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Rowland Sinclair #10
Where There's a Will
Hell hath no fury like a family disinherited...
American millionaire Daniel Cartwright has been shot dead: three times in the chest, and once in the head. His body is found in Harvard Yard, dressed in evening attire. No one knows who he planned to meet there, or why the staunch Oxford man would be caught dead at Harvard—literally.
Australian Rowland Sinclair, his mate from Oxford and longtime friend, is named executor of the will, to his great surprise—and that of Danny's family. Events turn downright ugly when the will all but disinherits Danny's siblings in favor of one Otis Norcross, whom no one knows or is able to locate. Amidst assault, kidnapping, and threats of slander, Rowly struggles to understand Danny's motives, find the missing heir, and identify his friend's killer before the clock—and his luck—run out.
A deft blend of history and mystery, WHERE THERE'S A WILL offers an alternately charming and chilling snapshot of Boston and New York in the 1930s, with cameo appearances by luminaries of the day including Marion Davies, Randolph Hearst, Errol Flynn, Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, and an arrogantly ardent Joe Kennedy, who proves no match for Rowly's sculptress friend Edna...
American millionaire Daniel Cartwright has been shot dead: three times in the chest, and once in the head. His body is found in Harvard Yard, dressed in evening attire. No one knows who he planned to meet there, or why the staunch Oxford man would be caught dead at Harvard—literally.
Australian Rowland Sinclair, his mate from Oxford and longtime friend, is named executor of the will, to his great surprise—and that of Danny's family. Events turn downright ugly when the will all but disinherits Danny's siblings in favor of one Otis Norcross, whom no one knows or is able to locate. Amidst assault, kidnapping, and threats of slander, Rowly struggles to understand Danny's motives, find the missing heir, and identify his friend's killer before the clock—and his luck—run out.
A deft blend of history and mystery, WHERE THERE'S A WILL offers an alternately charming and chilling snapshot of Boston and New York in the 1930s, with cameo appearances by luminaries of the day including Marion Davies, Randolph Hearst, Errol Flynn, Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, and an arrogantly ardent Joe Kennedy, who proves no match for Rowly's sculptress friend Edna...
342 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 3, 2020
55 people are currently reading
397 people want to read
About the author
Sulari Gentill
27 books1,753 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 136 reviews
September 28, 2021
5★
“‘What are you working on?’
He smiled. ‘This is Joe Lombardo. He lends himself to oils, I think.’
‘Would he sit for you?’
‘Maybe. But you wouldn’t want to disappoint him.’”
If you did, you could probably kiss your tomorrows goodbye! This is the mid 1930s, ‘between the wars’.
Rowland Sinclair, acclaimed Australian portrait painter, is sketching one of the men he saw in Boston’s Cocoanut Grove club. Edna Higgins, his usual model (and ‘secret’ love of his life), is peering over his shoulder as he draws. He is one of those people I admire who can capture a likeness with a few lines. Magic! It proves handy when he wants to describe someone to the police.
Rowland, Edna, and the other two of this Aussie foursome, Clyde Watson-Jones and Milton Isaacs, are in Boston because Rowland has been named the executor of an old friend’s will. Only he is allowed to carry out the instructions. Matters are complicated by the fact that the relatives have been cut off and the beneficiary seems to have been dead and buried for the last couple of years.
Danny was a close friend of Rowland’s at Oxford. He came from a wealthy Boston family and also became a successful, if eccentric, painter. Along with being summoned to Boston to read the will, Rowland is informed that Danny was murdered. So rather than head home to Australia from Shanghai, where they have just finished their business, they repack to head to the US to set things right for Danny.
This is the 1930s, when the world was witnessing the rise of Fascism in Europe, a movement that was gaining some traction in the US as well. Rowland and the others barely escaped some dangerous times in Europe before going to Shanghai, and they are highly sensitive to the worrying gossip of some Americans and the fanning of the flames of discontent by various radio announcers. [Some things never change?]
“’It’s like everybody’s lost their minds,’ Edna said, using Rowland as a shield against the cutting wind.
Milton shook his head. ‘Fascism offers easy answers. It tells people that they are not to blame and that the situation can be fixed if only the Jews or the Negroes or the Chinese or the Communists would stop being who they are.
. . .
It takes energy to resist easy answers, and people are tired. Struggling makes people tired. Perhaps we see things the way we do because, thanks to Rowly, we don’t have to struggle.’”
No, they don’t struggle for money because Rowly is rich, the kind of rich that doesn’t need to ask the price because they can afford it. They all live together in the family mansion in Sydney – when they are home – and they travel together, stumbling across people in distress and evil-doers and very famous people!
As with all the previous stories in the series, the politics and history of the times forms the backdrop. Each chapter is introduced with a cutting from a newspaper of the period. Gentill mixes her characters with real people on real occasions so believably that you wonder if she’s pinched someone’s diaries. She puts you in the time and place with Orson Welles, Errol Flynn, Joe Kennedy, and F. Scott Fitzgerald, among others.
At a party thrown by Marion Davies, Joe, father of JFK, is a movie studio owner at the time (among other things). He is absolutely smitten with the gorgeous Edna, who has no time for a man who seems to approve of Hitler. He seems a nasty piece of work. Young John is, well, young. A girl at the party tells Milton that all the boys are boring.
“’What about him?’ Milton asked, pointing to a boy who stood awkwardly by the window with his gaze fixed rather ambitiously on Edna. ‘Thick hair, good teeth, a little skinny, but he’ll probably fill out.’
‘John Kennedy? No way! . . . thinks his father’s going to be president! . . . .His old man is Joe Kennedy.’ She rolled her eyes. ‘All the Kennedy boys think they’re the cat’s pyjamas!’”
Well, we know how the Kennedys fared later. Meanwhile, back to the Aussies. They talk to the police, set out to find Danny’s murderer themselves, dodge Danny's furious brothers and his tearful sister who seems to have set her sights on Rowly, much to his consternation and everyone else’s amusement.
There are gangsters of various ethnicities after them, and Rowly comes off second best in a few brutal dustups. But whenever they are threatened, it’s never himself he’s worried about, it’s Edna.
“Rowland looked blankly at him, terrified now and becoming more so with every moment. Smythe’s words: ‘… so many more ways you can hurt a woman…’”
This is quite an adventure as they work their way up and down the east coast of America, not knowing exactly who their friends or enemies are and not knowing who the man is they’re looking for. Their own bonds are as strong as ever, especially between Rowly and Edna, but I will say no more!
This was published as A Testament of Character in Australia in 2020 and is coming out in the US under this title in January 2022. I recommend starting with the first in the series, because they are much more fun that way.
I also listened to a bit of the audio, and I think Rupert Degas does a great job with the various voices and accents.
Thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the review copy from which I've quoted.
“‘What are you working on?’
He smiled. ‘This is Joe Lombardo. He lends himself to oils, I think.’
‘Would he sit for you?’
‘Maybe. But you wouldn’t want to disappoint him.’”
If you did, you could probably kiss your tomorrows goodbye! This is the mid 1930s, ‘between the wars’.
Rowland Sinclair, acclaimed Australian portrait painter, is sketching one of the men he saw in Boston’s Cocoanut Grove club. Edna Higgins, his usual model (and ‘secret’ love of his life), is peering over his shoulder as he draws. He is one of those people I admire who can capture a likeness with a few lines. Magic! It proves handy when he wants to describe someone to the police.
Rowland, Edna, and the other two of this Aussie foursome, Clyde Watson-Jones and Milton Isaacs, are in Boston because Rowland has been named the executor of an old friend’s will. Only he is allowed to carry out the instructions. Matters are complicated by the fact that the relatives have been cut off and the beneficiary seems to have been dead and buried for the last couple of years.
Danny was a close friend of Rowland’s at Oxford. He came from a wealthy Boston family and also became a successful, if eccentric, painter. Along with being summoned to Boston to read the will, Rowland is informed that Danny was murdered. So rather than head home to Australia from Shanghai, where they have just finished their business, they repack to head to the US to set things right for Danny.
This is the 1930s, when the world was witnessing the rise of Fascism in Europe, a movement that was gaining some traction in the US as well. Rowland and the others barely escaped some dangerous times in Europe before going to Shanghai, and they are highly sensitive to the worrying gossip of some Americans and the fanning of the flames of discontent by various radio announcers. [Some things never change?]
“’It’s like everybody’s lost their minds,’ Edna said, using Rowland as a shield against the cutting wind.
Milton shook his head. ‘Fascism offers easy answers. It tells people that they are not to blame and that the situation can be fixed if only the Jews or the Negroes or the Chinese or the Communists would stop being who they are.
. . .
It takes energy to resist easy answers, and people are tired. Struggling makes people tired. Perhaps we see things the way we do because, thanks to Rowly, we don’t have to struggle.’”
No, they don’t struggle for money because Rowly is rich, the kind of rich that doesn’t need to ask the price because they can afford it. They all live together in the family mansion in Sydney – when they are home – and they travel together, stumbling across people in distress and evil-doers and very famous people!
As with all the previous stories in the series, the politics and history of the times forms the backdrop. Each chapter is introduced with a cutting from a newspaper of the period. Gentill mixes her characters with real people on real occasions so believably that you wonder if she’s pinched someone’s diaries. She puts you in the time and place with Orson Welles, Errol Flynn, Joe Kennedy, and F. Scott Fitzgerald, among others.
At a party thrown by Marion Davies, Joe, father of JFK, is a movie studio owner at the time (among other things). He is absolutely smitten with the gorgeous Edna, who has no time for a man who seems to approve of Hitler. He seems a nasty piece of work. Young John is, well, young. A girl at the party tells Milton that all the boys are boring.
“’What about him?’ Milton asked, pointing to a boy who stood awkwardly by the window with his gaze fixed rather ambitiously on Edna. ‘Thick hair, good teeth, a little skinny, but he’ll probably fill out.’
‘John Kennedy? No way! . . . thinks his father’s going to be president! . . . .His old man is Joe Kennedy.’ She rolled her eyes. ‘All the Kennedy boys think they’re the cat’s pyjamas!’”
