Inner-city teenager AJ leaves school with only one GCSE. When he unexpectedly lands a job as a junior clerk in a legal firm, he finds a mysterious key that opens a special door – a portal to 1830 London.
He is drawn into a complex murder mystery involving missing children, lunatic asylums and deadly poisonings.
Can AJ with the help of his friend Slim put the puzzle pieces of the mystery together and solve the murder?
To post your review and comments about this book, simply click on 'post a comment' below. When posting select 'Anonymous' but please do not forget to include your first name, school and a book rating out of ten in the post. This year we have awards for schools and pupils who write the best reviews and engage with this blog, so it is important to tell us who you are.
I am looking forward to reading "The Door That Lead To Where". I have heard a good review on it and decided that the first EBA book I was going to read was one that.
ReplyDeleteKatrina, Great Baddow High School
I have now started it and love it is really complex but amazing and well thought out
DeleteKatrina, Great Baddow High School
It wasn't complex but I agree with the rest and I think it is one of the best books I've read
DeleteGBHS
It is quite complex but I managed to figure it out
DeleteGemma B Sweyne Park school
It is a great book. Best I've read.
DeleteIt was an interesting book with a complicated plot. The characters have interesting stories behind them. 4*
ReplyDeleteHannah, Great Baddow High School 4/11/2015
I haven't finished the book yet, but I thought it was good so far.
ReplyDeleteNadine Yr 8 Moulsham High School.
I haven't finished it yet either but its really good so far. I'm up to the bit where he is at the skate park and wondering what the key does.
DeleteHenry yr7 Great Baddow High School
i am a bit further ahead of you in the book henry and i would definetly keep reading there are lots of thrills and unexpected turns in the plot.
Deleteharry yr7 gbhs
I am only half way through but I love it
DeleteI agree it is very interesting and great to read.I am only half way through the book and I can't wait to read more.
DeleteJenny GBHS
I LOVED THE BOOK
Deleteit was full of drama all the time and I was never bored
9/10
for people who like suspence, historical drama and trouble
lauren
gbhs
This is such a good book so far even though I am half way through.
ReplyDeleteAlisha Year 8 Moulsham high school
I think this book is very adventurous and misleading I think Sally Gardner done a great job in making this book. It has lots o swearing in it.
ReplyDeleteAmy yr 7 Moulsham high school
The Door that led to where was my first Essex Book Award read. AJ only leaves school with one GCSE and lives with his mother and his not so nice step dad. He mysteriously ends up working for a law firm where he finds a some clues to his past and a key that will enable him to travel back to Victorian England.
ReplyDeleteI loved this story and the idea of a key to the past and return to the present. I particularly like how AJ protected his friends and gave them an opportunity for a new life. The plot was very complicated at times and it would be easy to get a little confused, but overall it was a very interesting and mysterious story line. I thoroughly enjoyed this read. It was one of my favourites and I would rate it 9/10
Mrs M - Tendring Technology College
Name: Abhinav Pathak
ReplyDeleteSchool: King Edward VI Grammar School
Amazing. Extraordinary. Those are the two words I would use to describe it. This was the first book I wanted to read after hearing about at the launch at GBHS, but this book was taken so I had to read 'Fire Colour One' . This book is very good and quite interesting.The only bad things that I would like to point out are that it is a bit misleading and has a lot of swear words.
9*/10*.
I think that this is a really good book, and the swearing helps form the characters. I'm really not sure what you found so misleading about it. Its a mystery book. There is supposed to be some kind of false trail in it.
DeleteS.L Yr 9 GBHS
I am only trying to point out that this book isn't completely meant for Children younger than the age of 9/10.
DeleteAbhinav.P Kegs
I am just going to point out that
DeleteA) it is a MYSTERY book: misleding is pat of it
B) They are going to swear. it is life. they have problems. they are tens.
all of the above factors mean that they ARE GOING TO SWEAR
finally I have finished this book I have no problem with the swearing because it makes the book itself. I love the idea of having a door that led to places also I like the idea of having a one good GCSE and getting into a law firm. I would rate this book a 10/10
ReplyDeleteAmy yr 7 Moulsham High School
I am reading this book now and enjoying it a lot. I am fine with the swearing and stuff because it makes the book itself.
ReplyDeleteI agree the nswearing makes the book its self
DeleteI am enjoying this book so far. Swearing is fine as it suits the book .
ReplyDeleteTaylor GBHS
Why is everyone so fussed about the swearing? They're teens. they're having problems. so they ARE going to swear.
DeleteAnonymous
yeah there is nothing wrong with swearing!. Its an amazing book
DeleteThis book was very hard to put down. Sally gardener is a very good author, I have never heard of her so I am definitely going to look out for her books. She describes the characters very well and I could see a clear picture of their characteristics. I would rate this book 9/10. I would fully recommend this book to someone who likes mystery.
ReplyDeleteAlina Tendring Technology College
Is it good as the blurb and cover suggest
ReplyDeleteI haven't finished this book but I am impressed by what I have read. It is interesting and has a good plot. I like that all the characters have a different story behind their lives. So far I like the words and how it is written it has a lot of twists and an interesting way of leaving you on a cliff hanger at the end of the chapter. However the chapters are short but they still are interesting so its doesn't make a big difference.
