4.5?
“‘Well’, Rowland shook his head, ‘we’ve managed to narrow it down to anybody on board the ‘Aquitania.’
Madding’s lips pursed. ‘Yes, a sterling piece of deduction.’”

Rowland Sinclair and his pals are aboard the ‘Aquitania’ on a pretty grand tour of the world. There has been a murder on board, so of course Captain Madding is a little less than impressed with Rowland’s observation. But it’s the following conversation that intrigues me.

“‘Both Scotland Yard and the New York Police Department are at pains to declare it outside their jurisdiction.’ He sighed. ‘The best we can hope for is that the blaggard disembarks in New York and doesn’t join us for the leg to Sydney.’”

Interesting. It’s not giving anything away to say that the crime is not solved on board, and in fact, there is another death before our adventurous foursome arrive home.

Picture of a postcard of the RMS Aquitania

Rowland Sinclair is an artist, and a good one. His father was a wealthy, influential man, and his conservative brother runs their pastoral property near Yass (between Sydney and Melbourne). Rowly, on the other hand, lives in one of the family’s Sydney mansions, ‘Woodlands House’ where he has extended permanent hospitality to Milton (poet), Clyde (artist) and Edna “Ed”, (sculptress).

“The torch Rowland carried for Edna was not a secret, but they didn’t talk of it in her presence. It was an understanding between gentlemen.”

Everyone loves Ed. She’s a warm, beautiful character, a charmer, a very talented sculptress (she is often referred to as ‘the sculptress’), and may well carry a similar torch for Rowly, but wouldn’t admit it. She models for him often, frequently in the nude, but they have kept hands off. Each other, that is. They do have flings elsewhere!

I’m very much enjoying learning about the ins and outs of Sydney and world politics in the 1930s as experienced by this colourful group. Rowly is much more left-leaning than brother Wilfred, but not quite as ‘red’ as Milton or Clive or as bohemian as Edna. Wil, on the other hand, is deep into the conservative movement and the Masons, and Rowly is expected to participate.

Mind you, Rowland Sinclair does scrub up well for formal high society. We are treated to some pretty fancy events. Money everywhere. Chauffeured Rolls-Royce, Mercedes S-Class Tourer, banquets, polo. Of course, he often has paint flecks in his hair and on his hands, to the fond amusement of Ed and the despair of his family.

The action takes place on board or in New York City, Sydney, and on the family property. There is a long thread running through the story of religious conflict in a cult/group called the Theosophists, some of whom were sailing with them. They are a strange bunch.

There are many religious references throughout, and there are more murder attempts in Sydney. Hence the decline in prophets. All in all, another very entertaining chapter in the Rowland Sinclair mystery series. I’ll end this with little Ernie’s misadventure.

At afternoon tea, Rowly’s Aunt Mildred has been lecturing him about settling down and protecting his reputation, so to change the subject, he suggests that little Ernie show off his new yo-yo skills.

“The impact was inevitable: shattering the Royal Doulton teapot and sending the tepid brew in all directions. . . the conversation moved from Rowland’s reputation to china patterns.

Rowland pulled Ernest onto his lap. ‘Well done, mate,’ he whispered.

The boy nodded solemnly. ‘Uncle Rowly,’ he asked gravely. ‘What happened to your repustation?’

‘Reputation, Ernie. Met the same fate as the teapot, I think.’

‘Can you paste it?’

‘It will probably always leak.’”

I certainly hope so. I love seeing him with his disreputable (but loveable) friends.

You can read the free short prequel, The Prodigal Son, here at Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com.au/Prodigal-So...australian-author chcc-library historical-fiction ...more40 s Phrynne3,554 2,412

This book is a gem! I have already read the prequel and book one and enjoyed them but this one takes the series to another level! I loved the 1930s setting, the historical comments and the frequent references to famous people and events of the day.

I loved the characters too especially Rowland Sinclair, born with a silver spoon in his mouth, but determined to be a painter and not follow the normal pattern for a person of his standing. He still manages to accept and use his wealth but his friends are all painters, sculptors or poets and they are a charming and outrageous bunch.

The story moves at a cracking pace beginning in England and crossing to Australia via New York on board the Cunard liner, RMS Aquitania. There are murders aplenty and Rowly manages to get involved in most of them. It is all good fun, highly entertaining and very nicely written. An easy five stars.32 s Brenda4,481 2,857

Well that was fun! A rollicking tale set on an elegant cruise liner, plus in New York and Australia, with trouble finding Rowly wherever he went!

