Thank you for a copy of "The Midnight Feast." by Lucy Foley. I enjoy this mystery and thriller book with a murder mystery and whodunit. Thank you again

I haven't been the biggest Lucy Foley fan based on the novels of hers I've read, but I think The Midnight Feast is her best! Yes, it is still about whiney rich people, but this was a well-woven story where it honestly felt like all of the characters and strife had a purpose. Well done, Ms. Foley.

Alright, I have a confession: when I first started reading this much-anticipated thriller by the brilliant Lucy Foley, famous for her skillful use of multiple POVs, it took me a bit to get into it. Initially, I thought it might be a slow burn. But here’s the silver lining: unlike "The Guest List," this book has fewer characters, making it easier to follow the central mystery of the unknown victim by navigating between timelines and perspectives.

However, after a few chapters, my view completely shifted, especially with the introduction of the diary entries. I became completely engrossed, turning pages at lightning speed. The last third of the book was mind-blowing. The words seemed to pull me in as my adrenaline surged. The numerous twists caught me off guard, and the climactic puzzle-like ending had me practically jumping out of my seat. The ending was phenomenal and even reminded me of "True Detective: Night Country."

The incorporation of folklore, particularly the legend of the Birds, seamlessly blended into the central mystery, where locals fight for justice against the encroaching wealthy Zenith community, with touches reminiscent of Hitchcock's "The Birds." Until I read this, "The Guest List" was my favorite Foley book, but this one has taken the top spot. From its biting portrayal of the ultra-rich and its sarcastic critique of class differences to the locals' battle for their rights, and the intricate mind games involving the identities of victims and perpetrators, this book offers an incredibly immersive experience.

The story is set around the Manor, an ultra-luxurious estate in Woodland Hutches, designed as a serene escape for its elite guests. Owned by Francesca Woodland, who conceals dark secrets behind a priestess-like purity, the Manor is preparing for an unforgettable summer solstice feast. Her younger husband, aspiring architect Owen, might be bewitched by her ethereal facade and the illusion she's crafted, as he harbors his own dark past that could jeopardize their future.

Francesca’s plans are thrown into disarray by Bella, a mystery guest from her past determined to confront the tragedy she has endured for fifteen years. Meanwhile, nineteen-year-old kitchen helper Eddie is torn between the locals seeking revenge against the Manor's guests and his commitment to his new job, all while managing his dysfunctional family.

As the narrative shifts to the day after the solstice, we meet DI Walker, a cold case specialist, investigating the tragic events at the Manor. Deaths, terrified guests, and a burning Manor lead to a barrage of questions: What happened on the solstice? Who died? Who is responsible? How did the fire start? Readers are challenged to piece together the puzzle to solve the mystery, but nothing is as it seems, and Lucy Foley's clever storytelling will keep you on edge.

Overall, this has become my favorite book by Foley and has the potential to be one of the year's standout thrillers. Highly, absolutely, extremely recommended!

Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for providing me with a digital review copy of this fantastic thriller.

Lucy Foley never disappoints! The Midnight Feast is another gripping thriller, where nobody is what they seem. Hidden identities, surprise connections and murder are all part of this party!

So, if you already happen to be a fan of the author, then I think you’ll enjoy this- because ultimately, Lucy Foley is an incredibly clever writer who knows how to pen a page turner. That being said, this was not my favorite Foley. Putting aside the plot which was a bit of work to keep track of at times, it felt like a clumsy satire of the New Age industry and Pagansim. As both a Pagan and someone who works in this industry, I could appreciate the spirit behind what she was attempting to satirize, but felt it to be under researched and poorly observed on the whole. And given the extreme misrepresentation of Paganism in an increasingly fundamentalist Christian climate, perhaps somewhat irresponsible…but you know how bad pizza is still pizza? Well, a lackluster Foley is still better than most.

Many thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley WOWED me in every way.
I have enjoyed all of the authors 'novels and this was my most highly anticipated thriller of 2024, and it DID NOT DISSAPOINT!

I describe this story as a creepy, atmospheric, colorful story filled with local lore and BIRDS. You must not forget the Birds!

