The Prodigal Son - Gentill
3 stars

A free short story from the author. It is a prequel to the Rowland Sinclair series, introducing the characters. I enjoyed it. It fed my addiction. Temporarily. While I wait impatiently for the next book.

www.RowlandSinclairNovella.com ( )

I thoroughly enjoyed this novella. It was a swift read which I finished in one sitting. It's charming and entertaining. I loved the newspaper clippings at the beginning of each chapter which also gives us a glimpse into the setting, Sydney in 1928.
This book was written by Sulari Gentill as a gift to her readers and the ebook is available on the author's website. I look forward to reading more from the author. ( )

This novel was sent to me by Pantera Press via NetGalley. Thank you.

This little gem of a novella is a prequel to Gentill’s Roland Sinclair mysteries. Ever wonder how Roland and his leftist friends met? Here is the scoop. Roland, just returned from university and travel, is back home in Australia rather bored and restless. The prospect of filling his time pursuing the interests of his class leaves him cold. Enter an old childhood friend Andy Longmore who remembered that Roland had a talent for painting. He suggests that Roland attend the Sydney Art School where he is also enrolled. For lack of anything else to do, Roland agrees. He also agrees that Andy move in with him since the family home has more than enough bedrooms and Andy is trying to save money for a trip to the artist’s dream, Paris.

Within a few weeks Roland has met fellow artist and model Edna Higgins, the free spirit advocate of love with no chains attached and her poet buddy Milton Issacs. One evening, Roland’s BMW is attacked by a bunch of hooligans who take exception to a German car. Roland and his car are rescued by Milton and his communist friend and fellow artist Clyde Watson Jones. As well as being Red and an expressionist Jones is also a top-rate auto mechanic who soon puts the beloved auto to rights.

Soon Roland’s home is less empty. His three new friends are permanent residents with their easels set up alongside Roland’s and Andy’s in the former sitting room, now a multiple artist’s studio. Roland is happy but not everyone is content with the new arrangements. Andy sees his dream of going to Paris with Roland fading fast as Roland becomes involved with the locals and may even be in the verge of love. His housekeeper isn’t happy because she claims someone is pinching the silver. And Roland’s brother isn’t happy because Roland is spending an exorbitant amount of money pursuing this new lifestyle.

So which of his friends is a thief? And is there a closet murderer under Roland’s roof?

You’ll just have to read this fun mystery to find out! ( )