My first Lucy Foley and I realise this style of writing is not for me. Although very readable and atmospheric in style, I am not a fan of multiple pov’s and constantly switching timeframes, and the effort of keeping up with so many characters was for me off-putting. Just not for me.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.


The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley is a multiperspective and multipoint view novel about the opening weekend of a retreat on the south coast of England,

The owners, workers and guests, have all got secrets to hide from 15 years ago, some are worse than others, however as the secrets are revealed many lives will be changed.

The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley is a solid Mystery thriller that you would expect from this genre and writer by doing exactly what you expect.

Meaning for the right reader it will be an all enthralling read and will be on many reads best of the year, having said that it may appear on readers' worst book of the year.

This is because the way the novel is structured will not be to every readers readers tastes

Firstly you have a 3-5 muti-timelines one is told mainly through that of a diary set 15 years before, you then have immediately before and during the event which could be classed as one or two.

Then the final one immediately after the event in addition to an epilogue at the end.

All except the epilogue can be mixed in together which does allow the Writer Lucy Folly to drop hints and red herrings in to the story,

In addition to the 3-5 timelines you see the novel being divided into 5 perspectives while not all of them are in every timeline, for exampl;e the Policeman DI Walker is only in the after the event section.

In addition the Dairy form 15 years before is only ever written by Bella, which does make the story slightly easier to follow, than it could have been.

Having said all that, the writer of The Midnight Feast Lucy Foley was very good at making it easy for readers to know which character’s perspective that the story was on.

This was done by both the timeline and character perspective only changed at the start of the chapter and if you missed the change because the story is that engrossing, a quick look at the chapter heading and you are back in the story.

As for the story itself, The Midnight Feast is a page-turning thriller despite or maybe because of the format of the novel as Lucy Foley is very good at dropping hints and clues throughout the book.

So if you can deal with multi perspectives and timelines then add The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley to your TBR.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for this early copy! I love Lucy Foley's books so i was super excited for this one. This book is very different to her usual thrillers so i was surprised by it. It did keep me guessing but the plot just wasn't for me, i don't like books which are too unrealistic, i like real life. It was a good book just not for me sadly.

Another amazing mystery by Lucy Foley! This time the story focuses around The Manor, flitting between today, the days leading up to the solstice and the same location a few years ago. We also have multiple POVs, with upper class owner Francesca (who is very woo woo and doesn’t seem to be very nice), her husband Owen, guest “Bella” who visited as a child as well, and barman/local boy Eddie. The Manor has been turned into a retreat for the wealthy after Francesca inherits it from her grandfather (who died in mysterious circumstances in the woods). The locals aren’t happy about it and are causing a fuss. Added to which Bella has been sent there by a mysterious letter, having holidayed there as a child when her and “Frankie” were teens. Who sent her? What is she really there for and what really happened when they were kids?

Everyone has secrets and there’s the local legend of The Birds, who punish those who misbehave, for the characters to contend with too. Are they real? And if not, who does everyone keep seeing in the woods?

I read this as a digital copy for NetGalley but also was flitting between that and the audiobook from libro. With 4 people reading the different POVs, it was well worth a listen as the voice actors were amazing.

Full of twists, a few of which I really didn’t see coming and were stunning! The final ones were just *chefs kiss*. I can’t recommend this one enough. Thanks to NetGalley and Libro for a free copy in return for an honest review.

I've always found Lucy Foley's thrillers to be really sold: enjoyable, reliable, and intriguing. So, I was very excited to read The Midnight Feast, which I read on holiday.

If I'm honest, it took me quite a long time to get into this one - much longer than Foley's previous books. There's a few reasons why I struggled to get into The Midnight Feast very quickly, and I think one of the main ones was the setting. I'm not sure what it was about the resort environment, but I didn't feel very enticed by it. That, combined with the back and forth not only between characters but also timings, left me feeling with a bit of a block. It wasn't an easy book to connect with straight away because of how much there was to follow, and I think if you do want to get invested in the story quickly, you need to start off by reading a big chunk!

However, when I did eventually manage to get into the story, I absolutely FLEW through it, so invested in finding out what had happened. I don't imagine Lucy Foley could write a bad book, and it is still a great story. The back-and-forth between past and present worked just as well as usual to create some mystery and an intense atmosphere. It jut felt a little bit clunkier than usual.

The characters and the story themselves were also solid, and the more we found out about the characters, the more interested I became in the book. It was just a shame for me that I didn't get the initial excitement in opening The Midnight Library that I have with Foley's other books. It was definitely more of a slow burn for me, but still one I enjoyed. The Midnight Feast is a bit more of a niche setting, which might not appeal to all readers, but its another very solid story from Foley.

