Our latest Preview title is All the Tears in China by Sulari Gentill. Set in Shanghai in 1935, the book depicts a twentieth-century Babylon, an expatriate playground where fortunes are made and lost, where East and West collide, and the stakes include life itself. Into this, Rowland Sinclair arrives from Sydney to represent his brother at international wool negotiations. Rowland is under strict instructions to commit to nothing… but a brutal murder makes that impossible. As suspicion falls on him, Rowland enters a desperate bid to find answers in a city as glitzy as it is dangerous, where tai-pans and tycoons rule, and politics and vice are entwined with commerce. Take a look at what our Preview reviewers thought of the book:
‘An interesting mystery, though nothing to get the heart rate up. The storyline meanders along slowly at the beginning, then increases its pace. I felt as though the storyline stopped and started at times, though keeping the reader just interested enough to find out what happens. 5/10 for “All The Tears in China”.’ – Heidi, NSW
‘My first book by Aussie author, Sulari Gentill, but it won’t be my last. So it’s also my first taste of Rowland Sinclair, nine books into the series: I don’t know him as well as others more familiar with the series, but he’s an appealing, can-do sort of guy, intelligent, a bit impulsive but full of integrity, and that’s reflected by loyalty of the friends he attracts. With her superb descriptive prose, Gentill really captures her setting well, enhancing it with quotes from press articles of the era prefacing each chapter. The action and excitement takes off from page one, too, although poor Rowly does get beaten up rather a lot before we reach the heart-stopping climax. As this is set in the international treaty city of Shanghai, Gentill includes a cast of interesting characters, full of quirks and national traits: nobody boring here! It’s easy to see that Gentill has done a good swag of research for her tale, 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. The title is a charming (and meaningful) play on words. Excellent historical fiction!’ – Marianne, NSW
‘I must preface my review by saying that I do not generally read murder mysteries or that I had read any of the previous books of the author so I was not sure whether I would enjoy the read. Having said that, I am glad that I did. This book can be easily read without having read the other Sinclair novels. I enjoyed that Sinclair was almost the anti-hero and he is surrounded by a group of friends who add greater depth to the story. When reading the novel, it reminded me of the Phryne Fischer novels, so would recommend it for those who enjoy Kerry Greenwood’s novels. A great light read…. with lots of twists and turns.’ – Katarzyna, VIC
‘Wherever Rowland Sinclair goes trouble seems to follow him. This book is set in 1935 Australia and Shanghai, which is a melting pot for vice, crime, corruption and murder. When Rowland is sent to Shanghai to oversee the sale of will for his brother once again trouble arises, and readers are taken through a magical and dangerous journey. I highly recommend this book and I will be reading the other books in this series.’ – Deborah, NSW
‘A classic whodunnit! I had not read any of the Rolland Sinclair series before this one, but it didn’t seem to matter. The characters were interesting and engaging. I particularly liked Edna, a no nonsense woman. A enjoyable read, with suspense and interesting historical facts.’ – Ros, ACT
‘This is an interesting novel, one with an almost gentle approach to the crimes at the heart of the plot. Although they are vicious, there’s not a lot of gory detail, and frankly not a lot of emotion is conveyed around them. There is, however, a wealth of historical detail that adds interest and colour to the novel. The scene setting is vivid, believable, and critical to the plot. Gentill conveys this effectively through small details and excerpts from historical documents; it’s woven into the novel very effectively. The ninth book in a series, this is the first I’d read. However, the characters and their relationships were easily accessible and I had no trouble grasping them. I suspect I missed some depths to the characterisation, but even so, they were fun characters to spend some time with. I enjoyed this novel; it wasn’t overly demanding, but it was a fun and lively read. The historical setting added an extra touch of interest, and the easy and flowing writing style made it a pleasure to read. This will not suit readers looking for gritty reality, but many others will enjoy it.’ – Lorraine, ACT
‘Sulari Gentill’s All The Tears in China is reminiscent of an Agatha Christie novel with a touch of flamboyance. Her vivid descriptions of Shanghai in it’s heyday, steeped in a time of political and cultural unrest, immerses the reader into a world of colourful characters with who we can all relate. Rowland Sinclair and his friends take the reader on a grand adventure has they seek the truth in a country where the truth can be bought at the right price. While this is Book 9 in the Rowland Sinclair mystery series, it is the first I have read, and I find myself wondering how I have never heard of this series before. I am now off to track down the first 8 books and devour them whole.’ – Mel, NSW
‘This is my first Sulari Gentill novel and I look forward to reading her previous books. The authors style of narrative and well researched history creates wonderful visions in the readers mind. The story begins in the genteel Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, 1935. The vivid imageries reminded me of my parent’s accounts of their youth in Sydney. Particularly the references to the new amusement park at Milson’s Point and Rowland’s stately home in Woollahra. The well-heeled Australian travels to Shanghai on behalf of his brother/company director, who has been detained with urgent family matters. Rowland travels with his chums, who help him keep face with a wool businessman. Events and drama collide from the get go helping the pages turn to see what happens next. Opium dens, opulence, corruption, rickshaws, butlers and more help capture the era. The descriptive accounts in this historical work of fiction has the reader feeling like a backseat passenger in Rowland’s rickshaw. Will they be safe? How will it all end? With characters from many cultures, there are ensuing conflicts and warm interactions, demonstrating no matter our skin colour or background, we can work together for mutual benefit.’ – Margaret, NSW
