The Midnight Feast

Loved this book! Highly recommend! Atmospheric, suspenseful, creepy scary at times, excellent writing, well-developed characters, excellent plot!! I’ll definitely be thinking about this book for a long time to come.

What a fantastics tale she tells. I’m so glad I experienced this story!

I love the way this author writes. I could not put this book down…..even at 4am on a work night. I highly recommend.

When I first started reading Lucy Foley's latest thriller, known for her mastery of multi-POV narratives, it took a little time to get into the story. Initially, I thought it might be a slow burn. But let's look at the bright side: it doesn't have as many characters as "The Guest List," so I figured I could quickly grasp the main story around the mysterious victim's identity by navigating between timelines and narratives. However, a few chapters in, my opinion completely changed, especially with the inclusion of the diary entries. Suddenly, I found myself extremely hooked, turning the pages faster. The last third of the book blew my mind. The words seemed to possess me as the adrenaline pumped through my veins. The several twists took me by surprise, and the puzzle-style climax had me jumping in my seat. And of course, the ending was amazing! Interestingly, it reminded me of the ending of "True Detective: Night County." The incorporation of folklore, particularly the legend of the Birds, perfectly blended into the main mystery, where locals fight for justice against the invasion of the polished, filthy-rich Zenith community, with touches reminiscent of Hitchcock's classic film "The Birds." Until I read this, I thought "The Guest List" was my favorite work by the author, but this book has dethroned it and become my all-time favorite. From its cynical portrayal of the ultra-rich to its sarcastic critique of class differences and the locals' fight for what they deserve, to the mind games surrounding the identities of victims and perpetrators, this book offers a uniquely immersive reading experience. The story centers around the Manor: an ultra-luxurious estate nestled in Woodland Hutches, designed to provide a peaceful escape for its privileged guests. Owned by Francesca Woodland, who hides dark secrets beneath a facade of priestess-like purity, the Manor is set to host a memorable summer solstice feast. Her younger husband, aspiring architect Owen, might be enchanted by her dreamy facade and the illusion she's created about her persona, as he shares his own dark secrets about his past that could threaten their shared future. However, Francesca's plans are disrupted by a mystery guest from her past, Bella, who is determined to confront the tragedy she has endured for fifteen years. Meanwhile, nineteen-year-old kitchen helper Eddie finds himself caught between the locals seeking retribution against the Manor's guests and his dedication to his new job, all while dealing with his dysfunctional family. As the narrative shifts back to the day after the solstice, we meet DI Walker, a specialist in cold cases, who investigates the tragic events that occurred at the Manor during the solstice celebration. Deaths, terrorized guests, and a burning Manor lead to a myriad of questions: What happened on the solstice? Who perished? Who is responsible? How did the fire start? Readers are tasked with collecting the pieces of the puzzle to solve the mystery, but nothing is as it seems, and Lucy Foley's cunning storytelling is sure to keep you on your toes. Overall, this is undoubtedly my favorite book by the author, and it has the potential to be one of the standout thrillers of the year. Highly, absolutely, extremely recommended!

It took some getting used to the shifting views but afterwards I sailed thru this book! Love all the twists and turns. Some I saw coming but most left me shocked. I love reading books where all the pieces are there building up to the reveal but you still don’t see it coming. Loved this book

I’ve read all of Lucy Foley’s books. I have to say I am disappointed in this one. It was all over the place and confusing. The writing wasn’t organized. I expected more from her. Definitely not her best work.

Another good Lucy Foley mystery. Full of darkness and humanity

Just when you thought one thing it turned into something else all neatly tied together. Thoroughly enjoyed this!

Great book

Seriously stupid, and a disappointment coming from this author.