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The Philosopher and the Assassin* is contemporary literary fiction that weaves together campus novel, moral philosophy, climate and murder mystery.
Find out more about the novel on the author’s page here
Reviews
“Denise Baden’s campus novel/whodunnit is so much more than just an up-to-the-minute academic locked-door mystery, it’s a philosophical treatise wrapped in an exposition of the polycrisis, embedded in a love story, threaded through with alternative democracy and grounded in explorations of grief, motivation and drive. Full of sharp ideas, subtle humour and grounded in the harsh realities of our world, you’ll come away with a whole new understanding of our world and what it takes to change it!” Manda Scott, bestselling author of Any Human Power and the Boudica series.
“I was struck first by its deft and unusual use of form to create a kaleidoscopic and deeply clever narrative. At once a commentary on the looming responsibility of the climate crisis and our ever-shrinking opportunity to enact meaningful change, and a far from conventional whodunnit, the book plays with the notion of what is moral and what is right. Complicit in the book’s central sprawling philosophical dilemma, the reader finds themselves judge, jury and executioner in the case of the century. While the novel tackles prescient and troubling themes and poses difficult questions (how far should we go for the greater good?), it does so with a sense of dry humour and a delightful eye for the absurd. Above all, the warmth and resilience of its ineffable protagonist suffuses the narrative and, as the story ends, we struggle to leave her behind. Not only is this a timely, thought-provoking and essential story in an age of urgent, innovative climate action that demands the attention of us all, it is a thoroughly enjoyable read. Funny, memorable, characterful and original.” The Literary Studio.
“If facts are ignored, fiction may be our next best hope. With its story-within-a-story, ‘The Philosopher and the Assassin’ cranks up the dramatic tension around whether we will achieve the carbon transition, or not. Ultimately, a surprisingly hopeful read.”
John Elkington, a.k.a. the “Godfather of Sustainability,” co-founder of ENDS, SustainAbility and Volans, and author of 21 books, most recently Tickling Sharks: How We Sold Business on Sustainability.
“A sharp, witty take on the climate crisis – from someone who knows what they’re talking about.” Wren James, founder of the Climate Fiction Writers League “This is a thought-provoking book that digs deep into morality and motivations so relevant to our present reality.” Claudia Murg, Journalist.
“Funny, engaging and original – a great way to immerse yourself into the complex dynamics of the climate crisis, the dilemmas we face and the choices we must take.” Nigel Topping, UN Climate Change High Level Climate Champion, COP26
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“At once a commentary on the looming responsibility of the climate crisis and our ever-shrinking opportunity to enact meaningful change, and a far from conventional whodunnit, the book plays with the notion of what is moral and what is right.
Complicit in the book’s central sprawling philosophical dilemma, the reader finds themselves judge, jury and executioner in the case of the century. While the novel tackles prescient and troubling themes and poses difficult questions (how far should we go for the greater good?), it does so with a sense of dry humour and a delightful eye for the absurd.
Above all, the warmth and resilience of its ineffable protagonist suffuses the narrative and, as the story ends, we struggle to leave her behind. Not only is this a timely, thought-provoking and essential story in an age of urgent, innovative climate action that demands the attention of us all, it is a thoroughly enjoyable read. Funny, memorable, characterful and original.’ “At once a commentary on the looming responsibility of the climate crisis and our ever-shrinking opportunity to enact meaningful change, and a far from conventional whodunnit, the book plays with the notion of what is moral and what is right. Complicit in the book’s central sprawling philosophical dilemma, the reader finds themselves judge, jury and executioner in the case of the century. While the novel tackles prescient and troubling themes and poses difficult questions (how far should we go for the greater good?), it does so with a sense of dry humour and a delightful eye for the absurd. Above all, the warmth and resilience of its ineffable protagonist suffuses the narrative and, as the story ends, we struggle to leave her behind. Not only is ‘The Philosopher and the Assassin’ a timely, thought-provoking and essential story in an age of urgent, innovative climate action that demands the attention of us all, but it is a thoroughly enjoyable read. Funny, memorable, characterful and original.” (Review by Miles Hawksley senior editor of The Literary Studio)