Green’s Dictionary of Slang

(UK black) an elaborate story, a piece of information.

1999		(con. 1979–80) A. Wheatle Brixton Rock (2004) 51: Wanting hear the full novel, he began to tap his feet.
2001		(con. 1981) A. Wheatle East of Acre Lane 122: You love make a novel of everyt’ing.