What do you think?
Rate this book
Secrets of the Bees
Time has forgotten this remote corner of West Cornwall, and left its many secrets undisturbed. Until now...
Ezra Curnow has lived in the little cottage on the Trengrose estate all his life. He was born there, as was his father, and his grandfather before that. It is his own little paradise.
Then the mistress of the estate, Eliza Rosevear, dies without leaving a will, and the cottage's ownership is put into question. Trengrose's charm soon attracts London financier Toby and his wife Minty, and Toby immediately sniffs an opportunity to rent out Ezra's cottage to tourists. But Ezra, a wily old chap, is prepared to battle to save his beloved home, and he has a number of secret weapons in his armoury.
As Toby resorts to more drastic measures, Ezra's case looks increasingly hopeless. But the recently deceased mistress of Trengrose took some secrets to her grave too, and she doesn't intend to rest quietly until they come to light...
Ezra Curnow has lived in the little cottage on the Trengrose estate all his life. He was born there, as was his father, and his grandfather before that. It is his own little paradise.
Then the mistress of the estate, Eliza Rosevear, dies without leaving a will, and the cottage's ownership is put into question. Trengrose's charm soon attracts London financier Toby and his wife Minty, and Toby immediately sniffs an opportunity to rent out Ezra's cottage to tourists. But Ezra, a wily old chap, is prepared to battle to save his beloved home, and he has a number of secret weapons in his armoury.
As Toby resorts to more drastic measures, Ezra's case looks increasingly hopeless. But the recently deceased mistress of Trengrose took some secrets to her grave too, and she doesn't intend to rest quietly until they come to light...
- GenresFiction
336 pages, Hardcover
Published June 1, 2025
2 people are currently reading
227 people want to read
About the author
Jane Johnson
103 books552 followersJane Johnson is an English writer of books for adults and children and fiction book editor. As a writer she has used the pseudonyms Gabriel King, jointly with M. John Harrison, and Jude Fisher, as well as her real name.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
April 1, 2025
Ezra lives in the cottage on the Trengrose estate. His family have been managing the grounds for decades. But when the big manor is sold, the new owners like to see him go and add the cottage to their property.
Being self sufficient there is no way Ezra will move out.
The story moves between both parties, life according to nature's rhythm versus glamping in the material world. Teasing leads to harrasment and pretty soon tempers are out of control. But all that changes with a surprise discovery.
Secrets of the Bees is highly entertaining general fiction with a bit of mystery. The fast paced writing, the quirky and fun characters and stunning surroundings make this a captivating read.
Apart from it being a well crafted story, it highlights a deep love for nature and care for the environment.
Thank you Netgalley and Head of Zeus for the ARC.
Being self sufficient there is no way Ezra will move out.
The story moves between both parties, life according to nature's rhythm versus glamping in the material world. Teasing leads to harrasment and pretty soon tempers are out of control. But all that changes with a surprise discovery.
Secrets of the Bees is highly entertaining general fiction with a bit of mystery. The fast paced writing, the quirky and fun characters and stunning surroundings make this a captivating read.
Apart from it being a well crafted story, it highlights a deep love for nature and care for the environment.
Thank you Netgalley and Head of Zeus for the ARC.
June 4, 2025
Ezra epitomises someone who is ‘in tune’ with nature in a way people once were but are sadly less so these days. He grows his own fruit and vegetables (and some other things as well), tends to the bees in their hive and uses herbal remedies. He doesn’t see humans as superior to animals. Although he has a cat companion, he doesn’t own him; Bucca comes and goes as he pleases. The same with the jackdaw who pecks mealworms from Ezra’s pocket.
Ezra has few material possessions and his cottage doesn’t have the things we might consider essential today, like electricity, a telephone line or an inside bathroom. But that doesn’t matter to him. He’s happy living in the cottage where he was born and the only way he intends to leave is, in his own words, feet first.
The sale of Trengrose House threatens to upend everything because its new owners, the Hardmans, see only its financial potential. They represent everything Ezra is not. They’re not interested in preserving the estate with its orchards and meadows. To them the Celtic cross in the lane is merely an obstacle not a sacred monument that’s stood there for centuries. And they’re definitely not interested that Ezra’s lived in the cottage all his life, they just want him out. Unfortunately they haven’t counted on Ezra’s determination, resourcefulness, and ingenuity. And his capacity for mischief making.
There’s quite a contrast between the more lighthearted moments and what we learn about Ezra’s experiences as a young man.
The landscape, culture and history of Cornwall is an essential element of the book, reflecting the author’s own attachment to the county. The story also incorporates some of the social and economic issues Cornish people face today, such as a lack of affordable housing, but in a way that never feels like a political tract. There is though a strong ecological message that runs throughout the book. ‘Everywhere humans go, they wreck it. Pillage the land for whatever profit they can make out of it, without giving a thought to the consequences for any other living thing.’
It seems to me all the characters learn something in the course of the book, leading them to a sense of fulfilment. With Ezra’s help, Mindy and Toby’s son Dominic learns to identify the local flora and fauna, whilst their daughter Miranda comes to appreciate the wild landscape around Trengrose with the help of Ezra’s great-nephew Sam. Mindy becomes absorbed in discovering the history of Trengrose House and its previous occupants, uncovering some long hidden secrets in the process. Toby? Well, the only thing he learns is that there are some things money can’t buy. (The description of him as an ‘encysted pustule’ is spot on.)
The reader learns quite a bit as well about Ezra, including some things I certainly didn’t see coming.
Secrets of the Bees is a heartwarming story that has woven into it a message about the risk we run if we lose our connection with nature and value things purely in monetary terms. ‘You can’t buy birdsong, or the sight of your bees visiting your own flowers, or the sun through the leaves of the apple trees, or the smell of ripe tomatoes you’ve grown from seed…’ Add a whiff of the supernatural, a touch of mystery and an element of melodrama and you have all the ingredients for an entertaining read.
Ezra has few material possessions and his cottage doesn’t have the things we might consider essential today, like electricity, a telephone line or an inside bathroom. But that doesn’t matter to him. He’s happy living in the cottage where he was born and the only way he intends to leave is, in his own words, feet first.
The sale of Trengrose House threatens to upend everything because its new owners, the Hardmans, see only its financial potential. They represent everything Ezra is not. They’re not interested in preserving the estate with its orchards and meadows. To them the Celtic cross in the lane is merely an obstacle not a sacred monument that’s stood there for centuries. And they’re definitely not interested that Ezra’s lived in the cottage all his life, they just want him out. Unfortunately they haven’t counted on Ezra’s determination, resourcefulness, and ingenuity. And his capacity for mischief making.
There’s quite a contrast between the more lighthearted moments and what we learn about Ezra’s experiences as a young man.
The landscape, culture and history of Cornwall is an essential element of the book, reflecting the author’s own attachment to the county. The story also incorporates some of the social and economic issues Cornish people face today, such as a lack of affordable housing, but in a way that never feels like a political tract. There is though a strong ecological message that runs throughout the book. ‘Everywhere humans go, they wreck it. Pillage the land for whatever profit they can make out of it, without giving a thought to the consequences for any other living thing.’
It seems to me all the characters learn something in the course of the book, leading them to a sense of fulfilment. With Ezra’s help, Mindy and Toby’s son Dominic learns to identify the local flora and fauna, whilst their daughter Miranda comes to appreciate the wild landscape around Trengrose with the help of Ezra’s great-nephew Sam. Mindy becomes absorbed in discovering the history of Trengrose House and its previous occupants, uncovering some long hidden secrets in the process. Toby? Well, the only thing he learns is that there are some things money can’t buy. (The description of him as an ‘encysted pustule’ is spot on.)
The reader learns quite a bit as well about Ezra, including some things I certainly didn’t see coming.
Secrets of the Bees is a heartwarming story that has woven into it a message about the risk we run if we lose our connection with nature and value things purely in monetary terms. ‘You can’t buy birdsong, or the sight of your bees visiting your own flowers, or the sun through the leaves of the apple trees, or the smell of ripe tomatoes you’ve grown from seed…’ Add a whiff of the supernatural, a touch of mystery and an element of melodrama and you have all the ingredients for an entertaining read.
June 5, 2025
Every so often, along comes a book which just takes you by surprise and leaves you wishing that you hadn't read it - just so you could enjoy it all over again. This is one such book!
