MAD HONEY

Thought provoking, suspenseful, and haunting, Mad Honey is an unexpectedly emotional mystery that kept me guessing until the last chapter. Olivia is a beekeeper who has re-settled in her native New Hampshire with her teenage son, Asher, after ending her volatile marriage. But their idyllic small town life is turned upside down when Asher’s girlfriend, Lily, is found dead under tragic circumstances that may not be accidental. What unfolds is not only the story of Lily’s death, but the even more compelling story of Lily’s life, told backwards from her perspective and forwards from Olivia’s, who desperately tries to protect the person she loves most in the world.

I went into this book blindly with only the faintest idea of the plot, and I highly recommend doing the same. I’m not a mystery reader, but I enjoyed unraveling the surprises on my own, looking for clues and hints along the way. This story was so different from the quieter, character driven books I typically gravitate toward. It explored interesting themes of what it means to be truly known, with the costs and beauty that come along with that vulnerability. If this sounds cryptic, it’s intentional. I especially recommend the audio - the narration brought Lily and Olivia to life in a way that was both unsettling and spellbinding. Add this to your TBR if you’re looking for a dramatic, perspective-changing read - but do take care to avoid spoilers for this one.

I knew I’d make a honey cake for this book, but plain loaf pans can be so boring. Enter my new favorite purchase: @nordicwareusa ‘s adorable honeycomb pan, which comes with a recipe for lemon honey pull apart cake. After reading this book I have a newfound appreciation for bees and honey - they’re truly magical and provide a fascinating backdrop for this well-crafted and memorable mystery.