‘This was the first Rowland Sinclair Mystery I’ve read and I must say although I’ve read other reviews which said they had no trouble jumping straight into book 9, I struggled early on with the history between the characters, although the author does try to help and provide explanations to fill in the gaps. The writing and prose was a pleasant surprise and exceeded my expectations. I enjoyed the unique start of every chapter. I found this book enjoyable as a whole and would definitely look into reading the earlier books in the series.’ – Sandy, NSW
‘I really enjoyed this book. Even though it was part of a series, I didn’t feel I had come in part way through with the characters. There was a lot of detail in the book but it wasn’t hard to take it all in. There were twists and turns and moments of humour. A great holiday read.’ – Kay, QLD
‘Against the Japanese occupation of Northern China, there is talk of a trade embargo. Before this comes into place, Japanese businessman want to do a deal in China to buy Australian wool. Unable to attend to the business personally, Wilfred Sinclair sends his brother, Rowland, to Shanghai to stall for time. But within days of arrival, Rowland is accused of murdering a Russian taxi-girl who is found slaughtered in his hotel suite. In republican China, nothing is simple. Beyond the expatriate glamour of international Shanghai, Sulari Gentill gives us a picture of the nightclubs, opium dens and slums of this international city. Amongst the crime and corruption, Rowland and his friends investigate what they can to clear Rowland’s name. Gentill’s characters are distinctive, and the historical details are well drawn. The leads, hunches and narrow escapes of the intrepid heroes leave the reader in suspense. All the Tears in China is a combination of history, whodunnit and ripping yarn, told with a distinctive Australian voice.’ Karen, ACT
‘All the Tears in China revolves around an old school ritzy glitzy 1930’s murder mystery set against the seedy, dangerous backdrop of the best Shanghai has to offer. Throw in newspaper articles, facts, politics & social standings of that era & you will be escorted back in time. The richness of the characters & the historical knowledge weave a wonderful story by Gentill. This novel will take you to 1935, you will want to be a part of this friendship group & also be a part of this glamorous international lifestyle. This is the 9th book in Gentill’s Rowland Sinclair mystery series however can be read as a standalone novel. I haven’t read the other 8, however, I will now be seeking them out. Great read for fans of Agatha Christie.’ – Penne, NSW
‘I thoroughly enjoyed my ‘introduction’ to Rowland Sinclair, through Sulari Gentill’s next instalment, ‘All the Tears in China’. This style of novel is not what I usually go for, but really enjoyed delving into Rowly’s tale. From the superb attention to detail with character introductions and setting scenes to facts from a bygone era, this novel’s story line is brilliant. Although this is the 9th novel in the Rowland Sinclair mystery series, it can be read as stand alone. But be prepared to have to previous eight novels lined up ready to read… I fell in love with the charm and warmth of the friendships displayed in my mind through Sulari’s fabulous descriptions. Well done Sulari and Pantera Press. I am hooked!! And thank you Better Reading Preview!! Great read.’ – Rebecca, TAS
‘Rowland Sinclair (with friends Milt, Clyde and Edna tagging along) is sent to Shanghai to represent his brother in wool trade negotiations with the Japanese. Whilst there, a woman is found murdered in his hotel room and he becomes the main suspect. The resulting investigations take them into the thriving metropolis of multicultural Shanghai where trust is hard to find but vice is easy. And everyone is not quite what they seem. A satisfying, twisty plot with Rowly and co. in danger at every turn. As usual Sulari’s research into the place and times is exceptional. The sense of being in Shanghai in 1935, with the Japanese knocking at the front door, is terrifying. As is the creeping feeling of the growth of the Nazi way, even as far away from Germany as Shanghai. All the Tears in China is a cracker of a read. I confess to having met Rowly before. His ninth outing is just as exciting as the first eight. I would recommend Sulari Gentill’s Rowland Sinclair novels to anyone who appreciates good historical research and a thoroughly satisfying plot.’ – Daniella, QLD
‘Although this is the ninth book in the Rowland Sinclair series, it is still a good read if you haven’t read any of the previous books. After reading it, if you are a newbie to the series, you will probably want to read the other books. In her usual fashion, Sulari Gentill starts each chapter with an excerpt from a paper of the time, to set the scene and give an idea of an opinion of the time. This novel is mainly set in China in the 1930s, hence historical issues of the time like Communism, the fall of the Romanovs, Japanese aggression, Nazism and racism come into play. Although his wealth protects Rowley at times, at other times it makes him a target. With his four friends, he gets involved in a murder, a wool deal, is imprisoned and meets a lot of interesting people (some are based on real people).. The plot is well worked and the characters are enjoyable. There is enough action in this for an action story, but there is so much more… including social conscience, belief systems, racism and maintaining one’s integrity. The historical setting gives added interest, in what must have been difficult and unsettling times for those who lived it. However, there is light heartedness too, which gives the novel balance and keeps it from being dry. Wonderful Australian fiction!’ – Lyn, VIC
