A very interesting book! "A Few Right Thinking Men" by Sulari Gentill is a murder mystery at the backdrop of turbulent political times in Australia. Fascism, Communism, social classes, bohemian artists, and family bonds were amongst the topics portraited in this engaging novel. I had never read any books in this setting and found it an eye-opening experience. Thank you NetGalley, the author and publisher for the review copy. All opinions are my own.

This was quite the introduction to an interesting character - Rowland Sinclair. He's about what you'd expect from a wealthy young man in the 1930s. I enjoyed the setting being in Australia, a time and place I'm not very familiar with. A lot of the political things went over my head - I don't have the historical knowledge to completely frame it, but I wouldn't say that really detracted much from my enjoyment (even though they're a major part of the story). It was interesting to see the clashes between the political parties, and how Sinclair navigates it all. I thought Gentill did a great job of bringing the characters and setting to life. I'm looking forward to reading more books in this series.

Here is the very first title in the wonderful Rowley Sinclair mystery series. It is sure to be enjoyed by historical mystery fans who will want to go on to read all of the others. Luckily, there will be at least nine more for readers to devour.

Rowly doesn’t quite fit in with the expectations of his aristocratic family in 1930s Australia. His mother confuses him with a son who died. He has friends who are communists, poets and artists, clearly not like his brother Wilf’s friends.

When Rowly’s uncle, also named Rowly, is killed it is up to our Rowly to figure out what happened and why. Readers will enjoy following the clues with him.

If readers don’t already know this series, they are lucky as they have some good stories ahead.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Pantera Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

This is the first book I have read from this author and the first in the series. It was rather enjoyable and better than I expected.

This inaugural series entry has all of the characteristics I enjoy: an appealing main character surrounded by other interesting people, as well as a fascinating historical setting, in this case, Australia during the Depressions years of the 1930s. The mystery itself, with a lot of twists and turns, actually takes a backseat to the political plots that Rowland finds himself a reluctant participant in. This is one series I plan to continue reading.

The first in the Rowland Sinclair mystery series - Australia, 1930's set.. Our protagonist, Rowland, lives a privileged life and enjoys everything it has to offer. When murder rears its ugly head Rowland and his contemporaries are compelled to investigate. Thoroughly entertaining crime, easy reading and engrossing. A winner.

This is the first book in the Rowland Sinclair series which covers the doings of the rich, charming, talented artist Rowland Sinclair and his group of equally talented and artistic dissident friends in the Australia of 1930s which is in the midst of both an economic Depression and a potential political revolution. I enjoyed the historical, social and cultural aspects of this era; the political aspect not so much but it's only because I personally don't like politics.

Also, the cover picture is gorgeous!

My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Pantera Press and the author Sulari Gentill for giving me an e-ARC of the book. 3.5* rating.

Rowland Sinclair is the main character in this mystery. He is a devil-may-care artist from a wealthy Australian family who cares little about politics, money or society. His life revolves around his friends and his work but when his uncle is murdered and it appears he was the intended target and not his elderly uncle, he begins to look at the mystery in a new light. Along with his fellow artists he begins to infiltrate an organization with intentions of overthrowing the government which puts him at direct odds with his older brother and family. The Australian setting is interesting. The involvement with the coming world war showcases the Australian involvement which at best is hardly noticed in history. The characters are strong and convincing with their ideals whether it is pro or con involvement with communists. Rowland himself is an unsung hero who blunders through, taking chances and uncovering plots almost by accident. This is a good read.

I randomly read the book: Gentlemen Formerly Dressed (Rowland Sinclair #5) and enjoyed the concept. It is rare that I pick up a country and a time and social complications that I did not encounter in any earlier books. Rare mostly because I tend to stick to known people and places. 
This is the introduction of Rowland Sinclair and his band of merry men (and woman). It is a highly complex situation that they find themselves in. Rowland is from a family high on society's ladder but the antics of this artist youngest son of the family is not looked on favourably by the only other remaining brother. Thrown into this situation is the development of radicalised feelings of nationalism as well as communism. The fear on either side of the debate is running rife with possibilities that would lead to a much bigger problem. It is a reasonably heavy book as our lead characters contemplate both personal and political implications of behaviour in 1930's Australia. It is filled with details of life in particular during that time and is supported by actual facts from that time which are peppered throughout the story. The author's note at the end was fascinating too. It is not meant for fast reading and cannot be rushed. That would be something to keep in mind for those who like reading fast (namely me)

I would highly recommend this series to anyone looking for an adventure/mystery/drama series set in different country and time than many of the historical fictions that are currently popular.