1932 and Rowland Sinclair and his friends, Clyde, Milton and Edna were finally heading home after spending some months in Europe. They were aboard the RMS Aquitania headed for New York, where they would stay a few days, catching up with a good but eccentric friend before reboarding and continuing on to Sydney.

After a journey marred by tragedy, the friends disembarked in Sydney and gratefully headed for home. But more was to follow as first one thing, then another drew Rowly in – would he be able to get himself out of the trouble he was in this time?

A Decline in Profits by Aussie author Sulari Gentill is the 2nd in the Rowland Sinclair series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. With fast-paced, nonstop action, I kept wondering what would happen next! The series is turning into one I will definitely continue with – I’m looking forward to #3 already. Highly recommended.2017-release aussie-authors borrowed-from-library ...more31 s Carolyn2,411 679

Set in 1932 during the great depression, this was an enjoyable second episode in this cosy murder mystery series. I really the way the chapters are laid out with a short excerpt from a newspaper at the start. The novel is also peopled with real characters and events which adds to the interest.

Rowland Sinclair (Rowly), an artist and younger son of a wealthy pastoral family, is returning to Sydney from a grand tour of Europe with his friends Edna (a sculptress), Clyde (an artist) and Milton (a would be poet) on board the luxury liner RMS Aquatania. Their journey home is far from boring with an interesting group of Theosophists and mystics on board, a Catholic bishop who diss the Theosophists, a murder, a shooting (possibly attempted murder) and, just as they're coming into Sydney, a person falling overboard. Somehow Rowly manages to be in the wrong place at the wrong time when some of these deaths and shootings occur and becomes a person of interest to the police. Once settled back in Sydney, unfinished business involving the Theosophists and the Catholics gets Rowly into more trouble, much to the disgust of his conservative brother Wilfred who feels it's time Rowly settled down and took on a bit more responsibility for the family business.

It's going to be interesting to see where this series goes. At the close of the novel, it's 1933 and Adolf Hitler has just been elected Chancellor of Germany so it seems ly it will take a more serious turn at some stage and Rowly and his friends near-bohemian lifestyle will come to an end. In the meantime, I hope they will continue to get the most out of life that they can and I'm hoping WWII won't intrude too soon.2019 australian-author historical ...more23 s Catsalive2,222 24

This is a cracking good yarn. I enjoyed the first book, A Few Right Thinking Men, but this one was much more entertaining. The writing & the pacing is excellent, the humour dry (mostly) & well-placed, & often at Rowly's expense. I love the little snippets of news at the beginning of each chapter that give us insight into the period & locale, & a hint about the content to come.

Rowland Sinclair, comes from a wealthy, land-owning family, is an artist, and a generous, amiable, thoroughly likable character. He is too Bohemian for his starchy family but quite conservative compared to his coterie of friends: sculptor Edna "Ed" Higgins, poet Milton Isaacs, & fellow artist Clyde Watson Jones. I enjoy the interaction between them, & that between Rowly & his brother Wilfred.

Opening in 1932, the friends are travelling on "R.M.S. Aquitania" from England to USA, & thence back to Sydney. Whilst on board ship there are 3 murders & an attempt on Rowly's life, & plenty more disturbances on their return home. Rowly, hapless victim for the most part, just can't seem to avoid trouble, much to the chagrin of his family.

Highly entertaining & easy reading. I look forward to the next in the series.2024 aww20 s4 comments Marianne3,756 266

A Decline in Prophets is the second book in the Rowland Sinclair series by award-winning Australian author, Sulari Gentill. Returning to Sydney from a voluntary exile of several months abroad, gentleman artist Rowland Sinclair and his quirky artistic friends (Edna the sculptress, Milton the poet and Clyde the artist) occupy luxury suites aboard the RMS Aquitania. But, despite the presence of peace-loving Theosophists, not all of those on board exhibit tolerance of their fellow passengers.

By the time the Aquitania docks in Sydney, there have been three murders and several attempted murders. And it doesn’t end there: among former passengers, another suspicious death and further attacks occur. The diversity among the victims is enough to confuse the police as to motive and Rowly and his friends are unconvinced about possible suspects.

