Patricia W Grey - Reviews of Death Has A Thousand Doors
book signing, Andorra. 1-12-2011
"Patricia Grey's Death has a Thousand Doors is a stunningly suspenseful novel set in the little-known principality of Andorra. It keeps the reader constantly curious, as we are led on an intriguing hunt for a missing photographer. The novel travels not only through the mountains, villages and history of Andorra but also through the histories and stories of its characters as a family comes together to search for its missing sister and daughter. Grey obviously knows Andorra well and is not afraid to explore the murkiest parts of its national history. When it comes to families and the secrets they nuture there is nothing that is not possible. She keeps her readers engrossed throughout with her cunning use of plot and story-telling. Each newly introduced character quickly becomes a suspct. The ends do become tied up as the novel comes to a close, although it was not the ending I believe I saw coming. - Grey had me there! - an irresistible suspenseful read from start to finish"
- Rebecca Tomasis, author of Mishpacha-Family" (Proverse Prize joint-winner 2009)
"The works of English speakers who came to visit Andorra in the last two centuries are an essential part of our literary heritage. Patricia Grey's book is a step forward, a new milestone. From the premises of contemporary fiction she offers a new perspective of our little world, so close, so complex, so unknown"
- Albert Villaro, Andorran writer, author of Blau de Prussia (Carlemany prize 2006)
"-- Impressive potential shining throughout...Much of the fun comes from exploring Andorra." Cairns Magazine.
Readers Reviews
It was an excellent read... Brent A. Park City, Utah. USA
Patricia Grey has woven a story around many facets: relationships between the old families of Andorra and the retired immigrant community, the shady history of a dirt-poor mountain country which has become super-rich, and the attraction between opposites. Above all, she has produced a story which hangs together, progressing from one suspect to another and keeping the reader waiting for more.We can only hope that her second mystery novel is as exciting." DA.Andorra
I have just finished your book and thought it was terrific. Your grasp of Andorran geography, bureaucracy and politics is truly impressive. I loved the characters - which couldn't have been more diverse. Your metaphors and language were humorous and quirky in places which I much enjoyed and which helped to defuse the tension of the plot. I found it quite compulsive reading and I also like the way chapters were divided into sections, which I always find encourages me to read that bit more - sometimes a ten page chapter in one block makes me stop, whereas in your book I was able to think, just one more page, one more chunk. I confess the ending came as a surprise. One last thought. I can imagine it as a dramatisation. Jane R. U.K.
I had the joy of reading your novel while on an 11hr train voyage to Mackay - was so impressed. Very gripping. Got to my Motel after meeting up with my Kiwi cuz and although very late by that time had to read the last couple of chapters. Very gripping and of course I loved the Andorran background - helped me dredge up some very pleasant memories... You certainly have a talent. LR. Cairns. Qld.
I loved the visuals, vocabulary and characters. Jane had enough foibles to make her human, even if so accomplished. I liked the fact that it was far from the Peter Mayle method of 'quaintifying' the locals in a condescending way. I did not want it to end and even delayed it by suspending reading the last 50 pages for a week. But end it did. S.H. New Hampshire. U.S.A.
What a wonderful book, I thoroughly enjoyed it and found myself sneaking off to grab moments to read until I finished it. The story was intriguing and a great mystery. I loved all the historical mentions of Andorra J.L. Perth Western Australia
Loved it...Suzanne, Heber City. Utah.
Great colour with the descriptions about the landscape and lifestyle and socio-political environment...and history (WW2 stuff). I learned a quite a bit. Tobacco in Andorra...almost seems like an oxymoron - like a Jamaican Bob-Sled team. I never thought of tobacco in an alpine environment. JB San Francisco USA
A great read. Not only a good story but I learnt a lot about Andorra too. Anna, Sofia - Bulgaria
Captured the essence of Andorra. R.K. Vancouver, Canada.
I must congratulate the author. While reading, I was visualizing something more. It has everything to make a superb movie. A visually appealing and exotic location. Interesting characters. Action a plenty. And twists and turns to tease and hold interest. Actually I can’t think of any movie better than the one this could become. PAG Sydney, Australia
I greatly enjoyed it - a page-turner - very creative. I loved the short chapters, the direct, fast, descriptive style and the characterization. I really liked Jane, weaving the AA steps into the text...and the correct use of words that I was not sure about; the asides about Andorra and lots of other details.
C.M. Andorra
I'm a slow reader but had trouble putting this book down and read it in record time. I bought several copies for friends. L.R. Park City. Utah
A gripping suspense which kept the reader guessing right until the end. The author's style is such that it is easy to feel that one is actually there with the characters as the plot unfolds. A great read. G.C. United Kingdom
Reading 'Death has a Thousand Doors' was most riveting for me. I was so entrenched in the plot that I missed a couple of ski days whilst on vacation in Utah!!! I just couldn't wait to get to the 'who-dun-it' part of the story. Besides enjoying the vivid descriptions of Andorra & Western Australia, both places that I've visited ........ I re-lived my travels through the eyes of Ms Grey. Meanwhile, I've increased my vocabulary & knowledge with this book & also learned to symphatise with struggling members of 'Alcoholics Anonymous' . The novel was not only entertaining, it was a walk through memory lane... Fatima. Singapore.
I loved the book...a great sell on Andorra as well. V.B. UK
I read it in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. D.S. Andorra
Oh I did laugh out loud at the passage about the woman playing music to her mother who had the stroke. And your description of it. Love it! Also love all the quirky bits of knowledge about the Andorrans. KK Portugal
What a great read. Thoroughly enjoyed your book. Couldn’t wait to get to bed to read more!! B.N. Perth, Western Australia.
You must write a sequel so we know exactly what happened next. RP Fremantle Western Australia
I loved your first book, and am looking forward to your second. T.H. Cairns. Queensland. Australia