Gentill positioned her book as a cozy mystery...and I think she succeeded! I tend to not enjoy cozy mysteries for some reason but I really liked the setting and atmosphere that Gentill created. Depressed Australia in the 1930s was such a lush setting--all the political upheaval, social unrest, and shift in cultural norms added to the ambiance.

Rowland 'Rowly' Sinclair is apart of the wealthy Sinclair family and is shielded from the chaos and poverty in Australia at the time. He's an artist and the artist community is a hotbed for rebels...so his artsy friends are absolutely the 'riff-raff' of society. It keeps this book from being another of the English type of mystery where the titled man solves the crime. I'm sure there's a better name for that genre but I can't think of it. Gentlemen-detective?

Rowly's uncle is murdered during a home invasion and Rowly hopes to solve it. Although Rowly does just that...the focus is more on the machinations of several political splinter groups, like the Communists, Fascists, and Monarchists for example. I'm not normally keen on a political intrigue when I'm reading a murder-mystery book but this is so well done that I didn't mind it. It's obvious that Gentill was meticulous in her research.

Other than Rowly and his family (brother, uncle, sister-in-law), the cast includes Clyde (painter), Milton (poet) and Edna (sculptress and artist's model).

Overall, this is a well-written, polished, factual and interesting book. The setting is brilliant, the characters are well composed and the mystery is intriguing. I'm not keen on cozy-mysteries or political intrigues/thrillers but this book did hold my interest. I'd recommend if cozy mysteries, historical fiction or political intrigues are of interest as Gentill covers all that in this first book.

Sulari Gentill’s historical mystery series featuring Rowland Sinclair has long been on my radar. I regret that it has taken me a decade to start it, though on the plus side, there are a further eight books ahead of me to enjoy.

A Few Right Thinking Men is set in New South Wales, Australia during the early 1930’s. It is a period of great political upheaval where, in the wake of The Great Depression, tensions are mounting resulting in the rapid growth of extremist organisations.
Rowland Sinclair, affectionately known as Rowly to his friends, is content to stay out of politics. As the youngest son of the wealthy and influential Sinclair family, he has largely been left to his own devices, allowing him to pursue his passion for painting, and support a revolving cast of fellow artists at his well appointed home, Woodlands House, on Sydney’s North Shore.
That is until Rowly’s uncle, for whom he is named, is killed during a home invasion, and rumour places the blame on an aggressive group within the New Guard, a far right political organisation focused on destroying the ‘red threat’ of communism.

Till now, he had crowded his mind with his work and with things more mundane, but as he stood where his uncle had died, he was staggered by a deep sense of loss, and outrage.

Though Rowly’s goal is to bring uncle’s murderer to justice, the mystery surrounding his death is not really the focus of this novel. With the local detective reluctant to investigate, Rowly is convinced by his friends and houseguests Milton, Clyde and Edna to take on Clyde’s identity and infiltrate the New Guard, unwittingly putting himself at the epicentre of the dissent. It is the clandestine machinations of the various political organisations that is center stage here.

He’d just have to hope to God that democracy would survive all these right thinking men.

The authors research is meticulous, sadly I’m almost wholly ignorant of my country’s past, but it’s understandable that Gentill would enthusiastically delve into this ‘fascinating and ludicrous’ period of Australian history. The situation, as the conflict between the spectrum of ideologies escalates, would be farcical if not for the seriousness with which they regard themselves. Each is convinced they are the only ‘right thinking men’ fit to lead the state, if not the entire country.

