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The Midnight Guests: A grand hotel is opening. Beware who checks in...
Not yet published
Expected 10 Sep 26From the bestselling author of The Housekeepers comes a glossy, dark, page-turning mystery to rival The White Lotus - unfolding over twenty-four fateful hours in London's most lavish hotel.
1923. Diana Gold, owner and impresario, throws open the doors to the most opulent new hotel in London. As the champagne flows and the chandeliers shimmer, millionaires and gamblers rub shoulders with film stars and royalty. Everyone who's anyone is here.
Everyone, that is, except two guests due at midnight. Powerful and dangerous, they've dragged Diana from the gutter and taught her all she knows. Her fate rests in their hands. If everything goes right, a whole new life awaits. One mistake will cost her everything.
For this is much more than a hotel - it's the heart of Diana's intricate masterplan. Over twenty-four fateful hours, her guests will learn why they're really here. And Diana will take perfect care of them - unless they take care of her first.
But when a body is found in the depths of the hotel, Diana's lavish opening night suddenly spirals out of control. . .
Praise for Alex
'Sets a cracking pace... with plenty of twists and a great deal of fun, this is the perfect holiday read' Guardian
'Sheer delight from start to finish' Janice Hallett
'Delightfully mischievous' The Times
'Audacious, cunning, quick-witted' Louise Candlish
'Fiendishly clever' Jennie Godfrey
'A dangerous game... delivered with fabulous aplomb' Daily Mail
'A period piece, a full-throttle thriller and a masterclass in characterisation' Erin Kelly
1923. Diana Gold, owner and impresario, throws open the doors to the most opulent new hotel in London. As the champagne flows and the chandeliers shimmer, millionaires and gamblers rub shoulders with film stars and royalty. Everyone who's anyone is here.
Everyone, that is, except two guests due at midnight. Powerful and dangerous, they've dragged Diana from the gutter and taught her all she knows. Her fate rests in their hands. If everything goes right, a whole new life awaits. One mistake will cost her everything.
For this is much more than a hotel - it's the heart of Diana's intricate masterplan. Over twenty-four fateful hours, her guests will learn why they're really here. And Diana will take perfect care of them - unless they take care of her first.
But when a body is found in the depths of the hotel, Diana's lavish opening night suddenly spirals out of control. . .
Praise for Alex
'Sets a cracking pace... with plenty of twists and a great deal of fun, this is the perfect holiday read' Guardian
'Sheer delight from start to finish' Janice Hallett
'Delightfully mischievous' The Times
'Audacious, cunning, quick-witted' Louise Candlish
'Fiendishly clever' Jennie Godfrey
'A dangerous game... delivered with fabulous aplomb' Daily Mail
'A period piece, a full-throttle thriller and a masterclass in characterisation' Erin Kelly
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 10, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Headline Review for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I love Alex's books so far - The Housekeepers and The Queen of Fives - and have been keeping an eye out for his new one and HERE IT IS!
It's a mixture of first person (Diana) and third person (everyone else) with multiple POVs. Personally, I generally only like first person narrative in a thriller which, whilst there are elements, I wouldn't say this is. But the change in viewpoints and narrative actually worked well with this story, it gives us closer access to the important characters. There's also a change in time period going from the 1900s to the present day which I wasn't expecting.
There is a worry that when an author has been bringing out banger after banger, that their form is bound to slip and I was worried that it would be this one after the brilliance of his previous books, but alas, no. It is just as spectacular.
This felt different to his other books and I think it's because the other two were set firmly in the historical setting. Whereas this one, whilst mostly set in the historical period, it does have the 2026 chapters alongside it, and they do link, which brings it all together. So you get these conflicting but complementary timelines.
You've got goodies and baddies - and may I saw more so of the latter. Although everyone has part goodie and part baddie in them, it just depends who is interacting with them. Some are more likeable than others, even the baddies, but they all had a place in the story and were all interesting to read.
It ties you up in so many knots. I'd just figure one thing out before everything gets turned on its head. It's thrilling without being too in your face. It captures the intrigue and the glamour of the 1920s perfectly.
It doesn't require a sequel, and I'm not sure there would be scope for one. Having said that, I would love a collection of short stories, each dedicated to one of the characters' background and future life so I could live in this world a little longer.
I read it in less than 24 hours I was so hooked. I'm starting to believe that Alex will never write a book less than perfect.
I love Alex's books so far - The Housekeepers and The Queen of Fives - and have been keeping an eye out for his new one and HERE IT IS!
It's a mixture of first person (Diana) and third person (everyone else) with multiple POVs. Personally, I generally only like first person narrative in a thriller which, whilst there are elements, I wouldn't say this is. But the change in viewpoints and narrative actually worked well with this story, it gives us closer access to the important characters. There's also a change in time period going from the 1900s to the present day which I wasn't expecting.