Ezra Curnow was brought up on the Trengrose estate, in the cottage he still lives in; his parents and grandparents lived there too and it is his home. Then Eliza, estate owner, dies without leaving a will. The estate is put on the market and sold to a London couple with no understanding of Cornish ways - their only interest is to adapt the estate to make money and they have their eyes on Ezra's cottage as a rental property. However, Ezra isn't quite the pushover they expect . . .
Whatever I suspected from this novel, it was so very much more in every respect. I disappeared into another world, another time, whenever I lifted my kindle to read. A very special tale and one I delighted in, all the way through. It made me smile, it made cringe, it made me laugh. It made me want never to get to the end of it. I really cannot recommend this one highly enough and, as such, it has to earn all five shiny stars.
Ezra Curnow was brought up on the Trengrose estate, in the cottage he still lives in; his parents and grandparents lived there too and it is his home. Then Eliza, estate owner, dies without leaving a will. The estate is put on the market and sold to a London couple with no understanding of Cornish ways - their only interest is to adapt the estate to make money and they have their eyes on Ezra's cottage as a rental property. However, Ezra isn't quite the pushover they expect . . .
Whatever I suspected from this novel, it was so very much more in every respect. I disappeared into another world, another time, whenever I lifted my kindle to read. A very special tale and one I delighted in, all the way through. It made me smile, it made cringe, it made me laugh. It made me want never to get to the end of it. I really cannot recommend this one highly enough and, as such, it has to earn all five shiny stars.
March 12, 2025
Ezra Curnow is almost eighty years old and has spent his whole life living in a little cottage on the Trengrose estate in Cornwall. It was home to his father and grandfather before him and Ezra can’t imagine living anywhere else. His cottage has no modern appliances or conveniences, not even a television, but Ezra doesn’t see the need; he spends most of his time outdoors with his cat and tame jackdaw, growing his own fruit and vegetables and tending to his bees in their hive.
Ezra’s peaceful life is shattered when Eliza Rosevear, mistress of Trengrose House, dies without leaving a will. The estate goes up for sale and is bought by Toby Hardman, a London businessman, who arrives with his wife Minty, an interior designer, and their teenage son, Dom. As soon as they move in, they begin converting part of the estate into a glamping site and looking for other ways to bring in tourists. Ezra is horrified, particularly when they remove the ancient Celtic cross that gives Trengrose its name. Worse still, it seems that the Hardmans also have their eye on Ezra’s cottage and with no official paperwork to prove that it’s his, he could be at risk of losing his home.
Secrets of the Bees is Jane Johnson’s latest novel and one of several, including The White Hare, that are set in her native Cornwall. Her love for the Cornish landscape, history, customs and people comes through strongly in her descriptive writing and in her creation of Ezra Curnow. Ezra represents tradition and a way of life that has almost disappeared; he has very little in terms of material possessions, but is happy and content. The Hardmans are the complete opposite – they represent change and modernity, they have money, cars, technology, yet what they don’t have is happiness. Toby and Minty’s marriage is strained and lacking in trust, while Dom has been expelled from his expensive school for dealing drugs. Although Toby is the villain of the book and seems to be a lost cause, there’s still hope for Minty and Dom and we see them begin to improve and grow as people through their association with Ezra and the Cornish countryside. Dom even became one of my favourite characters, which I certainly hadn’t expected at first.
It’s very common, of course, for residents to object to new developments in their area, particularly ones that could damage the environment or cause noise and disruption, but Ezra takes his protests a step further. He comes up with some very inventive and amusing ways to throw the Hardmans’ plans into disarray, which adds some humour to a serious subject. Proving ownership of his cottage is much more difficult for him – there’s always been an understanding between the Rosevears and the Curnows but apparently nothing has been put in writing. It’s only when we are given some glimpses into the lives of Eliza Rosevear and her family – and into Ezra’s own past, including his National Service in Cyprus in the 1950s – that the truth about the Trengrose estate begins to emerge.
Although the book seemed slow at first and it took a while for things to really start moving, I gradually became completely immersed in the story. I could picture the setting so vividly and I loved everything Jane Johnson had to say about human beings and our relationship with the natural environment. I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read by Johnson so far, whether set in Cornwall or in other parts of the world, historical or contemporary. I must find time to go back and read the remaining books of hers that I haven’t tried yet.
Ezra’s peaceful life is shattered when Eliza Rosevear, mistress of Trengrose House, dies without leaving a will. The estate goes up for sale and is bought by Toby Hardman, a London businessman, who arrives with his wife Minty, an interior designer, and their teenage son, Dom. As soon as they move in, they begin converting part of the estate into a glamping site and looking for other ways to bring in tourists. Ezra is horrified, particularly when they remove the ancient Celtic cross that gives Trengrose its name. Worse still, it seems that the Hardmans also have their eye on Ezra’s cottage and with no official paperwork to prove that it’s his, he could be at risk of losing his home.
Secrets of the Bees is Jane Johnson’s latest novel and one of several, including The White Hare, that are set in her native Cornwall. Her love for the Cornish landscape, history, customs and people comes through strongly in her descriptive writing and in her creation of Ezra Curnow. Ezra represents tradition and a way of life that has almost disappeared; he has very little in terms of material possessions, but is happy and content. The Hardmans are the complete opposite – they represent change and modernity, they have money, cars, technology, yet what they don’t have is happiness. Toby and Minty’s marriage is strained and lacking in trust, while Dom has been expelled from his expensive school for dealing drugs. Although Toby is the villain of the book and seems to be a lost cause, there’s still hope for Minty and Dom and we see them begin to improve and grow as people through their association with Ezra and the Cornish countryside. Dom even became one of my favourite characters, which I certainly hadn’t expected at first.
It’s very common, of course, for residents to object to new developments in their area, particularly ones that could damage the environment or cause noise and disruption, but Ezra takes his protests a step further. He comes up with some very inventive and amusing ways to throw the Hardmans’ plans into disarray, which adds some humour to a serious subject. Proving ownership of his cottage is much more difficult for him – there’s always been an understanding between the Rosevears and the Curnows but apparently nothing has been put in writing. It’s only when we are given some glimpses into the lives of Eliza Rosevear and her family – and into Ezra’s own past, including his National Service in Cyprus in the 1950s – that the truth about the Trengrose estate begins to emerge.
Although the book seemed slow at first and it took a while for things to really start moving, I gradually became completely immersed in the story. I could picture the setting so vividly and I loved everything Jane Johnson had to say about human beings and our relationship with the natural environment. I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read by Johnson so far, whether set in Cornwall or in other parts of the world, historical or contemporary. I must find time to go back and read the remaining books of hers that I haven’t tried yet.
June 4, 2025
Secret of the Bees is one of those stories thats draws you in and gives you all the feels. It tells of a magical place - one of quiet walks in the country - one of listening to the birds and bees - and just taking stock of the beauty around us.
The characters in this story are brilliantly described and I fell for Ezra from the beginning. I was routing for him completely and was cheering him on at times in his fight for what was right.
The history of Trengose House was fascinating and I loved seeing Minty and Dom become entranced and emotionally attached to the property.
A gorgeous story and one to delight in
The characters in this story are brilliantly described and I fell for Ezra from the beginning. I was routing for him completely and was cheering him on at times in his fight for what was right.
The history of Trengose House was fascinating and I loved seeing Minty and Dom become entranced and emotionally attached to the property.
A gorgeous story and one to delight in
August 5, 2025
My Thoughts
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
You cant help but open up your heart to the elderly man called Ezra who just wants a quiet, simple life tending to his vegetables, reading his poetry books and making idle chatter with his scruffy cat and jackdaw called Merlin.
He is living his simple ways quite peacefully until a London family move in to the manor house with big ideas and big changes.
Ezra finds some comical ways to put a spanner in the works, but the new family do some digging of their own, which up turns cornish secrets of the past, which are not expected.
😊 Fab characters
🌪 Twists in the tale
🥰 Humour and Heart
🏡 Great setting
It's a lovely read 📚
I give it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🤓
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
You cant help but open up your heart to the elderly man called Ezra who just wants a quiet, simple life tending to his vegetables, reading his poetry books and making idle chatter with his scruffy cat and jackdaw called Merlin.
He is living his simple ways quite peacefully until a London family move in to the manor house with big ideas and big changes.
Ezra finds some comical ways to put a spanner in the works, but the new family do some digging of their own, which up turns cornish secrets of the past, which are not expected.
