Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult & Jennifer Finney Boylan (Ballantine)

"Mad Honey" by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan tells the story of two women, Olivia McAfee and Lily Campanello, who move to Adams, New Hampshire, seeking fresh starts in life. 

Olivia, having escaped an unhappy marriage to a cardiothoracic surgeon, returns home to take over her father's beekeeping business. Lily arrives with her mother, hoping for a new beginning during her senior year of high school. Their paths intersect when Olivia’s son, Asher, begins a romance with Lily, ultimately leading to tragedy.

Olivia and Lily are well-developed and relatable characters. Olivia is a protective mother battling her past while trying to shield her son from his father's dark traits. Her internal conflict over Asher's potential for violence adds depth to her character. Lily, a bright but troubled teenager, finds happiness with Asher but struggles with trust issues due to her past experiences. Their emotional journeys resonate strongly, making readers empathize with them.

The novel’s atmosphere is both cozy and tense. The beautiful New Hampshire setting contrasts with the underlying suspense that builds throughout the story. The authors evoke a strong sense of place, using beekeeping as a metaphor for nurturing and danger, mirroring the complexities of love and family.

Identity, trust, and the effects of secrets are prominent themes. Readers are encouraged to ponder how our past influences our present and impacts our relationships. Exploring parental influence and self-definition adds layers to the story.

While the writing style is easy to follow, the pacing could be improved in some areas. Some parts feel hurried, particularly during crucial revelations, which might have benefited from a slower build-up.

Overall, "Mad Honey" is an absorbing novel that blends suspense with emotional depth. It provokes thought on the nature of secrets and the intricacies of love and trust. Despite minor pacing flaws, Picoult and Boylan deliver a powerful and memorable story that stays with the reader long after finishing the book.

5/5