Book Review: The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley
From the moment I saw the title The Midnight Feast, I knew I had to dive into Lucy Foley’s latest offering. Known for her spine-tingling thrillers and vividly drawn characters, Foley has a remarkable ability to create narratives that intertwine suspense with rich atmospheric details. This book, which I’d eagerly anticipated for 2024, exceeded every expectation I had set and has already nestled itself as one of my top reads of the year.
At its core, The Midnight Feast revolves around four unique characters—Francesca, the ambitious founder; Owen, her supportive yet mysterious husband; Bella, a guest cloaked in enigma; and Eddie, the seemingly inconspicuous kitchen help. Initially, I thought juggling four perspectives might complicate the narrative, but Foley masterfully balances them. Each character adds a layer of intrigue, lending depth to the unfolding chaos at The Manor during its grand opening weekend.
Set against the backdrop of Francesca’s luxurious retreat—a restoration of her family’s coastal estate—the narrative unfolds on a night that holds promise but, as we soon realize, is steeped in tension. The guests arrive, expecting an escape that feels almost royal, but the air thickens with an unsettling undercurrent as the chilling history of the estate begins to seep into the present. Foley expertly crafts an oppressive atmosphere, where the nearby woods loom ominously, harboring secrets that amplify the story’s tension. This setting grabbed me from the very first pages; it felt alive, a character in its own right.
The unique structure of the book, with its alternating short chapters, kept me on the edge of my seat. I found myself racing through the pages, desperate to uncover the truth behind the strange occurrences, as Foley ingeniously pieces together the past through haunting journal entries detailing events from 15 years prior. Each revelation only intensified the stakes, the connections between characters becoming more twisted and tantalizing as the narrative progressed.
What I particularly adored was Foley’s ability to create an atmosphere that felt rich, dangerous, and almost pagan in nature. The writing dances close to folk horror, a genre I’m especially fond of, with its exploration of darkness lurking just beneath the surface. This skillful construction kept me captivated, feeling as though I was part of the Midnight Feast myself—an eager participant in the unfolding mystery.
As I neared the conclusion, my heart raced—not just from excitement, but from the sheer anticipation of how everything would fit together. The ending was not just satisfying; it brought forth jaw-dropping twists that further solidified my belief that The Midnight Feast is Foley’s strongest work yet. Trust me when I say this—if you’re someone who relishes cleverly plotted narratives that keep you guessing until the final page, you won’t want to miss this one.
In a world where the TBR list seems endless, I urge you to carve out space for The Midnight Feast. It’s a spellbinding mix of atmospheric tension, complex characters, and a story that unfolds like a well-crafted puzzle. Whether you’re a longtime Lucy Foley fan or a newcomer looking for a gripping read, this novel promises an unforgettable journey that both thrills and chills.
Thank you to William Morrow for the chance to read and review this astounding book. Well done, Lucy Foley—this one’s a masterpiece!