Well, we know how the Kennedys fared later. Meanwhile, back to the Aussies. They talk to the police, set out to find Danny’s murderer themselves, dodge Danny's furious brothers and his tearful sister who seems to have set her sights on Rowly, much to his consternation and everyone else’s amusement.
There are gangsters of various ethnicities after them, and Rowly comes off second best in a few brutal dustups. But whenever they are threatened, it’s never himself he’s worried about, it’s Edna.
“Rowland looked blankly at him, terrified now and becoming more so with every moment. Smythe’s words: ‘… so many more ways you can hurt a woman…’”
This is quite an adventure as they work their way up and down the east coast of America, not knowing exactly who their friends or enemies are and not knowing who the man is they’re looking for. Their own bonds are as strong as ever, especially between Rowly and Edna, but I will say no more!
This was published as A Testament of Character in Australia in 2020 and is coming out in the US under this title in January 2022. I recommend starting with the first in the series, because they are much more fun that way.
I also listened to a bit of the audio, and I think Rupert Degas does a great job with the various voices and accents.
Thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the review copy from which I've quoted.
March 11, 2020
The tenth book in this delightful series and also one of the best so far (although they have all been excellent!)
Rowland Sinclair is always getting into trouble and here he gets into some of the worst, and in Boston of all places. There are gangs after him and gangs after each other. There is a very unpleasant woman who thinks he has jilted her even though we know it is just his innate politeness that causes the problem. There is a family after his blood as he tries to deal fairly with the execution of a Will. He even manages to dip into the awfulness which was the law and public opinion about homosexuality at that time.
Luckily Rowley always has Edna, Milton and Clyde at his back and together they manage to escape all the perilous events. There is also a chapter we have all been waiting for. No spoilers though. You will just have to read it yourself!
We end up back in Australia but I do not suppose the perils of Rowland are over yet. At least I hope not. I hope Sulari Gentill has lots more still to tell.
And 5 stars for that cover! It's a beauty.
Rowland Sinclair is always getting into trouble and here he gets into some of the worst, and in Boston of all places. There are gangs after him and gangs after each other. There is a very unpleasant woman who thinks he has jilted her even though we know it is just his innate politeness that causes the problem. There is a family after his blood as he tries to deal fairly with the execution of a Will. He even manages to dip into the awfulness which was the law and public opinion about homosexuality at that time.
Luckily Rowley always has Edna, Milton and Clyde at his back and together they manage to escape all the perilous events. There is also a chapter we have all been waiting for. No spoilers though. You will just have to read it yourself!
We end up back in Australia but I do not suppose the perils of Rowland are over yet. At least I hope not. I hope Sulari Gentill has lots more still to tell.
And 5 stars for that cover! It's a beauty.
January 26, 2022
EXCERPT: He glanced at the still open grave, the lonely plot as far away as possible from the other Cartwrights. He wondered what had happened to cause such a deep rift, to make Daniel distrust his brothers so absolutely. He thought about Wilfred, the horns they'd locked over the years.
'Wills bring out the worst in families, mate.' Clyde seemed to read his thoughts. 'Any crack widens.'
ABOUT 'WHERE THERE'S A WILL': Hell hath no fury like a family disinherited...
American millionaire Daniel Cartwright has been shot dead: three times in the chest, and once in the head. His body is found in Harvard Yard, dressed in evening attire. No one knows who he planned to meet there, or why the staunch Oxford man would be caught dead at Harvard--literally.
Australian Rowland Sinclair, his mate from Oxford and longtime friend, is named executor of the will, to his great surprise--and that of Danny's family. Events turn downright ugly when the will all but disinherits Danny's siblings in favor of one Otis Norcross, whom no one knows or is able to locate. Amidst assault, kidnapping, and threats of slander, Rowly struggles to understand Danny's motives, find the missing heir, and identify his friend's killer before the clock--and his luck--run out.
MY THOUGHTS: Where There's a Will was previously published as A Testament of Character.
This is the third book I have read so far in 2022, and we are only just into the 4th week, about wills and family inheritance, all very different and all excellent reads.
I can't believe that Where There's a Will is the 10th book in the Rowland Sinclair series, of which I have previously read exactly none. But it didn't matter at all. This is a cracking good mystery with interesting characters and a plot with many twists and turns.
Set in 1935 mainly in Boston, Massachusetts, Gentill paints a picture of two very different Americas. On one hand is the wealth and privilege of the very rich, on the other those struggling to survive with little or nothing in the years following the 1929 stockmarket crash. As well as the cracking good historical murder mystery, Gentill gives us a wealth of information about life during these times and introduces a few famous people into the mix. Bigotry, sectarianism, and the appalling way people with mental health issues were treated all feature prominently, cleverly woven into the fabric of the story.
I read Where There's a Will in a day,unable to put it down, completely absorbed in the lives of the four Australians. Now I'm on the hunt for the previous nine books.
I love Gentill's writing; it seems to flow effortlessly with relatable and realistic characters, and an intriguing plot. Who could fail to be charmed by Rowly and Edna? Theirs is an interesting and intriguing relationship. I need to know more.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
#WhereTheresaWill #NetGalley
I: @sularigentill @poisonedpenpress
T: @SulariGentill @PPPress
#cozymystery #crime #historicalfiction #mentalhealth #murdermystery
THE AUTHOR: Not so long ago, 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.
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.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Where There's a Will by Sulari Gentill for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
'Wills bring out the worst in families, mate.' Clyde seemed to read his thoughts. 'Any crack widens.'
ABOUT 'WHERE THERE'S A WILL': Hell hath no fury like a family disinherited...
American millionaire Daniel Cartwright has been shot dead: three times in the chest, and once in the head. His body is found in Harvard Yard, dressed in evening attire. No one knows who he planned to meet there, or why the staunch Oxford man would be caught dead at Harvard--literally.
Australian Rowland Sinclair, his mate from Oxford and longtime friend, is named executor of the will, to his great surprise--and that of Danny's family. Events turn downright ugly when the will all but disinherits Danny's siblings in favor of one Otis Norcross, whom no one knows or is able to locate. Amidst assault, kidnapping, and threats of slander, Rowly struggles to understand Danny's motives, find the missing heir, and identify his friend's killer before the clock--and his luck--run out.
MY THOUGHTS: Where There's a Will was previously published as A Testament of Character.
This is the third book I have read so far in 2022, and we are only just into the 4th week, about wills and family inheritance, all very different and all excellent reads.
I can't believe that Where There's a Will is the 10th book in the Rowland Sinclair series, of which I have previously read exactly none. But it didn't matter at all. This is a cracking good mystery with interesting characters and a plot with many twists and turns.
Set in 1935 mainly in Boston, Massachusetts, Gentill paints a picture of two very different Americas. On one hand is the wealth and privilege of the very rich, on the other those struggling to survive with little or nothing in the years following the 1929 stockmarket crash. As well as the cracking good historical murder mystery, Gentill gives us a wealth of information about life during these times and introduces a few famous people into the mix. Bigotry, sectarianism, and the appalling way people with mental health issues were treated all feature prominently, cleverly woven into the fabric of the story.
I read Where There's a Will in a day,unable to put it down, completely absorbed in the lives of the four Australians. Now I'm on the hunt for the previous nine books.
I love Gentill's writing; it seems to flow effortlessly with relatable and realistic characters, and an intriguing plot. Who could fail to be charmed by Rowly and Edna? Theirs is an interesting and intriguing relationship. I need to know more.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
#WhereTheresaWill #NetGalley
I: @sularigentill @poisonedpenpress
T: @SulariGentill @PPPress
#cozymystery #crime #historicalfiction #mentalhealth #murdermystery
THE AUTHOR: Not so long ago, 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.
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.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Where There's a Will by Sulari Gentill for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
February 22, 2020
Rowland Sinclair, Clyde, Milton and Edna were devastated to hear the news of their old friend Daniel Cartwright’s death, none moreso than Rowly. They had known each other from their days as young men at Oxford University, and although they hadn’t seen each other as often as they would have liked, with Rowly and his friends living in Australia and Danny in New York, the letters had moved back and forth. Now it appeared Rowly was Danny’s executor, probably trusting no one else and knowing how honourable Rowly was.
The four friends’ arrival in Boston to attend Danny’s funeral was met with hostilities from Danny’s two brothers and one sister. The law firm that Danny had entrusted with his final will, run by Mr Burr, would help Rowly but first it seemed the recipient of Danny’s fortunes was missing. And Danny had been murdered. Finding the murderer, as well as the beneficiary, would test Rowly, Milt, Clyde and Ed’s resilience and humour, with the constant danger never far away.
Wow! This was a curly one! A Testament of Character is the 10th in the Rowland Sinclair Mystery series by Aussie author Sulari Gentill, and it’s another outstanding addition to the series. Rowly always manages to get himself into some nasty scrapes, but this time they were up against gangsters, the wealthy who thought they could buy anything, and deeply guarded secrets. The four friends have a wonderful, close relationship, always knowing they would do anything to keep each other safe, along with trusting no one else. I love this series and highly recommend it to all fans of historical mysteries, but also recommend starting at the beginning.
With thanks to Pantera Press for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
The four friends’ arrival in Boston to attend Danny’s funeral was met with hostilities from Danny’s two brothers and one sister. The law firm that Danny had entrusted with his final will, run by Mr Burr, would help Rowly but first it seemed the recipient of Danny’s fortunes was missing. And Danny had been murdered. Finding the murderer, as well as the beneficiary, would test Rowly, Milt, Clyde and Ed’s resilience and humour, with the constant danger never far away.
Wow! This was a curly one! A Testament of Character is the 10th in the Rowland Sinclair Mystery series by Aussie author Sulari Gentill, and it’s another outstanding addition to the series. Rowly always manages to get himself into some nasty scrapes, but this time they were up against gangsters, the wealthy who thought they could buy anything, and deeply guarded secrets. The four friends have a wonderful, close relationship, always knowing they would do anything to keep each other safe, along with trusting no one else. I love this series and highly recommend it to all fans of historical mysteries, but also recommend starting at the beginning.
With thanks to Pantera Press for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
July 25, 2024
A Testament of Character is a historical mystery thriller set in 1935 and featuring the highly effective artist and altruist Rowland Sinclair. The effects of the 1929 stock market crash are still being felt and it’s this little fact that makes what Rowly and his friends are about to walk into so very difficult.
Rowland receives word that good friend from his Oxford days, Daniel Cartwright, has died in Boston. More distressingly, Danny was murdered, shot to death in a boathouse.
Curiously, he named Rowland as executor of his will. Rowland immediately leaves for the US and his friends, Edna, Clyde and Milton come too.
Danny has two brothers and a sister, but he clearly didn’t trust them to disperse his estate. These suspicions are quickly confirmed when the two brothers angrily confront Rowland with a warning to “do what’s right” and disperse their brother’s estate to his family as is fitting.
But Rowly is a man of integrity and is determined to accede to Danny’s wishes as is fitting. It turns out that at the will reading it’s revealed that Danny left small endowments to each of his siblings but the rest is to go to a man named Otis Norcross. Unfortunately, Norcross cannot be found and so, Rowland and his friends set about trying to identify the man so that the estate can be properly dispersed.
There’s also the matter of Danny’s murder to deal with and Rowland is painfully aware that the killer is out there somewhere and should be brought to justice.
As has become somewhat the norm when it comes to Rowland Sinclair’s adventures, trouble has a way of finding him. He and his friends cross paths with gangsters, kidnappers and standover men as they try to find Norcross and hold off the wrath of Danny’s family. But with the capable help of Clyde and Milt they manage to make progress on their search.
The antagonistic brothers make repeated appeals to Rowland and they appear to have connections with underworld figures. Both parties seem dependent on getting their hands on Danny’s fortune and threats soon turn to actual violence. Being an executor is no walk in the park and being the friend of an executor is no picnic either.
From Boston the trail leads them south to North Carolina, crossing paths with both F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald who become instrumental in helping them find their man.
The Rowland Sinclair series is consistent in bringing the time period setting to rich and colourful life while also providing a strong and thought provoking mystery. Equally, there’s a great balance of sparkling humour, goodnatured banter between the friends and inevitable life threatening moments.
Sulari Gentill continues to do a remarkable job of extracting the mood of the time period, not to mention her ability to convey the difficult political rumblings that were prevalent at the time and weaving them into the story. There’s also the matter of Danny’s sexual preferences and the outrage they had caused, playing no small part in the utter loathing coming from his family.
Up and down the US east coast, Rowland and his friends trek in a bid to carry out their friend’s final wishes. They encounter all manner of dangers in a breezy, fast-moving mystery that continues to be delightfully constructed. The friendships of the central four continue to remain strong, even developing and strengthening as they’re put through ever increasingly rigorous tests.
A Testament of Character (published as Where There’s A Will in the US) will prove to be extremely satisfying reading for all those who have been along for the journey of the previous 9 books of the series. If you’re encountering Rowland Sinclair for the first time, you’re in for a strong mystery with a clever twist or two. You should also sit back and admire Rowland’s single-minded determination to always do the right thing by others.
Rowland receives word that good friend from his Oxford days, Daniel Cartwright, has died in Boston. More distressingly, Danny was murdered, shot to death in a boathouse.
Curiously, he named Rowland as executor of his will. Rowland immediately leaves for the US and his friends, Edna, Clyde and Milton come too.
Danny has two brothers and a sister, but he clearly didn’t trust them to disperse his estate. These suspicions are quickly confirmed when the two brothers angrily confront Rowland with a warning to “do what’s right” and disperse their brother’s estate to his family as is fitting.
But Rowly is a man of integrity and is determined to accede to Danny’s wishes as is fitting. It turns out that at the will reading it’s revealed that Danny left small endowments to each of his siblings but the rest is to go to a man named Otis Norcross. Unfortunately, Norcross cannot be found and so, Rowland and his friends set about trying to identify the man so that the estate can be properly dispersed.
There’s also the matter of Danny’s murder to deal with and Rowland is painfully aware that the killer is out there somewhere and should be brought to justice.
As has become somewhat the norm when it comes to Rowland Sinclair’s adventures, trouble has a way of finding him. He and his friends cross paths with gangsters, kidnappers and standover men as they try to find Norcross and hold off the wrath of Danny’s family. But with the capable help of Clyde and Milt they manage to make progress on their search.
The antagonistic brothers make repeated appeals to Rowland and they appear to have connections with underworld figures. Both parties seem dependent on getting their hands on Danny’s fortune and threats soon turn to actual violence. Being an executor is no walk in the park and being the friend of an executor is no picnic either.
From Boston the trail leads them south to North Carolina, crossing paths with both F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald who become instrumental in helping them find their man.
The Rowland Sinclair series is consistent in bringing the time period setting to rich and colourful life while also providing a strong and thought provoking mystery. Equally, there’s a great balance of sparkling humour, goodnatured banter between the friends and inevitable life threatening moments.
Sulari Gentill continues to do a remarkable job of extracting the mood of the time period, not to mention her ability to convey the difficult political rumblings that were prevalent at the time and weaving them into the story. There’s also the matter of Danny’s sexual preferences and the outrage they had caused, playing no small part in the utter loathing coming from his family.
Up and down the US east coast, Rowland and his friends trek in a bid to carry out their friend’s final wishes. They encounter all manner of dangers in a breezy, fast-moving mystery that continues to be delightfully constructed. The friendships of the central four continue to remain strong, even developing and strengthening as they’re put through ever increasingly rigorous tests.
A Testament of Character (published as Where There’s A Will in the US) will prove to be extremely satisfying reading for all those who have been along for the journey of the previous 9 books of the series. If you’re encountering Rowland Sinclair for the first time, you’re in for a strong mystery with a clever twist or two. You should also sit back and admire Rowland’s single-minded determination to always do the right thing by others.
June 7, 2022
A Testament of Character (Rowland Sinclair #10) by Sulari Gentill
Synopsis /
In fear for his life, American millionaire Daniel Cartwright changes his will, appointing his old friend Rowland Sinclair as his executor.
Soon murder proves that fear well founded.
When Rowland receives word of Cartwright's death, he sets out immediately for Boston, Massachusetts, to bury his friend and honour his last wishes. He is met with the outrage and anguish of Cartwright's family, who have been spurned in favour of a man they claim does not exist.
Artists and gangsters, movie stars and tycoons all gather to the fray as elite society closes in to protect its own, and family secrets haunt the living. Rowland Sinclair must confront a world in which insanity is relative, greed is understood, and love is dictated; where the only people he can truly trust are an artist, a poet and a passionate sculptress.
My Thoughts /
"Farewell to thee, but not farewell to all my fondest thoughts of thee: Within my heart they still shall dwell; and they shall cheer and comfort me."
Written by Australian author, Sulari Gentill, A Testament of Character is the tenth book in the Rowland Sinclair series.
The year is 1935. The place, Singapore.
The story opens with Rowland Sinclair and his companions – Milt (who's a poet), Clyde (a painter), and Edna Higgins (who is described as 'the beautiful sculptress' - yes, really) getting ready to depart Singapore for their Australian homeland. Up until this point, Rowly and his friends have been travelling for several months outside the British Empire – to places like China and America. However, their travel plans are dramatically changed when Rowland receives the tragic news of the death of an Oxford University friend, Daniel Cartwright, in Boston. Even more perplexing to Rowland, was the news that Daniel has appointed Rowland as the only executor of his vast estate. Since the funeral is not able to take place until Rowland arrives in America, Rowly, together with his group of travelling companions, make their way to Boston.
At the reading of the Will, the Cartwright family discover that Daniel has left the majority of his estate to someone called Otis Norcross and that each of his remaining two brothers and sister will each receive the sum of $10,000.00. Needless to say, the Cartwright family are furious, Daniel's estate is worth thousands. Regardless of the fact that the original family fortune was largely wiped out in the stock market crash of 1929 and Daniel’s money had been propping them all up, they had all expected to inherit his wealth upon his death. Desperate times call for desperate measures and the Cartwrights are desperate! All three want the Will overturned and insist that the named beneficiary, Otis Norcross, does not exist. For reasons which Gentill artfully weaves into the story, if Rowland is successful in his efforts to locate and find Otis Norcross, not only will the family no longer be wealthy, but (or, more importantly) a closely guarded secret, which they'd hoped Daniel had taken to his grave, might be revealed.
There are quite a few themes meandering their way throughout this book. Starting with the title A Testament of Character. Maybe Gentill is referring to the kind of people Rowland, Edna, Milton and Clyde are – those who willing to put themselves in danger for each other, and also, to help people they barely know with no strings attached.
The circumstances amid which you live determine your reputation; the truth you believe determines your character. Reputation is what you are supposed to be; character is what you are.
Seeing displays of selflessness and courage from Rowland, Edna, Milton and Clyde also serves to highlight the differences that exist between them and the traits displayed by Daniel’s siblings.
I also loved Gentill's inclusion of historical newspaper clippings at the front of every chapter, which, by the way, related to something mentioned in or at the end of the previous chapter. In one chapter Milt, Clyde and Rowland were helping to dig a hole to bury a dead cow. The next chapter the news-clipping read:
A McGoldrick pleaded guilty to burying a dead animal in a public reserve, an act likely to foul the same. Harvey Innis Gale, Health Inspector of the Municipality of Wollongong, deposed that the defendant killed a cow on October 15th, and buried it in Gilmore Park.
To the defendant, it was satisfactorily buried at a depth of about three feet. Defendant stated that Gilmore Park was more of a common than a park, and that one alderman had gone down and failed to find where the animal was buried, while another alderman had only found it after great difficulty…..His Worship imposed a fine of ₤2 with 8/- costs, in default 14 days.
—Illawarra Mercury, 26 November 1926
The inclusion of these snippets paints an intriguing picture of the cultural and historical aspect of the time period and worked really well as a background setting to the main plot.
Another thing Gentill uses in her writing are real-life historical figures, for example, in A Testament of Character, there are several iconic American historical figures used to flesh out the story. Including Joseph Kennedy, F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife and fellow author, Zelda Fitzgerald. There are also some brief cameos from several other notable people, including Errol Flynn, a young JFK, Marion Davies, and Orson Welles. There are also references to other unique American representations, including: Parker Brothers Company (Monopoly was released in 1935, and the protagonists of course end up playing a game), as well as a unique goat competition that was held in Central Park (yes, you did read that correctly: 'goat'!).
