Listen. I'm not one to pop off a five star unless I find a book to be absolutely superlative, but I just don't have a single complaint here. And I love complaining!! But I picked this up to read while eating lunch and I did not put it down until I finished it (RIP the work I was going to do this afternoon). This book had a bunch of compelling, really believable characters, including Francesca, a modern wellness-pilled rich woman using therapy-speak to create the persona of a good person while actually being horrible down to the bone, a portrait that was so on-point that it gave me war flashbacks to my shitty bosses at the Los Angeles fashion line where I suffered for five years in a toxic stew of Moon Juice, botox, and the fakest veneers of kindness you've seen since TikTok teeth.

I just really enjoyed this book, the twists were great and the resolution was satisfying as hell. Props, Lucy Foley, you crushed this one.

My thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for the ARC.

I really enjoyed this book - especially once I was able to wrap my head around how many perspectives there were! It did throw me off having so many moving pieces with jumping forward and back in time and switching between characters, but once I wrapped my head around it, I was able to settle in and really enjoy the ride. The similarities to Midsommar were frequent but felt very purposeful. By the end, I genuinely didn’t see many of the plot lines ending up the way they did. This was a great read!

7/10

*ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for feedback. all opinions are my own.

While this book won't be entering my pantheon of thrillers alongside The Silent Patient and Rock Paper Scissors it was still entertaining and full of many twists and turns.

Most notable was the character work. Some of the characters I felt for, while others I just wanted to punch in the face. Others I didn't really like but hey I understood where they were coming from.

While some of the suspense is taken away by narrative choice to flash between POV before and after the big events there are still plenty of surprises in store, some of which I genuinely did not see coming.

I don't think this is one that I will find myself talking about years from now still, but it is definitely entertaining and worth the time to read.

I just couldn’t connect with this one. I didn’t particularly like any of the characters and the storyline drug on. It felt like nothing really happened. I’ve enjoyed Lucy Foleys other books but this one just wasn’t for me. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC!

First, thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this novel.

The novel was a slow start for me as the characters were pretty unlikeable and there was a lot of jumping from character to character and learning their backstory. However, once I got into it, wow. The end had many twists that I didn’t see coming. I usually enjoy Lucy Foley and this was no exception.

Lucy Foley's "The Midnight Feast" is a captivating thriller that expertly weaves the mystique of a dark, brooding setting with the intense, personal dramas of its characters. Told through multiple points of view, each character intricately reveals their secrets and motivations, pulling the reader deeper into the narrative with every page turned.

The novel alternates between the present and flashbacks, tracing the impacts of one fateful summer on its characters—a summer that forged a complex web of relationships and set the stage for the dramatic events that unfold. The lush, evocative descriptions of the setting almost become a character in their own right, enhancing the atmospheric tension that Foley crafts so well.

The inclusion of local myths—particularly the eerie omens of strange birds—adds a unique layer of supernatural intrigue that kept me riveted. This element, while peculiar, was woven into the storyline with enough skill that it embellished the overarching mood without overwhelming the core narrative focused on human experiences and relationships.

Lucy Foley's prose is fluid and compelling, making it easy to get lost in the world she has created. The Manor, with its haunting woods and mysterious past, provides the perfect backdrop for a story that is as much about the place as it is about the people. Foley’s talent for creating suspense is evident as she leads the reader through a maze of past and present mysteries that are skillfully linked, culminating in a satisfyingly dramatic conclusion.

However, the story was not without its minor flaws. The pacing occasionally felt uneven, particularly with the late introduction of crucial elements like the journal, which became pivotal but could have been integrated earlier to enhance the story's flow. Additionally, while the multi-POV format was generally effective, it sometimes caused the narrative to feel fragmented, which might distract some readers.

Despite these points, "The Midnight Feast" is a thrilling read with enough suspense and intrigue to keep any reader engaged. The dark undertones and complex character dynamics forge a compelling narrative that explores the depths of human relationships and the secrets we keep.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a review copy. I highly recommend this book to fans of psychological thrillers and those who enjoy novels that not only explore the complexities of human nature but also integrate myths and legends to add depth and flavor to the narrative. Lucy Foley has delivered another engrossing read that is sure to be a hit with her existing fans and newcomers alike.

I really loved this book! It is told from the point of view of each of the main characters. Each one has a secret.

The story starts out with young girls becoming friends one summer - one rich, one poor. The events of that summer shape all of their lives in different ways.

The novel alternates between the present and the past and what happened and what will happen unfolds as you keep reading.

There is lots of suspense and a dark side about strange birds that keep appearing. This was a fast read that kept me on tenterhooks until the final page. Highly recommend!

4 / 5.
* my TL:DR is at the bottom
** I would like to say a huge special thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the opportunity to read the ARC in exchange for a review.

This was my first Lucy Foley book and I can without a doubt say I am a fan.

She cultivates a story involving the rich, celebrity type people (you know the kind we love to glimpse their drama and can’t get enough of) while steeping it into an occult cocktail of old-world myths. It seems even the rich are not impervious to legends.

