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The Tuxedo Society
If Guy Ritchie directed an episode of Queer Eye, it might look something like this hilarious and action-packed spy thriller by Paul Rudnick, acclaimed screenwriter and author of Farrell Covington and the Limits of Style, that blends espionage and social commentary, with an elite, gay secret society.
They are fierce patriots. They are licensed to kill. And they are really, really gay. Welcome to democracy’s secret weapon, the Tuxedo Society.
When Andrew Birnbaum, a struggling actor making ends meet by working in a candle shop, gets invited to have dinner with the exclusive Tuxedo Society by his best friend, Brock, his life takes an unexpected turn. What seems like a group of wealthy socialites gathering for gossip and cocktails quickly spirals into a world of espionage, danger, and hilarity.
Andrew soon meets Reggie O’Malley, a Navy SEAL with a penchant for black tie, who recruits Andrew to join the society’s covert mission to protect national security. Armed with gadgets like an inflatable life raft backpack, a yoga mat that doubles as an assault rifle, and, of course, an AMEX Black Card, Andrew quickly finds himself tackling spies, thwarting assassinations, and facing a host of unexpected threats in settings from the White House to the Vatican to the Summer Olympic Games.
The stakes escalate when Andrew and his comrades are sent on a jet-setting mission to uncover the truth about an ancient artifact. Along the way, they clash with oligarchs, crooked senators, and a smarmy televangelist with sinister plans for world domination.
Packed with Paul Rudnick’s signature wit, The Tuxedo Society is a wild ride through decadence, danger, and unexpected heroism, as Andrew discovers that saving the world might just be the role he’s been waiting for.
They are fierce patriots. They are licensed to kill. And they are really, really gay. Welcome to democracy’s secret weapon, the Tuxedo Society.
When Andrew Birnbaum, a struggling actor making ends meet by working in a candle shop, gets invited to have dinner with the exclusive Tuxedo Society by his best friend, Brock, his life takes an unexpected turn. What seems like a group of wealthy socialites gathering for gossip and cocktails quickly spirals into a world of espionage, danger, and hilarity.
Andrew soon meets Reggie O’Malley, a Navy SEAL with a penchant for black tie, who recruits Andrew to join the society’s covert mission to protect national security. Armed with gadgets like an inflatable life raft backpack, a yoga mat that doubles as an assault rifle, and, of course, an AMEX Black Card, Andrew quickly finds himself tackling spies, thwarting assassinations, and facing a host of unexpected threats in settings from the White House to the Vatican to the Summer Olympic Games.
The stakes escalate when Andrew and his comrades are sent on a jet-setting mission to uncover the truth about an ancient artifact. Along the way, they clash with oligarchs, crooked senators, and a smarmy televangelist with sinister plans for world domination.
Packed with Paul Rudnick’s signature wit, The Tuxedo Society is a wild ride through decadence, danger, and unexpected heroism, as Andrew discovers that saving the world might just be the role he’s been waiting for.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published May 26, 2026
About the author
Paul Rudnick
13 books319 followersPaul M. Rudnick is an American playwright, screenwriter and novelist. His plays include I Hate Hamlet, Jeffrey, The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told, Valhalla and The New Century. He also wrote for Premiere magazine under the pseudonym Libby Gelman-Waxner. He is openly gay.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews
January 24, 2026
Very interesting premise but sadly this was both way too much and not enough for me to really like. It was way too much in the sense that there is a lot (and I mean a lot) of “telling” rather than showing which really interrupted the comedy and action. The main character essentially thinks in pop culture references and while one or two are cute, the many on the nose overly explained (some are like several paragraphs) references just took the wind out of reading.
And it’s not enough, because I was kind of left thinking this didn’t use it’s fun premise enough because it really just focused on a group of annoying white cis gays and really only showed off one aspect of queer culture but was sort of speaking as if the Tuxedo Society represented it all. There’s one scene where they overhear people being like omg that group is too much and I was thinking I sort of agree… That and much of the plot felt repetitive and deus (or gayus here?) ex machina. The jokes and comedic bits also just didn’t land for me so they left something to be desired as well.
Really wanted to like this as it seemed really up my alley as a mashup of queer culture and Mission Impossible but this did not hit for me. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the early ARC in exchange for an honest review.
And it’s not enough, because I was kind of left thinking this didn’t use it’s fun premise enough because it really just focused on a group of annoying white cis gays and really only showed off one aspect of queer culture but was sort of speaking as if the Tuxedo Society represented it all. There’s one scene where they overhear people being like omg that group is too much and I was thinking I sort of agree… That and much of the plot felt repetitive and deus (or gayus here?) ex machina. The jokes and comedic bits also just didn’t land for me so they left something to be desired as well.
Really wanted to like this as it seemed really up my alley as a mashup of queer culture and Mission Impossible but this did not hit for me. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the early ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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February 9, 2026It's a farce from the gitgo. If you haven't picked that up by the end of the first page, and adjusted your expectations, you won't get the maximum fun out of this tongue-firmly-in-cheek extra super gay spy romp.
I kept thinking it would be absolutely perfect as an audiobook, read by someone who could do that snarky narrative voice justice. But as it was, I enjoyed it immensely as a not-very-realistic spoof.
I kept thinking it would be absolutely perfect as an audiobook, read by someone who could do that snarky narrative voice justice. But as it was, I enjoyed it immensely as a not-very-realistic spoof.
May 27, 2026
Thank you to Atria Books and Paul Rudnick for the gifted earc in exchange for my review. All opinions that follow are always honest and my own!
Spy thriller with a gay secret society? Well this is definitely not something I normally read (besides the gayness lol) but it certainly caught my eye and so I figured, why not?
The Tuxedo Society is an elite group that helps take down criminals anywhere from jewelry thieves to suicide bombers all while serving the best looks. Andrew is unexpectedly involved in their most recent mission thanks to his friend Brock. Andrew is most definitely not prepared for what comes next but soon he may discover a whole new side of himself. Who knew saving the world would be his true calling?
To say this book was a wild ride from start to finish would be an understatement. Whether it was the pages of crazy action that seemed so fake it had to be real to the paragraphs of musical and pop culture references that made my head spin, it was hard to keep up with everything that was going on. Was it witty and hilarious enough to make me laugh at loud? Sure. Was it a little too far fetched to the point I lost interest in the main story until it was solved? Mmmm yeah a bit.
Don’t get me wrong, these characters were all a hoot and I love some good pop culture references I jsut think we could’ve done with a little less…and a lot more back story. Overall, I’m glad I took the chance and who knows, maybe I’ll go pick up another one of Rudnicks books to see if I can latch onto it any better.
Spy thriller with a gay secret society? Well this is definitely not something I normally read (besides the gayness lol) but it certainly caught my eye and so I figured, why not?
The Tuxedo Society is an elite group that helps take down criminals anywhere from jewelry thieves to suicide bombers all while serving the best looks. Andrew is unexpectedly involved in their most recent mission thanks to his friend Brock. Andrew is most definitely not prepared for what comes next but soon he may discover a whole new side of himself. Who knew saving the world would be his true calling?
To say this book was a wild ride from start to finish would be an understatement. Whether it was the pages of crazy action that seemed so fake it had to be real to the paragraphs of musical and pop culture references that made my head spin, it was hard to keep up with everything that was going on. Was it witty and hilarious enough to make me laugh at loud? Sure. Was it a little too far fetched to the point I lost interest in the main story until it was solved? Mmmm yeah a bit.
Don’t get me wrong, these characters were all a hoot and I love some good pop culture references I jsut think we could’ve done with a little less…and a lot more back story. Overall, I’m glad I took the chance and who knows, maybe I’ll go pick up another one of Rudnicks books to see if I can latch onto it any better.
May 26, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for providing me an ARC of this book.
I really wanted to like this book because it seemed like a lot of fun, but unfortunately I didn’t. The characters were fun, but I didn’t care for the plot and found it too unrealistic for my taste. I’m starting to think I just don’t enjoy humorous books very much.
I really wanted to like this book because it seemed like a lot of fun, but unfortunately I didn’t. The characters were fun, but I didn’t care for the plot and found it too unrealistic for my taste. I’m starting to think I just don’t enjoy humorous books very much.
May 10, 2026
The tuxedo Society by Paul Rudnick, in this book we meet down and out actor and candle seller Andrew who has been invited to a dinner at a pretty fancy restaurant by his best friend Ralph Lauren salesman Brock. this dinner will be Andrew‘s introduction into the tuxedo Society, a group of LGBT plus members who are like the FBI they’re gay and they dress better. Andrew is from a family a professionals his parents or teachers his cousins and siblings are mostly doctors and definitely feels like a failure. This job will not only change the way he lives but the way he feels about himself… That’s if he lives through it all! I want to say books like this a written for people like myself I can eat these books up and still be left wanting more this book was so much fun I especially thought Jen and her fiancé at first were just hoe-hum but then they became fabulous I mean really… Are you serious? That was just so good especially when they were about to be married I don’t want to give anything away but just know if you think you’ve seen shallow people you haven’t seen anything yet! OMG worst thing ever. I also thought when Andrew was at the Olympics was hilarious as well there’s so many parts of this book that just thinking of them makes me laugh out loud I loved it and really hope there’s more to come from the tuxedo Society because OMG I loved it! Did I say that already? I could absolutely see this being a movie not that I watch movies but I could see that seeing it would probably be even more funny than reading it in a book and trust me I thought this book was fabulous. Hope to see Andrew again. #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview,
February 21, 2026
Arc. Thank you Atria books for a gifted NetGalley widget to this title in return for my honest opinion!
This book was cute! I had fun with Andrew and the rest of the Tuxes. I even had some LOL moments! There were SO many queer references, queer representation, and campy gay drama in this book that it just feels like a warm hug from a gay elder. This is the perfect book for someone who has been in a reading slump and just needs something silly and campy to entertain you!! There were times when I was reading that that author should put away the thesaurus but other than that this is nothing but a cute campy gay little spy book. I hope to see more from this universe and especially given the ending!
This book was cute! I had fun with Andrew and the rest of the Tuxes. I even had some LOL moments! There were SO many queer references, queer representation, and campy gay drama in this book that it just feels like a warm hug from a gay elder. This is the perfect book for someone who has been in a reading slump and just needs something silly and campy to entertain you!! There were times when I was reading that that author should put away the thesaurus but other than that this is nothing but a cute campy gay little spy book. I hope to see more from this universe and especially given the ending!
