Lucy Foley's books are either a hit or miss for me. And The Midnight Feast was unfortunately a miss. This book was very confusing. The start had a lot of info dumping and it was hard to keep track of it all. It felt like too much info at times.

None of the characters stood out for me. It was hard to keep track of who was who. I truly couldn't tell them apart for the better half of the book. I did enjoy Francesca a little bit more than the rest. I found her whimsical, weird, and harsh. And the tension between Francesca and Bella did feel very real. Feeling the tension between them made the story more interesting because it made me push through the story.

Now the ending was predictable as most thrillers are. But this one just felt not finished. I don't know exactly what it was but it just didn't feel like it was over.

Lucy Foley is a great writer, but I think this book isn't her strongest. I would high suggest checking out her previous work before this one!

**Features:**
- Locked room murder mystery set in England with a dose of local folklore
- A toxic friendship and other secrets of the past come to haunt the present
- Explores themes of class as well as the social tension between luxury resorts and the communities they are placed in.
- Told from multiple perspectives with short chapters

Right after opening, the new luxury resort called The Manor burns to the ground with bodies in its ashes. Many mysteries surround The Manor and its dark history but one thing is certain; owner Francesca Meadows did not keep the Birds happy. This locked room murder mystery is a fun read, but definitely not one of Foley’s best. It is told from multiple perspectives and jumps between the day leading up to the fire, the investigation, and diary entries recording events that occurred 15 years prior. Everything is tied together in satisfying ways and it is paced very well, but it just wasn’t a standout for me. This book has great summer reading vibes and is an easy dip into this genre. However, readers who get overwhelmed by a large cast of characters and/or avid readers or the genre looking for a big surprise probably should avoid this read.

**Pro: Intriguing setup**

The Manor is Francesca’s dream finally made a reality. She has turned the land she has inherited into a luxury wellness resort with no expenses spared. However, not everyone is pleased with the resort’s opening. Between the townsfolk who Francesca has plowed over to achieve her vision, a dark past she has tried to bury, and her dismissal of the Birds, Francesca has plenty of enemies lurking in the shadows. It is no surprise when The Manor comes burning down right after its open, but the question remains: who is responsible?

This book is very atmospheric and has an intriguing setup. From the very beginning, Foley does a phenomenal job showing the opulent atmosphere of the manor and how at odds it is with the world around it. Not only is it closed off to the locals, but the forest around it even seems to reject its presence. This story does a great job highlighting the negative impact resorts like The Manor can have on the communities around them and the tension created when very different worlds clash. One of the character’s through whom’s perspective the story is told, Eddie, finds himself in the middle of that clash and I found his chapters the most compelling as the story moved forward. There is definitely a lot of missed potential overall, but I was really intrigued by what this story tries to do.

**The Breakdown: Told in snapshots**

This story is told from 5 main perspectives. Though this can be a lot to follow, the perspective only changes at the end of a chapter and it is clear who it is switching to for the next one. As a result, each chapter is pretty short and we are able to see what is happening in different places at the same time. Because the time span of the present storyline is very short, I think switching the perspective really helps with pacing and provides a lot of detail in a way that feels natural. It also makes the time jumps easy to follow when they occur as well. However, I think this structure also hinders some of the storytelling.

The short length of each chapter makes them feel like snapshots into these characters’ experiences that we then have to piece together. Where this provides a lot of information about what is happening plot wise, it seems to limit the ability to develop other story elements. For example, the characters tend to stick to a given archetype in a way that almost makes them seem like caricatures at times. Part of this is simply that the character has to establish themselves very quickly, so they repeat certain ideas and actions that are the touch points of their archetype and don’t quite have enough time to grow from there before the chapter ends. There are clearly pieces we learn as the story progresses, but there is very little subtlety that makes the characters feel unique and ‘real’. In a similar fashion, we don’t get to engage deeply with some of the interesting themes this story presents. In all, I think having a little more time with each character and seeing them interact beyond their direct circles more would have helped flesh out this story better.

This is the third Lucy Foley book I have read, it wasn't my favorite but I would recommend it. There are multiple POV's and timelines that jump back and forth a couple days. It all centers around Francesca and the fancy Manor she has created on property originally owned by her grandparents. We learn through "Bella" and her diary about her relationship with Francesca fifteen years ago. There was obviously something that happened there back when the girls were teenagers but it takes a long way into the book to know exactly what that secret was.