There is a worry that when an author has been bringing out banger after banger, that their form is bound to slip and I was worried that it would be this one after the brilliance of his previous books, but alas, no. It is just as spectacular.
This felt different to his other books and I think it's because the other two were set firmly in the historical setting. Whereas this one, whilst mostly set in the historical period, it does have the 2026 chapters alongside it, and they do link, which brings it all together. So you get these conflicting but complementary timelines.
You've got goodies and baddies - and may I saw more so of the latter. Although everyone has part goodie and part baddie in them, it just depends who is interacting with them. Some are more likeable than others, even the baddies, but they all had a place in the story and were all interesting to read.
It ties you up in so many knots. I'd just figure one thing out before everything gets turned on its head. It's thrilling without being too in your face. It captures the intrigue and the glamour of the 1920s perfectly.
It doesn't require a sequel, and I'm not sure there would be scope for one. Having said that, I would love a collection of short stories, each dedicated to one of the characters' background and future life so I could live in this world a little longer.
I read it in less than 24 hours I was so hooked. I'm starting to believe that Alex will never write a book less than perfect.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In 1926, Hotel Artemis was opened by Diana Gold, who then disappeared. Was this connected to the two unknown corpses stored in the vaults? Two mysteries from 1926 which remained unsolved in 2026. The Hotel had been created to be the height of style, sophistication and modernity, a magnet for the glitterati and the crème de la crème of High Society. Diana had built up her reputation in the hospitality trade over many years and she and the Artemis were rightly recognised as the pinnacle of that world. But on the opening night, unknown to her staff and the assembled guests who fill the hotel, she is expecting two ‘guests’ who could destroy all of that, and she needs all of her knowledge and skill to save the hotel. Which she obviously did since it is still here in 2026, albeit now dilapidated and about to close forever. One of the guests on the last night is Joe, an investigative reporter, who is the grandson of one of the maids from the hotel’s early days. She has recently died and left Joe some clues to the mysteries. Can he use these clues to find evidence that will explain the two mysteries?
The story is told in the two different time lines. The events of that one night in 1926 are obviously the most important and occupy most of the book. They are mostly told from Diana’s perspective, although an entwined strand is told from that of Cleo, an apparently gamine American ingénue. The style is consistent with that sort of story in that sort of time. The events of that one night in 2026 take up less space, and read rather like following the path taken by someone who is working their way through a ‘gamebook’ (e.g. dungeons and dragons). I can see why the author handled the story this way, but I don’t think it worked as a technique. The reader does resolve the mysteries, but I don’t think Joe did. That has caused me to knock off a star so 4 becomes 3.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
The story is told in the two different time lines. The events of that one night in 1926 are obviously the most important and occupy most of the book. They are mostly told from Diana’s perspective, although an entwined strand is told from that of Cleo, an apparently gamine American ingénue. The style is consistent with that sort of story in that sort of time. The events of that one night in 2026 take up less space, and read rather like following the path taken by someone who is working their way through a ‘gamebook’ (e.g. dungeons and dragons). I can see why the author handled the story this way, but I don’t think it worked as a technique. The reader does resolve the mysteries, but I don’t think Joe did. That has caused me to knock off a star so 4 becomes 3.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
There was something so deliciously addictive about this book. Picture a glittering London hotel in the 1920s, champagne flowing, movie stars and criminals mingling beneath sparkling chandeliers, and absolutely everyone hiding secrets. The atmosphere alone was enough to pull me in, but it was the mystery layered beneath all that glamour that kept me turning pages.
Diana Gold is the kind of character I love reading about—ambitious, sharp, complicated, and willing to do whatever it takes to survive. I found myself rooting for her even when I wasn’t entirely sure I should be. The hotel itself almost felt like a character, full of hidden agendas, dangerous guests, and enough drama to fuel multiple books.
The dual timeline worked well for me and added an extra layer of intrigue. I loved uncovering how the events of the hotel’s grand opening night connected to the mysteries being investigated decades later. Every time I thought I had figured something out, another secret surfaced.
This gave me all the vibes of The White Lotus meets a 1920s murder mystery, with a dash of Knives Out energy thrown in for good measure. Wealth, power, deception, revenge, murder, and plenty of twists made this an incredibly entertaining read.
The reason this lands at four stars instead of five is that I wanted a little more from the ending. A few story threads felt slightly rushed, and I finished with some lingering questions. Even so, I flew through this book and had a hard time putting it down.
If you love historical mysteries, glamorous settings, morally gray characters, and stories packed with secrets, betrayal, and murder, this one is definitely worth checking out.
A fun, twisty, atmospheric read that kept me guessing right until the end.
Diana Gold is the kind of character I love reading about—ambitious, sharp, complicated, and willing to do whatever it takes to survive. I found myself rooting for her even when I wasn’t entirely sure I should be. The hotel itself almost felt like a character, full of hidden agendas, dangerous guests, and enough drama to fuel multiple books.
