Things Bad Begun

by Emily Fairfax

A gripping and harrowing tale of survival and desperation Things Bad Begun follows Elaine as she flees for her life after a brutal attack by her husband Fraser With vivid and visceral descriptions the author takes you on a heartpounding journey through the night as Elaine makes her escape traumatised by the violence she has just experienced and haunted by memories of the past As she grapples with her injuries she recalls the early years of her doomed relationship with Fraser whilst simultaneously narrating the souldestroying events of the last week which have culminated in her frantic getaway
Despite everything Elaines inner strength and resilience shine through making this a compelling and unforgettable read

376 pages, Paperback

Published August 28, 2025

Reviews

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please do not scroll past this book!! You would miss the chance to read a really important story that is so well written it could definitely sit amongst bestsellers one day.

‘Things Bad Begun’ is an incredibly moving story of human courage that is deeply authentic and honest in it’s delivery of the content as it explores a topic that most of us do not wish to discuss nor care to admit is present within our society, sometimes existing more closely than we realise, as a family member, a next door neighbour, a friend or a colleague, suffers in silence and lives a different life behind their closed doors.

The psychological complexities of the human mind and devastating impact of one person being mentally, emotionally, verbally and/or physically cruel to another, (when it is someone they supposedly care about), is somewhere this story will take you, presenting the reader with uncomfortable issues that may be all too familiar for some. However the sensitivity to the subject as it is handled with real care within the text allows the reader to be fully immersed in this tale without the weight of it becoming too much. Weaving between the past and present the story draws the reader to immediately care about the lead character and be compelled to keep reading, possibly without even taking a break, such is the pace and style of writing, calling you to keep turning pages to follow what is a very powerful narrative. Upon receiving my copy I opened it up to glance through the first few pages then realised I was still standing in the living room, reading with complete absorption, reaching page 37 before noticing I should sit down!

The characterisation of each new person that becomes part of this unfolding story is full, rounded and bold yet has such delicate and intricate details at times, making each individual leap off the page with an instant believable ‘feel’, one can see this story being in film so easily. Even the backstory to the smallest supporting role of a boy in a school hallway is expanded upon, ensuring the reader experience is fully satisfying.
The beautiful nuances in the writing blending everyone in to the plot and lovely touches to even minor characters, think the hilarious multiple ‘J’ names for one, will keep you smiling then suddenly back on the edge of your seat.

The use of Shakespeare references in chapter points and at other moments is clever and the addition of the characters taking roles in amateur dramatics serves to create opportunity for the reader to feel the story's natural flow and rhythm, giving the reader time to breathe, breaking from the intensity of flashpoints. The wonderful use of imagery of wild weather on the North West coastline’s seafront, along with the hopeful heart in a young woman and the innocence of her youth in the first exciting period of beginning university life all set the scene effectively with many layers for a thought provoking life story after the highly charged opening pages, full of drama, chaos and resilience in the aftermath of ‘escape’.

Sharing insight in to a relationship that develops in to a dysfunctional marriage serves to provide the reader a realistic understanding of why it’s not so easy to ‘walk away’ from a relationship that lacks real love and care, instead slowly destroying the sense of self when uncertainty replaces safety.

Yet the subtle use of wit, sarcasm and humour from the lead character who faces the monumental challenge of reclaiming freedom and autonomy over her own life brings the reader to easily identify with this woman who could be a friend, telling her story. Through the tension building urgency in her situation we are allowed into her mind, following her thought process, observing her growth as her inner resolve and strength carry her forward. We get to share her thoughts which highlight how bright and vibrant this woman is, see her world outside of her home how successful at work and well liked by colleagues she is, thus learning that despite being treated in an appalling manner by her husband she is in no way a victim, instead she is strong, defiant and courageous, but beyond this she is incredibly inspiring to anyone who reads her story.

And ….. Everyone should read this story .. it will change perceptions and perspectives about who can be caught up in such circumstances and how a life can be profoundly affected by another. It reminds us how we should all keep this conversation open and ‘visible’ to the whole of our communities so no one should feel threatened or isolated at the hands of another in their own home and helps the reader reflect on the person standing next to you on the train commute who appears to have life ‘together’ may be in need of help.

The end of this book is not for the faint hearted, it is scarily possible to imagine fighting for your life in the most terrifying moment of ‘life or death’, but the cliffhanger will leave the reader in no doubt that it has been a truly remarkable story and is a most memorable book that gives all power to the human spirit of those facing adversity and shows here a will to survive triumphs over all.

It is rare that a book hits you in such a powerful way, reaching you to still think about the character and story many days later, after closing the last page.
In a way that will make you want to write a review and tell everyone about it.

I never take the trouble to write a review .. but this book deserves a glowing one from me as it’s so good.