“You are who you are. Given your gilded background, you could be insufferable, but you’re not. I wouldn’t have you be anything else.”

I thought the characterisation of both the main and supporting characters was very well done. Rowly is kind, generous, thoughtful and loyal. For the most part apolitical, Rowly is well aware that his background makes him an enemy of the far left, and his lifestyle pits him against the far right. His older brother Wilford is contemptuous of his youngest brother’s ways, but Rowly is wonderfully supported by Edna, a beautiful sculptress with whom he is in love, communist poet Milt, and fellow painter, Clyde, and not just because he funds their modus vivendi.

A Few Right Thinking Men is an entertaining and astute novel, rich with history, drama, and engaging characters. I’m looking forward to continuing with the series.

Some great characters—especially the protagonist— and a great setting —although I would have liked to see more of Australia. I didn’t find the political machinations comprehensible or interesting.

4.5 ★s
A Few Right Thinking Men is the first book in the Rowland Sinclair series by award-winning Australian author, Sulari Gentill. When gentleman artist Rowland Sinclair’s favourite uncle dies following a savage beating in his own home, the police seem fixated on his elderly housekeeper at the expense of doing any real investigating. Information volunteered by the victim of a similar attack leads Rowly to suspect that it’s the work of the New Guard, the face of an increasing fascist presence in the country, but his uncle wasn't a communist, Rowly was certain, so why was he targeted?

With his quirky artistic friends (Edna the sculptress, Milton the poet and Clyde the artist), he devises a clever, if perhaps dangerous, way to learn more about those he suspects. But then it comes to light that his old uncle had a certain asset indicating an unsavoury connection, which muddies the waters a bit.

Soon, he finds himself, much to his older brother’s disapproval, deeply involved in what looks like becoming a civil war. When ultimately, they do discover who was responsible for the attack, Rowly and co are a little slow to figure out the why of it, and then events overtake them before they have time to react.

Gentill gives the reader an excellent plot with an exciting climax and a believable ending. While none are perfect, most of Gentill’s characters are endearing, with a few despicable ones to even things out. And of course, there’s Rowland: an appealing, can-do sort of guy, intelligent, a bit unconventional but full of integrity, which is reflected by loyalty of the friends he attracts.

Quotes from press articles of the time that preface many of the chapters cleverly serve the dual purpose of providing some of the background political climate and giving the reader a clear timeline of events.

Gentill's extensive research is apparent on every page, but this is no dry history lesson: the facts drop into the story unobtrusively; there’s also plenty of humour, especially in the banter between the friends. And she bestows on the reader a front-row seat for an infamous event of 1932.

As always, Gentill captures the era perfectly. This is a superb dose of Australian historical fiction, and readers who enjoy it will be pleased to know they can look forward to a further eight (at least) instalments of this award-winning series, beginning with A Decline In Prophets.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Pantera Press

The setting 1930s Australia. A very traditional family background on the one side and someone who wants to kick up their heels on the other. Two brothers very different, different ideologies but both committed to family and loyal to each other trying to come to grips with each other's world.

Raymond Sinclair just wants to live his bohemian life the way he does. He does not intend to harm anyone by it, but his family is annoyed by it. He has a number of friends who for want of another word are hangers on, living on Raymond's wealth even at a time of economic depression with widespread unemployment.

Some of them have radical leanings and the Communist angle is not one that is popular in Australia. There is a movement on both sides of the fence to gain ascendency and how they gain it is immaterial. Unearthing a plot was by the way. Raymond's main purpose of going in as a spy was to find out how and for what reason his uncle by the same name was murdered. Uncovering a vast spy network in which he even suspects his strait laced elder brother was an eye opener for Raymond. At the same time getting out of it was equally difficult especially when you assume another person's name and identity.

A lot of Australian politics is involved in this story. I liked to follow it as it was totally new to me. May not be appealing to a lot of folk though. A bit detailed.

A big bonus for me was the author is of Sri Lankan origin. I am always looking out for authors originally from Sri Lanka.

