'James Scudamore is now a force in the English novel' Hilary Mantel

'Breathtakingly good. Imagine Edward St Aubyn writing The Secret History and you'll get an idea of how exquisite and compelling this story about male friendship and betrayal is' Alex Preston, Observer - *Fiction to Look Out for in 2020*

When ten-year-old Max is sent to boarding school, his idyllic childhood comes to an abrupt end. Away from the magical freedom of his grandfather's farm, a world of unfathomable rules and arbitrary punishment awaits. But so too does the companionship of a close-knit group of classmates.

Years later, as Max and his friends face down adulthood, a dark secret from their schooldays is revealed, drawing them together in unforeseen ways. Who knew what, and when? And who is now willing to see justice done, regardless of the cost to themselves?

Spanning several decades, English Monsters is a story of bonds between men - some nurturing, others devastating. It explores what happens when care is outsourced in the name of building resilience and character, and presents a beautiful and moving portrait of friendship.