BULLS, BEARS AND BACKSIDES: A CAUTIONARY

It's the roaring late '80s in London. Yuppies brandish their Filofaxes and Sloane Rangers make the most of the Thatcher boom. The old guard in the City financial world are making way for a cut-throat new generation during the 'Big Bang' that changed things forever. Three ambitious young professionals from the provinces seek their fortunes.

Mark, a sceptical investment banker, and Michelle, a young marketing executive, follow the rise, success, excesses and eventual downfall of Hunter Diamond, a pugnacious and philandering entrepreneur from the Midlands. Lucretia the forceful Australian lawyer, 'The Duke' - cynical banker and racehorse owner, a Turkish dancer, Venetia the scheming fund manager, as well as Hunter Diamond's mysterious and shady twin brother, all play their parts.

There are illicit love affairs, blackmail attempts, wild drunken parties and a shocking betrayal in the conclusion to the book. The novel was inspired by contemporary diaries made available to the author.

Bulls, Bears and Backsides is comedy, satire, social commentary, and a gripping story.

Jocelyn de Labry was brought up and studied at schools and universities in France and England, now having homes in both countries. After travelling widely, working in politics and then in financial sector for some years the author taught in several European universities before becoming a full time writer, publishing in a number of media. This is de Labry's first novel.