Member Reviews

Another Lucy Foley that didn’t let me down! I just love the way she writes, it really grips me and keeps me hooked throughout all of her books and this one was really no different, I love the fact you cannot trust anyone in this book and you have a whole pool of suspects to choose from and try and dissect in your head. Another twisty thriller from Lucy that didn’t disappoint, kept the pages turning and guarantees I will purchase her next book! Brilliant!

Was this review helpful?

I usually really love Lucy Foley's work but I have to say that I was disappointed with this novel. It felt predictable and there were gaps structurally. It's great to see an author experimenting with adding new themes into their work - particularly with the supernatural and folk horror aspects of this one - but the novel didn't quite reach the heights it was aspiring to for me. The characters felt uncomplicated in who was a hero and who was a villain and the split narrative never really quite managed to shift the perspectives on this. I also felt that it was a bit of a stretch to have so many people with interconnected lives gathered together and to have no one recognise each other or see the shared stories even when lived closely together. Unfortunately this just didn't feel like a very well thought out premise which is unsual for Lucy Foley as I always think that this is one of her greatest strengths as a writer.

Was this review helpful?

A 5 star read again! Lucy Foley is my auto buy author and indeed for good reason. This book is going to be in my top reads for the year for sure. I couldn't put this down and it moved quite quickly once the story settled.

Foley sets the atmosphere and location amazingly well. The same can be said for the characters who make you question what's going on. The narrative style is brilliantly written and I liked how the mystery was set up. The multiple perspectives and timelines tie up well and made me turn the pages quickly. Also loved how superstitions were integrated into the story without going over the top and just the perfect mix to bring out the thriller and fear that jump out of the pages. Definitely recommend this book. One of my favourite reads from the author for sure.

Thank you HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction and NetGalley for this e-arc in exchange of my unbiased review.

Was this review helpful?

A fascinating premise, great setting, intriguing dynamics and dialogue, and a spiralling storyline, loved it!

Was this review helpful?

The underlying story is a good one (if somewhat far-fetched) and I could handle the flashbacks to 15 years earlier, but the pre and post incident jumping about with all the concealing of names and identities was very annoying. Just cheating by the author in my opinon and I thinks Ms. Foley could have done better.

Was this review helpful?

Thanks must first go to Netgalley, the publisher and Lucy Foley for the ARC copy of ‘The Midnight Feast’.

Having read all of Lucy’s previous books this one did not disappoint. The setting provided a level for immediate mystery and suspense, with an intriguing backstory and well blended link between.

Would highly recommend.

Was this review helpful?

I read every Lucy Foley the second it is published, and THE MIDNIGHT FEAST might be my favorite yet - as twisty and surprising as you'd expect, but also with the brilliant characterisation we come to expect from LF!

Was this review helpful?

There’s nothing not to love about a Lucy Foley book. The isolated setting, the characters of dubious moral quality and a thickening plot with more twists and turns than a slinky.

Loved it, she’s a must read author for me.

Was this review helpful?

This book is a thrilling rollercoaster from start to finish! Packed with twists, turns, and a delightfully creepy storyline, it keeps you on the edge of your seat. The mysterious bird occurrences were particularly intriguing, with the full picture only coming together at the end. With so much happening, it was occasionally challenging to keep track of the various characters and their connections, but the multiple points of view added depth to the story. The author expertly draws you in, making it a gripping read from beginning to end!

Was this review helpful?

3.5 rounded down.

DOES THE JOB - If the job you want to re-ignite a reading slump with a satisfying page turner you can read in a day.

The thing I love most about Lucy Foley books is you know exactly what you’re getting. A half decent thriller with just enough clues to keep you going. I remember reading the hunting party and immediately recommending it to friends looking for a good holiday read.

I think we all know it’s not going to be one for the ages. The characters are not going to be multi-facet and we’re not going to be emotionally carried throughout the story. However we are going to be treated to a story that we can visualise, and I could certainly see this being made into a straight to Netflix film. Following the successes of Midsommar and Saltburn I can see this reaching a wide audience and topping a few holiday reading lists.

