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Doorman Wanted
"...gem of a novel..." -Lorna Landvik, Last Circle of Love
"...beautifully written story..." -Robert Alexander, The Kitchen Boy
"... deft touch of a master storyteller..." -Greg Fields, Through the Waters and the Wild
"An entertaining debut." -Sarah Stonich, Vacationland
Henry Franken has a problem with money-he has too much of it. When his unprincipled father dies, thirty-three-year-old Henry inherits a massive estate, including an Upper East Side residential building. He must confront the reality of his new financial status, directly conflicting with his well-honed identity as a "progressive liberal." When he shows up to collect the keys to his father's building, he notices a "Doorman Wanted." Seeing a chance to stave off the complexities of his inheritance, Henry applies for the position under a pseudonym . . . and gets it. Now, no one in the building knows that Doorman "Franklin Hanratty" is the building's new mysterious owner.
Through interactions with residents and the homeless outside his door, Henry develops from an idealistic young person avoiding the demands of his fortune, into a man who accepts the opportunity to direct that wealth toward a broader good.
"...beautifully written story..." -Robert Alexander, The Kitchen Boy
"... deft touch of a master storyteller..." -Greg Fields, Through the Waters and the Wild
"An entertaining debut." -Sarah Stonich, Vacationland
Henry Franken has a problem with money-he has too much of it. When his unprincipled father dies, thirty-three-year-old Henry inherits a massive estate, including an Upper East Side residential building. He must confront the reality of his new financial status, directly conflicting with his well-honed identity as a "progressive liberal." When he shows up to collect the keys to his father's building, he notices a "Doorman Wanted." Seeing a chance to stave off the complexities of his inheritance, Henry applies for the position under a pseudonym . . . and gets it. Now, no one in the building knows that Doorman "Franklin Hanratty" is the building's new mysterious owner.
Through interactions with residents and the homeless outside his door, Henry develops from an idealistic young person avoiding the demands of his fortune, into a man who accepts the opportunity to direct that wealth toward a broader good.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2024
About the author
Glenn R. Miller
2 books51 followersGlenn Miller launched his professional career by working on television soap operas and game shows on the back lots of NBC Burbank. He holds a master’s degree from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and has served as a CBS-affiliate news producer, an executive speechwriter, and creative director at production agencies within the Twin Cities. His novel, Doorman Wanted, will be published on March 26, 2024.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 199 reviews
December 29, 2025
Humor in a book can be a tricky thing. One person will smile. Someone else will laugh. Someone else will find the content sophomoric and too obvious.
This book worked for me. The situations derived naturally from the premise. There were wry ironic observations. There were ridiculous combinations of circumstances that followed logically from the progress of the plot. Like a Shakespearean comedy, all comes right at the end.
A young man inherits a building and a penthouse. He impersonates a job applicant and gets hired as a doorman. Everything else follows. It's light entertainment that is hopeful, not cynical.
This book worked for me. The situations derived naturally from the premise. There were wry ironic observations. There were ridiculous combinations of circumstances that followed logically from the progress of the plot. Like a Shakespearean comedy, all comes right at the end.
A young man inherits a building and a penthouse. He impersonates a job applicant and gets hired as a doorman. Everything else follows. It's light entertainment that is hopeful, not cynical.
March 25, 2025
I really enjoyed reading this book. I wish I could remember who suggested it to me. Such a great subject. Being rich, and pretending that you are not. Being the doorman… learning about people.
I many times read about the author before I start reading the book, this time I didn’t. What a great surprise to read in the acknowledgment that he had studied at Minneapolis Loft Literacy center. And that he lives in Minneapolis! That is where I live also!
I many times read about the author before I start reading the book, this time I didn’t. What a great surprise to read in the acknowledgment that he had studied at Minneapolis Loft Literacy center. And that he lives in Minneapolis! That is where I live also!
February 28, 2024
Wow, what a fun read!