On the opening weekend of the new resort there are a lot of local people not happy about her new venture, we know the obvious reasons about the lack of access but we just don't know the personal reasons until much later. I have read a few reviews where people gave up on the book, don't do that! it does take a while to get into all the happenings but Foley does an incredible job of bringing everything and everybody together. There are so many aha moments, I couldn't help but think about the work that went into bringing it all together.

I couldn't put the book down for the last 40%! Francesca is NOT a very nice person and her comeuppance was very satisfying. There is definitely a bit of class warfare going on.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

I guess I am not a fan of Lucy Foley's writing. This is the second book I have read from her, the first being The Paris Apartment. The concept of the book was cool but I was not a fan of the execution.

Thank you William Morrow and NetGalley for this ARC! Loved how this story brought together a fifteen year mystery a forklore and throwing in some birds to bring revenge on one crazy entitled woman. This page turner was hard to put down and last quarter of the books was throwing in so many plot twists that you may get whiplash! Always enjoyed Lucy Foley books and this one has become one of her top favourites! Set in an idyllic countryside resort by the ocean the stage is set for murder and mayhem!

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

SYNOPSIS: Secrets. Lies. Murder. Let the festivities begin…
The Manor is a stunning luxury resort, nestled in the Dorset coast, ready to welcome its guests for the opening weekend.
But under the burning midsummer sun, darkness and secrets are bristling in the woods.
Old friends and enemies are among the guests.
On the evening of the Solstice soiree, candles barely lit, a body is found.
It all began with a secret fifteen years ago. The past has crashed the party.
Everyone has an agenda. Everyone has a past. But not everyone will survive… The Midnight Feast.

MY REVIEW: I LOVED THIS BOOK! Lucy Foley is an auto read for me and The Midnight Feast did not disappoint. I was hooked from the start; Foley ropes her readers in with an ominous prologue detailing a folklore of the small seaside town of Tome. The story unfolds through multiple povs and timeline jumps from the past, before the solstice, and after the solstice. I loved how the past timeline was told through journal entries because you can hear an authentic teenage voice come through!

Attentive reading is bountifully recognized in this dark and twisty thriller. This book was so fun to read because as Foley weaves her story you are transported right to the epicenter of it all. Her atmospheric writing style gave The Manor and The Woods a chance to come to life, making you believe you are there along with all of the guests watching the horrors unfold. This book also had a lot of characters, but each had their own story to tell, adding depth to the many layers unfolding. I also love a thriller/mystery where all players have a motive, making the book all that much more fun to read!

As each character tells their own stories, Foley builds the perfect amount of suspense and intrigue just before the biggest twists come to fruition. This was a fun puzzle to sort and guess my way through with many twists being a complete jaw-dropping shock. The ending was very satisfying as all secrets come together from the past in the present. If you love twisty, dark and creepy vibes, fueled by revenge, with a hint of magical realism, I highly recommend this book!

4.5 (rounded down)/5!!!!!

THE MIDNIGHT FEAST 🕯️
Lucy Foley

🌟 rating: 3
🤓 read if you like: multi POV, short chapters, murder mystery, alternating timeline

as one of my most anticipated 2024 releases, i jumped at the chance to read this book! fans of this author will be happy to hear she sticks to her signature style — there’s lots of characters who all have a secret, and chapters are quick & engaging. it’s easy to follow and understand despite all the characters and their different pasts. Foley has a knack for writing a multi POV thriller — not many authors can do it as well as her 👏🏼

as for the story itself, it fell flat for me. i was bored most of the time and just couldn’t get invested. i thought the “birds” storyline was unnecessary and odd… it didn’t add anything to the story for me.

Foley’s books are super buzzy and popular, so i’m sure this will be a 2024 read for many! it wasn’t my favorite, (i prefer THE GUEST LIST), but if you’re a fan of Foley’s, you may want to pick this up when it releases on 6/18 🩷

I really enjoy Lucy Foley’s writing style so I was excited to read an advanced copy of her latest. The Midnight Feast indirectly and directly references other mystery and thriller/horror works (Midsommar, The Birds, Blair Witch). At the beginning it felt Agatha Christie to me with everyone getting setting up in their role at the bougie summer solstice hotel opening and then it transitioned to a parallel “what really happened to them in the woods” mystery. The three timelines with flashbacks to teenagers, multiple POVs, and pagan mythology all also gave me Yellowjackets vibes. Overall a “fun” mystery with many twists and connections (and I only saw some of them coming).

