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kcfromaustcrime's review against another edition
5.0
Anybody who knows about this series will be aware that this novella has been a gift from the author to fans, a little taste of the ongoing series, as a thank you, and a filler in a bit of a gap between novels. It has the added benefit of fleshing out the back-story of Rowland Sinclair and his band of compatriots - Edna, Clyde and Milton.
It should be astounding that even within the size restrictions of a novella, Gentill has managed to provide that back-story, build in a murder, set up a bit of romantic tension, and give a feel for the societal tensions at the time, but really it's not. Gentill is nothing if not a consummate story teller, and her Rowland Sinclair series is about as pitch perfect as you could want.
A review, therefore, in novella form that breaks quite a few of the self-imposed rules. There really doesn't need to be any careful analysis of the whys and wherefores of this series. It deserves a wide readership because it's very good. By all means, read this novella at any point in your catch up of the entire series of books - but whatever you do make sure you read this series. It's glorious.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/review/review-prodigal-son-sulari-gentill
It should be astounding that even within the size restrictions of a novella, Gentill has managed to provide that back-story, build in a murder, set up a bit of romantic tension, and give a feel for the societal tensions at the time, but really it's not. Gentill is nothing if not a consummate story teller, and her Rowland Sinclair series is about as pitch perfect as you could want.
A review, therefore, in novella form that breaks quite a few of the self-imposed rules. There really doesn't need to be any careful analysis of the whys and wherefores of this series. It deserves a wide readership because it's very good. By all means, read this novella at any point in your catch up of the entire series of books - but whatever you do make sure you read this series. It's glorious.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/review/review-prodigal-son-sulari-gentill
carole888's review against another edition
4.0
Brilliant!
I thoroughly enjoyed this novella. It was a swift read, entertaining and also charming. I loved the newspaper clippings at the beginning of each chapter which also gives us a little glimpse of Sydney in 1928, at the time this novella is set.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novella. It was a swift read, entertaining and also charming. I loved the newspaper clippings at the beginning of each chapter which also gives us a little glimpse of Sydney in 1928, at the time this novella is set.
seriouslybookish's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars.
This was a solid novella.
A little rushed but that is expected considering this is not only a novella but also a prequel.
The villain was obvious but I really enjoyed the writing style and how the book was structured.
I'm looking forward to reading the series proper. I'm excited to find out more about the characters and their adventures.
This was a solid novella.
A little rushed but that is expected considering this is not only a novella but also a prequel.
The villain was obvious but I really enjoyed the writing style and how the book was structured.
I'm looking forward to reading the series proper. I'm excited to find out more about the characters and their adventures.
myfrogmonster's review
adventurous
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
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
4.0
After reading and loving The Woman in the Library I was delighted to discover the author has a mystery series. I think this is the start of a beautiful reading relationship. This story brings to mind a couple TV mystery series set Down Under that we have loved. Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and Doctor Blake. I can't wait to dive further in to the Sinclair's world.
thereadingritual's review against another edition
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
bubblepig's review
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
vsbedford's review against another edition
4.0
A great introduction into the series and, I'm sure, a satisfying prequel for existing fans of the series. The mystery is not a great head scratcher, but there's a very impressive amount of character development and general scene setting for such a short novella and I do appreciate a detective that's ready with the cash. A definite recommend.
I received an ecopy from the publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ecopy from the publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
cariadreads's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
valentim_c's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
alic59books's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0