Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. What were your initial feelings about a novel described as a dark-mafia romance? In what ways did the story meet, subvert, or challenge your expectations for the genre?

2. If you’ve read other works by L. J. Shen, such as her Sinners of Saint series (the first book of which is Vicious), how did Tiernan’s character compare to her other morally complex antiheroes? What made his journey in Bad Bishop feel unique or similar in tone?

3. The novel is filled with shocking and often brutal moments, from Achilles carving out Tiernan’s eye to Fintan’s final execution. Which scene had the most powerful impact on you, and how did it shape your experience of the story?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Lila spends much of the book living under a persona her mother created for her, one that strips her of her voice and agency. Think about a time you felt you had to project a certain image to meet others’ expectations. How did that experience compare to Lila’s struggle to reclaim her true self?

2. What does loyalty mean to you, and how does it compare to the way loyalty is portrayed in the book? The characters’ allegiances shift from their birth families to the family they choose. Have you ever had to navigate a situation where loyalty to one person or group conflicted with loyalty to another?

3. Chiara’s attempts to protect Lila end up causing profound harm and isolation. How did you feel about her motivations versus the consequences of her actions? Have you ever witnessed someone behave in a destructive way while being motivated by good intentions?

4. Tiernan and Lila gradually come to appreciate, respect, and love one another. Have you ever become emotionally attached to someone after a negative first impression? What led you to reassess?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. Bad Bishop is part of the dark-mafia romance subgenre, which often features antiheroes and relationships founded on coercion. What do you think the popularity of this genre says about contemporary ideas of romance, power, and consent in fiction?

2. Lila’s deafness is used by her family to construct a false identity that ostensibly protects her. What does this storyline reveal about societal tendencies to infantilize or underestimate individuals with disabilities, particularly women?

3. The mafia families in the story operate under a rigid patriarchal code where women are often treated as strategic assets and honor is paramount. Where do you see echoes of these dynamics, such as prioritizing a family’s reputation over an individual’s well-being, in the broader world today?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. How does the use of a specific color palette associated with Lila (pink and white) reinforce her characterization?

2. How did the alternating first-person narratives from Lila’s and Tiernan’s points of view deepen your understanding of their motivations? Why is it important to have access to the interiors of both characters?

3. Analyze the use of siblings as secondary characters in the novel. What unique perspectives do Tierney and the Ferrante brothers bring?

4. How does the use of flashbacks and the secondary plotline about Tiernan’s experiences in Russia contribute to the narrative structure?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1.   Imagine you are tasked with designing the menu and centerpieces for Tiernan and Lila’s lavish wedding. How would you incorporate aspects of both Irish and Italian traditions into the food and décor choices?

2. Imagine that 15 to 20 years after the novel’s conclusion, Tiernan and Lila decide to tell their son about his biological parentage. Write some dialogue for the scene, and consider what details Tiernan and Lila would disclose or withhold.