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The Twelve Doors: Part I
#3 Instant bestseller historical mystery thriller in the USA on the day of its release. #1 bestseller in Spain and Mexico. More than 600,000 readers around the world.
BASED ON REAL FACTS. In the 14th century, three children discover an astonishing ancient Jew secret. Nowadays, a famous female historian and her mysterious friend must solve it. Mystery, adventure, suspense and real history, in an easy-to-read novel, that won't allow you to put the book down. Do you dare to try it?
“The Twelve Doors is the best saga of thrillers I have read in ten years. With simple language that manages to keep you in suspense until the last line. You finish a chapter and you need to read the next one. Vicente Raga it’s a real find.” Harald Brook, Tribuna Libre.
“Sell more than Ken Follet last Christmas in Spain is far from the reach of many. In my house, there isn’t one that hasn’t read it, even my three sons. Dynamic narrative and a documented novel. Very recommendable.”Roberto Marín, Florida Books.
Two stories are narrated in parallel. The first one happens in 1390, in a Jewish quarter, where some kids stumble upon a secret society that still exists nowadays. A great mystery that takes us back to that difficult period for the Jewish people. All the characters existed in their time period, and every narrated fact occurred in reality. The second story stars a group of friends in the present day that must solve a centennial-old mystery.
Without a doubt, the highlight of the series is their female main characters, the historian Rebecca Mercader and her mysterious friend Carlota Penella, whose fame has surpassed the novel series itself. It isn’t strange because they are among the most Intelligent women in Europe.
The reader changes the story every 4-5 pages. Different characters and tales are separated from each other by more than six hundred years. It looks like two novels in one. The reader starts asking himself, why am I reading two stories that have no connections? The simple answer is that you will figure it out if you keep reading. Maybe they have more connections than you think, and nothing is what it seems.
VICENTE RAGA
(Valencia, Spain, 1966, living in Ireland)
An excerpt from an interview for Tribuna Libre:
QUESTION: Why The Twelve Doors?
ANSWER: The title is a reference to the twelve doors of the medieval wall of Valencia, in Spain. Don’t forget this magical number.
Q: Is it one historical novel more?
A: I wouldn’t dare classify it like that. It is another thing. It’s a thriller, mystery and suspense novel based on historical facts.
Q: What are you expecting from your books?
R: Really, I don’t know. The Spanish editions of my books are topping the charts almost three years after the launch of this novel. It’s incredible!
QUESTION: Now, let’s talk about you. You studied an MBA degree and learned languages… to finish up being a politician and a writer.
ANSWER: Hahahaha, if you say it like that, it seems like I’ve been doing worse, right? Having been a councilman in my hometown for more than six years, apart from being an honor, is a vocation just as being a writer.
Q: Is it your first novel?
Q: Actually, I haven’t written only a novel. I have created a story that takes place over several centuries, in different novels. This is the first time I have written something so long, although I’m not a newcomer. My first story was written when I was 14 years old and won a modest literary contest for adults in England. Furthermore, I collaborate with different social
Media platforms, newspapers, radios and TVs.
Relax and enjoy a great adventure.
BASED ON REAL FACTS. In the 14th century, three children discover an astonishing ancient Jew secret. Nowadays, a famous female historian and her mysterious friend must solve it. Mystery, adventure, suspense and real history, in an easy-to-read novel, that won't allow you to put the book down. Do you dare to try it?
“The Twelve Doors is the best saga of thrillers I have read in ten years. With simple language that manages to keep you in suspense until the last line. You finish a chapter and you need to read the next one. Vicente Raga it’s a real find.” Harald Brook, Tribuna Libre.
“Sell more than Ken Follet last Christmas in Spain is far from the reach of many. In my house, there isn’t one that hasn’t read it, even my three sons. Dynamic narrative and a documented novel. Very recommendable.”Roberto Marín, Florida Books.
