Plot Summary
The story unfolds across two vividly depicted timelines: Paris in 1900 and Chicago in 1920. At the heart of the novel is a hauntingly beautiful carousel, commissioned for the Grand Exposition, but hiding secrets far more sinister than its ornate horses suggest. Gilbert Cloutier, the craftsman behind the carousel, pours his love for his son Theo into its creation. Yet, when Theo falls ill and later vanishes, the carousel gains an eerie reputation—one that Detective Laurent Bisset is determined to unravel.
Fast forward to America: enter Maisie Marlowe, a young woman trying to carve a future for herself. When she acquires the carousel years later, she unwittingly pulls the past into her present, unearthing secrets long thought buried. As children mysteriously disappear once again, Laurent re-emerges, and together, they seek answers before more lives are lost.
Themes
ThemesThis book is steeped in themes of loss, love, hope, and determination, all seamlessly woven together with a dash of the supernatural. Maisie’s journey speaks to resilience—the power of survival against the odds. There’s an undeniable undercurrent of nostalgia that runs throughout, reminding readers of childhood wonders, only to twist those memories into something far more chilling. Gothic atmosphere, historical fiction, and mystery meet in a breathtaking collision.
What Worked in the Book
One of the strongest aspects of The Midnight Carousel is its atmospheric writing. McLynn’s prose doesn’t just tell a story—it immerses you in it. I could practically smell the burnt sugar of a Paris fairground and feel the unnerving chill creeping through the Chicago amusement park. Her descriptions are vivid, evocative, and full of intricate historical details.
Characterization is another standout. Maisie is more than just a strong female lead—she’s practical, vulnerable, and wonderfully real. Her emotional journey grips you, making every triumph and heartbreak feel personal. Laurent, haunted and determined, provides the perfect balance to Maisie’s fierce resolve. Their evolving partnership is compelling without ever feeling forced.
And then there’s the carousel itself—a character in its own right. The mystery surrounding it unfolds at the perfect pace, tightening the tension until the truth finally reveals itself.
Who Might Enjoy This Book?
Who Might Enjoy This Book?If you love historical fiction with a gothic twist, this book is for you. If mysteries that span decades intrigue you, this book is for you. And if you have a soft spot for stories where the past refuses to stay buried, then The Midnight Carousel will absolutely captivate you.
Fans of The Dictionary of Lost Words or Go as a River will appreciate its exquisite historical detail, while lovers of slow-burn thrillers will relish the gripping suspense. If atmospheric, character-driven mysteries are your thing, prepare to be enchanted.
Conclusion
Rarely does a debut novel possess such depth, warmth, and eerie beauty all at once. The Midnight Carousel masterfully balances mystery and nostalgia, weaving a tale that lingers long after the final page. It’s a slow-burn gothic thriller that pulls you under, twists you around, and refuses to let go—much like a carousel you never quite want to leave.
Thank you to Penguin Random House SA for the opportunity to read this book.
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