Thank you so much for the ARC copy of The Midnight Feast. This one was sadly a not hit for me compared to her other work.
The story had way to many POV's which I do not like too much in a book and just the back and forth in the story had me just overwhelmed in a way. There was just way too much going on in the book. Like I said lots of flipping back and forth between the timelines, lots of just weird stuff going on that I just couldnt attach myself to with this story.

Lets hope others will enjoy it more than me. Thank you again though still for the copy to read early!

I'll read anything by Lucy Foley, and when I read the premise for THE MIDNIGHT FEAST, I was immediately intrigued. An old manor? A fire and a mangled body found? Eccentric small-town locals? Superstitious folklore? A mystery guest? The founder being oddly zen? YES PLEASE! This book did not disappoint. I will admit I had trouble getting into it at the beginning, as I wasn't sure how all these characters were eventually going to fit together as the book has a fairly large cast. About a third of the way through a diary gets introduced to add a layer to the storytelling, and the back and forth between the past and the present really starts to tie elements together. The plot immediately started to pick up and I was HOOKED and could not put it down. I especially love how pompous I was while reading and thought I had all the twists figured out. And while I did sleuth out the major players, Lucy Foley is an expert at adding twists upon twists, and I was absolutely shocked at not only the first twist, but the twist on the twist. It was SO well done! I will also note that she captures an essence of creepy/horror that was enough to make me jump when my husband walked in the room while reading a particularly tense part, but not enough to make it so I had trouble sleeping that night! I would LOVE to see this novel be adapted into a mini-series. The atmosphere and the mystery were so engrossing, and I give this book 4.5 stars.

Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for a DRC of THE MIDNIGHT FEAST by Lucy Foley in exchange for my review and personal opinions. THE MIDNIGHT FEAST is out on June 18, 2024.

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. This is the premise for The Midnighr Feast, Lucy Foley’s newest novel. It sounds fun and interesting but I was unfortunately bored for the majority of the book. It was a slog to finish and it would have helped if I liked any of the characters but I just didn’t. It may not have been the book for me but if you’ve enjoyed Foley’s previous novels, check this one out for yourself! Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for an ARC copy.

3.5 Stars*
I received a copy of this book as an ARC through NetGalley.
"The Midnight Feast" is the latest multiple POV mystery from Lucy Foley. Tonight is supposed to be a grand affair: the much-anticipated midnight feast during the opening weekend for the luxury hotel: The Manor. Everyone is dressed perfectly, all of the food and drink was thoughtfully sourced, and things seem to be going well, until something terrible goes wrong. Is someone out to put an end to The Manor, or are the rumors of the Night Birds true, and they have come to exact their revenge?
This novel was very fast faced, and very easy to get into. In true Lucy Foley fashion, the story follows several points of view and jumps around in the timeline a lot. This definitely makes the story fly by because the reader is only receiving some information at a time and has to read several chapters more to get back to the big reveal. I do think Lucy Foley does a great job at keeping the story coherent and easy to follow despite how erratic the storytelling is.
Something special about this book in comparison to Lucy's previous books that I really enjoyed was how connected all of the characters are. In the beginning the reader learns of a few noteworthy connections between characters, but by the end not only is everyone deeply connected, but they learn that they always have been. This story relies heavily on something sinister that happened fifteen years ago, and I loved learning how all of the characters were connected to that mystery and the roles they played in the present-day tragedy.
The characters were diverse, and all had a unique voice, which greatly helps the reading experience. All of the characters seem complex as well, which was great to read. No one is simply "good" or "bad". All of the characters had redeeming qualities, which makes the reader empathize with everyone in one way or another.
By far, my favorite character was Eddie. He arguably had the least connection to the mystery of fifteen years ago, but his role in the present day was so pivotal to the story. For someone so young, he really seemed the most mature and level-headed.
The reveal that took me most by surprise was Owen's connection to the mystery of fifteen years ago. I did not see that reveal coming and it had me gripping my Kindle and devouring the rest of the book voraciously.
I was okay with what ultimately happened to the person responsible for all of this hardship. I think they met a poetic end, but I wish they could have had a little more justice served to them first.
As much as I enjoyed this book, I did have a few grievances. I figured out a lot of the mysteries early on in the story, which is satisfying, but slightly disappointing. I also could not stand Francesca's point of view. She screams entitlement and way too New Age for me to enjoy reading about her finding good vibes. I can appreciate her character as a contrast from the others, but she was just awful to read from.
"The Guest List" is a book I have fondly looked back on because of how much I enjoyed it, and unfortunately, I have not found that same magic in a Lucy Foley book since. I think her books are great, but I am not as captivated as I was.
I do think this book is a great summer mystery read, and I recommend it to those looking to uncovering the secrets of rich people who behave badly.