At home, his older brother Wilfred and sister-in-law Kate seem intent on matching Rowly up with a suitable wife, hoping to increase his respectability. But at every turn, Rowly’s situation very publicly becomes more complicated and his reputation suffers a further setback, attracting censure from his conservative family and his brother’s ire: “You’re not happy about it! You don’t intend it! And yet you carry on moving around in the midst of your own personal crime wave.”

Gentill gives the reader an excellent plot with several red herrings and a dramatic climax. Her cast of realistically flawed characters are mostly endearing, with a few contemptible ones to give balance. And of course, there’s Rowland: an appealing, can-do sort of guy, intelligent, a bit unconventional but full of integrity, which is reflected by loyalty of the friends he attracts.

Quotes from press articles of the time that preface the chapters cleverly serve the purpose of providing some of the background politics, current events or phenomena relevant to the text that follows. 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.

In this instalment, Milt claims to see people’s auras (with the right chemical assistance), Clyde is sent to attend mass, Edna dates a soon-to-be-famous actor and Rowly manages to be a suspect, amateur investigator and, several times, almost the victim of murder. He acquires a godson and is tempted by a Gipsy Moth. Several famous figures make cameo appearances.

As always, Gentill captures the era perfectly. This is a superb dose of Australian historical crime fiction, and readers who enjoy it will be pleased to know they can look forward to a further eight (at least) instalments of this award-winning series, beginning with Miles Off Course.
14 s Dillwynia Peter330 65

Ugghh!! I am so disappointed. I so wanted to this book. It has everything that I would desire: set in a period I find interesting, and with a subplot of the Theosophist Society, a group I vaguely knew about, and this well researched novel filled in so many holes; and then there is the clever witty title.
I d the real members of the Theosophy Society portrayed in the novel. The studies of them that had been made worked and they came across as lively people on the page. The murder spree was interesting, and I found it quite easy to work out. There is a very clever line made by a witness that confirmed it for me, and I did enjoy that. The dalliance with Archie Leach by Edna was wonderful. Yes, I knew who that was, and it was fun to be part of the in joke.

So what went wrong? I feel the editors & friends that are listed at the end are to blame. Dear Ms Gentill, just because you find something in your researches about a period, does NOT mean you have to include each & every fact. There are a lot of actual personages in this novel. That was fine, and I had no problems with that – particularly if they drove the narrative along. But Phil the Jew?? (yes, he is a true Sydney crime figure). What the hell is he doing here? Those few pages were totally unnecessary and he would have been much better served in the next novel. So what that he would be dead in a history time line – this is fiction, and you are already playing with biography.

And then there are the family relations. They became repetitive and boring. I felt I was being bludgeoned by a blunt instrument as the same conversation was repeated ad nauseum. Wilfred & Rowland don’t get on, fine. I can deal with it a few times but when it comes to around 20, I think we have hit saturation point. It didn’t move the narrative, but rather slowed and even killed it. It felt cheap filler. There are some really weird observations happening with this family, and I am starting to suspect that Gentill doesn't understand the behaviours and thoughts of a wealthy Church of England family in 1930s Sydney. The interaction of Irish Catholics and wealthy Anglicans on the ship was strange - there is just no way they would have shared the table, and it wouldn't have come from the Catholic bishop (it is good to remember the high feelings still prevalent from the Irish Easter Uprising in England). What the family interactions does do is make Rowland, our hero, incredibly weak and uninteresting. I find I don’t care about his activities and thoughts, because as soon as his brother comes onto the scene he becomes a compliant non-entity.

I really want to enjoy this series, but I do fear the next book shall be my last, especially if this aspect of the family continues to dominate the narrative.
9 s Marianne3,756 266

A Decline in Prophets is the second book in the Rowland Sinclair series by award-winning Australian author, Sulari Gentill. The audio version is read by Rupert Degas. Returning to Sydney from a voluntary exile of several months abroad, gentleman artist Rowland Sinclair and his quirky artistic friends (Edna the sculptress, Milton the poet and Clyde the artist) occupy luxury suites aboard the RMS Aquitania. But, despite the presence of peace-loving Theosophists, not all of those on board exhibit tolerance of their fellow passengers.