ReplyDeleteSarim Kegs
The swearing in the book helps built the character and describe how they act. So it helps in the book.
ReplyDeleteSarim Kegs.
I know right! It shocked me at first, but it really helps to build up the characters and their personalities.
DeleteAbi
MHS
the mystery builds the tension up so it builds a lot of character.
ReplyDeleteFinlay Great Baddow High School
I'm thoughrouly enjoying this book so far and would recommend this to a wide range of people. the plot is fairly simple but very effective. definitely the best book i have read so far! i would rate this book an 9/10. Great Book
ReplyDeleteharry yr7 baddow high school
I have now read all of the books and The Door That Lead To Where is by far my favourite. It was a gripping plot, which asked you: Do you live in the 'Electronic Jungle' or Do you live in 1830? An amazing read. This book has my vote.
ReplyDeleteI rate this book 11/10
William S- KEGS
i loved reading that door that lead to where. it was mysterious. there was a lot if secrecey going on in the book. it made me want to read it every hour of every day.my favourite bit was when AJ went to the past.it was so good i could read it again.my score for then book would have to be 10/10 it was brilliant!!!!!!!
ReplyDeletePaige yr7 boswells school
there's one thing that i think about the door that lead to where. The swearing kind of put me of the book. Despite that the book was really good!!!!!!
ReplyDeletePaige,yr7 boswells school
I believe the swearing makes the book more believable. As other people have said, they are teenagers, they will swear.
Deletethats true, and it does make it more believable.
Deletethe mystery builds the tension up so it builds a lot of character.
ReplyDeleteFinlay Great Baddow High School
completely enthralling and very mysterious
ReplyDeleteMosope, DFS
This was a truly gripping book and I enjoyed reading it up to the last page. furthermore it was intriguing how the author created a truly amazing thriller with a story line mostly based on the world in past and present! In addition a liked the part when Aj is thinking about which time he wants to live in 1830 or the present. Well done on this book!
ReplyDeleteGeorge, y7 DFS
I really liked this book because it was full of adventure and mystery! I also thought it was a very clever story line with AJ being able to get through a door with a mysterious key and it leading him back in the past to 1830. I thought this book was very good.
ReplyDeleteKate DFS
Great combination between funny and moving. Loved the comparison between a realistic Victorian London and modern day. Plot was brilliant (did get a bit confused about who knew about the door and stuff like that). Ending was very satisfying with a good payoff to a great mystery. Nine out of ten.
ReplyDeleteI haven't finished it yet, but I'm really looking forward to :) It's a great book altogether!
Delete'The Door That Led to Where' was the second book I read for the Essex Book Awards. It was a mixture of funny, serious, sad and intriguing all at once. ,y favourite character was definitely Slim, he had gone through so much only to have his heart broken and then to be beaten up by Moses. When he found out about Jobey's Door and stepped into 1830 London, his life changed. I also like AJ, Leon, Elsie, Jan (when AJ was in hospital) and Miss Esme. Some bits were confusing: Mr Dalton, AJ's father/family, but overall it was a good book with a good plot.
ReplyDelete7*/10*
Eloise, Year 7, Boswells School
WHY is everyone so upset about the swearing? its life. Deal with it
ReplyDeleteThis is the second book I have read for the Essex Book Awards, and the blurb made it sound very interesting. When I started the book, I found it fairly interesting at the start, and it started pulling me in, albeit not being the type of genre I would usually choose. As I started progressing through the book, however, some problems arose. It wasn't particularly easy to understand, and at certain points became almost impossible. It didn't help that it wasn't a book genre I usually read, but it was still quite misleading.
ReplyDeleteI wold give it 7/10 since it can be quite interesting and mysterious, but the misleading content lets it down. I would recommend to someone who likes this genre and thinks they could understand it.
Adam F-Kegs
This was the first book I have read and I think it is brilliant.
ReplyDeleteAJ is a teenager who only gets one GCSE he thinks he is going to hell until he gets a job in a law firm. In his mysterious workplace AJ finds a key with his name and date of birth on it, he is very puzzled. Then with the help of a professor he finds the door the key unlocks - Jobey's Door a portal leading to the 1800s - there he will find out who murdered his father as well as leave his two best friends in the past for a new future. The book has a great storyline and should be the winner. 10/10.
Quinn Tendring Technology College
I really like this book so far. I love the fact that every chapter you reed it leaves you on a cliffhanger!
ReplyDeletemax gbhs year7
I have only read the first chapter and it is so much better then the first book I read. When I read this chapter I now know that there is a boy called Aj and he got a really bad score in a GCSE test but he did get a really high score which was an A in English.
ReplyDeleteLouie - GBHS - Year 7
The Door that Led to Where is a very interesting and original book. Despite the fact that it includes a door that leads to the Victorian era,(OOPS! Spoiler Alert!) I guess a few people can relate to having their parents disappointed in them. I'm alright with swearing in books, as long as it suits it, but I think occasionally the swearing seemed a bit forced, almost as if the author was trying too hard to get the hardcore, London atmosphere. It may have been the only book I've read so far, but I think it might win.