May 30, 2026
The Tuxedo Society is a campy, gay spy romp. It should have worked for me, but it didn't. I'm rating it 3 stars because this might just be a me problem, idk.
Andrew is a struggling actor in New York City who works at a candle store and seems to be the only member of his family who has nothing to brag about. One night, his friend Brock invites Andrew to dinner with his Tuxedo Society friends - a group of super hot gays who get together to drink and wear tuxedos. And then Andrew walks into the restaurant bathroom and quickly discovers that nope, actually this is a secret government organization of gay spies/assassins started by a Navy SEAL who was kicked out of the military during Don't Ask, Don't Tell. When the First Lady (archaeologist and gay icon) asks the Tuxedo Society to help track down a certain item, Andrew finds himself zipping around the world and then finds himself.
So. Ok. One thing that bugged me throughout the book was that Andrew never asked if the Tuxedo Society would pay him any money or provide any benefits? Which seems important if you're going to be fighting terrorists and possibly going to the hospital. Is this guy just rich? How can he afford to miss shifts from the candle store to travel to France? I got the feeling that this book would work better as a movie, which never shows the characters negotiating a paycheck or going to the doctor.
The characters all annoyed me. Andrew felt too much like a manic pixie dream boy for me, and the plot moved so fast that I don't think he sat down long enough for the big realizations or career thoughts that the plot required him to have. Andrew goes from being afraid of commitment and lacking a plan to... I guess confidence that he's in the Tuxedo Society? But there was a weird bit in the middle where
It's a romp. The characters are all very White Gays and the only two lesbians are both femmes and everything just felt like the inspiration was "Fire Island but with spies." Seeing as I am not a white gay, I don't think I'm the target audience. But hey, happy Pride.
Thanks to Netgalley and Atria Books for the ARC.
Andrew is a struggling actor in New York City who works at a candle store and seems to be the only member of his family who has nothing to brag about. One night, his friend Brock invites Andrew to dinner with his Tuxedo Society friends - a group of super hot gays who get together to drink and wear tuxedos. And then Andrew walks into the restaurant bathroom and quickly discovers that nope, actually this is a secret government organization of gay spies/assassins started by a Navy SEAL who was kicked out of the military during Don't Ask, Don't Tell. When the First Lady (archaeologist and gay icon) asks the Tuxedo Society to help track down a certain item, Andrew finds himself zipping around the world and then finds himself.
So. Ok. One thing that bugged me throughout the book was that Andrew never asked if the Tuxedo Society would pay him any money or provide any benefits? Which seems important if you're going to be fighting terrorists and possibly going to the hospital. Is this guy just rich? How can he afford to miss shifts from the candle store to travel to France? I got the feeling that this book would work better as a movie, which never shows the characters negotiating a paycheck or going to the doctor.
The characters all annoyed me. Andrew felt too much like a manic pixie dream boy for me, and the plot moved so fast that I don't think he sat down long enough for the big realizations or career thoughts that the plot required him to have. Andrew goes from being afraid of commitment and lacking a plan to... I guess confidence that he's in the Tuxedo Society? But there was a weird bit in the middle where
It's a romp. The characters are all very White Gays and the only two lesbians are both femmes and everything just felt like the inspiration was "Fire Island but with spies." Seeing as I am not a white gay, I don't think I'm the target audience. But hey, happy Pride.
Thanks to Netgalley and Atria Books for the ARC.
May 21, 2026
Close your eyes and imagine if James Bond and Monty Python had a love child. Really think about that. Now imagine that love child had the self awareness (none) of Agent Maxwell Smart and delivered one liners like Austin Powers. What you envision would be THE TUXEDO SOCIETY by Paul Rudnick.
The key to reading this comedic spy-fi thriller is to go in with the right expectations. This book knows exactly what it is and never pretends to be anything it is not. It is fun, cheeky, chaotic, absurd, and wildly ridiculous and, after a big of a slow start, I strapped in and enjoyed the ride even when I had no idea where it was taking me.
Andrew Birnbaum is an underemployed struggling actor who finds himself recruited into a group of secret elite LGBTQ+ espionage agents trying to save the world from evil oligarchs, corrupt politicians, and hypocritical televangelists—all while looking fashionably fabulous. The tree of social and political satire is ripe and Rudnick picks all the fruit. ALL. THE. FRUIT.
He leaves no stereotype untouched, wields quips and zingers like a sword, and places the characters (and readers) in the most outlandish settings from the Vatican to the Olympics with a few stops in iconic locations along the way.
This book will appeal to anyone looking for a fast paced, wholly unhinged, impossibly wild good time. If it is not adapted for the screen I will be sadly disappointed. Grab a friend or two and laugh your way through this romp on the wild side.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the gifted advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.
The key to reading this comedic spy-fi thriller is to go in with the right expectations. This book knows exactly what it is and never pretends to be anything it is not. It is fun, cheeky, chaotic, absurd, and wildly ridiculous and, after a big of a slow start, I strapped in and enjoyed the ride even when I had no idea where it was taking me.
Andrew Birnbaum is an underemployed struggling actor who finds himself recruited into a group of secret elite LGBTQ+ espionage agents trying to save the world from evil oligarchs, corrupt politicians, and hypocritical televangelists—all while looking fashionably fabulous. The tree of social and political satire is ripe and Rudnick picks all the fruit. ALL. THE. FRUIT.
He leaves no stereotype untouched, wields quips and zingers like a sword, and places the characters (and readers) in the most outlandish settings from the Vatican to the Olympics with a few stops in iconic locations along the way.
This book will appeal to anyone looking for a fast paced, wholly unhinged, impossibly wild good time. If it is not adapted for the screen I will be sadly disappointed. Grab a friend or two and laugh your way through this romp on the wild side.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the gifted advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.
May 26, 2026
Be gay. Do espionage. Save the world.
A down-on-his-luck actor thinks he’s going to a fancy dinner. He’s actually being recruited into America’s most fabulous covert operation.
The Tuxedo Society by Paul Rudnick is the most fun I’ve had with an audiobook in a long time, and I need everyone to know about it.
Andrew, a struggling actor and candle shop employee, is invited by his best friend Brock to what he assumes is just a really nice dinner with a group of very gay, very stylish guys. What it actually is? An introduction to the Tuxedo Society: a secret government intelligence network made up entirely of LGBTQ+ members. Licensed to kill. Impeccably dressed.
From the White House to the Vatican to the Summer Olympic Games, Andrew ends up tackling spies, thwarting assassinations, and facing off against oligarchs, crooked senators, and a smarmy televangelist with sinister plans for world domination. Oh, and at one point he has to pose as a US Olympic diver and actually dive in competition. It’s exactly as chaotic and hilarious as it sounds.
This book is completely over the top, and it knows it. That’s the whole point. The characters are all wildly likable: Andrew, Brock, Reggie the Navy SEAL with a black-tie obsession, and a First Lady who also happens to be a world-leading archaeologist. The pace never lets up. The wit is sharp. The social commentary sneaks up on you in the middle of all the absurdity.
Narrator Daniel Henning is pitch-perfect. There are a lot of characters to track and I never lost a single one. That’s not easy to pull off.
If you’ve been looking for a summer read that’s pure, unapologetic fun, this is it.
Thank you to Simon Audio for the gifted early listen.
A down-on-his-luck actor thinks he’s going to a fancy dinner. He’s actually being recruited into America’s most fabulous covert operation.
The Tuxedo Society by Paul Rudnick is the most fun I’ve had with an audiobook in a long time, and I need everyone to know about it.
Andrew, a struggling actor and candle shop employee, is invited by his best friend Brock to what he assumes is just a really nice dinner with a group of very gay, very stylish guys. What it actually is? An introduction to the Tuxedo Society: a secret government intelligence network made up entirely of LGBTQ+ members. Licensed to kill. Impeccably dressed.
From the White House to the Vatican to the Summer Olympic Games, Andrew ends up tackling spies, thwarting assassinations, and facing off against oligarchs, crooked senators, and a smarmy televangelist with sinister plans for world domination. Oh, and at one point he has to pose as a US Olympic diver and actually dive in competition. It’s exactly as chaotic and hilarious as it sounds.
This book is completely over the top, and it knows it. That’s the whole point. The characters are all wildly likable: Andrew, Brock, Reggie the Navy SEAL with a black-tie obsession, and a First Lady who also happens to be a world-leading archaeologist. The pace never lets up. The wit is sharp. The social commentary sneaks up on you in the middle of all the absurdity.
Narrator Daniel Henning is pitch-perfect. There are a lot of characters to track and I never lost a single one. That’s not easy to pull off.
If you’ve been looking for a summer read that’s pure, unapologetic fun, this is it.
Thank you to Simon Audio for the gifted early listen.
May 26, 2026
***I received an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review
Andrew Birnbaum, a struggling actor who makes ends meet by working in a candle shop, is invited to a dinner with the exclusive Tuxedo Society by his best friend, Brock. What he expects - a group of wealthy socialites gathering for gossip and cocktails , what it was actually all about - danger, espionage, , and hilarity. Andrew is recruited to join the society. The mission of the society is covert protection for national security. Do they have all the neat little James Bond-like gadgets? Why yes they do. The story blends espionage and social commentary, with an elite, gay secret society. There is a lot of witty banter, and that gave me quite a few laugh out loud moments. You had to suspend disbelief for the entire book, and there were parts that made my eyes glaze over a bit (the bits where it was straight up action, with no humor involved). Overall, a solid 3 out of 5.
Andrew Birnbaum, a struggling actor who makes ends meet by working in a candle shop, is invited to a dinner with the exclusive Tuxedo Society by his best friend, Brock. What he expects - a group of wealthy socialites gathering for gossip and cocktails , what it was actually all about - danger, espionage, , and hilarity. Andrew is recruited to join the society. The mission of the society is covert protection for national security. Do they have all the neat little James Bond-like gadgets? Why yes they do. The story blends espionage and social commentary, with an elite, gay secret society. There is a lot of witty banter, and that gave me quite a few laugh out loud moments. You had to suspend disbelief for the entire book, and there were parts that made my eyes glaze over a bit (the bits where it was straight up action, with no humor involved). Overall, a solid 3 out of 5.
May 13, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review
Andrew is a struggling actor working in candle shop when a friend of his invites him to a dinner where the dress code is a tuxedo. He is expecting a posh dinner with posh people but he finds himself witnessing the workings of a spy organization. He gets an invite to join them, The tuxedo society a group of queer people who work in the shadows to prevent global incidents.