Read this book.. then tell your friends.. you may change lives for the better by recommending it.

[Samantha Baxter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished Emily’s debut novel and thoroughly enjoyed it. Descriptively written and gripping, you soon find yourself wondering just how Elaine got herself into such a perilous situation but it soon becomes apparent that she’s fallen prey to a master manipulator with psychopathic tendencies. The characters are believable and relatable, and the whole novel serves as a timely reminder to women everywhere not to ignore red flags of violent behaviour early on in any relationship and to seek help quickly when they suffer domestic violence. It is written in an interesting sequence, with one chapter in the present day then the next one goes back in time detailing how the toxic relationship developed. It also highlights how you never know what’s going on behind closed doors despite the illusion of domestic harmony. Hopefully there will be a sequel as I’d like to know what happened next, as it ends on a cliffhanger. Would recommend - the writer has an excellent command of the English language and cleverly draws you in with each chapter.

[Jenny Braithwaite · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compelling read with an important message.
This is a book which draws the reader in, even though it it starts with the outcome! That takes skill and authenticity. It is all too easy to wonder how women can allow themselves to become a victim in a relationship, especially when they appear secure, present as confident, function well in the world and have friends, colleagues and family. And yet it happens. This book shines a light into the tunnel which can take a woman to the dramatic description in the first chapter. It describes the years which preceded that climax which we need to know about to understand how and why it happened. It is no surprise that this book is autobiographical: it is tense, it is graphic but it also exposes mistakes made by the victim herself. The book stands as a compelling read, as it should, but on reflection it shows its merit as an informative and useful insight into a nightmare which should not exist, but does.

[Pamela Lilley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A chilling recollection of a relationship gone bad, from the attacks and abuse that Emily suffered at the hands of her boyfriend/husband, to the emotional blackmail she endured on a regular basis. The story starts at the present day and then jumps between the start of the relationship (12 years prior), to the week before her final moments with Fraser. Highly emotional and extremely traumatic, and the fact that Emily was an intelligent and grounded person with a loving family made me realise that this could (and actually does) happen to anyone from any background. The writing leaves nothing out, ensuring the reader can live the story through Elaine’s eyes. I was invested in the story, desperate to know how things turned out for both Elaine and Fraser, so I was a little bit surprised when it ended on a whopper of a cliffhanger. I need to know what happened next. Not an ordinary love story, and definitely not a story for the faint hearted.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

harrowing journey that grips your soul
Things Bad Begun is an unforgettable tale of survival and resilience. From the very first page, you are thrust into Elaine’s terrifying world, feeling her panic, her fear, and the gut-wrenching danger she faces. The author’s writing is vivid and cinematic, painting each scene with such intensity that you can hear the screech of tires, feel the sting of rain, and sense the weight of Elaine’s injuries. What makes this story so compelling is that it doesn’t just focus on the escape, it delves deeply into her past, showing the complex, destructive relationship she endured and how it shaped her. By the time Elaine finds a glimmer of hope, you are emotionally invested in every breath she takes. This is a story that will stay with you long after you’ve closed the book.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant read that I can’t recommend enough for people to go out and buy! It’s fantastic and so very well written. I couldn’t put it down! Although it is truly heartbreaking and disturbing to read about the author’s horrific first marriage she still manages to pepper it with lighter, humerous moments. It’s also a very interesting insight into her early teaching career. It’s heartbreaking to see what she went through and she has shown true strength and courage not only to have survived the marriage itself but to have written about it too. Only those who’ve been through something like this would understand the pain, fear and shame she must have gone through. I hope it will help others in similar situations to find the courage to break free and know that there is light at the end of the tunnel. An extraordinarily, fantastic read! Jackie Lee

[Peter Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compelling read! I was unable to put this book down. The dramatic and disturbing first chapter totally gripped me. Whilst the book is disturbingly shocking and extremely descriptive, you almost laugh out loud at the author's wit, description of characters and situations on occasions! The book is deeply moving, harrowing and factual, based on the Author's real life experiences. Emily Fairfax's literacy expertise, her eloquence and story telling ability shine through. She captures the reader who lives through shockingly harrowing experiences with her, and wills her to escape from her violent, cruel and manic husband. Story telling at it's most graphic and best. l thoroughly recommend this book.

[Kevin Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely spell binding.

‘Things Bad Begun’ starts at the end of Elaine’s story as she makes her escape from her monstrous husband. The narrative unfolds to reveal the most heinous acts of cruelty meted out to her by Fraser, and is both disturbing and distressing in equal measure.
The reader is swept along dramatically and compelled to read on as layer upon layer of terror unfolds.
Elaine’s story shines a light on the grotesque underbelly of violence that can exist within suburban society trapped behind the closed doors of respectability.

