Tell Me Something True

by Michael Robotham

'My book of the year. A compelling, intriguing and entertaining masterpiece' LIZ NUGENT
'Emotional, startling, beautifully crafted' VAL MCDERMID
'Most writers would be proud to produce a book half as good as Tell Me Something True' LINWOOD BARCLAY

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, his brother Luke was charged with a terrible crime and Arlo was found guilty by association.

His return to the goldrush town 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.

Yulara 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.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Australia, Fiction, Crime

Kindle Edition

Expected publication September 29, 2026

About the author

Two-times Gold Dagger winner (2015 and 2020), twice Edgar best novel finalist (2016 and 2020) and winner of the Ian Fleming Steel Dagger (2021), Michael Robotham was born in Australia in November 1960 and grew up in small country towns that had more dogs than people and more flies than dogs. He escaped became a cadet journalist on an afternoon newspaper in Sydney.

For the next fourteen years he worked for newspapers and magazines in Australia, Europe, Africa and America. As a senior feature writer for the UK’s Mail on Sunday he was among the first people to view the letters and diaries of Czar Nicholas II and his wife Empress Alexandra, unearthed in the Moscow State Archives in 1991. He also gained access to Stalin’s Hitler files, which had been missing for nearly fifty years until a cleaner stumbled upon a cardboard box that had been misplaced and misfiled.

In 1993 he quit journalism to become a ghostwriter, collaborating with politicians, pop stars, psychologists, adventurers and showbusiness personalities to write their autobiographies. Twelve of these non-fiction titles have been bestsellers with combined sales of more than 2 million copies.

His first novel 'THE SUSPECT', a psychological thriller, was chosen by the world’s largest consortium of book clubs as only the fifth “International Book of the Month”, making it the top recommendation to 28 million book club members in fifteen countries.

Since then, Michael's psychological thrillers have been translated into twenty-five languages and his Joe O'Loughlin series is are currently in development for TV by World Productions. A six-part TV series based upon his standalone novel THE SECRETS SHE KEEPS was aired on BBC1 in 2020, and a second series begins filming in 2021.

Michael lives in Sydney with his wife and a diminishing number of dependent daughters.

Reviews

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Netgalley for giving me this free advance copy, and I’m writing this review honestly and without bias.
I know Michael Robotham can write a damn good series. I know Michael Robotham can write a very good standalone. But this book Blew. Me. Away. I was so invested in and connected to Arlo Hackett. What a truly amazing character. This is a powerful read as the author takes us on an emotional rollercoaster as Arlo tries to put together the truth.
The author captures the heart of a small Australian town in a way that is reminiscent of Garry Disher. Wonderfully written and the story flows effortlessly between past and present. It's heartbreaking, emotional, suspenseful and was absolutely flawless- one of those books that will stay with you long after reading
'Tell Me Something True'- this is my favourite read of the year and is going to take some beating
A trillion stars for this outstanding piece of storytelling and I am so glad the masterpiece came out of the bottom drawer!

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful heartfelt story. Quickest read ever, loved it. First read of Michael’s book, won’t be my last.

[Patty Abarno · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot say enough good things about this novel. Robotham is such a talented writer and this stand alone is exactly why. After twelve years in prison, Arlo Hackett emerges and returns back to his hometown of Yulara. But he is not wanted there because of a crime that occurred and his guilt by association. But Arlo has served his time and has returned to discover what really happened all those years ago when his brother Luke was blamed for the rape and murder of a young woman named Saxon. Although he couldn’t save his brother or Saxon, Arlo is driven by the memories and strives to uncover the truth that the corrupt police department has hidden and exonerate his brother and hopefully himself in the end. This book broke my heart but it was worth every tear. A story of loss and deception but also love and ultimately redemption and forgiveness. Huge 5 stars from me.