This is an excellent multi-layered mystery, with a number of surprising twists, turns and red herrings which Gentill brings to an exciting and satisfying conclusion.
Synopsis /
In fear for his life, American millionaire Daniel Cartwright changes his will, appointing his old friend Rowland Sinclair as his executor.
Soon murder proves that fear well founded.
When Rowland receives word of Cartwright's death, he sets out immediately for Boston, Massachusetts, to bury his friend and honour his last wishes. He is met with the outrage and anguish of Cartwright's family, who have been spurned in favour of a man they claim does not exist.
Artists and gangsters, movie stars and tycoons all gather to the fray as elite society closes in to protect its own, and family secrets haunt the living. Rowland Sinclair must confront a world in which insanity is relative, greed is understood, and love is dictated; where the only people he can truly trust are an artist, a poet and a passionate sculptress.
My Thoughts /
"Farewell to thee, but not farewell to all my fondest thoughts of thee: Within my heart they still shall dwell; and they shall cheer and comfort me."
Written by Australian author, Sulari Gentill, A Testament of Character is the tenth book in the Rowland Sinclair series.
The year is 1935. The place, Singapore.
The story opens with Rowland Sinclair and his companions – Milt (who's a poet), Clyde (a painter), and Edna Higgins (who is described as 'the beautiful sculptress' - yes, really) getting ready to depart Singapore for their Australian homeland. Up until this point, Rowly and his friends have been travelling for several months outside the British Empire – to places like China and America. However, their travel plans are dramatically changed when Rowland receives the tragic news of the death of an Oxford University friend, Daniel Cartwright, in Boston. Even more perplexing to Rowland, was the news that Daniel has appointed Rowland as the only executor of his vast estate. Since the funeral is not able to take place until Rowland arrives in America, Rowly, together with his group of travelling companions, make their way to Boston.
At the reading of the Will, the Cartwright family discover that Daniel has left the majority of his estate to someone called Otis Norcross and that each of his remaining two brothers and sister will each receive the sum of $10,000.00. Needless to say, the Cartwright family are furious, Daniel's estate is worth thousands. Regardless of the fact that the original family fortune was largely wiped out in the stock market crash of 1929 and Daniel’s money had been propping them all up, they had all expected to inherit his wealth upon his death. Desperate times call for desperate measures and the Cartwrights are desperate! All three want the Will overturned and insist that the named beneficiary, Otis Norcross, does not exist. For reasons which Gentill artfully weaves into the story, if Rowland is successful in his efforts to locate and find Otis Norcross, not only will the family no longer be wealthy, but (or, more importantly) a closely guarded secret, which they'd hoped Daniel had taken to his grave, might be revealed.
There are quite a few themes meandering their way throughout this book. Starting with the title A Testament of Character. Maybe Gentill is referring to the kind of people Rowland, Edna, Milton and Clyde are – those who willing to put themselves in danger for each other, and also, to help people they barely know with no strings attached.
The circumstances amid which you live determine your reputation; the truth you believe determines your character. Reputation is what you are supposed to be; character is what you are.
Seeing displays of selflessness and courage from Rowland, Edna, Milton and Clyde also serves to highlight the differences that exist between them and the traits displayed by Daniel’s siblings.
I also loved Gentill's inclusion of historical newspaper clippings at the front of every chapter, which, by the way, related to something mentioned in or at the end of the previous chapter. In one chapter Milt, Clyde and Rowland were helping to dig a hole to bury a dead cow. The next chapter the news-clipping read:
A McGoldrick pleaded guilty to burying a dead animal in a public reserve, an act likely to foul the same. Harvey Innis Gale, Health Inspector of the Municipality of Wollongong, deposed that the defendant killed a cow on October 15th, and buried it in Gilmore Park.
To the defendant, it was satisfactorily buried at a depth of about three feet. Defendant stated that Gilmore Park was more of a common than a park, and that one alderman had gone down and failed to find where the animal was buried, while another alderman had only found it after great difficulty…..His Worship imposed a fine of ₤2 with 8/- costs, in default 14 days.
—Illawarra Mercury, 26 November 1926
The inclusion of these snippets paints an intriguing picture of the cultural and historical aspect of the time period and worked really well as a background setting to the main plot.
Another thing Gentill uses in her writing are real-life historical figures, for example, in A Testament of Character, there are several iconic American historical figures used to flesh out the story. Including Joseph Kennedy, F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife and fellow author, Zelda Fitzgerald. There are also some brief cameos from several other notable people, including Errol Flynn, a young JFK, Marion Davies, and Orson Welles. There are also references to other unique American representations, including: Parker Brothers Company (Monopoly was released in 1935, and the protagonists of course end up playing a game), as well as a unique goat competition that was held in Central Park (yes, you did read that correctly: 'goat'!).
This is an excellent multi-layered mystery, with a number of surprising twists, turns and red herrings which Gentill brings to an exciting and satisfying conclusion.
October 26, 2020
Sulari Gentill's tenth installment in her excellent Rowland Sinclair series sees Rowly and his friends Edna, Clyde and Milton, leaving Singapore, where they have been recovering from their time in Shanghai, and heading to Boston when Rowland is informed that his good friend Danny Cartwright has died and named Rowly as the executor of his will. Once in Boston, Rowly discovers that not only was Danny murdered but he has left only small sums to his two brothers and his sister and the bulk of his wealthy estate to an unknown man called Otis Norcross. Naturally Danny's family are not happy about this and Rowly soon has thugs threatening him and his friends if he tries to find Otis. Of course, they have badly underestimated both the care Rowly's friends take in looking out for him as well as Rowly's sense of justice and his loyalty to Danny in wanting his wishes to be carried out.
This is another excellent mystery sprinkled with famous characters including Randolph Hearst, Joe Kennedy and his young son John, F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife Zelda as well as the leaders of warring Italian and Irish gangs. The plot moves along at a good pace with plenty of action as Rowly and co. try to stay one step ahead of those who would persuade them to give up and go home. As always, I love the news clippings at the start of each chapter which provide interesting and often delightful background details of the fashions and issues of the mid 1930s. 4.5★
This is another excellent mystery sprinkled with famous characters including Randolph Hearst, Joe Kennedy and his young son John, F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife Zelda as well as the leaders of warring Italian and Irish gangs. The plot moves along at a good pace with plenty of action as Rowly and co. try to stay one step ahead of those who would persuade them to give up and go home. As always, I love the news clippings at the start of each chapter which provide interesting and often delightful background details of the fashions and issues of the mid 1930s. 4.5★
January 27, 2022
Where There's a Will (also published as A Testament of Character) is an engrossing historical mystery, the tenth instalment in Sulari Gentill's popular Rowland Sinclair series. It's a new series to me, and I'm hooked!
The book opens in late 1935, with Australian artist-amateur detective Rowland and his coterie - beautiful sculptress Edna Higgins, poet Milton Isaacs and fellow artist Clyde Watson Jones - in Singapore, on their way back to Australia after the events of the previous book, All the Tears in China. Rowland receives a telegram bearing the devastating news of the death of his Oxford friend Danny Cartwright, in Boston. To add to Rowland's shocked disbelief, Danny has unexpectedly appointed him as executor of his substantial estate.
Upon arrival in the United States, Rowland faces another shocking situation - not only has Danny been murdered, but he's left the bulk of his wealth to a shadowy figure by the name of Otis Norcross, a man whose identity and whereabouts are an apparent mystery to all who knew Danny. Having been ruined by the 1929 financial crash, Danny's surviving siblings relied upon him for their financial security, and are none too pleased to discover he's effectively disinherited them. Poor Rowly is trapped between his grief for his friend, his desire to carry out Danny's last wishes to the best of his abilities and the substantial pressure being applied by the surviving Cartwrights to resolve the estate in their favour.
As our antipodean quartet track down leads, both to find Otis Norcross and to solve Danny's murder, they face increasingly brazen interference and physical attacks from those who want them to fail. They're tailed by thugs, kidnapped by gangsters and face a couple of shootouts in their quest for the truth. Along the way, they hobnob with members of Boston's social and showbiz set, including Marion Davies, William Randolph Hurst, Orson Welles, Errol Flynn, Joseph Kennedy and a teenaged John F. Kennedy. They attend a Lindy Hop competition at the famed Savoy Ballroom in Harlem, witnessing a performance by Ella Fitzgerald. During a trip south to North Carolina, they make the acquaintance of a declining F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife Zelda Fitzgerald. These vignettes of well-known historical figures add verisimilitude to the 1930s setting.
The story comes to a dramatic finale as a ruthless villain with a complex motive is unmasked, and Rowland weighs up his duties as Danny's executor. The tying up of loose ends intriguingly sets the scene for future adventures awaiting the courageous foursome, as they're finally able to head home to Australia.
I found Sulari Gentill's writing energetic and evocative of her inter-war setting. She cleverly weaves contemporary international issues, such as the rise of fascism in Europe, into the narrative, whilst also encouraging the reader to reflect on the impact of social attitudes of the time on several of the protagonists. I particularly appreciated the character of Edna Higgins, who steadfastly strives not to be defined or restricted by her relationship to any man, defying the social norms of the time. While foreshadowing the rise of feminism, this character device also enables Gentill to maintain a sizzling sexual tension between Edna and our hero, Rowland.
Where There's a Will was my entrée to the Rowland Sinclair series, so I'm late to the party, but will be endeavouring to catch up on earlier instalments in the near future. I can assure any reader who, like me, hasn't yet encountered the series that Where There's a Will reads well as a standalone, although I imagine having read the earlier books would give a broader understanding of the relationships of the central recurring characters.
I'd highly recommend Where There's a Will to any reader who seeks high quality reads within the historical mystery genre.
My thanks to the author, Sulari Gentill, publisher Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this excellent title.
The book opens in late 1935, with Australian artist-amateur detective Rowland and his coterie - beautiful sculptress Edna Higgins, poet Milton Isaacs and fellow artist Clyde Watson Jones - in Singapore, on their way back to Australia after the events of the previous book, All the Tears in China. Rowland receives a telegram bearing the devastating news of the death of his Oxford friend Danny Cartwright, in Boston. To add to Rowland's shocked disbelief, Danny has unexpectedly appointed him as executor of his substantial estate.