I am so thankful to the publisher, NetGalley, and the Author for granting me advanced access to this one before June 11, 2024. This one wasn't for me, but I am still really thankful for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

You might call this one a slow burn or just a slow start in general because this took me a minute to get into, I will be honest I read the first couple chapters and then put the book down returning to it 2 weeks later. IT was hard to get into - so you might have to push through the first couple chapters.

Once you get past the intro and start getting into the chapters it will move faster but it will take about 20% of the book. It does get better you just have to push.

Once you are in the book there is some jumping with 4 POVs and a journal from years prior that weave the story all together that make the story move pretty fast until the end.

This one did seem like it would be a bit supernatural in a sense but it turns out at the end it wasn't and if anything it was the mushrooms. Which is on par for Lucy Foley - books that seem supernatural but there is a scientific explanation.

If it wasn't such a slow burn I would have rater this book higher but because it was such a struggle to get into it I had to rate it lower.

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review

ARC REVIEW

The Midnight Feast
BY Lucy Foley

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 (4.5 out of 5)

Publishing date: 6/18/24

This book has multiple POV and 2 different timelines. (Before the solstice and after) In typical Lucy Foley style, there is a large buildup throughout the entire book. In other books by this author, I became very frustrated because it took so long to gain information needed, but I LOVED THIS ONE!! 😍 I love it when I disagree with the Goodreads rating, lol

This follows the same style-build up of knowledge as you read. But this has an interesting cast of characters that had me INVESTED. I really enjoyed all the backstories and trying to play detective .The book takes place at the Manor, which is a fancy estate turned hotel. It's surrounded by creepy woods and was the perfect setting for this thrilling adventure!

I found myself wanting to read more so I could figure out what happened. I was very invested and can admit this was the first Lucy Foley novel I loved! The chapters were short, which is also a bonus.  As the story progressed, they were journal entries from 15 years ago, which helped answer some questions and set the scene. 

This book was SO much fun! I very much recommend it!

Thank you @netgalley and @williammorrowbooks
For the chance to read this one early!

P.S. I tried so many times to write a summary. But everytime I tried, I ended up giving spoilers OR felt like I was missing something. I encourage you to read the good reads summary if my review didn't give you the urge to read this one 🙂

1.5 stars.

I just could notttttt get into this story at all - clearly, as it took me forever to read because I never wanted to pick it up. It had a lot of potential, but then things just went weird and didn’t really make sense. Or they were just plain stupid. A lot of the plot points that were supposed to be big reveals just fell flat and felt forced. I also have no idea what Bella was planning on doing once she arrived - even though that’s like, one of the main storylines (her “revenge”). She was just there…? To confront Francesca and call it a day? And what was the point of the Birds? The book could have done without that background storyline. Just so odd, dumb, and unrealistic. I don’t know, the whole thing was just meh, unfortunately.

Nonetheless, thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

5/5 ⭐️ Lucy Foley knocks it out of the park again! The last hour of the book, all I kept thinking was 'OMG' as more twists and turns were introduced. She truly has a way of connecting characters in a way that is so shocking and unexpected. Every time I thought I knew where the story was going, I was thrown a curveball that made the story that much more captivating. Out of all the books I have read of hers, this is 100% my favorite.

My only comment regarding the ARC I received would be in regard to DI's chapters. Those were the only ones not written in first person and it through me off at times when switching between other characters.

Thank you to William Morrow, Lucy Foley, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advance copy for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

This was so creepy! I haven’t read any Lucy Foley before, but I’m definitely adding her other titles to my list. Great thriller, dual timelines, haves and have nots, mysterious pasts, fancy setting. I thought I knew what was coming but absolutely not. Definite content warning for violence, drug use, SA, death. Strongly recommend for suspense fans, though!

𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:
I binge read this one on the plane ride to and from my trip to Oregon over the weekend, and boy oh boy—this was a fun one! I am going to keep this short and sweet- but I really enjoyed the story, the characters, the alternating timelines and different POVs. This may be my new favorite by Foley. It is a slow burn but full of suspense, and Foley nailed it with the atmospheric writing and setting with this one. I will admit, it took me a bit to get into this one…but I am so glad I stuck with it because it was completely worth it! Once I found my groove with this book, I was completely hooked and unable to put it down. I enjoyed the suspense, all of the twists, and that ending was amazing! An isolated setting + summer solstice + deaths= HOOKED! This definitely gave me Midsommer vibes and I was all here for it🙌🏻

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗜𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗘𝗻𝗷𝗼𝘆:
✦Atmospheric writing and setting
✦A character driven book
✦Midsommer movie vibes
✦A binge-worthy book that starts off as a slow burn but then ultimately hooks you in and takes you on a wild ride.
✦A FANTASTIC ending!

𝐌𝐲 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4/5

Wasn’t what I was expecting. There was much more of a supernatural theme than I was prepared for. However, all the twists and turns really made the book. The ending was unexpected and well written.

The Midnight Feast was creepy, unsettling and kept me guessing from the very beginning!
I really enjoyed numerous point of views, the back and forth timelines, and the multi-dimensional characters.
Lucy Foley did an excellent job keeping this book interesting from the very beginning, making readers want to know more.
What exactly went on at The Midnight Feast? You'll have to read to find out. Just "Beware of the Birds".

This book had a lot of promise. I found the initial story compelling, but it quickly became confusing. There was just too many POVs and timeline jumps for me to keep track of everything that was going on.

It was dark here in the woods. The light was choked out by the thick branches of the trees. She could barely see her own hand in front of her face as she tried to feel her way to safety. She stumbles upon a clearing, the moonlight filtering in and giving the space an ethereal glow. Despite its serene look; a dark, sinister cloud hovered over the space.

The Midnight Feast is a thriller following multiple POVs and spanning two different timelines. A past told in journal form and the present following the grand opening of a new manor resort for the rich and famous.

This book was eerie, dark, and haunting… rich people drama with a touch of the occult. I enjoyed the past and present timelines, a mystery involved in each setting slowly being unveiled on the pages. The multiple POVs was not overdone in my opinion and each person had an impact on the story. I do wish the occult aspect would have been explored a little more, gone a darker direction (but that’s just a personal preference). An entertaining book with short chapters that made for a quick read!

If you like rich people drama, dual timelines, isolated settings, and exploration of the occult… then I’d definitely recommend this one!

2.5 rounded up. This book took me awhile to get into, and I had to force myself to read it for the first half. There were some aspects I enjoyed, specifically how delusional Francesca’s chapters were, but a lot fell flat. The local folklore about The Birds didn’t interest me, which is a shame because it all came together in the end. I wish the author didn’t make it seem supernatural because it lost me there and it didn’t need to.

The second half was MUCH better and I got very into it. Some of the reveals I could predict but some I couldn’t, and I found the last quarter of the book satisfying. I just wish it didn’t take so long to get there.

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

I had such high hopes for “The Midnight Feast”. I was intrigued by the synopsis: a manor, the woods, the secrets. I just knew I was going to love it. But sadly, this one didn't work for me. Despite my anticipation, the book was a struggle to get through and I found myself wanting to quit reading. The plot of this was kind of slow for me. It was also very weird and all over the place throughout the novel. Similar to her other novels, this is told from multiple POVs - which works great in thrillers - but then she also included weird flashback/diary chapters that really chopped up the story. It was hard to like any of the characters, too. All of the bird stuff was very bizarre. The second half picked up a bit and the plot did come together in the end. I'll still pick up Foley's next novel, but this one was a miss for me. Thank you Lucy Foley, William Morrow and Netgalley for the chance to read this ARC and provide my honest feedback.

Oof. Lucy Foley's books usually fall in the "just okay" category for me but The Midnight Feast did not work for me, at all. I would finish each chapter and think to myself "wtf was that?" It was very difficult to keep track of whose POV I was in. I couldn't connect to any characters and quickly lost interest in how the plot would turn out.

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

“The Midnight Feast” written by Lucy Foley is a fantastic fast paced page turner! This thriller kept me up all night because I just had to know what would happen. In typical Foley fashion, we have different POVs that come together perfectly. The diary entries were a perfect addition to the book that really brought some character into it. Thank you so much to NetGalley and publisher for this ARC!

Just in time for the summer Foley scores another thrill packed intelligent whodunit. Yes, it is formulastic...but in Foley's hands it works. What more can be said.