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  • Published: 17 July 2017
  • ISBN: 9780143785262
  • Imprint: Penguin
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 416
  • RRP: $26.00

Tell the Truth, Shame the Devil




Melina Marchetta's gripping new novel Tell the Truth, Shame the Devil is a cracking fusion of suspense and heart-rending drama.

Chief Inspector Bish Ortley of the London Met, divorced and still grieving the death of his son, has been drowning his anger in Scotch. Something has to give, and he’s no sooner suspended from the force than a busload of British students is subject to a deadly bomb attack across the Channel. Bish’s daughter is one of those on board.

Also on the bus is Violette LeBrac. Raised in Australia, Violette has a troubled background. Thirteen years ago her grandfather bombed a London supermarket, killing dozens of people. Her mother, Noor, is serving a life sentence in connection with the incident. But before Violette’s part in the French tragedy can be established she disappears.

Bish, who was involved in Noor LeBrac’s arrest, is now compelled to question everything that happened back then. And the more he delves into the lives of the family he helped put away, the more he realises that truth wears many colours.

With its cast of unforgettable characters, social insight and wry wit, Tell the Truth, Shame the Devil is an irresistible novel about human identity, lost children and the nature of real love.

  • Published: 17 July 2017
  • ISBN: 9780143785262
  • Imprint: Penguin
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 416
  • RRP: $26.00

About the author

Melina Marchetta

Melina Marchetta is an internationally bestselling and award-winning author in more than twenty countries and eighteen languages. Her eighteen books range from beloved young adult fiction and fantasy through to contemporary and crime fiction, and works for younger readers. Her much-loved Australian classic Looking for Alibrandi swept the pool of literary awards when it was published, and was also released as a film, adapted by Marchetta, winning an AFI Award and an Independent Film Award for best screenplay, as well as the New South Wales Premier’s Literary Award and the Film Critics Circle of Australia Award. In 2009 Marchetta won the prestigious Michael L. Printz Award from the American Library Association. Her most recent novel is The Place on Dalhousie. She lives in Sydney.

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Praise for Tell the Truth, Shame the Devil

Tell the Truth, Shame the Devil is a stunning marriage of global anguish and personal pain. It's often heartbreaking, sometimes heart-stopping, and definitely unforgettable

Ivy Pochoda, author of Visitation Street

Heart-pounding (and heartbreaking) . . . Tell the Truth, Shame the Devil grabbed me by the throat and didn't let go until I'd read the last word - and shed the last tear

Gayle Forman, author of If I Stay and Leave Me

Awards & recognition

Fellowship of Australian Writers Awards

Highly commended  •  2016  •  Christina Stead Fiction Award

Indie Book Awards

Longlisted  •  2017  •  Indie Book Awards

Sisters in Crime Davitt Award

Shortlisted  •  2017  •  Best crime

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Tell the Truth, Shame the Devil book club notes

Melina Marchetta’s Tell the Truth, Shame the Devil – a memorable book club choice.