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The Tuxedo Society: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 26 May 26If 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.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication May 26, 2026
6 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
About the author
Paul Rudnick
13 books304 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 - 4 of 4 reviews
December 30, 2025
The Tuxedo Society is an outrageously entertaining new addition to LGBTQ+ literature in the form of a story of espionage, comedy, and queer culture all mixed into one. The story follows Andrew, a man who is drawn into a secret gay society that undertakes difficult and dangerous secret missions, led by the handsome and fearless Reggie. Together the team searches the globe for mysterious artifacts and attempts to thwart evil (and closeted) villains.
I had a blast reading this book. The characters were enjoyable, the dialogue was hilarious, and the story was fun and heartfelt. The author inserts hysterical references that had me laughing out loud at times. This is the kind of story and world-building that could definitely spawn a sequel.
My thanks to the publisher for sending me an Advance Reader Copy of this book. It was provided to me through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Everything stated in my review is my own opinion written in my own words.
I had a blast reading this book. The characters were enjoyable, the dialogue was hilarious, and the story was fun and heartfelt. The author inserts hysterical references that had me laughing out loud at times. This is the kind of story and world-building that could definitely spawn a sequel.
My thanks to the publisher for sending me an Advance Reader Copy of this book. It was provided to me through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Everything stated in my review is my own opinion written in my own words.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Special thanks to Atria Books and Netgalley for the digital ARC (advance reader copy) of The Tuxedo Society. I adore Paul Rudnick. His books always make me so happy. The Tuxedo Society not only did that but introduced Rudnick's wit and charm to yet another genre - the thriller. The sexy, tuxedoed international secret society of Americans tasked with protecting others and the world thriller. With his own personal touch, Rudnick makes all of us queer folk proud to be a part of the world. I can already see the adaptation in my head. But for now, I say run to get this from your library or bookstore on May 26, 2026. Because no matter what, the books are always better. So much fun.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
SO MUCH FUN!!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
DNF at 50% - more thorough review will be added in future
For now: did not find funny, did not like focus on primarily cis, white, gay men or how the lesbians in the Tuxedo Society had barely any meaningful presence and overall lack of other queer identities being represented ; kind of stopped liking at 25% but kept reading in hopes would start to like it more
Others may enjoy this type of comedy and caricatures of political figures even if I didn’t — primary focus character is a little annoying but overall likable
For now: did not find funny, did not like focus on primarily cis, white, gay men or how the lesbians in the Tuxedo Society had barely any meaningful presence and overall lack of other queer identities being represented ; kind of stopped liking at 25% but kept reading in hopes would start to like it more
Others may enjoy this type of comedy and caricatures of political figures even if I didn’t — primary focus character is a little annoying but overall likable
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews