What do you think?
Rate this book
The Midnight Show
An immersive, page-turning novel about surviving as a funny woman in the male-dominated world of comedy—and what happens when the most promising female star of her generation disappears.
In the 1980s, women were not supposed to be funny. But when a group of college improv comedians gets the chance to join a new late-night show, it’s Lillian Martin who stands out. The new show was called The Midnight Show and it would air every Friday night, live from New York, and change the landscape of TV and comedy forever.
But first it would change Lillian’s and her friends’ lives. The show is a runaway hit and the cast is thrown into the spotlight. Suddenly, they’re skipping the line at the city’s hottest clubs and posing on the cover of Rolling Stone. Lillian, in particular, seems destined for big things—until one winter night in Lower Manhattan, she vanishes, leaving nothing behind but questions. Was Lillian a victim of her own excesses? Was it a mugging gone wrong? Or could she have been killed by someone in her own inner circle?
Forty years later, Lillian’s disappearance has never been solved. But when a budding journalist looking to examine Lillian’s story from a modern lens begins asking questions, she stirs up decades-old drama—as well as tightly-held secrets some comedy legends would much rather stay buried.
A propulsive story of fame and friendship, The Midnight Show takes readers behind the scenes of the cutthroat world of comedy in 1980s New York and asks if the rush of getting a laugh is all it’s cracked up to be.
In the 1980s, women were not supposed to be funny. But when a group of college improv comedians gets the chance to join a new late-night show, it’s Lillian Martin who stands out. The new show was called The Midnight Show and it would air every Friday night, live from New York, and change the landscape of TV and comedy forever.
But first it would change Lillian’s and her friends’ lives. The show is a runaway hit and the cast is thrown into the spotlight. Suddenly, they’re skipping the line at the city’s hottest clubs and posing on the cover of Rolling Stone. Lillian, in particular, seems destined for big things—until one winter night in Lower Manhattan, she vanishes, leaving nothing behind but questions. Was Lillian a victim of her own excesses? Was it a mugging gone wrong? Or could she have been killed by someone in her own inner circle?
Forty years later, Lillian’s disappearance has never been solved. But when a budding journalist looking to examine Lillian’s story from a modern lens begins asking questions, she stirs up decades-old drama—as well as tightly-held secrets some comedy legends would much rather stay buried.
A propulsive story of fame and friendship, The Midnight Show takes readers behind the scenes of the cutthroat world of comedy in 1980s New York and asks if the rush of getting a laugh is all it’s cracked up to be.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published April 7, 2026
About the author
Lee Kelly
7 books463 followersLee Kelly is the author of CITY OF SAVAGES, a Publishers Weekly pick and a VOYA Magazine “Perfect Ten” selection, A CRIMINAL MAGIC, which was optioned and developed for a television series by Warner Bros., and WITH REGRETS. With Jennifer Thorne, Lee has also co-written THE ANTIQUITY AFFAIR, THE STARLETS, MY FAIR FRAUDS (forthcoming from Harper Muse, 2025) and THE MIDNIGHT SHOW (forthcoming from Crown, 2026).
Her short fiction and essays have appeared in CrimeReads, Electric Lit, and Tor.com, among other publications, and she holds a Masters in Fine Arts from the Vermont College of Fine Arts. An entertainment lawyer by trade, Lee has practiced law in Los Angeles and New York. She currently lives with her husband and two children in Pennsylvania, where you’ll find them engaged in one adventure or another.
Her short fiction and essays have appeared in CrimeReads, Electric Lit, and Tor.com, among other publications, and she holds a Masters in Fine Arts from the Vermont College of Fine Arts. An entertainment lawyer by trade, Lee has practiced law in Los Angeles and New York. She currently lives with her husband and two children in Pennsylvania, where you’ll find them engaged in one adventure or another.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
October 17, 2025
ARC for review. To be published April 7, 2026.
4 stars
Oh, how I love books told in the mixed media format, and this I’m one was perfect for it. Madeline Cohen is a freelance writer on assignment to Rolling Stone and is writing a definitive article about Lillian Martin, a female comedian who rose to fame on the first two season of “The Midnight Show” (“Saturday Night Live.”). The book is made up mostly of Madeline’s interview transcripts, plus a few articles, etc. Lillian became a sensation then died mysteriously. Now, forty years later, Madeline wants to look to see what really happened by interviewing co-stars, BFFs, producers, family members and so on.
I thoroughly enjoyed this and if you love reading back stories about SNL I’ll bet you will like it too. It also takes a no-holds-barred look at the way women in comedy were treated in the 80s and it’s not pretty. I hope this does well.
4 stars
Oh, how I love books told in the mixed media format, and this I’m one was perfect for it. Madeline Cohen is a freelance writer on assignment to Rolling Stone and is writing a definitive article about Lillian Martin, a female comedian who rose to fame on the first two season of “The Midnight Show” (“Saturday Night Live.”). The book is made up mostly of Madeline’s interview transcripts, plus a few articles, etc. Lillian became a sensation then died mysteriously. Now, forty years later, Madeline wants to look to see what really happened by interviewing co-stars, BFFs, producers, family members and so on.
I thoroughly enjoyed this and if you love reading back stories about SNL I’ll bet you will like it too. It also takes a no-holds-barred look at the way women in comedy were treated in the 80s and it’s not pretty. I hope this does well.
April 13, 2026
Audible audio
----
----
February 10, 2026
THE MIDNIGHT SHOW by Lee Kelly and Jennifer Thorne is a complete masterpiece. It explores women within the world of comedy, with a backdrop of a Saturday Night Live-esque show.