Honestly this was such a fun time, the camp in this was top tier. This felt like a cozy mystery, meets James Bond but make it super gay. I liked the found family aspect and the humour. This book doesn’t take itself too seriously and felt like an entertaining jaunt around the world collecting artifacts and thwarting bad guys.
Andrew is a struggling actor working in candle shop when a friend of his invites him to a dinner where the dress code is a tuxedo. He is expecting a posh dinner with posh people but he finds himself witnessing the workings of a spy organization. He gets an invite to join them, The tuxedo society a group of queer people who work in the shadows to prevent global incidents.
Honestly this was such a fun time, the camp in this was top tier. This felt like a cozy mystery, meets James Bond but make it super gay. I liked the found family aspect and the humour. This book doesn’t take itself too seriously and felt like an entertaining jaunt around the world collecting artifacts and thwarting bad guys.
May 19, 2026
Thank you NetGalley & Atria Books for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review!
Comedic, gay male spies traipsing around the world to solve crimes with a hint of magic? YES PLEASE!
“They are fierce patriots. They are licensed to kill and they are really, really gay.”
The Tuxedo Society was so much fun! I read 95% of it in one day! I loved every clever quip and dig, every pop culture reference and every fabulous disguise. I read this while sitting in a hospital waiting room and it was the perfect pick me up for an otherwise gloomy day. Do you need to suspend belief in a story being realistic for a bit? Yes, absolutely but I highly recommend picking this up if you need a fast paced, quick lighthearted mystery!
Comedic, gay male spies traipsing around the world to solve crimes with a hint of magic? YES PLEASE!
“They are fierce patriots. They are licensed to kill and they are really, really gay.”
The Tuxedo Society was so much fun! I read 95% of it in one day! I loved every clever quip and dig, every pop culture reference and every fabulous disguise. I read this while sitting in a hospital waiting room and it was the perfect pick me up for an otherwise gloomy day. Do you need to suspend belief in a story being realistic for a bit? Yes, absolutely but I highly recommend picking this up if you need a fast paced, quick lighthearted mystery!
May 26, 2026
When I started this book, I was worried. It seemed so over the top that I thought I would find it exhausting to read. As I continued, it really grew on me, and I found myself laughing out loud. Ultimately, this is a fun, implausible, delightfully campy sendup of spy novels and movies. It’s impossible not to root for Andrew to find his place and purpose in the Tuxedo Society (and hopefully get a boyfriend in the process).
Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 22, 2026
Thank you to Atria books for this eARC! This book was a silly fun time. It's a different genre then I usually read but it was so entertaining. The vibe felt like a queer Austin Powers/Oceans movie vibe and that is right up my ally. I got a little bit lost mission to mission but it almost didn't matter, it was very easy to lean into the vibe and ride it out even when feeling a little lost.
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February 20, 2026I received a free copy of, The Tuxedo Society, by Paul Rudnick, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I could not get into this book at all. I did not think it was funny at all, The Tuxedo Society was not for me.
March 5, 2026
DNF @ ch 4
Unfortunately I can already tell that this one isn’t for me, the writing feels very chaotic and almost rambling? Also just a bit too silly for me
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Unfortunately I can already tell that this one isn’t for me, the writing feels very chaotic and almost rambling? Also just a bit too silly for me
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
dnf at just under 50%. the humor was, indeed, as advertised for the most part, but the pop culture stuff was faaaar too much. i didn't know at least half the references, making me either not care about the scene/comparison, be unable to picture it, or lose complete interest. as if the author just took scenes from tons of other movies and combined them all in the mc's head like some odd puzzle where none of the pieces fit & tried to stuff them all into one book.
i found that i had zero attachment to the main character---in fact, i liked the best friend, brock, a lot more. the mystery aspect of it also seemed pretty obvious to me, & i'm not usually good at figuring out "whodunnits," so to speak. the blurb makes this book sound like it'll be similar to kingsman with taron egerton, but by 48% i don't think the mc had used a single one of the "gadgets" provided to him at the beginning of the book. there also seemed to be more plot holes than i usually see even in arcs, as well as a lot of too-long paragraphs where the subjects jumped around and should definitely have been separated. again, i know it's an unfinished copy but the amount of typos/errors, etc., seemed excessive in comparison to other arcs i've read that appear to have been edited at least once or twice prior to distribution.
sometimes, a book is intentionally over-the-top, and that's what makes it fun and funny. suspension of disbelief is required for those ones, and i absolutely went into the tuxedo society expecting, and excited for, that exact thing. sometimes that's just your mood, and shameless ott is a great palate cleanser between other reads. this book, however, felt as though it was over-the-top withOUT meaning to be, despite the blurb leading me to believe otherwise. like i mentioned, there were certainly some pretty funny lines---hence the 2 stars---but for the most part it was simply boring. even the "action" scenes had little action, there were some racist remarks, and a lot of the characters' names were unnecessary play-on-words or ones that tried to be plays-on-words but went completely over my head, and far too many for it to be funny as opposed to spacing them out with just a handful of characters where it would've been funnier and more surprising.
i did enjoy that some of the scenes took place in countries other than the usa that the author appeared to have visited himself, but beyond that it seemed almost patronizing. i realize the mc is a gay character immersed in the new york scene that i don't know much about, and both the author and the character were trying to stay true to that persona, but there was more annoyance than there was relatability or emotional connection, and for a character who claimed to be "well-educated," he missed a lot of obvious things.
again, some really funny lines that had me laughing out loud, cackling, but not even that was enough to get me to finish this book. it felt like the descriptions were done for the purpose of letting the reader know how observant & well-rounded, so to speak, the author is. i neither cared about nor even knew half the fabrics, structure descriptions, etc. etc. mentioned, & even if that weren't the case i still would've had zero interest in the amount of detail each time---it often took away from the plot more than adding to it. again, i don't at all mind suspension of disbelief, or having zero idea how accurate things like meeting with the pope in vatican city were (it is a fictional book, after all, so creative liberties are both allowed and expected with anything fictional in my opinion), but for a book with such a fun blurb it was disappointingly boring. the "tuxes," as the group calls themselves, had one mission where they had to pretend to be flight attendants on a commercial, overseas flight at the last minute, had zero training on how to do a job that's much more difficult than they made it seem, and there were no actual flight attendants present (or at least, not mentioned) to help hone their acting skills. it was also unclear with each new character introduced whether said character knew if the tuxes were undercover, or were aware of their real identities until later in the scene.
i feel so bad writing this because i don't want to discourage the author or change anyone's opinion about giving it a read. i legitimately hate having so few positive things to say about any book, especially by a well-known and loved author like this, but it just wasn't for me. that said, i sincerely hope other people---particularly those much more well-versed in pop culture (from any and all eras)---find it more enjoyable.
thank you to the author, publisher, and netgalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.
i found that i had zero attachment to the main character---in fact, i liked the best friend, brock, a lot more. the mystery aspect of it also seemed pretty obvious to me, & i'm not usually good at figuring out "whodunnits," so to speak. the blurb makes this book sound like it'll be similar to kingsman with taron egerton, but by 48% i don't think the mc had used a single one of the "gadgets" provided to him at the beginning of the book. there also seemed to be more plot holes than i usually see even in arcs, as well as a lot of too-long paragraphs where the subjects jumped around and should definitely have been separated. again, i know it's an unfinished copy but the amount of typos/errors, etc., seemed excessive in comparison to other arcs i've read that appear to have been edited at least once or twice prior to distribution.
sometimes, a book is intentionally over-the-top, and that's what makes it fun and funny. suspension of disbelief is required for those ones, and i absolutely went into the tuxedo society expecting, and excited for, that exact thing. sometimes that's just your mood, and shameless ott is a great palate cleanser between other reads. this book, however, felt as though it was over-the-top withOUT meaning to be, despite the blurb leading me to believe otherwise. like i mentioned, there were certainly some pretty funny lines---hence the 2 stars---but for the most part it was simply boring. even the "action" scenes had little action, there were some racist remarks, and a lot of the characters' names were unnecessary play-on-words or ones that tried to be plays-on-words but went completely over my head, and far too many for it to be funny as opposed to spacing them out with just a handful of characters where it would've been funnier and more surprising.
i did enjoy that some of the scenes took place in countries other than the usa that the author appeared to have visited himself, but beyond that it seemed almost patronizing. i realize the mc is a gay character immersed in the new york scene that i don't know much about, and both the author and the character were trying to stay true to that persona, but there was more annoyance than there was relatability or emotional connection, and for a character who claimed to be "well-educated," he missed a lot of obvious things.
again, some really funny lines that had me laughing out loud, cackling, but not even that was enough to get me to finish this book. it felt like the descriptions were done for the purpose of letting the reader know how observant & well-rounded, so to speak, the author is. i neither cared about nor even knew half the fabrics, structure descriptions, etc. etc. mentioned, & even if that weren't the case i still would've had zero interest in the amount of detail each time---it often took away from the plot more than adding to it. again, i don't at all mind suspension of disbelief, or having zero idea how accurate things like meeting with the pope in vatican city were (it is a fictional book, after all, so creative liberties are both allowed and expected with anything fictional in my opinion), but for a book with such a fun blurb it was disappointingly boring. the "tuxes," as the group calls themselves, had one mission where they had to pretend to be flight attendants on a commercial, overseas flight at the last minute, had zero training on how to do a job that's much more difficult than they made it seem, and there were no actual flight attendants present (or at least, not mentioned) to help hone their acting skills. it was also unclear with each new character introduced whether said character knew if the tuxes were undercover, or were aware of their real identities until later in the scene.
i feel so bad writing this because i don't want to discourage the author or change anyone's opinion about giving it a read. i legitimately hate having so few positive things to say about any book, especially by a well-known and loved author like this, but it just wasn't for me. that said, i sincerely hope other people---particularly those much more well-versed in pop culture (from any and all eras)---find it more enjoyable.
thank you to the author, publisher, and netgalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book really said “what if the fate of the world rested in the hands of a bunch of impeccably dressed, slightly chaotic, very gay spies?” and I did not stand a chance. Paul Rudnick’s The Tuxedo Society is published by Atria Books, and thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the gifted ARC.
This is not your traditional spy thriller—it’s louder, glossier, and far more interested in vibes than realism. We follow Andrew Birnbaum, a struggling actor working in a candle shop (which already feels like a metaphor for his life), who gets pulled into the Tuxedo Society thanks to his best friend Brock. What starts as a dinner party with rich, fabulous men quickly spirals into a full-blown espionage situation involving covert missions, high-stakes danger, and a group of operatives who look like they just stepped off a black-tie runway.