The scene setting was really good and I loved the juxtaposition of commercialised ‘pagan chic’ against the reality of historical lore.

Was this review helpful?

Another Lucy Foley thriller where a group of people come together this time on a glamorous country retreat’s opening weekend and disaster occurs. I liked the multiple timelines (3) and points of view (5) to slowly reveal what actually happened, as ever I did not get there before the end. I did not the folk horror element with all the spiritual type elements and skim read parts for sure - can always rely on a forest to be a spooky place at night! Overall, an easy read and I’m sure many of her fans will enjoy but not my favourite. Many thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins publishers for the ARC.

Was this review helpful?

Lucy Foley is rapidly becoming another one of my favourite authors and this book didn’t disappoint.
The storyline is set in a converted Manor House providing retreats for the wealthy . It goes backwards and forwards in time and explains the earlier relationships of some of the characters and events that affected their lives then and now.
The main characters are interesting and as the story progresses the reader discovers that some of them have long-held secrets.
The book contains murder, lots of suspense, twists and turns, a touch of the supernatural and feels quite eerie and dark at times.
Another brilliant book from this author.

Was this review helpful?

On the Dorset coast during the Summer solstice, guests are gathering for the opening of The Manor, an exclusive new retreat. Something dark is looming in the ancient woods that border the property and deadly secrets won’t stay hidden for much longer.

This book followed multiple POVs and multiple timelines which I love. I think it worked really well in this story. I loved how the characters stories linked together, there were a few times I thought I had guessed the link but was miles off! This story kept me guessing all the way to the end. Some of the characters were so unlikeable to the point they were almost frustrating to read but they were balanced with some lovable ones that had me rooting for them. The final sentence was the icing on the cake and left me closing the book with a smile.


Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher HarperCollins UK for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Unfortunately I couldn’t bring myself to finish this book. I have enjoyed Lucy Foley’s previous books especially The Hunting Party and The Guest List, however I was disappointed with this one. I was not pulled in by the story, was becoming annoyed by the characters and tone of writing, so didn’t feel able to waste time battling to read it. Really surprised. Maybe if I persevered it would improve however have too many other books to try instead. Sorry.

Was this review helpful?

I started this book around mid-May, and here I am, three months later, writing this review. This is the first book I’ve read by Lucy Foley, and I picked it up solely because of all the hype surrounding her work. However, in all honesty, my first impression of her writing did not live up to the hype.

The plot of the book is simple. The Midnight Feast follows the story of Francesca Meadows, who has recently inherited the Manor from her grandfather and transformed it into a luxurious wellness retreat. The retreat features seaside cabins, woodland hutches, and upcoming treehouses designed by her husband, Owen. To celebrate the opening, she decides to throw a lavish midnight feast, complete with a perfectly curated dinner and white flowing linen outfits for the guests.

However, deep in the woods lie secrets from Francesca’s past. A rift with the locals and mysterious guests roaming the manor threaten to uncover her dark secrets and ruin her perfect solstice. Francesca has no other way out but to burn the place down and flee Dorset forever.

Initially, I found it very difficult to get into this book as the writing style was a bit confusing. Although the plot was simple, the author chose to complicate it by throwing in fantasy elements like folklore and the birds, which I think need not have been a part of this mystery.

The story is told from multiple POVs, which was interesting. The major story is uncovered through journal entries made by one of the characters 15 years ago, giving this book its dual timeline. However, despite the short chapters, the writing was very descriptive, making the transition from description back to the story a bit confusing and difficult to follow, further putting this book on the slow burner.

On the other hand, the characters were not very likable. The main character, Francesca Meadows, was too arrogant and corky. However, I did like the characters Bella and Eddy. Eddy was just cute, innocent, and the hero of this mystery. I also failed to connect with the story of the birds and the legend surrounding it.

Overall, I did like the mystery surrounding the story but not the entire book on the whole. I would recommend it to readers looking for a fantasy mystery book. As for me I did finish it after three months and would have to really think before picking up another Lucy Foley book.

Thanks to netgalley, the publishers HarperCollins uk and Author Lucy Foley for the arc.

Was this review helpful?

What a feast for the eyes!

Foley does it again with a twisty, page romp of a thriller that has you both scared and excited about what will be revealed next.

With essence of Wicker Man and a nod to the influencer age, Foley pulls us ito sit and immerse ourselves into the lives of teenagers on the Dorset coast in a summer of misadventure, hi-jinks and mistakes that ripple through time.

Francesca Meadows has launched The Manor, 'the new jewel of the Dorset coastline ' a retreat to be seen at and to find your inner zen. We join the party for the opening weekend and are introduced to the guests joining us at The Manor through multiple viewpoints and timelines.

Bella, whose anxiety reveals to you a woman on the edge.

Eddie a local lad working at The Manor, cause if you cant beat them, join them, right?

Owen, Francesca's husband and chief architect of The Manor.

Francesca, owner of The Manor a family home converted to a wellness retreat.

I love that all the characters had well round histories and real depth to them. The interwoven timeline of the summer as youngsters and present day as adults was well paced and interwoven and the flashes of the police investigations were just the right amount to drive the plot along and make you desperate to find out more. I LOVED the reveals and the ending had me chuckling. BRAVO! Another 5 star read from Lucy Foley.

Was this review helpful?

Nestled in the eerie charm of The Manor, an old historical house turned wellness boutique hotel, *The Midnight Feast* by Lucy Foley takes readers on a suspenseful journey filled with secrets and local legends. 🏰🌲

The story centers around Francesca Meadows, the granddaughter of the original owners, who renovates The Manor into a stunning hotel. But despite its beauty, the locals aren’t thrilled, and strange occurrences begin—seemingly tied to an old tale known as “the Birds.” 🦅✨

The narrative unfolds through the eyes of four characters: Francesca, her supportive husband Owen, a mysterious guest named Bella, and Eddie, the kind-hearted kitchen help. As we shift between their perspectives and past and present timelines, the suspense builds around a folklore that feels too real, culminating in a shocking fire and the discovery of multiple bodies.🕯️📖

What truly captivated me was the setting—the lush woods and cliffs overlooking the sea create an atmosphere that’s both enchanting and ominous. 🌊🍃

Eddie quickly became my favorite character. His journey added a lot of depth to the story. 💙

However, I found myself struggling to stay engaged towards the end. The frequent shifts in perspective and a diary with a melodramatic teenage tone made it hard to stay connected to the story. While the plot had great potential, the twists and reveals felt more tiring than thrilling. 🤔

This was my first time reading a book by Lucy Foley, and although this one didn’t fully hit the mark for me, I’m still curious to explore more of her work. I’m giving this book ⭐⭐⭐ out of 5. 📚✨

Was this review helpful?

I don’t read a lot of crime, but when I need something engaging and easy to read (in this case for train commutes) Lucy Foley always delivers. There were plenty of unlikeable characters as always, and it isn’t my favourite of her novels, but it kept me reading and definitely surprised me at points. I particularly liked how the characters from the two different timelines interlinked.

Was this review helpful?

Excellent writing with just the right amount of tension, as we try to guess who is who and what happened in the past, and what is happening now. Who will get their comeuppance - and why do they deserve it. Who will find relief and a release - and do they deserve it? Twisting between characters and timelines, this is a very clever novel that will keep you gripped right till the closing sentence.

Was this review helpful?

“The Midnight Feast” is a masterfully crafted dark thriller that weaves elements of horror and folklore into an intelligent and well-paced narrative. Set in the eerie backdrop of an isolated, high-end countryside retreat, the story is told through multiple perspectives, each more morally complex and intriguing than the last. The characters are nuanced and believable, their interactions shedding light on the stark divides that underpin the plot. This is not just a thriller; it’s a masterclass in showing how people are rarely who they appear to be.

One of my favourite features of this novel is the inclusion of journal entries, which add extra intrigue and depth, and I loved the creepiness of the setting, enriched with pagan folklore.

A dark, atmospheric thriller that kept me hooked from start to finish. A must-read!

Was this review helpful?