ReplyDeleteAlex
KEGS
Now I have finished the book I like the way it ended
ReplyDeleteSarim Kegs
Amazing book. A really clever plot. The swearing helped build up the fear of what the characters were living in. This is definitely one of my all time favourites.
ReplyDeleteI rate it 8/10
Benji, KEGS
I have finished reading the book and found it very interesting. Lots of people have been saying there was too much swearing but that made the book itself and it stood out. The plot twists were very entertaining and unexpected.
ReplyDeleteThrilling! Thrilling! Thrilling! It sets a few boundaries at the start and by the end AJ’s smashed them. The thing I loved the most was the fact the book jumps between centuries just adds to the thrill. For example, a murder mystery that goes across two centuries and that AJ had a gruelling choice at the end. The thing that made me slightly annoyed was that you get a vague idea about some of the characters but I would add more detail to the murderer apart from her/his name and who they loved. 9*/10*.
ReplyDeleteD.W. King Harold Academy
I really like this book, it is really cool how it is set in the past and how brilliant the description of the past is. I like the dilemmas the group faced as they were quite fun. I also like how it is very mysterious so it gives you questions and answers that you have to make sure you remember or it can leave you lost and confused. It is really adventurous.
ReplyDeleteA. Yr8 Moulsham High School
The Door that to Where was a book full of twists and turns and is a brilliant read. It has a very interesting plot that fills you with emotion. As AJ embarks on an emotional journey through the centuries you follow him through the highs and lows of life. The book ends with a surprising twist.
ReplyDeleteSophia
DFS
I think that this book was a good book but wasn't something I would read. I like how the author has set the book in the past and how he described it. I didn't really understand the point of the book after a few pages but then I understood her point. All in all I think that Sally Gardner is a terrific author but this book isn't something I would normally read. I would recommend to people who love books based on the past. I would rate this 7/10
ReplyDeleteNevaeh DFS
this book was very good although it is a very slow starter. It made me really upset at the end I couldn't imagine going through what AJ had to. it makes me appreciate the luxuries I have. I rate it 8 /10
ReplyDeleteI finished this book and i really enjoyed it i would rate it 8/10
ReplyDeletetaylor gbhs
The Door That Led To Where is a fantastic book and is definitely one of my favourites. There is so much suspense, thrill and adventure all packed into it and I couldn't really fault it. However, it is a little complex and hard to understand at first. Me and my head librarian had to make a character map of how all the different people were entwined and linked. I would 100% recommend this book to my family and friends as it is so awesome and I really enjoyed reading it!
ReplyDeleteZoe Rowe Pearce - Tabor Academy - 8.5/10 rating
The Door That Led To Where is a very different type of book to one that I would usually read but I still really enjoyed it. It can be confusing but it all makes sense in the end.
ReplyDeleteCaitlin dfs
I think this book is amazing! It desereves to win and is getting my vote!
ReplyDeleteGemma Blowers, sweyne 7SNo
This book was epic because it had a slow start. This book I will rate on my book award things 3rd because even though it had a lot of swearing so that is the only problem with this epic book. I thought Sally Gardener used wonderful ideas to generate this book. It was a bit confusing but it can make sense in the end. I also liked the awesome book. This book is a nice book but not my type but it still catched my attention.
ReplyDeleteJesbin Joseph Siby -Tendring Technology College 8/10
The Door that led to where was the first of the books i read and so far it is definately my favourite. For anybody reading this- this book is AMAZING! The plot was really detailed and had me reading it from the second i read the blurb. This is a impressive mix of new and old London and real and surreal. I recommend this book for anybody who likes a good read- currently, I hope this book wins, but i still have to read three more,so my opinion may change but so far, this is a 5 STAR rating. i'll definately be reading more of her books!!!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed The Door That Led to Where because it was very mysterious. I really think that a few of my questions are unanswered, but I will probably get it when I read it again. It is quite slow-paced at the beginning, but it just keeps getting better!
ReplyDeleteCaitlin, The Sweyne Park School
I read The Door That Led to Where, but when I first saw it I thought that it wasn't for me. However, you might know the saying - you can't judge a book by it's cover, and in this case, it's completely true!
ReplyDeleteThere are many points in the book where you realise something, and have to look back. There are loads of twists and I can tell you that at one point, you will be speechless!
The book was amazing. I couldn't stop reading and didn't want it to end. One of my favourite parts was when AJ had to lock the door. It left me wondering if they wold all be reunited again. The last line left me excited as there could possibly be a sequel and I would definitely read it.
I would rate this book 9/10, losing a mark only because sometimes it can be confusing.
I am looking forward to comparing it to the other five books on the EBA.
Florrie, The Sweyne Park School (Yr 7)
this book is Mysterious and suspenseful. When I saw the book, it didn't look to appealing and I thought that it wouldn't be a good read, however I was wrong. at one point I got confused but then I realised what was happening. overall I would give this good a 7/10 stars. it was a good read.
ReplyDeleteThank you sally Gardner for a wonderful book!