And honestly? The chaos works. This book reads like a cross between a James Bond parody and a Broadway fever dream—fast-paced, over-the-top, and unapologetically campy. You’re not here for logic. You’re here for inflatable life raft backpacks, yoga mats that double as weapons, jet-setting missions from the White House to the Vatican, and a cast of characters who are all doing the absolute most at all times.
Andrew is the definition of an unlikely hero, and that’s what makes his journey so satisfying. He starts off unsure, self-deprecating, and very aware that he might be the least qualified person in any given room—but slowly, through the encouragement (and occasional chaos) of the Tuxes, he begins to step into his own confidence. Watching him realize that maybe—just maybe—he is capable of being more than the role he thought he was stuck in? That hit in a way I wasn’t expecting from a book this ridiculous.
Reggie O’Malley, the tuxedo-loving Navy SEAL who recruits Andrew, brings that steady, commanding energy that balances Andrew’s internal chaos perfectly. And the rest of the Society? Pure ensemble gold. They feel like a mix of found family and elite task force, each one adding their own brand of drama, humor, and heart to the story. Yes, they lean into stereotypes at times, but the book is so self-aware about its camp that it almost feels intentional—like it’s winking at you while handing you another absurd plot twist.
“Sometimes the role you’re meant to play is the one you never thought you’d survive.”
That line lingered. Because beneath all the satire, there’s something real here about identity, about stepping into spaces where you feel like you don’t belong, and about realizing you might be stronger than you ever gave yourself credit for. It’s messy, it’s exaggerated, but it still manages to land an emotional punch when you least expect it.
This isn’t a book you read for depth or precision—it’s one you pick up when you want to escape, laugh, and just have fun. It’s perfect as a palate cleanser between heavier reads, or for anyone craving something fast, ridiculous, and full of personality. If you love camp, spy spoofs, queer representation, and stories that don’t take themselves too seriously, this will absolutely work for you.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pair this with a dirty martini—bold, a little extra, and exactly the kind of drink that knows it’s the main character.
So tell me—are you picking up your spy stories for gritty realism…or are you here for the glamour, the chaos, and the kind of mission that ends with a cocktail in hand?
#TheTuxedoSociety #PaulRudnick #BookReview #NetGalleyReads #AtriaBooks #LGBTQBooks #QueerReads #SpyThriller #CampReads #Bookstagram #ARCReview #CozyReaders #BooksAndCocktails
This is not your traditional spy thriller—it’s louder, glossier, and far more interested in vibes than realism. We follow Andrew Birnbaum, a struggling actor working in a candle shop (which already feels like a metaphor for his life), who gets pulled into the Tuxedo Society thanks to his best friend Brock. What starts as a dinner party with rich, fabulous men quickly spirals into a full-blown espionage situation involving covert missions, high-stakes danger, and a group of operatives who look like they just stepped off a black-tie runway.
And honestly? The chaos works. This book reads like a cross between a James Bond parody and a Broadway fever dream—fast-paced, over-the-top, and unapologetically campy. You’re not here for logic. You’re here for inflatable life raft backpacks, yoga mats that double as weapons, jet-setting missions from the White House to the Vatican, and a cast of characters who are all doing the absolute most at all times.
Andrew is the definition of an unlikely hero, and that’s what makes his journey so satisfying. He starts off unsure, self-deprecating, and very aware that he might be the least qualified person in any given room—but slowly, through the encouragement (and occasional chaos) of the Tuxes, he begins to step into his own confidence. Watching him realize that maybe—just maybe—he is capable of being more than the role he thought he was stuck in? That hit in a way I wasn’t expecting from a book this ridiculous.
Reggie O’Malley, the tuxedo-loving Navy SEAL who recruits Andrew, brings that steady, commanding energy that balances Andrew’s internal chaos perfectly. And the rest of the Society? Pure ensemble gold. They feel like a mix of found family and elite task force, each one adding their own brand of drama, humor, and heart to the story. Yes, they lean into stereotypes at times, but the book is so self-aware about its camp that it almost feels intentional—like it’s winking at you while handing you another absurd plot twist.
“Sometimes the role you’re meant to play is the one you never thought you’d survive.”
That line lingered. Because beneath all the satire, there’s something real here about identity, about stepping into spaces where you feel like you don’t belong, and about realizing you might be stronger than you ever gave yourself credit for. It’s messy, it’s exaggerated, but it still manages to land an emotional punch when you least expect it.
This isn’t a book you read for depth or precision—it’s one you pick up when you want to escape, laugh, and just have fun. It’s perfect as a palate cleanser between heavier reads, or for anyone craving something fast, ridiculous, and full of personality. If you love camp, spy spoofs, queer representation, and stories that don’t take themselves too seriously, this will absolutely work for you.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pair this with a dirty martini—bold, a little extra, and exactly the kind of drink that knows it’s the main character.
So tell me—are you picking up your spy stories for gritty realism…or are you here for the glamour, the chaos, and the kind of mission that ends with a cocktail in hand?
#TheTuxedoSociety #PaulRudnick #BookReview #NetGalleyReads #AtriaBooks #LGBTQBooks #QueerReads #SpyThriller #CampReads #Bookstagram #ARCReview #CozyReaders #BooksAndCocktails
May 31, 2026
Real Rating: 3.75* of five
The Publisher Says: If Guy Ritchie directed an episode of Queer Eye, it might look something like this hilarious and action-packed spy thriller by Paul Rudnick, acclaimed screenwriter and author of Farrell Covington and the Limits of Style, that blends espionage and social commentary, with an elite, gay secret society.
They are fierce patriots. They are licensed to kill. And they are really, really gay. Welcome to democracy’s secret weapon, the Tuxedo Society.
When Andrew Birnbaum, a struggling actor making ends meet by working in a candle shop, gets invited to have dinner with the exclusive Tuxedo Society by his best friend, Brock, his life takes an unexpected turn. What seems like a group of wealthy socialites gathering for gossip and cocktails quickly spirals into a world of espionage, danger, and hilarity.
Andrew soon meets Reggie O’Malley, a Navy SEAL with a penchant for black tie, who recruits Andrew to join the society’s covert mission to protect national security. Armed with gadgets like an inflatable life raft backpack, a yoga mat that doubles as an assault rifle, and, of course, an AMEX Black Card, Andrew quickly finds himself tackling spies, thwarting assassinations, and facing a host of unexpected threats in settings from the White House to the Vatican to the Summer Olympic Games.
The stakes escalate when Andrew and his comrades are sent on a jet-setting mission to uncover the truth about an ancient artifact. Along the way, they clash with oligarchs, crooked senators, and a smarmy televangelist with sinister plans for world domination.
Packed with Paul Rudnick’s signature wit, The Tuxedo Society is a wild ride through decadence, danger, and unexpected heroism, as Andrew discovers that saving the world might just be the role he’s been waiting for.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: Take all the silliness of a Bond flick and sprinkle fairy-dust on it, detomate a glitter bomb in a 1979 bath house, pipe in Bette Midler and Streisand and Cher interspersed with Romanovsky and Phillips, and...for the five of you still reading...and here's you a read. The trappings of the twenty-first century feel like they're set dressing. Like, this cisqueer white man cabal of queens sounds like Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle. Pastiche of the ways and words of the Good Old Days, fun for a while but...wears thin.
I'm the target audience for this book. I liked it. I really laughed, in pleasure, at the jokes. It gave me the happy nostalgia of knowing someone out there still remembers my heyday.
But it's twenty-fuckin'-twenty-six, y'all. Plug your hearing aid into the charger. Suicide bombers are fiendishly hard to track down using modern data analysis...gaydar shit-sure got no chance. I think we're past this kind of spying being used for humor because we're past this kind of spying being usable in real-world settings, which is always the fun of an espionage novel. It's not realistic or the CIA/NSA/MI{numeral} folk would be on the publisher, the writer, and the writer's mama with every resource they possess; but we-the-reader need to feel it *could* be and that it *could* happen like this.
But there are some lines that truly glitter like well-cut diamonds. Can't quote them because no really good examples don't also spoil stuff, annd if you don't live in fear of the Spoiler Stasi, you haven't been nastygrammed by any of 'em yet. Spoiled things.
Still a fun read, but one I'll send you to the library to check out, not your Bookshop.org cart.
The Publisher Says: If Guy Ritchie directed an episode of Queer Eye, it might look something like this hilarious and action-packed spy thriller by Paul Rudnick, acclaimed screenwriter and author of Farrell Covington and the Limits of Style, that blends espionage and social commentary, with an elite, gay secret society.
They are fierce patriots. They are licensed to kill. And they are really, really gay. Welcome to democracy’s secret weapon, the Tuxedo Society.
When Andrew Birnbaum, a struggling actor making ends meet by working in a candle shop, gets invited to have dinner with the exclusive Tuxedo Society by his best friend, Brock, his life takes an unexpected turn. What seems like a group of wealthy socialites gathering for gossip and cocktails quickly spirals into a world of espionage, danger, and hilarity.
Andrew soon meets Reggie O’Malley, a Navy SEAL with a penchant for black tie, who recruits Andrew to join the society’s covert mission to protect national security. Armed with gadgets like an inflatable life raft backpack, a yoga mat that doubles as an assault rifle, and, of course, an AMEX Black Card, Andrew quickly finds himself tackling spies, thwarting assassinations, and facing a host of unexpected threats in settings from the White House to the Vatican to the Summer Olympic Games.
The stakes escalate when Andrew and his comrades are sent on a jet-setting mission to uncover the truth about an ancient artifact. Along the way, they clash with oligarchs, crooked senators, and a smarmy televangelist with sinister plans for world domination.
Packed with Paul Rudnick’s signature wit, The Tuxedo Society is a wild ride through decadence, danger, and unexpected heroism, as Andrew discovers that saving the world might just be the role he’s been waiting for.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: Take all the silliness of a Bond flick and sprinkle fairy-dust on it, detomate a glitter bomb in a 1979 bath house, pipe in Bette Midler and Streisand and Cher interspersed with Romanovsky and Phillips, and...for the five of you still reading...and here's you a read. The trappings of the twenty-first century feel like they're set dressing. Like, this cisqueer white man cabal of queens sounds like Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle. Pastiche of the ways and words of the Good Old Days, fun for a while but...wears thin.
I'm the target audience for this book. I liked it. I really laughed, in pleasure, at the jokes. It gave me the happy nostalgia of knowing someone out there still remembers my heyday.
