The Society of Unknowable Objects: The fantastical new adventure from the bestselling author of The Book of Doors

· Random House
10 reviews
Ebook
432
Pages
Eligible

About this ebook

Get ready to be spellbound by the new, fantastical novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author of fantasy sensation The Book of Doors . . .

'A dazzling, globe-trotting thriller with a spectacular dash of magic. Like Michael Crichton at his finest, but with fantasy. Brilliant stuff!' SUNYI DEAN, bestselling author of The Book Eaters

The world of unknowable objects - magical items that most people have no idea possess powers - has been quiet for decades . . .

But 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 keep the world safe from them. But when Frank Simpson, the longest-standing member of the Society of Unknowable Objects, hears of a new artefact coming to light in Hong Kong, he sends the Society's newest member, author Magda Sparks, 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 artefact 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 - not in pursuit of an unknowable object, but an unknowable person: the 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.

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

Get ready to be spellbound by the new, fantastical novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author of fantasy sensation The Book of Doors . . . 'A dazzling, globe-trotting thriller with a spectacular dash of magic. Like Michael Crichton at his finest, but with fantasy. Brilliant stuff!' SUNYI DEA...

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Ratings and reviews

10 reviews
Gillian Gillard
September 28, 2026
strange tales, a bit disturbing, you want to believe in magic unknowable things but its too terrifying when you yhink what humans would use them for. well written and imaginitive.
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Sykes I
November 4, 2026
great story.just like the one before
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About the author

Gareth Brown is the author of the international bestseller The Book of Doors and The Society of Unknowable Objects. For over twenty-five years he has worked for the UK Civil Service and the National Health Service while writing in his spare time. When not working or writing, he loves travelling, especially the whirlwind first few hours in a new city and long road trips through beautiful landscapes. He enjoys barbecues, patisseries, playing pool and the bass guitar (although not at the same time) and falling asleep in front of the television. Gareth lives near Edinburgh, with his wife and their two highly excitable Skye terriers.
You can follow him on Bluesky @garethjohnbrown.bsky.social, on Instagram @garethjbrown13, and on his website www.garethbrownbooks.com

Gareth Brown is the author of the international bestseller The Book of Doors and The Society of Unknowable Objects. For over twenty-five years he has worked for the UK Civil Service and the National Health Service while writing in his spare time. When not working or writing, he loves travelling, ...

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