Upon arrival in the United States, Rowland faces another shocking situation - not only has Danny been murdered, but he's left the bulk of his wealth to a shadowy figure by the name of Otis Norcross, a man whose identity and whereabouts are an apparent mystery to all who knew Danny. Having been ruined by the 1929 financial crash, Danny's surviving siblings relied upon him for their financial security, and are none too pleased to discover he's effectively disinherited them. Poor Rowly is trapped between his grief for his friend, his desire to carry out Danny's last wishes to the best of his abilities and the substantial pressure being applied by the surviving Cartwrights to resolve the estate in their favour.
As our antipodean quartet track down leads, both to find Otis Norcross and to solve Danny's murder, they face increasingly brazen interference and physical attacks from those who want them to fail. They're tailed by thugs, kidnapped by gangsters and face a couple of shootouts in their quest for the truth. Along the way, they hobnob with members of Boston's social and showbiz set, including Marion Davies, William Randolph Hurst, Orson Welles, Errol Flynn, Joseph Kennedy and a teenaged John F. Kennedy. They attend a Lindy Hop competition at the famed Savoy Ballroom in Harlem, witnessing a performance by Ella Fitzgerald. During a trip south to North Carolina, they make the acquaintance of a declining F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife Zelda Fitzgerald. These vignettes of well-known historical figures add verisimilitude to the 1930s setting.
The story comes to a dramatic finale as a ruthless villain with a complex motive is unmasked, and Rowland weighs up his duties as Danny's executor. The tying up of loose ends intriguingly sets the scene for future adventures awaiting the courageous foursome, as they're finally able to head home to Australia.
I found Sulari Gentill's writing energetic and evocative of her inter-war setting. She cleverly weaves contemporary international issues, such as the rise of fascism in Europe, into the narrative, whilst also encouraging the reader to reflect on the impact of social attitudes of the time on several of the protagonists. I particularly appreciated the character of Edna Higgins, who steadfastly strives not to be defined or restricted by her relationship to any man, defying the social norms of the time. While foreshadowing the rise of feminism, this character device also enables Gentill to maintain a sizzling sexual tension between Edna and our hero, Rowland.
Where There's a Will was my entrée to the Rowland Sinclair series, so I'm late to the party, but will be endeavouring to catch up on earlier instalments in the near future. I can assure any reader who, like me, hasn't yet encountered the series that Where There's a Will reads well as a standalone, although I imagine having read the earlier books would give a broader understanding of the relationships of the central recurring characters.
I'd highly recommend Where There's a Will to any reader who seeks high quality reads within the historical mystery genre.
My thanks to the author, Sulari Gentill, publisher Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this excellent title.
May 23, 2021
A Testament of Character is the tenth book in the Rowland Sinclair series by award-winning Australian author, Sulari Gentill. Rowland Sinclair’s shock at the sudden death of his long-time friend, Daniel Cartwright is eclipsed only by his puzzlement at the news that Danny had named him executor of his will. It’s a duty that Rowly is more than willing to perform for his dear friend, but before long, he realises that Danny has saddled him with a dangerous responsibility.
Of course, his close friends, Edna Higgins, Milton Isaacs and Clyde Watson-Jones refuse to allow him to travel to America without their loyal support, so some two weeks later, the party of four is met in Boston by Danny’s lawyers, conveyed to the opulent Copley Plaza Hotel and suitably outfitted for a Massachusetts autumn funeral.
Rowly is forewarned by lawyer, Oliver Burr that the Cartwright siblings are unlikely to accept the terms of their brother’s will and is disturbed to learn that his friend was murdered. Nor has the major beneficiary, Otis Norcross been located. His brothers want Danny declared insane so the will is invalid; his sister, Molly Cartwright, claims that Otis Norcross must have murdered her brother.
In their quest to carry out Danny’s last wishes, Rowly and his friends acquire a Cadillac Madame X and travel to New York and Boston and into North Carolina; they discover that there is more than one Otis Norcross, and more than one Rowland Sinclair; there are parties and dancing and galleries; and there are threats, both subtle and more direct; assaults with fists, guns, knives, arrows and brass knuckles; and abductions; soon enough, Danny’s paranoia about whom he could trust appears to be vindicated;
Where today a victim of a mugging might produce a photo of the assailants on a mobile phone, in 1935 a talented portrait artist like Rowland Sinclair furnishes a quick, accurate sketch that police can recognise.
A certain (married) movie-maker learns that Miss Edna Higgins cannot be had, not for flowers, not for expensive jewellery, not for expansive promises, unless she so chooses; Clyde accidentally acquires a dog he later has cause to regret; the Australians encounter homophobia taken to extremes; one of their party gets married; and there’s finally a certain moment that avid fans have been anticipating for nine books. This is another excellent dose of Australian historical crime fiction and more will be eagerly awaited!
Of course, his close friends, Edna Higgins, Milton Isaacs and Clyde Watson-Jones refuse to allow him to travel to America without their loyal support, so some two weeks later, the party of four is met in Boston by Danny’s lawyers, conveyed to the opulent Copley Plaza Hotel and suitably outfitted for a Massachusetts autumn funeral.
Rowly is forewarned by lawyer, Oliver Burr that the Cartwright siblings are unlikely to accept the terms of their brother’s will and is disturbed to learn that his friend was murdered. Nor has the major beneficiary, Otis Norcross been located. His brothers want Danny declared insane so the will is invalid; his sister, Molly Cartwright, claims that Otis Norcross must have murdered her brother.
In their quest to carry out Danny’s last wishes, Rowly and his friends acquire a Cadillac Madame X and travel to New York and Boston and into North Carolina; they discover that there is more than one Otis Norcross, and more than one Rowland Sinclair; there are parties and dancing and galleries; and there are threats, both subtle and more direct; assaults with fists, guns, knives, arrows and brass knuckles; and abductions; soon enough, Danny’s paranoia about whom he could trust appears to be vindicated;
Where today a victim of a mugging might produce a photo of the assailants on a mobile phone, in 1935 a talented portrait artist like Rowland Sinclair furnishes a quick, accurate sketch that police can recognise.
A certain (married) movie-maker learns that Miss Edna Higgins cannot be had, not for flowers, not for expensive jewellery, not for expansive promises, unless she so chooses; Clyde accidentally acquires a dog he later has cause to regret; the Australians encounter homophobia taken to extremes; one of their party gets married; and there’s finally a certain moment that avid fans have been anticipating for nine books. This is another excellent dose of Australian historical crime fiction and more will be eagerly awaited!
January 17, 2022
Murder at Harvard!
Rowly and the gang head off to Boston where Rowly is executor of a friend's estate, millionaire Daniel Cartwright. Turns out that Daniel, Rowly’s mate from Oxford, was murdered and of course there's another mystery for the friends to solve. This time Edna is in danger, the Irish and Italian mafias loom on the horizon, and things take a dangerous turn. The resolution is unexpected and I'm left wondering!
Another brilliant read from Gentill, once again weaving so seamlessly historical personages occurrences of the day into the storyline. It’s easy to imagine the atmosphere of those times. Helped by an excerpt from various newspapers of the day as chapter introductions, centering us on the era.
Cleverly executed, I do so love the Rolland Sinclair titles.
A Poisoned Pen Press ARC via NetGalley
Rowly and the gang head off to Boston where Rowly is executor of a friend's estate, millionaire Daniel Cartwright. Turns out that Daniel, Rowly’s mate from Oxford, was murdered and of course there's another mystery for the friends to solve. This time Edna is in danger, the Irish and Italian mafias loom on the horizon, and things take a dangerous turn. The resolution is unexpected and I'm left wondering!
Another brilliant read from Gentill, once again weaving so seamlessly historical personages occurrences of the day into the storyline. It’s easy to imagine the atmosphere of those times. Helped by an excerpt from various newspapers of the day as chapter introductions, centering us on the era.
Cleverly executed, I do so love the Rolland Sinclair titles.
A Poisoned Pen Press ARC via NetGalley
December 14, 2021
A Testament of Character is the tenth book in the Rowland Sinclair series by award-winning Australian author, Sulari Gentill. The audio version is narrated by Rupert Degas. Rowland Sinclair’s shock at the sudden death of his long-time friend, Daniel Cartwright is eclipsed only by his puzzlement at the news that Danny had named him executor of his will. It’s a duty that Rowly is more than willing to perform for his dear friend, but before long, he realises that Danny has saddled him with a dangerous responsibility.
Of course, his close friends, Edna Higgins, Milton Isaacs and Clyde Watson-Jones refuse to allow him to travel to America without their loyal support, so some two weeks later, the party of four is met in Boston by Danny’s lawyers, conveyed to the opulent Copley Plaza Hotel and suitably outfitted for a Massachusetts autumn funeral.
Rowly is forewarned by lawyer, Oliver Burr that the Cartwright siblings are unlikely to accept the terms of their brother’s will and is disturbed to learn that his friend was murdered. Nor has the major beneficiary, Otis Norcross been located. His brothers want Danny declared insane so the will is invalid; his sister, Molly Cartwright, claims that Otis Norcross must have murdered her brother.
In their quest to carry out Danny’s last wishes, Rowly and his friends acquire a Cadillac Madame X and travel to New York and Boston and into North Carolina; they discover that there is more than one Otis Norcross, and more than one Rowland Sinclair; there are parties and dancing and galleries; and there are threats, both subtle and more direct; assaults with fists, guns, knives, arrows and brass knuckles; and abductions; soon enough, Danny’s paranoia about whom he could trust appears to be vindicated;
Where today a victim of a mugging might produce a photo of the assailants on a mobile phone, in 1935 a talented portrait artist like Rowland Sinclair furnishes a quick, accurate sketch that police can recognise.
A certain (married) movie-maker learns that Miss Edna Higgins cannot be had, not for flowers, not for expensive jewellery, not for expansive promises, unless she so chooses; Clyde accidentally acquires a dog he later has cause to regret; the Australians encounter homophobia taken to extremes; one of their party gets married; and there’s finally a certain moment that avid fans have been anticipating for nine books. This is another excellent dose of Australian historical crime fiction and more will be eagerly awaited!