But it's twenty-fuckin'-twenty-six, y'all. Plug your hearing aid into the charger. Suicide bombers are fiendishly hard to track down using modern data analysis...gaydar shit-sure got no chance. I think we're past this kind of spying being used for humor because we're past this kind of spying being usable in real-world settings, which is always the fun of an espionage novel. It's not realistic or the CIA/NSA/MI{numeral} folk would be on the publisher, the writer, and the writer's mama with every resource they possess; but we-the-reader need to feel it *could* be and that it *could* happen like this.
But there are some lines that truly glitter like well-cut diamonds. Can't quote them because no really good examples don't also spoil stuff, annd if you don't live in fear of the Spoiler Stasi, you haven't been nastygrammed by any of 'em yet. Spoiled things.
Still a fun read, but one I'll send you to the library to check out, not your Bookshop.org cart.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 stars
The Tuxedo Society is genuinely one of the most ridiculous books I’ve read in a while, and I mean that as a compliment.
This is an absurdly over-the-top LGBTQ+ spy adventure that feels like James Bond, Knives Out, The Naked Gun, and a fever dream were all thrown into a blender. And honestly? If you fully commit to the chaos and let go of realism entirely, it’s SUCH a fun time.
The story follows Andrew Birnbaum, a struggling actor-turned-scented-candle salesman who is suddenly recruited into a secret society of extremely glamorous gay spies tasked with saving the world. And when I say this cast is eclectic, I mean ECLECTIC. Ex-military operatives, hackers, luxury real estate agents, OnlyFans stars… everyone somehow contributes to this completely unhinged mission involving stolen jewels, political conspiracies, election chaos, and protecting the First Lady.
This book knows exactly what it is. It’s campy, tongue-in-cheek, chaotic, wildly self-aware, and constantly leaning into the genre's absurdity in the best way. There were multiple moments where I genuinely laughed out loud because the humor and timing just worked for me.
I also loved the found family energy throughout the story. One of my favorite things in ensemble books is when everyone has wildly different skills and personalities that somehow perfectly balance each other out, and this absolutely delivered that vibe. Even when the plot was spiraling into complete nonsense, I was still having fun simply spending time with the characters and watching them bounce off one another.
That said… you definitely have to go into this prepared for the fact that the book LOVES tangents.
Andrew’s narration constantly drifts into side musings, observations, and random comedic detours that sometimes pulled me away from the actual action happening in the scene. There were moments where we’d return to the main plot after one of his internal spirals, and I’d briefly have to remember what was even happening originally. Some of the chapters also felt absurdly long, which occasionally affected the pacing for me.
I also think there were SO many characters introduced that a few of them blurred together a bit, especially side members of the Tuxedo Society who would disappear for stretches and then suddenly reappear to help move the plot forward.
But honestly? None of that stopped me from enjoying the experience overall. This is the kind of book that feels like pure entertainment first and foremost. It’s ridiculous, cinematic, sarcastic, chaotic, and very intentionally excessive.
And genuinely, if this ever got adapted into a movie or series, I would watch it immediately because it already feels written for the screen.
If you’re looking for a serious, grounded spy thriller… absolutely not. But if you want a low-stress, funny, wildly gay espionage romp full of camp, action, found family, and nonstop chaos, this is probably going to work really well for you.
The Tuxedo Society is genuinely one of the most ridiculous books I’ve read in a while, and I mean that as a compliment.
This is an absurdly over-the-top LGBTQ+ spy adventure that feels like James Bond, Knives Out, The Naked Gun, and a fever dream were all thrown into a blender. And honestly? If you fully commit to the chaos and let go of realism entirely, it’s SUCH a fun time.
The story follows Andrew Birnbaum, a struggling actor-turned-scented-candle salesman who is suddenly recruited into a secret society of extremely glamorous gay spies tasked with saving the world. And when I say this cast is eclectic, I mean ECLECTIC. Ex-military operatives, hackers, luxury real estate agents, OnlyFans stars… everyone somehow contributes to this completely unhinged mission involving stolen jewels, political conspiracies, election chaos, and protecting the First Lady.
This book knows exactly what it is. It’s campy, tongue-in-cheek, chaotic, wildly self-aware, and constantly leaning into the genre's absurdity in the best way. There were multiple moments where I genuinely laughed out loud because the humor and timing just worked for me.
I also loved the found family energy throughout the story. One of my favorite things in ensemble books is when everyone has wildly different skills and personalities that somehow perfectly balance each other out, and this absolutely delivered that vibe. Even when the plot was spiraling into complete nonsense, I was still having fun simply spending time with the characters and watching them bounce off one another.
That said… you definitely have to go into this prepared for the fact that the book LOVES tangents.
Andrew’s narration constantly drifts into side musings, observations, and random comedic detours that sometimes pulled me away from the actual action happening in the scene. There were moments where we’d return to the main plot after one of his internal spirals, and I’d briefly have to remember what was even happening originally. Some of the chapters also felt absurdly long, which occasionally affected the pacing for me.
I also think there were SO many characters introduced that a few of them blurred together a bit, especially side members of the Tuxedo Society who would disappear for stretches and then suddenly reappear to help move the plot forward.
But honestly? None of that stopped me from enjoying the experience overall. This is the kind of book that feels like pure entertainment first and foremost. It’s ridiculous, cinematic, sarcastic, chaotic, and very intentionally excessive.
And genuinely, if this ever got adapted into a movie or series, I would watch it immediately because it already feels written for the screen.
If you’re looking for a serious, grounded spy thriller… absolutely not. But if you want a low-stress, funny, wildly gay espionage romp full of camp, action, found family, and nonstop chaos, this is probably going to work really well for you.
May 26, 2026
“The Tuxedo Society” by Paul Rudnick is a wildly entertaining and hilarious novel about an elite, gay secret society.
Andrew Birnbaum is a struggling actor who’s working at a candle shop to make ends meet. His life changes when his friend Brock invites him to an exclusive dinner with The Tuxedo Society. While on the surface they seem like a bunch of wealthy socialites who get together to gossip and have fancy drinks, they’re actually invested in a chaotic world of undercover work.
As Andrew is drawn into their world, he finds undercover work is not dissimilar to acting: taking on new names, different personas, pretend jobs, and following directives. It’s also a lot of fun getting to use top-of-the-line spy gear to aid in undercover missions. But it’s a dangerous world in which Andrew must put a stop to assassinations, fend off other spies, and face unexpected threats in a variety of settings. Things only get worse when Andrew and his comrades are given instructions to uncover the truth behind an ancient artifact, one that can be dangerous in the wrong hands, and find themselves directly in their enemies’ crosshairs.
“The Tuxedo Society” is incredibly entertaining due, in part, to Andrew’s witty humour and pop references. But in the midst of all the butt-kicking and undercover work are great scenes where characters have their moments of comedy that make this a light and easy read. Despite their different backgrounds, the characters mix well and have great banter with one another. There are serious moments, too, especially with Andrew, that allow the reader to understand and relate to the characters on a more genuine and realistic scale.
The new spy gear was something to look forward to. Some of the inventions are pretty out there, but that fits with the genre and storyline. Even their missions hold a lot of promise for being intense but a lot of fun, too, due to the wild schemes they would have to enact to take out a threat or get someone alone for information.
While the story was a great read, it wasn’t for me. I’m giving it a rating of 3.5 stars, rounding to 4. A lot of humour tends to go over my head, and there’s a very specific type that I enjoy. I also found a lot was happening all at once, and I found I was losing track of the main plot and was unsure of where the story was headed. And, at times, the narration rambled on a bit, and that took me out of the story, too. Yet, I still found the story intriguing. I think that readers who enjoy this type of humour and genre will absolutely love everything Rudnick is doing. This isn’t a bad book by any means, it’s just not my interest.
“The Tuxedo Society” by Paul Rudnick is expected to be published on May 26, 2026. Be sure to add it to your TBR’s! Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing me with a free e-arc and the opportunity to share my honest opinion in this review.
Andrew Birnbaum is a struggling actor who’s working at a candle shop to make ends meet. His life changes when his friend Brock invites him to an exclusive dinner with The Tuxedo Society. While on the surface they seem like a bunch of wealthy socialites who get together to gossip and have fancy drinks, they’re actually invested in a chaotic world of undercover work.
As Andrew is drawn into their world, he finds undercover work is not dissimilar to acting: taking on new names, different personas, pretend jobs, and following directives. It’s also a lot of fun getting to use top-of-the-line spy gear to aid in undercover missions. But it’s a dangerous world in which Andrew must put a stop to assassinations, fend off other spies, and face unexpected threats in a variety of settings. Things only get worse when Andrew and his comrades are given instructions to uncover the truth behind an ancient artifact, one that can be dangerous in the wrong hands, and find themselves directly in their enemies’ crosshairs.
“The Tuxedo Society” is incredibly entertaining due, in part, to Andrew’s witty humour and pop references. But in the midst of all the butt-kicking and undercover work are great scenes where characters have their moments of comedy that make this a light and easy read. Despite their different backgrounds, the characters mix well and have great banter with one another. There are serious moments, too, especially with Andrew, that allow the reader to understand and relate to the characters on a more genuine and realistic scale.
The new spy gear was something to look forward to. Some of the inventions are pretty out there, but that fits with the genre and storyline. Even their missions hold a lot of promise for being intense but a lot of fun, too, due to the wild schemes they would have to enact to take out a threat or get someone alone for information.
While the story was a great read, it wasn’t for me. I’m giving it a rating of 3.5 stars, rounding to 4. A lot of humour tends to go over my head, and there’s a very specific type that I enjoy. I also found a lot was happening all at once, and I found I was losing track of the main plot and was unsure of where the story was headed. And, at times, the narration rambled on a bit, and that took me out of the story, too. Yet, I still found the story intriguing. I think that readers who enjoy this type of humour and genre will absolutely love everything Rudnick is doing. This isn’t a bad book by any means, it’s just not my interest.
“The Tuxedo Society” by Paul Rudnick is expected to be published on May 26, 2026. Be sure to add it to your TBR’s! Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing me with a free e-arc and the opportunity to share my honest opinion in this review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: May 26, 2026
What happens when you add some LGBTQ+ to your James Bond? You get “The Tuxedo Society: A Novel” by author and playwright Paul Rudnick. Set in New York City (because, where else?), “Society” is an unexpected, subversive and often hilarious thrill ride.
