Lucy Foley's The Midnight Feast serves up a tantalizing blend of mystery, intrigue, and a hint of menace, set against the backdrop of an opulent resort with a dark history. From the moment you step into The Manor, Foley's prose weaves a web of secrets that keeps you guessing until the very last page.

The story unfolds over the opening weekend of The Manor, a luxurious retreat nestled in the heart of an ancient wood, concealing secrets as old as time itself. As the Founder, the Husband, the Mystery Guest, and the Kitchen Help converge, each with their own hidden agenda and murky past, tensions simmer and suspicions rise. Foley expertly crafts a cast of characters, each with layers waiting to be peeled back, ensuring that no one is quite what they seem.

At the heart of the narrative lies the eponymous Midnight Feast, a lavish culinary event that promises indulgence and decadence. Yet, beneath the surface of gastronomic delight lurks danger, as old rivalries resurface and hidden motives come to light. Foley's meticulous attention to detail brings the feast to life, tantalizing the senses even as it becomes a battleground for the characters' conflicting desires.

What sets The Midnight Feast apart is Foley's skillful navigation of suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with every twist and turn. As secrets are gradually unearthed and alliances shift, the stakes soar ever higher, culminating in a finale that is as satisfying as it is surprising.

In The Midnight Feast, Lucy Foley serves up a literary banquet that is as deliciously dark as it is irresistible. With its richly drawn characters, atmospheric setting, and spine-tingling plot, this is a book that will linger in your mind long after the final course is served. Whether you're a fan of mystery, suspense, or simply appreciate a well-crafted tale, The Midnight Feast is sure to leave you hungry for more.

I have never read Lucy Foley before, but the covers and descriptions always seemed intriguing. When I received an ARC of The Midnight Feast, I wasn’t sure how I would like it, as it didn’t seem like my usual read. I ended up really enjoying the book. Several characters narrate the story, and the story flips between two significant times in the characters’ lives. While it could have been confusing, it wasn’t, as long as I paid attention to who the narrator was, and when the story was taking place. The story connected the dots between the characters, with several surprises and twists along the way. The only thing I found annoying was the characters kept going into the woods. It was like a scary movie, when you want to scream at the actor to not open the front door when they hear a noise. Overall, I would recommend this book to those who enjoy suspense, with a happy ending by way of karma.

Thank you NetGalley, William Morrow, and Lucy Foley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! I’m not sure what I thought of this one… it was fast-paced and kept my interest, especially with the short chapters, which I normally love. I think the premise was better than the execution though. I love the elements that make up this story - an old manor, creepy folklore vibes, eccentric characters, and more. I think the characters jumbled together a little bit though and I cared less about the story as it went on. It makes me sad to say that though because there was so much potential. Hopefully others will enjoy it more!

3
I’m conflicted. The beginning first few pages I really thought I was going to enjoy this book but the more it kept going not that the premise wasn’t interesting but I just kept getting a little turned around. I feel like there was just too many characters. Too much going on that made me just not really enjoy this as much as I wanted to.

I feel like this is the majority of my feelings when I read her books but it might just be me because I know a lot of others really enjoy. Just not for me.

#TheMidnightFeast #NetGalley
A cinematic experience. 5 ⭐
The story opens with an unsettling and mood-setting prologue, hinting at the mystery central to the plot in case it was not clear from the title. The notion of a cult is further reinforced by the first few chapters, which are reminiscent of Liane Moriarty’s, Nine Perfect Strangers. As the reader continues the journey, however, the cult theory branches off into one of several potential premises. Whether it is the inner workings of a cult, dark magic, or hallucinogens remains unanswered until the conclusion. The cast of characters include two protagonists (obvious spoiler: one is actually an antagonist), a few supporting characters, and many side characters, though the story is mostly told from the perspectives of the two mains and one supporting that could arguably be considered a tritagonist given their role and the number of chapters dedicated to them. Bella, a single, 30-something-year-old, woman, is the first character introduced and is a guest at The Manor. Then there is Eddie, who is a nineteen-year-old farm boy, townie, and a dishwasher at The Manor. Finally, there are the married owners of The Manor, Francesca Meadows and Owen Dacre. Francesca is a wealthy, spiritual guru (think Gwyneth) who envisioned The Manor as a luxury weekend escape from the hectic pace of city life for the privileged. Owen Dacre is Francesca’s husband and a renowned architect who built The Manor and helped Francesca achieve her dream retreat
OMG!!! It was 🔥. I really enjoyed this very much. Now I see why they picked it up for a movie. This is huge. A game changer in mystery.
Definitely recommend this one to everyone.
Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for giving me an advance copy. .

While the mystery and twists in this one are the classic Foley formula, I love the added bits! A tad bit horror, a change of season (if you can wait to read this on Halloween I bet it would be even more fantastic), and younger characters. This story felt way darker than her other ones and I loved that! Thank you for the advanced copy.

this book had SO much potential. the exclusive manor full of wellness crazed rich people, the creepy folklore ingrained upon the surrounding community, the animosity between the locals and the manor staff and attendees. there were enough cool spins on an overused trope for this to be really promising, but it just fell short for me in the actual execution.

the setup was great, the setting was great, the history was great; but everything else wasn’t as good as i was hoping for. the lead up to this grand feast wound up being very underwhelming, and it’s a shame because it COULD have been great.

still giving it 3 stars because there were a fair amount of things i liked about it, but im just disappointed with how it all turned out compared to the promise it had at the start.

Thank you to #NetGalley and William and Morrow for granting me early access to Lucy Foley’s The Midnight Feast. As usual, Ms. Foley did not disappoint in providing yet another riveting mystery for readers everywhere to delight in over the summer months. While skewed a bit more young adult fiction than her previous thrillers, #TheMidnightFeast turns into a total creep festival by the time the reader arrives at the final showdown. I, for one, will never look at crows quite the same again. If you can survive until October, this is a great one to get you in the mood for the Harvest Solstice…erm I mean Halloween. Happy reading!

OMG, OMG, OMG! This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year, and I'm so grateful to the publisher for this advanced copy <3

"The Midnight Feast" is classic Lucy Foley with a couple of twists. If you enjoyed "The Guest List" (or even "The Hunting Party"), you're in for a treat. However, if you're a little tired of the "Foley Formula" and looking for something new (like I was), don't get your hopes up. This is a fun read, and although it has its WTF?? moments, it's nothing Foley hasn't written before. While reading this review, consider that I've enjoyed every mystery Foley has written so far—aka, I am the target audience for this book.

My favorite thing about "The Midnight Feast" (and all of Foley's works) is the way everything falls into place. Every little detail is significant. Remember the way that character reacted in chapter 1? Well, that's gonna be important in twenty chapters when _____. I love it!!! I feel like a detective, and there is nothing more satisfying than correctly guessing a twist before it happens.

My only complaint with the story is the setting. I guess since I've never been to the English coast, I struggled to picture any of the scenery. Woods, farms, beaches, cliffs, and infinity pools all clashed in my mind while reading, and I was never sure where things were taking place. I wish there was a map or at least a drawing of the Manor's grounds because I was STRUGGLING. Looks like I might need to take a trip to England and scout out the place—hopefully, I won't be taken by the Birds.

Now, I mentioned above that this is a pretty standard Foley book (which it is), but I also feel like it would be wrong of me not to say that there are some new elements. There is **gasp** political commentary, some horror elements, and... a cult. I won't get into the details for fear of spoilers, but the locals vs. influencers conflict is where this book truly shines. The commentary was both surprising and refreshing, and it elevates this book from a 3-star thriller to a 4-star 'oh shit' revenge thriller.

Recommendation: Read it! Lucy Foley has never let me down. "The Midnight Feast" is fun, twisty, and surprisingly impactful. If you're looking for a book to read before bed, be careful—it's hard to put down.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC!
Release Date: June 18th

I absolutely loved this book! Easily one of my top reads of this year so far. I thought Lucy Foley did a fantastic job of creating a dark yet magical atmosphere. I thought that the multiple points of views blended so well together. I seriously couldn’t put this book down. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a new murder mystery

Lucy Lucy Lucy! Thank you for another sleepless night! The Midnight Feast has it all. Twist, Turns, Excitement, and Electric Shocks to the heart!!! Loved this read, loved the plot, loved it all!

I pride myself on my honest reviewing & that will continue even if I am gifted copies of books. With that being said, I wasn't the biggest fan of this read. It is very difficult to write thrillers that surprise the readers, truly capture attention, while being memorable in the midst of many repeat tropes. While Lucy Foley's storyline was different from most things I have read before, I don't think it was for me. I won't spoil anything for those that are planning to pick it up in May, so I will just say that almost 400 pages is a lot for a thriller & the trope/ending was not my cup of tea.

I love Lucy Foley’s mysteries and this one was no exception. I cannot wait to read more by her in the future because her stories really keep me on the edge of my seat.

The Midnight Feast is another fantastic book by Lucy Foley. The story involves multiple POVs and timelines, as is usually the case with Foley's books. The Manor is a seemingly perfect getaway for those who can afford it. It has incredible views, locally sourced food and an infinity pool. But what the guests at The Manor don't realize is that a dark secret lies beneath the perfect veneer. There are chapters written from several perspectives: Francesca, the founder; Owen, her devoted husband and architect of The Manor; Bella, a woman who seems to take a special interest in Francesca; Eddie, a dishwasher/aspiring bartender; and DI Walker, who has to invesitgate when tragedy strikes The Manor. It took me a little while to get into the story because of the multiple POVs but once I did I read it quickly. Lucy Foley is so good at taking multiple characters who seem to be unconnected and weaving together a tense, gripping story. The ending of this one was such a good twist. I look forward to the next Lucy Foley book. Thanks to NetGalley fort the ARC.

If you're looking for a page-turner, this book will deliver. A new luxury resort is celebrating its opening weekend. Guests are ready for the excitement and events, staff is fully trained and prepped, and owner Francesca is ready to bask in the spotlight. However, not everyone is thrilled about the new resort, including many of the locals or those who have memories of the woods where the resort has started to encroach. An old summer diary is uncovered which enlightens the reader of some of the past history and reveals some of the characters. Lots of twists and turns will keep those pages turning quickly.

An exclusive resort is opening in a wooded forest overlooking cliffs leading down to the sea. All the guests have been specially invited (there was a request for personal bios) and have taken cabins named for their surroundings: Woodland Hutch, Seaview Cabin, Clifftop Cabin, etc. A special Midnight Feast is planned complete with robes and headpieces. At the center of it all is Francesca Meadows, owner of the resort, and her husband, the famous architect Owen Dacre.
The day before, day of and day after the solstice and the midnight feast contrast with a summer diary of happenings that took place fifteen years earlier. These two plots weave and wrap around each other to explain what happens the night of the feast and why it had to happen.

Lucy Foley is a master of the character driven mystery. As usual, in The Midnight Feast the characters are well described and come alive as you turn the pages. And again, as usual, the setting, a contested piece of land, is a character itself. From the foreshadowing visit by a group of hikers, to the conclusion linking past and present, the land, its legends and superstitions dominates. The Midnight Feast is another best seller from Foley. 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, William Morrow and Lucy Foley for this ARC.

Many thanks to NetGalley for granting me an early release of The Midnight Feast written by Lucy Foley, an author whose books I've been reading and enjoying for the last few years. Set on England at a newly renovated hotel named The Manor, the plot revolves around a mysterious event that occurred fifteen years ago and the secrets people need to keep. A strange group who were costumes resembling giant birds appear from time to time and when they do, a horrific death occurs. Francesca is determined to successfully open her new hotel, but everything is getting in the way. Despite a wonderful husband, supportive staff, and fond memories of growing up on the estate, the darkness continues to plague them. Is she causing it, or is she being subjected to someone else's vindictive nature?

This was a tough read. I enjoyed many parts of it, but it was also filled with double identities, weird scenes that didn't seem to connect to anything else, and a frequent expectation to accept that people wouldn't recognize others from the past. Toss in a failure to explain a lot of situations in the end, and I found myself struggling to want to know what happened. There were too many changes in POV, and a diary that was written in teenage drama language, making it pull readers from the story too often. Had I picked this one up first, I wouldn't keep reading Foley's work. I may have even stopped midway... but overall, it had a good foundation to the story... just didn't pan out well for me. Will continue to read more of her work tho.

I really enjoyed this Lucy Foley book— though not as much as her earlier works. The twists were a bit predictable, but the pacing was great and the characters came together nicely and organically. Could’ve used a little more thrill though.

It's opening weekend at an exclusive faux rustic resort in this darkly sinister tale told from multiple perspectives in the past and present. Guests, staff, locals, and the manor's owners are connected in ways none of them realize until it's far too late. Fans of intricately plotted thrillers will lose sleep over this freight train of a novel.

Although "The Midnight Feast" had a similar plot/timeline as "The Guest List" and "The Paris Apartment" I found myself being transported to Tome, the small community outside of London.. The locals of Tome are not fond of an outsider bringing a wellness retreat to their quaint and tight-knit town.

The locals share the story of "The Birds" that watch out for their community. Some say folklore, some say that they have seen the birds and they are the town's version of judge and jury for any crime. With full feathers, and a long pointed beak, it sounds like something that should haunt all your dreams. Who can believe in such a thing? When Bella, a now grown woman with a history with the town, reappears after 15 years, she makes it very clear she is coming back to Tome for revenge. But against who?

With literally a TON of twists and turns, this is another Lucy Foley book I absolutely tore though!