This is a multi pov with characters that at first seem like they couldn’t possibly know one another until the discovery of a journal shows us just how impossibly tight all of them are knotted together.

The characters are so well written and so different from one another that I found myself wanting more as I read on.

Eddie the 19 year old who lost his brother and has been chasing happiness since. A local at that, who has to keep it on the down low that he works at The Manor. Francesca the owner of the most chic, posh, and upscale boho pagan retreat that England has ever seen. Bella, a troubled woman who lives with a haunted past, who wants nothing more than to right her wrongs and give her daughter a mother to believe in. And then Owen, the husband to Francesca and the architectural mastermind behind The Manor.

We meet other characters along the way including our DI Walker who comes to opening weekend at The Manor which was supposed to be mindful, and relaxing but instead there are three bodies and a puzzle which needs to be solved. But even he has a story to tell.

Foley really shows a lot of care and love to her characters, she makes us, the reader, care about them as well and uses them as the driving force behind everything. She introduces the fractured town of Tome who is at odds with Francesca by using Bella’s journal and while creating the present day, weaves in the past until they impactfully unite in a memorable clash.

The seaside setting seems perfect, the town once thriving is now on the brink of deteriorating. Everything starts out in near perfection until the fractures begin to show through and we find The Manor at the head of accusations by the town for soul sucking the life out of everything.

But if The Birds have their way, Tome will be restored with retribution.

I wanted more from the ending, I was so invested in everyone that I feel as though they could have had a bit more to really do them justice. I was left with questions and I hate wondering and having to draw my own conclusions sometimes, it didn’t ruin the overall book for me though.

My only other critique is I wish the journal had been introduced a little bit earlier on. It is very important to the story and while Bella must go retrieve it, I wished she had done it sooner. Or maybe even arrived with it. It really was the difference maker between a 5 star and 4 star. It changes the entire story and pacing with it. It wasn’t enough to discourage me though.

I highly recommend this book if you want a thriller to get lost in that is a quick read and a page turner. This would be an amazing by the pool or beach read for summer! The multi-point of views really makes this book, and I couldn’t see it without. The occult and care of the setting alongside the well written characters make this hard to put down. I am so thrilled to have gotten a chance to read such a haunting and climactic story. I look forward to more from this author and I plan on reading her other books!

** There are some triggers in the book to be aware of including: violence, death, sexual assault, inferred rape, attempted suicide, drug use, abuse, animal death (bird and a bull), and alcoholism.


TL:DR Breakdown
Book: 4/5 (a variety of characters who all have something in common with The Manor and the more you read the harder this book is to put down, perfect read for summer or on the beach)
Plot: 5/5 (she took a standard troupe and twisted it while adding in her own unique touch of occult)
Characters: 5/5 (she really got into them and made them extremely believable while making us care)
Setting: 5/5 (England. Fancy manor. Haunted woods. Creepy birds. What more could you ask for?)
Pacing: 4/5 (the journal. I wish the journal had been a thing since the very beginning, probably would of helped the pacing since the story took on a completely different turn with it)
Ending: 4.5/5 (I felt the characters deserved a little more after all they went through)
Overall Prose: 4.5/5 (not purply but not dull, she is very precise with relatable content, and I didn’t get tripped up over the UK English)
Spice: 0/5 (very vague, some sexual themes but nothing crazy)
Re-Readability: 4.5/5 (easily able to be picked back up and read again, the characters are so great that it draws and keeps you within even if you know how it will all end)

#TheMidnightFeast #NetGalley

Yet another great book written by Lucy Foley!! I really enjoy her style of writing and the twists, turns and development of characters throughout the story make her books so worthwhile to read. I highly recommend The Midnight Feast for readers that enjoy B.A Paris, Riley Sager and Frida McFadden. You will not be disappointed! Thank you Net Galley!

I read this book in one day! I loved that it is told from multiple povs. Not to mention the short chapters. This was my first Lucy Foley book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The beginning started off a bit slow but when the stories started that is when it started getting good. Definitely a great mystery thriller worth reading!

Thank you to Netgalley and Lucy Foley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I haven’t read any Lucy Foley books yet but I definitely need to after this! I loved that this is set in England. The secrets of the Manor type of vibes. A murder mystery takes place in a locked room. I loved the twists and turns this story took me on. Highly recommend!!!


Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for the arc of this book.

I became such a fan of Lucy Foley’s writing after reading The Hunting Party, and to say that I’ve been eagerly awaiting The Midnight Feast would be an understatement. As with Foley’s earlier works, the story is cleverly written and told through multiple POVs. I was immediately immersed in the characters' world and the unfolding mystery. Although some twists may feel predictable, I found it hard to put down as the suspense built. Midnight Feast was another addicting thriller from Lucy Foley!

What a fantastic book. This book will get you hooked and you will not want to stop reading until you get to the end. Of course while you’re reading will have your suspicions and doubts, but what you find out at the end is astronomical.