Andrew Birnbaum is a struggling actor, desperate for his shot at the big screen. Gay, single and Jewish, Andrew makes a living working at a candle shop in the local mall. When his best friend, Brock, reaches out to him to invite him to attend a meeting of a clandestine group who call themselves “The Tuxedo Society”, Andrew is intrigued just enough to go without asking further questions. What he finds is a group of queer men and women who work in the shadows, targeting those who threaten the lives of the American people. Andrew is quickly embroiled in a dangerous game when the First Lady is kidnapped and held for ransom, the price being a trio of beautiful, historic and, possibly, magic jewels.
“Society” is a cute, campy novel with likable and “very gay” characters (self-described). There is non-stop action, from one ridiculous plot point to another with stolen jewels and a kidnapped First Lady to complete the insanity. In other words, “Society” is completely unbelievable and outlandish, but it’s fun and unique and even has some laugh-out-loud moments.
There is not one character who is not over-the-top in “Society”, and the LGBTQ stereotypes are rampant throughout, but, as a member of the community himself, Rudnick is respectful and honest. The idea of a secret society of LGBTQ spies and assassins is amazing, and I loved the quirky banter between the characters. Andrew is likable as a struggling actor in a family of doctors, trying to find himself in probably the biggest musical theatre city in the United States.
The action, like everything else in the novel, was outrageous, but it had all the makings of a spy novel. Andrew and the Society traveled frequently on the Society’s private jets, met with the President and First Lady, and Andrew himself had a supernatural experience when he put on the diadem containing the missing jewels. So, if nothing else, “Society” is most definitely not boring.
Rudnick’s novel is well written and fast-paced. It flows well and, as ridiculous as the plot lines may be, they are well-formed and come together smoothly in time for the heartwarming conclusion.
Expected publication date: May 26, 2026
What happens when you add some LGBTQ+ to your James Bond? You get “The Tuxedo Society: A Novel” by author and playwright Paul Rudnick. Set in New York City (because, where else?), “Society” is an unexpected, subversive and often hilarious thrill ride.
Andrew Birnbaum is a struggling actor, desperate for his shot at the big screen. Gay, single and Jewish, Andrew makes a living working at a candle shop in the local mall. When his best friend, Brock, reaches out to him to invite him to attend a meeting of a clandestine group who call themselves “The Tuxedo Society”, Andrew is intrigued just enough to go without asking further questions. What he finds is a group of queer men and women who work in the shadows, targeting those who threaten the lives of the American people. Andrew is quickly embroiled in a dangerous game when the First Lady is kidnapped and held for ransom, the price being a trio of beautiful, historic and, possibly, magic jewels.
“Society” is a cute, campy novel with likable and “very gay” characters (self-described). There is non-stop action, from one ridiculous plot point to another with stolen jewels and a kidnapped First Lady to complete the insanity. In other words, “Society” is completely unbelievable and outlandish, but it’s fun and unique and even has some laugh-out-loud moments.
There is not one character who is not over-the-top in “Society”, and the LGBTQ stereotypes are rampant throughout, but, as a member of the community himself, Rudnick is respectful and honest. The idea of a secret society of LGBTQ spies and assassins is amazing, and I loved the quirky banter between the characters. Andrew is likable as a struggling actor in a family of doctors, trying to find himself in probably the biggest musical theatre city in the United States.
The action, like everything else in the novel, was outrageous, but it had all the makings of a spy novel. Andrew and the Society traveled frequently on the Society’s private jets, met with the President and First Lady, and Andrew himself had a supernatural experience when he put on the diadem containing the missing jewels. So, if nothing else, “Society” is most definitely not boring.
Rudnick’s novel is well written and fast-paced. It flows well and, as ridiculous as the plot lines may be, they are well-formed and come together smoothly in time for the heartwarming conclusion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Tuxedo Society by Paul Rudnick is a send-up to all the punch-‘em-out, shoot-‘em-up spy films and books, only made incredibly gay. Andrew Birnbaum is a struggling actor working in a candle store in the mall, and after taking his friend Brock’s offer of dinner, he’s inducted into a secret society—the Tuxedo Society. The members are all gay and working to stop threats. This newest danger involves the First Lady—and this is a fictional President and First Lady, so everyone can breathe a sigh of relief.
If you go into this book understanding it’s deeply unserious and cheesy, you will probably enjoy it just fine. Example: a phone that unlocks not with the user’s eye or fingerprint but with his penis. Also seemingly everyone—EVERYONE—is gay. Bad guy politician? Gay. Billionaire business scion whose family has fingers in all the pies? Gay. An entire room of priests? Gay. And not only are they gay, they’re mostly fingers snapping, squealing, pop-entertainment-obsessed gay.
Negative thought:
-There is a great deal of pop culture references, and sometimes the references will go on for a paragraph or more. If one doesn’t recognise the film/actor/musical being referenced—and with the amount, I’d imagine some might escape ken—it gets to be a little frustrating to wade through.
Mixed thoughts:
~For the book’s periodic chastisements over white cis men, the whole team is full of them? Multiple men are introduced, including one trans man, and there is a lesbian couple which is at least half if not both WOC as well as a trans woman author, but the core group running around getting the most time (Brock, Reggie, Andrew, and Timothy) are all white cis men.
~It’s a little weird how the protagonist (it’s first person) can see into people’s interiors like it’s third person instead. An example would be how Andrew knows Reata has a crush on Reggie, she wanted to be reckless, and that she was imagining herself on the cover of a comic book. It only happened a couple times, however.
Positive thoughts:
+The writer is GREAT with suspense, though. I was hooked reading the diving scene, eager for more. The ending, too, had me wanting to see how things would turn out for all of them.
+Reggie is probably the most interesting character, at least for me, and how his life was ruined by Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and then they just presumed he’d want to go back to the SEALs showed the motivation for the formation of the Tuxedos in a nice way.
+The ending is tongue-in-cheek about sequels, but I would be interested in reading more and seeing how everyone could develop further if the author decided to continue with a series.
I recommend this for people who enjoy a romp that is silly and over-the-top with queer people filling all the action roles. I’d give it 3.5.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
If you go into this book understanding it’s deeply unserious and cheesy, you will probably enjoy it just fine. Example: a phone that unlocks not with the user’s eye or fingerprint but with his penis. Also seemingly everyone—EVERYONE—is gay. Bad guy politician? Gay. Billionaire business scion whose family has fingers in all the pies? Gay. An entire room of priests? Gay. And not only are they gay, they’re mostly fingers snapping, squealing, pop-entertainment-obsessed gay.
Negative thought:
-There is a great deal of pop culture references, and sometimes the references will go on for a paragraph or more. If one doesn’t recognise the film/actor/musical being referenced—and with the amount, I’d imagine some might escape ken—it gets to be a little frustrating to wade through.
Mixed thoughts:
~For the book’s periodic chastisements over white cis men, the whole team is full of them? Multiple men are introduced, including one trans man, and there is a lesbian couple which is at least half if not both WOC as well as a trans woman author, but the core group running around getting the most time (Brock, Reggie, Andrew, and Timothy) are all white cis men.
~It’s a little weird how the protagonist (it’s first person) can see into people’s interiors like it’s third person instead. An example would be how Andrew knows Reata has a crush on Reggie, she wanted to be reckless, and that she was imagining herself on the cover of a comic book. It only happened a couple times, however.
Positive thoughts:
+The writer is GREAT with suspense, though. I was hooked reading the diving scene, eager for more. The ending, too, had me wanting to see how things would turn out for all of them.
+Reggie is probably the most interesting character, at least for me, and how his life was ruined by Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and then they just presumed he’d want to go back to the SEALs showed the motivation for the formation of the Tuxedos in a nice way.
+The ending is tongue-in-cheek about sequels, but I would be interested in reading more and seeing how everyone could develop further if the author decided to continue with a series.
I recommend this for people who enjoy a romp that is silly and over-the-top with queer people filling all the action roles. I’d give it 3.5.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Campy Spy Hijinks
A review of the NetGalley ARC eBook read in advance of the Atria Books hardcover (May 26, 2026).
The synopsis describing this as Guy Ritchie directing an episode of Queer Eye doesn't go far enough to describe this comedy spy caper. It is more like an elite team such as from the forces of Kingsman and The Night Agent going up against Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War & Endgame in order to prevent an apocalyptic unleashing of mythological powers such as at the end of Raiders of the Lost Ark and it is all scored to music from Follies a.o. by Stephen Sondheim. The twist being that the elite force is gay 🏳️🌈 in a subverting of most spy archetypes.
If the above TV-series, movie and Broadway musical references are over your head, then this may not be the book for you. If you recognize all of them, this book will be like catnip 😊. The secret weapon here is that the book is not only written in the style of irreverent movie and cultural critic Libby Gelman-Waxner, the said fictional writer actually makes a late appearance as the aunt of the lead character Andrew Birnbaum.
Before the age of present day takedown critics on podcasts, YouTube channels, substacks a.o. there was Libby Gelman-Waxner's regular "If You Ask Me" column in magazines such as Premiere, People and New Yorker. Libby was the pseudonym of writer Paul Rudnick who combines all of those same snarky, pop cultural references into this campy hijinks spy caper novel with the added delight of bringing the fictional Libby to life.
My thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advance ARC copy for which I provide this honest review.
Trivia and Links
For an early collection of Libby Gelman-Waxner columns see If You Ask Me: The Collected Columns of America's Most Beloved and Irresponsible Critic (1994).
I managed to trace a few online collections of Libby Gelman-Waxner columns:
Libby Gelman-Waxner at the New Yorker https://www.newyorker.com/contributor...
Libby Gelman-Waxner: The Lost Years https://libbygelmanwaxner.blogspot.com/
A review of the NetGalley ARC eBook read in advance of the Atria Books hardcover (May 26, 2026).
The synopsis describing this as Guy Ritchie directing an episode of Queer Eye doesn't go far enough to describe this comedy spy caper. It is more like an elite team such as from the forces of Kingsman and The Night Agent going up against Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War & Endgame in order to prevent an apocalyptic unleashing of mythological powers such as at the end of Raiders of the Lost Ark and it is all scored to music from Follies a.o. by Stephen Sondheim. The twist being that the elite force is gay 🏳️🌈 in a subverting of most spy archetypes.
If the above TV-series, movie and Broadway musical references are over your head, then this may not be the book for you. If you recognize all of them, this book will be like catnip 😊. The secret weapon here is that the book is not only written in the style of irreverent movie and cultural critic Libby Gelman-Waxner, the said fictional writer actually makes a late appearance as the aunt of the lead character Andrew Birnbaum.