😊 Fab characters
🌪 Twists in the tale
🥰 Humour and Heart
🏡 Great setting
It's a lovely read 📚
I give it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🤓
June 13, 2025
Family secrets, lost and future loves and a past that isn't quite as it seems combine in this engrossing novel set in the beautiful Cornish countryside. Multiple points of view, interesting and authentic characters, and a real love of the natural world make this a fascinating and engaging book to read. The landscape just comes alive and it very much makes you want to book a trip to Cornwall immediately.
August 25, 2025
Novel set in CORNWALL
I’d like to propose Secrets of the Bees by Jane Johnson as an early candidate for Book of the Year; it really is the perfect summer read. I loved this book enormously. It has wonderful descriptions of wild Cornwall but also enough intrigue and mystery to make it exciting. Combining a domestic saga, several mysteries and a romance or two, the book also has its darker moments, all within wonderfully described settings in Cornwall and Cyprus.
Ezra Curnow is an elderly man who has lived his entire life in a tiny cottage near Mousehole, West Cornwall, as did his parents and grandparents. He is at one with the natural world around him and relishes the tranquility and unique history of his native land. He is friends with Merlin the jackdaw, the local fox and of course his bees, to whom he tells the latest news, in true countryman style. He is sad when his elderly neighbour, Eliza Rosvear, dies and the big house on the estate is sold.
The Hardman family are the new proprietors of Trengrose House and their arrival promises many changes for the property that time forgot. Toby Hardman is a city businessman, and his wife is a celebrated interior designer. They have moved to Cornwall to improve their lifestyle but they are also leaving problems behind them. Their plans for Trengrose involve completely updating and improving the estate, bringing tourists to their glamping site and letting the cottage – Ezra’s home – as an Airbnb. But their plans don’t go smoothly, with both legal and local problems arising that set them back. Then Araminta Hardman and their son, Dom, begin to make discoveries that shine a new light on their Cornish home and distract them even further from their original purpose. Can Ezra’s home be saved? Ezra’s only advocate is his grand-nephew, Sam, but he lives in London and feels powerless to stop the changes. Although Sam forms a new friendship with young Miranda Hardman and she also begins to appreciate Cornwall for the way it has always been. There is much soul-searching for all parties concerned before the final twists in the plot are revealed.
I found Secrets of the Bees a much more involving book than I expected. The lyrical descriptions of the Cornish countryside and its wildlife are skilfully contrasted with the brief periods of violence in wartime Cyprus and nearer home. The author has written the characters cleverly too; they are original and vivid. It seems obvious who the reader will empathise with, but each character turns out to be more complex than first appearances suggest. Much like the settings, which are each both beautiful and dangerous for different reasons. The narrative spans three generations in the history of the Trengrose estate, with hidden secrets and puzzles to keep the reader’s interest along with way. I loved the way that Johnson creates bonds between the characters and the way that they evolve as the book progresses.
As with her previous novels, such as Black Crescent, Johnson tackles some themes in the book that others might quail about addressing. Over-tourism is a political hot potato for many communities at home and abroad, for example. Johnson knows Cornwall intimately, and she’s familiar with the issues that second homes and holidaymakers represent for the locals. There’s also the thorny issue of the 1950s British conflict in Cyprus, which I’ve never seen addressed in a novel before. All this written using the most poetic and unapologetically grown-up vocabulary, which is quite refreshing.
A thoroughly enjoyable book, which I am excited to recommend. I can see it being very popular.
I’d like to propose Secrets of the Bees by Jane Johnson as an early candidate for Book of the Year; it really is the perfect summer read. I loved this book enormously. It has wonderful descriptions of wild Cornwall but also enough intrigue and mystery to make it exciting. Combining a domestic saga, several mysteries and a romance or two, the book also has its darker moments, all within wonderfully described settings in Cornwall and Cyprus.
Ezra Curnow is an elderly man who has lived his entire life in a tiny cottage near Mousehole, West Cornwall, as did his parents and grandparents. He is at one with the natural world around him and relishes the tranquility and unique history of his native land. He is friends with Merlin the jackdaw, the local fox and of course his bees, to whom he tells the latest news, in true countryman style. He is sad when his elderly neighbour, Eliza Rosvear, dies and the big house on the estate is sold.
The Hardman family are the new proprietors of Trengrose House and their arrival promises many changes for the property that time forgot. Toby Hardman is a city businessman, and his wife is a celebrated interior designer. They have moved to Cornwall to improve their lifestyle but they are also leaving problems behind them. Their plans for Trengrose involve completely updating and improving the estate, bringing tourists to their glamping site and letting the cottage – Ezra’s home – as an Airbnb. But their plans don’t go smoothly, with both legal and local problems arising that set them back. Then Araminta Hardman and their son, Dom, begin to make discoveries that shine a new light on their Cornish home and distract them even further from their original purpose. Can Ezra’s home be saved? Ezra’s only advocate is his grand-nephew, Sam, but he lives in London and feels powerless to stop the changes. Although Sam forms a new friendship with young Miranda Hardman and she also begins to appreciate Cornwall for the way it has always been. There is much soul-searching for all parties concerned before the final twists in the plot are revealed.
I found Secrets of the Bees a much more involving book than I expected. The lyrical descriptions of the Cornish countryside and its wildlife are skilfully contrasted with the brief periods of violence in wartime Cyprus and nearer home. The author has written the characters cleverly too; they are original and vivid. It seems obvious who the reader will empathise with, but each character turns out to be more complex than first appearances suggest. Much like the settings, which are each both beautiful and dangerous for different reasons. The narrative spans three generations in the history of the Trengrose estate, with hidden secrets and puzzles to keep the reader’s interest along with way. I loved the way that Johnson creates bonds between the characters and the way that they evolve as the book progresses.
As with her previous novels, such as Black Crescent, Johnson tackles some themes in the book that others might quail about addressing. Over-tourism is a political hot potato for many communities at home and abroad, for example. Johnson knows Cornwall intimately, and she’s familiar with the issues that second homes and holidaymakers represent for the locals. There’s also the thorny issue of the 1950s British conflict in Cyprus, which I’ve never seen addressed in a novel before. All this written using the most poetic and unapologetically grown-up vocabulary, which is quite refreshing.
A thoroughly enjoyable book, which I am excited to recommend. I can see it being very popular.
June 25, 2025
I adored Jane Johnson's last book, The Black Crescent; her new novel, Secrets of the Bees has a very different setting but her beautifully immersive storytelling meant I was transported to Cornwall as effortlessly as I was to Morocco previously. I was utterly captivated throughout and felt a little bereft at the end to have to leave these wonderful characters behind.
Ezra Curnow is the beating heart of the novel and it's fitting that although spelled differently, he shares his surname with the ancient Cornish name for the county. Ezra and Cornwall are indelibly intertwined. Now in his eightieth year, like his grandfather and father before him, he has lived almost his entire life in his little cottage on the Trengrose estate in West Cornwall; his history is as much a part of Trengrose as the owners themselves. However, when its venerable mistress, Eliza finally passes away, everything starts to change for Trengrose and for Ezra himself.
Having died without writing a will, the estate passed to the Duchy of Cornwall who sold it to Toby and Araminta who are seeking a new start away from London. Toby is the antithesis of Ezra – brash, impatient and materialistic – he is easily the most unsympathetic character in the book. By contrast, his wife, Minty, is certainly more diplomatic but her conciliatory nature hides a determination to make a success of her new life. Like Toby, she views Ezra's cottage as a potentially lucrative income stream and my feelings towards her fluctuated throughout the book.
With no clear evidence either way about who owns the cottage, Ezra faces a fight to keep his beloved home. Despite being an octogenarian, he is no frail pushover and when he goes to battle, he has more than a few tricks up his sleeve. There are some delightfully humorous moments in Secrets of the Bees but as old secrets and family tragedies come to light, this is also a deeply poignant read. Most of the book takes place in 2018 but there are also chapters set in the past which give us a greater insight into Ezra's life. The scenes in Cyprus are particularly gripping; Jane Johnson cleverly hints at what happened there until the eventual, devastating reveal towards the end of the story.
Ezra's great-nephew, Sam grows close to the Hardman's daughter, Miranda (Ran) which allows for the contrast in their lives to be explored further and there are some thoughtful, nuanced discussions which consider the impact of tourism on the county juxtaposed against the need for Cornwall to thrive in the modern world. Meanwhile, Dominic Hardman is on the cusp of adulthood but torn away from his home and friends, he is desperately lonely. He is immediately enamoured by Ezra's relationship with the wild creatures around him, especially a jackdaw called Merlin. The friendship that develops between the two men is entirely believable despite the disparity in their ages and brings warmth to a novel filled with twists and mysteries.
