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A literary psychological thriller set in Melbourne's queer scene with the suspense of The Talented Mr Ripley and the gritty emotional landscape of Christos Tsiolkas and Bryan Washington.
Ash has recently arrived in Melbourne and fallen in love with his charismatic friend James. After witnessing a disturbing altercation at a party, Ash suspects that James's mysterious boyfriend is hiding a sinister side. Is he dangerous? Or is Ash's jealousy fuelling paranoid delusions?
A compulsive novel that offers no easy answers, Our New Gods marks the electrifying debut of a major talent. It has an assuredness that reflects Thomas Vowles's success as a screenwriter: the dialogue is sharp, the plot twists are dizzying, and the story will haunt readers long after the final page.
Author: Thomas Vowles
Paperback Published 3 June 2025 280 pages
"Twisty and menacing, the new psychological literary thriller Our New Gods – set in Melbourne’s queer scene – is unsettling and memorable. Debut author Thomas Vowles hooks the reader early, showcasing his screenwriting past with a strong sense of place, masterfully paced plot, believable characters, and impressively authentic dialogue. The main narrator is 21-year-old Ash, who recently arrived in Melbourne to begin a new life and quickly falls in love with his unavailable friend James. Ash is alight with the possibilities and plans of building his new life ‘by design’. He is instantly endearing with his open enthusiasm and self-reflectiveness – pure qualities soon tainted by a leaching darkness. Things quickly start to unravel when he witnesses a confronting altercation involving James’ boyfriend, Raf, at a party. Ash becomes consumed with his need to protect James from Raf’s ominous presence. The plot pulses with paranoia and uneasy undercurrents that leave you questioning everything. Vowles’ writing and perspective are deeply human. His exploration of the painful process of growing up and the universal need for connection – regardless of sexuality – is insightful, although the relationship portrayals in Our New Gods might be particularly resonant for queer readers. Our New Gods will appeal to readers who appreciate a tightly written story with surprising characters who keep you on your toes. Think The Talented Mr Ripley with touches of Christos Tsiolkas’ writing."
- Michelle Atkins, Books+Publishing