The Midnight Carnival by Kenny Gould Book Review

The Midnight Carnival by Kenny Gould promises a cozy fantasy experience, and for the most part, it delivers. Marketed as perfect for readers who enjoyed Legends and Lattes, Trust in the Emerald Sea, and Spirited Away, it offers spooky fun, heartfelt relationships, and just enough danger to keep readers engaged. While it does not reach the same level of those five-star titles, it remains a very enjoyable and charming read.

The novel centers on Max Plank, a down-on-his-luck handyman who has no job, no direction, and recently suffered a breakup. While renovating the house he has just purchased, Max discovers a crawl space beneath his bathroom floor and finds a million dollars hidden there. On his way to deposit the money at the bank, he passes a beloved childhood amusement park that has long since shut down. In a sudden and dramatic decision, he spends the money to buy the abandoned property and becomes the new owner of the Carnival of the Sun.

With the carnival closed for years, Max faces an enormous renovation project. As a handyman, he can handle much of the physical work, but he also begins gathering a team of people who have their own histories and emotional ties to the park. Many of those he recruits are nostalgic former employees or individuals with connections to the carnival’s past.

Conflict quickly arrives when Max discovers that the man his ex-girlfriend left him for—and his wealthy family—want to purchase the land for corporate redevelopment. They intend to tear down the carnival for profitable construction, reflecting a common theme of gentrification and loss of local character. Max refuses to sell, even when offered far more than he paid, taking pride in winning at least the first battle against corporate takeover.

The story features a world where humans and supernatural beings coexist, but prejudices and tensions still remain. The carnival becomes a haven for all species, even as some outsiders express fear or discrimination toward non-human workers. A notable example is a character who reacts negatively upon discovering that a gnoll—a kind and hardworking creature—has been hired. Max refuses to tolerate this and remains loyal to those who support the carnival’s restoration.

Though the novel includes a touch of romance, it is subtle and slow-burning, not a major focus of the story. Instead, the book emphasizes community, rebuilding, found family, and second chances. Several side stories add richness, including an older handyman who once worked at the carnival and later leaves in search of his missing dryad wife, bringing emotional depth and tenderness to the narrative.

The mystery of the cash is addressed halfway through the novel when someone arrives at Max’s house looking for the hidden legacy. This development adds intrigue and further stakes without overshadowing the cozy tone.

At around 236 pages in the Kindle edition, the novel is a quick read. The Halloween season publication date fits its warm, whimsical, slightly spooky atmosphere. Though it may not surpass the standout titles it is compared to, it remains a heartfelt and engaging cozy fantasy. Many readers, including the reviewer, would welcome a sequel or more stories set in this world where humans and supernatural beings increasingly share their lives and futures.

Overall, The Midnight Carnival is a fun and comforting read—ideal for fans of found family narratives, whimsical settings, gentle adventure, and a touch of magic.

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