Written by Sulari Gentill, this short novella is the the back story for her mystery series about gentleman painter, Rowland Sinclair. This book is written in that old world style of the upper crust, gentile society. I must say I think it is extremely well done because for quite awhile I kept checking to see if it was a reprint from the 1930s or currently written. Gentill does a fabulous job of writing about a time in history and a lifestyle that she makes seem very realistic.

This is a fun story about a young man who comes home to his family estate somewhere in Australia when he inherits the house. Reluctant to be back he is excited to meet up with an old school chum who convinces him to take painting classes for the fun of it. Rowland meets some interesting new friends and even falls in love. But when relationships seem suspicious and his friend starts acting strangely, Rowland tries to solve the mystery.

This is a short story but the characters are intriguing so I will be looking for the actual series of Rowland Sinclair mysteries and start with number one of the seven novels Sulari Gentill has already published.