The dual timeline worked well for me and added an extra layer of intrigue. I loved uncovering how the events of the hotel’s grand opening night connected to the mysteries being investigated decades later. Every time I thought I had figured something out, another secret surfaced.
This gave me all the vibes of The White Lotus meets a 1920s murder mystery, with a dash of Knives Out energy thrown in for good measure. Wealth, power, deception, revenge, murder, and plenty of twists made this an incredibly entertaining read.
The reason this lands at four stars instead of five is that I wanted a little more from the ending. A few story threads felt slightly rushed, and I finished with some lingering questions. Even so, I flew through this book and had a hard time putting it down.
If you love historical mysteries, glamorous settings, morally gray characters, and stories packed with secrets, betrayal, and murder, this one is definitely worth checking out.
A fun, twisty, atmospheric read that kept me guessing right until the end.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was invited to review an eARC on Netgalley for a free and unbiased opinion (Thank you Headline Publishing)
I really enjoyed Alex Hay’s The Housekeepers, so I was looking forward to reading his next book except the tag line suggested this as rival to White Lotus ( a tv programme I really didn’t get into) but The Midnight Guests was a book I couldn’t put down till I finally finished it.
The setting is the roaring 20’s and the author’s coveys the lush, decadence of that time and the rich, privileged people who enjoyed this versus the people who are trying to make it anyway they can.
I loved Diana-,the first-person narrator- her character was fascinating and well written- as hard as nails, ruthless but also with hints of vulnerability and fear. Diana’s desperation to raise the money she owes and then her fight to survive is the heart of the story with plenty of tension.
The other narrators include Cleo, a rich young American who is drawn into the weird sexual relationship between a power couple staying at the Artemis . In the modern-day Joe, is a guest at The Artemis , the night before it closes forever trying to finish his grandmother’s story about the hotel murky past, but this untold story might actually get him killed!
The fact that the two dead bodies in coffins found in the basement isn’t the main mystery but one of the many mysteries as well as the complicated pasts, the guests at the Artemis are trying to hide makes The Midnight Guests stand apart from other similar books.
My only whinge about the book, is that the ending felt a little abrupt and I would have liked to known what happened to some of the characters.
I really enjoyed Alex Hay’s The Housekeepers, so I was looking forward to reading his next book except the tag line suggested this as rival to White Lotus ( a tv programme I really didn’t get into) but The Midnight Guests was a book I couldn’t put down till I finally finished it.
The setting is the roaring 20’s and the author’s coveys the lush, decadence of that time and the rich, privileged people who enjoyed this versus the people who are trying to make it anyway they can.
I loved Diana-,the first-person narrator- her character was fascinating and well written- as hard as nails, ruthless but also with hints of vulnerability and fear. Diana’s desperation to raise the money she owes and then her fight to survive is the heart of the story with plenty of tension.
The other narrators include Cleo, a rich young American who is drawn into the weird sexual relationship between a power couple staying at the Artemis . In the modern-day Joe, is a guest at The Artemis , the night before it closes forever trying to finish his grandmother’s story about the hotel murky past, but this untold story might actually get him killed!
The fact that the two dead bodies in coffins found in the basement isn’t the main mystery but one of the many mysteries as well as the complicated pasts, the guests at the Artemis are trying to hide makes The Midnight Guests stand apart from other similar books.
My only whinge about the book, is that the ending felt a little abrupt and I would have liked to known what happened to some of the characters.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Alex Hay’s ‘The Midnight Guests’ is a high-stakes thriller set in 1926 and in contemporary London. Focusing on what was once the London hotel of its day, Hay introduces plenty of shady characters who have dubious connections with Diana Gold, the hotelier everyone wants to be seen with. But would they if they knew all that she has done to rise to such dizzy heights?
The opening night at the extraordinary Hotel Artemis introduces readers to millionaires, film stars, and the criminal underworld. The tone of the writing makes it clear that when a body is found in a luxurious hotel suite, the story has more in common with “Knives Out’ than ‘The Great Gatsby’. This is entertainment above all else and no worse for being so.
Strong female characters feature throughout the novel. The author seems to suggest that the misogynistic early twentieth century means that the only way women can succeed is through ruthless behaviour and dogged determination.
Hay transports us to the here and now through Joe, an academic who is trying to finish his journalist grandmother’s research into the hotel’s nefarious past. The distinctive timelines create further tension as the reader is fed information from two different eras. There is added jeopardy as we wonder whether or not Joe will live to tell his tale.
A shame that ‘The Midnight Guests’ won’t be published until September. This will make an ideal holiday read.
My thanks to NetGalley and Headline for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
The opening night at the extraordinary Hotel Artemis introduces readers to millionaires, film stars, and the criminal underworld. The tone of the writing makes it clear that when a body is found in a luxurious hotel suite, the story has more in common with “Knives Out’ than ‘The Great Gatsby’. This is entertainment above all else and no worse for being so.
