CANBERRA WEEKLY 22 OCTOBER 2026: NEW CRIME FICTION FROM MICHAEL ROBOTHAM, TARA GOEDJEN and A. W. HAMMOND
This week in the Canberra Weekly I reviewed three new crime novels that range in style and location from a regional Australian mystery to suspense in the Austrian Alps and serial killer thrills in an anonymous city setting.
Tell Me Something True, (Letterwing, 29 September 2026), is the first locally based novel by Australia’s leading crime writer Michael Robotham. Set in a small town on the Great Southern Road between Sydney and Melbourne, Tell Me Something True is a well written and moving novel about the impact of crime on families and communities.
In the Canberra Weekly I said:
“Michael Robotham’s first Australian-based crime novel, Tell Me Something True, is a powerful story about family and community and the enduring impact of a crime.
When Arlo Hackett returns to his small rural hometown after twelve years in prison, he is not expecting to be welcomed back. His brother was charged with a terrible crime, and Arlo was found guilty by association. His return re-opens old wounds and forces Arlo to confront what really happened all those years ago. Beautifully written, Tell Me Something True is a compelling novel that will stick with you long after you finish it.”
Hailed as Michael’s best novel to date, it is certainly a highly emotive story that accurately captures life in small town Australia.
Combining elements of the Gothic mystery with cold case crime, Tara Goedjen’s Please Enjoy Your Stay, (Macmillan, 20 October 2026), is an atmospheric tale set in a semi-spooky hotel high in the Austrian Alps.
In the Canberra Weekly I said:
“Tara Goedjen’s debut adult novel, Please Enjoy Your Stay, also deals with an old crime that continues to reverberate down the years.
When they were teenagers, Mia’s beloved cousin was murdered during their stay at an infamous castle in the Austrian Alps. As the only witness, Mia’s testimony put the killer behind bars. Now, a decade later, the murderer is appealing his conviction, and a popular true crime podcast starts covering the case. The podcaster also resurfaces old accusations that Mia’s aunt, a controversial writer, was involved in the murder. In order to clear her aunt, Mia returns undercover to Austria and the castle. An enjoyable mystery.”
Fans of Riley Sager’s Lock Every Door, and other similar thrillers, will greatly enjoy Please Enjoy Your Stay with its mix of family drama, creepy going-ons, great twists and true crime overtones. Good fun.
Lastly, Australian author A. W. Hammond’s Penitent, (Echo, 29 September 2026), gives a modern day twist to the trope of a priest learning about a murder in the confessional and not being able to do anything about it.
In the Canberra Weekly I said:
“A. W. Hammond tackles a range of issues around morality and sacred duty in his latest novel, Penitent.
When a priest hears the confession of a murderer he is faced with an impossible dilemma: violate the sacred seal of the confessional and betray his vows, or remain silent while other murders occur. Instead he decides to take justice into his own hands and track the killer down. Shifting the perspective between the priest, a determined detective and the priest’s former lover, Hammond keeps the story ticking over nicely, while dealing with the dilemma at the book’s core. A good, brisk weekend read.”
Penitent is an enjoyable crime thriller, the only thing I found slightly odd was that the book’s location was never specified, as far as I could see. I assumed that it was set in Australia, probably in Melbourne, but it was never clear. I suspect that this was done to increase the international appeal of the book, with television rights currently being pursued in the UK, but robbed the book of a strong sense of place. However, this is a not a big deal and it is an entertaining story.
Happy reading!