Book Review: The Doorman

Title: The Doorman

Author: Chris Pavone

Publisher: MCD

Publication Date: May 20, 2025

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The Doorman is a compelling thriller that artfully examines class divisions and other contemporary issues in New York City. Though it takes some time to build momentum, necessary to establish the intricate character dynamics and social context, once it finds its rhythm, the story builds up a head of steam that accelerated toward an explosive and seemingly inevitable conclusion.

The novel centers around Chicky Diaz, the beloved doorman at the prestigious Bohemia apartment building, and the residents whose lives intersect: Emily Longworth in her loveless marriage to a wealthy but morally bankrupt husband, aging art dealer Julian Sonnenberg, and the predominantly Black and Hispanic building staff. Against the backdrop of protests following a police shooting of a black man, Chicky makes the fateful decision to bring a gun to work, setting the stage for a night where secrets will be exposed.

Pavone skillfully weaves these diverse perspectives into a cohesive narrative that examines pressing social issues. The stark contrast between the privileged residents of the Bohemia and those who serve them creates a powerful lens through which to explore themes of race, class, and privilege in contemporary America. The author unflinchingly tackles topics including white privilege, police violence, right-wing extremism, homelessness, and the isolating bubble of extreme wealth.

What begins as a seemingly straightforward thriller evolves into something more complex and surprising. The plot delivers several unexpected twists that challenged my expectations and elevate the story beyond genre conventions. Pavone's sharp social commentary never feels heavy-handed, instead emerging organically through authentic characters and situations. By the climax, the various narrative threads converge in a satisfying and thought-provoking conclusion that justifies the careful setup.

A big thank you to MCD and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review: Cutting Ties

Title: Cutting Ties

Author: Andrew Barrett

Publisher: The Ink Foundry

Publication Date: April 3, 2025

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I just finished an advanced reader copy of "Cutting Ties," the third installment in Andrew Barrett's DS Regan Carter series, and I'm still catching my breath. This novel picks up exactly where the previous book left off, plunging readers back into the gritty streets of Leeds where corruption remains as deeply rooted as the city's history.

While it starts somewhat slower than its predecessor, don't be fooled—once Barrett shifts into high gear, the narrative transforms into an unsto
ppable locomotive of tension and suspense. This installment delves deeper into Carter's personal history, revealing crucial details about her parents and the tragic death of her brother that shapes her present motivations.

DS Carter herself remains a compelling protagonist—fiery, rebellious, and willing to bend or even break rules to achieve justice, though never crossing into the corruption that plagues her colleagues. Her character's strength lies in this moral complexity, making her both relatable and unpredictable as she navigates the treacherous landscape of the Leeds police force.

DS Carter remains fiery and rebellious, willing to bend rules for justice without falling into the corruption surrounding her. Her character's strength lies in this moral complexity, making her both relatable and unpredictable as she navigates the treacherous landscape of the Leeds police force. 

Barrett's unflinching portrayal of morally complex characters continues to impress, with authentic dialogue and a narrative where corruption touches both present and past. As Carter finds herself caught between her mother's betrayal and a killer's ambition, we finally glimpse her vulnerability before the story ends on a perfect cliffhanger.

A big thank you to the author for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. I'm already counting down the days until I can follow DS Carter on her next adventure!

Book Review: The Ghostwriter

Title: The Ghostwriter

Author: Julie Clark

Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark

Publication Date: June 3, 2025

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

We often question the memory of our aging loved ones, especially those in the throes of dementia. But what about our own memories? Can we trust them? Or have we subtly and unconsciously rewritten them, as our own ghostwriters, to portray ourselves in a better light?Julie Clark's "The Ghostwriter" is a masterful exploration of memory, family secrets, and the stories we tell ourselves to survive.

The novel weaves a complex narrative that spans two timelines: the traumatic summer of 1975 when the Taylor family was torn apart by a devastating tragedy, and the present day, where Vincent Taylor's daughter Olivia reluctantly agrees to ghostwrite what she believes will be her father's final horror novel. Clark skillfully alternates between perspectives, creating a multi-layered narrative that keeps readers constantly reassessing what they thought they knew.

What makes this book compelling is its nuanced examination of memory and narrative. Clark brilliantly demonstrates how time can distort our recollections, and how we unconsciously reshape our memories to cast ourselves in a more favorable light. The characters are deeply drawn, particularly Olivia and Vincent, whose complicated relationship forms the emotional core of the novel. The multiple plot twists are genuinely surprising—just when I thought I had unraveled the mystery, the story would take another unexpected turn, challenging my assumptions. 

The book was a little slow to start with, but once it gets going it blooms into a richly layered narrative that is part family drama, part psychological thriller. The book poses profound questions about truth and the stories we construct to make sense of our lives. Clark has crafted a thought-provoking novel that lingers long after the final page, inviting readers to consider the malleability of memory and the sometimes devastating consequences of long-held secrets.

A big thank you to Landmark and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.  

Book Review: The Human Scale

Title: The Human Scale

Author: Lawrence Wright

Publisher: Knopf

Publication Date: March 11, 2025

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I was completely absorbed by this timely and intricate thriller that masterfully weaves together personal drama, political tension, and the complex reality of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It poses the question: on the human scale, is an Isralei life worth more than a Palestinian?

Wright's story centers on Tony Malik, a Palestinian-American FBI agent whose seemingly routine trip to Gaza for a family wedding becomes entangled in a high-stakes murder investigation of an Israeli police chief. At its heart is the compelling partnership between Malik and Yossi, a hardline Israeli police officer. Their evolving relationship serves as a microcosm of the larger conflict, as these two men from opposing sides must learn to trust each other in an environment where trust is a rare commodity.

Wright demonstrates his expertise in crafting fully realized characters, from Malik's bride-to-be niece to Yossi's daughter studying in Paris, and even a peacenik fiancé with Hamas connections. Each character feels authentic and three-dimensional, contributing to the story's rich tapestry of intersecting lives and conflicting loyalties.

The novel excels in its ability to explain the complicated history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict without becoming didactic. Wright weaves historical context naturally into the narrative, helping readers understand the deep-rooted tensions that influence every interaction and decision in the story.

The novel builds to a devastating climax that coincides with the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. I found myself deeply moved by Wright's ability to transcend the typical thriller format and create something far more meaningful – a profound exploration of human nature, loyalty, and the devastating cost of generational conflict.

A big thank you to Knopf and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.