Of course, Cornwall itself becomes almost a character in its own right here. Jane Johnson's poetic descriptions bring its wild beauty evocatively to light. Perhaps even more impressively, she reminds us that history isn't just dates and events, it's the enduring connections between families and communities and their complicated relationship with the world around them which really shapes us all. History, nature, folklore and a little touch of magic combine to make this captivating tale a multi-layered, bittersweet treat. I loved it and cannot recommend it highly enough.
Ezra Curnow is the beating heart of the novel and it's fitting that although spelled differently, he shares his surname with the ancient Cornish name for the county. Ezra and Cornwall are indelibly intertwined. Now in his eightieth year, like his grandfather and father before him, he has lived almost his entire life in his little cottage on the Trengrose estate in West Cornwall; his history is as much a part of Trengrose as the owners themselves. However, when its venerable mistress, Eliza finally passes away, everything starts to change for Trengrose and for Ezra himself.
Having died without writing a will, the estate passed to the Duchy of Cornwall who sold it to Toby and Araminta who are seeking a new start away from London. Toby is the antithesis of Ezra – brash, impatient and materialistic – he is easily the most unsympathetic character in the book. By contrast, his wife, Minty, is certainly more diplomatic but her conciliatory nature hides a determination to make a success of her new life. Like Toby, she views Ezra's cottage as a potentially lucrative income stream and my feelings towards her fluctuated throughout the book.
With no clear evidence either way about who owns the cottage, Ezra faces a fight to keep his beloved home. Despite being an octogenarian, he is no frail pushover and when he goes to battle, he has more than a few tricks up his sleeve. There are some delightfully humorous moments in Secrets of the Bees but as old secrets and family tragedies come to light, this is also a deeply poignant read. Most of the book takes place in 2018 but there are also chapters set in the past which give us a greater insight into Ezra's life. The scenes in Cyprus are particularly gripping; Jane Johnson cleverly hints at what happened there until the eventual, devastating reveal towards the end of the story.
Ezra's great-nephew, Sam grows close to the Hardman's daughter, Miranda (Ran) which allows for the contrast in their lives to be explored further and there are some thoughtful, nuanced discussions which consider the impact of tourism on the county juxtaposed against the need for Cornwall to thrive in the modern world. Meanwhile, Dominic Hardman is on the cusp of adulthood but torn away from his home and friends, he is desperately lonely. He is immediately enamoured by Ezra's relationship with the wild creatures around him, especially a jackdaw called Merlin. The friendship that develops between the two men is entirely believable despite the disparity in their ages and brings warmth to a novel filled with twists and mysteries.
Of course, Cornwall itself becomes almost a character in its own right here. Jane Johnson's poetic descriptions bring its wild beauty evocatively to light. Perhaps even more impressively, she reminds us that history isn't just dates and events, it's the enduring connections between families and communities and their complicated relationship with the world around them which really shapes us all. History, nature, folklore and a little touch of magic combine to make this captivating tale a multi-layered, bittersweet treat. I loved it and cannot recommend it highly enough.
June 6, 2025
In a quiet corner of West Cornwall, Ezra Curnow has lived in a cottage on the Trengrose estate all his life - just like his father and grandfather before him. Surrounded by his garden and orchard, and the wildlife that inhabits them, he is content to live out his days in the only home he has ever wanted.
But changes are afoot. Miss Eliza, mistress of the estate, has passed away without leaving a will, and having kept her family secrets hidden. His beloved Trengrose is now in the hands of newcomers from London, financier Toby Hardman and his aristocratic wife Minty, who have big plans - including removing the ancient Celtic cross that marks gateway to Trengrose, inviting 'glampers' on to the land, and worst of all, renting out Ezra's cottage to holidaymakers.
Ezra may be getting on in years, but he is not about to go down without a fight. He has impressive resources that make him a worthy adversary, and, unknown to him, the aid of a spirit from beyond the grave who will not rest until the truth is known...
What an absolutely fabulous book, full of many-layered storylines and themes about glorious Cornwall!
The story begins with elderly Ezra communing with only remaining hive of bees on the once thriving Trengrose estate, telling them of the death of Miss Eliza, last bastion of the Rosevear family. He is unsure about what the future holds, but is determined to hold onto the little paradise he has fostered around him, come what may. And what comes is a battle with the boorish Toby and somewhat otherworldly Minty as they set about their scheme of 'improvements' that rip the heart out of Ezra's beloved Trengrose. But Ezra is not to be underestimated: a veteran of combat, starting with the rough and tumble that comes with being half of a set of twins, and honed by haunting experiences in the British Army during Cypriot unrest in 1957 (brought to bear through intense flashbacks), he is ready to defend his 'castle' in a variety of ingenious ways.
I was invested in this story from the first beautifully written page to the last. In a delicious mix of emotional family drama, environmental odyssey, gentle romance, and historical gold-mine, Johnson excels at bring her characters and setting alive, and my goodness, does she put your heart through the wringer in the process. A difficult stand-off leads to burgeoning threads about Ezra's family; the Hardmans and their children; and the secret history of Trengrose, which is gradually revealed through a captivating mystery about Eliza Rosevear and her mother.
In the telling, Johnson makes you fall in love with Cornwall in all its natural splendour, and revels in its flora and fauna (especially bees and the plants needed to sustain them) through the wise old eyes of wily Ezra, who I adored (along with Bucca the grumpy cat). She also cleverly shines a light on the tragic fate of rural communities under attack from property developers, holidaymakers, and second homers, in a way that hits you hard.
I laughed and cried my way through this incredible story, completely invested in the fate of Trengrose, and a happy ending for the characters worthy of rescue and redemption (and a suitably fitting ending for those that deserve neither). I closed the cover with my heart full. A book to treasure.
But changes are afoot. Miss Eliza, mistress of the estate, has passed away without leaving a will, and having kept her family secrets hidden. His beloved Trengrose is now in the hands of newcomers from London, financier Toby Hardman and his aristocratic wife Minty, who have big plans - including removing the ancient Celtic cross that marks gateway to Trengrose, inviting 'glampers' on to the land, and worst of all, renting out Ezra's cottage to holidaymakers.
Ezra may be getting on in years, but he is not about to go down without a fight. He has impressive resources that make him a worthy adversary, and, unknown to him, the aid of a spirit from beyond the grave who will not rest until the truth is known...
What an absolutely fabulous book, full of many-layered storylines and themes about glorious Cornwall!
The story begins with elderly Ezra communing with only remaining hive of bees on the once thriving Trengrose estate, telling them of the death of Miss Eliza, last bastion of the Rosevear family. He is unsure about what the future holds, but is determined to hold onto the little paradise he has fostered around him, come what may. And what comes is a battle with the boorish Toby and somewhat otherworldly Minty as they set about their scheme of 'improvements' that rip the heart out of Ezra's beloved Trengrose. But Ezra is not to be underestimated: a veteran of combat, starting with the rough and tumble that comes with being half of a set of twins, and honed by haunting experiences in the British Army during Cypriot unrest in 1957 (brought to bear through intense flashbacks), he is ready to defend his 'castle' in a variety of ingenious ways.
I was invested in this story from the first beautifully written page to the last. In a delicious mix of emotional family drama, environmental odyssey, gentle romance, and historical gold-mine, Johnson excels at bring her characters and setting alive, and my goodness, does she put your heart through the wringer in the process. A difficult stand-off leads to burgeoning threads about Ezra's family; the Hardmans and their children; and the secret history of Trengrose, which is gradually revealed through a captivating mystery about Eliza Rosevear and her mother.
In the telling, Johnson makes you fall in love with Cornwall in all its natural splendour, and revels in its flora and fauna (especially bees and the plants needed to sustain them) through the wise old eyes of wily Ezra, who I adored (along with Bucca the grumpy cat). She also cleverly shines a light on the tragic fate of rural communities under attack from property developers, holidaymakers, and second homers, in a way that hits you hard.
I laughed and cried my way through this incredible story, completely invested in the fate of Trengrose, and a happy ending for the characters worthy of rescue and redemption (and a suitably fitting ending for those that deserve neither). I closed the cover with my heart full. A book to treasure.