Strong female characters feature throughout the novel. The author seems to suggest that the misogynistic early twentieth century means that the only way women can succeed is through ruthless behaviour and dogged determination.
Hay transports us to the here and now through Joe, an academic who is trying to finish his journalist grandmother’s research into the hotel’s nefarious past. The distinctive timelines create further tension as the reader is fed information from two different eras. There is added jeopardy as we wonder whether or not Joe will live to tell his tale.
A shame that ‘The Midnight Guests’ won’t be published until September. This will make an ideal holiday read.
My thanks to NetGalley and Headline for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I have enjoyed the first two books by Alex Hay and this third one, the Midnight Guests, was very much up to the same standard.
The book starts in 1926, and like the first two books is in a nostalgic version of London where we are deep in a glamorous criminal underworld… this time based on a hotel. However Hay takes a slightly different approach to previous books, interweaving chapters set in 2026 with the historic ones. At first I wasn’t sure about this… did I really want to be taken out of the world of 1926 and faced with the somewhat stereotypical historian/researcher delving into a family mystery? But by the end of the book Hay had convinced me that this device did add to the story. In the final chapters he cleverly unpacks all the subtle links that he has built
I also enjoyed the strong female leads in the book. Diana Gold is the creator behind the Artemis hotel, and with a nod to her mythical namesake has set it up as the perfect place to hunt powerful men. But her motivation is unclear at first and unfolds throughout the book.
Cleo Van Der Meer is a young American woman and guest at the hotel, trying to get away from her overbearing mother. She falls in with Lady Polly Fox Stanton, wife of the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Together with Diana these three women propel the story along at pace.
If you like nostalgic golden age mysteries and strong female leads definitely read the Midnight Guests.
The book starts in 1926, and like the first two books is in a nostalgic version of London where we are deep in a glamorous criminal underworld… this time based on a hotel. However Hay takes a slightly different approach to previous books, interweaving chapters set in 2026 with the historic ones. At first I wasn’t sure about this… did I really want to be taken out of the world of 1926 and faced with the somewhat stereotypical historian/researcher delving into a family mystery? But by the end of the book Hay had convinced me that this device did add to the story. In the final chapters he cleverly unpacks all the subtle links that he has built
I also enjoyed the strong female leads in the book. Diana Gold is the creator behind the Artemis hotel, and with a nod to her mythical namesake has set it up as the perfect place to hunt powerful men. But her motivation is unclear at first and unfolds throughout the book.
Cleo Van Der Meer is a young American woman and guest at the hotel, trying to get away from her overbearing mother. She falls in with Lady Polly Fox Stanton, wife of the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Together with Diana these three women propel the story along at pace.
If you like nostalgic golden age mysteries and strong female leads definitely read the Midnight Guests.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Midnight Guests by Alex Hay
DNF @ 31%
Based on the premise of this book, I really thought that I would enjoy it. However, I just don't think I will.
I can usually tell how much I enjoy a book by the time that I spend reading it with an average being around 3-5 days.
However, I've been reading it for over a week - which I don't usually do - and *only* got 31% through it.
It wasn't necessarily the premise that I didn't like but I have quite a few bones to pick:
*The Kindle formatting:
On Kindle, it is very easy to miss where a new chapter starts based on the formatting of the PDF that they are using. On a few occasions, I didn't even realise I was swapping time-lines because of this.
*The dual timeline:
The dual timeline I found confusing. Like we are speaking about the d**d bodies found in the luxury room in the 2026 TL on their opening day BEFORE the d**d bodies are introduced on the opening day (1926) TL.
*The flow of the book:
So... I know this is probably a slow burner. But I cannot list many *big* events that have happened in this book. Yes, there has been a resignation. Yes, there has been the meetings of historian's... But... What else?
*Reading slump...:
This is probably the biggest issue. I am in a reading slump currently. I am waiting for a book to get me out of it. Happy to go back to this book at some point... but it's just pushing me further into that slump currently because it's slow.
Hope this helps :3. May come back at some point but not now.
DNF @ 31%
Based on the premise of this book, I really thought that I would enjoy it. However, I just don't think I will.
I can usually tell how much I enjoy a book by the time that I spend reading it with an average being around 3-5 days.
However, I've been reading it for over a week - which I don't usually do - and *only* got 31% through it.
It wasn't necessarily the premise that I didn't like but I have quite a few bones to pick:
*The Kindle formatting:
On Kindle, it is very easy to miss where a new chapter starts based on the formatting of the PDF that they are using. On a few occasions, I didn't even realise I was swapping time-lines because of this.
*The dual timeline:
The dual timeline I found confusing. Like we are speaking about the d**d bodies found in the luxury room in the 2026 TL on their opening day BEFORE the d**d bodies are introduced on the opening day (1926) TL.
*The flow of the book:
So... I know this is probably a slow burner. But I cannot list many *big* events that have happened in this book. Yes, there has been a resignation. Yes, there has been the meetings of historian's... But... What else?
