Doors Open
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 2008 |
| Founder | Ian Rankin |
| Products | Crime novel |
Doors Open is a 2008 crime novel authored by Ian Rankin. Marking his first independent thriller in more than a decade, it initially appeared as a serialized story in The New York Times Magazine.
Plot outline
Mike Mackenzie, a software businessman who has recently sold his company for a significant fortune, is in search of excitement. His financial success sparks an interest in art collecting, and when his acquaintance Professor Robert Gissing suggests a robbery plan, Mike becomes captivated. The National Gallery holds many valuable pieces in storage that are not exhibited publicly. Their plan centers on executing a theft during "Doors Open Day" at the Granton storage facility, where they intend to replace original paintings with expertly crafted counterfeits to deceive law enforcement.
As the plot progresses, they recognize the need for professional assistance. An unexpected meeting with Chib Calloway—a local criminal and Mike’s old school friend—brings the specialized skills required to carry out the scheme.
Reception
The book was well-received by critics such as Andrew Marr writing for The Guardian, who commended its "light touch" and concise narrative style, highlighting Rankin's move toward a more briskly paced story. Comparisons to John Buchan were drawn by both The Guardian and The Times. The Evening Standard characterized it as "an entertaining, violent story of middle-class amateurs challenging seasoned criminals to execute a daring art theft." While Kirkus Reviews considered it "not among Rankin's finest... yet still enjoyable," Publishers Weekly praised its complex storyline and tense atmosphere.
TV adaptation
A television movie based on the novel was created, featuring Douglas Henshall as Mike Mackenzie, Ken Collard portraying Allan Cruickshank, and Stephen Fry taking on the role of Robert Gissing. Filming commenced in Edinburgh in April 2012, with the broadcast airing on ITV during Boxing Day. The adaptation shifts the location of the heist from the National Gallery to a Scottish banking institution.
Related works
Within Rankin's 2002 short story compilation Beggars Banquet lies "Herbert in Motion," which narrates a similar theft involving hidden artworks from a major gallery's storage being swapped with high-quality replicas to cover up the crime.