“Unruly women are always witches, no matter what century we’re in.”

–Roxanne Gay

Lucy Foley’s latest psychological thriller* takes place at Midsummer,  as guests gather for the grand opening of a luxury resort in the beautiful-but-creepy coastal village of Tome. Francesca Meadows has transformed her former summer home into an ultra-chic retreat, despite the objections of some locals, who resent the intrusion of arrogant rich people into the ancient forest. She and her architect husband Owen aren’t afraid of a few farmers, or even of the supernatural creatures known as The Birds, who are believed to dispense their own form of justice to those they deem unworthy. Francesca’s courage holds up well enough until the first body is found, and she starts to realize that at least one guest has a hidden agenda.

This rich tale is told from multiple points of view and jumps between the present and a set of mysterious diary entries from 2010. The different backstories eventually weave together in the main storyline, showing how they have crafted their personas to get what they want.

Although the characters are not exactly likeable, I found myself drawn in by Foley’s exploration of the ways social and psychological forces had shaped them. Much of the tension comes from the differences in power between the haves and have-nots, which is a sympathetic subject for most of the world these days and seeing them uncomfortable is always fun.

In short, if you’re looking for something to keep you entertained through the dog-days of summer, this twisty novel might just do the trick.

*The Midnight Feast (William Morrow 2024).