This novel was SO captivating. It's told entirely in mixed media format, primarily with interview transcripts. Every conversation was pieced together brilliantly and allowed for the story to unfold.
The mystery surrounding Lillian's disappearance, New York City in the 80s, and the cutthroat world of women in comedy made for an enthralling story that had me in a chokehold from start to finish.
The novel also explores the dark sides of fame, toxic relationships, and complicated friendship dynamics.
The ending was 100% satisfying and made the journey that much sweeter!
THE MIDNIGHT SHOW reads like non-fiction--fans of SNL, improv, and sketch comedy are sure to love this book!
This novel was SO captivating. It's told entirely in mixed media format, primarily with interview transcripts. Every conversation was pieced together brilliantly and allowed for the story to unfold.
The mystery surrounding Lillian's disappearance, New York City in the 80s, and the cutthroat world of women in comedy made for an enthralling story that had me in a chokehold from start to finish.
The novel also explores the dark sides of fame, toxic relationships, and complicated friendship dynamics.
The ending was 100% satisfying and made the journey that much sweeter!
THE MIDNIGHT SHOW reads like non-fiction--fans of SNL, improv, and sketch comedy are sure to love this book!
April 7, 2026
The Midnight show is a MUST listen! With a full cast of narrators, this investigative journalism/cold case story into the death/disappearance of former 1980s NYC sketch comedy star, Lillian Martin was one of my most anticipated April releases and it did not disappoint!
Told through a series articles, press clips and one on one interviews with her former cast mates, a fan and Rolling Stars writer, dives deep into what really happened to Lily before her infamous disappearance off the Brooklyn Bridge.
This was a compelling look at mental health, sexism in comedy, emotionally abusive relationships and addiction and I was absolutely hooked from start to finish. HIGHLY recommended, especially for fans of SNL and the other sketch comedy new release, Into the blue by Emma Brodie - also out today.
Many thanks to @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!
Told through a series articles, press clips and one on one interviews with her former cast mates, a fan and Rolling Stars writer, dives deep into what really happened to Lily before her infamous disappearance off the Brooklyn Bridge.
This was a compelling look at mental health, sexism in comedy, emotionally abusive relationships and addiction and I was absolutely hooked from start to finish. HIGHLY recommended, especially for fans of SNL and the other sketch comedy new release, Into the blue by Emma Brodie - also out today.
Many thanks to @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!
October 10, 2025
Was this?? Absolutely amazing?? I kinda just went in assuming I’d get some good plot twists and move on but this was incredible! I did kinda call the plot twist but that’s okay. Suspense novels (this is general fiction I believe, but there’s a large amount of suspense and mystery in this one) surrounding famous people are a subgenre of book I remain obsessed with
April 14, 2026
As a fan of the history and lore of Saturday Night Live, I was all-in when I heard about the premise of this book. But the truth is, it delivers even more than the real-life SNL history (one of the perks of fiction, eh?) in terms of an excellent mystery as well as some fabulously crafted relationships. The book is told in a series of excerpts from interviews done by up and coming journalist (and failed comedian herself) Madeline with the cast and crew of the eponymous Midnight Show. And obviously, this reviewer appreciates the title of said show even more than most, yeah? (The fictional book about the show, titled It Started At Midnight is even more my favorite, but I digress.)
Anyway, I do not want to give anything away, because this is a big mystery after all! But getting the proverbial band back together to gather their insight on what might have happened to Lillian over forty years ago is epic. Everyone, of course, remembers these early years of their careers and stardom slightly differently, and of course the role Lillian played in each varied by individual. As such, their opinions on what may have happened to her are clouded by their own biases, and perhaps, their own guilt. (And as you can imagine, there are folks who are not nearly guilty enough.)
Truly, I could not put this book down as I flew through the pages to see what we'd uncover about Lillian and her untimely end. I had a few ideas, and some of them ended up being correct, but in a satisfying way. I also loved the commentary on feminism of the time (the late 70s and early 80s were certainly a different time for women, especially in comedy), and how these female pioneers of comedy faced rampant sexism, and how each handled it in vastly different ways.
Bottom Line: Dear Authors, you could very much write more stories in this alt-world, maybe follow the casts from different generations? I'm just saying, I would scoop them up so fast. So. Fast.
You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight
Anyway, I do not want to give anything away, because this is a big mystery after all! But getting the proverbial band back together to gather their insight on what might have happened to Lillian over forty years ago is epic. Everyone, of course, remembers these early years of their careers and stardom slightly differently, and of course the role Lillian played in each varied by individual. As such, their opinions on what may have happened to her are clouded by their own biases, and perhaps, their own guilt. (And as you can imagine, there are folks who are not nearly guilty enough.)
Truly, I could not put this book down as I flew through the pages to see what we'd uncover about Lillian and her untimely end. I had a few ideas, and some of them ended up being correct, but in a satisfying way. I also loved the commentary on feminism of the time (the late 70s and early 80s were certainly a different time for women, especially in comedy), and how these female pioneers of comedy faced rampant sexism, and how each handled it in vastly different ways.
Bottom Line: Dear Authors, you could very much write more stories in this alt-world, maybe follow the casts from different generations? I'm just saying, I would scoop them up so fast. So. Fast.
You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight
April 25, 2026
Thank you to @PRH for the #gifted audiobook.
If this one isn’t already on your radar, it should be. The Midnight Show came out with very little fanfare and I need more people talking about it.