[Mainlinebooker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Robotham’s Tell Me Something True may surprise readers who come to it expecting the taut machinery of his celebrated psychological thrillers. While elements of mystery and menace certainly pulse beneath the narrative, this novel distinguishes itself less through velocity than through emotional excavation. It is, at heart, a deeply humane and melancholic meditation on guilt, exile, forgiveness, and the corrosive nature of communal judgment. In many ways, it stands among Robotham’s most affecting works precisely because it resists sensationalism and instead lingers in the bruised interior lives of its characters.
The novel follows Arlo Hackett, a man returning to his small Australian hometown after serving twelve years in prison for his role as an accessory to a murder committed — or believed to have been committed — by his younger neurodivergent brother. Arlo emerges from incarceration not hardened but softened, almost painfully gentle in his manner. He returns carrying the quiet dignity of someone who has suffered deeply yet still wishes to believe in goodness. Robotham renders him with extraordinary tenderness. Arlo’s humility, restraint, and instinctive kindness make the hostility directed toward him feel all the more devastating.

What makes the novel especially compelling is its portrayal of small-town moral pettiness masquerading as righteousness. Robotham understands that communities often preserve themselves not through compassion but through exclusion. The town has long since decided who Arlo is, and no amount of patience, decency, or hard work can fully erase the stain of collective memory. Rumor calcifies into truth; suspicion becomes a civic pastime. The residents cling to grievance because it grants them a sense of moral superiority. In this world, redemption is not merely difficult — it may be structurally impossible.

This is where the novel acquires its deeper resonance. Robotham does not offer the sentimental reassurance that suffering inevitably ennobles people or that communities ultimately choose grace over cruelty. Instead, he suggests something far sadder and perhaps more truthful: that people often prefer familiar scapegoats to uncomfortable self-examination. The town’s treatment of Arlo exposes how easily fear and resentment become inherited traditions, passed from one generation to another under the guise of “protecting” the community.

Into this emotionally charged landscape arrives Saxon, a young girl fleeing abuse from her politically prominent father. She is one of the novel’s greatest triumphs. Saxon could easily have become a stock “troubled child” figure, but Robotham imbues her with astonishing vitality. She is sharp-tongued, fiercely intelligent, wounded yet defiant. Her sassiness and emotional candor inject moments of levity and electricity into an otherwise sorrow-laden narrative. Through Saxon, the novel explores how trauma can produce not only fragility but also resilience and wit. Her growing relationship with Arlo becomes the emotional backbone of the story — two damaged souls recognizing safety in one another.

Equally poignant is the rekindled connection between Arlo and his former girlfriend. Their love story is not written in grand declarations but in hesitations, silences, and accumulated regrets. Robotham excels at depicting the ache of lost time: the unbearable awareness of what life might have been had fate, circumstance, and human weakness not intervened. Their relationship carries the emotional weight of years stolen by imprisonment and judgment, making every gesture between them feel fragile and precious.

Stylistically, the novel is beautifully restrained. Robotham abandons the relentless pacing typical of crime fiction in favor of a slow-burning emotional intensity. The prose never calls attention to itself, yet beneath its simplicity lies remarkable precision. He allows tension to accumulate gradually, not merely through plot revelations but through emotional stakes. The reader becomes invested not just in uncovering truths, but in whether these battered characters can survive the crushing weight of other people’s perceptions.

What ultimately elevates Tell Me Something True is its refusal to simplify human nature. There are acts of kindness in the novel, certainly, but they exist alongside cowardice, prejudice, and vindictiveness. Robotham paints a world where redemption is elusive because society itself often resists allowing people to change. The title itself becomes quietly profound: to tell someone something true is an act of vulnerability, but truth alone may not be enough to free people from the narratives imposed upon them.

This is not merely a crime novel; it is a compassionate and unsettling study of how communities remember, punish, and deny mercy. Robotham has written a story filled with sorrow and grace, one that lingers long after the final page. Far from disappointing, the novel may indeed stand as one of his most mature and emotionally resonant achievements.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in return for an honest review

[Ceecee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arlo Hackett returns to the small town of Yulara after serving a twelve year prison sentence for guilty by association, after his brother Luke is charged with a shocking crime. He does not expect to be welcomed home with open arms and indeed, he receives much hostility and some violence as his return has opened old wounds. It’s clear the town wants him gone. However, this has the opposite effect and spurs him on to confront the truth of what really happens years ago as his belief grows that it’s not what the authorities say. Is he right??