By the time the Aquitania docks in Sydney, there have been three murders and several attempted murders. And it doesn’t end there: among former passengers, another suspicious death and further attacks occur. The diversity among the victims is enough to confuse the police as to motive and Rowly and his friends are unconvinced about possible suspects.

At home, his older brother Wilfred and sister-in-law Kate seem intent on matching Rowly up with a suitable wife, hoping to increase his respectability. But at every turn, Rowly’s situation very publicly becomes more complicated and his reputation suffers a further setback, attracting censure from his conservative family and his brother’s ire: “You’re not happy about it! You don’t intend it! And yet you carry on moving around in the midst of your own personal crime wave.”

Gentill gives the reader an excellent plot with several red herrings and a dramatic climax. Her cast of realistically flawed characters are mostly endearing, with a few contemptible ones to give balance. And of course, there’s Rowland: an appealing, can-do sort of guy, intelligent, a bit unconventional but full of integrity, which is reflected by loyalty of the friends he attracts.

Quotes from press articles of the time that preface the chapters cleverly serve the purpose of providing some of the background politics, current events or phenomena relevant to the text that follows. 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.

In this instalment, Milt claims to see people’s auras (with the right chemical assistance), Clyde is sent to attend mass, Edna dates a soon-to-be-famous actor and Rowly manages to be a suspect, amateur investigator and, several times, almost the victim of murder. He acquires a godson and is tempted by a Gipsy Moth. Several famous figures make cameo appearances.

As always, Gentill captures the era perfectly. This is a superb dose of Australian historical crime fiction, and readers who enjoy it will be pleased to know they can look forward to a further eight (at least) instalments of this award-winning series, beginning with Miles Off Course.7 s Calzean2,666 1 follower

There is more than a touch of an Agatha Christie in this one. Australia's wealthiest bohemian Rowland Sinclair and his entourage return to Oz first class on board the latest liner in the Cunard fleet. Their fellow passengers include a bishop, heiresses, a retired prophet and a group from the Theosophical Society. Lots of people from the era show up, an early Cary Grant, Randolph Hearst, Marion Davis, Norman Lindsay, Archbishop Mannix. Catholics are the enemy of the upper class, the Masonic Lodge is where all the business happens and people are starting to fear what's happening in Germany. Amongst all of this is a bit of humour, a number of murders and a satisfactory ending.author-australia crime-thriller-mystery culture-australia ...more5 s Pat121 23

Rowland Sinclair and his entourage of friends may be relaxing on their world cruise but the reader of this lively historical mystery certainly won't be. The action is in full flight from the beginning to the end of this romp from London to New York and on to Sydney where, if anything, the suspense just keeps mounting up. The 1930's come alive with wit and personality and the mystery is tantalising right to the end.australian-author crime-fiction historical5 s Pam Tickner804 8

This was an unexpected treat. It reminded me of Kerry Greenwood's Phyrne Fisher books in the lavish descriptions of a golden age. There were other similarities in the colourful characters who did not conform to social expectations of the time, friendships between the aristocracy and working class, and a few murders to solve along the way. Set in Sydney, the references to real events and characters of the time contribute to a sense of authenticity. 4 s Melanie561 285

I am glad I found Sulari Gentill, not only does she fit my aim to read more POC writers, but I also have no clue of Australian history before WWII. Really interesting. Great mysteries with a more broader scope than your average cozy. 6 s Highlyeccentric786 48

This was a fun read, but again the historical fiction work was stronger than the crime plot - and both were significantly less well done than the first novel.

The setting and characters were engaging: the novel begins (although it doesn't end) on an ocean liner from Europe to New York, and continues (although still doesn't end) on the same liner from New York to Sydney) as Rowland and his rag-tag bundle of companions finish the last leg of their Grand Tour. They meet an assortment of fascinating characters, including the historical Theosophist leader Annie Besant, the philospher Jiddu Krishnamurti (also historical), and the fiery (but as far as I can tell fictional) Roman Catholic bishop Hanrahan. At least one murder, and several near-death incidents, take place, and due to the juristictional murkiness of murder at sea, are not fully investigated. The plot continues to unfold at home in Sydney, as Rowland and his friends are forced to deal with the arrival of a bevvy of Rowland's conservative relatives.

