Tell Me Something True
A Novel
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Pub Date Jan 5 2027 | Archive Date Jan 5 2027
Grove Atlantic | Atlantic Crime
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Description
“No one does suspense better.”—Stephen King
“A compelling, devastating story about family and the long shadows of the past.”—Karin Slaughter
“No one will ever forge a flawless novel, but with Tell Me Something True, Robotham has gotten as close to it as I've ever seen.”—David Baldacci
The astonishing, moving crime epic from award-winning and bestselling Michael Robotham: a mystery, a coming-of-age tale, and a love story wrapped into one, set against the simmering tensions of a small Australian town
I look along the road and notice how many people are standing outside their houses or watching from doorways and windows. Staring. Studying.
“Do you think this town will ever forgive me?” I ask.
“Not in a million years.”
Small towns are quick to anger and slow to forgive, but Arlo Hackett doesn't expect mercy when he emerges from a twelve-year prison sentence and makes his way back to Yulara, a waypoint on Australia's Great Southern Road. The last time Arlo was home in 1988, his brother Luke was charged with a terrible crime, and Arlo was found guilty by association.
His return to Yulara is like cracking open a time capsule full of hatred and violence, along with memories of the people he loved—the ones he couldn't save.
The small town wants Arlo gone, or worse, but every insult and humiliation pushes him to confront what really happened all those years ago. The truth will shock you, surprise you, and break your heart.
For fans of Liz Moore and Chris Whitaker, Tell Me Something True is a poignant, slow-burning mystery filled with palpable tension and tender love about the cost of clemency and the need for revenge.
Advance Praise
“This novel and its characters will stay with me forever. I ached, cried, and laughed and it felt like I bled right along with them. No one will ever forge a flawless novel, but with Tell Me Something True, Robotham has gotten as close to it as I’ve ever seen.”—David Baldacci
“A compelling, devastating story about family and the long shadows of the past. Tell Me Something True is unforgettable.”—Karin Slaughter
“A profoundly rich and heartbreaking novel about the singular endurance of love in all its forms, even through unthinkable and compounding tragedies. Michael Robotham demonstrates uncommon insight into the suffering and survival of a family devastated by murder and its myriad aftermaths. Here is a master storyteller reminding us that hope is more powerful than grief.”—Jeanine Cummins
“My book of the year. This compelling, intriguing and entertaining masterpiece examines the conscience of a whole town and should win every award going. Genius.”—Liz Nugent
“Emotional, startling and beautifully crafted; it brings small town Australia into your living room.”—Val McDermid
“Most writers would be proud to produce, in their entire career, a book half as good as Tell Me Something True. No one can touch him when it comes to infusing crime with character and heart.”—Linwood Barclay
“One of the best books I’ve read all year – beautifully written, moving and propels you to a devastating ending.”—Ajay Chowdhury
“Michael Robotham’s masterpiece. An epic elegy of love, family, morality and justice. It is tender, heartbreaking, beguiling, enraging, exhilarating and triumphant.”—Chris Brookmyre
“A triumph, with a plot you can’t second guess and real emotional punch.”—Chris Chibnall
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9780802168924 |
| PRICE | $28.00 (USD) |
| PAGES | 432 |
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Buy on Amazon Buy on BN.com Buy on Bookshop.orgAverage rating from 221 members
Featured Reviews
Kerri C, Librarian
I live for Michael Robotham releasing another book. One of the most underrated suspense writers of our time.
This was 10 out of 10 - everything I look for in a mystery - nostalgia, family ties, heartbreak and loss.
The mystery was slowly revealed as Arlo returned home after completing his years in prison. Only then did he start to question his brother's confession. The flashbacks to his brother Luke, and Saxton gave the reader just enough of a glimpse to keep reading and wanting more knowledge of the past each time.
I won't forget Luke or Arlo or Saxton anytime soon. If you read mysteries or suspense - read this.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Cyndi L, Librarian
A young man returns to the his small Australian hometown after being released from prison where he served a sentence involving a terrible crime committed his dead brother. As he is forced to confront ghosts from his past as well as those who wish him harm, he begins to suspect that his brother may have actually been innocent. Robotham’s writing, as always, is superb and this is a skillfully, well-crafted story with stellar character development and a broad appeal for those who love psychological thrillers. Fans of Jane Harper and Karin Slaughter will devour this.
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