Of course, his close friends, Edna Higgins, Milton Isaacs and Clyde Watson-Jones refuse to allow him to travel to America without their loyal support, so some two weeks later, the party of four is met in Boston by Danny’s lawyers, conveyed to the opulent Copley Plaza Hotel and suitably outfitted for a Massachusetts autumn funeral.
Rowly is forewarned by lawyer, Oliver Burr that the Cartwright siblings are unlikely to accept the terms of their brother’s will and is disturbed to learn that his friend was murdered. Nor has the major beneficiary, Otis Norcross been located. His brothers want Danny declared insane so the will is invalid; his sister, Molly Cartwright, claims that Otis Norcross must have murdered her brother.
In their quest to carry out Danny’s last wishes, Rowly and his friends acquire a Cadillac Madame X and travel to New York and Boston and into North Carolina; they discover that there is more than one Otis Norcross, and more than one Rowland Sinclair; there are parties and dancing and galleries; and there are threats, both subtle and more direct; assaults with fists, guns, knives, arrows and brass knuckles; and abductions; soon enough, Danny’s paranoia about whom he could trust appears to be vindicated;
Where today a victim of a mugging might produce a photo of the assailants on a mobile phone, in 1935 a talented portrait artist like Rowland Sinclair furnishes a quick, accurate sketch that police can recognise.
A certain (married) movie-maker learns that Miss Edna Higgins cannot be had, not for flowers, not for expensive jewellery, not for expansive promises, unless she so chooses; Clyde accidentally acquires a dog he later has cause to regret; the Australians encounter homophobia taken to extremes; one of their party gets married; and there’s finally a certain moment that avid fans have been anticipating for nine books. This is another excellent dose of Australian historical crime fiction and more will be eagerly awaited!
December 28, 2021
‘I don’t know why Danny appointed me his executor.’
1935. Rowland Sinclair and his friends Clyde Watson Jones, Edna Higgins and Milton Isaacs are in Singapore on their way back to Australia when Rowly receives a telegram. His American millionaire friend Daniel Cartwright, whom he had met at Oxford University, has been shot dead. His body, dressed in evening attire, was found in Harvard Yard. Rowly has been named executor of the will. And so, Rowly and his friends travel to the USA.
Who murdered Daniel Cartwright and why did he name Rowland Sinclair as his executor? When the will is read, Daniel Cartwright’s siblings find that he has left the bulk of his estate to an Otis Norcross, whom no-one seems to know. Rowly and his friends set out to try to locate Otis Norcross, and things quickly become ugly. Members of Daniel’s family want to challenge the will, but Rowly is determined to do his best to locate Otis Norcross – even when it becomes clear that he and his friends are in danger.
I thoroughly enjoyed this tenth instalment in Ms Gentill’s Rowland Sinclair series (also published as ‘A Testament of Character’). The cast of characters includes cameo appearances by Marion Davies, Errol Fynn, Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald as well as Joseph Kennedy. The backdrop is complex as well: organised crime, family secrets and a stark reminder of the difficulties faced by those in same sex relationships during this period. Ms Gentill kept me guessing who killed Daniel Cartwright until close to the end. There are more than a few twists,with some obvious (and not so obvious) villains. Another action-filled adventure for Rowly, Edna, Milt and Clyde.
And, given a surprise twist towards the end, I really wonder what will happen next.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
1935. Rowland Sinclair and his friends Clyde Watson Jones, Edna Higgins and Milton Isaacs are in Singapore on their way back to Australia when Rowly receives a telegram. His American millionaire friend Daniel Cartwright, whom he had met at Oxford University, has been shot dead. His body, dressed in evening attire, was found in Harvard Yard. Rowly has been named executor of the will. And so, Rowly and his friends travel to the USA.
Who murdered Daniel Cartwright and why did he name Rowland Sinclair as his executor? When the will is read, Daniel Cartwright’s siblings find that he has left the bulk of his estate to an Otis Norcross, whom no-one seems to know. Rowly and his friends set out to try to locate Otis Norcross, and things quickly become ugly. Members of Daniel’s family want to challenge the will, but Rowly is determined to do his best to locate Otis Norcross – even when it becomes clear that he and his friends are in danger.
I thoroughly enjoyed this tenth instalment in Ms Gentill’s Rowland Sinclair series (also published as ‘A Testament of Character’). The cast of characters includes cameo appearances by Marion Davies, Errol Fynn, Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald as well as Joseph Kennedy. The backdrop is complex as well: organised crime, family secrets and a stark reminder of the difficulties faced by those in same sex relationships during this period. Ms Gentill kept me guessing who killed Daniel Cartwright until close to the end. There are more than a few twists,with some obvious (and not so obvious) villains. Another action-filled adventure for Rowly, Edna, Milt and Clyde.
And, given a surprise twist towards the end, I really wonder what will happen next.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
January 20, 2022
The blurb sets out the plot very nicely.
While it was interesting to read the U.S.-set adventures of Rowland Sinclair and his best friends, I think it's time for them to head back to Australia.
While it was interesting to read the U.S.-set adventures of Rowland Sinclair and his best friends, I think it's time for them to head back to Australia.
April 14, 2020
I would like to thank Netgalley and Oldcastle Books for an advance copy of A Testament of Character, the tenth novel to feature Australian artist Rowland Sinclair and friends, Edna, Milton and Clyde.
Winter 1935. The friends are getting ready to return home from an extended sojourn in Shanghai and Singapore when Rowlie gets a telegram to say that his friend Danny Cartwright has died and named him executor of his will. They change plans and head to Boston where they discover a real mess. The fabulously wealthy Danny has disinherited his siblings in favour of Otis Norcross, a man no one can find. Danny’s brothers and their shady acquaintances will use any means to contest the will while Rowlie is scouring the country looking for the elusive Otis.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Testament of Character which is a rollicking adventure with a wealth of historical detail. There is plenty of action as Rowlie and his crew are assaulted and escape death on more than one occasion so the novel rips along at a fast pace. In addition there is an excellent mystery about how to find Otis and who he really is and who is behind all the violence. I must admit that it had me baffled until the denouement which unfurls in a hail of bullets and recriminations. It’s a cracker.
This is a fun read and the plot is not to be taken too seriously but that rather disguises the serious historical research involved and the social mores of the day that are now regarded as not just unacceptable but cruel and bigoted. I had a rough idea of them but to see them played out in this setting brings home how unconscionable they were. The cruelty broke my heart, not for the first time in Ms Gentill’s writing as she has a knack for exposing the wrongs of the time.
As with all her novels the author prefaces each chapter with a fitting quotation from a contemporaneous source, normally a newspaper. It is fun to read these old fashioned homilies and see how she works them into her narrative as they are always apt in some way or another. I also like the way she includes historical figures in the novel although I’m not sure I recognise them all. The F. Scott Fitzgerald episode was highly amusing.
I have come to love the freewheeling, bohemian Rowlie and his chums. They are a tight knit group who support each other through thick and thin but there are hints of a change in the dynamic in this novel and it will be a long wait to see how it plays out.
A Testament of Character is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
Winter 1935. The friends are getting ready to return home from an extended sojourn in Shanghai and Singapore when Rowlie gets a telegram to say that his friend Danny Cartwright has died and named him executor of his will. They change plans and head to Boston where they discover a real mess. The fabulously wealthy Danny has disinherited his siblings in favour of Otis Norcross, a man no one can find. Danny’s brothers and their shady acquaintances will use any means to contest the will while Rowlie is scouring the country looking for the elusive Otis.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Testament of Character which is a rollicking adventure with a wealth of historical detail. There is plenty of action as Rowlie and his crew are assaulted and escape death on more than one occasion so the novel rips along at a fast pace. In addition there is an excellent mystery about how to find Otis and who he really is and who is behind all the violence. I must admit that it had me baffled until the denouement which unfurls in a hail of bullets and recriminations. It’s a cracker.
This is a fun read and the plot is not to be taken too seriously but that rather disguises the serious historical research involved and the social mores of the day that are now regarded as not just unacceptable but cruel and bigoted. I had a rough idea of them but to see them played out in this setting brings home how unconscionable they were. The cruelty broke my heart, not for the first time in Ms Gentill’s writing as she has a knack for exposing the wrongs of the time.
As with all her novels the author prefaces each chapter with a fitting quotation from a contemporaneous source, normally a newspaper. It is fun to read these old fashioned homilies and see how she works them into her narrative as they are always apt in some way or another. I also like the way she includes historical figures in the novel although I’m not sure I recognise them all. The F. Scott Fitzgerald episode was highly amusing.
I have come to love the freewheeling, bohemian Rowlie and his chums. They are a tight knit group who support each other through thick and thin but there are hints of a change in the dynamic in this novel and it will be a long wait to see how it plays out.
A Testament of Character is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
February 8, 2023
Also published as "A Testament of Character".
AKA: Where There's A Will
Rated 5 stars. Wow! What an ending! Read this in 3 days which is almost unheard of for me as I'm a slow reader. Didn't want this episode to end but couldn't put it down. This is #10 in the Rowland Sinclair historical mystery series set during the 1930's. Rowly and his 3 best friends (Edna, Clyde and Milton) are from Australia but this story takes place in Boston, USA. A dear friend of Rowly's has died and it's determined that he was murdered. Rowly is executor of the estate and this infuriates the deceased's family as the person named to inherit all of the deceased's estate can't be found. Makes for a complicated situation! Lots of twists and turns in the plot plus great historical references to this period in time and the rise of Fascism throughout the world. And as usual Rowly and his friends cross paths with numerous real historical persons. Fantastic dialogue which is a treat to listen to on Audio. I read along while listening to Rupert Degas's delightful narration. This is a series that should definitely be read in order.