The plot, I'm afraid to say, drags somewhat: it would have been stronger, I suspect, were it a murder-at-sea closed plot, rather than sprawling across several continents. The strength of the first book was how incredibly effectively Gentil tied her mystery plot to a very specific historic event and its tight timeline, whereas here, although historical figures appear, we aren't bound to a specific event.

The sprawling narrative and lack of a strong secondary plot means it's obvious that Rowland has all the spine of a wet lettuce, and is by no stretch of the imagination a detective. Things just happen to him, and he has neither drive nor principles. I would much, much prefer to read The Edna Mysteries, in which Our Bold Heroine solves crimes, deploying her radical acquaintances and her spineless but rich benefactor-friend to good ends, than the Rowland Sinclair Has Things Happen To Him Stories.

In addition, it stretched my credibility in the first book but now far exceeds it: I simply cannot see why Clive, Milt and Edna associate with Rowland, if it's not that they're cunningly milking the upperclasses for anything they can. Rowland has, and I stress this, no principles, no moral centre. He feels vaguely bad about things, but all his association with socialists OR his conservative upbringing have failed to induce him to have an opinion. (In comparison, Phryne Fisher is filthy rich and unashamed of it, but it's very easy to see why Bert and Cec, the radical cab drivers come informants come getaway drivers, associate with her: they respect her principles and conduct despite her wealth.)auslit detective-and-crime historical-fiction3 s Ali1,514 129

I can't believe I have gone this long without discovering Gentill. Ok, so the whodunnit was pretty obvious, but this is a lighthearted crime novel with impeccable research! About the Theosophist Movement! With luxury liners! With a historical, rather than hectoring, approach to social movements! And funny! And it features Annie Besant!
Gentill really settles in here to create her characters and their worldviews, from the passionate and beloved (and historical) Besant, through to (fictional) Clyde the Catholic Bohemian and the wonderful rural landed squire Will. Aside from Besant, who leaps off the page, the women still seem awkwardly drawn, with an emphasis on how they appear to the men around them, but Besant gives me hope this will improve.
The book both conjures a very specific time and place well (Sydney in the 1930s) and looks at one 'movement' in some depth. This is a deep slice of history and one which gets little exposure in courses.
This is a lighthearted book which moves into humour and situational farce at times. Sulari is serious about her history, but the primary purpose here is entertainment. This isn't going to be everyone's cuppa tea - and can be challenging given a historical character's documented abuse in this volume. Gentill gets this perfectly right in one, suddenly sombre and hence effective, moment, but it gets a little awkward in other places.
For me, however, whose reading leans toward the sombre more than the light, this is a wonderful balancer and great escapist fiction with a dose of deep Australian history.australia crime fiction3 s eyes.2c2,804 83

Once again I'm smitten by Rowland Sinclair and his friends. Having been abroad (yes they needed to get out of the country) the group is enroute back to Sydney via a luxury liner. Thank goodness for the wealth of the Sinclair family! Of course there's a murder on the high seas, doubtful doings in New York and a host of other interesting situations, including the president of the World Theosophical Movement, an atrocious Archbishop and his niece, and a few others.
Edna hooks up with someone who will become a star, Archie Leach! She's such a windfall character. (Ok, I was typing wonderful and my iPad defaulted to windfall, so I thought I'd let it have its head as Edna is a spectacular windfall character for this series in MHO)
Still murder on the high seas and dry land does take precedence in this larger than life look at politics and social mores, mostly of Australia in 1932. However we sense the clouds on the horizon.
I seriously love this series!australian interbellum library ...more6 s Vikki PetraitisAuthor 33 books156

Love Sulari Gentill's second book in the Rowly series. She transports you to the wonderful world of the 1930s with a delightful mix of real and fictional characters. A great read. 3 s Peggyzbooksnmusic405 72

Enjoyed the continuing adventures of Rowland Sinclair, Edna, Milton and Clyde. Historical mystery series set in 1930's. Our charming friends are traveling home on the luxury liner R.M.S. Aquitania having traveled abroad to Germany, England and New York City. A few suspicious deaths take place: murder, accidents? Rowly and his companions are right in the thick of the investigations and once home in Sydney another death occurs: are they related and is Rowly once again a suspect?

