New novel explores the complexity of how men commit mass violence

A question central to the new novel from author Nicholas Sheppard is this: are monsters born or bred? His new work, How to Disappear Completely, is a psychological portrait of a young college dropout, whose perceived grievances see him lash out in what's become a terribly familiar act of mass violence. Nicholas wanted to know how someone could get to that point - and whether there are warning signs that can be picked up by others in time to prevent it. This is Nicholas' second novel. His first, Broken Play, also explored identity. There, a gifted rugby player wrestles with his sexuality as his career is on the ascent - and his dream of playing for the All Blacks is within reach. Nicholas is a freelance journalist and writes extensively for a number of publications including The Spectator and Daily Beast.