There’s something I just love about a book told in mixed media format (I’m actually writing one now, shh, don’t tell). Give me interview transcripts, old articles, conflicting accounts, I’m in. Here, a journalist is putting together the story of Lillian Martin, a breakout star from a very Saturday Night Live-adjacent show who shot to fame and then died under suspicious circumstances. Forty years later, everyone has something to say, and none of it lines up cleanly.
The structure really works. You get all these voices, all these versions of Lillian, and you can feel the ego, the resentment, the guilt. There’s not a single reliable narrator, and watching the way these accounts contradict each other as the story unfolds is half the fun.
Lillian is the kind of person everyone thinks they understood better than they actually did. Through all the interviews, you get fragments. Superstar, problem child, friend, rival, love interest, cautionary tale. It depends who’s talking. What is clear is that the comedy world in the 80s was brutal to women, and the book doesn’t pretend otherwise. If anything, it leaves you with the sense that we haven’t come quite as far as we’d like to think.
The audiobook is a full cast and absolutely delightful. It plays like a documentary and makes the whole thing feel even more layered and real.
I flew through this. Had a few theories about the big mystery and loved how it all came together.
Highly recommend!
If this one isn’t already on your radar, it should be. The Midnight Show came out with very little fanfare and I need more people talking about it.
There’s something I just love about a book told in mixed media format (I’m actually writing one now, shh, don’t tell). Give me interview transcripts, old articles, conflicting accounts, I’m in. Here, a journalist is putting together the story of Lillian Martin, a breakout star from a very Saturday Night Live-adjacent show who shot to fame and then died under suspicious circumstances. Forty years later, everyone has something to say, and none of it lines up cleanly.
The structure really works. You get all these voices, all these versions of Lillian, and you can feel the ego, the resentment, the guilt. There’s not a single reliable narrator, and watching the way these accounts contradict each other as the story unfolds is half the fun.
Lillian is the kind of person everyone thinks they understood better than they actually did. Through all the interviews, you get fragments. Superstar, problem child, friend, rival, love interest, cautionary tale. It depends who’s talking. What is clear is that the comedy world in the 80s was brutal to women, and the book doesn’t pretend otherwise. If anything, it leaves you with the sense that we haven’t come quite as far as we’d like to think.
The audiobook is a full cast and absolutely delightful. It plays like a documentary and makes the whole thing feel even more layered and real.
I flew through this. Had a few theories about the big mystery and loved how it all came together.
Highly recommend!
January 22, 2026
I am a huge SNL fan and when this book was described as DAISY JONES for comedy, I couldn’t pick it up fast enough. This book was nearly impossible to put down. And while there was a mystery element, what kept bringing me back was the interpersonal relationships. I loved the way this story was told, it added to the suspense and helped me understand the characters in a new way.
I won this book in a Goodreads give away, and I was so happy to read and review the ARC!
I won this book in a Goodreads give away, and I was so happy to read and review the ARC!
April 9, 2026
#ad much love for my finished copy @crownpublishing #partner
& @prhaudio #partner for the ALC
The Night Show
< @
Available Now
Y’all - I’ve finally overcome my book hangover, with another book that’ll put me right back into one. THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD.
Lillian’s life ended tragically more than forty years ago. She was the standout talent on The Midnight Show, yet she remains little more than a footnote in the comedy world. When journalist Madeline decides to write a feature on Lillian in an article for Rolling Stone, she quickly realizes she needs a fresh angle. To find that edge, she goes straight to the sources - those who knew Lillian best - her friends, family, and costars.
Told through interviews, emails, transcripts, news articles, and social media excerpts, the authors have created a captivating and engaging read. The central mystery of what truly happened to Lillian is what drives the story forward while also keeping it compelling throughout.
🎧: Also followed along with the audio and this is a must listen. With a full cast, this was an excellent listen. The different characters all having their own voice actor made this audio.
This book was such a unique and fun read. Lillian was hilarious and you cannot help but come to love her. I also enjoyed her journal entries; we got a more complete picture of what was going through her mind. While she’s not a physical character in the story, she is who the whole story is based around.
I enjoyed getting to know her outside of the opinions and views of the interviewees.
What I loved most about this book was the exploration of perspectives. Each interviewee offers a slightly different version of events, leaving us to decide what - and whom - we believe. I loved the complexity of this.
I also enjoyed the 1980’s comedic scene and how these authors brought this story to life. We get to really understand the culture that surrounds comedians - the messy lives of the costars, their partying, the drugs, the misogyny, etc.
The Midnight Show by Lee Kelly and Jennifer Thorne is, at its core, an engaging and fun read. Anchored by one question: what really happened to Lillian? Let’s sift through these transcripts and see if we can find the answers we seek.
I loved Lillian; she has this almost innocent essence about her, and the story will keep you guessing about what happened to her. Did she slip off the bridge on accident, did she jump on purpose, was it murder brought on by jealousy, or did her ex boyfriend have something to do with her death? All are possibilities, but it remains uncertain, and that ambiguity is what made this story.
You’ll have to read this book to find out. Truly fabulous.
Mem
kiss-me-or-punch-me face
Crack addict Barbie 😂
9.2 Richter hangover
blahhhhhk (audio)
& @prhaudio #partner for the ALC
The Night Show
< @
Available Now
Y’all - I’ve finally overcome my book hangover, with another book that’ll put me right back into one. THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD.