The plot is a common one in mysteries but the author's wonderful characterizations and brilliant dialogue make this series special. Some of the supporting characters are real historical figures so it was fun to Google their names to see who was real and who was fictional! Edna (Ed) is beautiful, charming and sweet (Rowly is secretly in love with her!) and one of her many romances is with an unknown stage actor in New York City. I wonder how many readers figured out that he will change his name and become famous in movies :)
Highly recommend!





2021-challenge-mystery-historical 2021-million-miles-challenge audio-rupert-degas ...more2 s The Library Lady3,758 607

This series is entertaining enough--fans of Kerry Greenwood's Phryne Fisher books will enjoy them. But I could do without Ms Gentill's use of real people in snarky cameos. While in NYC Edwina the Sculptress--Rowly's dream girl--has a tryst with "Archie Leach", who under another name (revealed in the epilogue)became one of Hollywood's greatest leading men--and my favorite movie star of all time! Edna also mentions having seen another performer who is sadly balding early, but is a marvelous dancer, knocking them dead in "The Gay Divorce."

Gentill doesn't even bother to name the second gentleman, but if you don't recognize either or both of these two, then put down these books, look them up. and watch their movies!
They are still around and still great after nearly 100 years. I doubt if the same will be said of Ms Gentill's books, though they do make for some harmless diversionary reading.adult-fiction historical_fiction2 s Jamie Canaves1,012 278

Okay, this is (so far) a ten book historical mystery series with Rowland Sinclair, a wealthy Australian artist, as the sleuth. Of course me being me I started with the second book–I just really wanted to read a remote set murder mystery, and the beginning of the book gave me the information I needed to not be confused so win-win for me. However, I enjoyed this so much I’m going back to the first. And with that out of the way on to this book!

It’s set in the 1930s and while I find that a lot of historical mysteries kind of blend into feeling much the same, this one really stood out for a few reasons: the unique and varied characters; the moving settings; I can’t recall reading many Australian sleuths or artists. We start on the R.M.S. Aquitania, a luxury liner, filled with an eclectic mix of characters that are friends, and not, and have various different religions and beliefs–and of course someone ends up murdered. Rowland Sinclair just happened to have decked the murder victim before he turned up dead so guess who is a suspect?!

We keep following the group of characters–Theosophists, Freemasons, Protestants, mystics, Catholic Bishop and Priest, model, artist, poet–through New York and Sydney and we find that people keep being murdered. And not only is there drama in Sinclair’s group of friends but in his family, because his older brother is determined to make Sinclair the proper gentlemen. But who is following this group of eclectic people around the world and offing them? And why? Come for the murder mystery and stay for a fun look at the wealthy in 1930s Australia. I went with the audiobook and it was listening to a radio play, which added to the delight of this book for me. I’d also say this works for fans of cozies in that there is plenty of murder that is explained but it never goes into the gore and details.

(TW brief attempted assault, not detailed/ alludes to past assault without detail/ murder made to look suicide, detail/ parent with dementia/ antisemitism)

--from Book Riot's Unusual Suspects newsletter: https://link.bookriot.com/view/56a820...amateur-sleuth audio book-riot-unusual-suspects-newslett ...more2 s Kate871 128

This series keeps jumping from strength to strength. I was dubious if this book could really be as excellent at the first - but it squashed all my doubts with intense mystery and excellent character development. I truly love Rowland and his friends, they make a strong unit and always support each other - it is probably what makes this such a strong second book. The mystery elements were excellent and I could hardly begin to speculate before another spanner was through in the works, I even fell for the red herring.

All in all, bring on book three!2 s Ruby Grad567 5

A very enjoyable follow-up to the first in the Rowland Sinclair Mysteries series. I the relationships between the 4 companions, as well as their relationships with others. I also d, in this case, the description of life onboard a cruise liner in the 1930's, sailing from London to New York and then to Sydney. I love the humor. This time I had the murderer figured out well before the reveal, but I didn't understand how it all fit together until then.2 s Jazzy Lemon1,041 101

Another winner! I love the way each chapter is prefaced by a true news clipping relevant to the events. Set in the mid 1930s, full of murder and intrigue, wealth and privilege. Rowley is still recovering from being shot in the leg in the previous novel. australian-authors2 s Tien2,028 73

I seem to be entrenched in 1930s Australia! It began, of course, with the first book of the Rowland Sinclair series, A Few Right Thinking Men, For Love of Country, The Big Smoke, then Razor: Tilly Devine, Kate Leigh and the Razor Gangs and now, this book! I was excited though to see a couple of the Razor gangs crims showing up in A Decline in Prophets -it was within the right setting, of course, time and location wise. I guess I was a lot more excited because I’ve just finished the book, Razor, so they are very familiar historical personages.