Doorman Wanted takes us along the journey of Henry Franken, whom we meet shortly after the passing of his very affluent father, who has left him everything. When he goes to sign the paperwork to accept his newly acquired Upper East Side building and penthouse apartment, he sees a sign in the window: Doorman Wanted. None too interested in his family's wealth, he chooses to accept this as a sign to instead apply for the job, and keeps his true identity hidden from the residents and employees.
What transpires is a witty, humorous and well-written story that leads us through life as Franklin Hanratty, a doorman imposter. We are introduced to several quirky, fun and interesting residents along with some wild co-workers.
Throughout his role as doorman, Henry/Franklin meets and befriends a few homeless artists which in turn places him on a quest to provide them with better opportunities in the world of art, and thus life.
Although I feel like this book doesn't have a very clear plotline, the way it's written just somehow works. I really liked engaging with each individual character, and getting to follow along with their daily adventures. Everyone had very different personalities and I enjoyed getting to know them all.
What I didn't love, was the ending of Wendy's storyline. It was completely fine until she finds out who Franklin truly is, and in my opinion, completely overreacts. (Ok pot, let's call the kettle black, shall we?) But then just basically acts like nothing happened? It was strange, and I just didn't get it, I guess.
I also wish there was a bit more of a reaction written amongst the residents when they learned the truth about Franklin/Henry. It seems like it was just kind of glazed over a bit, and slightly disappointing.
Overall though, this was an excellent story that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. Especially for a debut novel! I would absolutely love to read a sequel, so that we can continue getting to know all the characters and continue on this journey with them. Perhaps a storyline from Charlotte's perspective?
*Thank you to NetGalley, Glenn R. Miller and Koehler Books for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.*
Doorman Wanted takes us along the journey of Henry Franken, whom we meet shortly after the passing of his very affluent father, who has left him everything. When he goes to sign the paperwork to accept his newly acquired Upper East Side building and penthouse apartment, he sees a sign in the window: Doorman Wanted. None too interested in his family's wealth, he chooses to accept this as a sign to instead apply for the job, and keeps his true identity hidden from the residents and employees.
What transpires is a witty, humorous and well-written story that leads us through life as Franklin Hanratty, a doorman imposter. We are introduced to several quirky, fun and interesting residents along with some wild co-workers.
Throughout his role as doorman, Henry/Franklin meets and befriends a few homeless artists which in turn places him on a quest to provide them with better opportunities in the world of art, and thus life.
Although I feel like this book doesn't have a very clear plotline, the way it's written just somehow works. I really liked engaging with each individual character, and getting to follow along with their daily adventures. Everyone had very different personalities and I enjoyed getting to know them all.
What I didn't love, was the ending of Wendy's storyline. It was completely fine until she finds out who Franklin truly is, and in my opinion, completely overreacts. (Ok pot, let's call the kettle black, shall we?) But then just basically acts like nothing happened? It was strange, and I just didn't get it, I guess.
I also wish there was a bit more of a reaction written amongst the residents when they learned the truth about Franklin/Henry. It seems like it was just kind of glazed over a bit, and slightly disappointing.
Overall though, this was an excellent story that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. Especially for a debut novel! I would absolutely love to read a sequel, so that we can continue getting to know all the characters and continue on this journey with them. Perhaps a storyline from Charlotte's perspective?
*Thank you to NetGalley, Glenn R. Miller and Koehler Books for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.*
April 6, 2024
I have a literary crush on Glenn Miller. He develops a playful narrative with a sense of humor that is engaging and draws in the reader, moving you quickly along the storyline. I enjoyed the many personalities I met, from those who live in the swanky upper east side apartment to the friends the doorman, Franklin, meets on the street. It all comes together with a clever metaphor for life that left me smiling and hoping for a sequel. Bravo!
April 7, 2024
This is a marvelous novel. Engaging and well drawn characters, sharp observations about society, and a playful use of language that makes it a treat to read. Do yourself a favor and read or listen to this book! I promise that you will not be disappointed.
October 3, 2024
A thirty-something man inherits millions and a fancy Upper East Side condo building from his estranged, recently deceased father. When he reluctantly returns to NY he walks into the building, is mistaken for the new doorman, and accepts the position. Well, okay. What follows is a tale of stereotypical characters, obvious lessons (be honest, care about homeless people, money isn’t everything, etc.) and worst of all, some of the most hackneyed dialogue I’ve ever come across. I finally started skimming so I could see if the ending made it all worthwhile. Nope. There’s lots of love from other readers for this book, but a hard pass from me.
July 16, 2024
I devoured this book. I loved every single minute in these pages.
Imagine my disappointment when I thought "I need to read more of this man's books" then discover there is no more....yet.
So a message to Glenn R Miller....hurry up and write more!!
Tomata and Terry I loved you guys. Hoping Cadillac is going ok.
Imagine my disappointment when I thought "I need to read more of this man's books" then discover there is no more....yet.
So a message to Glenn R Miller....hurry up and write more!!
Tomata and Terry I loved you guys. Hoping Cadillac is going ok.
June 1, 2024
Captivating
A work of humor, life lessons, humility and desire for life. Haven't we all wished we could live life differently for a short time to find ourselves.
A work of humor, life lessons, humility and desire for life. Haven't we all wished we could live life differently for a short time to find ourselves.
May 6, 2024
Creative, witty, fast moving and very satisfying. Makes you think, but not too hard. A very enjoyable read.
September 28, 2025
The premise is pretty implausible but once you suspend your disbelief, it’s an entertaining, heartwarming ride.
February 26, 2026
What a fun, laugh-out-loud, page-turner!
February 25, 2024
A clever and refreshingly original storyline, unlike any I’ve read! Full of wit and empathy, this book will leave you both feeling good and turning the pages.
Henry is a young man whose life changes course when he receives a generous inheritance, including a massive estate, after his father suddenly passes. As he is left to face a lifelong moral struggle with the source of the wealth, he hides in plain sight as the doorman and becomes engrained in the community of the residential building, L’Hermitage. The residents adore him as do the two homeless artists he befriends when he chooses to see them as humans, rather than pests, and offers a cup of coffee. Henry’s kindness and openness to these two will make you question the stereotypes we have around various social classes and will make you want to strip people of all of their qualifiers to see them simply for who they are.
Glenn’s ability to make you feel Henry’s journey will suck you into the world within the covers of the “Doorman Wanted” - truly a gift, a must read!
Henry is a young man whose life changes course when he receives a generous inheritance, including a massive estate, after his father suddenly passes. As he is left to face a lifelong moral struggle with the source of the wealth, he hides in plain sight as the doorman and becomes engrained in the community of the residential building, L’Hermitage. The residents adore him as do the two homeless artists he befriends when he chooses to see them as humans, rather than pests, and offers a cup of coffee. Henry’s kindness and openness to these two will make you question the stereotypes we have around various social classes and will make you want to strip people of all of their qualifiers to see them simply for who they are.
Glenn’s ability to make you feel Henry’s journey will suck you into the world within the covers of the “Doorman Wanted” - truly a gift, a must read!
December 4, 2025
Loved it - such a charming story
I picked this up at a discount on a whim. It’s not something I would normally read. I’m more into mysteries and sci fi. But this was such a wonderful book! The characters were terrifically written, even the ones I didn’t much like. It’s a little hard to describe the genre, but it seemed to me to have a P.G. Wodehouse flavor. It was just so entertaining.
I picked this up at a discount on a whim. It’s not something I would normally read. I’m more into mysteries and sci fi. But this was such a wonderful book! The characters were terrifically written, even the ones I didn’t much like. It’s a little hard to describe the genre, but it seemed to me to have a P.G. Wodehouse flavor. It was just so entertaining.
August 16, 2024
I fell in love with this book. JUST what the doctor ordered!!!! The clever plot and dialogue as well as lovable characters swept me in and hooked me. The juxtaposition of tony Upper East Side Manhattan and the homeless population of Central Park led to fascinating scenarios that made me giggle. Pure enjoyment, leaving me with a warmed heart.
November 30, 2025
Doorman Wanted is a feel good read. The characters are fun and both the vocabulary and phrasing were treats. There is a satisfying fantasy element to a doorman actually being the wealthy building owner. Recommended for readers who enjoy a story where a wealthy person wants to help others in a non-conspicuous manner. 4 stars.
February 19, 2026
What a fun read! Especially since I just finished All the Beauty in the World.
This one is a palette cleanser and a quick, delightful read. Can tell the author has a background in television with the quick pacing and witty dialogue. Appreciated the references to Wodehouse and other cultural touchstones “of a certain age.”
This one is a palette cleanser and a quick, delightful read. Can tell the author has a background in television with the quick pacing and witty dialogue. Appreciated the references to Wodehouse and other cultural touchstones “of a certain age.”
March 28, 2024
Might just be the best read of the year. An absolutely delightfully spun tale that had me absorbed from the first page. What an incredible debut novel. Cannot wait to see what’s next from Glenn R Miller!
December 14, 2024
Excellent story that takes place in NYC. Glenn Miller's dialogue magically paints a visual in your mind. Covers several topics such as wealth, the unhoused, ambition, and more. Excellent read.
December 11, 2025
A different style novel than I would generally read but it was recommended to me. I truly enjoyed it! it was very well written, very funny at times, and also uplifting.
December 28, 2025
Fun, quirky quick read … just delightful.
January 10, 2026
For times when you need a feel good read…here is an excellent choice!
July 19, 2026
This book was a pleasure to read, with a thoroughly likable protagonist. Once you accept the totally unrealistic premise, it's easy to picture the story and the engaging, slightly quirky characters. A quick read that would make an entertaining movie along the lines of Thursday Murder Club or A Man on the Inside - although without the crime.
January 9, 2025
Glenn R. Miller’s Doorman Wanted is a funny and heartfelt exploration of identity, privilege, and human connection, based in my own back yard of NYC’s Upper East Side. The story follows Henry Franken, a reluctant heir to his late father’s real estate empire, who assumes the alias Franklin Hanratty to work as a doorman in one of his own buildings. This whimsical premise sets the stage for a rich tapestry of characters and relationships that make the book both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Miller excels in character development, particularly with Henry/Franklin and his colleagues—Terry, Tomata, Charlotte, Jacob, Mr. Harrison, and Wendy—each of whom brings charm and depth to the story. The interactions between Franklin and the building’s tenants, as well as his friendships with a group of homeless artists, add layers of humor and poignancy. These relationships highlight themes of class disparity and the power of compassion without veering into sentimentality.
The narrative’s progression is engaging, with moments of comedy interspersed with deeper reflections on wealth and identity. However, one notable drawback is the inconsistent handling of time transitions between chapters. It can be challenging to gauge how much time passes over the course of the story, which slightly detracts from its pacing. Additionally, while the Upper East Side serves as an iconic setting, more vivid exploration of the neighborhood’s nuances could have enriched the novel further.
Overall, Doorman Wanted is a delightful debut that balances wit and warmth. Despite minor flaws in pacing and setting depth, Miller’s ability to craft memorable characters and an uplifting narrative makes this book a worthwhile read for fans of quirky literary fiction.
Miller excels in character development, particularly with Henry/Franklin and his colleagues—Terry, Tomata, Charlotte, Jacob, Mr. Harrison, and Wendy—each of whom brings charm and depth to the story. The interactions between Franklin and the building’s tenants, as well as his friendships with a group of homeless artists, add layers of humor and poignancy. These relationships highlight themes of class disparity and the power of compassion without veering into sentimentality.
The narrative’s progression is engaging, with moments of comedy interspersed with deeper reflections on wealth and identity. However, one notable drawback is the inconsistent handling of time transitions between chapters. It can be challenging to gauge how much time passes over the course of the story, which slightly detracts from its pacing. Additionally, while the Upper East Side serves as an iconic setting, more vivid exploration of the neighborhood’s nuances could have enriched the novel further.
Overall, Doorman Wanted is a delightful debut that balances wit and warmth. Despite minor flaws in pacing and setting depth, Miller’s ability to craft memorable characters and an uplifting narrative makes this book a worthwhile read for fans of quirky literary fiction.
