James Frey New Book: No Real-Life Basis Claimed
- James Frey, author of the controversial memoir A Million Little Pieces, is back with Next to Heaven, a new novel that blends elements of a Connecticut sex romp...
- The characters in this ultrarich skewering novel include a struggling art dealer, an aggressive hedge fund manager, and a Bitcoin-trading drug dealer with an affinity for Eric Trump...
- Frey acknowledges the irony of readers searching for factual connections in his work.
James Frey’s New Novel Skewers the Ultrarich in Connecticut Murder Mystery
Updated June 10, 2025
James Frey, author of the controversial memoir A Million Little Pieces, is back with Next to Heaven, a new novel that blends elements of a Connecticut sex romp with a murder mystery. frey describes the book as heavily influenced by Jackie Collins,Danielle Steel,and Tom Wolfe. The story unfolds in the fictional town of new Bethlehem, closely resembling New Canaan, Frey’s current residence.
The characters in this ultrarich skewering novel include a struggling art dealer, an aggressive hedge fund manager, and a Bitcoin-trading drug dealer with an affinity for Eric Trump and Kanye West. Frey’s characters inhabit a world reminiscent of the White Lotus series. Before its release, TV rights for the book were already sold.
Frey acknowledges the irony of readers searching for factual connections in his work. He notes that when his work is presented as memoir, people try to find falsehoods, but when presented as fiction, they seek reality. He hopes readers will simply enjoy the book.
If I publish it as fiction, everybody goes through it and tries to figure out what is. I sit in the middle and say, ‘I wrote a book. I hope you dig it.’
James Frey
Frey said he wrote the book quickly, in about two months, after shelving another project deemed too controversial by his agent. He also admitted to using ChatGPT to research details like “the most expensive scotch in the world.”
The release of Next to heaven has generated buzz in New Canaan. Frey mentioned that the book is a frequent topic of conversation when he’s out in town. He insists that none of the characters are based on real people, emphasizing his aversion to using fiction to settle personal scores.
At a recent party, Frey’s girlfriend overheard someone claiming the book was based on real people. She refuted the claim, assuring them that the characters are entirely fictional.
What’s next
Frey is expected to continue promoting next to Heaven,with potential adaptations for television in the works. Readers can anticipate more insights into the world of the ultrarich and the scandals that may surround them.