Lucy Foley is an automatic buy for me. I struggled with this one. The plot fell flat and I found myself picking up the book and putting it down without much enthusiasm. The setting of the book was perfect, an English seaside getaway for the wealthy. The ominous setting and dark characters just added to the intrigue. The plot and twists fell a little short.

I will always read Lucy Foley and am eagerly hoping for a better book next year!

𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝔾𝕚𝕤𝕥:
On the lavish opening night of The Manor, an infinity pool glistens, healing crystals adorn the cottages, and "Manor Mule" cocktails flow freely. Guests, all clad in linen, mingle under the midsummer sun.

However, darkness lurks as old friends and foes gather. By Sunday morning, the police are called to the scene. Amidst the pristine grounds and the secrets of the ancient nearby forest, a fire has broken out, and a body has been found.

𝕋𝕙𝕖𝕞𝕖𝕤 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤:
⏳ Multiple timelines
🐦‍⬛ All the birds
👥 Four perspectives
📝 Journal entries
🌫️ Atmospheric & spooky

𝕊𝕚𝕞𝕚𝕝𝕒𝕣 𝕍𝕚𝕓𝕖𝕤:
📚 The Only One Left by Riley Sager
📚 Weyward by Emilia Hart

𝕄𝕪 𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤:
What a wild ride! 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗱𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗙𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁 is a spooky and atmospheric thriller with many twists that kept me entertained and engaged. Well-thought-out characters (even the unlikeable ones), a vividly described atmospheric setting, an intriguing premise, dual timelines and multiple perspectives, woven into a cohesive narrative made for an engaging read. I loved the intensity of the present-day narrative, the folklore and the dark myth associated with the land, which added to the tension.

At times, the multiple timelines and different perspectives were difficult to keep track of. The story dragged a bit at times, especially in the beginning, causing it to feel longer than it actually was.

Overall, this was very entertaining and I look forward to reading more of Lucy Foley’s writing in the future!

𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘆, 𝗟𝘂𝗰𝘆 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗲𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗺 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘄 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗲𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄.

𝕄𝕪 ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘:
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (𝟹.𝟻/𝟻)

Lucy Foley always has some good twists and turns up her sleeve. I was yet again impressed with her latest book. All the layers that this author adds to her stories and then once the twist/s are reviled you just say “ahhhhh ok, this makes sense”.

I thought the whole crazy rich people resort reminded me a lot of “Nine Perfect Strangers” because everyone is so bonkers which usually is what happens when a bunch of wealthy people have the money to spend at a resort. I loved but also hated all the main characters but I also loved hating them, if that makes sense.

Over all I thought this book was really good. I finished it in just 2 days and although it was not my favorite by this author, it was VERY good.

“The Midnight Fest” is a compelling mystery that kept me engaged with its intricate plot and atmospheric setting. The story revolves around a group of people who reunite for a lavish party, only to find themselves entangled in a web of secrets and lies.

Pros:

Atmospheric Setting: Foley excels at creating a vivid and immersive environment. The descriptions of the party and the surrounding locale are rich and evocative, drawing readers into the world she has crafted.

Character Dynamics: The interactions between the characters are well-developed, with each individual bringing their own unique personality and backstory to the table. This adds depth to the narrative and keeps the reader invested in their fates.
Cons:

Pacing Issues: At times, the story’s pacing can feel uneven. Some sections drag on, while others rush through crucial plot points, making it difficult to maintain a consistent level of engagement.

Predictability: While the mystery is intriguing, seasoned readers of the genre might find some of the twists and turns predictable. The resolution, in particular, may not come as a surprise to those familiar with Foley’s previous works.

Overall, “The Midnight Fest” is an enjoyable read with strong character development and a captivating setting. However, its pacing issues and predictability prevent it from reaching its full potential. It’s a solid choice for fans of Foley’s work and those who enjoy a good mystery, but it may not stand out among the best in the genre.

Francesca Meadows inherits her grandfa’s estate and turns it into a luxury resort called The Manor. Opening weekend is scheduled during the summer solstice, so plans a solstice party. Despite meticulously planning every detail to a tee, Francesca’s party is anything but perfect; not everything is what it seems and her past comes back to haunt her. As hard as you try to conceal your secrets, they almost always end up getting exposed.

I really enjoyed the points of view from multiple characters and past journal entries to tell the story. Towards the second half of the book, I got hooked. The storylines started to intertwine even more and we get the same scene from multiple characters to get the various perspectives. Just when I thought I had it figured out, I was completely wrong and realized I missed a lot of Easter eggs that were dropped throughout the book.

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

I wanted to love this because I loved The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley, but this one fell a little flat for me.

The constant flipping of timelines was difficult to keep up with at times. It took me way too long to realize that the cop's timeline was AFTER the 'Midnight Feast' that had yet to happen. And the summer journals...it also took me way too long to realize this was in the past and that it was a younger Bella writing it.

And the birds...I didn't and still don't understand. Are these people...half bird? Like I'm confused and it seemed like such a weak plot point.

I also didn't really care about the characters. I don't think there was enough character development for anyone for me to be truly invested in their journeys.

There were a few twists I appreciated, especially the detective being Eddie's brother, Jake. But aside from the twists, I found myself a little bored to be honest. I just think for a mystery/thriller it could've been a more gripping story.

It is the opening weekend of The Manor. No expense has been spared and luxury is the name of the game. However, The Manor holds a dark past in this small coastal village. The past is starting to creep towards the surface and the forest holds secrets that some people would kill to keep buried while others would kill to drag to the surface.