AKA: Where There's A Will
Rated 5 stars. Wow! What an ending! Read this in 3 days which is almost unheard of for me as I'm a slow reader. Didn't want this episode to end but couldn't put it down. This is #10 in the Rowland Sinclair historical mystery series set during the 1930's. Rowly and his 3 best friends (Edna, Clyde and Milton) are from Australia but this story takes place in Boston, USA. A dear friend of Rowly's has died and it's determined that he was murdered. Rowly is executor of the estate and this infuriates the deceased's family as the person named to inherit all of the deceased's estate can't be found. Makes for a complicated situation! Lots of twists and turns in the plot plus great historical references to this period in time and the rise of Fascism throughout the world. And as usual Rowly and his friends cross paths with numerous real historical persons. Fantastic dialogue which is a treat to listen to on Audio. I read along while listening to Rupert Degas's delightful narration. This is a series that should definitely be read in order.
March 8, 2020
I love the way the author continues to involve real historical characters and events in her stories. The protagonists are so likeable we can’t help caring about what happens to them and the plotting is wonderful. My only criticism is that I get through these books way too quickly, and the have a long wait before the next one comes out.
December 4, 2021
Great fun read with some interesting twists and a delightful look at the 1930s with some famous people thrown in for good measure. Full review to be posted once written.
December 29, 2021
Sulari Gentill brings to life a period in Australian history that is not very much written about. The mid 1930s urban Melbourne was very British, with all the good but with all the racism and so much more that was not so good. The story a very good blend of history, suspense and murder highlights life for the rich and famous (Rowland Sinclair) and also the way in which life was lived.
The story is perfectly good as a stand alone though it is No. 10 in the series.
Rowland Sinclair, rich, privileged is a different man to his peers - he has never let his wealth make him arrogant though he may be unaware of how he appears to outsiders at heart he is a straight forward, kind man. He leaves the machinations of power and wealth to his brother Will who he has to call upon in times of emergencies though.
In this story we go to America where Rowland has been declared the executor of his friend Daniel Cartwright's will. Not straightforward at all, the will ruthlessly cuts out Daniel's brothers and sister, even turfing them out of the house they've always lived and handing over the entire huge estate to a total unknown.
Finding Otis involves Rowland and his faithfull crew into one serious mess after another. The claimants to the will apart from people who know who Otis is and who are pretending otherwise do not want enquiries made. They want Rowland to go away leaving them to share their late brother's fortune which they think is their right. Rowland will not give up and several dangerous mishaps happen.
The story is convoluted but extremely interesting. Going from Australia to America it delves into the underworld and how gangsters operate in every part of the world.
Sent by Poisoned Pen Press for an unbiased review, I am very appreciative that I got this book. Sulari Gentill is originally from Sri Lanka and that gives me a personal stake in reading all her books! Sent via Netgalley.
The story is perfectly good as a stand alone though it is No. 10 in the series.
Rowland Sinclair, rich, privileged is a different man to his peers - he has never let his wealth make him arrogant though he may be unaware of how he appears to outsiders at heart he is a straight forward, kind man. He leaves the machinations of power and wealth to his brother Will who he has to call upon in times of emergencies though.
In this story we go to America where Rowland has been declared the executor of his friend Daniel Cartwright's will. Not straightforward at all, the will ruthlessly cuts out Daniel's brothers and sister, even turfing them out of the house they've always lived and handing over the entire huge estate to a total unknown.
Finding Otis involves Rowland and his faithfull crew into one serious mess after another. The claimants to the will apart from people who know who Otis is and who are pretending otherwise do not want enquiries made. They want Rowland to go away leaving them to share their late brother's fortune which they think is their right. Rowland will not give up and several dangerous mishaps happen.
The story is convoluted but extremely interesting. Going from Australia to America it delves into the underworld and how gangsters operate in every part of the world.
Sent by Poisoned Pen Press for an unbiased review, I am very appreciative that I got this book. Sulari Gentill is originally from Sri Lanka and that gives me a personal stake in reading all her books! Sent via Netgalley.
October 15, 2020
The beauty of this series is the fact that the travels of the friends chart the direction of change. The time is after the first world war, and the rumblings of the next are starting to pile up. Because of their frequent travels, they know more than any of their contemporaries. They try in vain to indicate the seriousness of the upcoming days to the people around him. The main protagonists are Rowland Sinclair, the wealthiest of the lot who bankrolls most of their expeditions, Edna his muse and a very enigmatic character, Clyde and Milton who each bring something different to the equation. As usual, each chapter is preceded by a newspaper article which has some parts of the previous or upcoming chapter hidden within. It is, as always the most fascinating part of the narrative. It is also a series that you can pick up randomly (like I did) and apart from a few spoilers for the previous works, it still works individually.
I missed the opportunity to read the book based in Shanghai, but I met the group again in Singapore. This time, they have been called on an urgent errand to the US. Rowland is the executor of a will. I faintly remember the friend mentioned here, but the memory was enough to make sense of this instalment. The book was fast-paced and interesting and laced with hilarious banter. It was undoubtedly the best work of the series (given that I have only read half of it, my statement must be taken with a pinch of salt). I laughed aloud multiple times. Given that this happened in between perilous times where someone or the other was grievously hurt, just proves the quality of the humour.
The case here is more complicated than I expected. Initially brought to read the will and execute his late friend’s wishes, Rowland and gang realise a lot more is afoot. I guessed the main culprit way too early in the narrative. Despite knowing the culprit and hitting my head at how stupid they were being, I still relished the read. I read it in two sittings and that too only because it was nighttime and I need my sleep. I was a mildly heartbroken at the end about the current state of things, relationship-wise but I am starting to realise there is probably no happily-ever-afters for any of them!
I received the book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience and prior knowledge of the series.
I missed the opportunity to read the book based in Shanghai, but I met the group again in Singapore. This time, they have been called on an urgent errand to the US. Rowland is the executor of a will. I faintly remember the friend mentioned here, but the memory was enough to make sense of this instalment. The book was fast-paced and interesting and laced with hilarious banter. It was undoubtedly the best work of the series (given that I have only read half of it, my statement must be taken with a pinch of salt). I laughed aloud multiple times. Given that this happened in between perilous times where someone or the other was grievously hurt, just proves the quality of the humour.
The case here is more complicated than I expected. Initially brought to read the will and execute his late friend’s wishes, Rowland and gang realise a lot more is afoot. I guessed the main culprit way too early in the narrative. Despite knowing the culprit and hitting my head at how stupid they were being, I still relished the read. I read it in two sittings and that too only because it was nighttime and I need my sleep. I was a mildly heartbroken at the end about the current state of things, relationship-wise but I am starting to realise there is probably no happily-ever-afters for any of them!
I received the book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience and prior knowledge of the series.
January 22, 2022
What can I say about # 10 in The Rowland Sinclair Mysteries! Right from the beginning there was something different about this one. Our four intrepid adventurers leave Shanghai for the United States of America following the death of Rowland's friend. The mystery surrounding his violent death is only part of the danger our favourite four experience. I have loved this quartet of travellers since I started the series of books at #6...then very quickly found books 1 to 5 and have thoroughly enjoyed their journey from there. If I missed anything in this latest episode, it would be any interaction between Rowland and his older brother Wilfred. I recommend all the Rowland Sinclair books, and they are an interesting education in the happenings in Australia and other places in the 1930s. Each book contains our fab four, real people from the time and wonderful fictional characters. Thank you Sulari Gentill, I really loved this one!
January 11, 2022
Read my full review on Rosepoint Publishing.
The protagonist, Rowland Sinclair, and his cronies are Australian called to Boston after notice of the death of a dear friend, David Cartwright. Rowland is accompanied by Edna, Clyde, and Milton. To Rowland’s horror, he has been named executor of David’s will. The Cartwrights are not happy when they discover the bulk of David’s wealth is to go to Otis Norcross—assuming he can be found.
In languid prose, the narrative proceeds with the declared objective of finding Otis and the person who killed David. In the meantime, the novel introduces all manner of early to mid-thirties characters.
There are gangsters, fashions, sights and sounds of the time along with delightful and entertaining quotes from news reports. Twists, turns, and shenanigans sidetrack the MCs and I loved the tidbits regarding some of those historical figures including Joe Kennedy and F Scott Fitzgerald.
I must admit that my attention waned several times throughout the book as the gain in the whodunit was rather slow. Took a while to get to the histories of the victim and the missing Otis, and I’d guessed the antagonist shortly after introduction to the plot.
My first experience with the author and the series and I wasn’t particularly thrilled with the solution in the conclusion but any history buff would enjoy the Louella Parsons worthy gossip.
I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author and publisher through @NetGalley that in no way influenced this review. These are my honest thoughts.
The protagonist, Rowland Sinclair, and his cronies are Australian called to Boston after notice of the death of a dear friend, David Cartwright. Rowland is accompanied by Edna, Clyde, and Milton. To Rowland’s horror, he has been named executor of David’s will. The Cartwrights are not happy when they discover the bulk of David’s wealth is to go to Otis Norcross—assuming he can be found.
In languid prose, the narrative proceeds with the declared objective of finding Otis and the person who killed David. In the meantime, the novel introduces all manner of early to mid-thirties characters.
There are gangsters, fashions, sights and sounds of the time along with delightful and entertaining quotes from news reports. Twists, turns, and shenanigans sidetrack the MCs and I loved the tidbits regarding some of those historical figures including Joe Kennedy and F Scott Fitzgerald.
I must admit that my attention waned several times throughout the book as the gain in the whodunit was rather slow. Took a while to get to the histories of the victim and the missing Otis, and I’d guessed the antagonist shortly after introduction to the plot.
My first experience with the author and the series and I wasn’t particularly thrilled with the solution in the conclusion but any history buff would enjoy the Louella Parsons worthy gossip.
I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author and publisher through @NetGalley that in no way influenced this review. These are my honest thoughts.
May 21, 2022
A Testament of Character - Gentill
(also published as Where There’s a Will )
Audio performance by Rupert Degas
4 stars
I tried to hold off on reading this book. It is the last of the currently published books in the Rowland Sinclair series. Now I’m stuck with waiting impatiently for the next book to be published. I do like these characters. I’m invested in their lives.
