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uranaishi's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Drug use, Fire/Fire injury, Murder, Sexual assault, Car accident, and Drug abuse
Moderate: Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Toxic relationship, Death, Gaslighting, Body shaming, Confinement, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Abandonment, Animal death, Blood, Cursing, Classism, Stalking, Alcohol, Grief, Sexual violence, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Rape, Animal cruelty, Bullying, Dementia, Adult/minor relationship, Sexism, Excrement, Vomit, Suicide attempt, Fatphobia, Infidelity, Misogyny, Addiction, and Alcoholism
lovelymisanthrope's review
- 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
"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.
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
amateur_bookworm's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
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Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishing for the ARC copy of this book.
Graphic: Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Car accident, Confinement, Cursing, Toxic relationship, Alcohol, Blood, Death, Murder, Toxic friendship, and Violence
Moderate: Stalking, Abandonment, Animal death, Bullying, Classism, Gaslighting, Infidelity, and Sexual assault