Title: The Midnight Feast: A Novel
Author: Lucy Foley
Tokybook Review:
In “The Midnight Feast,” Lucy Foley crafts a gripping and atmospheric thriller that has been aptly described as “Blair Witch meets Fyre Festival” by People magazine. This novel is a masterful blend of secrets, lies, and murder, set against the backdrop of the grand opening of The Manor, a luxurious resort that promises an unforgettable experience for its guests.
Foley’s writing is sharp, stylish, and stunning, as praised by Chris Whitaker, the New York Times bestselling author of “All the Colors of the Dark.” The author’s ability to create a sense of unease and tension from the very first page is remarkable, drawing readers into a world where nothing is quite as it seems.
The story unfolds on the opening night of The Manor, where no expense has been spared to ensure the ultimate luxury experience. The infinity pool sparkles, the “Manor Mule” cocktail flows freely, and everyone is dressed to impress in linen. However, beneath the glitz and glamour, darkness lurks. Old friends and enemies mingle among the guests, each harboring their own secrets and agendas.
Just beyond the immaculately maintained grounds of the resort, an ancient forest looms, bristling with secrets of its own. As the night progresses, the local police are called to the scene, and it becomes clear that the past has crashed the party with deadly consequences.
Foley masterfully weaves together the perspectives of four key characters: the girlboss, the husband, the kitchen help, and the mystery guest. Each character is well-developed and distinct, with their own motivations and secrets that slowly unravel as the story progresses. The author’s ability to create a cast of characters that are both intriguing and unreliable adds to the suspense and keeps readers guessing until the very end.
The setting of The Manor itself is a character in its own right, with its luxurious facades hiding dark secrets and a sense of foreboding that permeates every corner. Foley’s vivid descriptions transport readers to the heart of the action, immersing them in the suffocating atmosphere of the resort and the surrounding forest.
As the plot unfolds, the twists and turns keep readers on the edge of their seats, never quite sure who to trust or what to believe. Foley’s pacing is masterful, building tension and suspense until the shocking climax that will leave readers breathless.
“The Midnight Feast” has been hailed as “Agatha Christie for the Instagram age” by the Guardian, and it’s easy to see why. Foley has crafted a modern-day murder mystery that feels both timeless and utterly contemporary, with its cast of flawed and fascinating characters, luxurious setting, and dark secrets waiting to be uncovered.
While the novel is a standalone, fans of Foley’s previous works, such as “The Guest List” and “The Hunting Party,” will find much to love in “The Midnight Feast.” The author’s signature style of blending psychological suspense with a claustrophobic setting and a cast of unreliable characters is on full display here, making for a gripping and unforgettable read.
In conclusion, “The Midnight Feast” is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers, murder mysteries, and anyone who loves a good page-turner. Lucy Foley has once again proven herself to be a master of the genre, crafting a novel that is equal parts stylish, suspenseful, and utterly engaging. With its unforgettable characters, luxurious setting, and shocking twists, “The Midnight Feast” is a literary feast that will keep readers guessing until the very last page.