October 13, 2025
I’ve read and enjoyed a few of Jane Johnson’s books before but I think that Secrets of the Bees is my favourite! I borrowed this one from my local library and it’s a measure of how popular the book is that I had to wait some time for it and then couldn’t renew it as someone else had reserved it. Fortunately, I flew through the pages of this one.
Ezra has lived in a small cottage on the Trengrose estate all his life, as had his father and grandfather. They had been estate managers for generations. When estate owner Eliza dies without leaving a will, Ezra has no way of proving he is entitled to live in the cottage. This creates many difficulties when new owners businessman Toby, his wife Minty and their truculent teenage son Dom move down from London. Toby has grand plans to refurbish Ezra’s cottage and rent it to holiday makers.
Ezra was a wonderful character, He was so in tune with nature and lived in harmony with the land, not always trying to improve or change it. I wouldn’t have fancied living in his ramshackle cottage but it obviously suited him and his ways perfectly. He had such wisdom gained from years of quietly observing and working with the natural world.
I really enjoyed reading about his close relationship with various different characters, such as his great nephew Sam, and the flashback sections to his younger days with twin Arthur. He got on surprisingly well with young Dom too. Dom was furious at being uprooted from London and brought to this place with no phone signal and without even an internet connection initially. Despite their differences, they bonded well. Dom was fascinated by Ezra’s knowledge of nature and Ezra knew what it was like to be a lonely young man,
Toby on the other hand was ‘a man who knew the cost of everything and the value of nothing’. He really was a most unpleasant character. Ezra recognised the value in things which couldn’t be bought – listening to birdsong, observing his own bees visiting flowers he had planted, the satisfaction of the smell of tomatoes he had grown himself. The clash between the traditional and the new ways couldn’t have been more obvious. Ezra wasn’t a helpless old man though and I had to admire and occasionally laugh at his determination that things would stay as they always had been.
As the title of the book suggests, there are many secrets being held close in the book whether by the bees or other characters. Some of these we come to know through parts of the story taking us back to the past. Others come to light when hidden things are found. There was one revelation in particular which came as a huge surprise and was so poignant.
Secrets of the Bees shows how when old traditional ways come up against modern thoughts there are sometimes clashes, but that sometimes new ways can honour old traditions. It’s a beautifully written, engaging and compelling tale of families and secrets set in a such a wonderful location. I loved it!
Ezra has lived in a small cottage on the Trengrose estate all his life, as had his father and grandfather. They had been estate managers for generations. When estate owner Eliza dies without leaving a will, Ezra has no way of proving he is entitled to live in the cottage. This creates many difficulties when new owners businessman Toby, his wife Minty and their truculent teenage son Dom move down from London. Toby has grand plans to refurbish Ezra’s cottage and rent it to holiday makers.
Ezra was a wonderful character, He was so in tune with nature and lived in harmony with the land, not always trying to improve or change it. I wouldn’t have fancied living in his ramshackle cottage but it obviously suited him and his ways perfectly. He had such wisdom gained from years of quietly observing and working with the natural world.
I really enjoyed reading about his close relationship with various different characters, such as his great nephew Sam, and the flashback sections to his younger days with twin Arthur. He got on surprisingly well with young Dom too. Dom was furious at being uprooted from London and brought to this place with no phone signal and without even an internet connection initially. Despite their differences, they bonded well. Dom was fascinated by Ezra’s knowledge of nature and Ezra knew what it was like to be a lonely young man,
Toby on the other hand was ‘a man who knew the cost of everything and the value of nothing’. He really was a most unpleasant character. Ezra recognised the value in things which couldn’t be bought – listening to birdsong, observing his own bees visiting flowers he had planted, the satisfaction of the smell of tomatoes he had grown himself. The clash between the traditional and the new ways couldn’t have been more obvious. Ezra wasn’t a helpless old man though and I had to admire and occasionally laugh at his determination that things would stay as they always had been.
As the title of the book suggests, there are many secrets being held close in the book whether by the bees or other characters. Some of these we come to know through parts of the story taking us back to the past. Others come to light when hidden things are found. There was one revelation in particular which came as a huge surprise and was so poignant.
Secrets of the Bees shows how when old traditional ways come up against modern thoughts there are sometimes clashes, but that sometimes new ways can honour old traditions. It’s a beautifully written, engaging and compelling tale of families and secrets set in a such a wonderful location. I loved it!
June 8, 2025
Ezra Curnow has lived in the little cottage on the Trengrose estate all his life. Like his father and his grandfather before him, he was born there, has worked the land, and plans to die there. When Eliza, mistress of the estate, dies without a will, the ownership of his slice of Cornish paradise is in question. Her estate is sold to Toby and Minty Hardman, a wealthy London couple looking for a fresh start and an escape from the city. To them, Trengrose is a lucrative rental opportunity that includes the cottage, which they believe is theirs. The battle lines are drawn in a fight where both sides will do whatever it takes to win.
Compassionate, immersive, transportive and witty, I adored this book. With her skilful storytelling, layered choreography and richly drawn characters, Jane Johnson pulled me into the pages, and I lost myself within this story of family, secrets, mystery and Cornish folklore.
At the heart of this story is Ezra, a gruff, curmudgeonly recluse who may appear spiky on the outside, but has a heart as sweet as the honey from his beloved bees. I loved him immediately, not followed by his hardened facade, but charmed by his love of Cornwall, nature and the home he’s always known. In flashbacks we learn more of Ezra’s story, slowly understanding why he prefers isolation. These sections were moving and mysterious, sometimes offering us more questions than answers. One of the things I enjoyed most about Ezra is how he may come off as a doddering old man, but underneath he is wily, and as he fights to keep his home he proves himself a more formidable opponent than the Hardman’s anticipated, particularly Toby who believed Ezra would be easy to intimidate. I took an instant dislike to Toby, who was pompous, rude and vindictive. The rest of the Hardman family were likeable, and I particularly loved the multi-generational friendship between Dom, the Hardman’s son, and Ezra. And I can’t talk about the characters without mentioning Bucca, Ezra’s grumpy and malevolent cat who cracked me up with his cunning antics. I could have happily read a book with him as the main character and couldn’t get enough every time he was on the page.
A delightful story full of surprising twists, this is another must-read from Ms. Johnson.
Compassionate, immersive, transportive and witty, I adored this book. With her skilful storytelling, layered choreography and richly drawn characters, Jane Johnson pulled me into the pages, and I lost myself within this story of family, secrets, mystery and Cornish folklore.
At the heart of this story is Ezra, a gruff, curmudgeonly recluse who may appear spiky on the outside, but has a heart as sweet as the honey from his beloved bees. I loved him immediately, not followed by his hardened facade, but charmed by his love of Cornwall, nature and the home he’s always known. In flashbacks we learn more of Ezra’s story, slowly understanding why he prefers isolation. These sections were moving and mysterious, sometimes offering us more questions than answers. One of the things I enjoyed most about Ezra is how he may come off as a doddering old man, but underneath he is wily, and as he fights to keep his home he proves himself a more formidable opponent than the Hardman’s anticipated, particularly Toby who believed Ezra would be easy to intimidate. I took an instant dislike to Toby, who was pompous, rude and vindictive. The rest of the Hardman family were likeable, and I particularly loved the multi-generational friendship between Dom, the Hardman’s son, and Ezra. And I can’t talk about the characters without mentioning Bucca, Ezra’s grumpy and malevolent cat who cracked me up with his cunning antics. I could have happily read a book with him as the main character and couldn’t get enough every time he was on the page.
A delightful story full of surprising twists, this is another must-read from Ms. Johnson.
June 5, 2025
Minty and Toby hope that escaping their London life to rural Cornwall will give their family the much needed fresh start they need on more than one level. When the slightly worse for wear but beautiful country house Trengrose comes on the market, it seems like they’ve hit the jackpot. They want to develop it into a retreat with glamping pods and maybe convert the cottage close by into a holiday rental.
Ezra Curnow has called the Trengrose estate home all his life. He was born there and his father and grandfather before him all worked the land there. So when the new family from London want him to move out of the cottage he loves with all his heart, he is determined not to give up easily. There is no clear legal evidence as to who the cottage belongs to and it’s not long before Ezra has a true battle on his hands and Minty and Toby realise it’s not easy being accepted as a newcomer to Cornwall.
But at Minty starts to work on the main house, she comes across some old documents that suddenly make her feel differently about her plans and it isn’t only the house that is keeping secrets.
