Tag Archives: Suspense

Review: The Midnight Feast

The Midnight FeastThe Midnight Feast
By Lucy Foley
William Morrow & Company, 9780063003101, June 2024, 368pp.

The Short of It:

In the end, disappointment.

The Rest of It:

“It’s the opening night of The Manor, the newest and hottest luxury resort, and no expense, small or large, has been spared. The infinity pool sparkles; the “Manor Mule” cocktail (grapefruit, ginger, vodka, and a dash of CBD oil) is being poured with a heavy hand. Everyone is wearing linen.

But under the burning midsummer sun, darkness stirs. Old friends and enemies circulate among the guests. Just outside the Manor’s immaculately kept grounds, an ancient forest bristles with secrets. And it’s not too long before the local police are called. Turns out the past has crashed the party, with deadly results.” ~ from the publisher

This story alternates between when these characters were young, and them as adults. As youths, I was taken in by the story. But the adult characters were such crashing bores. I’ve read two other Foley books and enjoyed them quite a bit, but this one lost me every time the story turned to the present.

As a mystery, nothing is surprising and some of the antics are quite juvenile and ridiculous. I’m okay reading a book for its entertainment value but about halfway through that desire left me but I pushed through to finish it.

I know some people enjoyed this one but I do not recommend it. Read one of her other books.

Source: Borrowed
Disclosure: This post contains Indiebound affiliate links.

Review: Devils Island

Devils Island

Devils Island
By Midge Raymond & John Yunker
Oceanview Publishing,9781608096145, September 3, 2024, 320pp.

The Short of It:

Adventurous and suspenseful.

The Rest of It:

*No Spoilers*

Six people depart for an island tour. The island in question happens to be the home to endangered Tasmanian Devils. Not typically known to be a threat to humans, but when one of the guests go missing, Kerry, the tour lead can’t help but think the worst.

If you enjoy locked door mysteries then you are in for a treat. Stuck on a remote island, bad weather forcing them to remain together, and then the unthinkable, a missing person. That’s enough to satisfy, but then add long-time friends reconnecting after a significant break, married couples that are not so happily married, a rather juvenile assistant tour lead, and the flora and fauna of this isolated island with no other human inhabitants, and you’ve got a VERY satisfying read!

While Kerry attempts to hold it all together, her job depends on it, she’s doing what she can to not lay blame where it doesn’t belong. Blaming an endangered species, can only hurt their chances of survival. From a naturalist’s perspective, we experience the beauty of the island even though there is death and danger at every turn.

If you think you know where the story is going, then you’d be wrong. There are a lot of plot twists that keep you guessing and not the kind just thrown out there to throw you off. Plausible twists that will have you flipping those pages. We get to know each character intimately as we spend time with them on that island. I really liked Kerry. Wouldn’t mind a sequel at ALL.

I love to read but some books you just want to spend time with and that is how I felt with Devils Island. Armchair travelers will rejoice. Mystery lovers will find themselves completely captivated. And you outdoor types, rock climbers, hikers and the like will find something to love here as well.

Devils Island will be on my fave list at the end of the year. You should know that it comes out September 3rd, but waste no time, pre-order now.

Source: Sent to me by the author.
Disclosure: This post contains Indiebound affiliate links.