We see the opening of the Tome Manor, a new fancy (SUPER FANCY) It’s June 2025, nearly the Solstice and the opening night of Tome Manor is coming soon.

The Tome Manor is surrounded by local woods and the locals are not happy.

Francesca, the owner has little concern for those peons.

There are multiple timelines which work fantastic.

I absolutely LOVED the diary entries that were from a teenager's point of view.
This added so much to the story and the creepy vibe.

As the story unraveled, so did Francesca. I really enjoyed the multiple point of views and time periods.

This is the thriller of the YEAR! Absolutely devoured and enjoyed every single minute!

DNF at 55%. I really wanted to give this one a chance but I’m so tired of how many character POVs this author puts in her books. It is exhausting and the story was so so slow. I lost interest.

I want to start off by saying thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an Earc of The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley.

This book had its good and bad parts, I really enjoyed the theory of this plot but I found it quite disinteresting. Going back and forth between the characters in such short chapters did not keep me as enthralled as I thought I would be.

Now the birds of the story I did quite enjoy. I really enjoyed the pagan rituals mixed within the storyline, that’s what I wanted more of! I absolutely hated Francesca from the start, you almost wish you could just off her yourself lol.

The ending was the best part of this book, it did tie up everything together and was not expecting some of the reveals. But overall it was a good read just not at the top of my list this year.

REALLY enjoyed this thriller. The back and forth POV as well as entries told by the journal provide very different looks at the events that are or have occurred. Francesca makes me cackle that woman. And the local folklore was so interesting! Just enough to tease it all the way through and keep the mystery and I’m craving more.

The book was a very slow start, but the last hour of the book was fantastic. I've read her in the past and this one just wasn't for me, I'd still recommend this to family and friends

Lucy Foley comes through with this book. It brings past to present with intertwining characters through an old journal of friends, Gothic folklore, creepy blackbirds, deep woods, and local roots. A good mystery to try to unravel! I definitely recommend it if you like The Club, The Guest List or 9 perfect strangers.

Thank you @williammorrowbooks #partner for the gifted copy of this book!

Did someone say locked room? Ope! It’s my favorite kind of thriller! A fancy dinner party, high end decorations and the best of the best food and drink. Nothing is too much for this opening party at The Manor! It’s the place to be on this beautiful summer night. Except…there is an uneasy undercurrent happening at the party. People who have history with each other and not all ended with a happy friendship. By the end of the night, the police are called because someone finds a body! 👀 Secrets will be revealed as everything comes to a head at The Midnight Feast!

Foley does such a wonderful job painting the picture of an extraordinary setting for The Manor. I could envision the impeccable grounds and well groomed guests. I love how she created so much doubt between the characters making it hard to figure out who was responsible for the fire and ultimately the death! This story is chalked full of mystery, dysfunctional relationships, unguessable twists and dark secrets that bubble to the top at such an elegant party! Plus…have you seen the cover? It is perfect for this warm summertime vibe which I devoured in one sitting! I am forever grateful for the opportunity to read this book early! It publishes soon so make sure to add this one to your summer reading list!

I liked this. I didn't love this.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for my advanced copy of The Midnight Feast.

What I Enjoyed:

✨ The Atmosphere
✨ The Mystery
✨ The Multiple POVs

Why This Book Lost Stars:

It took me forever to read. I was intrigued enough to finish the story but not invested. It wasn't a bad book and I still look forward to reading more by this author.
I usually listen to Lucy Foley's books on audio and next time I may stick with that format.

Overall, I was interested in this story and would give it a 3.5 rounded up to a 4. I finished it a few days ago though, and looking back, I wish there was more to the characters in the woods. I liked the point the author was making but it felt a little light on impact for me.

Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for this ARC!

Another twisty thriller from Lucy Foley that did not disappoint! Multiple POVs and timelines, a spooky element, and such a great setting!

I wasn't sure about this one when I first started with it but I'm glad I kept going with it. I wound up really liking the storyline and all the characters.