July 8, 2026
I just love the humor in this book. Franklin definitely has a reason for going the direction he did. The story line was easy to follow and entertaining. Each character was built wonderfully. Connecting the homeless, which wasn't their fault, and the residence of the building was brilliant. Enjoy and happy reading
May 6, 2026
What an engaging story. I enjoyed this book so much. I can't say what specifically made it so good, but I did love the story, the characters, the themes, and the writing style. I love the big words and fun ways they are used.
The story is about family dynamics, wealth, status, finding purpose, spark, life, seeing things around you, and connections.
Henry becomes the owner of a building and it's penthouse condo and somehow takes the job as the building doorman instead of the owner and through connections with residents and the homeless outside his new post/door, he changes from an idealistic young person avoiding the complexities of wealth (and how it was gained), into a man who accepts the opportunity to direct that wealth toward a broader good.
And the story is sad and funny and poignant and sweet.
I hear that a sequel is coming and I am all in for that. I highly recommend this story.
The story is about family dynamics, wealth, status, finding purpose, spark, life, seeing things around you, and connections.
Henry becomes the owner of a building and it's penthouse condo and somehow takes the job as the building doorman instead of the owner and through connections with residents and the homeless outside his new post/door, he changes from an idealistic young person avoiding the complexities of wealth (and how it was gained), into a man who accepts the opportunity to direct that wealth toward a broader good.
And the story is sad and funny and poignant and sweet.
I hear that a sequel is coming and I am all in for that. I highly recommend this story.
July 7, 2026
A good example how our emotional connection to money is very powerful for good or ill.
January 3, 2026
I'm so happy (and relieved) to start off the new year with a five-star book! First of all, and most important on my list of favorite styles, is that this is written in first person.
Next up, the writing is vocabulary-lush, the setting and character descriptions flow seamlessly rather than distracting (so many authors seem to go overboard, describing almost as a sub-plot), and the characters are--well, characters--there's humor, both subtle and not-so-subtle. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing where the story would take me.
Halfway into the book, I wondered when a movie--or even a streamed series--would be announced, because I could easily see it happening!
Next up, the writing is vocabulary-lush, the setting and character descriptions flow seamlessly rather than distracting (so many authors seem to go overboard, describing almost as a sub-plot), and the characters are--well, characters--there's humor, both subtle and not-so-subtle. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing where the story would take me.
Halfway into the book, I wondered when a movie--or even a streamed series--would be announced, because I could easily see it happening!
February 15, 2026
Intriguing twist on the idea of figuring out who you are by pretending to be someone completely different. Franklin’s character shines through in spite of his self-deprecating soliloquies. His patience with the annoying weaknesses of his co-workers when he actually has the power to can them is amazing. His kindness to those who are least able to repay him seems to get him in trouble and yet he not only doesn’t back down but it leads him to discovering what really matters to him.
I loved getting this view of New York City and what life is like there for some. This book has a very satisfying ending, but I’m still sad it’s done. I want to read more like this.
I loved getting this view of New York City and what life is like there for some. This book has a very satisfying ending, but I’m still sad it’s done. I want to read more like this.
March 21, 2024
I love fun, quirky, "slice of life" novels and Doorman Wanted is exactly that! The characters were charming and witty, making for an enjoyable relaxing reading experience. The ending left me a bit underwhelmed when Franklin/Henry revealed his true identity, and I was also annoyed by the third act break-up, even though it was short-lived (on page, that is). For those reasons I am rating it 4 stars. Bravo to Glenn R. Miller for a delightful debut!
Thank you to NetGalley and Koehler Books for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Koehler Books for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 21, 2025
It has been my great pleasure to have read three great books in this last quarter of the year. Doorman Wanted is one of those three. I have been reading too much space opera, dystopian, and police procedural books lately. Murder and mayhem. So much death. Senseless death. And then comes Doorman Wanted, a feel-good story with great character voices, and a coming-of-age storyline of a guy well beyond the point of coming-of-age. There’s always time to find yourself, I guess.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 199 reviews