Michael Robotham's latest novel sat in his bottom drawer for 35 years

Key points

• Michael Robotham's 20th novel, Tell Me Something True, is a rewritten version of a manuscript he wrote in the 1980s. The story, set in a small NSW town, was initially rejected by publishers.
• Robotham, now a bestselling author, has updated the novel to reflect contemporary sensibilities. The book explores themes of brotherhood, family, and small-town secrets, drawing from Robotham's own childhood experiences in Gundagai.
• He will discuss the novel at the State Library of NSW on October 10.