This review is in relation of the second book in the Rowland Sinclair series but there won’t be any spoilers from book 1

This novel opens with the return journey of Rowland Sinclair and his friends from abroad. They have been away for 8 months and are keen to return home to Sydney. This journey over the seas, though filled with interesting characters, was fraught with danger especially to Rowland. He found himself, yet again & again, implicated in matters that blacken his family name; to the displeasure of his older brother.

My first impression of this series was that it could’ve been a mix between Lord Peter Wimsey and Phryne Fisher. This series is set roughly around the same era (1930s) though in Sydney and there are familiar traits in characters etc however whilst Miss Fisher styled herself as an investigator, Rowland Sinclair just happened to have the knack of being at the wrong place at the wrong time at a criminal rate. He is rather an amateur sleuth which, at times, rather frustrated me as a reader. And being rather conservative myself, I’m leaning towards his brother and at times, just do not understand their chosen lifestyles which made it harder to sympathise with these characters. I am not judging anybody their chosen lifestyles as I’m sure you’ll wonder at my chosen lifestyle. However, I just want to be clear that this is the reason I rather than love this novel, in that I found it hard to put myself in their perspectives.

A most pleasant surprise, however, is the humour. I actually chuckled out loud a couple of times and this rarely ever happens with my reading. I don’t recall the first book being this humorous. I think there were probably real historical personages in book 1 too except that I wasn’t that familiar with political characters... but these 2 factors are what I enjoyed most so far in the series, the historical personages popping in and the humorous interaction between Rowland and his friends.australia australian-author giveaway ...more2 s Karen1,902 107

Fans of Australian writing (not just crime fiction) if you've not caught up yet with Rowly Sinclair and his wanderings through 1930's Sydney and beyond, where on earth have you been?

A DECLINE IN PROPHETS is the second book in the Rowland Sinclair series from Sulari Gentill and after dithering around for a week or so trying to come up with something that describes the book accurately. I'll just have to settle for my first reaction when I got to the last page. Blast - wonder when the next one will be out...

In my review of the first book - A FEW RIGHT THINKING MEN - I did comment something along the lines of there being just a little more history than mystery at points, but that balance has been elegantly sorted out in the second book. Not to say that the history suffers here either - the research that goes into the background of these books is fantastic, but the story-telling is even better. In A DECLINE IN PROPHETS Roly and his band of supporting artists and bohemians have been off around the world, but the action of the book mostly takes place on the RMS Aquitania - giving a very believable closed room setting. Both on ship and on land, there's a good range of puzzles and mysteries, a good dose of the relationships between Roly and his friends, and as an added extra a lot of Roly and his family when the travellers eventually return home.

The great thing about these books is that you can really see them appealing to lots of different reader's preferences - the historical period is wonderfully evoked, the action is strong but there's no overt sense of thriller going on. The deaths are believable, but the scenes described with sufficient detail to give the reader a sense of what is happening, without any gore or sensationalism. There's a touch of romance, just the slightest bit of unrequited relationship between Roly and sculptor and companion Edna but not enough to make me throw my hands in the air and scream not again! There's also a great cast of the slightly eccentric through to flat out mad as a hatter types all of whom serve their part in the cast without raising any sneaking sense of affect.

What really sticks in my mind about A DECLINE IN PROPHETS is that it's just flat out, great story telling. Good characters, a believable plot, both of which transport the reader to a place and a time that just feels right. Regardless of your preference in crime fiction, lovers of cozies, procedurals, historical or current day settings, A DECLINE IN PROPHETS is just a fantastic book.
australian crime review-books2 s Rosalie416 8