This book was more of a miss for me. There was just so much going on. It read kind of chaotic for me. It was hard for me to keep up with the POV I was on and if it was past, present, or future. The opening of The Manor and the local lore had potential to be form a great story, but it just fell flat to me. I could not really get invested in the characters or plot because there were many side stories that didn’t really matter.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I thought Francesca’s character was crafted really well, and enjoyed the oscillation between past and present, and the twists that ensued, however I did not feel that the town’s birds lore was necessary nor did it add any weight to the story for me, other than just complicating things. While I can appreciate mythology and legend, this felt unfleshed out and we could have done without it entirely. I did enjoy parts of the books and felt the stakes were high which was fun, but ultimately it fell sort of flat. Not bad at all, just no more than 3 stars for me.

Foley’s books have been hit or miss for me unfortunately. I absolutely adored The Hunting Party, liked the Guest List and detested The Paris Apartment. The Midnight Feast for me was just above The Paris Apartment.

Attendees assemble for the grand opening of The Manor hotel, a sparkling addition to the Dorset shoreline. Champagne glasses clink, the guest roster dazzles, and a mesmerizing summer solstice sunset unfolds. Yet, beneath the veneer of festivity, a shadowy undercurrent emerges.

Just when you think you've pieced it all together, the ending takes an unexpected turn! The narrative unfolds through various perspectives, timelines, and journal entries, yet maintains a seamless flow. The brisk-paced chapters make it a compelling read that's hard to set aside. It's perfect for a leisurely afternoon or a day at the beach.

A big thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for providing an eARC.

Francesca hosts “The Midnight Feast” at The Manor, a nature escape for the elite on the English cliffside. Alongside the property are the looming woods. Superstitious townsfolk, secrets from the past, and an eclectic cast of perspectives come together for a mysterious tale. I do not read many thrillers but I found this one to be enthralling.

For those who enjoy:
🪶 Atmospheric Writing
🪶 Multi POV
🪶 Upper Class Drama
🪶 Superstitious Elements
🪶 Dual Timeline story

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC!

My opinions are my own.

I've read most of Lucy Foley's books as I'm an Agatha Christie fan and her novels are right up my alley. This one reminded me of a mix of Christie's novels: "The Pale Horse," "Endless Night" and "Dead Man's Folly" all rolled into one.

The premise is a posh "Goopy yoga princess" (Francesca Meadows) who opens a wellness retreat out in the country in a rustic town in Dorset, along the Southwest coast of England where the locals don't appreciate her, for good reason. In the present timeline, she's preparing for the opening weekend festivities while trying desperately to squash all the ghosts of the past. We come to learn of her past transgressions and those of her grandparents as the story unfolds. There's a heavy integration of the supernatural and pagan lore of the locals of the area that is brought into the story.

Francesca, as a teenager collected "townies-of-the-month" (think "Saltburn") in a bid to feel good a

Another incredibly immersive and addictive book from Lucey Foley. She’s honestly become a bit of an auto buy for me. This book follows the development of an estate house into a super high end and exclusive hotel, to be run by its heiress, who has clearly got a bit of a past. Unfortunately, its development is coming at the expense of the local community, creating deep resentment across generations.

We get several POVs as the story develops: the heiress, a dishwasher who works at the kitchen, an old acquaintance of the heiress, the architect and recent husband of the heiress, and the investigator sent to check out the deadly aftermath of the bacchanal.

The friction between the community and the estate comes to a head, as all four central characters as well as some of the side characters have more of a shared past than they realize.

I absolutely couldn’t put this one down. As things start to go wrong on opening weekend, and the heiress begins to spiral, she also begins to question whether the local legend of the Birds are affecting her grand plans. If you like unreliable narrators, a good-for-them ending, compelling characters, and a fiery dénouement, I’d recommend this whole heartedly.

It may feel like there’s some magical realism happening here, but if that’s not your vibe, please know in the end that that’s not how this resolves.

The one element that didn’t quite hit for me was the investigator’s POV. Foley was working very hard to keep the reader from knowing who had fallen to their death, for good reason in the end, but as I was reading it in real time, it felt a bit tortured to keep from describing the scene. A very small quibble in an otherwise super fun read.

Many thanks to Netgalley and William Morrow Books for I an advance copy!!

The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley is a dark, scenic thriller told by alternating narrators and through a shifting timeline. I requested this one from NetGalley because I have really enjoyed some of Lucy Foley's previous books (The Guest List in particular).

First, let me start with the things that I enjoyed about this book. It is atmospheric and has a strong sense of place. There were several little shocks and twists that kept me guessing. And at the end, I was satisfied as a reader with the conclusion. I also enjoyed flipping between the "present-day" after the solstice, the days leading up to the solstice, and the distant past.

What didn't work as well for me is that many of the characters are unlikable or boring. Francesca and the twins had no redeeming qualities and I had a hard time keeping up with who was who. I found the whole story to be unbelievable and the first portion of the book moved really slowly.

Overall, I think the book is a perfectly fine thriller. It's the kind of book I would say take on the airplane or read on the beach. It will go down quick and you won't remember much about it in a few days.