Bad Manners

Would it kill you to smile, darling? Perhaps…

A men-only charity dinner. A clutch of young waitresses.

The jokes are uncomfortable. The hands linger. The collars loosen.

Behind closed doors, the wine flows.

The night is dark. The faces blur. The memories warp.

Behind closed doors, the money flows.

But revenge is sweet and justice is a burning flame.

Behind closed doors, the blood flows…

A fierce and addictive read about lust and power, the love we want versus the love we take, and the tinderbox secrets that hide so well in the heart of families, this is the searing new novel from the author of Spilt Milk.

Reviews

'Unflinchingly honest and brilliantly told, Bad Manners exposes the darkness and power of patriarchy and its corrosive consequences on a family. A magnificent achievement, this is truly a story for our times.' Louisa Reid, author of The Poet

'Beashel wields language with precision and power … this is a brave and important book, but it is also a brilliant and addictive read.' Emma Robinson, USA Today bestselling author of All My Fault

'A powerful and timely read that made me simultaneously shake with rage and whoop with solidarity. Every woman should read it.' Katy Brent, author of How to Kill Men and Get Away with It

‘Great on the dark power of the patriarchy as well the corrosive nature of family secrets. Compelling.’ Daily Mail

'A nuanced exploration of the deep rooted misogyny that underscores society and the effect it has on women and girls. Beashel writers with power and purpose and beauty – I loved it.' Julia Tuffs

'An exploration of privilege and coercion… And unforgivable betrayal.' Elena Wilkes, author of The Broken Marriage

'There is so much in Bad Manners to recognise, to talk about, to learn from. Bravo! Another brilliant and brave slant at life.' Anstey Harris, author of House of Lost Secrets

'Ripples outwards to encompass themes of sex, power, money, manipulation, friendship, parenthood and love. All this, and a plot which is as gripping any thriller.' Emma Robinson, USA Today bestselling author of All My Fault

'Such a thoughtful, rage-inducing and sadly relatable book. A must-read for everyone.' Kate Weston, author of You May Now Kill the Bride

'A powerful, multi-layered story that I was completely enthralled by … Beashel's writing captivated me from the blistering first page right to the highly satisfying conclusion.' Carys Jones, author of Always on My Mind

'Ferocious, compelling and incredibly timely … unflinching in its interrogation of the insidiousness of patriarchal violence — a novel as fearless as it is wise.' Rosie Price, author of The Orange Room

About the author

Amy Beashel is the author of three previous novels, including two for young adults, which have been nominated for the Carnegie and the Branford Boase awards among others. She lives and works in Shropshire.