Lillian’s life ended tragically more than forty years ago. She was the standout talent on The Midnight Show, yet she remains little more than a footnote in the comedy world. When journalist Madeline decides to write a feature on Lillian in an article for Rolling Stone, she quickly realizes she needs a fresh angle. To find that edge, she goes straight to the sources - those who knew Lillian best - her friends, family, and costars.
Told through interviews, emails, transcripts, news articles, and social media excerpts, the authors have created a captivating and engaging read. The central mystery of what truly happened to Lillian is what drives the story forward while also keeping it compelling throughout.
🎧: Also followed along with the audio and this is a must listen. With a full cast, this was an excellent listen. The different characters all having their own voice actor made this audio.
This book was such a unique and fun read. Lillian was hilarious and you cannot help but come to love her. I also enjoyed her journal entries; we got a more complete picture of what was going through her mind. While she’s not a physical character in the story, she is who the whole story is based around.
I enjoyed getting to know her outside of the opinions and views of the interviewees.
What I loved most about this book was the exploration of perspectives. Each interviewee offers a slightly different version of events, leaving us to decide what - and whom - we believe. I loved the complexity of this.
I also enjoyed the 1980’s comedic scene and how these authors brought this story to life. We get to really understand the culture that surrounds comedians - the messy lives of the costars, their partying, the drugs, the misogyny, etc.
The Midnight Show by Lee Kelly and Jennifer Thorne is, at its core, an engaging and fun read. Anchored by one question: what really happened to Lillian? Let’s sift through these transcripts and see if we can find the answers we seek.
I loved Lillian; she has this almost innocent essence about her, and the story will keep you guessing about what happened to her. Did she slip off the bridge on accident, did she jump on purpose, was it murder brought on by jealousy, or did her ex boyfriend have something to do with her death? All are possibilities, but it remains uncertain, and that ambiguity is what made this story.
You’ll have to read this book to find out. Truly fabulous.
Mem
kiss-me-or-punch-me face
Crack addict Barbie 😂
9.2 Richter hangover
blahhhhhk (audio)
Read
April 27, 2026I had to DNF this but since I got to the last hour and a half of the audiobook, I’m counting it as read. The full cast is fantastic but I’m just not a fan of these interview style books. It didn’t work for me with Daisy Jones and again, this style of book falls flat for me.
However, as I said the full cast is sublime and if interview style books are your thing then I would definitely say still pick this one up.
However, as I said the full cast is sublime and if interview style books are your thing then I would definitely say still pick this one up.
April 30, 2026
If you love SNL, you will love this book.
May 18, 2026
Thank you @prhaudio #PRHAudioPartner for the gifted copy of this audiobook, and #partner @crownpublishing #CrownInfluencers for the finished copy...this is my honest review.
📖🎧The Midnight Show 🎧📖
Authors: Lee Kelly & Jennifer Thorne
Pub Date: April 7, 2026
Audiobook Publisher: PRH Audio
Narrators: Mia Hutchinson-Shaw, Hillary Huber, Marni Penning, Lisa Flanagan, Lee Osorio, Dan Bittner, Sean Patrick Hopkins, Sophie Amoss, Vas Eli, Barton Caplan, Nayib Felix, Full Cast
Length: 9 hours, 55 minutes
Publisher: Crown Publishing
MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Midnight Show, the latest read from authors Lee Kelly & Jennifer Thorne, is 2026's five-star, must-read novel that should absolutely be on your radar. I can't figure out why I'm not hearing this book being talked about everywhere, every single day, and by everyone -- but please trust me when I tell you to add it to your TBR and your bookshelf immediately!
This book is part cold case mystery, part E! True Hollywood Story, and stylistically reminiscent of Daisy Jones and the Six, as it's told through a variety of media—compiled interviews, articles, & transcripts. When I tell you I couldn't put this down, I mean I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN.
This is a story about being a funny woman in the male-dominated world of comedy in 1980s New York -- and what happens when the most promising female star of her generation just disappears. Lillian Martin really stood out in The Midnight Show, which aired every Friday night, live from New York, and changed the landscape of TV and comedy forever. It sure changed the lives of Lillian and the other comedians on the show, as they enjoyed all the biggest perks of being young and famous in Manhattan. Until one winter night when Lillian vanishes, leaving nothing behind but questions. Forty years later, Lillian’s disappearance has still never been solved, and Madeline, a budding investigative journalist from Rolling Stone, starts looking into Lillian's story from a modern lens. When she starts asking questions, she stirs up decades-old drama -- as well as tightly-held secrets some comedy legends would much rather stay buried.
I read this as a combo of audiobook and physical book. Though there are a lot of characters, the multicast audiobook is nothing short of phenomenal! It's like listening to the latest and hottest behind-the-scenes Netflix documentary. I found it helpful to reference the book initially as I got to know the cast of characters, but it didn't take long for the narrators of the audiobook to make it a truly immersive listen for me. I was captivated by the story immediately, and this cast of characters was authentically written and fully embodied by the narrators.
I have no doubt this will be one of my top reads of the year! And since I haven't seen it on Bookstagram as much as it deserves -- let me be its hype person. Friends, this unputdownable read deserves ALL the stars. The story is character-driven and compellingly captivating, while the mystery is subtle but a core part of the book. I think this book will appeal to fans of so many genres and I can't stop raving about it to anyone & everyone who will listen. The audiobook is stellar. The story is fabulous. And The Midnight Show is a must read for 2026.