*Reading slump...:
This is probably the biggest issue. I am in a reading slump currently. I am waiting for a book to get me out of it. Happy to go back to this book at some point... but it's just pushing me further into that slump currently because it's slow.
Hope this helps :3. May come back at some point but not now.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I enjoyed The Midnight Guests by Alex Hay, a mystery that moves between the 1920s and the present day and centres on a hotel packed with secret rooms and hidden spaces. I particularly loved reading it while on holiday in an apartment that seemed to have cupboards everywhere, which made the hotel's concealed corners feel even more vivid.
In the 1920s, Diana Gold, owner of the hotel, is preparing for the arrival of two important guests at midnight, connected with the family dynasty behind the hotel which itself brings plenty of intriguing relationships and management dynamics into the story.
Alongside this, we follow Joe in the present day as he investigates his family history connected to the hotel, increasingly fascinated by the stories he uncovers and, at the same time, in real danger. He uncovers secrets, dangers and surprises, which keeps the tension building throughout. The combination of hidden histories, coffins in the vaults, mystery and suspense makes for a fun and exciting read, with enough twists to keep things interesting. I especially enjoyed the atmosphere and the sense that there was always another secret waiting to be discovered.
While I thought it was a good read overall, I have to admit that I preferred The Housekeepers.
(Copilot assisted me with the writing of this review - based on very specific prompts taken from my notes of reading the book).
In the 1920s, Diana Gold, owner of the hotel, is preparing for the arrival of two important guests at midnight, connected with the family dynasty behind the hotel which itself brings plenty of intriguing relationships and management dynamics into the story.
Alongside this, we follow Joe in the present day as he investigates his family history connected to the hotel, increasingly fascinated by the stories he uncovers and, at the same time, in real danger. He uncovers secrets, dangers and surprises, which keeps the tension building throughout. The combination of hidden histories, coffins in the vaults, mystery and suspense makes for a fun and exciting read, with enough twists to keep things interesting. I especially enjoyed the atmosphere and the sense that there was always another secret waiting to be discovered.
While I thought it was a good read overall, I have to admit that I preferred The Housekeepers.
(Copilot assisted me with the writing of this review - based on very specific prompts taken from my notes of reading the book).
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Diana Gold opens Hotel Artimis in 1926. The Hotel is full of glitter, famous and rich people on opening night. She makes her grand entrance and glides around the room. The Hotel has her stamp on every room and nothing has been left to chance. However, there is something worrying her. She knows that at midnight she is due to have some guests which will cause her big problems. The book goes from 1926 until the present day. The Hotel is in the process of closing and before it does two coffins are found in a vault. Diana Gold disappeared shortly after the opening – is it her in one of the coffins. The story goes backwards and forwards date wise and I feel it ran smoothly inbetween the eras. A lot of the story is set in 1926 and you can feel almost present as the story goes on. Present time – Joe’s grandmother has passed away and she was one of the maids in the early era. She leaves clues for Joe (her grandson) to chase as to what happened when the Hotel opened and he wants to find out the mystery behind the Hotel. Things do not run smoothly for Joe as there are people who do not want the mystery solved or indeed the names of the bodies in the coffins. Eventually the story comes together and although I enjoyed the book I am not sure about the ending – left open I guess
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The only thing possibly more beautiful than the Hotel Artemis, London’s newest luxury hotel, is the owner, Ms. Diana Gold. Beautiful. One of a kind. She owns the room when she walks into it. She knows how to take care of her guests. But she does struggle to take care of one thing, a major debt. And she has until midnight of opening night to figure out how she is going to pay off this debt. Those coming to collect are dangerous people. And no one is beyond their cruelty. No one.
Oh, and the guests. Surely, they are just there to enjoy the opulence of the Hotel Artemis. Surely none of them have secrets and they are all who they claim they are. Correct? Where is the fun in that?
I love the descriptions of the Hotel Artemis. I love that time period and how they operated. The author, to me, got a little long-winded at times. Not in over describing the facilities, it was in just rehashing and over explaining situations. But with this mystery you can sort of overlook it or just skim a bit on a few paragraphs from time to time.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.
Oh, and the guests. Surely, they are just there to enjoy the opulence of the Hotel Artemis. Surely none of them have secrets and they are all who they claim they are. Correct? Where is the fun in that?
I love the descriptions of the Hotel Artemis. I love that time period and how they operated. The author, to me, got a little long-winded at times. Not in over describing the facilities, it was in just rehashing and over explaining situations. But with this mystery you can sort of overlook it or just skim a bit on a few paragraphs from time to time.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It's 1926 and an exclusive hotel in Mayfair, London has its grand opening. Hotel Artemis is the stunning project of Diana Gold, famed in the hospitality profession for here lavish parties. The rich and the famous gather for the opening but all is not as it seems. Diana is awaiting, with some trepidation for two significant guests who will arrive at midnight. Set over a period of 24 hours, events quickly spiral out of control.