‘I often judge a book by its cover, so I did find the cover of All the Tears in China very different from my norm.The novel I also found a tad quirky…. Four Aussies (one a Communist) travel to China to sell wool to the Japanese! I thought the four main characters were a bit bland and wished the protagonist and his lady would get together. I have never read other books in the series of Rowland Sinclair but can understand how Sulari Gentill has many followers. It is an easy read without too much drama and is quite simplistic in its telling. The four main characters spend a lot of time in each other’s company and are all good friends. I really loved the anecdotes at the beginning of each chapter which were relevant to the story and era, eg. Tuberculosis symptoms and treatment, Stories from Shanghai, The art of eavesdropping can be instructive etc. A very satisfactory ending and I enjoyed the fact that the author tied up all the loose ends by explaining what became of the characters.’ – Maree, QLD
‘This novel was a simple murder mystery set in Shanghai, China. The characters of Rowland Sinclair and his friends Edna, Clyde and Milton were well defined, while the book’s themes of loyalty and friendship were strong. It is also a story of survival and courage as Rowland’s group must hunt for a murderer to clear his name. The setting of Shanghai was realistic, dangerous and colourful! Small snippets of newspaper reports of the time at the start of each chapter add to the historic flavour of the book. Overall it was a great addition to the series and I would recommend it as a light, exciting mystery read.’ – Kristy, NSW
‘Sulari Gentill’s All the Tears in China is another captivating addition to the Rowland Sinclair series. Set against the colourful backdrop of Shanghai, the plot is full of twists and turns that see our protagonist Rowly constantly under fire and falsely accused for a string of crimes for which he is innocent. Gentill frames the narrative with vivid setting descriptions that encapsulate the world of the artist characters within. Era-appropriate language and historical markers are cleverly interspersed throughout the storyline transport you back through time and enthral the reader into thinking they are right there alongside the colourful characters. Beautifully named and well crafted, this historical mystery is well worth the read, either as a stand-alone or as part of the series.’ – Sarah, VIC
‘An entertaining and interesting book. All The Tears in China introduced me to Rowland Sinclair Mysteries and to Sulari Gentill. Even without reading the first 8 books, it was easy to connect with the loveable characters in All The Tears in China. This historical fiction showed me how multicultural and lively Shanghai was in the 30s. It also made me wonder if all the newspaper excerpts were true and made me want to know more about Shanghai and Sydney in the 30s. Really fascinating. I’m definitely hooked and I can’t wait to start reading the other books in this series.’ – Aida, NSW
‘Australian writer Sulari Gentill presents the ninth book in her popular Rowland Sinclair series. Gentill’s fiction has won or been shortlisted for awards an enviable number of times, and a new book from her commands immediate attention and an expectation of enjoyment. That expectation is amply rewarded, as the author manoeuvres her usual cast of characters through a series of alarms and excursions in Shanghai, where Rowland has been dispatched to deputise for his brother at meetings with wool brokers. Reluctantly accepting the mission, he is as ever accompanied by his entertaining and staunch friends. The differences between the straight-laced and conventional Wilfred and the renegade Rowland highlight the range of characteristics found within families and divergent political views in 1930’s Australia. Much entertainment comes from the activities of the band of friends who manage to get themselves into (and out of) scrapes, largely financed by Rowland’s family money. The beautiful and independent sculptress Edna, the poetry-quoting Milton and the artist Clyde for a powerful team with Rowland, as they encounter a Shanghai that delivers high society, vice, spies, murder, stretches in prison for Rowly and mysteries galore. As always in the series, the fun is accompanied by painless absorption of the history of the ever-fascinating 1930s. Bring on the next in the series!’ – Margaret, NSW
‘The 9th book of the Rowland Sinclair series by Sulari Gentill, “All the Tears in China” takes up back to the genteel life of the aristocracy in 1930s Australia, drawing us in so we feel we are invisibly there watching on. Rowland and his cohorts embark on a trip from Sydney to China, purportedly for Rowland to represent his family’s wool business negotiations, and we are treated to a plethora of adventures which grow from seemingly simple encounters and continue each to take on a life of their own. In reading of their adventures, Gentill makes us feel we are participating in these sometimes crazy adventures, and we find we can’t wait to turn the page to see where it leads us next. My only criticism is that I feel there are things that may be better understood regarding character development by reading some of the earlier books prior to reading this one, but all in all, this is a fabulous read, iconically Australian, and I can’t wait to go back and read the rest of the series in order.’ – Jane, NSW
‘Rowland Sinclair, a wealthy gentleman and artist, along with 3 friends, goes to Shanghai China at the request of Rowland’s brother. Murder and mystery abound. The chapters begin with articles about China’s history and the ways of the the Chinese people. These articles give the reader an insight into the history of China. Very informative.’ – Vivien, ACT
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