"The Midnight Feast" by Lucy Foley

 

I've read a couple of Lucy Foley's books before, so I was excited to get my hands on her latest release. I'm a sucker for locked-room murder mysteries, and this one piqued my interest right away. Set at the seaside Manor in Dorset, the story unfolds through the perspectives of several key characters:

* Francesca Woodland: the founder and owner of the manor, a posh resort.
* Owen, her husband, is an architect.
* Bella - a guest at the hotel with an agenda.
* Eddie, a nineteen-year-old kitchen helper.

The book alternates between the present and the past, beginning before the events at the Manor and then shifting to its opening night, where Francesca is determined to ensure its success. However, things quickly go awry. The locals, unhappy with the Manor’s encroachment into the local woods and its attempts to privatize the public beach, are disrupting the guests' peace with their actions. Add the appearance of crows, black feathers stuck on doors and people, and a guest determined to wake sleepy dogs, and the stage is set. Thus, a chain of events is set in motion that can end only one way. 

While 'The Midnight Feast' is an enjoyable and interesting read, I must admit that the pace felt rather slow, and the suspense didn't truly kick in until halfway through. Nonetheless, the main characters are well-fleshed out and interesting, although not all are likable. Each harbors secrets that gradually unravel as the narrative unfolds, compelling readers to eagerly turn the pages to uncover what is going on.

Narrated from multiple perspectives in the first person, the story seamlessly weaves between characters and timelines, including events from fifteen years prior recounted through diary entries. I particularly enjoyed the incorporation of folklore surrounding the woods and the Birds, as well as the subtle nod to Hitchcock's iconic film "The Birds," which I found delightful. Foley's writing flows smoothly, providing insightful glimpses into the characters' minds. I appreciated how their narratives intertwined and converged as the plot progressed.

Overall, "The Midnight Feast" is a solid read, albeit a tad slow-paced, earning it four out of five stars from me. While it may not keep you on the edge of your seat, the story remains compelling enough to maintain interest throughout. With its enchanting twists on ancient myths and atmospheric storytelling, I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery and a peek into the complexities of human nature.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: "The Midnight Feast" by Lucy Foley