#TheMidnightShow #LeeKelly #JenniferThorne #CrownPublishing #CrownInfluencers #PRHAudio #audiobooks #fivestarreads #MUSTREADS #mystery #literarymystery #booklover #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookrecommendations
📖🎧The Midnight Show 🎧📖
Authors: Lee Kelly & Jennifer Thorne
Pub Date: April 7, 2026
Audiobook Publisher: PRH Audio
Narrators: Mia Hutchinson-Shaw, Hillary Huber, Marni Penning, Lisa Flanagan, Lee Osorio, Dan Bittner, Sean Patrick Hopkins, Sophie Amoss, Vas Eli, Barton Caplan, Nayib Felix, Full Cast
Length: 9 hours, 55 minutes
Publisher: Crown Publishing
MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Midnight Show, the latest read from authors Lee Kelly & Jennifer Thorne, is 2026's five-star, must-read novel that should absolutely be on your radar. I can't figure out why I'm not hearing this book being talked about everywhere, every single day, and by everyone -- but please trust me when I tell you to add it to your TBR and your bookshelf immediately!
This book is part cold case mystery, part E! True Hollywood Story, and stylistically reminiscent of Daisy Jones and the Six, as it's told through a variety of media—compiled interviews, articles, & transcripts. When I tell you I couldn't put this down, I mean I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN.
This is a story about being a funny woman in the male-dominated world of comedy in 1980s New York -- and what happens when the most promising female star of her generation just disappears. Lillian Martin really stood out in The Midnight Show, which aired every Friday night, live from New York, and changed the landscape of TV and comedy forever. It sure changed the lives of Lillian and the other comedians on the show, as they enjoyed all the biggest perks of being young and famous in Manhattan. Until one winter night when Lillian vanishes, leaving nothing behind but questions. Forty years later, Lillian’s disappearance has still never been solved, and Madeline, a budding investigative journalist from Rolling Stone, starts looking into Lillian's story from a modern lens. When she starts asking questions, she stirs up decades-old drama -- as well as tightly-held secrets some comedy legends would much rather stay buried.
I read this as a combo of audiobook and physical book. Though there are a lot of characters, the multicast audiobook is nothing short of phenomenal! It's like listening to the latest and hottest behind-the-scenes Netflix documentary. I found it helpful to reference the book initially as I got to know the cast of characters, but it didn't take long for the narrators of the audiobook to make it a truly immersive listen for me. I was captivated by the story immediately, and this cast of characters was authentically written and fully embodied by the narrators.
I have no doubt this will be one of my top reads of the year! And since I haven't seen it on Bookstagram as much as it deserves -- let me be its hype person. Friends, this unputdownable read deserves ALL the stars. The story is character-driven and compellingly captivating, while the mystery is subtle but a core part of the book. I think this book will appeal to fans of so many genres and I can't stop raving about it to anyone & everyone who will listen. The audiobook is stellar. The story is fabulous. And The Midnight Show is a must read for 2026.
#TheMidnightShow #LeeKelly #JenniferThorne #CrownPublishing #CrownInfluencers #PRHAudio #audiobooks #fivestarreads #MUSTREADS #mystery #literarymystery #booklover #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookrecommendations
May 21, 2026
Skip me if this one missed the mark for you because oh my word did it hit all the right spots for me. The Midnight Show is the telling of the history of . . . you guessed it – THE MIDNIGHT SHOW. You might recognize the premise of this fictional long-running television staple as one verrrrrrrrry similar to that of the Not Ready for Primetime Players . . .
From the setting at “1 Aster” . . .
To the sex, drugs and dysfunction that fueled the magic. Right down to the breakout star who leaves the small screen for fame in LaLa Land in the military comedy “Fatigues” . . .
Presented as the research for an upcoming Rolling Stone expose, the delivery here will remind oldsters of a much-loved classic from the days of yore . . .
With a full ensemble cast which generates a completely over-the-top reaction/rating for me every time . . .
I’m sure this won’t work for everyone, but boy did I have a great time walking to it this week!
From the setting at “1 Aster” . . .
To the sex, drugs and dysfunction that fueled the magic. Right down to the breakout star who leaves the small screen for fame in LaLa Land in the military comedy “Fatigues” . . .
Presented as the research for an upcoming Rolling Stone expose, the delivery here will remind oldsters of a much-loved classic from the days of yore . . .
With a full ensemble cast which generates a completely over-the-top reaction/rating for me every time . . .
I’m sure this won’t work for everyone, but boy did I have a great time walking to it this week!
May 16, 2026
4.25 or 4.5 stars - Love an oral history, especially on audio with a full cast. Great story. Full review to follow.
May 9, 2026
10/10
The plot is fascinating and the fact that the book is told via mixed media (mostly reading transcripts) makes for an engaging novel experience
The plot is fascinating and the fact that the book is told via mixed media (mostly reading transcripts) makes for an engaging novel experience
unable-to-finish
April 12, 2026Yawn. Giving up after two hours of audio.
April 29, 2026
I’m a sucker for a book that isn’t traditionally written. Enter, The Midnight Show (aka SNL), being completely written in mixed media format. Mostly interview transcripts with a few articles scattered about. There was a bit of “suspense” as the journalist tries to figure out the truth of what happened to one of the breakout stars of TMS when she died. She interviews prior cast members and digs deep to see if she can uncover the truth. Overall a really interesting read that tackles the topic of how female comedians were treated in the 80s while also delivering a story you don’t want to put down.