The story is told from three view points in alternating chapters: Firstly, Diana's memoir is a first person narration; secondly there is the third person chapters told from the view point of Cleo a young American guest and lastly there is Joe, a modern day researcher, who has been put on the path to discovering the secrets of the Hotel Artemis from the previous century.
This was a fast and compelling read. The atmosphere reflected the grandeur and decadence of the 1920s. The twists were dramatic and plentiful.
Highly recommended.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.
The story is told from three view points in alternating chapters: Firstly, Diana's memoir is a first person narration; secondly there is the third person chapters told from the view point of Cleo a young American guest and lastly there is Joe, a modern day researcher, who has been put on the path to discovering the secrets of the Hotel Artemis from the previous century.
This was a fast and compelling read. The atmosphere reflected the grandeur and decadence of the 1920s. The twists were dramatic and plentiful.
Highly recommended.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved Alex Hay’s first two books, and this third novel is equally as enjoyable.
It is 1920s London, and we are witnessing the grand opening of the new premier class Hotel Artemis that sits within the most prestigious of addresses – Mayfair. Hotelier, (in)famous hostess and consummate organiser, Diana Gold, is running the show and has her work cut out keeping all the plates spinning and all the guests and sponsors happy and heavily plied with their vice of choice.
Cut to the modern day and the hotel has guests for the last time before closure, when two occupied coffins have been discovered in a vault in the basement. But who are they and why are they there?
If you’ve read Hay’s previous novels, you’ll know he is a master of plotting and multi-layered machinations of cunningness and intrigue – this is no different.
Very enjoyable and highly recommended.
My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own unbiased opinion.
It is 1920s London, and we are witnessing the grand opening of the new premier class Hotel Artemis that sits within the most prestigious of addresses – Mayfair. Hotelier, (in)famous hostess and consummate organiser, Diana Gold, is running the show and has her work cut out keeping all the plates spinning and all the guests and sponsors happy and heavily plied with their vice of choice.
Cut to the modern day and the hotel has guests for the last time before closure, when two occupied coffins have been discovered in a vault in the basement. But who are they and why are they there?
If you’ve read Hay’s previous novels, you’ll know he is a master of plotting and multi-layered machinations of cunningness and intrigue – this is no different.
Very enjoyable and highly recommended.
My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own unbiased opinion.
October 27, 2025
Alex Hay’s The Midnight Guests promises to be a dazzling and darkly magnetic mystery, brimming with intrigue, glamour, and danger. Set in 1923 London, the novel transforms a single night in a grand new hotel into a stage where ambition, deception, and revenge converge under the shimmer of chandeliers and the weight of secrets.
Hay, celebrated for The Housekeepers, once again blends elegance with menace crafting a narrative that captures the pulse of an era intoxicated by wealth and risk. Diana Gold, the hotel’s enigmatic owner, commands the story with sharp intelligence and haunting vulnerability as she hosts a night that spirals from celebration into chaos.
The atmospheric tension, the interplay of power, and the richly drawn characters promise a reading experience both stylish and sinister. The Midnight Guests is poised to captivate fans of The White Lotus, The Great Gatsby, and high society thrillers that explore the glittering facades hiding darker truths.
Hay, celebrated for The Housekeepers, once again blends elegance with menace crafting a narrative that captures the pulse of an era intoxicated by wealth and risk. Diana Gold, the hotel’s enigmatic owner, commands the story with sharp intelligence and haunting vulnerability as she hosts a night that spirals from celebration into chaos.
The atmospheric tension, the interplay of power, and the richly drawn characters promise a reading experience both stylish and sinister. The Midnight Guests is poised to captivate fans of The White Lotus, The Great Gatsby, and high society thrillers that explore the glittering facades hiding darker truths.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Midnight Guests is an incredibly engaging read that perfectly balances high-society glamour with a gritty, dangerous underbelly. The pacing of this dual-timeline mystery is absolute perfection, moving at a steady, medium pace that allowed the tension to build beautifully while keeping me guessing from the very first page.
The story is packed with manipulative and dark characters who are entirely out for themselves, driving a plot fuelled by murder, sex, and intense power plays. As the characters' backstories are slowly revealed, a wave of fantastic twists kept reshaping the narrative, leading to a surprisingly high body count that raised the stakes at every turn.
My only real gripe is that the 2026 timeline ending felt a bit lacking and didn't hit with the same punch as the rest of the book. Even with that slight letdown at the finish line, it is a thoroughly gripping thriller.
Thank you Headline and NetGalley UK for the Advanced Reader Copy.
The story is packed with manipulative and dark characters who are entirely out for themselves, driving a plot fuelled by murder, sex, and intense power plays. As the characters' backstories are slowly revealed, a wave of fantastic twists kept reshaping the narrative, leading to a surprisingly high body count that raised the stakes at every turn.
