Picture a Sri Lankan-born storyteller who traded law books for mysteries set in the glamorous 1930s—meet Sulari Gentill! This award-winning Australian author weaves historical crime and fantasy tales that captivate readers worldwide. From her Rowland Sinclair Mysteries to her genre-bending metafiction, Gentill’s knack for blending rich history with thrilling plots has made her a standout in crime fiction.
With a life as colorful as her novels, Gentill’s journey from corporate lawyer to literary star is a tale of passion and reinvention. Her stories, steeped in historical detail and wit, invite readers to step into a world where artists solve murders and myths come alive.
The Making of Sulari Gentill
Born in Sri Lanka in 1971, Sulari Gentill’s early years were a global adventure. Her family moved to Zambia, where she learned English, before settling in Brisbane, Australia, at age six. Initially drawn to the stars, Gentill pursued astrophysics at university but pivoted to law, becoming a corporate lawyer. Yet, a restless creative spark led her to abandon contracts for storytelling. Inspired by her love for Greek mythology and history, she began writing, finding her true calling in crafting intricate narratives.
Sulari Gentill’s Unforgettable Stories
Gentill’s Rowland Sinclair Mysteries, a series of ten historical crime novels, are her crown jewel. Set in 1930s Australia, the series follows Rowland ‘Rowly’ Sinclair, a wealthy artist and reluctant sleuth, and his bohemian friends as they unravel murders amid political turmoil. Titles like A Few Right Thinking Men (2010), shortlisted for the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize, and A Decline in Prophets showcase her ability to weave real historical figures and events into gripping mysteries. Fans of Kerry Greenwood’s Phryne Fisher will adore Rowly’s charm and the series’ vivid backdrop.
Beyond crime, Gentill, under the pen name S.D. Gentill, penned The Hero Trilogy, a fantasy adventure series rooted in Greek mythology. Books like Chasing Odysseus offer a fresh take on ancient epics, blending action with mythic depth. Her standalone novel Crossing the Lines (published as After She Wrote Him in the U.S.), a metafictional thriller, won the 2018 Ned Kelly Award for Best Fiction. Her 2022 release, The Woman in the Library, a USA Today bestseller, playfully explores the writing process itself, cementing her versatility.
Gentill’s style is a delightful mix of meticulous research, witty dialogue, and layered characters. Her ‘pantser’ approach—writing without plotting—allows stories to unfold organically, creating a sense of spontaneity that keeps readers hooked. Whether it’s the glamour of 1930s Sydney or the intrigue of a Boston crime scene, her settings pulse with authenticity.
Why Sulari Gentill Matters
Sulari Gentill has redefined historical crime fiction by grounding her mysteries in Australia’s turbulent 1930s, shedding light on lesser-known political and cultural moments. Her ability to humanize historical figures and craft relatable, flawed protagonists like Rowly Sinclair resonates with readers globally. Awards like the Ned Kelly and Davitt, along with her international tours, highlight her growing influence. Gentill’s work not only entertains but also invites reflection on history’s complexities, making her a vital voice in modern literature.
About Sulari Gentill
- Born: 1971, Sri Lanka
- Key Works: Rowland Sinclair Mysteries, Crossing the Lines, The Woman in the Library, The Hero Trilogy
- Awards: 2018 Ned Kelly Award, 2012 Davitt Award, shortlisted for 2011 Commonwealth Writers’ Prize
- Fun Fact: She grows French black truffles on her Snowy Mountains farm!
Ready to dive into a 1930s mystery or a mythic adventure? Snag A Few Right Thinking Men or The Woman in the Library and lose yourself in Sulari Gentill’s thrilling worlds!