Elise Albiston
DFS
I read the door that led to where , at the started of the book I thought where it the book going to led me . I thought it wasn't right of me . however I love this book it was amazing . you shouldn't judge a book but it cover and that what I did . this book what an adventure . There were part in the book I found confusing however it was a generally a book and I with all the twists in the book you don't tell what coming next
ReplyDeleteAbigail DFS (9year)
Excitable, wonderful and packed full of adventure, I couldn't put it down it had the best ending of all the other books (and I've read all of them). I would rate it 8/10.H However it could do with making sense now and again well done.
ReplyDeleteGeorge DFS
it is an amazing book and I loved it lots
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this book, what I wouldn't give to have a key to the past! AJ has a lot to contend with and Sally Gardner writes it down in a very powerful way. Well done!
ReplyDeleteMrs sy Plume Academy 9/10
I really enjoyed this book. It is not one that I would normally choose for myself but I am very glad that I choose it. There was never a dull moment in this story and it was full of exciting moments, you never got bored. I was sad for this book to end as I wanted it to last forever. I would rate it 10 out of 10.
ReplyDeleteOlivia Plume School
The book has a lot of mysterious things. It does contain some strong language, but has lots of time travelling. It's very interesting.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth - Year 7 - Hockerill Anglo-European College
It's not like most books, as it includes time travel. It can only be described by one word: interesting. The swearing is okay with me, but as Alex from KEGS said, it seems quite forced.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, the storyline is fairly good and the characters are well-described, and the detail is a little bit hidden, which is good because I like it when the author doesn't give you the answers straight up.
However, the only concern was that the book had not a lot of action.
Apurva
KEGS
This book is really good and really interesting seeing as I am really fond of Victorian England AJ lives with his not so nice mother and stepfather but knowing nothing of his real dad when AJ mysteriously gets a job at a law firm which he finds a key with his name and date of birth on it and with the help of a professor it opens a portal that leads to the 1800s.
ReplyDeletekamala dfs
I thought that this book was quite misleading because of all the characters that need to be remembered throughout the story although the common back story made the door very exciting and unexpected.
ReplyDeleteLily-Tendering Technology College
I liked the door that led to where but I found it really hard to understand
ReplyDeleteJames, GBHS
I've only just started this book but it seems like a great book so far, the only thing that's maybe bad is that it's a bit confusing at the start. I would say it's a fantastic book
ReplyDeleteI thought that this book would be more engaging than it was. The story had an interesting premise, but the pay off to the set up was mildly disappointing. I wished more time was spent in Victorian London, but very few things actually take place there. In attempting to create intrigue and mystery, the story is a bit dull, as not enough is revealed to be exciting, I felt. Still it was an averagely entertaining novel and I did like the main character. 6/10
ReplyDeleteEmily yr11 Moulsham High School
I found this book good although it was comfusing at some times, I was intrigued to see AJ unravel his intresting past. I was tempted to skip to the end of the book to find out the truth but I stuck to it and tread it through. I don't want to say much so I don't spoil it.
ReplyDeleteI would rate this book 5/10
I didn't really like it.
Elise Albiston
DFS
AJ is a disillusioned 16 year old boy who has one GCSE, an A* in English and an enjoyment of reading historical novels. A job at a Grays Inn solicitors leads AJ to the discovery of a file with his name on, Aiden Jobey, a key and a map. Curious about what he has uncovered, AJ sets out to locate Jobey’s door through which he is transported back into Dickensian London, and a fictional world that he has come to know through books, suddenly becomes a reality.
ReplyDelete‘The Door That Led to Where’ is a journey of self-discovery as AJ gains a sense of purpose and becomes a time travelling detective focused on revealing the truth about who murdered the Jobey family.
By taking a chance and going through the door AJ’S curiosity and courage are tested through which he learns the true meaning of friendship and love.
‘The Door That Led to Where’ is an atmospheric historical, crime thriller immersed in intrigue and mystery.
I would give this novel 7/10
Mrs Cook BUCHS
AJ leaves school with only one A* GSCE, and unexpectedly lands a job as a junior clerk in a legal firm but while sorting folders, finds a mysterious key, labelled with his name and his date of birth. The key opens a door which is actually a portal to London, 1830!
ReplyDeleteThe plot line is confusing and it will keep you guessing all the way through. Very emotional nearing the end and your hands will be stuck to the book while reading as you cant put it down.
Good book.
7/10
Thomas, Tendring Technology College
Overall I did not enjoy this book. It started out ok but I quickly lost interest. 2/10.
ReplyDeleteBOK
Staff GBHS
This is a time travel tale about AJ. He is a sixteen year old boy who leaves school with only one GCSE in English. His mother is less than pleased and manages to get him an interview at a solicitors office. Whilst at work AJ is asked to sort out the Museum where he finds a key with his name and date of birth attached to it. The mystery unfolds from there; involving a court case in the present which is about items obtained in the past.
ReplyDeleteThe story has a few twists and turns but I think a bit more action would have kept my interest focused.
D.R. GBHS
at first I thought that this book was boring and hard to get into, but when I read further into the book I just had to find out what would happen next. When I got into this I was gripped to it. When lots of mysteries were appearing on the other side of jobeys door, you had no idea what was going to happen next, so you had to keep reading. The story as plenty of twists along the way to make you assume something but at the end its something you would never guess happens.
