Hachette acquires two new Robotham novels

Hachette Australia has acquired two novels by Michael Robotham, via Mark Lucas at the Soho Agency, in a multi-territory partnership with Little, Brown Book Group in the UK.

The first novel, Tell Me Something True, is inspired by Robotham’s first manuscript, said the publisher. In a ‘powerful story of love, loss, heartbreak and murder set in a small Australian town’, this forthcoming novel ‘follows Arlo Hackett, released after 12 years in prison, whose return home ignites long-held hostilities and unearths buried truths,’ added Hachette.

Robotham is a bestselling novelist who has sold more than 8 million copies of his books worldwide. He is the only Australian to have twice won the UK’s prestigious Gold Dagger Award (2015, 2021) for best crime novel, as well as the Ian Fleming Steel Dagger (2020).

He said, ‘I began writing Tell Me Something True in my early 20s, more than 40 years ago, and I have never been more excited or nervous about unveiling a novel, because I have never put more of myself onto the page. I love the characters. I love the setting. I love the heartache it brings me. I hope readers feel the same way.’

Hachette Australia head of fiction Rebecca Saunders said, ‘Tell Me Something True is, quite simply, a must-read masterpiece. It is not only a milestone because it’s Michael’s 20th novel, but [also] because it’s a glorious step into new fiction territory.

‘It’s […] an upmarket mystery, a searing coming-of-age portrait, and a devastating love story. Book clubs will be enthralled by Michael’s unflinching look at a small town’s darkest elements and his devastating exploration of a family both before and after a terrible crime.’

Hachette plans to publish Tell Me Something True in all formats on 29 September 2026.

Category: Rights and acquisitions