I am not sure what to say about The Midnight Feast, by Lucy Foley. It is an interesting read but not compelling. The Midnight Feast was mostly short chapters, which makes it easy and fast to read, and although there are many time jumps, it was not difficult to follow the changes. Much of Foley's novel is focused on social class and the choice by the wealthy to simply dispose of the local town people, who are of a different social class. Lots of characters, who sometimes posed confusion. How the town chooses to fight back is part of what makes The Midnight Feast work.

The plot was actually rather straightforward, in spite of the time jumps. With small exceptions, the characters were just not that interesting. What about Jake? is the question I kept thinking. He is really the only character whom I found compelling but he is not there, not present for most of the novel. It is always a problem when characters do not seem to matter. There are just so many characters who are throw away, which makes it tough to choose a character who does matter. Readers need to be invested, either in a character or in the plot. When I can put down a book with only 12 minutes left in it, the novel is just not that compelling. The twist at the end is my favorite part.

I will look for other Foley novels. Perhaps The Midnight Feast is just an aberration. Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC to read and review. The above comments are my honest assessment.

It’s givinggggg dark academia??? It gave a bit of a spook factor so maybe a sprinkle of horror. It’s not exactly what I was expecting when going into this book. There were so many twists and turns I felt like I was on a complete roller coaster.

Starting out, the story took off with the grand opening and I immediately had a million questions. There were multiple stories joining together to piece together one great mystery. I wish I had the physical copy because annotating would’ve made it a bit easier to follow. It definitely had a shock factor but there was about 30% that I felt like it was just droning on trying to wait for the ball to drop.

I would definitely recommend buying a physical copy to read along with if you are an audiobook reader or keeping notes if you are an e-book reader. Lucy Foley is masterful when it come to connecting multiple POV but it can get a bit overwhelming if its not something you are used to.

I got through this at a nice clip, but still. I don’t know. I never felt truly IMMERSED in the book. I appreciated the attention to detail and the connection all the characters had. I enjoyed the multiple POVs. My curiosity propelled me to the last page.

Unfortunately, I'm not sure the journey was satisfying enough to recommend this to others as a "Must Read."

This was my first Lucy Foley book. I'm not turned off by her, however! I'm definitely going to try one of her other books now that I've been introduced to her writing style. Like I said, I enjoyed the multiple POVs a LOT! I know how much work it is to write from so many POVs, being a writer myself. And to that, I tip my hat.

Thank you #NetGalley for the honor of an ARC!

It's a 3.5 stars for me!

Lucy Foley has to be the Queen of short chapters and multiple POVs and The Midnight Feast in usual Lucy Foley form, did not disappoint when it comes to those things. The story jumps from the present day grand opening weekend of The Manor, the high end spa like travel destination.- filled with nature, linen pants, high end design, good food and fancy drinks and a summer fifteen years prior focused on grounds of the Tome Manor - the ancestral home of Francesca who is the owner of The (new) Manor.

There is a large cast of characters who are interweaved between past and present although some may not be recognized at first - there is murder, lies, greed, folklore and tons of secrets. It was a little slow to start but definitely picked up rather quickly just before the half way point. Unfortunately, it felt a little chaotic to me, hence why a 3 star and not a 4. In the end, it was a very quick read and I liked the ending.

Thank you to NetGalley, William Morrow and Harper Collins Publishers for the opportunity to read an uncorrected e-proof of this gem for my honest review.

4.5 🌟
After finishing The Midnight Feast I can honestly say that Lucy Foley is the master of misdirection - the plot had more twists than the trees featured in this novel - the mystery was multi-layered, clever, and exciting, and the shocks and secrets just kept on coming.

Francesca and Owen cordially invite you to the grand opening of an exclusive resort touting a holistic- themed experience. sooked solid, everyone is thrilled to be part of the savvy testivities. Everyone that Is except the locals who want no part of this venture.
And when the residents and resort owners clash not everyone walks away and lifelong secrets are about to be exposed.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for this ARC!

Unfortunately, I DNF’d this book. I read The Guest List by Lucy Foley and struggled to get hooked until the very end. I had high hopes for The Midnight Feast but it just wasn’t for me. The pacing was slow for a thriller, the POVs and timeline were confusing and I never understood what was going on, and I just found myself not excited enough to find out how it ends. As this is an advanced reader copy and not the final product, perhaps I will give the book another chance once it’s published.

I really enjoyed The Guest List and The Paris Apartment, so was excited to come across this book. The book summary didn’t really speak to me, but I still wanted to give it a go given how much I enjoyed the other books. Unfortunately, it was a DNF at 30% for me. I tried very very hard to push through, but I just could not get into it. Also, too many birds!

Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for an advance read copy of this book

I don’t even know where to begin! Lucy what the heck did you put in this book?? You had me hooked! I can’t wait to see this hit The NY Times best selling list!! Congratulations on another Amazing book, because you nailed it!!

This is my second Lucy Foley book I've read and I enjoyed this one and would recommend it to others.

We follow multiple POVs in this book and I felt like it was easy to follow and understand from everyone, as well as the short chapters which I love in books. With the shorter chapters it made my fly through it faster because I just wanted to know what happened.

It's opening night at The Manor, Francesca Meadows who's into wellness decided to renovate her grandparents estate with the help of her husband Owen who's an architect. But the locals are not happy with what she's done and it shows.

Among the guests are some old friends and enemies and finding out everything was crazy to me. You get the view from journal entries and from the past which was a nice touch and helped understand why some guests where there. Just outside the Manor is an ancient forest with secrets looming about. You keep hearing about "the birds" and it always makes you so curious as to what or who they are.

You also get the view of the detective who's on the case. On opening weekend they get a call about something not being right, there's been a fire as well as a body being discovered. So now detective Walker is trying to find out what happened and also uncover some past secrets meant to be hidden.

Fifteen years ago something happened and now it's all coming full circle. So many twists happened in this book and finding out all the connections at the end made this book so good. Finding out little things as you read made the ending that much better for me. This book kept me shocked and wanting to just binge read it to find out how it all connected.

(Thank you to William Morrow, Lucy Foley and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be released on June 18, 2024.)

For a thriller, I expected it to be thrilling not boring.

I found I was never able to connect with any of the characters. I definitely felt like an outsider getting a glimpse into the world of a bunch of obnoxious, rich people.

I also wasn’t completely into the alternating timelines. I felt like they were sometimes pointless because they just wouldn’t move the story along. The story would have been better if it just would have featured a few flashbacks.

Also the birds…a little frustrating in the beginning because I couldn’t figure it out, but I guess that was probably the only interesting thing in the entire book.

"Secrets. Lies. Murder. Let the festivities begin...

The deliciously twisty new locked room murder mystery from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Guest List and The Paris Apartment.

It's the opening night of The Manor, and no expense, small or large, has been spared. The infinity pool sparkles; crystal pouches for guests' healing have been placed in the Seaside Cottages and Woodland Hutches; the "Manor Mule" cocktail (grapefruit, ginger, vodka, and a dash of CBD oil) is being poured with a heavy hand. Everyone is wearing linen.

But under the burning midsummer sun, darkness stirs. Old friends and enemies circulate among the guests. Just outside the Manor's immaculately kept grounds, an ancient forest bristles with secrets. And the Sunday morning of opening weekend, the local police are called. Something's not right with the guests. There's been a fire. A body's been discovered."

Oh, Sunday mornings are the best time for police to be called.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

To be honest, this was just ok. I didn't like any of the characters either as children or adults. I still don't understand why the Birds were necessary. It didn't add much to the story besides spookiness. I was glad that the ending tied up loose ends.

Another thing that bugged me is that Jake never reached out to his family over a time span of 15 years. He had to have known how hurt his mom and brother were even if his dad was a jerk. How did he make it so far without a support system? I'd be resentful as hell towards him.

While I enjoy time skipping books, it was hard to keep everyone straight because no one stood out. It's also surprising and unbelievable that the time jump is only 15 years, yet no one recognizes each other.