GIVE THE DEVIL HIS DUE. By Sulari Gentill. Pantera Press. $29.99.
Reviewer: Michael Popple
Acclaimed Australian author Sulari Gentill is back with Give the Devil His Due, the seventh novel in the compelling Rowland Sinclair series.
Following the harrowing events at his family's homestead, artist and man of leisure Rowland Sinclair has returned to Sydney accompanied by his left-wing friends. Sinclair's decision to enter his car into a charity race on the notorious Maroubra Speedway brings him nothing but trouble, as he is forced to contend with crooked bookies, a vengeful British aristocrat and his arch nemesis Eric Campbell. In addition, Sinclair is being stalked by an occult-obsessed teenager, friend Milton is accused of murdering a reporter in a house of horrors, and Sinclair's love interest, the sculptress Edna Higgins, is being wooed by his racing partner, Errol Flynn.
This is a great addition to a fun Australian mystery series. Gentill has inserted an intriguing murder mystery into the story which combines well with the other storylines to produce an exciting and entertaining novel.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Rowland Sinclair series is its setting in 1930s New South Wales. During this period, radicals from both the right and left were trying to extend their influence throughout the state. Gentill has expertly portrayed this throughout the novel, with the main character often in conflict with the series' overarching protagonist, Eric Campbell, and other conservative elements of the time. This is a great element that adds to the story. Gentill also illustrates the feelings and opinions of the time by including excerpts from a number of publications of the period, especially the now-defunct Smith's Weekly.
Gentill has continued her trend of including a number of iconic Australians from the period into her novels. New characters introduced in this book include actor Errol Flynn, the Witch of Kings Cross Rosaleen Norton, racing driver Joan Richmond, and Jacko the broadcasting kookaburra. While some of these characters have minimal effect on the plot, and their use is overdone, it is an interesting way to examine the period.
This a fast-paced and captivating novel set during a turbulent period in Australia's history. Containing an intriguing mystery, a unique sense of humour and a range of historical characters, this is a highly recommended read for lovers of Australian fiction.
Michael Popple is a Canberra reviewer.
