Hold onto your fancy linen pants, folks, because Lucy Foley’s new thriller “The Midnight Feast” is one wild ride! If you thought your last getaway was a disaster, wait till you check into The Manor – the hottest new boutique hotel on the Dorset coast where the champagne’s flowing, the crystals are healing, and oh yeah, there’s a murderer on the loose. Talk about a five-star nightmare!
The Set-Up:
Picture this: It’s opening weekend at The Manor, brainchild of wellness guru and Instagram darling Francesca Meadows. Think Gwyneth Paltrow meets British aristocracy, with a dash of girlboss energy. She’s transformed her family’s crumbling estate into a playground for the rich and famous, complete with an infinity pool, CBD-infused cocktails, and more linen than a Pottery Barn warehouse.
But beneath the glossy surface, something’s rotten in the state of Dorset. As a motley crew of guests descends on The Manor for a midsummer solstice celebration, old grudges resurface and new tensions simmer. There’s Francesca’s hunky architect husband Owen, her ne’er-do-well twin brothers Hugo and Oscar, and a mysterious last-minute guest who’s got everyone on edge. Oh, and let’s not forget the staff, including our boy Eddie, a local lad just trying to earn some cash washing dishes. Poor kid has no idea what he’s in for!
The Plot Thickens:
As the temperature rises (hello, climate change!), things start to get weird. We’re talking creepy noises in the woods, ominous flocks of birds, and guests acting like they’ve chugged one too many Manor Mules. Just when you think it can’t get any crazier, boom! There’s a fire, a body turns up, and suddenly this luxury retreat is looking more like an episode of “Midsomer Murders” on steroids.
But wait, there’s more! Foley takes us on a trip down memory lane to 15 years ago, when young Bella (our mystery guest, perhaps?) spent a fateful summer at The Manor. Let’s just say it wasn’t all tea parties and croquet – there are enough secrets buried in those woods to fill a season of “Bridgerton.”
The Good, The Bad, and The Linen-Clad:
Now, let’s break it down, shall we?
What’s Hot:
- Atmosphere for Days: Foley knows how to set a mood, people. You can practically feel the muggy air and smell the overpriced scented candles. The contrast between the posh hotel and the creepy old forest is *chef’s kiss*.
- Characters You Love to Hate: From Francesca’s perfectly curated facade to Hugo’s smarmy charm, these folks are deliciously flawed. You’ll want to slap half of them and befriend the other half (looking at you, Eddie, you sweet summer child).
- Twists and Turns: Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, Foley pulls the rug out from under you. It’s like a literary rollercoaster, minus the nausea (unless you’re reading while drinking those Manor Mules).
- Class Commentary: There’s some smart stuff here about the haves and have-nots, influencer culture, and the commodification of “authentic” experiences. It’s like “Downton Abbey” for the Instagram age, with more murder and fewer Dowager Countess zingers.
What’s Not:
- Character Overload: There are more players here than in a Premier League match. Sometimes it’s hard to keep track of who’s who and why we should care.
- Coincidences Galore: A few plot points rely pretty heavily on chance. It’s not quite “evil twin” territory, but you might need to suspend your disbelief a tad.
- Pacing Hiccups: The back-and-forth between past and present is mostly smooth, but occasionally it’s jarring. Like when you’re settling in for a juicy present-day revelation and suddenly we’re back to teenage drama circa 2010.
The Verdict:
Listen, is “The Midnight Feast” going to win the Booker Prize? Not at all. But is it a rollicking good time that’ll keep you turning pages till the wee hours? You bet your overpriced healing crystals it is!
Foley has crafted a thoroughly entertaining mystery that blends classic whodunit elements with modern twists. It’s like Agatha Christie decided to write an episode of “The White Lotus,” and I am here for it.
Sure, it’s got its flaws—what doesn’t, darling?—but the strengths far outweigh the weaknesses. The atmospheric setting, the juicy secrets, the constant guessing game of who to trust—it all adds up to one satisfying read.
Who Should RSVP to This Midnight Feast:
- Fans of Foley’s previous hits like “The Guest List” and “The Paris Apartment”
- Anyone who loves a good locked-room mystery with a contemporary edge
- Readers who enjoy their thrillers with a side of social commentary
- People who’ve ever wanted to see an influencer get their comeuppance (admit it, we’ve all been there)
Who Should Maybe Skip This One:
- Those who prefer their mysteries cozy and quaint (this gets dark, folks)
- Readers who struggle with large casts of characters
- Anyone triggered by themes of sexual assault or drug use (Foley doesn’t shy away from the heavy stuff)
Final Thoughts:
“The Midnight Feast” is like that friend who always has the best gossip—sometimes over-the-top, occasionally prone to exaggeration, but ultimately impossible to resist. It’s a perfect beach read, assuming you don’t mind side-eyeing your fellow sunbathers and wondering what secrets they’re hiding behind those designer shades.
Foley continues to prove herself as a master of the modern thriller, serving up just the right blend of suspense, social observation, and soapy drama. It’s not highbrow literature, but who cares? Sometimes you just want to dive into a juicy story and emerge a few hours later, slightly dazed and thoroughly entertained.
So go ahead, book your stay at The Manor. Just maybe pack some extra snacks in case dinner gets interrupted by a murder investigation. And whatever you do, stay out of those woods at night. Trust me on this one.
Spicy Tidbits (aka Mild Spoilers):
- Keep an eye on that dishwasher, Eddie. There’s more to him than meets the eye!
- The truth about Owen’s past will have you gasping louder than a Real Housewife at a reunion special.
- Let’s just say those local legends about bird-masked vigilantes aren’t as far-fetched as they seem…
Rating: 4 out of 5 Manor Mules 🍹🍹🍹🍹
The Midnight Feast by Numbers:
- Pages: 368
- Suspicious Characters: Too many to count
- Shocking Twists: At least 3 major ones (and several minor jaw-droppers)
- Glasses of Manor Mule Consumed by This Reviewer While Reading: No comment
In Conclusion:
“The Midnight Feast” is a sumptuous, suspenseful romp that’ll have you eyeing your next Airbnb booking with serious suspicion. It’s not perfect, but it’s perfectly entertaining – the literary equivalent of binge-watching a addictive Netflix series.
So grab a copy, mix yourself a fancy cocktail (CBD oil optional), and settle in for a wild ride. Just maybe leave the lights on while you’re reading. And if you hear any strange noises coming from the woods… well, you’ve been warned!
Until next time, happy reading, thriller lovers. And remember: if someone invites you to a midsummer solstice celebration at their newly renovated country estate… maybe just send a gift card instead.