Description
Description
If Guy Ritchie directed a James Bond caper starring a queer 007, 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.
About the Author
About the Author
Paul Rudnick is the author of What Is Wrong With You? and Farrell Covington and the Limits of Style. His plays have been produced on and off Broadway and include Jeffrey, I Hate Hamlet, Regrets Only, and The New Century. He is the author of eight books, and he's a frequent contributor to The New Yorker; his writing has also appeared in Vogue, Esquire, Vanity Fair, and more. His screenplays include Addams Family Values, Coastal Elites, In & Out, Sister Act, and the film adaptation of Jeffrey. Find out more at PaulRudnick.com and follow him on X at PaulRudnickNY.
Critical Reviews
Critical Reviews
"A delightful cocktail of laugh-out-loud humor, thrilling action, and surprising heart that left me shaken and stirred. Readers will be in double-oh-gay heaven."
--Steven Rowley, New York Times bestselling author of The Guncle and The Celebrants "Gay men in cummerbunds saving the free world! If only this were real and not just the delightful and gripping handiwork of the hilarious Paul Rudnick."
--Susan Morrison, New York Times bestselling author of Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live "Paul Rudnick became an American treasure by using his groundbreaking humor to carry us through dark times. The Tuxedo Society delightfully continues that trend. Rapturously hilarious, it succeeds as both a sexy queer send-up of the spy genre and a satisfying adventure in espionage complete with party horns that shoot tranquilizer darts. I just loved it!"
--Christopher Rice, New York Times bestselling author and co-executive producer of Dinner Partners Productions "Rudnick's spoof on espionage thrillers is filled with allusions to the classics, poking fun at genre tropes while gleefully employing them . . . Endearing and wildly entertaining."
--Booklist (starred review) "Delightful . . . combines brisk plotting, quippy humor, and an unexpected dose of patriotism. . . . By the time the finale rolls around, readers will be convinced this screen-ready adventure deserves a sequel."
--Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Rudnick's wit shines throughout with laugh-out-loud one-liners and characters readers will adore. With humor, love, and adventure, this page-turner will appeal to a wide array of readers, from Heated Rivalry enthusiasts to David Sedaris fans."
--Library Journal "Rudnick jams more comic energy into a single sentence than seems physically possible, his agile metaphors flying like gymnasts across the page. . . . If wild queer comedy can somehow be used to thwart evil and bring about world peace, this is the book that will save us."
--Kirkus (starred review)
--Steven Rowley, New York Times bestselling author of The Guncle and The Celebrants "Gay men in cummerbunds saving the free world! If only this were real and not just the delightful and gripping handiwork of the hilarious Paul Rudnick."
--Susan Morrison, New York Times bestselling author of Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live "Paul Rudnick became an American treasure by using his groundbreaking humor to carry us through dark times. The Tuxedo Society delightfully continues that trend. Rapturously hilarious, it succeeds as both a sexy queer send-up of the spy genre and a satisfying adventure in espionage complete with party horns that shoot tranquilizer darts. I just loved it!"
--Christopher Rice, New York Times bestselling author and co-executive producer of Dinner Partners Productions "Rudnick's spoof on espionage thrillers is filled with allusions to the classics, poking fun at genre tropes while gleefully employing them . . . Endearing and wildly entertaining."
--Booklist (starred review) "Delightful . . . combines brisk plotting, quippy humor, and an unexpected dose of patriotism. . . . By the time the finale rolls around, readers will be convinced this screen-ready adventure deserves a sequel."
--Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Rudnick's wit shines throughout with laugh-out-loud one-liners and characters readers will adore. With humor, love, and adventure, this page-turner will appeal to a wide array of readers, from Heated Rivalry enthusiasts to David Sedaris fans."
--Library Journal "Rudnick jams more comic energy into a single sentence than seems physically possible, his agile metaphors flying like gymnasts across the page. . . . If wild queer comedy can somehow be used to thwart evil and bring about world peace, this is the book that will save us."
--Kirkus (starred review)
Publishing Information
Publishing Information
Publisher:
Atria Books
Pub date:
2026-05-26
Length:
288 pages
The Allstora Membership
Membership Perks:
- Save 30% on all online store purchases
- Exclusive access to author's content
- You pay less, but authors still earn double
Membership Terms:
First Month:
$0.00
Monthly price:
$5.00
- To access membership discount simply log in and add to cart, discount applied automatically.
- One month free trial, cancel anytime. Membership renews on the 15th of each month.