The Doorman

Title: The Doorman

Author: Chris Pavone

Genre: Thriller

Publisher: Aries Head of Zeus

Published Date: 2025

Book Length: 400

Format Read: Paperback provided by the publisher in return for an honest review

Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend

About Book: Chicky Diaz is everyone's favourite doorman at the Bohemia, New York City's world-famous home of celebrities, financiers, and the cultural elite. Gathered in the Bohemia's basement, the almost entirely Black and Hispanic staff is reeling. Just a few miles away, a Black man has been killed by the police, leading to a long night of violence across the city. But the rising tensions aren't what most concern Chicky. He knows that there's more going on within the rooms of the Bohemia than anyone's aware of. In fact, ahead of tonight's shift, he bought a gun even before he knew of the rising pandemonium. Tonight, enemies will clash, loyalties will be tested, secrets will be revealed - and lives will be lost. New York City is a tinderbox - just one more spark and it will go up in flames.

My Thoughts: The Doorman by Chris Pavone is a gripping mystery thriller that plays out over the course of just two intense days. Each chapter focuses on a different character, which really helps you get under the skin of every player involved. It’s a clever technique that not only builds suspense but also creates a deeper emotional connection with the people at the heart of the story.

Pavone’s writing is mesmerising—he masterfully weaves together the lives of the privileged and the struggling, showing how their worlds intersect in unexpected ways. The tension and drama are palpable as the plot unfolds, with twists and turns that keep you guessing right to the end. The way he reveals each character's private battles adds real depth to the narrative.

In conclusion, The Doorman is a smart, fast-paced thriller that delivers on suspense, character, and emotional complexity. If you enjoy stories where every detail matters and no one is quite who they seem, this one’s for you.