Midnight Guest : A Psychological Thriller Novella

by Kate Anslinger

They took everything from her. Tonight, she takes it back.

For years, Clara Hale scrubbed the floors of the Kessingtons’ glittering estate, invisible among the wealthy family’s parties, secrets, and lies. She knew they were corrupt—but when her brother, Eric, the family’s trusted handyman, confronted them about the money they stole, he vanished. The police ruled it an accident. Clara knew better.

Now, on New Year’s Eve, the Kessingtons are hosting their annual gala—an opulent night of champagne, diamonds, and carefully crafted illusions. And Clara is done being invisible.

Dressed in disguise and armed with the truth, she slips through the mansion like a ghost, watching the people who destroyed her family toast to another year of power and privilege. But as midnight approaches, Clara isn’t just here to expose their crimes—she’s here to unravel their lives, piece by piece.

Because the Kessington have no idea who their newest guest really is.

And by the time the clock strikes twelve, one thing will be

Their secrets won’t survive the night.

A tense, fast-paced psychological thriller, Midnight Guest delivers sharp twists, dangerous lies, and a woman who refuses to stay silent—even when the truth could kill her.

105 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 29, 2025

About the author

Kate is the author of the Grace McKenna Mystery series and The Town Series. She’s also penned several standalone novels and co-authored a nonfiction book or two. In addition to her life as a novelist, Kate is a ghostwriter, book coach, and a veteran of the United States Air Force. Her debut novel Saving Jason, touches upon the struggles of PTSD, a topic that is near and dear to her heart. Kate lives on the North Shore of Boston with her husband, two daughters and golden retriever pup.

Reviews

[Kim Seay · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!! What a novella!! For just 100 or so pages this packed quite a punch and the TWISTS!!! 🙌🏻 Such an enjoyable ride this was! Highly recommend to all the thriller lovers who enjoy a quick, exciting, twisty read! Thank you to Kate Anslinger for the ARC, I truly enjoyed this books so much!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciated being gifted this e-ARC of Midnight Guest in exchange for my honest review. I’m usually a bit wary when I see a novella as I think it’s not easy to pack a full story into a hundred or so pages but that is exactly what Kate Anslinger did with Midnight Guest!

The premise of the story is about a former housemaid, Clara Hale who worked for a wealthy family that she believes had something to do with the death of her brother who also worked for this family.

In the 105 pages of this book I went through so many twists that I truly was surprised when everything unfolded in the final chapter and epilogue. I was also drawn in right from the first chapter which to me will always make for a five star read!

I’m excited to read more of Kate’s psychological thrillers as if they are even close to being as good as this novella then I know I’ll be excited to read them!

[J.C. Wing · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read several books by this author, and Midnight Guest was twisty in true Kate Anslinger fashion. This is a novella, but the story was perfect in this shorter format. It never felt like it was rushed. It was bite sized and perfect, filled with interesting characters and a story that starts off running and just keeps going full speed to the satisfying—and surprising—ending.

[Melissa Mejia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of receiving this as an e-ARC and voluntarily will be giving my honest review. This is another great read from Kate!! She did it again chefs kiss!! Loved the FMC she was not letting anything or anybody get in her way to get revenge of her brother’s death!! Absolutely loved it!!

“ A tense, fast-paced psychological thriller, Midnight Guest delivers sharp twists, dangerous lies, and a woman who refuses to stay silent—even when the truth could kill her.”

[Kelley D]

Just love this Author! Kate has a remarkable way of pulling you in from the very first sentence and keeping you hooked through every twist and turn. Even if you think you’ve figured the story out; trust me, you haven’t! The characters in this novella have such depth and emotion that they leave you wanting more.

[Amber B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Kate Anslinger for the surprise ARC of this novella. Kate has quickly become a new favorite author of twists and turns that you will not see coming!!

“Midnight Guest” is a novella of a woman looking to avenge her brother’s death by revealing a rich and powerful family is ultimately to blame. She will definitely find what she’s looking for with a few surprises, too.

[Jaclynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Midnight Guest by Kate Anslinger is a psychological thriller novella that’s definitely a fun read. It’s packed with revenge (which I love) and plenty of twists to keep things interesting. If you enjoy thrillers and are looking for a quick, engaging read, be sure to check this one out!

[Marla Vincent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this novella! Great story with an unexpected twist that made me say AhHa!!! Suspenseful! I enjoyed this 5 star quick read so much!!🩵

[Katie England · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a whirlwind. I didn’t think that a novella could squeeze in so many twists and turns but somehow Kate Anslinger did it. This was a quick read but it packed a lot of punch!

[Jackie Frerichs · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Read - Thank you to Kate Anslinger for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Midnight Guest is a very quick psychological thriller novella. The characters are varied and all have their motives for what they are doing. There were many parts that I didn’t expect in the story but it kept the reader interested and engaged. If you are looking for a quick entertaining read in the thriller genre this might be for you.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read several of Kate Anslinger’s books and this one is no exception-it was GREAT. I dont usually read novellas but had to read. The book was fast paced and had several surprises in the short book. It was perfect. It is a story of a young woman who worked for these rich people and all the things that happened. It was so good. All her books have been good. Dark Things being my favorite thriller. Go look her up and read her books! You wont be disappointed

[Sarah Mickus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a gem to read. The FMC was on a misson to avenge her brothers death and put those who mistreat others in their place. But yall there are twists and turns at every page of this book. So many different ways this book surprised me and made for a great palate cleanser

[JB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Midnight Guest is a solid pick for thriller lovers who enjoy atmospheric, twisty novellas with strong suspense and emotional stakes. It was fast-moving and surprising, with compelling mystery elements that made it hard to put down. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend!!

[Heather Greer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about a twist! This is another chef's kiss by Kate Anslinger. I didn't see this twist coming. This story is about wealth, corruption, lies and murder. The story was headed one way and then Bam! This is a novella that will grip you by the throat and won't let you put it down. Loved it!

[Samira Elahrag · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a novella this book rocked! I really liked it. The twists were great and it held my attention. Thank you Kate Anslinger for writing this. You are truly an amazing writer and this is the first book I read of yours. And now I downloaded The Gift!!! Cat wait to read it!

[Kaitlyn (heartoflane) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Midnight Guest is a quick and thrilling novella that follows a woman seeking revenge on those who destroyed her life and the life of someone she loved.

If you're looking for a short and fast-paced thriller, I highly recommend this book. It was entertaining from the very first page to the last.

[Zoe Kindle Queen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clara Hale is ex housemaid to the super rich Kessington family. She blames them for her brothers death and is hell bent on seeking revenge. Disguised well, she secretly attends their lavish annual New Year’s Eve celebrations at their mansion with one thing on her mind - Retribution!

[Kate Ohlson · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC reader- this was a fast paced read with a great twist that had me literally jerking my head to the side! Thank you for the opportunity to read and share this! Definitely worth the read!

[Lindsay Kayser · Rating 4 out of 5]

The twist at the end I did not see coming at all! I thought I had it figured out, but I was completely wrong. I did find that the ending felt rushed though and could have used one more chapter.

[MELISSA · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really a 2.5 star read. Mostly internal monologue, some dialogue then at the end confessions to a ballroom of people. Just odd all around. No mystery, really, but skimming to get through it.