April 27, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ This book feels like Daisy Jones, SNL and a true crime podcast all in the name of exposing the uglier side for women working in a male dominated industry. I love a story told from multiple viewpoints and add on the element of it being written from a journalist’s viewpoint, you’ve got a recipe for success.
April 23, 2026
This book is like Daisy Jones & the Six meets SNL… the authors did a fab job and I thought the pacing was fast enough to keep me interested
April 9, 2026
While this book moves at a great pace, it is plagued by one huge flaw. It purports to tell the story of a legendary comic performer, yet does virtually nothing to demonstrate her genius. Oh sure, there's a lot of talk about what a great, groundbreaking talent she is, but there are only a few snippets offered of that alleged talent, and those snippets are pretty weak. We're asked to presume something that doesn't come across, and that blunts the impact of what is supposed to be an examination of the way women were treated in comedy and on TV.
April 11, 2026
This wasn’t even on my radar until Crown Publishing sent me a copy and I saw someone rave about the audiobook, and wow, I’m so glad I picked it up. I started listening and could not stop. The audio is phenomenal. It’s a full cast with interviews, transcripts, and other forms of mixed media woven throughout, which makes the entire story feel so immersive and real.
The story follows a journalist, decades after the disappearance of a rising female comedian from The Midnight Show, as she tries to uncover what really happened. The format immediately gave me Daisy Jones & the Six vibes, but instead of music, it’s the gritty, high-pressure world of comedy and late-night television.
What really stood out to me was how deeply this book explores what it meant to be a woman in comedy in the ’70s and ’80s. It doesn’t shy away from the darker side of fame: sexism, toxic relationships, addiction, mental health struggles, and the cost of chasing success in a male-dominated industry. It’s technically fiction, but it feels so real it’s almost unsettling. If you loved The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo or Daisy Jones & the Six, you need to pick this up like yesterday!
The story follows a journalist, decades after the disappearance of a rising female comedian from The Midnight Show, as she tries to uncover what really happened. The format immediately gave me Daisy Jones & the Six vibes, but instead of music, it’s the gritty, high-pressure world of comedy and late-night television.
What really stood out to me was how deeply this book explores what it meant to be a woman in comedy in the ’70s and ’80s. It doesn’t shy away from the darker side of fame: sexism, toxic relationships, addiction, mental health struggles, and the cost of chasing success in a male-dominated industry. It’s technically fiction, but it feels so real it’s almost unsettling. If you loved The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo or Daisy Jones & the Six, you need to pick this up like yesterday!
April 14, 2026
4.5/5 stars, rounded up!
Thank you Crown Publishing for the advanced reading copy & PRH Audio for the audiobook!
DAISY JONES 🤝 SNL
Man, this book was good, especially on audio! This story is told through a combo of interview transcripts, news articles, journal entries, etc., which translated great through the full cast narration and made the book fly by!
It could be slightly hard to keep track of all the characters at first (especially all the men), so having the physical copy nearby was super helpful!
This book was high speed start to finish! Easy to devour and shocking at times. I started getting a tiny bit disappointed in the middle, only to be wowed by the rest of the book!
The only thing that keeps me from 5⭐️ is that I just didn’t feel connected to Lillian in the way I wanted to. Her character was an oxymoron and ambiguous, and just felt like she was missing something at times.
Despite that, this story rocked my world and was soooo fun. Highly recommend, especially on audio!!
Thank you Crown Publishing for the advanced reading copy & PRH Audio for the audiobook!
DAISY JONES 🤝 SNL
Man, this book was good, especially on audio! This story is told through a combo of interview transcripts, news articles, journal entries, etc., which translated great through the full cast narration and made the book fly by!
It could be slightly hard to keep track of all the characters at first (especially all the men), so having the physical copy nearby was super helpful!
This book was high speed start to finish! Easy to devour and shocking at times. I started getting a tiny bit disappointed in the middle, only to be wowed by the rest of the book!
The only thing that keeps me from 5⭐️ is that I just didn’t feel connected to Lillian in the way I wanted to. Her character was an oxymoron and ambiguous, and just felt like she was missing something at times.
Despite that, this story rocked my world and was soooo fun. Highly recommend, especially on audio!!
March 23, 2026
Daisy Jones & The Six meets E! True Hollywood Story about a fictional SNL. Fun concept, great execution, a diverse cast of characters. Thanks to Book Huddle and Crown Publishing for the eARC!
Did Not Finish
May 16, 2026Ultimately, it wasn’t vibing with me anymore
May 11, 2026
Loved this one!
⭐️Set in the early 1980s sketch comedy scene (think SNL)
⭐️Mixed-media, oral history format
⭐️Strong female friendships
⭐️Excellent on audio
⭐️Set in the early 1980s sketch comedy scene (think SNL)
⭐️Mixed-media, oral history format
⭐️Strong female friendships
⭐️Excellent on audio
April 5, 2026
Maybe 5 stars? Need to think about this one. This was so well written and I could not stop reading it!
May 7, 2026
4.5 stars rolled to 5
Incredibly compelling format and subject matter. I loved every word of this book until the end when it became clear the ending was going to be implausible and unbelievable. Wish they had gone in a different darker direction or at least given more context how what happened could have happened. It seemed a cop out to go there in the end. As to not give away spoilers I will stop there.