The sheer craft of the story telling and the author’s knowledge and command of the english language make for an exceptional and riveting read which has the power to fix the reader’s attention page by page and on to the powerful conclusion.

[Solana Clifford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things Bad Begun is an emotional and powerful story about survival and finding strength after trauma. The book follows Elaine as she escapes a violent relationship, and the way the story moves between her flight, her memories, and the final days leading up to it feels very natural and believable.

What I appreciated most was how human Elaine feels. She isn’t portrayed as perfect or fearless, she’s hurt, scared, and trying to make sense of what she’s been through. The writing is honest without being overdone, and the emotional impact builds quietly rather than relying on shock.

This isn’t a light read, but it’s a meaningful one. It stayed with me after I finished, especially the message that resilience can exist even in the darkest moments.

[Rachel Cusk · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Things Bad Begun, Emily Fairfax demonstrates a measured and reflective narrative sensibility that feels both deliberate and assured. The writing carries a quiet authority, allowing emotional and psychological undercurrents to emerge with clarity rather than force.

What I found especially engaging, as a fellow author, is the sense of careful attention behind the work the impression of experience observed, distilled, and rendered with sincerity. There is a steadiness to the prose that gives the book its coherence and depth, and the themes are approached with an evident seriousness of intent.

It is always heartening to encounter writing that values introspection and craft in equal measure, and this is a work that invites considered reading.

Rachel Cusk

[AT · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exceptionally well-written and unputdownable book that hooks you from the very beginning. Despite the harrowing and shocking story, the author’s resilience and strength shine through, with her story told with sharp wit and humour.

This is a unique insight into a subject matter that will be alien to many, yet sadly resonate with those who have lived through similar experiences. Either way, it is a compelling, thought-provoking and educational read for all readers, male and female alike.

As a former student of this soon to be accomplished author, I particularly enjoyed the insights into her teaching career. This welcome digression further cements her status as a remarkable teacher and formidable lady.

5* and A+

[Catherine Pafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things Bad Begun by Emily Fairfax is a powerful, emotionally intense novel that grips you from the first page and refuses to let go. Elaine’s flight from violence is portrayed with raw honesty and haunting detail, immersing the reader in her fear, pain, and determination to survive. The shifting layers between past and present are handled beautifully, revealing how love slowly turned into devastation while deepening the emotional impact of her escape. Fairfax writes with compassion and clarity, allowing Elaine’s resilience and inner strength to shine even in the darkest moments. This is a harrowing yet deeply moving story one that is difficult to read at times, but impossible to forget.

[Rose Silver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things Bad Begun by Emily Fairfax is a gripping, powerful story that kept me fully engaged from start to finish. The way the narrative follows Elaine’s desperate journey to escape an abusive situation is both heartbreaking and deeply compelling, and Fairfax handles it with sensitivity and emotional depth. Elaine’s resilience and strength in the face of such trauma made her a character I truly admired. The pacing and vivid writing pulled me into her world, and I found it hard to put the book down. This is a moving, unforgettable read that I’d highly recommend to readers who enjoy emotionally charged, character-driven stories.

[Benjamin Clifford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is devastating in the quiet moments as much as the violent ones.
Elaine’s story isn’t told as a dramatic spectacle, it’s told as a lived experience. The way she reflects on the early days of her relationship while fighting to survive in the present felt heartbreakingly real. You see how hope, denial, fear, and love become tangled until escape feels impossible.
What stayed with me most was Elaine’s inner strength. Even when she is injured and terrified, her will to survive never disappears. Things Bad Begun is a powerful portrayal of trauma, memory, and resilience, and it deserves to be read and discussed.

[Lyra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things Bad Begun is one of those books that sits heavy in your chest long after you finish it.
Elaine’s flight through the night is terrifying, but what makes this novel so powerful is how seamlessly the present danger blends with memory, the slow realization of how a relationship became something violent and inescapable. The writing is raw and visceral without being gratuitous, and the emotional weight feels honest rather than manufactured.
This isn’t just a story about survival in a single moment, but about the psychological scars that form over time. Elaine’s resilience feels earned, not romanticized. A difficult read in places, but an important and deeply human one.

[Polly Hatfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things Bad Begun immediately draws the reader in with Elaine’s harrowing escape and its unflinching exploration of trauma, danger, and memory. From the very first page, the narrative’s immediacy, her desperate flight from Fraser, the reflections on a tumultuous relationship, and the raw tension of survival, creates a gripping and immersive experience.

What stands out most is the author’s skill in blending psychological intensity with a relentless, suspenseful pace. Elaine’s courage and inner strength resonate deeply, making the novel both harrowing and inspiring, and leaving a lasting impression long after the final page.

