A Decline in Prophets (Rowland Sinclair WWII Mysteries, 2)

First, a disclaimer. I've learned never to gobble one book after another by an author. It throws off my perspective as a reader, and I start to recognize passagaes where authors copy from themselves (Brad Thor), or a lack of progressive character development (Ms. Gentill's A Decline in Prophets). So—true confession—I read books 1 and 2 in this series back to back, and I'm sure that they would've been much better had I let time lapse between them. I own the series, so I'll spread the books out a little more in the future.A Decline in Prophets is interesting. The story dabbles in Theosophy, and the characters are on an extended voyage while things settle down in Sydney after the escapades in book 1. Ms Gentill knows how to set a scene and a stage, and she writes in an engaging and interesting way about a place I've been, but about which I know little. She also captures the elegance and cabin distinctions on a Cunard ship very well, and I had to restrain myself from booking a cruise.My issues with this book have to do with character development. Rowland is becoming increasingly bland and is beginning to appear weak to me, especially with regard to Edna. Edna is disinteresting because she's so vapid and ammoral, and doesn't' seem to be growing out of her flaws. Let's be honest: her beauty and talent are great in her youth, but only one survives old age—if she's lucky. Two lesser characters (Milton and a fellow artist with a hypehnated name that escapes me right now) are becoming the stars of my show in Gentill's books. I hope that the author develops them into stronger characters in ensuing books of the series.Generally recommended for lovers of historical mysteries.

Well that was fun! A rollicking tale set on an elegant cruise liner, plus in New York and Australia, with trouble finding Rowly wherever he went!1932 and Rowland Sinclair and his friends, Clyde, Milton and Edna were finally heading home after spending some months in Europe. They were aboard the RMS Aquitania headed for New York, where they would stay a few days, catching up with a good but eccentric friend before reboarding and continuing on to Sydney.After a journey marred by tragedy, the friends disembarked in Sydney and gratefully headed for home. But more was to follow as first one thing, then another drew Rowly in – would he be able to get himself out of the trouble he was in this time?A Decline in Profits by Aussie author Sulari Gentill is the 2nd in the Rowland Sinclair series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. With fast-paced, nonstop action, I kept wondering what would happen next! The series is turning into one I will definitely continue with – I’m looking forward to #3 already. Highly recommended.

Read two books and am 'following' this author. She writes wonderful characters, both male and female. Her historical research is 'spot on', in this case as to RMS Aquitania and the elegance of top line cruise ships and as to fashions, movie stars (Archibald Leach=Clark Gable.) Ditto for period automobiles and for a wide variety of the politics of the times( 1931-1933) 'Down Under.' So...'Google' the ship and understand what Rowland Spenser and his unusual group of friends also experienced in reality! Plotting and pacing are also first rate. We are left guessing until the end as to the identity of the murder(s) in this thriller.

Forced to leave Australia after the events of A FEW RIGHT THINKING MEN a vacation trip to England and Europe with his friends is necessary. Rowland Sinclair and company are now returning home on a luxury ocean liner. He and his friends meet onboard and become close to members of the Theosophy organization including Krishnamurta, Annie Besant and others. They also encounter a belligerent Irish Catholic Bishop and his niece, who makes matters most uncomfortable for all. This though is mild compared to the murder of a Theosophist and several attacks which follow. Rowland is in the wrong place at the wrong time, as usual, and becomes deeply involved.Great plot. Interesting look at Theosophists both sympathetic and going into old scandals. Further development occurs with Rowland and his older brother's problematic relationship. Both seem to be understanding and appreciating each other more than before. I found myself unexpectedly laughing at some of the comments. Wonderful series.

This is the 2nd mystery in the Rowland Sinclair series. The feel of this book was quite different from the previous entry. This was in some ways more frivolous than the previous outing of Rowly and his friends in "A Few Right Thinking Men". I particularly enjoyed the portrayal of Wilfred Sinclair's in-laws the Baird clan and Rowly's near disaster during the polo match.The mystery begins with the quartet involved with murder on a transatlantic voyage which is unsolved when the ship docks in New York. The group enjoys a delightful romp through New York staying with an old but odd friend of Rowly's and there is a brief cameo appearance by Archie Leach before he became Cary Grant. The quartet then rejoin the ship and many of the passengers from the previous voyage for the trip to Australia. It becomes obvious that the murderer is still on the ship but there still appears to be no link other than the Theosophist Society. Eventually back in Australia the mystery plays out and Rowly and his friends reluctantly supported by Wilfred unveil the murderer.As in the previous story something of 1930s Australian prejudices are highlighted particularly the bitter divide between Protestants and Catholics as well as the entrenched intolerance for those of alternative views. I not only enjoyed this mystery as well as the retelling of the history of this period but especially the complicated friendships between Rowly, Ed, Clyde and Milton. I will certainly continue reading.

This was a very well written book which paid homage to the use of good grammar and a wide use of the English language - a refreshing change from some of our modern authors. The appearance of characters who actually lived not too long ago gave gravitas to the novel, I thought, and the author treated them sensitively and in a way that felt 'real'. I would definitely read more of this author's books,

I attended a writing workship with Sulari Gentill and have to admit I'd never heard of her before. Since then, I've read all the Rowly mysteries and can't wait for the next. She's a great writer and comes up with some great stories. I love the true history tidbits that make it in as well.

I love this Aussie history crime fiction series.. I have read them all and I hope there is more to come.. Thankyou Sulari for well written and very enjoyable reads...

Excellent read. A great series of books.

A good rollicking mystery in an interesting setting.

On board a cruise ship when people start to be murdered. Has to be one on board and so Rowland Sinclair must start to solve another case. Great reading.