My only real gripe is that the 2026 timeline ending felt a bit lacking and didn't hit with the same punch as the rest of the book. Even with that slight letdown at the finish line, it is a thoroughly gripping thriller.
Thank you Headline and NetGalley UK for the Advanced Reader Copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Headline Books and NetGalley for an eARC of this novel!
This atmospheric mystery/historical fiction novel primarily follows the events of a single, fateful night at London's Artemis Hotel in 1926 and the repercussions of that night a century later. We experience the story alongside three separate protagonists, two in the 1926 timeline and one in the 2026 timeline. I really enjoyed how Diana's sections in the 1926 timeline were told from a first-person POV while Cleo and Joe's sections were narrated from a third-person perspective.
This story was twisty and exhilarating to the point of biting off more than it could chew- it got to a point where it felt like the author was throwing every possible plot twist at the wall just to see what would stick. That being said, Hay crafted an elegant and interesting mystery to unfold with this novel and I'd recommend it to anyone who's a fan of plot twists and murder mysteries set in luxury hotels.
This atmospheric mystery/historical fiction novel primarily follows the events of a single, fateful night at London's Artemis Hotel in 1926 and the repercussions of that night a century later. We experience the story alongside three separate protagonists, two in the 1926 timeline and one in the 2026 timeline. I really enjoyed how Diana's sections in the 1926 timeline were told from a first-person POV while Cleo and Joe's sections were narrated from a third-person perspective.
This story was twisty and exhilarating to the point of biting off more than it could chew- it got to a point where it felt like the author was throwing every possible plot twist at the wall just to see what would stick. That being said, Hay crafted an elegant and interesting mystery to unfold with this novel and I'd recommend it to anyone who's a fan of plot twists and murder mysteries set in luxury hotels.
May 26, 2026
Welcome to The Hotel Artemis...
Where the staff, and guests, are enmeshed in the criminal underworld, in 1920's London.
We meet lead character, Diana, on the opening night of her glamourous, eponymous ,art deco hotel, where excess is the name of the game.
Strong female characters lead the way and that is a real highlight of this book, for me!
The book jumps between modern day and the 1920's but, is in no way, hard to keep track of and manages to be suspenseful in both.
This reads so easily, that I could not put it down and I inhaled it, in one sitting, and am off to find the authors previous works, immediately!
Many thanks to the publishers Headline, the author Alex Hay and NetGalley for providing this book for review.
All opinions are my own
#TheMidnightGuests #NetGalley
Where the staff, and guests, are enmeshed in the criminal underworld, in 1920's London.
We meet lead character, Diana, on the opening night of her glamourous, eponymous ,art deco hotel, where excess is the name of the game.
Strong female characters lead the way and that is a real highlight of this book, for me!
The book jumps between modern day and the 1920's but, is in no way, hard to keep track of and manages to be suspenseful in both.
This reads so easily, that I could not put it down and I inhaled it, in one sitting, and am off to find the authors previous works, immediately!
Many thanks to the publishers Headline, the author Alex Hay and NetGalley for providing this book for review.
All opinions are my own
#TheMidnightGuests #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Diana Gold has a dilemma. It is the opening of the Hotel Artemis, in London, her hotel, and she needs to raise a large amount of money tonight, to pay her debt to some dubious people.
The rich and famous are arriving and expecting a splendid evening and she must be on show, and provide it.
One hundred years later, it is the closing of The Hotel Artemis, and Joe, a historian is spending the night there, and has a personal interest in its history.
The hotel was a character itself, with its public and very private areas, corridors, and secrets, and the sad dilapidation at the time of its closure.
The majority of the action takes place over the same 24 hours a century apart and as events unfold Diana’s connection to her surprising masters become clear, as do Joe’s reason for being there.
I enjoyed the book immensely, but was left wanting to know more about many of the characters.
Maybe that’s a good sign of being invested in the book?
Thanks to Netgalley and Headline Publishing Group for the opportunity to read this book.
The rich and famous are arriving and expecting a splendid evening and she must be on show, and provide it.
One hundred years later, it is the closing of The Hotel Artemis, and Joe, a historian is spending the night there, and has a personal interest in its history.
The hotel was a character itself, with its public and very private areas, corridors, and secrets, and the sad dilapidation at the time of its closure.
The majority of the action takes place over the same 24 hours a century apart and as events unfold Diana’s connection to her surprising masters become clear, as do Joe’s reason for being there.
I enjoyed the book immensely, but was left wanting to know more about many of the characters.
Maybe that’s a good sign of being invested in the book?
