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The Society of Unknowable Objects

The world of unknowable objects – those seemingly ordinary items that most people have no idea possess magical powers – has been quiet for years . . .

But just in case, there exists a secret society whose sole purpose is to gather these artefacts together, and keep them safe from the outside world. And the outside world safe from them.

Called the Society of Unknowable Objects, it meets every six months in the basement of a London bookshop, and it’s at one of these meetings that Frank Simpson, the society’s longest-standing member, reveals that a previously unknown item has surfaced in Hong Kong. And he asks the newest member, author Magda Sparks, to investigate.

Within hours of her arrival in the city, Magda is confronted by a killer who seems to know all about these unknowable objects. She manages to escape, but only by using a magical artefact of her own that the society knows nothing about.

Safely back in London, Magda learns that hers is not the only secret that’s been kept from the other members. And that the most pernicious secret of all seems to concern the very nature of the society itself.

The enormity of what Magda discovers takes her on a perilous journey – across the Atlantic to the deep south of the United States – in pursuit of an unknowable object and a seemingly unknowable individual; in pursuit of answers about her legacy and the society she serves.

Magic may be too powerful to be allowed out into the world, but there is something even more potent: the Truth . . .

Praise for Gareth Brown's The Book of Doors:

'Joyful, exuberant, and crackling with adventure. This book is as magical as those it celebrates.' STUART TURTON, author of The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle

'A stunning fever dream of a story that feels completely real – don't miss this fantastic thriller debut.' LEE CHILD

'A real page-turner - incredibly ambitious and inventive, The Book of Doors is a great read.'
ROSIE ANDREWS, author of The Leviathan

The Society of Unknowable Objects is a dazzling, globe-trotting thriller with a spectacular dash of magic. Like Michael Crichton at his finest, but with fantasy. Brilliant stuff!

SUNYI DEAN, author of The Book Eaters

About Gareth Brown

Gareth Brown is the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Book of Doors. He spent many years working in the UK Civil Service and is currently Director of Screening for NHS Scotland. He lives with his wife and their two Skye terriers near Edinburgh, but as an avid traveller he can often be found in different cities around the world, poking about in curiosity shops in search of unknowable objects.

You can follow him on Bluesky @garethjohnbrown.bsky.social, on Instagram garethjbrown13, and his website www.garethbrownbooks.com
Details
  • Imprint: Bantam
  • ISBN: 9781787637269
  • Length: 352 pages
  • Dimensions: 242mm x 31mm x 162mm
  • Weight: 556g
  • Price: £16.99
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