This is a book that will certainly transport you to Cornwall, one that make you smile more than once and a read that won’t give up its secret until very near the end, however hard you’ll try and guess it. I really enjoyed not only the story but some of the information about birds, bees and nature in general, which was hidden in there in a gentle way and I also really liked the way the characters were developed as the story went on.
Ezra Curnow has called the Trengrose estate home all his life. He was born there and his father and grandfather before him all worked the land there. So when the new family from London want him to move out of the cottage he loves with all his heart, he is determined not to give up easily. There is no clear legal evidence as to who the cottage belongs to and it’s not long before Ezra has a true battle on his hands and Minty and Toby realise it’s not easy being accepted as a newcomer to Cornwall.
But at Minty starts to work on the main house, she comes across some old documents that suddenly make her feel differently about her plans and it isn’t only the house that is keeping secrets.
This is a book that will certainly transport you to Cornwall, one that make you smile more than once and a read that won’t give up its secret until very near the end, however hard you’ll try and guess it. I really enjoyed not only the story but some of the information about birds, bees and nature in general, which was hidden in there in a gentle way and I also really liked the way the characters were developed as the story went on.
February 2, 2025
A gorgeous, compassionate and surprising novel about tangled family secrets, the dark and light in people, and most of all about the deep time of landscape and nature which has the ability to heal and redeem us, if only we can let it. Secrets of the Bees is a remarkable read, both lyrical and wryly funny, cosy and genuinely moving. It evokes the scents and textures, the thorny hedgerows, fields and cottages of Cornwall so stunningly that when I finished I blinked myself awake as if I'd been in a dream. Above all what I loved was this work's nuanced, warm treatment of humans in all their strength and weakness. I raced through it in a single sitting, chuckling and occasionally wiping away tears. One of my favourite passages:
"He thought about the apple blossom and the wildflowers and how the winter light sparkled on the little stream when there were no leaves on the trees. The bats that came and went, sometimes nesting in his loft, the fox, the badgers, the rabbits and hedgehogs; and finally, the bees. In a hive they would remake, better than before, in the orchard that would at last belong to him in word as well as deed. And despite the powerful upheaval that had occurred in his world these past couple of hours, like a seismic shift of tectonic plates, he felt peace settle over him."
Without a doubt my favourite book of the year so far. A book that I will treasure and re-read.
"He thought about the apple blossom and the wildflowers and how the winter light sparkled on the little stream when there were no leaves on the trees. The bats that came and went, sometimes nesting in his loft, the fox, the badgers, the rabbits and hedgehogs; and finally, the bees. In a hive they would remake, better than before, in the orchard that would at last belong to him in word as well as deed. And despite the powerful upheaval that had occurred in his world these past couple of hours, like a seismic shift of tectonic plates, he felt peace settle over him."
Without a doubt my favourite book of the year so far. A book that I will treasure and re-read.
June 18, 2025
Wow, so much to unpack, here!
Ezra lives in a little cottage on a large estate, just like his father and grandfather before him. The cottage doesn't have all the latest mod cons but that doesn't worry Ezra, he manages just fine. He is in tune with nature with all its ebbs and flows and has a special bond with the animals in his orbit.
However, the mistress of the "Big House" has just died without having had children and without leaving a Will, leaving the property in the hands of the Duchy of Cornwell. Who sell it to a London financier, Toby, and his wife, Minty. Their teenage son, Dom, reluctantly accompanies his parents whilst his sister, Miranda, stays behind in London.
The arrival of the family sends shockwaves through the local community and Ezra's world in particular. Toby decides that Ezra needs to go and once Toby puts his mind to something, nothing gets in his way. This may work in the financial sphere but it doesn't really work very well on Ezra, who is a wily old fella.
I loved reading about Ezra's past and how his story and the research that Minty does, come together in unexpected ways. The characterisations are spot-on and I wanted to go to Cornwell, straight away! Since I live in Australia, that would have been tricky ;)
Anyway, beautiful story, very thought-provoking. We should all take a leaf out of Ezra's book and live a little closer to nature.
5 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Head of Zeus.
Ezra lives in a little cottage on a large estate, just like his father and grandfather before him. The cottage doesn't have all the latest mod cons but that doesn't worry Ezra, he manages just fine. He is in tune with nature with all its ebbs and flows and has a special bond with the animals in his orbit.
However, the mistress of the "Big House" has just died without having had children and without leaving a Will, leaving the property in the hands of the Duchy of Cornwell. Who sell it to a London financier, Toby, and his wife, Minty. Their teenage son, Dom, reluctantly accompanies his parents whilst his sister, Miranda, stays behind in London.
The arrival of the family sends shockwaves through the local community and Ezra's world in particular. Toby decides that Ezra needs to go and once Toby puts his mind to something, nothing gets in his way. This may work in the financial sphere but it doesn't really work very well on Ezra, who is a wily old fella.
I loved reading about Ezra's past and how his story and the research that Minty does, come together in unexpected ways. The characterisations are spot-on and I wanted to go to Cornwell, straight away! Since I live in Australia, that would have been tricky ;)
Anyway, beautiful story, very thought-provoking. We should all take a leaf out of Ezra's book and live a little closer to nature.
5 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Head of Zeus.
June 5, 2025
A very surprising book that I enjoyed in the end .
It did start slowly and was difficult to get into but eventually turned into a story of hope and redemption in a way.
I did find the Ezra part at the end difficult to comprehend and felt it deserved to be further back in the story as it was fundamental to the man that Ezra had become. To say more would be a terrible spoiler.
Toby and his wife buy Trengrose and want to ‘Londonfy’ it and make it into a glamping site. Ezra and his humble cottage put a spanner in the works. Toby was thoroughly unlikeable and I suppose this is testament to the author that she managed to make him so. Parts where he got what he deserved were well written.
Minty - or to give her her full name Araminta - eventually realised that Cornish heritage might be more important than yurts in a field though she was still to have an income. Her husbands business and personal dealings finally made her see that Trengrose was where she wanted to be.
Add in her children Dom and Miranda (Ran) and Ezra’s great nephew Sam - and there was plenty of opportunity to have more relationships within the tale.
There were twists and turns and enough interest to keep me reading to the end. The author lives in Cornwall I understand and obviously realises what a special county it is
It did start slowly and was difficult to get into but eventually turned into a story of hope and redemption in a way.
I did find the Ezra part at the end difficult to comprehend and felt it deserved to be further back in the story as it was fundamental to the man that Ezra had become. To say more would be a terrible spoiler.
Toby and his wife buy Trengrose and want to ‘Londonfy’ it and make it into a glamping site. Ezra and his humble cottage put a spanner in the works. Toby was thoroughly unlikeable and I suppose this is testament to the author that she managed to make him so. Parts where he got what he deserved were well written.
Minty - or to give her her full name Araminta - eventually realised that Cornish heritage might be more important than yurts in a field though she was still to have an income. Her husbands business and personal dealings finally made her see that Trengrose was where she wanted to be.
Add in her children Dom and Miranda (Ran) and Ezra’s great nephew Sam - and there was plenty of opportunity to have more relationships within the tale.
There were twists and turns and enough interest to keep me reading to the end. The author lives in Cornwall I understand and obviously realises what a special county it is
December 31, 2024
I should first say that I lived in Cornwall until a couple of years ago (so while this book was being written), and while not a native I was there for many years, so I understand the characters in this book. Initially I thought that Toby and Minty were a bit of a caricature, while the Cornish were much more convincing. But as time went on the comers in gathered dimensions and character. I suppose as the writer is Cornish it’s a perspective that comes from experience. I enjoyed the development of the story and the characters, especially Ezra, who reminded me of a neighbour of similar age who used to leap out of hedges at me and regale me with lengthy tales of his life. It made me miss Cornwall and everything about it, it will always have a special place in my heart and this book rings true of all I know, and love, and was frustrated about regarding the issues locals had to deal with outsiders coming in and wreaking havoc. But also reminded me of why I needed to leave. There’s more to it than Cornwall though. There are layers and nuance. Though I found the ending rather too neat. But I would recommend it. It’s nothing like the numerous saccharin tales of Cornwall I can’t abide, and offers a deep understanding of the magic of the place and its people.
March 12, 2025
A novel of several strands, this Cornish story doesn't seek to romanticise life in modern day Cornwall, but rather highlight the strain between the need to attract tourism and the money it brings in and the damage that tourism and second home ownership can do to community and traditional ways in the area.
