June 2025

With THE DOORMAN, Chris Pavone has written both a taut thriller and a brilliant social commentary on present-day New York, similar to what we saw in THE BONFIRE OF THE VANITIES.

Set over just one day, with generous backstory to give deeper meaning to his characters, Chris has portrayed different layers of New Yorkers. The first, as noted in the title, is the doorman, who opens doors, collects packages, and is acknowledged (or not) according to how you see him in his role. The others include the occupants of one of the biggest apartments in the building on one of the higher floors --- one that actually combined two spaces --- and the people who live in a more modest space on a lower floor.

 The Bohemia, the luxury building where the story takes place, is a nod to The Dakota, the iconic New York building that has long been a home for celebrities, notably the late John Lennon. Over the last few decades, New York’s artists and performers have been usurped by the financial and tech wizards who are holding a large portion of the city’s wealth. The building is another character in the book. It sparks ideas of prestige and having arrived at a certain station in life to live there. Contrast this with the doorman who lives in an apartment where he is way behind on his rent. In THE DOORMAN, where you live matters as it says a lot about you. 

On the day when the novel is set, a Black man has been killed, and the city is tense with a call for action, which most likely will include violence. Chicky, the doorman, has brought a gun to work for the first time ever, which is in violation of a code of conduct. The book is a combination of measured and fast-paced. You will see what I mean as you’re reading it. And I dare you not to think twice when you greet people in service the next time you see them.

You can watch my “Bookreporter Talks To” interview with Chris here or listen to the podcast here.