Ep 441: Lucy Foley talks secrets, lies, murder, and mystery writing
Aug 6, 2024
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Bestselling author Lucy Foley joins the conversation, sharing intriguing insights about her latest thriller, The Midnight Feast. She reveals the real-life inspirations for her atmospheric settings and discusses her fascination with unlikable characters. Foley also dives into the blending of horror and justice in modern murder mysteries, highlighting societal tensions in rural landscapes. With humor emerging in her character dialogues, she reflects on her writing journey from historical fiction to thrillers, influenced by her favorite authors.
Lucy Foley's latest thriller, The Midnight Feast, expertly intertwines atmospheric settings with themes of secrets and social dynamics during a high-stakes celebration.
The immersive opulence of the novel's luxury hotel juxtaposed with the haunting ancient woods establishes a suspenseful ambiance rich in folklore and tension.
Foley's evolution from historical fiction to contemporary thrillers showcases her ability to tackle modern societal issues while crafting complex, unlikable characters.
Deep dives
Exploring Fall Reading Submissions
The podcast highlights the importance of reader engagement as it actively invites submissions for fall episodes. Listeners are encouraged to share their personal reading experiences, particularly those related to themes of coziness during cooler seasons or books that evoke a sense of nostalgia or community. This open-ended submission call aims to include diverse perspectives and unique titles that may not have been previously featured. By prioritizing reader stories, the podcast seeks to foster a community around shared reading interests.
Introduction to Lucy Foley’s New Thriller
The conversation features author Lucy Foley discussing her latest release, The Midnight Feast, which is set against the backdrop of an opulent countryside retreat. The story, rich in secrets and intrigue, unfolds during a celebration coinciding with the Summer Solstice, creating a suspenseful atmosphere. Foley draws inspiration from real-life luxury hotels and intricately researched historical elements, which contribute to the novel’s captivating setting. The Manor, pivotal to the plot, acts almost as a character itself, enhancing the narrative's overall sense of tension.
Creating an Ominous Atmosphere
Foley talks about the moody ambiance of The Midnight Feast, achieved through its stunning yet foreboding settings, like the ancient woods surrounding the luxury hotel. The contrast between the hotel’s opulence and the deep, dark forest creates a layered atmosphere filled with suspense. Foley’s approach to setting reflects a deep connection to folkloric traditions and ancient histories prevalent in the book's West Country locale. By weaving elements of local myth and eerie landscapes into the narrative, she cultivates a sense of unease that engages the reader's imagination.
Themes of Justice and Community
A significant theme in Foley's work is the exploration of social dynamics, particularly the tensions between affluent outsiders and the local community. The narrative examines the implications of wealth and privilege as it unravels how the hotel's reopening disrupts local customs and values. Foley's characters embody these conflicts, especially the hotel’s owner, who disregards local traditions, making her a figure of disdain. This creates a backdrop for exploring the broader societal issues of gentrification and the displacement of long-standing residents.
Evolution from Historical to Contemporary Fiction
Foley shares her journey from writing historical novels to contemporary thrillers, inspired by the works of classic authors like Agatha Christie and Daphne du Maurier. She describes how her love for mysteries led her to create complex, unlikable characters in settings that blend elegance with underlying darkness. The transition allowed her to address modern issues while still focusing on intricate plots and character development. This evolution reflects her desire to engage with contemporary themes, all while maintaining the suspense that readers crave in thrillers.
Today we're excited to share Anne's recent conversation with author Lucy Foley, from a live event hosted by Carmichael's Bookstore in Louisville, Kentucky.
In today's show, Anne and Lucy kick things off by discussing Lucy's new revenge thriller The Midnight Feast and the real-life places and trips that inspired its atmospheric setting. Lucy also shares about her evolving career as an author, her love of writing unlikable characters, and what she delightfully calls the unholy trinity of women authors she can't get enough of.
Thanks to Lucy Foley and to Carmichael's Bookstore for hosting this event and inviting us to share this lively book talk with all of you today. Find the list of titles mentioned and let us know which Lucy Foley book is your favorite in the comments section on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/441.
If you'd love to talk books with Anne, we've just re-opened our guest submission form and we're excited to see your submissions! While we're always open to unique readerly conundrums and would love to read about yours, right now we're also especially looking for your stories or reading experiences that feature cozying up for a cooler season, reflecting on thankfulness, or books that haunt you. Learn more and share your submission at modernmrsdarcy.com/guest.