This book deals with may different POV's and different timeliness so if you're looking for a fast paced read this is not it. You have to really read slowly to keep up with the switching but it is definitely worth it.

The story is centered around the Manor, a peaceful resort for upscale clients and its owner Francesca Woodland. The Manor was designed by Francesca's younger architect husband Owen. They are preparing for the opening night hosting a grand summer solstice feast.

Filled with dark secrets both past and present, the reader must put together the pieces to solve the mystery.

This wound up being one of my top Lucy Foley books.

Thanks to Netgalley and William Morrow for the advanced copy of this book.

Lucy Foley's The Midnight Feast invites readers into the opulent yet sinister world of The Manor, a luxurious new retreat where indulgence and danger go hand in hand. It's the opening weekend, and no expense, small or large, has been spared.

Foley excels in setting a vivid scene. The lavish details of The Manor, from its infinity pool to the bespoke cocktails, are described with a sumptuousness that immerses the reader in this exclusive world. The contrast between the luxurious setting and the underlying tension is palpable, creating a foreboding atmosphere from the outset. The ancient forest surrounding the estate, with its bristling secrets, adds a layer of mystery and unease that keeps the reader guessing.

However, while the setting is richly drawn, the plot unfolds at a more leisurely pace than some readers might prefer. The buildup to the central mystery—culminating in a fire and the discovery of a body on Sunday morning—takes its time, with much of the narrative devoted to the intricate web of relationships among the guests. This deep dive into the characters' backstories provides valuable context but can also feel drawn out, delaying the arrival of the story's most thrilling elements.

One of the book's significant drawbacks is the lack of character development. Despite the detailed backstories, many characters remain one-dimensional, making it difficult for readers to connect with them on a deeper level. Their actions often seem driven by plot requirements rather than genuine, evolving motivations, which diminishes the story's emotional impact.

Additionally, the novel's structure—switching perspectives and timelines—can be confusing. While Foley attempts to create a complex, layered narrative, the frequent shifts can disrupt the flow and make it challenging to keep track of events and character motivations. This non-linear approach, rather than adding to the suspense, sometimes leads to frustration as readers struggle to piece together the timeline and understand the characters' arcs fully.

The central mystery, once it fully emerges, is gripping, with enough twists and turns to keep readers invested. Foley deftly unravels the connections between the guests, revealing how past events have led to the present catastrophe. Yet, the resolution, while satisfying on one level, feels somewhat conventional, lacking the explosive impact that the buildup promised.

In conclusion, The Midnight Feast is a solid read, offering a luxurious setting, an air of mystery, and a tangled web of relationships that will appeal to fans of Foley's previous work. However, its slow pacing, lack of character development, and confusing switching of perspectives and timelines prevent it from reaching the heights of her best novels. It's an enjoyable but not extraordinary addition to the genre, earning a respectable three stars.

This was just an okay read for me. Nothing to really rave about. This is my second book by this particular author and although her books are buzzy and popular, I don't know if her books are the right fit for me.

The story is told through multiple POVs which helped, because I did not care for Francesca's POV, which I know was intentional, but I found myself wanting to skim over her chapters, because she was so insufferable. I just didn't get that edge of your seat tension I look for in a thriller with this one.

If you've liked her previous books, you'll likely enjoy this one as well. However, I found it forgettable and oftentimes boring.

**Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me an advanced copy of this book and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion. I am posting this review to my Goodreads account immediately and will post it to my Amazon & Instagram accounts upon publication.

In "The Midnight Feast," Foley attempts to captivate readers with a murder mystery set in The Manor, a resort with a questionable and troubled history. However, the storyline felt forced, It also was felt hard to follow with short chapters and back and forth between timelines too fast. While Foley's writing is compelling and attempts to bring these characters to life, they ultimately are left wanting more depth.

Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for providing me with an early copy to read and review.

I’m a fan of Lucy Foley and used to the multi-points of view and occasional time jumps so I was immediately hooked with this new novel that was back to the atmospheric The Hunting Party vibes.

I quickly devoured this book and while I expected twist after twist, I still found myself surprised with how the stories all weaved together.