Reviews

Set in 1930s depression era Australia, the book explores a time and part of the world that I knew nothing about -- the rise of postwar fascism in Australia in opposition to communism. I have no idea whether it's based on real events but it rings true. The author quotes what she purports to be contemporaneous clips from newspapers. Since I listened to the audiobook I didn't get to read whether these were actual sources.
The main characters are a loveable mess of freespirited artists set against the background of fading Victorians. It feels like Downton Abbey.
The audiobook reader is plummy and lush with a little difficulty with the Irish women but that's a nitpick.
Could use some editing.

jm_donellan's review against another edition

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4.0

Having just signed to Pantera Press, I thought I'd check out some of the other authors in their ranks. Historical crime fiction really isn't usually my mug of chai, so to speak, but I enjoyed the hell out of this. A very interesting era of Australian history, well researched and with some wonderfully vibrant characters. I'll be checking out the sequel next.

tigermomnc's review against another edition

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informative mysterious sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

vilifiction's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

bookchantment's review against another edition

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informative mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

maddiejc's review against another edition

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mysterious medium-paced

3.0

This one had a slow start for me and stayed relatively slow paced. I can see the value in this for setting up a series but as a standalone book, it didn't do heaps for me. I did appreciate that with the mystery aspect, I didn't quite know where it was going.
I did like imagining 1930s Sydney and some familiar places, particularly the hype around the Harbour Bridge opening and when people first crossed it.

apressler's review against another edition

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4.0

A well-researched crime thriller with an excellent tone; Gentill captures life in 1920s and 30s Australia with ease. Rowland and his gang of artists and poets live a mostly leisurely life, making art while staying at Rowland's inner Sydney manor. A family murder interupts their lifestyle and Rowland takes it upon himself to find the killer after the leads go dry. Gentill's knowledge of Australian history is weaved through the narrative seemlessly, and most of the characters are a joy to get to know. The only draw back is of Clyde and Milton; two of Rowland's friends who were interchangeable as characters to me and I had trouble distinguishing the two apart. Overall would recommend this series; absolutely beautiful third edition covers designed by the artist and publisher, as well.

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