I read this murder/melodramatic/thriller as a stand-alone novel and thoroughly enjoyed it without reading the first book in the Series. Rowland Sinclair is an amateur mystery solver who finds himself in extraordinary and sometimes humorous situations with unique, eccentric persons some of whom are murdered.
The book is set in the 1930's and Rowland Sinclair is the son of Australian landed gentry, the Sinclair family, who made their fortune from large rural properties near Yass (NSW) and have mansions in Sydney too. The sumptuous descriptions of voyaging on a luxury liner, the stylish partying with Oxford friends in New York and the depictions of living with permanent large numbers of household staff in Australia all serve to describe the affluent lifestyles enjoyed in a bygone era.
Rowland first appears on board the Cunard liner RMS Aquitania when he is returning home after a European jaunt with his bohemian friends. His affluence and general bonhomie is immediately apparent as he and his friends are travelling first class presumably at his expense. It is not long however before Rowland finds himself at the centre of a murder scene in which he is almost implicated and then he too becomes a target for a murderer.
Once back in Sydney, the murders continue and Rowland’s involvement plus notoriety of the victims is an embarrassment to his genteel family. Rowland's elder brother Wilfred, is frustrated by Rowland's apparent irresponsible attitude and behaviour and would him to settle down and assume some of the responsibility for the family enterprises and Masonic traditions.
This entertaining novel incorporates places, people and icons that typified the period. Some of these are the Rookwood Cemetery which used to have a railway station chapel, the actor Cary Grant, and Norman Lindsay and his property in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney.
attitude and behaviour and would him to settle down and assume some of the family business' responsibility and traditions such as his membership of the Masons.australian australian-author class-system ...more2 s Lynn Horton372 48

First, a disclaimer. I've learned never to gobble one book after another by an author. It throws off my perspective as a reader, and I start to recognize passages where authors copy from themselves (Brad Thor), or a lack of progressive character development (Ms. Gentill's A Decline in Prophets). So—true confession—I read books 1 and 2 in this series back to back, and I'm sure that they would've been much better had I let time lapse between them. I own the series, so I'll spread the books out a little more in the future.

A Decline in Prophets is interesting. The story dabbles in Theosophy, and the characters are on an extended voyage while things settle down in Sydney after the escapades in book 1. Ms Gentill knows how to set a scene and a stage, and she writes in an engaging and interesting way about a place I've been, but about which I know little. She also captures the elegance and cabin distinctions on a Cunard ship very well, and I had to restrain myself from booking a cruise.

My issues with this book have to do with character development. Rowland is becoming increasingly bland and is beginning to appear weak to me, especially with regard to Edna. Edna is disinteresting because she's so ammoral and vapid, and doesn't seem to be growing out of her flaws. Let's be honest: her beauty and talent are great in her youth, but only one survives old age—if she's lucky. Two lesser characters (Milton and a fellow artist with a hypehnated name that escapes me right now) are becoming the stars of my show in Gentill's books. I hope that the author develops them into stronger characters in ensuing books of the series.

Generally recommended for lovers of historical mysteries.2 s Rob KitchinAuthor 51 books103

A Decline in Prophets has the feel of a golden age of crime fiction tale, with its focus on an upper class amateur detective and his small band of confidants, the setting on board a luxury liner in the early 1930s, and the form taking a classical style whodunnit. Gentill pulls off all three elements with aplomb, providing a gently paced, well observed tale of manners and the upper class lifestyle of the period, whilst tingeing the story with darker narrative and keeping the reader guessing as to who the killer is and their motives. A key ingredient is the character of Rowly Sinclair, a wealthy Australian dilettante with impeccable manners, who attracts trouble and trouble-makers, and his three working class, bohemian friends who live the high life on his tab. They’re full of playful humour and joie de vivre, even when the chips seem set against them. They are complemented by their colourful fellow passengers, the rag-bag collection of Theosophists and the more serious Catholic bishop and accompanying priests. Gentill plays all three groups off against each other generating plenty of potential suspects and subplots. Back in Australia, Rowly’s stiff upper class family are added to the mix, causing him yet more headaches. The result is an enjoyable sojourn across the Atlantic to New York then onto Sydney and its wealthy neighbourhoods.2 s Heather70

I've enjoyed this book, and the first in the series. I the snippets of Australian social and political history of the period and the range and depth of the characters (right wing graziers, bohemian artists etc). They are well written, and I have the next in the series aired out and ready to go. 2 s Rebecca289

I probably enjoyed this one more than the first, as it was more about the characters and adventure, and less focussed on the setting and history. That being said, it had lots of fun settings and again introduced issues of the time that I had previously been unaware of. An interesting mystery with plenty of twists and turns!2 s Bundaberg Library Library32 1 follower

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