Gentill, inspired by her historian husband’s research into 1930s New South Wales politics, crafted a vivid world where real historical events—like the rise of the New Guard and the Great Depression—intertwine with fictional crimes. Her goal? To bring Australia’s overlooked 1930s to life through the eyes of a charismatic amateur detective.
Gentill’s fast-paced, unplotted writing style—penning first drafts in just three months—gave Rowland a spontaneous, authentic voice. The series, now a fan favorite, grew from a single novel into a sprawling saga, earning accolades like the Davitt Award and a Commonwealth Writers’ Prize nomination.
The Heart of Rowland Sinclair
The series follows Rowland ‘Rowly’ Sinclair, a gentleman artist and the black sheep of a wealthy family, as he stumbles into mysteries with his bohemian friends: poet Milton Isaacs, painter Clyde Watson Jones, and sculptress Edna Higgins, his unrequited love. Key books include A Few Right Thinking Men (2010), where Rowly investigates a murder amid political unrest, and A Decline in Prophets (2011), set aboard the luxurious RMS Aquitania, blending glamour with deadly secrets. Paving the New Road (2012) dives into espionage as Rowly confronts fascism in Europe, while A Testament of Character (2020) takes him to 1930s America, navigating gang wars and wills.
Themes of justice, loyalty, and social change pulse through the series. Gentill weaves historical accuracy—think newspaper clippings and real figures like Robert Menzies—into her plots, highlighting Australia’s class divides and political polarization. The 1930s setting, bookended by the Roaring Twenties and World War II, amplifies the stakes, with fascism and economic strife looming. Rowly’s charm, wit, and moral compass make him a timeless hero, while the series’ cozy yet incisive tone appeals to mystery lovers.
Each book stands alone but builds a rich arc, with Rowly’s relationships and personal growth deepening over time. Gentill’s prose, described as ‘Evelyn Waugh meets Agatha Christie,’ balances humor, suspense, and heart, making every page a delight.
Why Rowland Sinclair Resonates
The Rowland Sinclair series has carved a niche in historical mystery, offering a fresh Australian perspective in a genre often dominated by British and American voices. Fans praise its meticulous research and vibrant characters, with Rowly’s loyal, quirky crew feeling like old friends. The series’ exploration of universal themes—standing up to injustice, navigating privilege—resonates in today’s polarized world, as Gentill herself notes the eerie parallels between the 1930s and now.
With awards, global readership, and a growing legacy, the series has elevated Australian crime fiction, earning comparisons to Kerry Greenwood and Rhys Bowen. Its blend of history, mystery, and heart keeps readers hooked, with each book a new adventure in Rowly’s turbulent world.
- First Book Published: 2010 (A Few Right Thinking Men)
- Number of Books: 10 (as of 2020, ongoing)
- Awards: Davitt Award for A Decline in Prophets, Ned Kelly Award for Gentill’s standalone work
- Setting: Primarily 1930s Australia, with international locales like Shanghai and Boston
Grab A Few Right Thinking Men and dive into Rowland Sinclair’s captivating world of mystery, history, and charm. Trust us, Rowly’s adventures are a scandalously good time!