Before the age of present day takedown critics on podcasts, YouTube channels, substacks a.o. there was Libby Gelman-Waxner's regular "If You Ask Me" column in magazines such as Premiere, People and New Yorker. Libby was the pseudonym of writer Paul Rudnick who combines all of those same snarky, pop cultural references into this campy hijinks spy caper novel with the added delight of bringing the fictional Libby to life.
My thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advance ARC copy for which I provide this honest review.
Trivia and Links
For an early collection of Libby Gelman-Waxner columns see If You Ask Me: The Collected Columns of America's Most Beloved and Irresponsible Critic (1994).
I managed to trace a few online collections of Libby Gelman-Waxner columns:
Libby Gelman-Waxner at the New Yorker https://www.newyorker.com/contributor...
Libby Gelman-Waxner: The Lost Years https://libbygelmanwaxner.blogspot.com/
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rating: ⭐⭐ ½
Genre: Mystery Thriller + LGBTQ+
I chose The Tuxedo Society from NetGalley expecting it to be a fun, campy queer spy adventure, and to be fair, it is all that, but just not the way I was hoping it would be. The premise sounds great with a secret society of queer spies who operate with all the glamour, wit, and high-stakes missions. The concept is a mixture of espionage and comedy. I think it is a strong concept, but the execution feels uneven.
It is safe to say that the biggest strength of the book is its humor when it is relevant to the situation. There are genuinely funny moments scattered throughout, with witty dialogue and absurd situations that fully embrace the ridiculousness of the premise. The writing is obviously leaning heavily into satire—not taking itself seriously.
The book has an extremely campy tone, which can be a hit or a miss depending on your taste. The plot can be over the top and at times lean towards absurdity, which is all intentional. So, in other words, the story requires a complete suspension of disbelief. Don’t expect grounded storytelling here.
The pace is very fast, and you will find characters jumping from one mission to another before you can blink your eyes. I think readers who enjoy fast-paced stories might appreciate that, but I personally felt things were a bit messy, chaotic, and at times difficult to follow. I felt overwhelmed quite often and had to question why things were all over the place.
In terms of the characters, strangely, the main character felt underdeveloped. A few of the secondary ones felt more interesting to me than the protagonist. I just wish the author had invested more in building these characters. The reliance on gay stereotypes didn’t help the story, and I feel it backfired. There is also a heavy dose of pop culture references, which can get exhausting if you are not into that.
In the end, this is one of those books that will strongly depend on your tolerance for absurdity. For me, it lands somewhere in the middle: entertaining but messy, funny but inconsistent. A 2.5-star read feels right—it’s not bad, but it never quite comes together into something truly satisfying. If you’re in the mood for something loud, chaotic, and unserious, it might work for you. Otherwise, this could be a frustrating ride.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC of this book.
https://constantinebooks.blogspot.com...
Genre: Mystery Thriller + LGBTQ+
I chose The Tuxedo Society from NetGalley expecting it to be a fun, campy queer spy adventure, and to be fair, it is all that, but just not the way I was hoping it would be. The premise sounds great with a secret society of queer spies who operate with all the glamour, wit, and high-stakes missions. The concept is a mixture of espionage and comedy. I think it is a strong concept, but the execution feels uneven.
It is safe to say that the biggest strength of the book is its humor when it is relevant to the situation. There are genuinely funny moments scattered throughout, with witty dialogue and absurd situations that fully embrace the ridiculousness of the premise. The writing is obviously leaning heavily into satire—not taking itself seriously.
The book has an extremely campy tone, which can be a hit or a miss depending on your taste. The plot can be over the top and at times lean towards absurdity, which is all intentional. So, in other words, the story requires a complete suspension of disbelief. Don’t expect grounded storytelling here.
The pace is very fast, and you will find characters jumping from one mission to another before you can blink your eyes. I think readers who enjoy fast-paced stories might appreciate that, but I personally felt things were a bit messy, chaotic, and at times difficult to follow. I felt overwhelmed quite often and had to question why things were all over the place.
In terms of the characters, strangely, the main character felt underdeveloped. A few of the secondary ones felt more interesting to me than the protagonist. I just wish the author had invested more in building these characters. The reliance on gay stereotypes didn’t help the story, and I feel it backfired. There is also a heavy dose of pop culture references, which can get exhausting if you are not into that.
In the end, this is one of those books that will strongly depend on your tolerance for absurdity. For me, it lands somewhere in the middle: entertaining but messy, funny but inconsistent. A 2.5-star read feels right—it’s not bad, but it never quite comes together into something truly satisfying. If you’re in the mood for something loud, chaotic, and unserious, it might work for you. Otherwise, this could be a frustrating ride.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC of this book.
https://constantinebooks.blogspot.com...
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was a bit thrown off with this book since I wasn't expecting a complete farce/satire story. I was expecting a level of comedy and suspension of disbelief, but not all the way into spoof territory. If I had known that, I probably would have passed on this book.
I absolutely love spy books and shows/movies. I was excited for this book, since I think it's a great premise. I could see the potential of having a specialized queer spy unit, similar to how I loved the premise of Killers of a Certain age where it's an elite women hit squad. However, the book was just so over the top, while also not being enough, that it didn't work for me.
Our main character Andrew is a struggling actor who's recruited into the Tuxedo Society, an LGBTQ+ group of spies/assassins. Andrew was incredibly frustrating as a character since all he does is think in pop culture references. I would've been fine with some, but the whole book having them was too much. I enjoyed his family in the book. They were fun characters, even if I kept rolling my eyes every time he told them about being in the Tuxedo Society.
He's joined by other members of the Tuxedo Society as they go on various missions, and each character is very one note. I love the idea of the Tuxedo Society where they blend in by acting like over the top gay stereotypes - at one point, they're supervising Andrew on a mission and the way they're doing that is being loud and boisterous so no one notices them. That was great and made so much sense! But then the underlying characters also felt like stereotypes. One character's role in the group is to be on Only Fans (and, of course, all the bad guys know of him - I liked that detail). The main character is sexually attracted to all the other guys in the squad and is constantly thinking about sex. I'm not in the LGBTQ+ community, so I'm hesitant to say "stereotypical", but so many of the characters felt like queer caricatures. I was half expecting that this was written by a heterosexual white man, but, no, the author is openly gay.
The story veered into supernatural "collect all these jewels and rule the world" territory, and that lost me. It goes back to my main issue where I didn't realize this was a full-on spoof book.
I feel bad, but this book wasn't for me. I think if you go in knowing what to expect, you'll enjoy it, as others clearly have.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this advance review copy.
I absolutely love spy books and shows/movies. I was excited for this book, since I think it's a great premise. I could see the potential of having a specialized queer spy unit, similar to how I loved the premise of Killers of a Certain age where it's an elite women hit squad. However, the book was just so over the top, while also not being enough, that it didn't work for me.
Our main character Andrew is a struggling actor who's recruited into the Tuxedo Society, an LGBTQ+ group of spies/assassins. Andrew was incredibly frustrating as a character since all he does is think in pop culture references. I would've been fine with some, but the whole book having them was too much. I enjoyed his family in the book. They were fun characters, even if I kept rolling my eyes every time he told them about being in the Tuxedo Society.
He's joined by other members of the Tuxedo Society as they go on various missions, and each character is very one note. I love the idea of the Tuxedo Society where they blend in by acting like over the top gay stereotypes - at one point, they're supervising Andrew on a mission and the way they're doing that is being loud and boisterous so no one notices them. That was great and made so much sense! But then the underlying characters also felt like stereotypes. One character's role in the group is to be on Only Fans (and, of course, all the bad guys know of him - I liked that detail). The main character is sexually attracted to all the other guys in the squad and is constantly thinking about sex. I'm not in the LGBTQ+ community, so I'm hesitant to say "stereotypical", but so many of the characters felt like queer caricatures. I was half expecting that this was written by a heterosexual white man, but, no, the author is openly gay.
The story veered into supernatural "collect all these jewels and rule the world" territory, and that lost me. It goes back to my main issue where I didn't realize this was a full-on spoof book.
I feel bad, but this book wasn't for me. I think if you go in knowing what to expect, you'll enjoy it, as others clearly have.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this advance review copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 ⭐️s! | This was really cute! I wasn’t really sure what to expect when this widget landed in my inbox, but I’m glad I decided to read it! There’s a very specific kind of reader who’s going to absolutely eat this up. The Tuxedo Society is loud, chaotic, wildly campy, and completely uninterested in taking itself seriously… which is both its biggest strength and, at times, its downfall.
This book really leans into its premise: a secret society of impeccably dressed, very gay spies (gay spies?! yeah, I was immediately intrigued) saving the world in black tie. From inflatable life raft backpacks to weaponized yoga mats, every detail feels intentionally over-the-top, like a spy parody turned all the way up. It reads less like a traditional thriller and more like a glittery fever dream of espionage, packed with pop culture references, absurd missions, and nonstop chaos.
Andrew is an easy character to root for. He’s an awkward, struggling actor suddenly thrown into a world where he feels wildly underqualified. Watching him grow into his role (even if he’s still fumbling half the time) adds a nice emotional thread beneath all the satire. And the Tuxedo Society itself? There is so much found family energy, it’s full of big personalities, dramatic flair, and sharp, witty banter.
The humor definitely lands. There were multiple genuine laugh-out-loud moments, and the book feels like a love letter to queer culture in all its campy, theatrical glory. That said, there were a few moments where it all felt like a little Too Much. The writing occasionally feels like it’s reaching for the most extravagant word possible, and there are moments where the pacing and sheer volume of absurdity make it hard to stay grounded in the story. If you’re looking for logic, realism, or even a tightly structured plot… this is not that book.
But if you’re in the mood for something unserious, fast-paced, and unapologetically extra, this definitely delivers. It’s the kind of book you pick up between heavier reads when you just want to have fun and not think too hard. It’s messy, ridiculous, and undeniably entertaining. The Tuxedo Society is a book that knows exactly what it is, and it commits to it completely.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria for this eARC!
This book really leans into its premise: a secret society of impeccably dressed, very gay spies (gay spies?! yeah, I was immediately intrigued) saving the world in black tie. From inflatable life raft backpacks to weaponized yoga mats, every detail feels intentionally over-the-top, like a spy parody turned all the way up. It reads less like a traditional thriller and more like a glittery fever dream of espionage, packed with pop culture references, absurd missions, and nonstop chaos.