[Christal Clear · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and literally, could not put it down! I actually finished reading it in two nights which is record time for me. Yes, the content is harrowing but the narrative drives the reader on and there are plenty of flashes of humour and sharp observations to counterbalance the horror of what happens to Elaine.
The book is extremely well written, beautifully expressed and the descriptions are really vivid and immediate - fantastic writing of the highest quality! This, coupled with the dramatic storyline, make the book an unforgettable tale of suffering and terror but also, one of strength and courage.
Cannot recommend highly enough.

[Mide · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things Bad Begun by Emily Fairfax isn’t just about escaping an abusive husband, it’s about the slow, painful unraveling that happens long before the running starts.

I felt trapped alongside Elaine. The fear is immediate, but what truly shook me were the flashbacks, the subtle red flags, the manipulation, the way love quietly turns into control. It feels disturbingly real.

Fraser isn’t exaggerated, and that’s what makes him terrifying.

This book doesn’t glamorize survival. It shows how messy, traumatic, and complicated it really is. Elaine’s strength isn’t loud, it’s desperate, human, and painfully authentic.

A hard read. A powerful one. And one I won’t forget anytime soon.

[Precious Formexpert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things Bad Begun is a gripping read that stayed with me long after I finished it. Emily Fairfax has crafted a story that blends emotional depth with real-world tension, pulling you into the characters’ lives in a way that feels both intimate and powerful. The pacing kept me turning pages, and the themes of consequence, resilience, and moral ambiguity were handled with nuance and care.
This book isn’t just a story—it’s an experience. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy suspense with heart and complexity.

[Visionary Impart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things Bad Begun is a powerful and emotionally gripping novel that captures the raw terror and resilience of survival. Emily Fairfax’s vivid, visceral writing pulls readers into Elaine’s desperate flight from violence, blending past and present with haunting intensity. The story is heartbreaking yet empowering, showcasing inner strength in the face of trauma. Unflinching and unforgettable, this book stays with you long after the final page.

[Quietreadercircle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things Bad Had Begun is a gripping, unforgettable read that pulls you in from the first page and never lets go. With sharp writing, emotional depth, and a growing sense of tension, the story captures how ordinary moments can turn into something life-changing. It’s powerful, haunting, and beautifully crafted. This is the kind of book that stays with you long after you finish it, and one readers absolutely should not miss.

[Stephanie King · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read novel. I was absolutely gripped from the very first pages. This is a compelling and often distressing story. I could hardly imagine being in the author’s situation myself. It offers real hope to others who may be facing their own abuse.
The writing is excellent—clear, powerful, and engaging. I genuinely couldn’t put the book down.
This is a true, confidently written work, and I can hardly wait to read more from this author.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A recommended read of a courageous escape.”
A harrowing tale of a woman’s struggle in dealing with her partner Fraser’s complex and escalating mental health issues, yet cunningly hidden from public eyes. How far will he go to keep control of her whilst telling her he loves her? Thankfully Elaine breaks free but only just! This is an amazing read and I feel it will benefit others in similar controlling relationships. Highly recommended.

[Ben Borodofsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tense and emotionally charged novel that grips you from the opening pages. Emily Fairfax delivers a raw, immersive portrayal of survival, trauma, and resilience as Elaine fights to escape both immediate danger and the shadows of her past. With vivid writing and relentless pacing, this is a powerful, haunting read that lingers long after the final page.

[Jonathan P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly don’t think I’ve ever read anything like this before. Even on my Kindle, the story completely pulled me in, but not in the usual way. The characters feel alive, the plot twists feel clever and unexpected, and there’s a depth here that caught me off guard. This book made me feel, think, and smile in ways I didn’t see coming. Truly unforgettable.

[Charlotte Fyles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This true story is both heartbreaking and powerful, offering an honest look at the reality of domestic abuse. It’s written with sensitivity and courage, giving a voice to experiences that are often difficult to share. The narrative is compelling and deeply affecting, making it a meaningful and important read that stays with you.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Domestic abuse is a hard subject to get right but this book absolutely nails it. It’s a hard read in places and I found some of it relatable. It’s a fantastic book that tells it as it is and I highly recommend it.

[Louise Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

A harrowing read right from the first chapter about domestic violence and the conflicts within oneself about admitting this to loved ones. Absolutely gripping and could not put this book down. Extremely well written.

[Erica Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compelling and important story told with skill and honesty. Elaine's journey is both harrowing and inspiring, and the author's debut shines through in every page. Don't miss this one it's already one of my favorites of the year.

[Kate Nicholson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you read this yet? Why not!
Written with passion, fear, resilience and hope. This is a true story. Highs & lows, but self preservation winning in the end. Superbly written.
Warning, you’ll want to turn over every page & when you get to the last page………..