Lucy Foley is a British writer of contemporary, historical fiction, and mystery novels. She was born in England and grew up in Africa, where her parents worked in development aid. Foley studied English literature at University College London and Durham University before working as a fiction editor.
Her debut novel, “The Book of Lost and Found”, was published in 2015 and was followed by “The Invitation” in 2016. However, Foley is best known for her novels “The Paris Apartment” and “The Guest List”, both of which have become New York Times bestsellers.
Foley’s writing is known for its atmospheric settings, complex characters, and intricate plotlines. She has received critical acclaim for her work, and her books have been translated into several languages. In addition to her novels, Foley has also written for various publications, including The Sunday Times, The Daily Mail, and The Guardian.
Lucy Foley Books in Order
Standalone Novels
- The Book of Lost and Found (2015)
- The Invitation (2016)
- Last Letter from Istanbul (2018)
- The Hunting Party (2019)
- The Guest List (2020)
- The Paris Apartment (2022)
- Marple: Twelve New Mysteries (2022)
Similar Authors
- “The Death of Mrs. Westaway” by Ruth Ware – A young woman receives an unexpected inheritance, leading her to uncover dark secrets about her family in this atmospheric suspense novel.
- “An Unwanted Guest” by Shari Lapena – A chilling mystery set in a remote hotel during a snowstorm, this story is reminiscent of Foley’s atmospheric and tense settings where everyone has secrets. See: Shari Lapena Books in Order.
- “The Woman in Cabin 10” by Ruth Ware – A gripping psychological thriller that, like Lucy Foley’s novels, is filled with suspense and unexpected twists, set in a confined, isolated setting.
See also: Lisa Jewell Books in Order
Best Lucy Foley Books
- The Book of Lost and Found (3.92 Goodreads score)
- The Guest List (3.83 Goodreads score)
- The Paris Apartment (3.68 Goodreads score)
- The Hunting Party (3.64 Goodreads score)
- The Invitation (3.64 Goodreads score)
Awards
Lucy Foley received the 2020 New York Times Best Thrillers of 2020 award, the 2020 Goodreads Choice Award for Mystery & Thriller, and was longlisted for the 2020 CWA Gold Dagger Award; in 2021, she received the Silver Bestseller award for #TheGuestList.
Upcoming Releases
Book Summaries
The Book of Lost and Found
"The Book of Lost and Found" is a novel set in London in 1986. Kate Darling inherits an old portrait from her grandmother, which leads her on a journey to uncover her family's hidden past. From Corsica to Paris, Kate delves into the secrets of her ancestors, tracing their story back to the vibrant days of the Roaring Twenties. In Paris in 1939, Alice Eversley and Thomas Stafford reunite, both changed by the events of the past decade. As they navigate their complicated love story, the looming shadow of war threatens to shatter their hopes for a happy ending.
The Invitation
"The Invitation" is a love story set in Rome in 1953. Hal, a struggling journalist haunted by his past, finds himself drawn to the world of privilege and light when he meets the enigmatic Stella on a rooftop. Though they come from different backgrounds, their connection is undeniable. However, Stella disappears, leaving Hal convinced they will never meet again. But a year later, they are unexpectedly reunited when Hal receives an irresistible invitation. As they embark on a journey aboard a luxurious yacht, surrounded by famous artists and movie stars, Hal's obsession with Stella grows. Determined to uncover her hidden past, he seeks to bring back the girl she once was.
Last Letter from Istanbul
"Last Letter from Istanbul" is a historical fiction set in Istanbul in 1921. Nur, a young woman, navigates the city's war-torn streets while protecting a young boy with a dark secret. As she tries to survive amidst the chaos, she encounters George Monroe, a British Army medical officer. Despite their initial animosity, Nur finds herself drawn to him, blurring the lines between friend and foe. However, she knows that falling in love could put both her and the boy in danger.
The Hunting Party
"The Hunting Party" is a thriller set during a Christmas break in the Scottish Highlands. A group of friends in their thirties, who have been meeting every New Year's for the past ten years, gather at an isolated estate to relax and enjoy each other's company. However, as the weight of hidden resentments becomes too much to bear, tensions rise and secrets are revealed. When a blizzard traps them in the lodge, a shocking murder occurs, and it becomes clear that one of them is responsible.
The Guest List
"The Guest List" is a thrilling novel set on an island off the coast of Ireland. The story revolves around a glamorous wedding between a rising television star groom and an ambitious magazine publisher bride. With a picturesque location, designer dresses, and luxurious party favors, everything seems perfect. However, as the celebrations kick off, hidden resentments and petty jealousies start to emerge among the guests. The situation takes a dark turn when a dead body is discovered.
The Paris Apartment
"The Paris Apartment" is a story about Jess, who is in need of a fresh start. After leaving her job in difficult circumstances, she reaches out to her half-brother Ben for a place to stay in Paris. Surprisingly, she finds a beautiful apartment, raising questions about Ben's financial situation. However, Ben is nowhere to be found, prompting Jess to investigate his disappearance. As she delves deeper, she discovers that Ben's neighbors are an interesting and unfriendly group. Jess soon realizes that her escape from the past may be intertwined with Ben's uncertain future. With a socialite, a nice guy, an alcoholic, a girl on the verge, and a mysterious concierge, everyone becomes a suspect and holds secrets they refuse to share.
Marple: Twelve New Mysteries
"Marple: Twelve New Mysteries" is a collection of twelve short stories that feature the beloved character Jane Marple. In these stories, Marple showcases her remarkable ability to solve perplexing puzzles. From her sleepy English village to various locations around the world, Marple encounters unexpected guests, dangerous situations, and nefarious plots. With love, jealousy, blackmail, and revenge as motives, only the indomitable Jane Marple can crack these cases. This book brings a fresh twist to the classic Agatha Christie mystery, capturing the wit, voice, and ingenuity of the demure detective.