Two stories are narrated in parallel. The first one happens in 1390, in a Jewish quarter, where some kids stumble upon a secret society that still exists nowadays. A great mystery that takes us back to that difficult period for the Jewish people. All the characters existed in their time period, and every narrated fact occurred in reality. The second story stars a group of friends in the present day that must solve a centennial-old mystery.
Without a doubt, the highlight of the series is their female main characters, the historian Rebecca Mercader and her mysterious friend Carlota Penella, whose fame has surpassed the novel series itself. It isn’t strange because they are among the most Intelligent women in Europe.
The reader changes the story every 4-5 pages. Different characters and tales are separated from each other by more than six hundred years. It looks like two novels in one. The reader starts asking himself, why am I reading two stories that have no connections? The simple answer is that you will figure it out if you keep reading. Maybe they have more connections than you think, and nothing is what it seems.
VICENTE RAGA
(Valencia, Spain, 1966, living in Ireland)
An excerpt from an interview for Tribuna Libre:
QUESTION: Why The Twelve Doors?
ANSWER: The title is a reference to the twelve doors of the medieval wall of Valencia, in Spain. Don’t forget this magical number.
Q: Is it one historical novel more?
A: I wouldn’t dare classify it like that. It is another thing. It’s a thriller, mystery and suspense novel based on historical facts.
Q: What are you expecting from your books?
R: Really, I don’t know. The Spanish editions of my books are topping the charts almost three years after the launch of this novel. It’s incredible!
QUESTION: Now, let’s talk about you. You studied an MBA degree and learned languages… to finish up being a politician and a writer.
ANSWER: Hahahaha, if you say it like that, it seems like I’ve been doing worse, right? Having been a councilman in my hometown for more than six years, apart from being an honor, is a vocation just as being a writer.
Q: Is it your first novel?
Q: Actually, I haven’t written only a novel. I have created a story that takes place over several centuries, in different novels. This is the first time I have written something so long, although I’m not a newcomer. My first story was written when I was 14 years old and won a modest literary contest for adults in England. Furthermore, I collaborate with different social
Media platforms, newspapers, radios and TVs.
Relax and enjoy a great adventure.
- GenresThriller SuspenseFiction
329 pages, Paperback
Published March 15, 2022
About the author
Vicente Raga
45 books76 followersBorn in Valencia, Spain, in 1966, but currently living in the USA and Ireland. Bestseller author in historical mysteries and thrillers. #3 instant bestseller in the USA. #1 bestseller in Spain and Mexico.
Excerpt from an interview for "Tribuna Libre":
QUESTION: You studied Law, obtained a Master’s degree, and learned multiple languages… All that to end up being a politician and a writer.
ANSWER: Hahahaha, when you put it like that, it seems like I’ve slumming it, right? Serving as a councilman in my hometown for more than six years, apart from being an honor, is vocational
Q: Being a well-known lawyer in your country, how did you get here?
A: Because I am a passionate writer. However, I’m not a newcomer. I wrote my first story at fourteen years old, and it won a modest literary contest in England. Since then, I haven’t stopped. Furthermore, I collaborate with different social media platforms, newspapers, radios, TVs...
Q: Are you surprised by the success of "The Twelve Doors" series?
A: Absolutely. The Spanish edition is Spain's #1 bestseller historical mystery series for the last two years. In the USA, it reached #3 the same day of its launch. It's truly amazing!
Excerpt from an interview for "Tribuna Libre":
QUESTION: You studied Law, obtained a Master’s degree, and learned multiple languages… All that to end up being a politician and a writer.
ANSWER: Hahahaha, when you put it like that, it seems like I’ve slumming it, right? Serving as a councilman in my hometown for more than six years, apart from being an honor, is vocational
Q: Being a well-known lawyer in your country, how did you get here?
A: Because I am a passionate writer. However, I’m not a newcomer. I wrote my first story at fourteen years old, and it won a modest literary contest in England. Since then, I haven’t stopped. Furthermore, I collaborate with different social media platforms, newspapers, radios, TVs...
Q: Are you surprised by the success of "The Twelve Doors" series?
