A beloved UK-born novelist who has written almost 40 books across a range of genres has written her first one set entirely in Australia.

International bestselling author Fiona McIntosh has just released the new historical drama novel, The Orphans, set in the bustling streets of a young Adelaide.

“This came about because we were all in lockdown a couple of years, as I work two years ahead with each novel, and I was sort of forced to look into my own backyard for a story,” she told Jo McManus on 6PR Afternoons.

Press PLAY to hear more about The Orphans from Fiona

“I’ve actually lived here for 40 years … I felt Australians, people like Tim Winton, are going to write about Australia so much better than this blow-in, so I was terrified to write an Australian story and get it wrong, or let people down, so I just stayed in my own playground.”