I'm a huge fan of the Phyrne Fisher murder mysteries, and I'm excited about this new series set in 1930s Australia. Rowland, our hero, is a charmer, and I look forward to seeing what kind of mischief he—and his equally interesting friends and family—gets into in future volumes. I also really enjoyed digging into the history and politics of Depression-era Australia. It's awesome to feel transported to both Sydney and the outback. Fantastic way to learn something new to better understand our world AND have a fun time along the way.

The story in this book raged like it did in the 1930s. There are stories about those who feel fear, oppression and intimidation. But I will tell you that the story in this book was made with a pretty good and interesting narrative. Detective, police and murder stories are a little awkward.
Then the story plot also feels a little strange at first, but finally finishes well. Maybe other readers don't agree with this opinion. But it's okay. This book summarizes a mystery story that is deep enough, there are puzzles, and very much in touch with history. I would definitely recommend for historical novel lovers. Thank you to authors, publishers and NetGalley.

Australia, historical-fiction, historical-places-events, historical-research, mystery

I was delighted to get the first in the Rowland Sinclair series as I have enjoyed several of the later books very much! I always thought that Rowley and Phryne Fisher could be fast friends and co-conspirators and this book does nothing to change that.
The Australian sociopolitical scene seems to have been rather different from that in America but I had no understanding of that until I started broadening my horizons with mystery fiction from other countries from authors who research their subject matter very well and are able to communicate it clearly with the reader. The publisher's blurb gives a fairly good intro, and I leave plot summaries to others, but the characters are excellent!
Definitely a very good read!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Pantera Press via NetGalley. Thank you!

A Few Right Thinking Men seemed like a good read. It wasn't forgot me. I love the setting of Australia. The problem is it's too political. I hate politics, and I never want to read about them. So, unfortunately, that ruined the book for me. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

"A Few Right Thinking Men" is a mystery set in Dec. 1931 to March 1932 in Australia. This is the first novel in a series. Interesting historical details were woven into the the story and were a part of solving whodunit. The main characters were interesting, caring people. It was a clue-based mystery, but it was more of a suspense than a puzzle.

Rowly comes into contact with several political groups that are convinced of the need for militant action to save their country from the other groups (Communist, Fascist, etc.). He simply wants to bring the murderer of his favorite uncle to justice. He arranges to paint a portrait of the New Guard leader after a lead points to that group, but he's constantly in danger of exposure...and potentially ending up dead like his uncle.

There was a fair amount of bad language. There were no sex scenes. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting novel.

I enjoyed this book very much! Especially I liked the atmosphere of the New South Wales in the early 30s and the extremely likable bunch of characters. Rowley, Ed, Milt and Clyde are lovely misfits and I can't wait to read more about them.

What I loved most about this book were the characters and the dialogues. The main character is a wealthy artist Rowland Sinclair, known as Rowley to his friends. His friends are also artists, they are funny and charming. For the most of time they are just drifting through life, having fun, with no idea where they are heading. Edna is a sculptress and also a model, who doesn’t shy away from posing nude. Milton is a poet and Clyde is a painter, often forced to paint portraits of hideous clients for remuneration.

When I started reading this book I didn't know much about the political scene in New South Wales before the Second World War. Now, I know much more about the political fractions, the Great Depression in Australia and who Jack Lang was. What's more the information was given in such a way that it was easy to comprehend and it never got boring. The novel was lovingly crafted and rich with historically accurate details about the life in Australia in the early 30s. It was time full of political tensions and social unrest. The Great Depression bought unemployment and poverty to many families. It also caused rise of extremism on the right and the left side of the political scene. The Communists and the Fascist were preparing for revolution and coup d'état. Premier Jack Lang and his actions were very unpopular. The enemies of state were lurking on every corner.

As you can see from my comments this novel is so much more than a murder mystery! There is an ongoing murder investigation and it motivates many of the characters’ actions, but there is much more going on than simply solving the crime. I am curious how the characters are going to evolve in the next book in the series and what other adventures they are going to face.

I received "A Few Right Thinking Men" from the publisher via NetGalley. I would like to thank the author and the publisher for providing me with the advance reader copy of the book.