ReplyDeleteLucy Barnard,
Boswells school
This book was one of the best so far. It is an amazing story about a boy with only 1 GCSE who gets a job and during the time that he has this job he unlocks secrets, mysteries starting with the real meaning of his name and many more mysteries......I would rate it 8.5/10 and it is definitely a book worth reading. Saskia TTC
ReplyDeleteI think that the book was very interesting but only got like that once AJ started going through the door and brought his friends. A bit confusing at the beginning when it keeps jumping time but got used to it quite quickly. AJ got a job and unlocked mysteries and secretes about him and his life. I rate this book six out of ten.
ReplyDeleteLillyanna K-Goss
TTC
I'm really enjoying it so far. I can't wait to finish it :)
DeleteDuring this year on a normal school day, I remember being bored on one Friday lunchtime, so I decided to head to the library to look for a good book to get lost in, and coincidently the Essex Book Award was on.
ReplyDeleteI was very pleased to read the blubs and look at the covers of the books that were nominated, and I decided to choose The Door That Led to Where – Sally Gardner.
The book’s plot (solving a mystery) sounded very interesting and a little bit beyond my comfort zone. (I normally like reading modern adventure and romantic books).
After reading it during the couple of weeks after taking it out, I sobbed really badly when I got to the end of the book. This was the first book that made me cry, (now I understand what it’s like when a reader cries from reading a book). What I learnt the most about from the book (apart from what happened in the plot and storyline) is what the power of a true friendship can do, and how it makes an impact on everything else, even until the end of the novel.
What makes this book a really fantastic one (which I also encourage everyone to read) is how Sally Gardner connects all the issues that are happening in the novel together, and how they gradually increase and build up with the main plot.
Some of those things are such horrible and hard circumstances that the three 16 year old friends named AJ (my favourite character), Slim, and Leon go through. AJ’s new job that he gets at a London law firm from achieving just one A* in GCSE English which makes him discover more about his past family history and who murdered his family with the help of a key he secretly finds one day at work that unlocks ‘Joeby’s door’ to a different world which the three friends time travel to.
I am very pleased I picked up this book to read first, because I discovered it was the right one when I got to the finale of it, and I would really like the author to make a sequel of it.
Read the book and find out what happens! (I hope you enjoy it as well as I have!)
For those of you who read it, I hope you liked the book as much as me, and I hope you all to enjoy the book you are currently reading!
Lourd BUCHS. Mark out of 10: 10
I'm only halfway through this book but I'm incredibly encaptured and entranced by it. The writing is exciting and overall, this book is amazing. I love the characters and the relationships between them (especially Slim and Mrs Furby...OTP). I can't wait to finish this book :)
ReplyDeleteAbigail Wilson
MHS
The storyline was unique and interesting; reflecting the feelings of a late teen, whilst experiencing working life. AJ, the main character, only achieved one GCSE - this was in English. You'd think that working in a law firm wouldn't be the right job for this boy, but it uncovers lots about his family history and, at the same time, offers AJ a better life.
ReplyDeleteThis book's characters were hard to keep track of in the beginning, but eventually came together very thoroughly grabbing my attention. This book had mystery, suspense with a fast-paced thrill to it - very enjoyable.
I felt all the characters were believable because their personalities reflected those of modern day people and also (some of them) Victorians.
I really, really enjoyed this book! It had a mixture of genres and I would recommend it to people over the age of 12. I mark this book 8/10, because the cliff hanger at the end nearly killed me!
Molly, The Sweyne Park School (Year 7)
It is a good book. It is quite confusing at the start but everything is revealed at the end.
ReplyDeleteErin - Hockerill Anglo-European College - Year 7
I loved this book even though I only read half of it. It was a really good book that you could get lost inside. The characters have amazing back stories and really help each other out in desperate need.
ReplyDeleteLoreena.N 12
Boswells
good book. weird at the start . could be better. could be worse.
ReplyDeleteThe door that led to where is a very creative book that allows you to explore what happened in the 19th century in more depth than ever in any other fictional book!I think that this book is thrilling and a great adventure for a reader to explore and enjoy! I loved this book for its creativeness!
ReplyDelete10/10 Amazing!
Joshua C.
Boswells School
This book is very well written, though I found that it had a little too much characters in it and I had to go back and see who it was. Overall it is a very good book.
ReplyDeleteI found ‘The Door That Led to Where’ to be a great read. It was ages before I worked out what was going on, but the style kept me interested till then. The most enjoyable aspect is the blend of description and plot. Beautifully balanced. The other stand-out feature is the language. Beautifully crafted from start to finish.
ReplyDeleteMr Fishleigh
BCHS
A life dominated by electronics or pre-Victorian London. Modern day or 1830. That's the choice faced by AJ in this mysterious thriller. The plot was great and quite developed in that AJ was trying to solve the mystery of his father's death whilst attempting to save his friends as well. Great ending too, my only problem was that it should be called "The Door than Led to When". Then again, that's just the name, it's the story that matters, and this was definitely a superb story.
ReplyDeleteI would rate it 9.5/10
Oliver C - KEGS
The door that led to where is an exciting and adventure packed story which contains a unique plot which interlinks between modern day London and Victorian London. This story also contains a slight element of humour as the characters from the 21st century baffle the Victorian characters with their knowledge of when historical events occurred. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book as it is written in such a way that the links between the time periods are seamless. Overall I would rate this book 8 out of 10.
ReplyDeleteBenjamin S. KEGS
This is my final book awards book that I've read and its been the best. Its an easy read and you get really into the book after the first couple of pages. Its about a young boy whos failed his GCSEs except English and his mum managed to get him a job working at a law firm and during his time here his discovers many plots and adventure and he finds out things about his Dad.. Its very interesting full of adventure and suspence. I give this book 9/10 and I recommend this book to anyone who wants a book about mystery and secrets.
ReplyDeleteChinna
DFS
The Door that led to where is a great book. The beginning and ending sections were definitely the highlight of the book. I just think that the 19th century sections dragged on far too long for their own good. And I got really confused about who's who because of all the names. It was really confusing at times but I feel that the last 10 chapters really helped shape the book and cleared things up pretty well. I would give this a 7.5/10
ReplyDeleteHugh D - Forest Hall School
The Door that led to where was a great book. In the book they dragged out the 19th century for longer then they had to . The thing I got confused about is when aj walked threw the door and it was 1830 the author could explain if he finds a time machine and that is how he gets there. I would give it a 8/10
ReplyDeleteShannon-Marie D-The Ockendon Academy
This book was a great book! It was great to see that the author included the London in 1830's as well as the modern day! It was very mysterious and it was something I couldn't put down. It is great to see where AJ finds himself in the end.
ReplyDeleteI would recommend it for people who love a mystery and people who love the olden days as well as the modern day!
Jayani, Tendring Technology College
I absolutely loved this book and it was very well written. I was on the edge of my seat when AJ got beaten up by the gang because AJ wouldn't tell them where Slim. I wondered if he would ever get back to his normal self and back through the door! Good thing that terrible dog was put down though, because he was dangerous and illegal.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe Slim stayed it the Victorian times without AJ. How could he have left his best mate to fend for himself in the real world. There are loads of dangers!
In the end, AJ had stupidly left the key in his pocket. Or did he? Did he leave it in his pocket on purpose? Will there be another book to make a series?
Summer Sweyne Park School (Year 7)
The best was exciting and very well written. I was on the edge of my seat when AJ got beaten up because he wouldn't tell the gang where Slim was. I had no idea if he would get back to his normal self and back through the door. Good thing the terrible dog was put down for being dangerous and illegal
ReplyDeleteI can't believe that Slim had stayed in the Victorian times, leaving AJ to fend for himself in the real world. He should know how many dangers there are. It was stupid of AJ to leave the key in his pocket. Or did he do it on purpose? Will he ever go back through? Will there be a second book or even a series? I would rate this book 8/10 only because it was hard to keep track of the characters with all the names.
Summer/Sweyne Park School (Year 7)
I really enjoyed The Door That Led To Where! It was full of mystery and history. It was complicated sometimes but as the story went on I could understand the complicated parts. I liked the mystery of finding the door and sometimes the story became almost horror-like and spooky.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't wait to find out about Aiden Jobey's dad. I was surprised to read that he was a time traveller as well. After I found that out I could work out why Aiden's name was on the box with the key.
It was a really good read and full of mystery. 9/10
Charlotte/Tabor Academy
I wasn't sure which book to read first but I'm glad I chose The Door That Led to Where because it was different and not your average adventure book.
ReplyDeleteIt was quite complex but still good because I learnt some new words. I would definitely read it again and also recommend it. 9/10
Hollie/Tabor Academy.
Having now finished the book, I am very pleased to say that I enjoyed this book immensely :D It's got great characters, an interesting plot line and adventurous description. I loved the whole concept of the door, and the swearing really helped to move story along. I definitely recommend this book to everyone doing EBA.
ReplyDelete9/10
Abi
MHS
I really like this book. It's about AJ, who left school with one GCSE in English but lands a job in a solicitor's office. He discovers a key with a label that has his name and date of birth on it, which is really strange. I loved the mystery in this book and how everybody wanted AJ's key. When AJ finds the door and opens it, I loved the door to the past and how it all tied up with the present. This book was a little confusing at time, but that is because AJ's character didn't know what was going on at first and it was from his point of view. I liked the characters, especially his friend, Slim. I thought this book was full of mystery, adventure and a little fantasy and I really enjoyed reading it.
ReplyDeleteI would give this book 7/10
Isabella (Yr 7) The Sweyne Park School
The Door That Led to Where really grabbed my attention because there was a lot of mystery involved and it was quite fast-paced. The plot of the book is that a boy called AJ has failed all his GCSE's, bar one. His future is looking bad - or is it? He somehow gets a job and then the mystery really starts. I liked this book because I like books that are unexpected; you don't know what will happen and this is one of those books.
ReplyDeleteI rate this book 9/10
Abigail, The Sweyne Park School (Year 7)
I loved this book. It was amazing and original although the end shocked me a bit. It was also a great lesson in history because of the time travelling and danger. The mystery involved gave it twists that readers love and it was just generally a good book.
ReplyDeleteWarning: May Contain PG 18 Language. Beaware!
ReplyDeleteThis book was right up my street! I absolutely adored it! I loved the mystery aspect. I wasn't so fond of all the swearing, but it helped a lot with understanding AJ, Slim and Leon's characters. This is my third EBA book and the best one so far. I think I'm going to look out for Sally Gardener in the future!
ReplyDeletePhilippa Chelmsford County High School ( year 8 ) 9/10
Sally Gardner outdoes herself when she writes ‘The Door that Led to Where’. Time is at AJ’s fingertips with a key, a door and an urge to find out how his dad, this unknown stranger, died. This book is the sort that takes you on an emotional roller-coaster and the sorrow comes naturally. This book is the sort that involves you so much that you end up screaming at the characters for making regretful choices. This book is able to create the effect that you’re content and miserable at the same time. The Door that Led to Where is a brilliant ‘who dunnit?’ mystery with many a crisis popping up on the journey – through space and time! I rate this book 9/10.
ReplyDeleteKT, HACH
I loved this book! It was very well-written and had a thrilling plot. I loved every page of it! It confused me a little bit at the beginning when he found the key as the book seemed to change genre, but that made me want to keep reading even more. I couldn't seem to put the book down as it was very gripping!
ReplyDeleteI found it a little bit confusing that two of the main characters were called Esme and Elsie as they are quite similar names. However, in a way, this helped to show the relationship between the two characters and it almost seemed as though Norris named his daughter after his Mum to remember her.
I did not have a favourite character, as I liked them all, but I would say Elsie stood out. This is because she had a very strong character and was very independent despite her up-bringing.
The ending was very sad but it was good nonetheless. The fact that the friends all had to split up was really sad and I nearly cried. Not just Leon, Slim and AJ, but also Norris and Ingleby. However the ending was happy in the sense that Esme, Norris and Elsie ended up together. It was also good that AJ had a better relationship with his mum ('the red reptile') by the end.
Overall, I really loved this book, and it was definitely one of my favourites! I would recommend this book to other people and will be looking out for other books by this author.
10/10
Charlotte B, Boswells
This book was very intriguing and has an interesting story. This writer has show past and present well and raised some interesting ideas. This book was a little confusing, but I found it made sense if you kept reading it. I really enjoyed this book.
ReplyDeleteSophie - Year 9 - Hockerill Anglo-European College
The Door that Led to Where was probably the WORST book I've read in a long time. And I read a lot. The story line was silly (I can walk through a magic door ... wow!) But even though the plot was disappointing two characters were actually interesting. AJ and Esme were big and bold personalities. They were dynamic in their own ways. Esme was a bold and feisty Victorian, something you don't find in the Victorian era. AJ was a cool, artistic Londoner. They belong together. Sadly, they were thrust into the dumbest series of events EVER! *sigh* If only they could live up to their full potential. The 'lovers-through-time' concept was quite adorable.
ReplyDeleteI would give this book a 6/10 because of my love for AJ and Esme.
Mayowa Yr 8
Grays Convent High School
I love this book, its brilliant. I like in different parts of the book there is quite a lot of descripton. Ialso like the characters AJ and Esme, they had very intresting personalities. I'm going to give this book a 7/10 for the discripton and characters.
ReplyDeleteMegan
Brentwood County High School
Year 7
A teenage boy called AJ Flynn has finally got a new job as an assistant. He finds a key that is labelled with his date of birth and his name, but it does not say AJ it says Aiden Jobey. He assumes it is him, but is confused for a while on why his parents never called him that. He finds a room and it was locked. He tries to open the door with his mysterious key and it opens! He walks inside and after a while he hears a voice. He panics a lot. Meanwhile his friend Leon had been put into care because of his mother. His little brother Joel had been brought up by his grandmother. AJ is still trying to find out where he really belongs. I think this book is very good and extremely interesting and adventurous. I would recommend this book to any age group of 11 up to any age. However in some parts of the book it got very boring and tiresome. But an overall score of this amazing book would be 4/5!!!!! This book's genre is mystery, drama and action.
ReplyDeleteEven reading a chapter hooks you into the book and makes you wanna read more, well it makes you want to read the whole book!!!!!!!!!
Above review by Tegan St Helena
ReplyDeleteThere is a boy called AJ Flynn and he has received a new job being an assistant and he then finds a key labelled with his name and date of birth, except his name doesn't say AJ it says Aiden Jobey (his real name). He also finds a room that the key could open and he goes inside to hear screaming voices and then panics... His little brother Joel had been brought up by their grandma.
ReplyDeleteI like this book because it is about pure mystery and there is a plot twist where at the start AJ is just like anyone else but at the end he goes through the door.
I think it is ranged for around about 9 years and up.
Lily St Helena
Hi. I am writing to say I am Archie from Harris Academy Chafford Hundred and I loved this book. The centre of the story is AJ who leaves school with one GCSE. I love the mystery element of this story. It all unravels very well. Even his boss is in the frame for a trial, the owner of a law company! You cannot help but sympathise with Leon who hasn't been seen since his mother's funeral. My favourite character however is Slim who rules the story with his girlfriend cheating on him for a sinister gang leader.
ReplyDeleteI would recommend this story to ages 12 and up due to some of the strong language which I don't think would be an issue for them.
I rate this book 8/10 as I did get a little confused towards the end.
The book is about AJ (Aiden Jobey). He was part of an unstable family and finished school with one GCSE, which was for English. He gets a job at a law firm as a baby Clerk, whilst there he finds a map in a folder, named ‘Jobey’ and a key with his name and date of birth on it. With the map, he was led to a car park. There he found the extraordinary Jobey’s Door located inside it and learnt that the key he found belonged to this door. Jobey’s door threw him back into the 19th Century and later on his friends Leon and Slim join him. The door was a portal between London in the 1830’s and present day. This book has people stuck in the wrong century, missing people and murders where people had been poisoned with Arsenic. As AJ searches for answers and the killer, he continues to travel between both periods. Some people want the door to remain open whilst others want it closed permanently to stop the travel through time. With the key, AJ is the only one who can lock the door, but his actions will have great costs.
ReplyDeleteI could not predict who the murderer was which created great suspense. I enjoyed the contrast of 19th Century London to present day, although I felt the author could have explored the historic London in greater detail to make the book more interesting. More context language could have been added to make the story seem more realistic. The ending allows for a sequel to be written, which I would read if it was published, because’The Door That Led to Where’ leaves me wondering about the future of AJ and the other characters. I thought AJ was a well-developed, relatable character who you got to know throughout the book. However, the author could have developed some of the characters that were introduced in the end of the book further to help me understand their past and actions better. Even though there are many other books about time travel, I found that the mystery poisonings and the characters were unique and created an engaging book. The idea that some people born the wrong century is fascinating and made me think about how my life would be different if I had been born in the 19th Century, Therefore I rate this book 8/10
Lucy, HACH
It is a story about a teenager Aidan “AJ” Jobey, who discovers a time travelling door, but also leads to solving a mystery relating to his father. It is an interesting book but I personally found that it slightly slow-paced and ending abrupt.
ReplyDeleteI liked the fact that in included forms of murder and mystery and therefore it did give depth to the story, so that it was not just “another time-travelling book”. I also really like the fact that the characters were ones you would encounter in everyday life, as there are many books who have characters you physically and mentally cannot relate to, whereas this book had totally believable characters, in my opinion.
I didn’t like the abrupt 20 pages of the ending of the novel though. I felt as if everything had suddenly been set in its place, for example AJ’s Mum suddenly knew what had been happening and Elsie seemed to just accept Norris was back into her life, despite the fact that he had disappeared for at least 20 years. I would of given a more detailed explanation of what and how everything worked out, but I feel as if the ending would have been different if it was not this way.
Overall, I feel as if, although it was a clever and intelligent story that had specific parts that I enjoyed, I felt it could have been improved in different ways.
I would recommend this to lovers of mystery and murder, probably aimed at students from year 8 onwards.
E Cullis HACH
I believe this book was suitable for teenagers because off the difficult plot and style of language. If someone younger read this, I think that age would struggle more to understand the point of the book.
ReplyDeleteThis book was a very enjoyable read, but it took me a long while to get into it. At the start, I found it quite boring and felt like the book had no mystery or excitement in it. However, once it progressed and the main character AJ began a real adventure, I really started to like it because events that occurred at the beginning started to link with the ones later on and it became less confusing for me and I wanted to continue with the mystery.
A negative point in the book was how complex it was because at the start my understanding was very unclear and even the language was quite complicated. However, this was only a minor issue within the book because I soon started to develop an understanding of what was happening and I began to like it.
Overall, it was hard to get into but I became fond of it towards the end.
erfan, HACHS
Sally Gardner outdoes herself when she writes ‘The Door that Led to Where’. Time is at AJ’s fingertips with a key, a door and an urge to find out how his dad, this unknown stranger, died. This book is the sort that takes you on an emotional roller-coaster and the sorrow comes naturally. This book is the sort that involves you so much that you end up screaming at the characters for making regretful choices. This book is able to create the effect that you’re content and miserable at the same time. The Door that Led to Where is a brilliant ‘who dunnit?’ mystery with many a crisis popping up on the journey – through space and time! I rate this book 9/10.
ReplyDeleteKT, HACH
The Door That Led To Where
ReplyDeleteAJ has just left school with only one GCSE, when his mum tries to find a job him. When she does AJ is sent off to work at a desk. Then one evening while he’s working out late, he finds a key with his name on it. Intrigued he keeps the key, although he doesn’t know where it’ll lead him?....
Eventually he finds the door, but he steps through it, he finds himself in 1830, London. Will AJ go back to the life he’s always known, or stay in the past???
Then a murder is committed and everyone panics. “How was he murdered?” “Who murdered him?” Was all everyone ever talked about. Will this change his mind or not though???
If you like historical fiction this is a book that you will enjoy lots, the mixture between modern day and historical context means that you will thoroughly like this book. Although I am not really into this this genre very much, I really liked this book.
Charlotte Hooker- Gilberd School- Year 7
9/10
'The Door That Led to Where' is enthralling and thrilling. The elements of the modern day and the features of the centuries gone by combine to form this brilliant book. The mystery and adventure work perfectly together. Questions blossom and develop throughout the entire story, and merge together to a phenomenal climax. Though it may be for the adventure and historical readers, 'The Door That Led to Where' is a whirlwind of creativity.
ReplyDelete8.5/10
Jamie W, KEGS