Lucy Foley is a British author known for her captivating works in the mystery and thriller genres. Born in England, she studied English Literature at Durham University and later embarked on a career in publishing. Her passion for storytelling eventually led her to become a successful author.
Foley gained significant acclaim for her psychological thriller “The Guest List,” which became a bestseller and catapulted her into the literary spotlight.
| Major Books | 6 |
| D.O.B | 16 August 1986 |
| Nationality | British |
| Social | |
| Website | https://www.harpercollins.com/blogs/authors/lucy-foley |
Table of Contents
Lucy Foley’s Writing Genre/Style
Lucy Foley is renowned for her skillful crafting of suspenseful narratives with intricate character dynamics. Her writing style combines elements of psychological tension, intricate plot twists, and atmospheric settings to create gripping and immersive reading experiences.
List of Lucy Foley’s Books in Order
- Novels written by Lucy Foley
- Collections (with others)
| S No. | Book’s Name | Book’s Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marple (2022) | Check Price |
Lucy Foley’s Literary Contribution & Awards
Lucy Foley’s literary contribution is marked by her ability to weave compelling tales of mystery and intrigue, often set in isolated or confined settings, where secrets unravel and motives are questioned.
“The Guest List” is a standout work that has resonated with readers and critics alike, earning her recognition as a prominent voice in contemporary thrillers. While specific awards may vary, her novels have consistently garnered praise for their clever plotting and engaging storytelling, solidifying her reputation as a notable author in the thriller genre.
Lucy Foley’s Books in Reading Order
Novels written by Lucy Foley
1. The Book of Lost and Found
- Logline: Kate Darling unravels her late mother’s mysterious past, leading her on a journey through love stories across time and places.
- Publishing Year: 2015
- Goodreads Ratings: 3.91 (13,823 ratings, 1,074 reviews)
Kate Darling is left grieving after the death of her once-famous ballerina mother. Her grief deepens when her ailing grandmother gives her a portrait of a woman eerily resembling her mother. This prompts Kate to delve into a mystery that might shatter her understanding of her family’s past. Her search takes her across iconic global locales, from London to Corsica to Paris.
Kate uncovers a passionate love story from the roaring 1920s, disrupted by war, and which might hold the key to her own chance at finding love. As the narrative shifts between Kate’s contemporary quest and voices echoing from the past, “The Book of Lost and Found” beautifully showcases the complexities of love, loss, and discovery.
2. The Invitation
- Logline: In 1950s Rome, journalist Hal and enigmatic Stella share a magnetic connection, drawing them into a world of glamour and secrets.
- Publishing Year: 2016
- Goodreads Ratings: 3.63 (14,447 ratings, 1,045 reviews)
Set against the backdrop of the Italian Riviera in 1953, Hal, a wandering journalist trying to escape his haunting past, finds himself in Rome. On a fateful evening, he steps into a world of luxury and encounters the captivating Stella on a rooftop overlooking the city. Despite their differing backgrounds, they’re instantly drawn to each other, imagining a life away from the party’s bustle.
However, their moment is fleeting, as Stella disappears soon after. A year later, fate reunites them when Hal receives an invitation to report on a luxurious yacht journeying along the Italian coast to the Cannes film festival, hosting various celebrities. Among the esteemed guests, Hal’s eyes are only for Stella.
As he becomes increasingly infatuated, he learns that beneath the glamour, every star aboard has a past, but Stella’s is the most concealed. As Hal’s obsession deepens, he is determined to unveil the girl she once was, a girl now lost to history. “The Invitation” paints a vivid picture of love and secrets in some of the world’s most enchanting locales.
3. Last Letter from Istanbul
- Logline: In 1921 Constantinople, Nur grapples with memories, war, and forbidden love against a historical backdrop.
- Publishing Year: 2018
- Goodreads Ratings: 3.88 (1,753 ratings, 151 reviews)
Set in the legendary city of Constantinople in 1921, Nur looks across the Bosphorus daily, yearning for her childhood home, now a British army hospital. The city, once familiar and comforting, is teeming with Allied soldiers, a stark reminder of the city’s fall from grace.
Nur’s most treasured possession in this altered world is the orphan boy under her care, harboring a profound secret. His health takes a dire turn, pushing Nur to seek aid from Medical Officer George Monroe, an enemy by definition. As boundaries blur and new threats arise, Nur realizes that the war’s shadow lingers, casting uncertainties on friend and foe alike.
4. The Hunting Party
- Logline: A group of college friends are snowed in at a hunting lodge, leading to murder and suspense.
- Publishing Year: 2018
- Goodreads Ratings: 3.64 (247,460 ratings, 22,075 reviews)
During the Christmas break, a group of friends from Oxford, now in their thirties, reunite to celebrate the New Year in the same way they have for the past decade. For this year’s celebration, they’ve picked a secluded estate in the Scottish Highlands — an ideal location for relaxation. Their arrival on December 30th is just before a monumental blizzard, which leaves them trapped and isolated.
Just two days later, as the New Year dawns, one of them is found dead. What started as a peaceful vacation filled with beautiful scenery, champagne, and memories quickly turns dark as old resentments and secrets come to the forefront.
On the festive night of New Year’s Eve, the tensions boil over. Amid the celebration, a crime is committed. One of the group is a murderer, and trust becomes a luxury they can’t afford. The story explores the old saying, “Keep your friends close,” prompting the question: How close is too close?
5. The Guest List
- Logline: A perfect wedding on an Irish island turns deadly, with secrets, resentments, and a mysterious death.
- Publishing Year: 2020
- Goodreads Ratings: 3.83 (878,298 ratings, 74,779 reviews)
On a remote island off the coast of Ireland, an idyllic wedding is set to take place. The groom, a budding television star, and the bride, a driven magazine publisher, have orchestrated a celebration fitting for celebrities. Every meticulous detail, from the designer attire to the boutique whiskey, speaks of luxury.
Yet, amidst the festivities, underlying resentments and jealousies begin to surface. Old school drinking games are revived, a bridesmaid’s dress is intentionally ruined, and a male friend of the bride delivers a toast with unsettling affection.
The atmosphere darkens further when a body is discovered. As guests grapple with the shock, the underlying question remains: Who among them wished the couple ill, and more crucially, why?
6. The Paris Apartment
- Logline: In a Paris apartment where everyone has secrets, Jess searches for her missing half-brother, Ben, uncovering unsettling truths.
- Publishing Year: 2022
- Goodreads Ratings: 3.68 (428,606 ratings, 37,139 reviews)
Jess, seeking a fresh beginning and an escape from her past, moves to Paris to stay with her half-brother, Ben. Upon arriving, she finds herself in a surprisingly luxurious apartment that she doubts Ben could afford. Even more puzzling, Ben is nowhere to be found. As days pass and there’s no sign of him, Jess becomes more entangled in the mystery of her brother’s life and his whereabouts.
The apartment building’s residents, including a socialite, a nice guy, an alcoholic, a young woman on the edge, and a concierge, are all evasive and hold their own secrets. As Jess digs deeper, she realizes that everyone is a potential suspect and that they all hide knowledge crucial to understanding Ben’s fate.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lucy Foley
Who is Lucy Foley?
Lucy Foley (born 16 August 1986) in Sussex, England, is a British author renowned for her contemporary, historical fiction, and mystery novels. Notably, her novels “The Paris Apartment” and “The Guest List” are New York Times bestsellers.
What did Lucy Foley study?
Lucy Foley studied English Literature at both Durham University and University College London (UCL).
Has Lucy Foley worked in the publishing industry?
Yes, Lucy Foley worked as a fiction editor in the publishing industry, with roles at the Headline Publishing Group and Hodder & Stoughton, before deciding to write full-time.
Which of Lucy Foley’s novels have received significant acclaim?
Among her novels, “The Hunting Party”, “The Guest List”, and “The Paris Apartment” have garnered significant attention. “The Guest List” was notably listed as a New York Times Best Thriller of 2020 and won the Goodreads Choice Award for Mystery & Thriller in the same year. “The Paris Apartment”, published in 2022, immediately secured the top spot on The New York Times bestseller list and has been sold in over 40 territories.
Are there any movies based on Lucy Foley’s books?
Yes, the movie rights for “The Paris Apartment” have been acquired by Sony.
What are some of Lucy Foley’s earlier works?
Lucy Foley’s earlier works include “The Book of Lost and Found”, which was a bestselling debut in 2015, “Last Letter from Istanbul” published in 2018, and “The Invitation” from 2016.
