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katie_liz's review against another edition
4.5
I love Lucy Foley’s books and was so excited to pick up her latest - couldn’t tear myself away!
This felt like her most ambitious book to date, with a large and detailed cast, appreciating time points and POV, a gloomy gothic setting and a rich and complex local history. It’s worth trusting the process -with so many characters it takes a little while to get inside their heads. However Foley masterfully wove the various threads as perspectives together to a great crescendo of a reveal that did not disappoint!
I really enjoyed the nuance of the varied characters, and the social complexity that The Manor evoked in the small town. Frankie’s character occasionally slipped into feeling a bit cartoonish, but I loved Eddie and his family, with their complicated dynamics.
I was lucky to read this as an ebook and audiobook, and loved both versions. The narration of the audiobook was sensational, with the feel of a full cast narration, and a heightened sense of drama. The characterisations and crisp accents really helped to establish the different characters, and immerse you into the threads of the story.
Would highly recommend!
Thank you HarperCollins UK, HarperCollins UK Audio, and NetGalley for a copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.
annmariematzker's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. This was a really solid thriller and probably my favorite that I've read this year. It was a little slow at first, but the pay off at the end was really good.
hnowak95's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I think there were too many characters and timelines for me to really love this one. I had a hard time keeping track and it was slow going in the beginning, but the last 20-30% all the characters came together and I liked the twists. I also didn't love the bird folklore element, and found these scenes a little misplaced and distracting from the plot. The atmosphere of the Manor and the tension built was well-done.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
maddiesbooksta's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
montanamomreads's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley, William Morrow Books and the author for the gifted copies of the e-book.
I was completely drawn into this captivating journey right from the first chapter. The unexpected twists kept me eagerly turning the pages, craving to uncover more. The story is brilliantly constructed, with intersecting timelines and multiple points of view that provide deep insight into the characters. The characters are so well-written that I found myself empathizing with some and fervently hoping for the downfall of others.
Murder, deceit, revenge, secrets, and lies made it nearly impossible to set this book aside. I was compelled to keep reading, constantly in anticipation of what would happen next, and I couldn't unravel the mystery until the very end. Lucy Foley's talent for crafting thrilling narratives is truly remarkable. The way she creates a narrative that pulls you in and keeps you on the edge of your seat is nothing short of masterful.
If you enjoy stories filled with suspense and intrigue surrounding murder and deception, I highly recommend this book. It's set to be released on June 18th.
riinaerm's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
5.0
So damn good! The atmosphere, the heat, the folk tales... Couldn't put it down. I don't even have words. And the different POVs were written in such different styles, I'm beyond impressed.
readwithtabi's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
lovelymisanthrope's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
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.
"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.
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Alcohol, Death of parent, Classism, Stalking, Grief, Drug use, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Death, and Suicide
Moderate: Sexual content, Sexual assault, and Car accident
ruthie_the_librarian's review against another edition
3.0
Nobody is very nice in this book, and I think that was a problem for me as a reader. I did like Eddie, but for much of the book it didn't feel like he had a very big part in the story, and everyone else was pretty awful. I also struggled with the idea that people didn't recognise each other after 15 years...so much of the story relied on that, and I'm afraid I didn't buy it. Which is a shame, because otherwise it was readable and although it ran a little long, I did want to know how the resolve would work itself out.
With thanks to Net Galley for my copy.
With thanks to Net Galley for my copy.