“In my experience, those who have the greatest respect for the rules also take the most enjoyment in breaking them.”
Lucy Foley is one of the most popular mystery thriller novelists in the world. Having studied English literature at University College London and Durham University, she worked as an editor at Headline Publishing Group and Hodder & Stoughton before embarking on a writing career full-time. Her debut novel, The Book of Lost and Found, was published in 2015; however, it was following the release of The Guest List in 2020 that Lucy Foley became an acclaimed New York Times bestselling author. Lucy Foley has established herself as one of the best locked-room mystery writers, weaving together gripping psychological narratives, character-driven plots and shocking revelations. From her earlier historical fiction novels to her recent whodunnits, we here at What We Reading thought we would guide you through all of Lucy Foley’s books in order to ensure you don’t miss a single twist!
The Book Of Lost And Found (2015)
Kate Darling’s enigmatic mother – a once-famous ballerina – has passed away, leaving Kate gutted. When her grandmother also falls ill and leaves Kate a small portrait of a woman who looks strikingly like her mother, she soon stumbles upon a mystery that could upend everything she thought she knew.
Kate’s journey to unearth the true identity of the woman in the portrait takes her to some of the most iconic and indulgent locales, unveiling a love story that began in the swinging 1920s, that was disrupted by war, and could now spark new love for herself. Lucy Foley’s debut book is told in alternating perspectives from Kate and voices from the past, casting light on family secrets and love, both lost and found.
The Invitation (2016)
Hal is a flailing journalist living in Rome in 1953, looking for absolution for the one thing that continues to haunt him. One evening, he finds himself on the steps of a palazzo, walking into a world of privilege and light. There, he encounters the enigmatic Stella. The pair of them come from completely different worlds; yet, their connection is magnetic. Stella soon vanishes all too quickly, and Hal is certain that their paths will never cross again.
But, just a year later, they are unexpectedly thrown together again when Hal receives an invitation from a Contessa asking him to be a reporter on a luxurious yacht skimming along the Italian coast to the Cannes film festival. As Hal’s obsession with Stella grows, he becomes determined to bring back the girl she once was. Once again brimming with glamorous surroundings, Lucy Foley’s The Invitation is an atmospheric novel about the ways in which the secrets of the past remain with us, no matter how much we try to escape them.
Last Letter From Istanbul (2018)
Constantinople, 1921: each day Nur looks across the waters of the Bosphorus to her childhood home, a grand white estate nestled on the opposite bank. The memories of that place are as strong as ever, but those days are long gone. The house has been transformed into an army hospital, a prize of war in the hands of the British.
And as Nur navigates the streets carrying the embroideries that have become her sole source of income, Constantinople teems with Allied soldiers, reminding both her and others of how far the city has fallen. The only thing left for Nur is the orphan in her care – a young boy with a grave secret. But, when he falls perilously ill, her entire world becomes entwined with the enemy’s and she must return across the sea and plead for help from Medical Officer George Monroe.
The Hunting Party (2019)
The first Lucy Foley book that marked the novelist’s switch to the mystery-thriller genre, The Hunting Party follows a group of thirty-something friends from Oxford. Every year, they have a tradition of vacationing away and seeing in the New Year together. This year, they have chosen a picturesque, isolated estate in the Scottish Highlands as the ideal spot to get away and unwind by themselves.
The trip begins pleasantly enough, with the group admiring the stunning scenery and enjoying champagne by the crackling fire. But, after a decade, the weight of secret resentments has grown too heavy for the group’s fragile nostalgia to bear. And, when this delicate bond snaps, one of them is found dead. A shivery and atmospheric whodunnit, The Hunting Party is the perfect entry read for anyone looking to learn what Foley’s books are all about.
Check Out The Best Books Like The Hunting Party
The Guest List (2020)
Arguably the book that helped put Lucy Foley on the map as one of the most renowned locked-room thriller writers, The Guest List whisks readers to an island off the coast of Ireland. There, guests gather to celebrate the marriage of Will, a handsome and charming television star, and Jules, an ambitious, savvy magazine publisher.
From the boutique whiskey, and the designer dress to the luxe party favours, it is a fitting celebration for a couple who have it all. But, as the champagne is popped and the festivities begin, old resentments and petty jealousies soon bubble to the surface. The groomsmen begin playing their drinking games from school, the bride’s male friend gives an unnervingly familiar toast and the bridesmaid deliberately ruins her dress. And then someone turns up dead. Who doesn’t wish the happy couple well and, more importantly, why not?
Check Out The Best Books Like The Guest List
The Paris Apartment (2022)
Jess is in need of a fresh start. Broke and alone, she has just left her job under less-than-desirable circumstances. Her half-brother, Ben, isn’t thrilled when she asks him, but nevertheless reluctantly agrees to let her stay with him in his luxurious apartment nestled in the heart of Paris. Only, when she shows up, he isn’t there.
The longer Ben stays missing, the more Jess begins to dig into her brother’s bizarre situation, and the more questions she begins to find herself with. Ben’s neighbours are an eccentric lineup, and not especially friendly. Jess may have come to the French capital to escape her past, however, it’s beginning to look like it’s Ben’s future that is most at stake here. In Lucy Foley’s 2022 book, The Paris Apartment, everyone is a neighbour, everyone is a suspect, and everyone knows something they aren’t saying.
Check Out The Best Books Like The Paris Apartment
The Midnight Feast (2024)
One of the most anticipated mystery books from 2024, The Midnight Feast takes readers to the opening night of The Manor, where no expense has been spared. The infinity pool sparkles, and crystal pouches for guests’ healing have been placed in the Seaside Cottages and Woodland Hutches, everyone is wearing linen and the house ‘Manor Mule’ is being poured with a heavy hand.
But, under the burning midsummer sun, a darkness stirs. Old friends and bitter enemies mingle amongst the guests. Just outside the pristinely-preserved Manor grounds, lies an ancient forest bustling with secrets. And, the Sunday morning of the opening weekend, the local police are summoned. There has been a fire, and a body has been found. It all began with a secret fifteen years ago, but it is set to end with a shocking, sudden murder.
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
