Where There's a Will by Sulari Gentill (Rowland Sinclair No. 10)

Sulari Gentill brings to life a period in Australian history that is not very much written about. The mid 1930s urban Melbourne was very British, with all the good but with all the racism and so much more that was not so good. The story a very good blend of history, suspense and murder highlights life for the rich and famous (Rowland Sinclair) and also the way in which life was lived. The story is perfectly good as a stand alone though it is No. 10 in the series. Rowland Sinclair, rich, privileged is a different man to his peers - he has never let his wealth make him arrogant though he may be unaware of how he appears to outsiders at heart he is a straight forward, kind man. He leaves the machinations of power and wealth to his brother Will who he has to call upon in times of emergencies though. In this story we go to America where Rowland has been declared the executor of his friend Daniel Cartwright's will. Not straightforward at all, the will ruthlessly cuts out Daniel's brothers and sister, even turfing them out of the house they've always lived and handing over the entire huge estate to a total unknown. Finding Otis involves Rowland and his faithfull crew into one serious mess after another. The claimants to the will apart from people who know who Otis is and who are pretending otherwise do not want enquiries made. They want Rowland to go away leaving them to share their late brother's fortune which they think is their right. Rowland will not give up and several dangerous mishaps happen. The story is convoluted but extremely interesting. Going from Australia to America it delves into the underworld and how gangsters operate in every part of the world. Sent by Poisoned Pen Press for an unbiased review, I am very appreciative that I got this book. Sulari Gentill is originally from Sri Lanka and that gives me a personal stake in reading all her books! Sent via Netgalley.