A: Absolutely. The Spanish edition is Spain's #1 bestseller historical mystery series for the last two years. In the USA, it reached #3 the same day of its launch. It's truly amazing!
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 4, 2024
A few pages in ( good so far) but already wishing that the translation had been proof read!! Takes away from the enjoyment.
Now having read!!:
I bought the three that are translated into English. I have discovered there are, apparently, more in the series - I won't bother! I am sad, and I tried to persevere as the story line of the novel is good with some very interesting historical details but it is too drawn out and the writing is simple bordering on childish at times. (not advertised as a YA book). Additionally, the translation errors made it a nightmare for me in places!!
In one chapter it is especially confusing as he is describing one character but their name changes half way through!!
Now having read!!:
I bought the three that are translated into English. I have discovered there are, apparently, more in the series - I won't bother! I am sad, and I tried to persevere as the story line of the novel is good with some very interesting historical details but it is too drawn out and the writing is simple bordering on childish at times. (not advertised as a YA book). Additionally, the translation errors made it a nightmare for me in places!!
In one chapter it is especially confusing as he is describing one character but their name changes half way through!!
April 16, 2022
A very interesting read! I enjoyed the the current time/earlier time format of the book, kept me reading. The historic nature of the book was enjoyable and informative. I would recommend this book to others.
June 7, 2022
A ver, la primera parte de la historia está entretenida y es fácil de leer. Luego de repente se acaba sin mucho sentido y descubres que hay más partes. Uno piensa en una trilogia como es habitual, pero no
resulta que el autor se vino arriba y escribió nada menos que 10 libros o diez partes de la misma historia. Una la lees bien, dos ya se repiten y yo llegué nada menos que a 4 pensando que igual mejoraba, pero no, al revés, cada vez era más aburrida. Y además siempre es lo mismo, los niños que juegan a ser Inquisidores y la guapa tonta. Es la única vez que no he podido terminar una historia, me he quedado en la cuarta y eso con mucha paciencia.
resulta que el autor se vino arriba y escribió nada menos que 10 libros o diez partes de la misma historia. Una la lees bien, dos ya se repiten y yo llegué nada menos que a 4 pensando que igual mejoraba, pero no, al revés, cada vez era más aburrida. Y además siempre es lo mismo, los niños que juegan a ser Inquisidores y la guapa tonta. Es la única vez que no he podido terminar una historia, me he quedado en la cuarta y eso con mucha paciencia.
August 10, 2022
Historical Fiction
This is a story the takes place in the 14th century and currently.
I found it easy enough to switch from past to present. I also looked up information on Jewish people in Europe while reading.
The only negative that I found is that people from the 14th century probably don’t use our slang or terminology (which the book did).
This is a story the takes place in the 14th century and currently.
I found it easy enough to switch from past to present. I also looked up information on Jewish people in Europe while reading.
The only negative that I found is that people from the 14th century probably don’t use our slang or terminology (which the book did).
May 2, 2022
The Twelve Doors, Part I unwinds like one of those classic serpentine chrome puzzle balls whose unknotting requires as much agility remembering past turns as forecasting how future two-handed twists will coordinate to reveal the circle.
Lesser examined ancient Spanish history spills its secrets to illuminate the solution to a present-day mystery whose solution requires two gifted and determined women apply their robust intelligence in tandem; each a hand working to unwind the knotted circle of a mystery.
The unique structure of the novel, moving quickly between tandem timelines to unpack clues that span centuries, leaves the tether between turns in the puzzle loose until deep into the book. This makes for an interesting tension between quickly shifting focus and patiently layering bits of the revelation. Details of 14th Century Spanish Jewish history are gripping. They nicely serve to balance the push to keep up with the insights and drive of the two historians. The Twelve Doors, Part I reads a bit like Ken Follet meets The Da Vinci Code—a historical thriller with an extra helping of setting whose champions employ portions of arcane European history to unravel a modern mystery for the ages —but a bit more clunky in style (perhaps due to my read of the translation).