Michael Robotham effortlessly pulls me into this novel and makes me really care about Arlo and his brother Luke’s truth, whatever that may be. It’s a devastatingly emotional rollercoaster of a read and makes me angry and sad in equal measure. The storytelling effortlessly goes from the past to the present day (2001) and incorporates many themes, including love, family, guilt and redemption. Arlo tells the story and he does so with bravery and honesty and the end result is heart aching, heartbreaking and extremely powerful.

The author has written many excellent books that I’ve had the pleasure of reading and I hesitate to suggest that this might be his best one yet. It just goes to show that sometimes leaving something for 20 years, as he did with the initial manuscript, can in fact lead to something quite incredible.

It’s beautifully written and very moving as well as being atmospheric. The characterisation is exemplary and I can picture them all with ease. I root for some and despise others. It brims with tension emanating from a small town that is determined not to forgive or forget but which has more than its fair share of secrets which is which it is grimly holding onto.

Overall, I know it’s early days (April 2026) and I’ve read some amazing books so far this year, but I think this will be in my top five. It’s absolutely fantastic and one I can highly recommend.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Little Brown Book Group/Sphere for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tell Me Something True is a haunting, deeply human story about guilt, memory, and the way a small town can hold on to its anger long after the facts have faded. From the moment Arlo Hackett steps back into Yulara after twelve years in prison, the air feels charged — heavy with old grudges, unspoken accusations, and the kind of silence that says more than words ever could. The image of people watching from doorways and windows, studying him like a returning ghost, sets the tone perfectly.

Arlo is a character who carries his past like a bruise, tender and unhealed. His return isn’t triumphant or hopeful; it’s raw, uncomfortable, and painfully honest. The town hasn’t forgotten what happened to his brother, and it certainly hasn’t forgiven Arlo for being part of the story, even if he was never the one on trial. That tension — between who he was, who he is, and who the town insists he must be — gives the novel a quiet, relentless pull.

The setting is beautifully rendered, full of dust, heat, and the lingering echoes of the goldrush era. Yulara feels both expansive and suffocating, a place where the landscape stretches for miles but the past presses in close. As Arlo begins to confront what really happened all those years ago, the narrative deepens into something tender and devastating. The truth that emerges is layered, surprising, and emotionally charged, reshaping everything you thought you understood about the crime, the town, and Arlo himself.

This is a story about the weight of reputation, the cruelty of collective memory, and the fragile hope of redemption. It’s gripping not because of twists, but because of its emotional honesty — the way it captures a man trying to reclaim his life in a place determined to deny him that chance.
A beautifully written, quietly powerful novel that lingers long after the final page, and one that will break your heart in all the right ways.

With thanks to Michael Robotham, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Matt Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tell Me Something True is not the conventional thriller we’ve come to expect from Michael Robotham. Rather, it’s an exploration of how the attitudes of others can distort and ultimately damage identity. At its core lies the idea that a person can serve their punishment and yet remain irredeemable in the minds of others. For much of the novel, the reader is left asking what the central protagonist is truly guilty of — and, when the answer is finally revealed, how we ought to feel about it.
This clever authorial device, established early, forces us to confront questions about justice and the integrity of both the police and judicial systems. The eventual reveal surrounding the question of “what is he guilty of?” is beautifully framed and emotionally resonant.
The novel is less about crime itself than it is about reputation: the way relatively intimate — even claustrophobic — small communities construct their own histories and defend them vigorously, particularly those who inherit patriarchal authority and whose voices are least likely to be challenged. This aspect of the narrative feels both effective and deeply believable. Most readers will recognise the phenomenon of collective memory taking shape through repetition, reinforcement, and the quiet suppression of dissenting views.
Robotham’s prose is economical without ever feeling sparse. The character development is excellent, tension ebbs and flows naturally, and no scene feels overwritten or melodramatic. That restraint lends credibility to the novel’s central idea: that many of the people within it are trapped inside identities narrated for them by others.
Ultimately, the crimes themselves are secondary to the psychological and moral questions beneath them. Are people truly capable of reinvention once a community has decided who they are?
Above all, this is a ripping read — and an easy five stars from me

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tell Me Something True is the new novel by Michael Robotham that is one of the best books I have read this year. A haunting, emotional look at the “small-town justice” that thrives in the isolated waypoints of Australia’s Great Southern Road.

Arlo Hackett is returning to his hometown of Yulara after serving twelve years in prison. Arlo isn’t looking for forgiveness, he was sent away not for his own crime, but because he was found “guilty by association” when his brother, Luke, was charged with an unspeakable act.

The towns inhabitants are not going to forgive easily and the novel is full of tension. The town doesn’t just want Arlo to leave; they want him destroyed. Every insult and humiliation he endures becomes a catalyst, pushing him closer to the one thing the town wants to keep buried: the truth about what happened twelve years ago. This is a moving story that narrates Arlo’s internal struggle, haunted by memories of the people he loved and, more painfully, the ones he couldn’t save. Yulara is a place where the past isn’t just a memory, it’s a living, breathing entity that dictates who lives and who suffers.

This is a novel full of tension, emotion and plenty of atmosphere. A mystery that unravels to reveal what Arlo’s brother actually did, and why Arlo took the fall for it.

“Arlo Hackett went to prison to protect a memory, but he returned to Yulara to burn the lies to the ground.”
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Little Brown Books Group for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Few writers deliver storytelling with the emotional force and unforgettable character work that this author does, and once again he proves why he remains at the top of his game. His latest novel follows Arlo Hackett, a man returning to a town that has never forgiven him, and the result is a deeply atmospheric, beautifully crafted narrative that held me completely spellbound. The portrait of Yulara, its simmering resentment, its long memories, its buried violence feels so vivid it practically breathes. Arlo’s journey through hostility, grief, and the unresolved shadows of his brother’s past is rendered with such compassion and nuance that it’s impossible not to be drawn into his world. The dual timelines, the emotional weight of family loyalty, and the slow unravelling of long‑hidden truths create a story that is powerful, haunting, and rich with tension.

What enriches the novel even further is the author’s extraordinary ability to build characters who linger long after the final page. Arlo’s voice is raw and honest, and his search for answers becomes a moving exploration of guilt, redemption, and the cost of collective judgment. The mystery unfolds with quiet precision rather than flashy twists, making the emotional revelations hit even harder. It’s a heartbreaking, atmospheric, and deeply human story, one that showcases the author at his absolute best. Another triumph, and a book that will stay with me for a very long time.

Thank you to Netgalley and. the publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions expressed are my own.

[Tintaglia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Una cittadina persa nell'outback australiano, un uomo gentile che ha passato dodici anni in prigione per espiare la colpa - autoassegnata di non essere riuscito a proteggere due persone che amava. E poi, la scoperta che non c'era colpa da espiare, se non quella di essersi sempre lasciato andare, di non aver mai combattuto, in vita sua; di non essersi fidato del fratello. Di averlo condannato nonostante lo conoscesse; di non averlo preso, mentre volava sul fiume, come tanti anni prima.
Un romanzo che ha per protagonista un uomo buono, con i suoi difetti; il dolore, il senso di colpa, il desiderio di verità e di espiazione; i segreti delle piccole città; la crudeltà, intenzionale e non, una cultura della sopraffazione che neanche si percepisce come tale, trasmessa di padre in figlio, protetta dal silenzio di singoli e istituzioni.
Un romanzo in cui la redenzione è la presa di coscienza di quello che si sarebbe dovuto fare e non si è fatto, e la volontà di portare alla luce la verità, anche se troppo tardi, perché verità e giustizia alle volte coincidono.
Scritto benissimo, con personaggi sfaccettati e un'ambientazione complessa e credibile, questo romanzo è stata una scoperta meravigliosa e dolorosa insieme, perché sapere come tutto era iniziato rendeva ancora più difficile sopportare l'ingiustizia che sapevo sarebbe arriva, la rovina di tutto. Eppure, insieme al dolore, arriva la speranza di un futuro.
Bellissimo.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me tell you something true - this is one of the best books I have read in a long, long time.

Despite having heard many people rave about the Cyrus Haven series, the only previous novels I have read of Michael's are When You Are Mine and The White Crow which make up the Philomena McCarthy series. I loved that series which made requesting this book a no-brainer and I am so glad I did.

Tell Me Something True tells the story of Arlo Hackett, freed from prison after serving 12 years for being an accessory after the fact to his brother Luke's crimes of rape and murder. Arlo returns to his small home town where residents have long memories and no-one has forgotten the crime which shook the small town,

With his mother now in a care home, Arlo plans to stick around long enough to renovate and his sell his mother's house to pay for her care however it is clear that he does not believe the circumstances around his (now deceased) brother's alleged crimes and when he starts to find evidence which cast doubt on his brother's guilt, it is clear that some people in town will do anything to stop him looking any further.

This was a brilliant story navigating between two timelines and has real depth, touching on themes of family, redemption, guilt, morality and many others. Whilst stories like this often come and go, and are quickly forgotten, this will live long in my memory.

[Jackie Murrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A man struggles through the streets of town, carrying a dead girl, who he places on the altar of the church. He is Luke Hackett, strong but gentle, and known to be “slow,” and predictably he is accused of her murder. Twelve years later, his brother Arlo returns from prison, where he served a sentence as an accessory, and where he faces hostility and violence from those who live there. When he starts to explore what really happened to the murdered girl, Saxon, he begins to uncover the town’s secrets and to question what he has always thought to be true. A poignant and layered mystery set in a toxic small community, Saxon has always stood up for the weaker members, but ironically becomes a victim herself in a case where injustice persists. She is a vivid and sympathetic character, the sort of person who “charges round corners” instead of proceeding with caution, speaking inappropriately without embarrassment but playing the piano at church like an angel and becoming like family to the Hacketts. Some of the other characters, the ones with the power, do seem a bit like stereotypical villains, and the plotting can be fairly predictable in places, but this is an enjoyable read with a redemptive arc.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tell me something true by Micheal Robotham Is one of them emotional, thought-provoking book which at first it as far from what I was expecting but, in the end, it blew me away.
Arlo Hackett returns home to the small town of Yulara, a way point on Australia’s Great Southern Road after 12 years being in prison for association after hi brother Luke as convicted of murder. He knows that he will not be welcome as the town never forgets. But he wants to visit his mother after all these years. But when he gets there. The hostility is undesirable and he wants to find the truth what happened 12 years ago and then he will be on his way. As he knows that his brother wouldn’t hurt anyone. So why was he convicted of murder?
Tell me something true by Michael Robotham is a beautifully written and moving book. It shows one man trying to find the truth that happened twelve years previously and acceptance of the truth. The story line slowly unfolds but, this is so good that it make you want more.
It shows dynamics of a small town and those that are not ready to forgive. But also shows others only protect their own and their own agenda. This is such a powerful read. This indeed ill be a best seller. I highly recommend. 5 stars.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

A standalone tale, Tell Me Something True (2026) by Michael Robotham is a melodious family mystery read. After twelve years in prison, Arlo is released and returns to Yulara, a small rural highway, wayside town. He was sentenced as an accessory after the fact, when his younger brother Luke was charged with the murder of a teenage girl. Luke’s confession, then his escape from custody and subsequent death, still causes furore and resentment. The animosity towards Arlo’s presence leads the local police to advise him to leave town. Arlo decides to stay and undertakes repairing his mother’s house, who is in a local care home, after suffering a stroke. As Arlo tries to reconnect with his one teenage friend, he questions exactly what happened that fateful night. Switching back and forth in time, this riveting crime mystery, family tale and small-town saga is a delightful Robotham story. A powerful tale of past secrets, which have simmering tensions and consequences in the present, makes for a do not miss five star read rating. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own, freely given and without any inducement.