Toby and Minty are the incomer couple who use their "city" cash to purchase a large estate, complete with an estate cottage from which they seek to evict Ezra, the old man whose family have lived in the cottage over many generations.
Minty is the far more sympathetic character of the two and, indeed, becomes far more aware and understanding of her surroundings and their history as the story progresses.
Ezra's own history unfolds alongside the modern day events and the reader is drawn back to the British involvement in the civil war in Cyprus in the 50s. This is not a tale of heroism by any manner of means and actually makes for some fairly grim reading.
The tying up of all the loose ends is a bit too convenient, and Jane Johnson occasionally lets her crusading spirit lead her into a lecturing tone,, but, overall, this is an interesting and involving read.
I was given a e arc by Random House, through NetGalley and this is my honest review of the book.
Toby and Minty are the incomer couple who use their "city" cash to purchase a large estate, complete with an estate cottage from which they seek to evict Ezra, the old man whose family have lived in the cottage over many generations.
Minty is the far more sympathetic character of the two and, indeed, becomes far more aware and understanding of her surroundings and their history as the story progresses.
Ezra's own history unfolds alongside the modern day events and the reader is drawn back to the British involvement in the civil war in Cyprus in the 50s. This is not a tale of heroism by any manner of means and actually makes for some fairly grim reading.
The tying up of all the loose ends is a bit too convenient, and Jane Johnson occasionally lets her crusading spirit lead her into a lecturing tone,, but, overall, this is an interesting and involving read.
I was given a e arc by Random House, through NetGalley and this is my honest review of the book.
June 7, 2025
A beautiful story which is going to stay with me. Pretty sure it’s going to be my book of the year I loved it so much. The descriptions of Cornwall’s landscape had me remembering a lovely holiday spent there by the sea many years ago. The author’s love of the area really shone through the pages.
Ezra has been living in the little cottage in the grounds of a large estate, managing the plants and bees, just like his father and his grandfather before him. In fact he has lived in this cottage all of his life, initially with his family but now there is just him. And the cat who has chosen to live with him. And Merlin the jackdaw who visits for tasty treats, landing on Ezra’s shoulder. He happily potters around, tending to the land which mostly sustains him, and talking to the bees.
When the owner of the estate dies without leaving a will and a new wealthy couple buy it, the ownership of his cottage comes into question. They want him out but Ezra is not budging. They have no idea what this old man is capable of and I was behind him the whole way!
We are taken back to Ezra’s younger days, throughout the book as we learn more about his life. There is romance, there is heartbreak, and there are secrets. And I was not prepared for those secrets! They were secrets on a whole other level!
This really is such a special book to lose yourself in, and I could do nothing last Sunday until I read the whole book in just two sittings. The pages flew by as I was lost in Ezra’s world. It has a place on my forever bookshelf as I know I will want to read it again and again. I fell in love with this elderly gent, who was so contentedly living a peaceful and happy life.
This is a must read. Put it to the top of your reading list.
Ezra has been living in the little cottage in the grounds of a large estate, managing the plants and bees, just like his father and his grandfather before him. In fact he has lived in this cottage all of his life, initially with his family but now there is just him. And the cat who has chosen to live with him. And Merlin the jackdaw who visits for tasty treats, landing on Ezra’s shoulder. He happily potters around, tending to the land which mostly sustains him, and talking to the bees.
When the owner of the estate dies without leaving a will and a new wealthy couple buy it, the ownership of his cottage comes into question. They want him out but Ezra is not budging. They have no idea what this old man is capable of and I was behind him the whole way!
We are taken back to Ezra’s younger days, throughout the book as we learn more about his life. There is romance, there is heartbreak, and there are secrets. And I was not prepared for those secrets! They were secrets on a whole other level!
This really is such a special book to lose yourself in, and I could do nothing last Sunday until I read the whole book in just two sittings. The pages flew by as I was lost in Ezra’s world. It has a place on my forever bookshelf as I know I will want to read it again and again. I fell in love with this elderly gent, who was so contentedly living a peaceful and happy life.
This is a must read. Put it to the top of your reading list.
April 11, 2025
Another beautifully crafted novel from Jane Johnson, who you quickly learn will not disappoint, with rich settings and high emotion in her work.
This novel follows the fortunes of a rich couple with their teenage children who buy the mansion at Trengrose in Cornwall, in hopes of making it earn its keep with glamping and the like. However, the fly in their ointment is old Ezra Curnow, inhabiting an old cottage in the estate, the legal rights and ramifications of which hadn't been hammered out before the sale was finalised.
The ongoing stalemate between the two households as the Hardmans try to be rid of Ezra make for some amusing reading before things turn darker, but there is a deeper heart to this story, and although at some point you will likely put the pieces together faster than the protagonists, to understand what's coming, I'm pretty sure this wonderful book will still surprise you and profoundly move you, unravelling you as it unravels in its turn. The prose dances and warms like one of the titular bees - Jane Johnson is truly a master of her craft (all the time she spent with Tolkien and Robin Hobb has stood her in good stead!) Highly recommended.
This novel follows the fortunes of a rich couple with their teenage children who buy the mansion at Trengrose in Cornwall, in hopes of making it earn its keep with glamping and the like. However, the fly in their ointment is old Ezra Curnow, inhabiting an old cottage in the estate, the legal rights and ramifications of which hadn't been hammered out before the sale was finalised.
The ongoing stalemate between the two households as the Hardmans try to be rid of Ezra make for some amusing reading before things turn darker, but there is a deeper heart to this story, and although at some point you will likely put the pieces together faster than the protagonists, to understand what's coming, I'm pretty sure this wonderful book will still surprise you and profoundly move you, unravelling you as it unravels in its turn. The prose dances and warms like one of the titular bees - Jane Johnson is truly a master of her craft (all the time she spent with Tolkien and Robin Hobb has stood her in good stead!) Highly recommended.
June 8, 2025
Ezra has lived in the little cottage on the Trengrose Estate all his life, as his fathers and forefathers before him. Suddenly with Miss Eliza dying and leaving no will, his life is turned upside down when the property is sold and the new tenants have other ideas for the cottage.
After a very slow start where I wasn’t connecting with the characters or understanding the direction of the novel it actually turned into a beautiful story of belonging, and being of one with nature and the natural surroundings. Along with a little bit of magical realism interspersed with information about the environment and how we can look after it.
Erza was a very wily character and I did have a few smirks on my face as he got up to some antics. The rest of the characters grew on me too, except one who shall remain nameless.
There is a small dual timeline of Ezra’s time in Cyprus with the British Army. I did wonder of the significance of this but it all came together beautifully at the end.
A truely satisfying read and I am very pleased I persevered.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy to read.
After a very slow start where I wasn’t connecting with the characters or understanding the direction of the novel it actually turned into a beautiful story of belonging, and being of one with nature and the natural surroundings. Along with a little bit of magical realism interspersed with information about the environment and how we can look after it.
Erza was a very wily character and I did have a few smirks on my face as he got up to some antics. The rest of the characters grew on me too, except one who shall remain nameless.
There is a small dual timeline of Ezra’s time in Cyprus with the British Army. I did wonder of the significance of this but it all came together beautifully at the end.
A truely satisfying read and I am very pleased I persevered.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy to read.
July 15, 2025
Secrets of the Bees is a beautifully woven and atmospheric novel that seamlessly blends the past and present into a haunting, emotionally rich narrative. Jane Johnson masterfully builds a world where history lingers in the landscape, and nature—especially bees—plays a vital role in both protecting and revealing long-buried truths.
The dual timeline is handled with real elegance, with each strand feeding into the other in a way that feels organic and compelling. As the mysteries unfold, there’s a growing sense that the natural world is watching, guiding, and in some cases, gently nudging the characters toward what needs to be uncovered.
The setting is vividly evoked, and the connection to nature—bees, wild places, seasons—runs through the novel like lifeblood. It’s not just a backdrop, but an active force that both holds secrets and brings them to light.
What I loved most is how the novel explores memory, silence, and the stories we pass down—or choose to hide. It’s a story about resilience, identity, and the quiet but powerful presence of the natural world in our lives.
A moving, lyrical and deeply immersive read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#Book27 #Booksin2025
@JaneJohnsonBakr
The dual timeline is handled with real elegance, with each strand feeding into the other in a way that feels organic and compelling. As the mysteries unfold, there’s a growing sense that the natural world is watching, guiding, and in some cases, gently nudging the characters toward what needs to be uncovered.