I enjoyed the story and challenge of The Twelve Doors, Part I, but can see how the back and forth and obtuse connections might not be for everyone. I’ll be looking to pick up Part II.
--Thank you Vicente Raga, Addvanza Publishers, Kindle Goodreads giveaway for the free copy.
Lesser examined ancient Spanish history spills its secrets to illuminate the solution to a present-day mystery whose solution requires two gifted and determined women apply their robust intelligence in tandem; each a hand working to unwind the knotted circle of a mystery.
The unique structure of the novel, moving quickly between tandem timelines to unpack clues that span centuries, leaves the tether between turns in the puzzle loose until deep into the book. This makes for an interesting tension between quickly shifting focus and patiently layering bits of the revelation. Details of 14th Century Spanish Jewish history are gripping. They nicely serve to balance the push to keep up with the insights and drive of the two historians. The Twelve Doors, Part I reads a bit like Ken Follet meets The Da Vinci Code—a historical thriller with an extra helping of setting whose champions employ portions of arcane European history to unravel a modern mystery for the ages —but a bit more clunky in style (perhaps due to my read of the translation).
I enjoyed the story and challenge of The Twelve Doors, Part I, but can see how the back and forth and obtuse connections might not be for everyone. I’ll be looking to pick up Part II.
--Thank you Vicente Raga, Addvanza Publishers, Kindle Goodreads giveaway for the free copy.
May 3, 2022
I really like the story…the theme and characters are awesome. I do apologize, but the translation is rather childish and in many cases it literally translates, and therefore causes some things to not sound right in English.
For example…speaking of “uncles” in English means two or more siblings of your parent of the male sex. Now in Spanish that’s ok because if there is even one male sibling and one or more female, all are called uncles in plural. (Tios) it took me awhile to realize this was what was being referred to. In several parts the pronouns were wrong, using he instead of she. Just minor things such as that. Also, most descriptions in English would not not say things such as…she was so shocked she fell off her chair…and other such things. It would be too exaggerated in most cases. And in this book such descriptions are used too often.
Another thing that happens is using words that in Spanish sound correct, but not in English, under the context. For example, in one case The character was said to be drowning (ahogando), when it should say choking. In Spanish we would use that, but not English. I understand the difficulties of translating and trying to get the meaning right, it’s not easy. Therefore I applaud the person who did a very tedious and difficult job.
Having said that, and understanding the drama of Hispanic language, I thoroughly enjoyed the books and I am looking forward to finishing them.
I do think it would be great if it were professionally translated, though. I believe it would be an outstanding book for today.
For example…speaking of “uncles” in English means two or more siblings of your parent of the male sex. Now in Spanish that’s ok because if there is even one male sibling and one or more female, all are called uncles in plural. (Tios) it took me awhile to realize this was what was being referred to. In several parts the pronouns were wrong, using he instead of she. Just minor things such as that. Also, most descriptions in English would not not say things such as…she was so shocked she fell off her chair…and other such things. It would be too exaggerated in most cases. And in this book such descriptions are used too often.
Another thing that happens is using words that in Spanish sound correct, but not in English, under the context. For example, in one case The character was said to be drowning (ahogando), when it should say choking. In Spanish we would use that, but not English. I understand the difficulties of translating and trying to get the meaning right, it’s not easy. Therefore I applaud the person who did a very tedious and difficult job.
Having said that, and understanding the drama of Hispanic language, I thoroughly enjoyed the books and I am looking forward to finishing them.
I do think it would be great if it were professionally translated, though. I believe it would be an outstanding book for today.
October 4, 2022
the story is interesting and catching, you want to know what's next. You can see that the jewish tradition and the history part is well documented. However I finished the 1st book and was disappointed because I had the impression that the story had hardly begun.
Weak point: the style! It's clearly a first book and lack of fluidity. And the alternance of stories in the past/present every 3 pages or so is really frustating and breaks the rythm of both stories. It was clearly done to create suspens but as I said "too much suspens , kills th suspens"!
So I give 3 stars as an encouragement for the writter and because the story is original...and I really want to know the end of it!
Weak point: the style! It's clearly a first book and lack of fluidity. And the alternance of stories in the past/present every 3 pages or so is really frustating and breaks the rythm of both stories. It was clearly done to create suspens but as I said "too much suspens , kills th suspens"!
So I give 3 stars as an encouragement for the writter and because the story is original...and I really want to know the end of it!
May 27, 2024
Despite its simple literary style, the story's gripping plot ensures a compelling read from start to finish. Raga skillfully intertwines two masterfully crafted stories—one set in medieval Valencia and the other in the present day—each chapter unfolding with a brisk pace that keeps readers eagerly turning the pages. The well-researched depiction of Jewish tradition and historical context adds richness and authenticity to the story.
Upon finishing the first book, I found myself somewhat disappointed, as it felt like the story had only just begun. Nevertheless, I'm eager to read the second part and likely the third one... very intrigued how both stories will finish!
Upon finishing the first book, I found myself somewhat disappointed, as it felt like the story had only just begun. Nevertheless, I'm eager to read the second part and likely the third one... very intrigued how both stories will finish!
April 12, 2025
I'm grateful in a way. it's been years since I hated a book this much. I found it really badly translated, badly written, neither rhyme nor reason, bad, plot, horrible characters, no idea what's going on, dialogue was so so soooo much, so long, seemed written with a cheap version of ChatGpt. and you reach the end wondering when the book starts.. and it's over. you need to buy more and more. it's over of a million but they never told me. I got to the end, I always finish my books but I'm moving on.
September 17, 2022
Intriguing
I had no difficulty following the story as it went back and forth between the two centuries. The suspense increased with each change. The only thing I didn't like was that the story didn't end; this is not a stand alone book although it certainly leaves you wanting to start book 2 as soon as possible. As much as I would love to just buy the whole set on Kindle, that is not financially possible. I am hoping my library has this set!!
I had no difficulty following the story as it went back and forth between the two centuries. The suspense increased with each change. The only thing I didn't like was that the story didn't end; this is not a stand alone book although it certainly leaves you wanting to start book 2 as soon as possible. As much as I would love to just buy the whole set on Kindle, that is not financially possible. I am hoping my library has this set!!
December 13, 2022
Good in parts. I don't normally like switches in the time sequence but it worked better than I expected. The translation was poor and gave the impression of a group of people who had decided to speak in a second or third language. I found the story engaging. The problem with the book is that, even for the first in a series, this is in no way a complete story, just the first third of a novel (as far as I can see).
June 12, 2022
Very good premise
I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway
As much as I enjoyed the story line and the historical connections, I was constantly distracted by the writing style and the editing. The writing was stilted and awkward, which I suspect is more to do with the translation than the writing itself.
I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway
As much as I enjoyed the story line and the historical connections, I was constantly distracted by the writing style and the editing. The writing was stilted and awkward, which I suspect is more to do with the translation than the writing itself.
August 10, 2022
Not what it seems
Either poorly written or poorly translated. The conversation is stilted, the back and for time line is interesting but sophomoric. Reads like a bad Saturday afternoon at the movies. Won’t bother with the next installment.
Either poorly written or poorly translated. The conversation is stilted, the back and for time line is interesting but sophomoric. Reads like a bad Saturday afternoon at the movies. Won’t bother with the next installment.
September 4, 2025
Jumpy
Not the type of book I would normally read, but it is holding my interest enough to get the second book. Wish it didn't jump so much from past and present could have made them a little longer oh well, on to book two
Not the type of book I would normally read, but it is holding my interest enough to get the second book. Wish it didn't jump so much from past and present could have made them a little longer oh well, on to book two
April 15, 2022
DNF at 44%. At first I thought it might be a weak translation, but it just feels weak in general.
December 29, 2022
The twelve doors
This was a great book,loved the history,especially the history on the Jewish people in the 1400s Europe.A great historical read.
This was a great book,loved the history,especially the history on the Jewish people in the 1400s Europe.A great historical read.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews