A Thousand Doors: An Anthology of Many Lives
Edited by J.T. Ellison. Two Tales, $27.99 (402p) ISBN 978-1-9489-6706-8
A fascinating premise lifts this excellent anthology compiled by Thriller Award winner Ellison (
The Cold Room), whose opening story, “The Day She Died,” introduces Mia Jensen, who’s assessing the decisions she has made that have led her to a frightening point in her life. “At 8:03 this evening, the seesaw of Mia’s years of
could have, should have, would have, did finally collided. The day Mia Jensen died, she finally got to live.” The 15 well-crafted stories from other contributors that follow all provide thoughtful, elegantly realized alternatives for Mia’s life. Many contain an element of crime. Murder plays a part in Heather Gudenkauf’s “The Primatologist,” Catherine McKenzie’s “The Lawyer,” and Rebecca Drake’s “The Archaeologist.” Others are crime-free but just as engrossing, such as Alisha Klapheke’s “The Senator’s Wife,” Lisa Patton’s “The News Anchor,” and Patti Callahan Henry’s “The Singer/Songwriter.” This volume not only provides great pleasure but also offers readers the opportunity to sample the work of first-class writers who may be new to them.
(Nov.)
Reviewed on: 11/26/2018
Release date: 11/01/2018
Genre: Fiction
Paperback - 402 pages - 978-1-948967-10-5
Paperback - 404 pages - 978-1-948967-08-2