I really liked this book. Took some time to get into it but once I did I was hooked and couldn’t put it down. Hence the 5⭐️!

I’ve read other Lucy Foley books and I’ve enjoyed them too! So I knew I’d like this one.

I really enjoyed this twisty thriller, set in a lavish retreat/spa in the countryside. The characters were truly awful, and completely believable. The 'event' that we were moving towards was clear enough to be interesting, and mysterious enough to keep me reading. The short chapters and changes of point-of-view kept the story moving along. There were a lot of people involved, but they were distinct enough to keep them all clear.

Recommend! I reckon this is the definition of a holiday read, with its short chapters and good pace.

A miracle to have finished this.
I only read ine book from lucy foley and that was ‘the guest list ‘ and compared to this one, while the guest list didn’t get from me a lot of stars, i was entertained more.
This book was chaotic, around 30% i was still confused, i had no idea what was going on. I can understand why she has to have so many characters and i have to admit that the ending did save the book, it felt like it was worth getting through it.
( you kinde see through francesca since the beginning fyi)

Thank you netgalley and HarperCollins Uk for the arc 🫶🏻🫶🏻

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.
I love Lucy Foley books so had to add this one to the reading list and it did not disappoint.
At first I found it a bit hard to get into the different timelines and points of view but once I got used to who everyone was I was gripped. Loved the different timelines and points of view, kept me hanging and wanting more, couldn't put it down! Always find people who are in charge of retreats a bit weird (think Nine Perfect Strangers vibes but creepier!)
Addicted, a must read!!

One line opinion: I absolutely devoured The Midnight Feast!!

Detailed review: It hooks you right from the first chapter. Not gonna lie, initially, I found it a bit difficult to understand the the different timelines, and where was this story heading, but trust me, just after a few chapters, it is easy to follow. I felt the first half of the book was a slow burn, but in a really good way.

I loved the atmospheric setting of The Manor, facing the Seaside, with the woods full of secrets behind. The folklore of The Night Birds was very interesting and all the characters were well introduced.

The second half of the book picks up the pace really quick and there are multiple shockers, but each of them made sense, and I personally felt there were no loose ends at all! I tore through this part, and I loved it when everything came through in the end.

Overall, I absolutely loved this, and the author has woven a perfect suspense thriller around The Manor. I'm really debating myself whether this should a 4.8 or 5 stars!!
But rounded to 5 star it is, for Netgalley!!

A huge thanks to harpercollinsuk , harperfiction and Lucy Foley author for providing me the ARC of this book.

This is a bit of a slow burner but stick with it as it has a great ending.
The story is set around The Manor which is a new retreat that Francesca and Owen have just opened.
The locals are not happy that their access to the area has been restricted and make their feelings known.
There are chapters from several different characters in the past and present, and there's also a journal which gives an insight into the past.
There's also some chapters after the Solstice and it's clear something terrible happened, but it's not until the end of the book that all is revealed.
This is a good mystery thriller that I enjoyed.
Thanks to Harper Collins UK and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

This is the fourth Lucy Foley book I’ve read, so I know what to expect - a large cast of characters, a great location and a convoluted storyline. One of the main characters Francesca is so deluded about her own importance she is a caricature. Bella wants to right a wrong, Owen is married to ‘a goddess’ ( Francesca) he thinks, Eddie is trying to decide his place in life after a tough start. This is a story about haves and have-nots, about tradition, legend and myth; it’s a story about revenge and comeuppance. I loved it! Thank you to NetGalley Harper Collins for an ARC.

In a nutshell, this is an enjoyable ‘who did what, to who & why’. There are a number of characters, but I had no trouble keeping up with who everyone was. The different timelines were clear & it added to the tension build up nicely. I enjoyed it.

Really needed to concentrate with this one so many characters all known by all different names as well as their own and told from multiple points of views and timelines which I usually like but there was just to much going on.
Having read the authors other books and enjoyed them I was slightly disappointed with this one just wasn't for me.
Thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins UK for the ARC.

5 of 5 stars
https://lynns-books.com/2024/06/04/the-midnight-feast-by-lucy-foley/
My Five Word TL:DR Review : I Absolutely Loved This One

I’ve read a few of Lucy Foley’s books now and really enjoy her writing and imagination and I think she has absolutely nailed the whole Agatha Christie, whodunnit, plenty of red herrings, leading you a merry old dance type of vibe. This is my favourite by her so far.

I don’t want to over elaborate on the plot because wild horses can’t drag any spoilers from me. Nope. But, I will say, this revolves around the grand opening of a lush vacation/spa/hotel known as the Manor. No expense has been spared for the opening weekend, the guestlist has been vetted, the food is going to be sumptuous, the wine and cocktails will flow, the infinity pool will be infinite and the verdant lawns will terminate in a view of the sparkling ocean beyond. Even the weather is playing ball, well, it’s probably a little too hot if anything. What could possible go wrong?

Well, firstly, the locals are not necessarily happy with this new project. People are getting pushed out of business, footpaths have been fenced off and even the beach, now only accessible via a path on the hotel’s land, has been sequestered, although the locals can still reach it by boat.

Secondly, hugging the grounds is an old forest that practically bristles with superstitious lore. This is the sort of forest with ancient trees and plenty of dark secrets. Do not offend the Birds.

The owners, the staff and some of the guests have secrets and hidden agendas.

On top of this, we have a journal, written over summer 15 years earlier. This definitely makes for very interesting reading.

What did I love about this one. In a nutshell, this worked for me on every level. We have a strange mix of unlikable and likable characters and a number of narrators to tell the story. Eddie, who works at the Manor washing pots. Francesca, the owner of the estate who inherited everything from her grandparents. Bella, a guest staying in one of the woodland hutches, Owen, the architect and husband of the owner. And, of course, the journal. Which I won’t say more about.

The pacing is really good. Foley really cranks up the pressure for everyone. The staff are running around like headless chickens, Francesca is trying to maintain a sense of inner serenity that isn’t really working, Owen is sneaking about, following his wife or trying to slope off for some alone time to surf and Bella is having second thoughts and feeling very anxious about being at the Manor. Meanwhile the Journal is telling us a darker story belonging to the Manor and slowly revealing the events that took place towards the end of a long lazy summer. It’s all leading up to something.

I loved the story. The author totally fooled me and I hold my hands up and readily admit that I had things wrong. And, I love that.

And, the midnight feast – this is when everything goes to hell in a handcart. What a satisfying conclusion.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, it was so enjoyable in fact I finished it in a day and a half and I will say I now have regrets because I’m sorry that the read has ended.

I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.

Lucy Foley is a little bit of a hit and miss author for me, which I know is an unpopular opinion! I loved The Guest List (although speaking to someone who had read The Hunting Party, it sounded pretty similar), but The Paris Apartment only got 2 stars from me. I was excited to try The Midnight Feast to see if it could remind me of the reasons for her hype.

Unfortunately, reading back on my critique of The Paris Apartment, I can see the same points to be mentioned in this review. Firstly, I didn’t feel like I engaged much in The Midnight Feast, I found it difficult to have the impetus to pick it up to keep reading. It didn’t really grab me, and I didn’t feel invested in the storyline. Part of the issue I think are the characters, the chapters alternate between 4 points of view, as well as flashback sequences and skipping forward with the Police Team at the Crime scene. However, they are all written so similarly I had to remind myself whose point of view we were in throughout each chapter. I also found that I didn’t really empathise with any of them either which led to my lack of engagement. The police scene chapters were good to drip feed us information about the crime that was about to happen, but I found myself a bit frustrated with them as they took me out of the immersion. I didn’t see the point in learning a lot about each of the police characters and their backstories when the main storyline was happening in the past.

The story should have been interesting – a fancy hotel’s opening weekend is plagued by angry locals who believe that they are building on their land and knocking down their trees. However, it all felt a little surface level, and quite frankly, I felt like I’d read very similar stories before – nothing felt very original.

Overall, The Midnight Feast fell a little flat to me - with an unoriginal storyline and too similar characters leading to a lack of engagement in the plot. Thank you to NetGalley & Harper Collins UK – Harper Fiction for the chance to read the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

oh my goodness me where to start with this one.... there are a plethora of characters to get to know and not only that but you also have then and now chapters and not to confuse you even more but maybe one or two characters being other people from the past as well.... so its all a bit confusing at first until you get your head around it....

then when you start to figure out the main story its intriguing enough to carry on to see how it all pans out

but remember nature has it way of sorting things out and when you know the truth its a shocker of an ending....

3.5 stars rounded up.

I got this as an ARC from netgalley in both audio and ebook form so read them in tandem. If you've read a Lucy Foley book before, you'll know her books follow a format - a group of people are gathered in a semi wilderness setting, a body shows up (in this instance 2 - a historical body and a recent body) and they figure out what happened. It's a good book with a good format. It's well written and the main characters are sufficiently developed. I enjoyed it and will likely read more books by this author.

3.75⭐️s. This book is not a thriller but more a murder mystery. There were a few times where I gasped out loud but In general it was a little slow paced. Would still recommend but wouldn’t describe as a thriller since there was little suspense for me.

Thanks to Netgalley and Random House for the ARC of this book.
When I first started I thought "not going to finish this too much like others I've already read," but I stuck with it which was difficult at times. So glad I did as the ending was so much better than I expected.

Bit of a slow burner but worth reading.