This is my introduction to Chris and Pavone and I am a fan.
The Bohemia, a first-class elitist New York apartment, provides the backdrop for a story that has you in its grip from the start. The characters are so well-defined that I felt like I had read and heard about similar wealthy true-to-life individuals. People always get themselves caught up, either intentionally or unintentionally, in situations that are tough to extricate themselves from, leading to disappointing and dangerous outcomes.
It is, definitely, a book reflecting on the politics and current topics of discussion today. This is accomplished in a deft and skillful manner. Looking forward to more of his and going back to read past ones!

This is my first book by Pavone, his other works are on my TBR, but I started out with this new release. This follows the lives of several people who live in or work in a high-end condominium in New York called Bohemia. Everyone is tied together by the doorman who has worked at Bohemia for a very long time, Chicky Diaz. We know at the beginning that we are going to end with some kind of blowout, we just don't know how the players will be involved in the fallout. This book is set sometime after the George Floyd shooting and centers around a similar police brutality case. I say centers, this event is happening in the background and you have increased hostility, paranoia, racism, etc in the foreground as the protest and counterprotest night draws near. This is the night that everything will come to a head. This book is very political it speaks on racism both blatant and quiet, classism, and sexism. All the isms. We even throw in some homophobia in there when we get a random POV of a different character. It's all interesting, don't get me wrong, it just was too much for me, too much hatefulness. I can't even really tell if the story is leaning pro or against anything because there is so much hate rhetoric for both sides. I guess it does its job of bringing these hot-button topics to the forefront, but amidst all of this is a story that gets lost a bit in politics. I did like the climax, it was great and well-deserved, but the journey was a bit rocky.

I'm not sure what it is about Chris Pavone, but both of his books that I've read have been 5-star reads for me, despite the fact that his are not the type of novels I typically gravitate toward. With The Doorman, he's done it again; it is nothing short of a masterpiece. His sharp, layered storytelling is as tense as it is thought-provoking. In my humble opinion, Pavone has crafted his best novel yet.

Set against the backdrop of New York City's elite Bohemia Apartments, the story shows a city on the edge. Chicky Diaz, the doorman who knows everyone’s secrets and stands between the glitzy lives of the residents and the chaos of the streets, is the perfect lens through which we view this world. His personal struggles, along with the tension building outside the building—where protests, counterprotests, and an unrelenting sense of injustice simmer—create a palpable sense of urgency. The stakes are high for everyone involved, and you can feel that weight throughout the story.

The characters are richly developed, from the disillusioned art gallerist Julian Sonnenberg to the trapped-in-a-perfect-marriage Emily Longworth. The intricacies of their lives are drawn with precision and depth. Chicky is the main character, though. His quiet, stoic presence is the heart of the novel, and the decisions he must make in the midst of all this tension had me completely riveted. I was never not worried about this seemingly tough man.

Pavone’s ability to weave together elements of suspense, social commentary, and deep character exploration is remarkable. His pacing is flawless and had me tense with worry. The slow-burn tension of the building’s inner workings—where the residents' perfect lives are contrasted with the reality of those who serve them—is a powerful reflection on the inequalities that persist in our world today.

The Doorman is a reflection of a society at a breaking point, and Pavone handles this with heart. The narration was absolutely perfect as well. This was a solid 5-star read for me. I can't recommend it enough!

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the advance audiobook copy of The Doorman by Chris Pavone, due to be released May 20, 2025, and narrated by Edoardo Ballerini.

The Doorman is a timely murder mystery set in a post-pandemic New York City, where class, race, politics, and privilege collide inside the iconic Bohemia—a fictional Manhattan apartment building home to the city’s elite. Chicky Diaz, the building’s longtime doorman, observes it all from his post as tensions rise and a murder disrupts the balance of power.

Having grown up in New York, I appreciated the city-centric lens Pavone uses to explore themes of unrest and shifting social dynamics. The characters are well-developed—particularly Chicky, Witt, Julian, and Emily—but I found myself emotionally disconnected from all of them. It was like watching an episode of SVU: Billionaires Row—entertaining, sharply written in places, but hard to care deeply about anyone involved.

Narrator Edoardo Ballerini delivered a polished performance, though his tone at times veered into snarky and pompous and I couldn't help but think of a young Frasier Crane, especially when voicing certain characters like Witt. The story had a few twists and a landing that was stronger than the lead-up, but the heavy-handed social commentary sometimes overshadowed the central mystery. The Doorman is a solid 3-star listen with thought-provoking themes and a cinematic vibe, but it left me a bit underwhelmed.

The writing is fantastic. As always, Chris Pavone writes elegant yet fast-paced prose that keeps me reading and wanting more. That said, I did not like this book.

In the case of The Doorman, I found myself not wanting to keep reading. You see, I have an idea of what a Chris Pavone book is supposed to be: it's a fast-paced thriller with action, sophistication, and a complicated hero(ine). This book is a unexpected departure. Based on the cover and the title, I sought something from Pavone's usual approach. But this book is a social commentary with a very thin thread of intrigue. If it was my first book by the author, I would perhaps find it masterful. But I was looking for what I had previously consumed and was disappointed. I didn't care about the characters at all, and I kept anticipating the action and left wanting. Only on the strength of the author's previous work did I slog on. Nothing but social commentary occurs most of the book. Most of it centers around New York City where the author ostensibly resides.

If you are looking for "the usual" from Chris Pavone, skip this one. If he is a new author to you, you might enjoy this book and you should read it! Then go back and read all of his international thrillers because they are fun!

Basically, this is a solid standalone book. Chris Pavone shouldn't be punished for evolving as a writer (which I love) nor for marketing that indicates this book is a thriller.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for the ARC!

The Doorman by Chris Pavone
Narrated by Edoardo Ballerini
Sad to say so but I had to DNF, just could not care about the storyline or any of the characters. Not even the work of one of my all time favorite narrators could keep me listening.
The reason is probably because I was expecting something much more similar to this author’s previous novels. That may be more my fault than the author’s. Also, I wish I had never read that part about the rat in the toilet.

The Doorman ... difficult to provide a short narrative of this 12 hour audio.

The doorman sees the comings and goings. They see it all.

There really is a lot going on. Occasionally I had the thought "huh ... what just happened". At least I thought about going back, but the answer was by going forward.

I thought the story was 4 stars, but the narrator (Edoardo Ballerini) was 5 stars with the narration!

Not my normal genre, but I've read Chris Pavone books before and decided to request the advance listen of the audio from NetGalley and Macmillan Audio in exchange for an honest review. The audio is bit more than 12 hours. The release day is May 20, 2025.

I am a long-time fan of Pavone's spy thrillers, and when I saw he had a new title I immediately requested it. I was not approved for a while for the ebook, so when the audio version came available on here, I jumped on that. I got that approval quickly and began listening - and then received the ebook approval too! Because I was already listening, and loved the narrator, I wound up finishing the book on audio - and I'm SO glad I did!

This is an absolutely incredible story. It is thought-provoking and moving, emotionally charged and frustrating. It is not at all like the spy books Pavone is famous for, and I've seen a number of reviews that appear to have punished him for that. I, on the other hand, applaud him for taking on such difficult and timely subjects as privilege, classism and racism - and for handling them so well. He is a very talented storyteller, and he applied that gift to this book as well as he has to all of his others.

This is not an easy book to read, in the sense that it stirs up A LOT of emotional responses because of the no-holds-barred approach that Pavone takes in his writing (on whatever topic). This book will make you angry and irritated and frustrated. You will groan out loud at the ridiculousness of so many decisions. You will roll your eyes at the hypocrisy and excess. But you will also - if you pay attention - stumble on tidbits of thoughtful social commentary and a recognition of the inherent tensions in unfettered capitalism.

There's a lot going on here that is current and political. But set aside all the socioeconomic and sociopolitical elements of this one and you will also find a story about how we are all interconnected, whether we want to be or not and whether we acknowledge that we are or not. To me, that's the true magic here. Pavone's story reminds us that at the end of the day, consequences can and will find any one of us and no amount of money or privilege (or lack thereof) will prevent that.

It was a brilliant story that I thoroughly enjoyed, even when I was frustrated and yelling at the characters the loudest. The narration captured these tensions perfectly and was spot-on fabulous.

(I used this same review on the audio version as the salient points are relevant to both)

An Ambitious Thriller That Doesn’t Quite Deliver

Chris Pavone’s *The Doorman* sets up an intriguing premise—an elite Manhattan apartment building as the backdrop for a night of secrets, violence, and social tensions. With class struggles, moral dilemmas, and a slow-burning mystery, the novel attempts to weave a complex story of privilege and survival. However, while it has moments of intrigue, it ultimately falls short of its potential.

One of the novel’s strengths is its setting. The Bohemia feels alive, a microcosm of New York City’s wealth and inequality. Pavone does a good job establishing the contrasts between the building’s wealthy residents and its working-class staff, particularly through the character of Chicky Diaz, a doorman caught between duty and self-preservation. His perspective is one of the more compelling aspects of the book.

That said, the novel suffers from pacing issues. The buildup is slow, with long stretches of introspection that sometimes stall the tension rather than build it. While the themes of class, privilege, and racial disparity are timely and thought-provoking, they occasionally feel heavy-handed, overshadowing the thriller elements rather than blending seamlessly with them.

The characters, though well-drawn, can feel distant, making it difficult to become fully invested in their fates. The multiple storylines add complexity but also dilute the suspense, with some arcs feeling underdeveloped. When the action finally picks up, the resolution doesn’t feel as satisfying or impactful as the setup promised.

Overall, *The Doorman* is an ambitious novel with strong themes and a compelling setting, but its execution is uneven. Readers who enjoy slow-burn literary thrillers may appreciate it more, but those looking for a tightly woven, suspenseful ride might find it lacking. ★★★☆☆

Author does a nice job of creating a feeling of foreboding throughout the book. This is a very slow burning story, and when the collision of worlds unfolds, it is a relief.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC in audiobook and print format.

Chris Pavone’s "The Doorman" is a gripping tapestry of espionage, secrets, and urban intrigue, and Edoardo Ballerini’s narration elevates the story into an immersive audio experience that listeners won’t easily forget. This review examines the distinct strengths of both the novel and its narration, providing a fresh perspective on this powerful combination.

Pavone’s narrative is an intricately woven web, where each thread leads to a larger pattern of intrigue. Set primarily in New York City, "The Doorman" follows the life of an enigmatic doorman whose seemingly mundane existence masks a labyrinth of covert operations and personal betrayals. Pavone has mastered the art of the slow burn; he delivers revelations at just the right moments, making the listener question the motives and loyalties of every character. The doorman himself is a fascinating protagonist—an unlikely hero who is both highly skilled and deeply flawed. Pavone’s exploration of his inner conflict is a highlight, offering a rich character study amid the thriller’s tense pacing.

The themes of surveillance, identity, and trust are skillfully embedded in the story, resonating with contemporary anxieties. Pavone’s prose is sharp and observant, capturing the intricate details of the urban landscape and the human psyche. While the plot twists and turns can sometimes feel almost too calculated, they ultimately serve the story’s purpose: to keep the listener guessing until the very end.

Edoardo Ballerini’s narration deserves special commendation. Known for his ability to bring characters to life with nuance and depth, Ballerini delivers a performance that is mesmerizing. His voice becomes the perfect vessel for Pavone’s narrative, balancing the doorman’s quiet stoicism with the dynamic energy of the surrounding characters.

Ballerini’s pacing is impeccable, modulating between the tension of high-stakes moments and the reflective passages that delve into the protagonist’s thoughts. His subtle use of accents and tonal shifts helps distinguish the diverse cast of characters, making the story easy to follow and all the more engaging. In many ways, Ballerini’s voice feels like an extension of Pavone’s prose—it guides the listener through the novel’s twists and turns with confidence and precision.

Together, Pavone’s writing and Ballerini’s narration create an audiobook experience that feels cinematic in scope. The vivid descriptions and intricate plotlines play out like a film in the mind’s eye, while Ballerini’s voice serves as both the camera and the director, framing each scene with care. This synergy makes "The Doorman" a standout choice for audiobook enthusiasts, particularly those who appreciate a blend of character-driven storytelling and high-octane suspense.

"The Doorman" is an experience that challenges the listener to piece together its mysteries while reflecting on broader questions of morality and identity. Chris Pavone’s craftsmanship as a storyteller shines, and Edoardo Ballerini’s narration brings an added layer of artistry that enhances the journey. Whether you’re a fan of espionage thrillers, character studies, or exceptional narration, this audiobook is a must-listen.

For literary critics and casual listeners alike, "The Doorman" offers much to appreciate—and even more to discuss. It’s a testament to how the audiobook format can transform a compelling story into an unforgettable adventure.

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Chris Pavone, and Macmillan Audio for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Always wanting to expand my reading experiences and list of authors worth exploring, I experimented with this novel by Chris Pavone.It had some great aspects that intrigued me and provided a strong story to follow. The unique perspective offered by the author left me eager to keep reading and find out how things would develop before coming to a succinct conclusion. Pavone delivers a strong story and provides the reader with a great reading experience that does not lose its momentum at any point. A well-paced story that left me wondering just how important a doorman's point of view could be key to a thriller!

Chicky Diaz may seem like a wallflower, but his job as the doorman at one of the most exclusive New York City apartments serves him well. Working at the Bohemia allows Chicky to gather intel and hold onto secrets of those who cross his path. While he is dismissed by many he greets and expected to serve them in passing, Chicky knows all and can spend his time pondering, should he want to keep himself occupied day in and day out. New York's elite have lives like few others and Chicky is right there, collecting crumbs and stories to share when the moment is right.

One such resident is Emily Longworth, whose marriage is a sham. She has long held her breath, hoping that life as a mother and the perfect wife would pay off for her. She does all the can to stay sane, though her husband, the vile Whit Longworth, drives her mad and has left Emily wishing she could change things up a little. Chicky knows this all too well and has thoughts of his own on the subject. Each day, Chicky has watched Emily suffer and the stupidity that Whit exudes as he ignores anyone beneath him. Emily needs an out, but has yet to find one... but here's hoping.

Julian Sonnenberg lives in another apartment and has a life he also wishes he could swap for another. He cannot stand his teenaged children, who feel the same about him, and wants nothing but to push the eject button. He's seeking something a little more exciting and needs some flavour in his life, though his cardiologist has left Julian aware that he needs surgery right away or face death. Still, there is some excitement out there for Julian and he wants it. He has a plan, though without the impetus to take it, he's paralysed in quicksand with no way of achieving what will make him happy.

After the NYPD are involved in a shooting of a Black man, the protests on both sides begin, their marches and clashing spilling onto the streets. Chicky can see that things are turning sour and knows just what he needs to do. While other members of the staff at the Bohemia Apartments have complained about the treatment they receive and the added concerns after the shooting, Chicky has an answer. Arriving at work with a gun, he is ready to use it to ensure that everyone is safe, just not on the way most might expect. Chicky has all the secrets in his mental Rolodex and there's a plan he has ready to execute, ensuring no one is miserable and those who need a shake-up get what is coming their way. It will take timing and patience, though Chicky Diaz has had both over the last three decades, donning his uniform and opening doors for those who almost forget he's there. Chris Pavone pens a unique piece and one that will keep the reader on the edge of their seat.

I have always enjoyed a great story that presents a common theme from a unique point of view. Chris Pavone provides the reader with a great piece that has many perspectives I would not have expected in the way they appeared on the page. A strong narrative base leaves the reader eager to keep pushing forward as they see just what this story has to offer. There is a great building of the story's core tenets as Pavone constructs his narrative effectively, leaving it to gain momentum as things get exciting. The various characters flavour things in their own way and leave the story with a number of key angles that help enrich the reading experience. There is a strong sense of surprise when the plot points emerge throughout the story. Pavone weaves them into the story's numerous chapters and provides a sense of confusion, while the general idea of things is clearly seen. I could not get enough of this piece and was quite pleased not knowing where things were headed at any one point.

Kudos, Mr. Pavone,for this strong thriller.

Chris Pavone’s new thriller The Doorman is not set in a foreign location, as so many of his books have been, but in the rarefied world of a luxe Upper West side apartment building in NYC. I’ve read many reviews that have criticized the book’s emphasis on conflicts of race, class, and political agendas—but I think that those conflicts have set up a great novel with a lot of tension. The doorman of this building, Chicky Diaz, and the wealthy inhabitants, present an array of viewpoints and a lot of conflicting opinions about modern life. I’ve read and loved every one of Pavone’s books and enjoyed this one too. The twists were perhaps not quite earth-shattering, but this was still a very entertaining book—and wonderful on audio thanks to the narration of the incomparable Edoardo Ballerini. Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this audiobook.

Thoroughly gripping thriller - covering just a short time period in Manhattan. The author weaves class, race, income, infidelity, protest, politics and so much more together into a compelling narrative. Centered on one historical co-op apartment building and it's doorman, Chicky, the reader encounters the lives of the residents as they interact and connect to and through the doorman, as events in the city build as protestors and counter-protestors come to head over the issues swirling in the air. Not everything is as it seems - and not too much can be said without spoiling something! Comparisons to the heightened tensions of Bonfire of the Vanities are rightly bouncing around!

Are you ready for your next Chris Pavone book? I just finished listening to his latest, The Doorman and I greatly enjoyed it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the free audiobook in exchange for my honest review. Edoardo Ballerini does a fantastic job narrating this story and really allows the reader to get lost among the characters and the story!!!

I will start by saying that I am a fan of Chris Pavone and really enjoyed this novel. On the surface, this is the story of a high stakes robbery in the most affluent highrise in NYC. In actuality is a story about privilege, racism and elitism among the high end society of New York.

The city is about to erupt over the killing of another unarmed black citizen. The setting for most the book, the most luxurious apartment building filled with very rich residents and not-rich staff, and its an honorable doorman named, Chicky.

I loved the characters and found them very real and relatable. This is a well written story that is ripped from the headlines. I found it to be fast paced with ample suspense and mystery. I loved the ending!

HIghly recommend!!

I loved past Pavonee books, so I can say with my full being that this was not thier best work. I am not sure if it is just that class doesn't impress me, nor NYC and the politics in the US right now makes me want to move far far away. This book just kept reminding me of all that is wrong with the US.
I did also give this a try as an audio version, and still was not impressed.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

I was super excited about this because I really liked Two Nights in Lisbon. And it started strong, with complex characters and interesting social commentary. But, as is often the case, there was just one too many twists in it.



Review copy provided by publisher.

I’ll be honest.. I wanted to DNF this because I was just bored but I soldiered through it. When I requested this I was excited to have the interweaving of the current state of politics with the thriller genera that I love. I just felt the execution fell completely flat.

This is the first time that I felt like the author was trying to push an agenda onto his readers rather than giving seeds of thoughtful discourse. The examination completely overshadowed the plot of the book rather than supporting it.

The narrator Edoardo Ballerini did a good job with the recitation. I did have to speed it up a touch as it was a bit sleepy but he did a great job falling into the accented speech of the various characters.

I am thankful to have gotten the audio ALC for free from MacMillian Audio through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.

My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars and I rarely round up.

⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again

I've read everything Chris Pavone has published, so I didn't even read the jacket copy before diving into this novel. I expected everyman protagonists sucked into the world of espionage, or a thriller set in an exotic travel destination... And I got something completely different. Something I've never seen from Chris Pavone before. It's a domestic tale set in contemporary New York City. It"s being marketed as a thriller, but I'm not entirely sure that I'd classify it that way. It has thriller elements--criminals, guns--but it's more a novel of social commentary.

The Doorman, despite its title, has an ensemble cast. It's set at a Dakota-like apartment building called the Bohemia. The residents are all very affluent, though not equally so. There are the rich, and there are the uber-rich. Then there are the staff, mostly people of color, barely getting by. There are various dramas playing out at the Bohemia. People have all kinds of hidden agendas. And as the pressure and tension ratchet up, the denouement plays out against a backdrop of social unrest that might as well be ripped from the headlines.

And this is what makes the novel work... Pavone does an excellent job with his character development. There's more depth here than the typical thriller, somewhat at the cost of the novel's pace. But it all worked for me. Who doesn't love an old dog with new tricks?