The Society of Unknowable Objects: A Novel

by Gareth Brown Narrated by Olivia Vinall

Overview

From the author of the internationally bestselling The Book of Doors, another fantastical, stand-alone novel in which a trio of seemingly everyday people are members of a secret society tasked with finding and protecting hidden magical objects-ordinary items with extraordinary properties.

The world of unknowable objects-magical items that most people have no idea possess powers-has been quiet for decades, but the three current members of a secret society have remained watchful, meeting every six months in the basement of a bookshop in London. They are pledged to protect their archive of magical items hidden away, safe from the outside world-and the world safe from them. But when Frank Simpson, the longest-standing member of the Society of Unknowable Objects, hears of a new artifact coming to light in Hong Kong, he sends Magda Sparks-author by day and newest member-to investigate.

Within hours of arriving in Hong Kong, Magda is facing death and danger, confronted by a professional killer who seems to know all about unknowable objects, specifically one that was stolen from him a decade before. Magda is forced to flee, using an artifact that not even the rest of the Society knows about.

Returning to London, Magda learns hers is not the only secret being kept from the other two members. And that the most pernicious secret is about the nature of the Society's mission. Her discoveries will lead her on a perilous journey, across the Atlantic to the deep south of the United States, now in pursuit of not an unknowable object, but an unknowable person: the professional killer she first faced in Hong Kong. In doing so, Magda begins to understand that there are even more in the world who are chasing these magical items, and that her own family's legacy is tied up in keeping all these secrets under wraps.

Magic has always been too powerful to reveal to the world. But Magda will learn there might be something even more powerful:

The truth.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"A fast-paced flight of magic, mystery, and whimsy, whisking readers on an around-the-world adventure alongside a lovable cast of characters tasked with protecting the world’s most valuable secret—and perhaps keeping a few secrets of their own." — Nikki Erlick, New York Times-bestselling author of The Measure and The Poppy Fields

“Vividly descriptive language, depictions of world travel, and fast-paced, suspenseful action involving powerful magic items, with a nod to book collectors, will entice fans of intricately plotted romantic fantasy.” — Booklist (starred review)

"The Society of Unknowable Objects utterly demolishes difficult second book syndrome. A thrilling, globe-spanning adventure that wrong footed me at every turn, and like The Book of Doors, features a truly memorable villain." — Adam Simcox, author of The Dying Squad

“Entertaining . . . . Brown’s propulsive plot and plucky heroine keep the pages turning. It’s good fun.” — Publishers Weekly

 “A stunning fever dream of a story that feels completely real—don’t miss this fantastic thriller debut.” — Lee Child, New York Times bestselling author, on The Book of Doors

“Brown’s debut is an immersive and enchanting story of friendship, defining one’s future, and the mystery that life can hold. Fans of Alix E. Harrow will find this novel delightful.” — Library Journal (starred review) on The Book of Doors

“Those who love books about books and enjoy paranormal fantasy with a touch of romance will be enraptured.” — Booklist (starred review) on The Book of Doors

“Brown debuts with a riveting tale of adventure, magic, and the long process of grieving. . . . With an endearingly quirky cast and a lightning quick pace, this is sure to suck readers in.”  — Publishers Weekly on The Book of Doors

“A brilliant page-turner—a clever and beautiful novel about the power of books, and a tribute to those who champion them.” — Sunyi Dean, bestselling author of The Book Eaters

Product Details

BN ID:	2940193411666
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	08/12/2025
Edition description:	Unabridged