A debut novel full of magic, adventure, and romance, The Book of Doors opens up a thrilling world of contemporary fantasy for readers of The Midnight Library, The Invisible Life of Addie Larue, The Night Circus, and any modern story that mixes the wonder of the unknown with just a tinge of darkness.
Cassie Andrews works in a New York City bookshop, shelving books, making coffee for customers, and living an unassuming, ordinary life. Until the day one of her favorite customers—a lonely yet charming old man—dies right in front of her. Cassie is devastated. She always loved his stories, and now she has nothing to remember him by. Nothing but the last book he was reading.
But this is no ordinary book…
It is the Book of Doors.
Inscribed with enigmatic words and mysterious drawings, it promises Cassie that any door is every door. You just need to know how to open them.
Then she’s approached by a gaunt stranger in a rumpled black suit with a Scottish brogue who calls himself Drummond Fox. He’s a librarian who keeps watch over a unique set of rare volumes. The tome now in Cassie’s possession is not the only book with great power, but it is the one most coveted by those who collect them.
Now Cassie is being hunted by those few who know of the Special Books. With only her roommate Izzy to confide in, she has to decide if she will help the mysterious and haunted Drummond protect the Book of Doors—and the other books in his secret library’s care—from those who will do evil. Because only Drummond knows where the unique library is and only Cassie’s book can get them there.
But there are those willing to kill to obtain those secrets. And a dark force—in the form of a shadowy, sadistic woman—is at the very top of that list.
“A stunning fever dream of a story that feels completely real—don't miss this fantastic thriller debut.”
— Lee Child, New York Times bestselling author
“Brown’s debut is an immersive and enchanting story of friendship, defining one’s future, and the mystery that life can hold. Fans of Alix E. Harrow will find this novel delightful.” — Library Journal (starred review)
"Those who love books about books and enjoy paranormal fantasy with a touch of romance will be enraptured." — Booklist (starred review)
“Brown debuts with a riveting tale of adventure, magic, and the long process of grieving. . . . With an endearingly quirky cast and a lightning quick pace, this is sure to suck readers in.” — Publishers Weekly
“A brilliant page-turner—a clever and beautiful novel about the power of books, and a tribute to those who champion them.” — Sunyi Dean, bestselling author of The Book Eaters
"A whirlwind journey that opens doors into other worlds but also into the heart of the human experience." — Kirkus Reviews
"A real page-turner - incredibly ambitious and inventive, The Book of Doors is a great read." — Rosie Andrews, bestselling author of The Leviathan
“The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown is a stunningly visual read. Engaging, poetic, and beautifully phrased, its evocative imagery and well-thought-out characters lend to an adventurous tale brimming with possibility. The fight against a truly sinister villain will keep readers turning pages all the way to the end!”
— Charlie N. Holmberg, Wall Street Journal Bestselling author
"A magical, mesmerizing adventure from the very first page. This is an extraordinary debut, rich with atmosphere. I think we've discovered something special. I dare you to step inside The Book of Doors, you won't want to leave." — A. J. West, author of The Spirit Engineer
"The Book of Doors is a beautiful, unputdownable love letter to books and the power they hold in their pages. I loved it." — Beth Lewis, author of The Wolf Road
“The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown is so good! A brilliant concept executed with mind-blowing precision, this intricately plotted book is breathtakingly clever, cinematic in scope and full of magic, wonder and heart.”
— Anita Frank, author of The Good Liars
“The Book of Doors has everything — magic books, fascinating time loops, dreadful villains and likeable protagonists. Yet this is no children’s book, this is a book aimed squarely at adults. It’s clever, fast-paced and so very, very dark. I absolutely loved it.”
— M. W. CRAVEN, author of the Washington Poe series