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The Society of Unknowable Objects

A Novel

by Gareth Brown

Narrator Olivia Vinall

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Length 11 hours 26 minutes

Language English

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Bookseller recommendation

“The Society of Unknowable Objects by Gareth Brown is a darkly magical adventure where a secret society guards powerful items that could alter the world. With danger, intrigue, and moral twists at every turn, this story will pull you in and not let go.”
— Lindsey • The Yakima Book Co & The Traveling Book Bus

Bookseller recommendation

“Congratulations on becoming a member of The Society of Unknowable Objects. We meet twice a year, eat biscuits, drink coffee and tea, and discuss if we've found any magical objects. (Secret No. 1: We haven't found any in quite some time.) As you embrace your society membership, your search for objects will take you on a fast-paced worldwide adventure filled with unexpected magic and uncovered secrets. (Secret No. 2: There's a map, but you don't know that yet.) Brown's writing reveals the best and worst of humanity when magic is at our figure tips. (Secret No. 3: It's a standalone novel, but you'll find yourself compelled to read The Book of Doors.)”
— Jenny • E. Shaver, bookseller

Bookseller recommendation

“Confession: I listened to The Society of Unknowable Objects before Brown’s previous related-but-not-technically-a-sequel novel, and I liked it so much that I immediately downloaded and listened to The Book of Doors, too. Romance, mystery, magical adventure, and heartfelt friendships: everything you need for a memorable read. ”
— Christine • Bromley's Books

Bookseller recommendation

“A grown-up Harry Potter-ish fantasy read with mystery and murder. It leaves the reader knowing there will be a sequel to the book...”
— Laura • Novel Hearts

Bookseller recommendation

“Wildly varying magical items, mystery, and murder?! Oh my... Gareth Brown did an excellent job with the scope and power of the magical items. Every time a new one pops up, it's freshly awe-inspiring and, frequently, DEEPLY concerning. There are some horrifying uses of magic, beautifully executed and well serving to the story, and I was never sure what was going to happen next (exactly what I want in a mystery). Finally, this book has a lot of posh vibes to it, which I loved for a London-based secret society; it fit like a lovely tweed jacket. ”
— Liam • Tsunami Books

Bookseller recommendation

“This fast-paced, twisty story will keep you on your toes all the way through and prompt more than a few driveway moments (if you listen in your car)! Part mystery, part thriller, and wholly original.”
— Christy • Vintage Books

Summary
About the author

#44 in Bestselling Science Fiction Audiobooks

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.

Fiction Romance Science Fiction Fantasy

Gareth Brown is the author of the international bestseller The Book of Doors. He wanted to be a writer from a very young age, and he completed his first novel as a teenager. For the last twenty years he has worked in the UK Civil Service and the National Health Service while writing in his spare time. When not working or writing, Gareth 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 falling asleep in front of the television like an old man. Gareth lives with his wife and two impudent and highly excitable Skye terriers near Edinburgh in Scotland.