Thanks to Netgalley and Headline Publishing Group for the opportunity to read this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a brilliant read told in two timelines 1926 and 2026. In 1926 ,Diana Gold is the creator of the Artemis Hotel in Mayfair for the rich and famous .nothing is out of bounds. It is opening night and everything is going well but Diana knows that two people will arrive to collect a million pounds that she owes them and she doesn't have the money yet !!!!! Diana disappears and two bodies are found in the vaults . In 2026 Joe a grandson of one of the maids back in 1926 is staying at the hotel it is the last night before it closes forever and is now crumbling and old. Joe is hoping to solve the mystery of the two bodies from clues his Grandma left him .There are some great characters and the story is fast paced mysterious and compelling .I loved it !! Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I was invited to review this eARC by the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
I enjoyed Alex Hay's previous novel The Housekeepers, and was excited to read The Midnight Guests, however, I soon found that it was not for me. That's not to say that it was not a good story - it was, but it just didn't hold my attention in the same way as The Housekeepers. I tend to struggle to keep up with narratives which are set in different eras, so this unfortunately added to my inability to enjoy this story to its fullest and engage with the plot. Having said that, I did like how Joe, the main character in the modern day were linked to a character from the 1920's plotline.
#TheMidnightGuests #NetGalley
I enjoyed Alex Hay's previous novel The Housekeepers, and was excited to read The Midnight Guests, however, I soon found that it was not for me. That's not to say that it was not a good story - it was, but it just didn't hold my attention in the same way as The Housekeepers. I tend to struggle to keep up with narratives which are set in different eras, so this unfortunately added to my inability to enjoy this story to its fullest and engage with the plot. Having said that, I did like how Joe, the main character in the modern day were linked to a character from the 1920's plotline.
#TheMidnightGuests #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was asked by NetGalley to review this intriguing story. I have not come across Alex Hay before and will be seeking out the other books this long school summer holiday.
The story starts 100 years ago in London's glamourous criminal world, based in a hotel called Artemis. Diana Gold who is behind this interesting London hotel. Diana has created the perfect backdrop to seek out powerful men. Cleo Van Der Meer is trying to get away for a very over bearing mother and Lady Polly Fox Stanton ( wife of the Chancellor of the Exechequer) . These powerful women drive the story forward.
Arecommended read and due for publication September 10th 2026
The story starts 100 years ago in London's glamourous criminal world, based in a hotel called Artemis. Diana Gold who is behind this interesting London hotel. Diana has created the perfect backdrop to seek out powerful men. Cleo Van Der Meer is trying to get away for a very over bearing mother and Lady Polly Fox Stanton ( wife of the Chancellor of the Exechequer) . These powerful women drive the story forward.
Arecommended read and due for publication September 10th 2026
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
*advance copy received from the publisher*
Multi-layered and intricate, with glitteringly sultry atmosphere and a mystery that resonates down the decades, I absolutely wanted to swim in the world of the Artemis Hotel. Alex Hay artfully balances so many addictive elements, and believe me when I say this book has it all - 1920s glamour, complicated relationships, the allure and toxicity of wealth, and twists that just keep coming. And above all, Hay tackles the story with uniqueness and flair, with a modern day thread that interlocks perfectly, proving he’s a force in the genre.
Multi-layered and intricate, with glitteringly sultry atmosphere and a mystery that resonates down the decades, I absolutely wanted to swim in the world of the Artemis Hotel. Alex Hay artfully balances so many addictive elements, and believe me when I say this book has it all - 1920s glamour, complicated relationships, the allure and toxicity of wealth, and twists that just keep coming. And above all, Hay tackles the story with uniqueness and flair, with a modern day thread that interlocks perfectly, proving he’s a force in the genre.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Alex Hay surprises every time. Every novel so very different. This twisted and turned, I never know who was going to murder who the bodies kept piling up. Don't get me started on who was betraying who.
Another could not put down by this author.
I loved the 1920's story but it left me with questions at the end in relation to the present day story. But ultimately it's fast paced and despite it all I was routing for Diana all the way.
Thanks to Netgally for a pre publication copy.
Another could not put down by this author.
I loved the 1920's story but it left me with questions at the end in relation to the present day story. But ultimately it's fast paced and despite it all I was routing for Diana all the way.
Thanks to Netgally for a pre publication copy.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Midnight Guests is a great read. Full of twists and turns and some great ideas. A strong cast, led mostly by women. Diana sets the scene and pace in 1926 and Joe gets involved in 2026. I love a story about a hotel and Alex Hay has written a cracking story.
With thanks to the publishers for the e-ARC to read and review.
With thanks to the publishers for the e-ARC to read and review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An enjoyable fast paced read, set in 1920's London and also present time. A world of intrigue and big personalities - some very strong female personalities. Definitely and author I would like to read more from. Thanks to the author, NetGalley and publishers for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
I didn’t like it. I finished it but couldn’t get in to it. It wasn’t for me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy.
The 1920s tale is a 4+ star read. The bump down to 3 is for the weak dual timeline 2026 narrative.
The 1920s tale is a 4+ star read. The bump down to 3 is for the weak dual timeline 2026 narrative.
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