Andrew is an easy character to root for. He’s an awkward, struggling actor suddenly thrown into a world where he feels wildly underqualified. Watching him grow into his role (even if he’s still fumbling half the time) adds a nice emotional thread beneath all the satire. And the Tuxedo Society itself? There is so much found family energy, it’s full of big personalities, dramatic flair, and sharp, witty banter.
The humor definitely lands. There were multiple genuine laugh-out-loud moments, and the book feels like a love letter to queer culture in all its campy, theatrical glory. That said, there were a few moments where it all felt like a little Too Much. The writing occasionally feels like it’s reaching for the most extravagant word possible, and there are moments where the pacing and sheer volume of absurdity make it hard to stay grounded in the story. If you’re looking for logic, realism, or even a tightly structured plot… this is not that book.
But if you’re in the mood for something unserious, fast-paced, and unapologetically extra, this definitely delivers. It’s the kind of book you pick up between heavier reads when you just want to have fun and not think too hard. It’s messy, ridiculous, and undeniably entertaining. The Tuxedo Society is a book that knows exactly what it is, and it commits to it completely.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria for this eARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ebook copy of The Tuxedo Society. This one honestly just was not fully for me, but I can absolutely see this becoming a favorite for a lot of readers because this book is pure chaos in the most over the top way possible.
📝 Short Summary
When struggling actor Andrew gets pulled into a secret society filled with wealthy gay spies, ridiculous gadgets, dangerous missions, and nonstop chaos, his life quickly spirals into a wild action packed adventure full of humor, satire, and over the top energy.
Review
This book fully commits to its campy chaotic spy thriller vibe from the very beginning, and honestly I respect that. The humor, ridiculous situations, secret missions, outrageous gadgets, and nonstop action all felt very intentional, and I know so many readers are going to have an amazing time with this story because of how unapologetically over the top it is.
There were definitely moments that made me laugh because the absurdity of everything was honestly entertaining. It almost felt like watching a giant action comedy movie where every scene keeps trying to outdo the last one. The energy never slows down, and the book clearly knows exactly what kind of story it wants to be.
For me personally though, I just never fully connected with it emotionally. I liked the concept more than I actually enjoyed reading it, and I kept waiting for that moment where I would really click with the characters or feel more invested in what was happening. Unfortunately that connection just never fully happened for me.
That being said, I genuinely think this is one of those books where the right reader is going to absolutely love it. If you enjoy campy humor, queer chaos, ridiculous spy energy, satire, fast pacing, and books that completely lean into the absurdity, this will probably work really well for you. It simply ended up being more of a personal taste issue for me than an issue with the actual story itself.
✅ Would I Recommend It?
Yes, especially for readers who love over the top humor, campy action, queer satire, chaotic spy thrillers, and stories that feel loud, dramatic, ridiculous, and intentionally fun.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ebook copy of The Tuxedo Society. This one honestly just was not fully for me, but I can absolutely see this becoming a favorite for a lot of readers because this book is pure chaos in the most over the top way possible.
📝 Short Summary
When struggling actor Andrew gets pulled into a secret society filled with wealthy gay spies, ridiculous gadgets, dangerous missions, and nonstop chaos, his life quickly spirals into a wild action packed adventure full of humor, satire, and over the top energy.
Review
This book fully commits to its campy chaotic spy thriller vibe from the very beginning, and honestly I respect that. The humor, ridiculous situations, secret missions, outrageous gadgets, and nonstop action all felt very intentional, and I know so many readers are going to have an amazing time with this story because of how unapologetically over the top it is.
There were definitely moments that made me laugh because the absurdity of everything was honestly entertaining. It almost felt like watching a giant action comedy movie where every scene keeps trying to outdo the last one. The energy never slows down, and the book clearly knows exactly what kind of story it wants to be.
For me personally though, I just never fully connected with it emotionally. I liked the concept more than I actually enjoyed reading it, and I kept waiting for that moment where I would really click with the characters or feel more invested in what was happening. Unfortunately that connection just never fully happened for me.
That being said, I genuinely think this is one of those books where the right reader is going to absolutely love it. If you enjoy campy humor, queer chaos, ridiculous spy energy, satire, fast pacing, and books that completely lean into the absurdity, this will probably work really well for you. It simply ended up being more of a personal taste issue for me than an issue with the actual story itself.
✅ Would I Recommend It?
Yes, especially for readers who love over the top humor, campy action, queer satire, chaotic spy thrillers, and stories that feel loud, dramatic, ridiculous, and intentionally fun.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a fun romp of a book! Paul Rudnick definitely makes me laugh, and this book had some very funny (and some silly) moments. Thanks so much to Atria Books and NetGalley for the complimentary advance copy!
Andrew is an aspiring actor in NYC, but he seems to do more aspiring than acting. To make ends meet, he works at a candle store, where no matter the season, the Christmas candles are always popular. But he dreams of something more.
His friend Brock invites him to a fancy dinner with an exclusive group he belongs to called the Tuxedo Society. It’s not just a group of attractive, gossipy people, as they appear to be. It’s actually a super-secret group which helps protect American democracy. And all of the members are queer.
The group’s leader, Reggie, is a former Navy SEAL who was dishonorably discharged for being gay. He trains Andrew to be a full member of the group, complete with James Bond-esque gadgets (bombs that look like protein bars, a yoga mat that doubles as an assault rifle), as they try to figure out who is behind the theft of some important artifacts.
Their mission finds Andrew in spots around the world, impersonating clergy, Olympic athletes, and a florist’s assistant. They come into contact with corrupt, closeted politicians, foreign criminal masterminds, and an evil televangelist.
There are lots of great banter and fun action scenes in the book. But honestly, what I loved the most was the appearance of a character who used to “author” a column for PREMIERE magazine, whom I absolutely loved. This would be a great movie!!
The book publishes 5/26.
Check out my best reads of 2025 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2026/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2025.html .
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/getbookedwithlarry/.
Andrew is an aspiring actor in NYC, but he seems to do more aspiring than acting. To make ends meet, he works at a candle store, where no matter the season, the Christmas candles are always popular. But he dreams of something more.
His friend Brock invites him to a fancy dinner with an exclusive group he belongs to called the Tuxedo Society. It’s not just a group of attractive, gossipy people, as they appear to be. It’s actually a super-secret group which helps protect American democracy. And all of the members are queer.
The group’s leader, Reggie, is a former Navy SEAL who was dishonorably discharged for being gay. He trains Andrew to be a full member of the group, complete with James Bond-esque gadgets (bombs that look like protein bars, a yoga mat that doubles as an assault rifle), as they try to figure out who is behind the theft of some important artifacts.
Their mission finds Andrew in spots around the world, impersonating clergy, Olympic athletes, and a florist’s assistant. They come into contact with corrupt, closeted politicians, foreign criminal masterminds, and an evil televangelist.
There are lots of great banter and fun action scenes in the book. But honestly, what I loved the most was the appearance of a character who used to “author” a column for PREMIERE magazine, whom I absolutely loved. This would be a great movie!!
The book publishes 5/26.
Check out my best reads of 2025 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2026/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2025.html .
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/getbookedwithlarry/.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Spies, Lies, & Statement Ties
Paul Rudnick has written a spy novel, yes… but not the dusty, brooding, heterosexual kind (no offense to martinis shaken without irony). The Tuxedo Society is what happens when espionage gets a stylist, a lighting designer, and a deeply committed theater gay at its center. Enter Andrew Birnbaum, struggling New York actor (not washed up, just aggressively between opportunities) who would absolutely say he only sells “Iced Vanilla Malibu Sunrise” or “Triple Sweetberry Serenade” candles at a mall kiosk adjacent to Cinnabon if it meant he got a chance to get into the game. So when a mysterious, exquisitely tailored secret society offers him a role, any role, he says yes (understudy? human prop? international man of mild confusion?) because belonging is the ultimate casting call. And honestly, we support him.
The Tuxedo Society itself operates on glamour logic (be elusive, be excessive, be slightly unhinged but in couture). One minute they’re blending into a gala; the next they’re racing across the largest cruise ship imaginable with Inspector Gadget-adjacent flying hats (serving face, saving civilization, not breaking a nail). It reads like someone’s gay Bond fantasy (not bondage… though the tailoring is restrictive in a chic way), all heightened stakes and sharper cheekbones. And beneath the sparkle-bomb absurdity is Rudnick’s precision: characters who are ridiculous yet deeply human, dialogue that snaps, and action that feels like Mission: Impossible reimagined by the drama club president who also runs the costume budget.
It’s hilarious. It’s queer. It’s crime with cufflinks. And by the end, I wasn’t just rooting for Andrew, I wanted my own tuxedo, a coded invitation, and the confidence to infiltrate a yacht party while discussing moisturizer. Enlist me immediately (I’ll bring the lewks).
Thank you Atria Books, NetGalley, and Paul Rudnick for this eARC!!!
Paul Rudnick has written a spy novel, yes… but not the dusty, brooding, heterosexual kind (no offense to martinis shaken without irony). The Tuxedo Society is what happens when espionage gets a stylist, a lighting designer, and a deeply committed theater gay at its center. Enter Andrew Birnbaum, struggling New York actor (not washed up, just aggressively between opportunities) who would absolutely say he only sells “Iced Vanilla Malibu Sunrise” or “Triple Sweetberry Serenade” candles at a mall kiosk adjacent to Cinnabon if it meant he got a chance to get into the game. So when a mysterious, exquisitely tailored secret society offers him a role, any role, he says yes (understudy? human prop? international man of mild confusion?) because belonging is the ultimate casting call. And honestly, we support him.
The Tuxedo Society itself operates on glamour logic (be elusive, be excessive, be slightly unhinged but in couture). One minute they’re blending into a gala; the next they’re racing across the largest cruise ship imaginable with Inspector Gadget-adjacent flying hats (serving face, saving civilization, not breaking a nail). It reads like someone’s gay Bond fantasy (not bondage… though the tailoring is restrictive in a chic way), all heightened stakes and sharper cheekbones. And beneath the sparkle-bomb absurdity is Rudnick’s precision: characters who are ridiculous yet deeply human, dialogue that snaps, and action that feels like Mission: Impossible reimagined by the drama club president who also runs the costume budget.
It’s hilarious. It’s queer. It’s crime with cufflinks. And by the end, I wasn’t just rooting for Andrew, I wanted my own tuxedo, a coded invitation, and the confidence to infiltrate a yacht party while discussing moisturizer. Enlist me immediately (I’ll bring the lewks).
Thank you Atria Books, NetGalley, and Paul Rudnick for this eARC!!!
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