[McBreakneck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been reading Michael Robotham’s books since 2020, finding The Suspect in a charity shop, bingeing all the O’Loughlin series, all the standalones, then reading every new books as soon as possible.

Fans will notice something different about Tell Ne Something True, it’s set in Australia, not England.

Tell Me Something True sees Arlo Hackett stepping free from a twelve year prison sentence, making his way back to the remote, dusty town where he grew up. He’s not welcome but has no choice but to try confront what really happened all those years ago.

It’s a very powerful book and surprisingly moving. The character writing and the gradual build up is excellent. Every character and every detail adds something. Once you’ve settled into it the balance between and merging of past and present is masterful.

Superb. Liz Nugent has already called it ‘My book of the year.’ and it’s sure to be a contender in my books of the year.

Read it as soon as you can. Highly recommended.

Thanks to Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is quite different from Michael Robotham’s usual thrillers, but was a very enthralling read. Tell Me Something True is more character-led, with a strong coming of age thread running alongside the mystery.

Arlo returns to his small Australian hometown after twelve years in prison and quickly realises nothing has been forgotten and he is not welcome there. The past hangs over everything, especially what happened to his brother all those years ago and Arlo’s involvement. As he starts to dig into it, the story slowly unravels.

I liked the way this was handled, it’s a gradual reveal rather than a series of big twists. The small town atmosphere is spot on as well, with that underlying tension in every interaction.

It does move more slowly at times in a methodical way, but I was invested in Arlo and where the story was going. Overall, a more reflective, character-driven read from Robotham, but still compelling. A solid four stars.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

[Julianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Michael Robotham's 20th novel, a standalone, follows Arlo Hackett's nihilistic investigation into the death of his close friend. He lost twelve years of his life, wasted for absolutely no good reason, let alone an accurate one. As Arlo delves into every aspect of the case and his own past, readers start to understand what happened, what went wrong, and what the truth really is. This novel is fragmented into 66 chapters- a fitting number for the dark theme of the book- flipping back and forth along the timeline and jump cutting scenes.

If you want a book that will spark joy or give your life direction, keep looking. This one is dark, undercutting to the worst of humanity without hope or moral maxim.

Troupes: False conviction, slow burn, troubled narrator
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
Gore: 3/5 🩸
Language: 3/5 👀
Triggers: assault, battery, murder, child grooming

Thank you to Grove Atlantic and NetGalley for this ARC!

[Kelly Veit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something true that I have to tell you is that book is outstanding! I’ve read most of Robotham’s books and have loved each one. This one just feels personal to the author. He writes it with such compassion, seemingly pouring out his heart onto the pages. The characters have so much depth that the reader gets to know them like friends and family and it feels like being in the novel. I could picture each scene playing out in my mind. I really couldn’t put this book down but I also didn’t want it to end. This story is gut-wrenching and pulls on your heartstrings. I would suggest having tissues nearby when you read it. I would definitely recommend reading this one as soon as it becomes available. All👏🏻 the👏🏻stars👏🏻 for Tell Me Something True.

Many thanks to Grove Atlantic via NetGalley for the advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.

[Greville Waterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible book whose memory will last with me for a very long time.

Haunting, sad yet lyrical in terms of the quality of the writing, the portrayal of the main characters and the stunning nature of the plot, the book takes you to the rivalries, jealousies and hidden secrets of small town Australia.

Forgiveness and acceptance are firmly off the table and revenge and retribution are what is sought for Carlo as he returns from prison to the site of his dead brother’s horrendous crime.

All is not what it seems and the journey towards the truth is heart rending and emotional.

My book of the year to date from a wonderful author who can turn his hand to all genres of writing.

[Big Bertha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its twelve years since Arlo Hackett walked the streets of Yulara but little has changed, same old faces, same old whispers and same old small town grudges.

This novel wasn't just about Arlo it was about families, friendships, his younger brother Luke and a headstrong gifted girl who came into their lives and became a part of their family. Characters that melted my heart and a storyline that tore me apart.