I love Lucy Foley’s books and feel like The Midnight Feast has brought us back to her signature style of a creepy and remote location where anything can happen. There are a lot of twists and turns in this book so it keeps you on your toes. I did think a few things came together a bit TOO nicely at the end but it was a fun journey with interesting twists.

This book was very engaging and although I'm not a fan of books that move back and forth between the present time and the past I was hooked. There's not much to say except that this was my first book of this author's and I am looking forward to grabbing another book of Lucy Foley. It is something I recommend if you need another author on your TBR!

Also, you won't feel frustrated by the end because of the ones who were....gone. lol.

Very well written, but I’m not surprised as I’ve loved everything I’ve read of Lucy Foley’s!

Her character development and dialogue are perfect, although her characters are always a bit too vulgar. I tend to feel like I need a shower or to spend some extra time with Jesus after finishing her novels.

The mystery was amazing, one part felt “Scooby Doo” but I figured it would have to because Foley’s never had supernatural elements, only things that seem that way.

The people that needed to be dead were dead at the end, so I appreciated that!

Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

On a scale of complexity of reading, from James Patterson (easier) to Tana French (more detailed), this would lean towards the Patterson side. I found myself insulted and whiplashed by the chapters. I did, however, find the ending good. Thanks to NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

Is there an evil bird cult haunting the new resort for the A-listers? 😅 I typically enjoy Foley for her character development and how she weaves the backstory of each of her protagonists. Here I found myself having difficulty following the jumping timelines and what exactly was going on and if it was real, maybe that was the intention? From 50% to 80% flew by like an action-thriller movie. Was biting my nails it was so good. Then the book wrapped up like a tsunami wave and I was left wanting more details of how my characters went on with life after the terror I just experienced.

The Guest List was one of the first thrillers that got me back into reading in 2020. So I’ve been auto buying any Lucy Foley book for the short chapters and mini cliff hangers.

The Midnight Feast is her latest release focusing on Secrets. Lies. Murder.

As always the setting of Foley’s stories comes to life with her writing. However multiple POV’s and timelines made this one hard to keep up with. Add some slow burn and this one just wasn’t for me. Will I continue to check out her books? Absolutely!

Definitely one of her books that I've enjoyed the most. Appreciated the fully flushed out characters, especially Eddie, who was easily the best part of the book. The flashback portions were inserted well and really added great tension.

I was very excited to read this newest book by Lucy Foley. She is a thriller writer who also makes her characters vivid and realistic. This book was no exception. The characters were an interesting assortment, with their own motivations for being at The Manor. The book starts quickly with a murder and then moves back and forth between the present and the past.
The Manor is owned by Francesca Woodland who is hiding things from her past. Her husband is Owen, an architect who is also hiding things from his past.
The book starts a little slow for me as the reader tries to determine who the murder victim is. But like most Lucy Foley, nothing is as it seems in this book.

THE MIDNIGHT FEAST - LUCY FOLEY

4⭐

PLOT - Its the opening night of The Manor an exclusive high end retreat with seaside cottages, woodland hitches.
The guests are treated to a speciality cocktail and crystal pouches but outside the manor is an ancient forest with secrets and as guests arrive so do problems from fire to a body been discovered.
It all began with a secret 15 years ago and now it will end in murder at the midnight feast hosted by the manors founder.

MY THOUGHTS -
Typical Lucy Foley's style we have a group of people ( founder, her husband, mystery guest, kitchen help) with a slow burn locked door murder mystery.
It takes time a good 25-30% to get into the story and all its characters and the last 1/3rd will be the one where you would want to know what happens next with some amazing twists esp the last one which is superb and binds everything together well.
Told in multiple POVs with alternating timelines each characters are well fleshed out. Would recommend you picking up a paperback or ebook for this one.

After reading all her works, I am a confirmed Lucy Foley addict! Cannot recommend highly enough and will be purchasing for all library locations.

The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley, one of my favorite authors, is a thrilling ride of secrets, lies, and murder. The luxurious setting of The Manor, with its sparkling infinity pool and lavish amenities, contrasts sharply with the dark secrets that unfold as old friends and enemies collide. The suspense builds to a chilling climax when a body is discovered on opening weekend. With twists at every turn, this book is an absolute must-read, and it certainly did not disappoint!

Thank you for the ARC of this book.

I really wanted to love this. I do really enjoy the genre and have loved Foleys other books.

But WOW I cannot stand these characters and the timeline is all over the place. The journals showing the characters as teens was interesting but overall there was such a lack of character development throughout the story.

They can’t all be great. I’ll still pick up her next book though.

I like Lucy Foley's stories, so I was excited to be approved for this one. I really enjoyed this one. Was it my favorite of hers? No, but it was decent.

After a very slow start, the story did finally pick up. I found myself enjoying the multiple POVs more than I normally would. The end felt very rushed, but that happens sometimes when the story starts to get a little long.

My instinct was to give this 3 stars but after reflecting some more, it’s really more personal preference for why I would have rated it 3 stars.

This book is a perfectly good book. But for me personally, as I have felt with all of Lucy foleys books, they just take so long to get into, and it is so incredibly
Character-driven, which is not my cup of tea. The pacing just feels so so slow to me, but it wasn’t a bad book at all.

There are a lot of characters to juggle in this and it’s done well but I found myself having to stop to think about who the new character is and what their storyline was. Again, not terrible and it was pretty well done, but not my favorite.