This book is written in oral history format, where the players in a fictional SNL ensemble cast are telling the story of Lillian, the incredibly talented up and coming comedienne who was the break out star on a show called The Midnight Show. I think the authors used Larraine Newman as their inspiration, she was who I pictured in my head as I was reading. The rest of the cast and the writers advance the story by taking us through the first episodes of The Midnight Show with the help of failed comic turned journalist Madeline Cohen. Madeline is writing a book on Lillian and the years before she died. We are told from the beginning the case of her mysterious death is still cold after 40 years. The cast members fill in the blanks. Most were with Lillian the night she died, but all claim to not know how she died. All anyone knows is Lillian was last seen on the Brooklyn Bridge, and the assumption is she jumped to her death in despair. Her death and the mystery surrounding it is only a small part of the story, we are delving deeply into the comedy show and what it meant to a generation, fame and how it can be incredibly powerful both good and bad, and the role women played in those days, how hard it was to get ahead as a female comic.
I absolutely tore through this book - the era discussed, early 1980s, was my own time of being a young adult - so all the pop culture references and the way young people lived then, what NYC was like during that time, all rang authentically and completely true. The authors look young (or definitely too young to remember early 1980s New York!) so they must have done a lot of research. They relied heavily on the original SNL cast and material (in reality, the first SNL cast and show started in the mid 1970s). They really captured how much that show captivated young people back then - for the first decade it was on, virtually all of us between the ages of 15-25 watched it religiously and the skits were part of the every day vernacular and are still recognized today. The writers did an excellent job of really emphasizing how big the fictional Midnight show was, what it meant to America. I absolutely loved the format, told through interviews of the cast and writers on the show- some conducted in current day, some taken from past excerpts in magazines from years ago. It's such a unique way to tell a story - think Daisy Jones and the Six, and one I am drawn to whenever I hear a book told in the same way.
I had my own idea about what happened to Lillian and was really thrown off with what the writers came up with. It was a major disappointment to me, I won't lie. But not enough to take away from my overall enjoyment of the book. Will knock off .5 star from my 5 star review and land at 4.5 stars (but still rounded up to 5)! I would recommend this book to fans of SNL or really anyone who was a young adult in the early 1980s. It would be hard not to read this and feel a lot of nostalgia for a time gone by. Will read anything these two write in the future (and am happy to see they have a backlist!).
Incredibly compelling format and subject matter. I loved every word of this book until the end when it became clear the ending was going to be implausible and unbelievable. Wish they had gone in a different darker direction or at least given more context how what happened could have happened. It seemed a cop out to go there in the end. As to not give away spoilers I will stop there.
This book is written in oral history format, where the players in a fictional SNL ensemble cast are telling the story of Lillian, the incredibly talented up and coming comedienne who was the break out star on a show called The Midnight Show. I think the authors used Larraine Newman as their inspiration, she was who I pictured in my head as I was reading. The rest of the cast and the writers advance the story by taking us through the first episodes of The Midnight Show with the help of failed comic turned journalist Madeline Cohen. Madeline is writing a book on Lillian and the years before she died. We are told from the beginning the case of her mysterious death is still cold after 40 years. The cast members fill in the blanks. Most were with Lillian the night she died, but all claim to not know how she died. All anyone knows is Lillian was last seen on the Brooklyn Bridge, and the assumption is she jumped to her death in despair. Her death and the mystery surrounding it is only a small part of the story, we are delving deeply into the comedy show and what it meant to a generation, fame and how it can be incredibly powerful both good and bad, and the role women played in those days, how hard it was to get ahead as a female comic.
I absolutely tore through this book - the era discussed, early 1980s, was my own time of being a young adult - so all the pop culture references and the way young people lived then, what NYC was like during that time, all rang authentically and completely true. The authors look young (or definitely too young to remember early 1980s New York!) so they must have done a lot of research. They relied heavily on the original SNL cast and material (in reality, the first SNL cast and show started in the mid 1970s). They really captured how much that show captivated young people back then - for the first decade it was on, virtually all of us between the ages of 15-25 watched it religiously and the skits were part of the every day vernacular and are still recognized today. The writers did an excellent job of really emphasizing how big the fictional Midnight show was, what it meant to America. I absolutely loved the format, told through interviews of the cast and writers on the show- some conducted in current day, some taken from past excerpts in magazines from years ago. It's such a unique way to tell a story - think Daisy Jones and the Six, and one I am drawn to whenever I hear a book told in the same way.
I had my own idea about what happened to Lillian and was really thrown off with what the writers came up with. It was a major disappointment to me, I won't lie. But not enough to take away from my overall enjoyment of the book. Will knock off .5 star from my 5 star review and land at 4.5 stars (but still rounded up to 5)! I would recommend this book to fans of SNL or really anyone who was a young adult in the early 1980s. It would be hard not to read this and feel a lot of nostalgia for a time gone by. Will read anything these two write in the future (and am happy to see they have a backlist!).
April 28, 2026
*Thank you to Penguin Random House Audio for my copy of this audiobook; all opinions are my own.*
This novel is about a fictional late night comedy show (very similar to Saturday Night Live) called The Midnight Show. The conceit of the book is that it is 2023 and a young journalist named Madeleine is writing a long form article about the early days of the show in 1980, with a particular focus on one of the female stars, Lillian Martin, who died in 1983 under slightly unclear circumstances. The book therefore is composed of all of Madeleine’s files as she is researching and writing her article - her interviews with all the people involved in the show and Lillian’s life, news articles, transcripts of old Midnight Show sketches, emails, etc.
