Minnie's Fiction Addiction

👀 First impressions:
From the moment I read the blurb for The Midnight Feast, I had a feeling this would be classic Lucy Foley, with multiple perspectives, a glamorous setting hiding something rotten underneath, and a creeping sense of doom. The idea of an exclusive wellness retreat launching on the Dorset coast felt ripe for drama, and the mention of local folklore and fire festivals sealed it for me. I expected secrets, simmering tension, and a payoff that would tie the whole twisted mess together, and that’s mostly what I got.

✅ What I Liked:
What really stood out to me was the atmosphere. Foley has always had a knack for setting, and here she blends the glossy with the eerie in a compelling way. The retreat, pitched as a haven of calm and luxury, pulses with a strange energy, haunted by something older than its influencer-friendly aesthetic. From the woods that surround the grounds to the flickering torches of the pagan-style midnight feast, there’s a constant sense that something isn’t quite right.

The use of multiple timelines worked well for me. We move between the build-up to the opening night, the aftermath of a crime, and the now-unfolding investigation. Rather than feeling confusing, the structure added to the suspense and gave just enough information to keep me guessing without giving the game away too early. Foley is at her best when her characters are slowly revealed to be something other than what they first appeared, and there are plenty of masks slipping here.

❎ What I didn’t Like:
I did struggle a little with the sheer number of perspectives. While each character brought something to the table, there were moments where I had to flip back and remind myself who was who, especially early on. Some voices blurred together, and I found myself more invested in certain storylines than others. At times, the pace also dipped slightly, particularly in the middle, where the narrative spent a bit too long simmering without boiling over.

📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
If you’ve enjoyed Lucy Foley’s previous novels, particularly The Guest List or The Hunting Party, you’ll likely feel right at home with The Midnight Feast. It has all the hallmarks of her best work, including a closed setting full of tension, a tangled web of secrets, and a slow, satisfying unravelling of the truth. What sets this one apart is the addition of a folk horror flavour, subtle, but just enough to add a chill to the spine.

💭 Final Thoughts:
The Midnight Feast is a stylish and unsettling thriller that plays with themes of greed, guilt, and the stories we bury. It feels both contemporary, with its commentary on wealth and wellness culture, and timeless, thanks to its folkloric undercurrent and haunting setting. While it’s not my favourite of Foley’s novels, it’s still a strong entry that shows her growing confidence in blending genres. I was left thinking about the final reveal long after I closed the book, which is always a good sign.

🛍️ Where to buy
To buy your own copy click HERE

Final Rating ★★★★ – A compelling summer thriller with a dark folkloric heart, perfect for fans of slow-burn mysteries with bite.