I knew from the opening pages I was going to love this novel. The scene setting was perfection, the atmosphere brooding and it gripped me, refusing to let go long after I'd turned the final pages.

My thanks to Little, Brown Book Group and NetGalley for the early read in exchange for an honest review

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I mean this in the most complimentary way possible, but this book gives off huge Chris Whitaker vibes.
I think I picked it up as I'm a big fan of Australian crime, especially set in small town
I wasn't expecting to be a bit of an emotional wreck towards the end when someone says the title of the book.
From the start it was hard to imagine Luke was a killer, so I was very invested in any scrap of a clue to prove he wasn't.
Arlo, Luke and their mother all stole a bit of my heart.
The final chapters really ramp up the pace, and it felt like exactly the ending I wanted (you don't want to know what I was picturing happening)


Thanks to netgalley for the free digital copy

[Barbara Rohde · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this immersive story of Arlo and Luke Hackett set in the fictional town of Yulara. The characters are strongly described so that they become real people to the reader. Yulara is populated by the usual small minded individuals that typically inhabit such places. What happens to Luke is heart wrenching although not surprising given his difference in such a place. The more complex character is Arlo who bears the brunt of the emotional fallout from a town and justice system that allows weakness and prejudice to flourish. A great read. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every now and again, you start reading a book and you realise, within a few pages, you are about to read a five star book- this is one of those books.
The plot, the characters, the writing, everything is perfect. A whole range of emotions experienced reading this book- sadness, anger, humour, love, compassion, it has them all.
My favourite read in a long time that will stay with me. If you read one book this year, read this one.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this brilliant book.

[Jo Rawlins · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up to 5 for the ending.

This book reminded me very much of the film, 'The Green Mile'.

'Tell Me Something True' is an engaging read with interesting characters. I felt the injustice Arlo experienced very strongly and the tragedy of what happened to Saxon. Helen is a complex character. I felt I should like her - after all, Arnold clearly loves her - but I found her selfish, insecure and jealous.

Great plot with an interesting exploration of small town archetypes.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

[Adrian Dooley · Rating 5 out of 5]

My book of the year so far. A mesmerising tale of murder, secrets, family and relationships all set in a small town in Australia.

The writing is fantastic. The characters are so well written that they will stay with you long after you finish the book.

Beautifully crafted as the story unfolds I genuinely can’t think of one negative thing to say about this book.

If you like character based stories with a murder mystery thrown in then get your hands on a copy. You’ll be glad you did. An absolute gem of a book.

Many thanks to the publisher for the ARC through Netgalley.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic Atlantic Crime for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

5 stars

I devoured this book in 24 hours and it left me gutted. So many incredible characters.

It is 2001 and Arlo Hackett comes back to his small Australian town after spending a dozen years in prison. The townsfolk are not happy with his return. The timeline goes back and forth from 2001 to 12 years prior where we learn what sent Arlo to jail. Lots of small town intrigue and the endless secrets. I can't recommend this book enough.

[Sally Boocock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a great fan of Michael Robotham's books I was intrigued to read this one based in Australia. It most certainly did not disappoint. It's a truly emotional story of a town that will not forgive. The characters are so well thought out . Arlo and his brother Luke break your heart and keep you wanting to find out the truth. It's a story that pulls you in from page one and nevervlets up. Brilliant.

[Fleurtje Eliza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Already Michael Robothams twentieth book, but only his second for me. And yet again, I am touched by how well these main characters were put together. I didn’t have to like them (which I didn’t in some cases), but following their stories and how some of them are not either likable or the opposite, but a bit of both. I think that is essential to this whodunit.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the book.

[Liz Mistry · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fabulous read this is. Set in Australia and following two timelines this is a story about sacrifice, redemption, love and small town secrets.
A beautifully written vividly portrayed story exploring the murder of a child years earlier and its affect on the community and families affected. But, looking deeper we discover that assumptions can be wrong.
Thoroughly enjoyable!

[Liz Nugent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will be very surprised if I read a better book this year. Astonishingly good.