A desperate crime. A sacred refuge. A witness who could destroy everything.
When Nadine Singh robbed a liquor store, she never meant to kill anyone. But the clerk is dead, and Nadine’s life is shattered. With nowhere else to turn, she flees to a secluded convent, hoping to disappear behind the veil of sisterhood.
For months, Nadine finds unexpected peace as a nun, genuinely embracing her new spiritual life. But the past refuses to stay buried. When she discovers there was a witness to her crime—someone who could identify her and destroy the fragile existence she’s built—Nadine faces an impossible choice.
Can she remain the woman she’s become, or will she revert to the desperate person she was trying to escape?
Bad Habit is a gripping psychological thriller that explores guilt, redemption, and the lengths we’ll go to protect the lives we’ve built from our worst mistakes.
A haunting tale that questions whether true change is possible, or if our past sins inevitably catch up with us.
Perfect for readers who love stories of redemption with a dark twist.
Josef Masters –
A terrific tale of suspense and adventure
In his debut novel, Michael Mallen crafts a gripping tale of crime, faith, and redemption that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. “Bad Habit” follows the journey of Sister Nadine Singh, a woman with a dark past who seeks refuge in the most unlikely of places – a secluded convent.
Mallen’s protagonist is a complex character, torn between her violent past and her desperate grasp for salvation. As the story unfolds, we learn that Sister Nadine is a troubled woman who committed murder during a botched liquor store robbery. Fleeing from the law, she joins a cloistered order of nuns, hoping to disappear from the world and perhaps find redemption.
—Josef Masters
StarBright –
Fast-paced suspense!
I loved this fast-paced suspense story! Engaging, entertaining page-turner! Nadine’s internal struggles between guilt/righteousness and her twisted, “live life on the edge” no-nonsense persona was fun to read! The surprise twists were fantastic and I’m looking forward to Nadine’s next perverse ventures. Well done Mr Mallen!
Amazon Shopper –
Fascinating story, solid writing.
Bad Habit is a really interesting read. It tells a unique, unusual story about a lost soul trying to find redemption for her past crimes. The writing is clear, concise, and draws the reader into the action immediately. Nadine is a fascinating protagonist, well-drawn with a lot of depth and feeling. I look forward to what else this writer will come up with!
Skip Press –
Conclusive proof you should never date anyone named Nadine.
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting some excellent musicians in my life like Michael Mallen and Chuck Berry. Drawing on lyrics from the latter, let me comment on the book from the former: Nadine, honey is that you? Oh, Nadine Honey, is that you? Seems like every time I see you Darling you got something else to do.
You don’t want anything to do with book Nadine’s something else to do, but you’ll enjoy reading about this wack job with a bad attitude and a stolen car. Living in L.A. as Michael does, I appreciate how he’s captured so well the average attitude of an L.A. woman. Well done, sir!
Pat Gasperini –
Totally Engaging Suspence driven read!!!!
Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2021
What a Great Read I was at the edge of my seat and couldn’t remove myself until the last Page ! Suspence driven couldn’t wait for the next Page Great Job.