The setting is vividly evoked, and the connection to nature—bees, wild places, seasons—runs through the novel like lifeblood. It’s not just a backdrop, but an active force that both holds secrets and brings them to light.
What I loved most is how the novel explores memory, silence, and the stories we pass down—or choose to hide. It’s a story about resilience, identity, and the quiet but powerful presence of the natural world in our lives.
A moving, lyrical and deeply immersive read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#Book27 #Booksin2025
@JaneJohnsonBakr
April 5, 2025
This was a thoroughly enjoyable read. Minty and Toby are Londoners looking for a large property and new way of life in rural Cornwall for their family. Ezra is an old man living in an old cottage at the end of the lane to the estate which they buy. They want to do the whole place up, Ezra wants to stay in his cottage in peace. The story really brings out the tension between modern life and a more traditional one, between incomers and the effect on the rural economy, between development and caring for the countryside and nature.
I loved the characters which are really well drawn and could empathise with their viewpoint (apart from the villain in the story). The timeline flits at times to Ezra's past and there is a great twist at the end which I didn't see coming. I loved that the newcomers, Minty and her children, are drawn into the history of the place and people who lived there, into the beauty and new way of
living and appreciating nature. I didn't want the book to end and wanted to read more about what happened next.
I loved the characters which are really well drawn and could empathise with their viewpoint (apart from the villain in the story). The timeline flits at times to Ezra's past and there is a great twist at the end which I didn't see coming. I loved that the newcomers, Minty and her children, are drawn into the history of the place and people who lived there, into the beauty and new way of
living and appreciating nature. I didn't want the book to end and wanted to read more about what happened next.
August 13, 2025
When the Hardman family escape their London life and buy the Trengrose estate in Cornwall, they are shocked to find they have inherited an old man who lives a rural life in a cottage in the grounds that they want to turn into a glamping site. They try to evict him, but he won't budge.
Ezra Curnow digs his feet in, refusing to leave his home, garden and bee hive. As far as he is concerned, it is his family home and his ancestors have always been the estate managers. So the old man launches a hilarious Home Alone-style attack on the newcomers, leaving strange things on the doorstep, pretending to haunt the woods and changing the glamping signs at the entrance to the estate.
This novel is so much more though, it's about tradition, family, secrets and lies. I adore Jane's writing, her passion for Cornwall and its history. Reading from Bucca the cat's perspective, learning about bees, the war flashbacks and the twist at the end were all superb!
Ezra Curnow digs his feet in, refusing to leave his home, garden and bee hive. As far as he is concerned, it is his family home and his ancestors have always been the estate managers. So the old man launches a hilarious Home Alone-style attack on the newcomers, leaving strange things on the doorstep, pretending to haunt the woods and changing the glamping signs at the entrance to the estate.
This novel is so much more though, it's about tradition, family, secrets and lies. I adore Jane's writing, her passion for Cornwall and its history. Reading from Bucca the cat's perspective, learning about bees, the war flashbacks and the twist at the end were all superb!
June 22, 2025
Discover the locations in the novel here
What a very special read
Oh this was both delightful and a serious message of remembering what is important in life and nature. It shows what could happen if we lose that connection and respect with nature and put a monetary value on everything instead.
I loved Ezra! He was the guy who saw the value in everything rather than the cost. The ways he protected the bees, the landscape and the future. This wasn't a good cop/bad cop story however as lines are blurred but Ezra and his heart of gold really showed everyone what value nature has.
A quiet novel with a very loud message.
May 10, 2025
Provided by The Reading Agency and Head of Zeus
Set in contemporary Devon, the secrets of the bees draws upon the history of place. I enjoyed the way that a variety of interests were woven into the story as tensions within family, between locals and non-locals and within wider society were experienced by the characters. The characters themselves were varied and on the whole believable.
Whilst several plot devices and character developments are somewhat predictable the writing flows easily and I particularly liked the drawing of some of the minor characters. After some fast-paced and perhaps rather far-fetched denouement action, the story resolves itself with secrets revealed and a satisfactory conclusion for the majority of the characters. Overall, this makes a good holiday read.
Set in contemporary Devon, the secrets of the bees draws upon the history of place. I enjoyed the way that a variety of interests were woven into the story as tensions within family, between locals and non-locals and within wider society were experienced by the characters. The characters themselves were varied and on the whole believable.
Whilst several plot devices and character developments are somewhat predictable the writing flows easily and I particularly liked the drawing of some of the minor characters. After some fast-paced and perhaps rather far-fetched denouement action, the story resolves itself with secrets revealed and a satisfactory conclusion for the majority of the characters. Overall, this makes a good holiday read.
May 20, 2025
There’s a lot going on in this pacey family story; old vs new, tradition vs privilege, nature vs business. Jane Johnson’s book contains a cast of lively characters whose lives become entwined in the uncertain future of a beautiful but neglected Cornish estate.
They include Ezra, the old beekeeper, who has a deep connection to nature and plants growing in his garden that may not be strictly legal, Toby, his bullish could-be new landlord, and Minty, Toby’s long-suffering wife, alongside the younger generation of both of their families.
As the residents of Trengrose uncover the history of the house and grounds, they build new connections and uncover secrets that only the bees have been told, and which will change all of their lives. An enjoyable and unexpected page turner.
They include Ezra, the old beekeeper, who has a deep connection to nature and plants growing in his garden that may not be strictly legal, Toby, his bullish could-be new landlord, and Minty, Toby’s long-suffering wife, alongside the younger generation of both of their families.
As the residents of Trengrose uncover the history of the house and grounds, they build new connections and uncover secrets that only the bees have been told, and which will change all of their lives. An enjoyable and unexpected page turner.
June 10, 2025
This is the first time I have come across this author and it was the title and the blurb that attracted me.
The story revolves around Trengrose a country estate in Cornwall. Erza Curnow has lived there all his life, when new owners arrive his life becomes a battle to keep his home. There are multiple story lines to enjoy, particularly interesting the ones concerning the bees. Learning about sharing news with the bees is absolutely charming.
A fascinating read as beside the storyline the author's strong feelings for our environment and nature shine through in her writing.
Thank you NetGalley, the author and the publisher Apollo for the opportunity to read and review.
https://lindyloumacbookreviews.blogsp...
The story revolves around Trengrose a country estate in Cornwall. Erza Curnow has lived there all his life, when new owners arrive his life becomes a battle to keep his home. There are multiple story lines to enjoy, particularly interesting the ones concerning the bees. Learning about sharing news with the bees is absolutely charming.
A fascinating read as beside the storyline the author's strong feelings for our environment and nature shine through in her writing.
Thank you NetGalley, the author and the publisher Apollo for the opportunity to read and review.
https://lindyloumacbookreviews.blogsp...
November 25, 2025
Set in the far west of Cornwall, The Secret of the Bees weaves a number of storylines across two time zones into a satisfying conclusion with several twists and turns along the way. Some things were predictable, which didn’t detract from the story, but others came as a surprise to me which is always a bonus. And I loved the humour!
I enjoy Jane Johnson’s books but on this occasion I felt the Cornish characters were overly stereotyped which was a pity, and the newly arrived couple from London were caricatures, which frustrated me. Nonetheless, I loved stubborn old Ezra and his simple lifestyle and I thoroughly enjoyed Eliza Rosevear’s story. As the story gathered pace, I was drawn in and very much enjoyed the book overall.
I enjoy Jane Johnson’s books but on this occasion I felt the Cornish characters were overly stereotyped which was a pity, and the newly arrived couple from London were caricatures, which frustrated me. Nonetheless, I loved stubborn old Ezra and his simple lifestyle and I thoroughly enjoyed Eliza Rosevear’s story. As the story gathered pace, I was drawn in and very much enjoyed the book overall.
April 28, 2025
Jane Johnson writes crisply and I enjoyed Secrets of the bees. It was an easy read with a well constructed plot populated by credible characters. The (sometimes unexpected) twists in the narrative were deftly handled and kept me keenly turning the pages.
Secrets of the bees is written very much from the viewpoint of a lover of Cornwall and wild things. The theme of incomers upsetting the natural order of things is clearly felt rather than merely observed by the author, and on a couple of occasions a little laboured. But I ( and I suspect most readers ) sympathise !
Secrets of the bees is written very much from the viewpoint of a lover of Cornwall and wild things. The theme of incomers upsetting the natural order of things is clearly felt rather than merely observed by the author, and on a couple of occasions a little laboured. But I ( and I suspect most readers ) sympathise !
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews