The Forgotten Door

Alexander Key · ★★★★

I'm too young to have any nostalgia for this one. In fact, I never knew it existed until I read it with my son because his teacher recommended it. As dated as some of the "gee willikers!" dialogue and general relationship towards community and military, none of that really got in the way of the well told tale. It introduces the book's central mystery at a good pace, turns on a focused and clear raising of stakes, then finishes things off quickly and efficiently without sticking around for too much fuss. Alexander Key was a solid craftsman and I found myself admiring his work as we made our way through each chapter. My son also really liked the book. He was captured by the mystery and felt the ending paid off in a way that let his imagination wander.