Rowly and his friends are hoping to return home to Sydney from Singapore when a telegram brings sad news. An American friend has been murdered, and Rowland has been named executor of his estate. The friendly foursome heads to Boston and New York City. Encounters with the rich and famous include; William Randolph Hearst and Marion Davies, a manipulative, intimidating Joseph Kennedy with a cameo appearance of young Jack, and a brief reunion with Errol Flynn. As the mystery unravels, a road trip to the South includes extended time with F.Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald. I love the rich historical background of this series. The devastating effects of the Depression are ever present. In this book, the attitudes of Joe Kennedy, and the Father Coughlin broadcasts are reminders of the rise of fascism.
This is not the first book in the series to feature a Queer character. In this case the ‘proclivities’ of the murder victim may be used as a means to declare his will invalid. The life threatening persecution of homosexuals is a major theme of the mystery. I thought the author went a bit over the top with the final violent encounter with the baddies. It was very much like an old black and white gangster movie. And actually, that’s probably very appropriate.
(also published as Where There’s a Will )
Audio performance by Rupert Degas
4 stars
I tried to hold off on reading this book. It is the last of the currently published books in the Rowland Sinclair series. Now I’m stuck with waiting impatiently for the next book to be published. I do like these characters. I’m invested in their lives.
Rowly and his friends are hoping to return home to Sydney from Singapore when a telegram brings sad news. An American friend has been murdered, and Rowland has been named executor of his estate. The friendly foursome heads to Boston and New York City. Encounters with the rich and famous include; William Randolph Hearst and Marion Davies, a manipulative, intimidating Joseph Kennedy with a cameo appearance of young Jack, and a brief reunion with Errol Flynn. As the mystery unravels, a road trip to the South includes extended time with F.Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald. I love the rich historical background of this series. The devastating effects of the Depression are ever present. In this book, the attitudes of Joe Kennedy, and the Father Coughlin broadcasts are reminders of the rise of fascism.
This is not the first book in the series to feature a Queer character. In this case the ‘proclivities’ of the murder victim may be used as a means to declare his will invalid. The life threatening persecution of homosexuals is a major theme of the mystery. I thought the author went a bit over the top with the final violent encounter with the baddies. It was very much like an old black and white gangster movie. And actually, that’s probably very appropriate.
December 29, 2021
First of all, thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book as an ARC.
That said, this book has already been publishes in Australia as "A Testament of Character" in 2020 and is coming out in the US under this title on January 18, 2022
"In fear for his life, American millionaire Daniel Cartwright changes his will, appointing his old friend Rowland Sinclair as his executor. Soon murder proves that fear well founded. When Rowland receives word of Cartwright's death, he sets out immediately for Boston, Massachusetts, to bury his friend and honour his last wishes. He is met with the outrage and anguish of Cartwright's family, who have been spurned in favour of a man they claim does not exist. Artists and gangsters, movie stars and tycoons all gather to the fray as elite society closes in to protect its own, and family secrets haunt the living. Rowland Sinclair must confront a world in which insanity is relative, greed is understood, and love is dictated; where the only people he can truly trust are an artist, a poet and a passionate sculptress."
This book is not a Cozy Mystery! I thought it would be by the description and the cover, but it is not. It's a Standard Mystery, but it's a good one. Although I had lots of trouble getting into the book. I feel this is a series one should read from the first book. This book is the tenth one in this series. It's a good mystery with lots of historical details as the author involves real historical characters and events in the story.
The characters are easy to enjoy, especially Edna, she is a force to be reckoned with, a woman who knows her way in a men's world. They have a great friendship going on, you can easily read that.
All in all a good book, but it's not the series for me.
That said, this book has already been publishes in Australia as "A Testament of Character" in 2020 and is coming out in the US under this title on January 18, 2022
"In fear for his life, American millionaire Daniel Cartwright changes his will, appointing his old friend Rowland Sinclair as his executor. Soon murder proves that fear well founded. When Rowland receives word of Cartwright's death, he sets out immediately for Boston, Massachusetts, to bury his friend and honour his last wishes. He is met with the outrage and anguish of Cartwright's family, who have been spurned in favour of a man they claim does not exist. Artists and gangsters, movie stars and tycoons all gather to the fray as elite society closes in to protect its own, and family secrets haunt the living. Rowland Sinclair must confront a world in which insanity is relative, greed is understood, and love is dictated; where the only people he can truly trust are an artist, a poet and a passionate sculptress."
This book is not a Cozy Mystery! I thought it would be by the description and the cover, but it is not. It's a Standard Mystery, but it's a good one. Although I had lots of trouble getting into the book. I feel this is a series one should read from the first book. This book is the tenth one in this series. It's a good mystery with lots of historical details as the author involves real historical characters and events in the story.
The characters are easy to enjoy, especially Edna, she is a force to be reckoned with, a woman who knows her way in a men's world. They have a great friendship going on, you can easily read that.
All in all a good book, but it's not the series for me.
May 26, 2020
When his friend Daniel Cartwright dies and names Rowland Sinclair as his executor, Rowland must divert his plans to return home to Australia from Singapore and travel to America. Daniel was vastly wealthy but appears to have disinherited his family in favour of a man called Otis Norcross, whom no one can find. In the aftermath of Daniel's death, the Cartwrights challenge Daniel's will, alleging that he was not of sound mind. After Rowland and his troupe of friends take suites at the Copley Plaza in Boston, they then embark on a journey that takes them through New York, Warwick and Baltimore as they track down answers to the questions that surround Daniel's death and the mysterious disappearance of Otis Norcross.
I was enchanted by Gentill’s recreation of an era when the journey from Singapore to Boston took two weeks, lawyers sported mutton-chop whiskers and you could identify a Mafioso by his hat. I also enjoyed the stylishness of the characters, and the atmosphere of opulence surrounding them. Rowland is extremely wealthy, so although his investigation into his friend’s death takes him to very dark places, he is often heard to say things like ‘We’ll have the valet bring round the Cadillac’. Contrast, between the poverty of post-Depression America and the lifestyle Rowland shares with his three close friends, is one of the strongest features of ‘A Testament of Character’.
The interaction between Rowland Sinclair, Edna Higgins, Milton Isaacs and Clyde Watson-Jones is intriguing. This is the ninth book in the series, so the four of them are enjoying a well-established network of intimate relationships, based on loyalty. Their often disastrous efforts to support each other contribute an element of humour to the tale.
In addition, throughout the book Gentill intersperses events with entertaining newspaper extracts from the period, providing the plot with a realistic and informative background.
I was enchanted by Gentill’s recreation of an era when the journey from Singapore to Boston took two weeks, lawyers sported mutton-chop whiskers and you could identify a Mafioso by his hat. I also enjoyed the stylishness of the characters, and the atmosphere of opulence surrounding them. Rowland is extremely wealthy, so although his investigation into his friend’s death takes him to very dark places, he is often heard to say things like ‘We’ll have the valet bring round the Cadillac’. Contrast, between the poverty of post-Depression America and the lifestyle Rowland shares with his three close friends, is one of the strongest features of ‘A Testament of Character’.
The interaction between Rowland Sinclair, Edna Higgins, Milton Isaacs and Clyde Watson-Jones is intriguing. This is the ninth book in the series, so the four of them are enjoying a well-established network of intimate relationships, based on loyalty. Their often disastrous efforts to support each other contribute an element of humour to the tale.
In addition, throughout the book Gentill intersperses events with entertaining newspaper extracts from the period, providing the plot with a realistic and informative background.
December 4, 2021
I'm hooked. This book was just brilliant. I may be a little late to the party by starting at book 10 but I was immediately drawn to the characters and their easy friendship. Their dedication to each other doesn't mean there isn't tension and the personalities are so different, Edna, in particular, is a force to be reckoned with. The plot is complicated, making it an intriguing murder mystery to boot!
The historical backdrop with the inclusion of some well-known personalities of the times adds further interest and charm
I just couldn't put this book down and look forward to tracking down and reading the others in the series.
I'm really grateful to my daughter for introducing me to these characters, and this incredibly talented author!
With thanks to Netgalley, Poisoned Pen Press and the author for my advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review
The historical backdrop with the inclusion of some well-known personalities of the times adds further interest and charm
I just couldn't put this book down and look forward to tracking down and reading the others in the series.
I'm really grateful to my daughter for introducing me to these characters, and this incredibly talented author!
With thanks to Netgalley, Poisoned Pen Press and the author for my advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review
March 2, 2020
I must let you know that I love the Rowland Sinclair books, and like some other readers am in love with Rowland Sinclair and Edna.
It was such a pleasure to get another book in the series. This story takes us to Boston. Rowland has been made Executor of a friend's will and takes his responsibility seriously. The friend has only left small amounts to his siblings, and most of the estate is left to another man. Difficulties arise as various groups try to prevent the following of the instructions.
In many ways a gentler story than previous ones in the series, I still loved being back with my 'friends' Rowly and his 'mates'.
It was such a pleasure to get another book in the series. This story takes us to Boston. Rowland has been made Executor of a friend's will and takes his responsibility seriously. The friend has only left small amounts to his siblings, and most of the estate is left to another man. Difficulties arise as various groups try to prevent the following of the instructions.
In many ways a gentler story than previous ones in the series, I still loved being back with my 'friends' Rowly and his 'mates'.
May 27, 2020
I just love the Rowland Sinclair series and this 10th book did not disappoint. As usual, there was lots of action and intrigue set against a backdrop of historical figures and occurrences. Sulari is so clever in the way she weaves historical events into her story and I always line up to read the next instalment in the series.
August 9, 2020
Another excellent Rowland Sinclair story. I very much enjoy the newspaper clippings at the start of each chapter which authenticate the politics, public opinion and events of the time. Set in Boston this story introduces a number of historical figures and unpleasant characters to whom greed is good.
April 12, 2020
Entertaining
Another in the Roland Sinclair series. This time set in the USA, with a cast of characters including Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, assorted gangsters, movie stars and other celebrities. Always enjoyable reading.
Another in the Roland Sinclair series. This time set in the USA, with a cast of characters including Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, assorted gangsters, movie stars and other celebrities. Always enjoyable reading.
October 20, 2021
I enjoyed so much about this cozy mystery series! Sympathetic, likable characters, tight writing, immersive setting, great storytelling, fab narration . . . I can do without the whole carrying a torch for the woman he can never have trope. Maybe the author will change that someday :)
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