This book was SO good! Vibewise, think a fictional version of the famous SNL oral history book Live From New York, crossed with recent suspense novel This Story May Save Your Life, and (dare I say it) throw in some Taylor Jenkins Reid vibes too! If you know anything about the early days of SNL, you will find yourself wondering which real life people the characters represent and how much of the backstage stories represent real things. And then as the book increasingly becomes a mystery, I was totally caught up in figuring out what happened to Lillian as well. Plus I loved the feminist themes. Just a great story that totally pulled me in.
This book was particularly excellent on audio, with a huge full cast of maybe a dozen narrators! I am usually a pretty slow consumer of audiobooks, so if I read one in just two days, you know it’s a good one!
4.5 stars
This novel is about a fictional late night comedy show (very similar to Saturday Night Live) called The Midnight Show. The conceit of the book is that it is 2023 and a young journalist named Madeleine is writing a long form article about the early days of the show in 1980, with a particular focus on one of the female stars, Lillian Martin, who died in 1983 under slightly unclear circumstances. The book therefore is composed of all of Madeleine’s files as she is researching and writing her article - her interviews with all the people involved in the show and Lillian’s life, news articles, transcripts of old Midnight Show sketches, emails, etc.
This book was SO good! Vibewise, think a fictional version of the famous SNL oral history book Live From New York, crossed with recent suspense novel This Story May Save Your Life, and (dare I say it) throw in some Taylor Jenkins Reid vibes too! If you know anything about the early days of SNL, you will find yourself wondering which real life people the characters represent and how much of the backstage stories represent real things. And then as the book increasingly becomes a mystery, I was totally caught up in figuring out what happened to Lillian as well. Plus I loved the feminist themes. Just a great story that totally pulled me in.
This book was particularly excellent on audio, with a huge full cast of maybe a dozen narrators! I am usually a pretty slow consumer of audiobooks, so if I read one in just two days, you know it’s a good one!
4.5 stars
April 11, 2026
Kelly and Thorne just can’t miss with their co-authored novels of extraordinary women.
Though the subject of this novel was of far less interest to me than those of their previous collaborations, it’s still a well told and intriguing story.
I’m not wild about celebrity-themed fiction, and certainly the whole pretend history of Saturday Night Live thing has been done before. There’s too much ego and too much partying with too little new information/history for the book to be of truly huge interest to me personally.
But that’s more about personal taste than quality, and if you’re into that kind of history and themes, you’ll likely enjoy the subject matter here more than I did. But credit Kelly and Thorne for keeping me deeply invested in this story despite its central subject being outside my areas of interest.
Though the ending doesn’t exactly surprise in the way that I expect it was hoped that it would, this is a well-structured novel that feels intricate and that unfolds deftly in the way that all good mysteries must.
I’m not sure the characters here are as compelling or likable (aside from Gina) as most of Kelly and Thorne’s leading ladies, but they’ll keep your attention.
My hope is that the authors will return to something a bit more research-heavy and atmospheric for their next collaboration, but this is worth a read all the same.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
Though the subject of this novel was of far less interest to me than those of their previous collaborations, it’s still a well told and intriguing story.
I’m not wild about celebrity-themed fiction, and certainly the whole pretend history of Saturday Night Live thing has been done before. There’s too much ego and too much partying with too little new information/history for the book to be of truly huge interest to me personally.
But that’s more about personal taste than quality, and if you’re into that kind of history and themes, you’ll likely enjoy the subject matter here more than I did. But credit Kelly and Thorne for keeping me deeply invested in this story despite its central subject being outside my areas of interest.
Though the ending doesn’t exactly surprise in the way that I expect it was hoped that it would, this is a well-structured novel that feels intricate and that unfolds deftly in the way that all good mysteries must.
I’m not sure the characters here are as compelling or likable (aside from Gina) as most of Kelly and Thorne’s leading ladies, but they’ll keep your attention.
My hope is that the authors will return to something a bit more research-heavy and atmospheric for their next collaboration, but this is worth a read all the same.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
May 17, 2026
The Midnight Show was a smart, entertaining blend of mystery, nostalgia, and behind-the-scenes drama that completely pulled me in. The atmosphere of 1980s New York felt vivid and alive, and the deep dive into the world of late-night comedy added such a unique backdrop to the story. It captured both the excitement of sudden fame and the darker realities hiding underneath the spotlight.
I especially loved the character dynamics and the exploration of ambition, friendship, loyalty, and sacrifice within such a competitive industry. The story balances humor and tension really well, creating a layered mystery that slowly unfolds while still keeping the emotional side of the story front and center. The dual timeline structure worked beautifully and kept me invested in uncovering what really happened.
The pacing slowed slightly for me in the middle, but the strong writing, immersive setting, and compelling mystery kept me turning pages. There’s also a thoughtful commentary woven throughout about women navigating male-dominated spaces, fame, and the cost of success, which gave the story additional depth beyond the mystery itself.
Sharp, atmospheric, and full of intrigue, this was a compelling read that felt both glamorous and unsettling in all the right ways. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I especially loved the character dynamics and the exploration of ambition, friendship, loyalty, and sacrifice within such a competitive industry. The story balances humor and tension really well, creating a layered mystery that slowly unfolds while still keeping the emotional side of the story front and center. The dual timeline structure worked beautifully and kept me invested in uncovering what really happened.
The pacing slowed slightly for me in the middle, but the strong writing, immersive setting, and compelling mystery kept me turning pages. There’s also a thoughtful commentary woven throughout about women navigating male-dominated spaces, fame, and the cost of success, which gave the story additional depth beyond the mystery itself.
Sharp, atmospheric, and full of intrigue, this was a compelling read that felt both glamorous and unsettling in all the right ways. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews