The Price of Honey

by Liane Moriarty

34 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication April 1, 2026

About the author

Liane Moriarty is the author of the #1 New York Times bestsellers Big Little Lies, The Husband’s Secret, and Truly Madly Guilty; the New York Times bestsellers Apples Never Fall, Nine Perfect Strangers, What Alice Forgot, and The Last Anniversary; The Hypnotist’s Love Story; and Three Wishes. She lives in Sydney, Australia, with her husband and two children.

Reviews

[Casey Reads 🌸 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Besides a few interesting references to AI that were very brief, this felt pointless. Very underdeveloped plot-line that felt pointless. This seemed like a rough draft. I would say this needed about 50 more pages of plot development to be a good short story.

Thank you to Amazon first reads for the free copy.

[Violet · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Ashton Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the short story that’s included in Amazon first reads for March. I LOVED it. I would’ve read a full story with this plot. Also my first Liane Moriarty read and I understand why she’s had such a steady career.

[Jay Bakman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this short story. It was so twisty! I can’t wait to read more from this author!

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 4 out of 5]

WHY NOT ALL FOUR WIVES TOGETHER?

The story is somewhat futuristic and a bit odd, but you can't help but continue reading, and overall, I will give it 3.5 stars. Barney Beckett is dead. His fourth and present wife is traveling by Uber, with a human driver, Taylor, to attend the funeral. At the funeral, she decides that all four wives should sit together: Rita, Meredith, Svetlana, and Honey.

I have mixed emotions on the story because it is so short, roughly 30 pages, and it is hard to really have time to develop characters and personalities. What we do know is that Barney isn't faithful, and has excuses for his philandering ways--going as far as deeming it 'medicinal purposes only.' Honey is reminiscing during the trip to the cathedral about Barney--who was a tech genius--but also a very controlling man. But it is after the funeral that reveals a surprise or two.

I think the story had potential and was unique, but it really lacked development to immerse the reader. Instead, it was like the story being told to you, rather than feeling like you were seeing it unfold.

[Paige B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got to read this early with the kindle unlimited extra book on the first of the month thing I feel famous

I think it actually could’ve been a smidge longer and needed a few more details but otherwise I really liked it!!! Super super quick read (bc it’s a short story duh) so I definitely recommend! Very fun and original concept

[Alexia Lafrance · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was so fun!!! Can’t wait to read the other stories from this series!

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kindle bonus read. Short story at 34 pages, different from what I normally read but i really enjoyed it.

[Linda Galella · Rating 3 out of 5]

AMAZON FIRST READS - MARCH 2026


First in a six book collection known as the Deadly Ambition Collection, THE PRICE OF HONEY, by
Liane Moriarty, is a short story that takes a peek at relationships in a future immersed in A. I.

Honey was married to an uber wealthy, techno giant whose life goal is to conquer death. She is his 4th wife; 32 years his junior. A well respected makeup artist in her own right, Honey stepped out of her profession to be with Barney and raise their young son. Barney, altho’ 60, was vital; the picture of health. His death is a massive shock to everyone. Hhhmmm

The story begins with Honey taking an old fashioned Uber to her husband’s funeral. The conversation between her and
the driver touches many topics and concerns my friends and I have pondered with regards to new technologies.

She’s late to the church and upsets the carefully orchestrated event. Barney’s administrative assistant is not happy. She’s been with him for years, is exacting, doesn’t make errors. The archbishop is presiding over the service! With a single off the cuff decision, Honey crosses her line. I had to chuckle when the idea of Housewives of A. I. Billionaires came to mind. Eventually, she gets the expansive affair back on track.

An extremely handsome stranger shows up towards the end of the reception. He’s got a lot to say but so do Honey and another wife. People are still milling around. What will this guy do to the status quo?

This book is only 34 pages and took less than 25 minutes to read. Having a plot this complicated is tough in that limited space. What suffers most is character development. Readers don’t know enough about important secondaries which makes it difficult to become invested.

I would have appreciated an expanded version. The subject is current and IMO, being talked about by most people regardless of age. Moriarty kept the story clean and used well placed humor. It just needs more development📚

[Faye Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The free bonus read in Amazon's First Reads selection for March 2026, The Price of Honey, is a very brief short story, at just 34 pages. But I basically read through it like this: 😯 I thought it had a lot of impact in such a short page count, and I loved the twists.

Main character Honey reminded me of articles that I read about Talulah Riley from when she was married to Elon Musk (both the first and second times!), including ones where she explaining his belief that we were all living in a simulation. And with his constant cheating, his large number of children and just his overall attitude due to being a "genius", Honey's recently deceased husband Barney was giving me BIG Elon Musk energy. So I really enjoyed the ride that this short story took me on, and it had a very satisfying ending!

[Natalie Corbin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Early release from Amazon First Reads this month - obviously I’m gonna read literally anything Liane Moriarty writes because I am obsessed with her. This was a very fun little short story that I really enjoyed! She creates characters so well and she puts that talent on full display with a story as short as this. Only she could have you so invested in a character you only met 2 pages ago!
I think the premise of this story was really entertaining and thought provoking and I’m surprised by how well the twist played out with such little time to set things up!

Liane Moriarty is consistently one of my favorite authors so maybe I’m biased, but I think it’s definitely worth the read if you have half an hour or so to kill!

[The Cookster · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.3/5

This short story from Australian author, Liane Moriarty, is the first in a series by various writers under the heading "Deadly Ambition". The series will deal with the subject of greed, control and the dark side of the desire to make dreams come true.

"The Price of Honey" is a futuristic, cautionary tale about the wife of a tech billionaire attending her husband's funeral. There are ample socio-generational observations, with some interesting speculation as to how A.I. and other technological developments may impact on the day to day lives of the human race.

A clever and well-written short story that should only take 30-40 minutes of your time.

[Michele A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honey finds herself attending the funeral of her husband. She is in a car on her way to the service. She chats with the young driver. On the drive, we get snippets of what Honey's life has been like. Her husband is a multi-billionaire. He has been married several times. She is the current wife. She keeps ruminating on her life. It appears she isn't overly satisfied with what she finds. I don't want to give away the book, especially since it's so short. I will say it was entertaining. I just wanted a bit more of the story.

[Angie F. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a bonus short read as part of the Amazon First Reads program.

Having read and enjoyed Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty previously, I got right into this one. It is short, but it definitely packs a punch. The implications for artificial intelligence technology, culpability, and loyalty are chilling.

I can't say I'm looking forward to continuing in the series based on the subject matter, but I am definitely intrigued enough to pick up more from the author.

[Melly · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book could’ve had so much potential if it was longer but since it was short it felt a little rushed. To make a short story even shorter Honey gets in an uber to go to her husbands funeral, is with her husband’s 3 ex wives, some talk of AI, her husband is not actually dead but is now is some other body that is a stranger who Honey has no idea of and oh the body of said stranger committed a crime that Honey’s husband is now being charged for, the end.

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a swift and enjoyable read that I may never forget. It was a complimentary gift from Amazon, so I was unaware of its content, but it proved to be quite satisfactory. I would like to delve deeper into the lives of all four wives and Luisa. The unexpected irony of the conclusion brought a smile to my face. I highly recommend this book if you are seeking a concise yet captivating read.
Releases in April.

[Carol Mcgrath · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a 34.page book. I got through about 26 pages and had enough. I just couldn't read anymore. Honey was married to a genius who died. She's at his funeral with his ex-wives. There's a lot of reference to AI but what happens around where I stopped wss so dumb that I just couldn't finish the book. I have read other works of hers, and enjoyed them, but not this book.

[Britain Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was pretty interesting for what was there, but the story was too short for what was trying to be accomplished, like I was supposed to know more about the story than I was given. I feel like at the very least the could’ve elaborated on Barney’s company and the possible motivations of the people in it.

[Zoe Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 1 in amazons latest release of short stories, I got this free this month as part of prime, the rest of them drop on April 1st. Perfect for making a brew and curling up for a quick read.

Set in a futuristic style including driverless cars and relationships with AI, this short story confirms the power of women, especially women united.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the Amazon First Reads bonus story for March. I read it in one sitting. It doesn’t have to be the finest book ever written to be entertaining. I loved it. If the story were to continue on in future books, I would read them! I really liked Honey and a Luisa spin-off would be interesting. I love women taking their power back. Good fun!

[Kasia · Rating 2 out of 5]

My first Moriarty read and won't be my last, I did like some witty lines such as being in a relationship with your own reflection and being protected by your own disbelief, I wish that clever observation carried to the end more. It gripped me, I was intrigued but I wanted more. I think the author has it in them.

[Katie Morad · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Price of Honey by Liane Moriarty is a thoughtful, character-driven story about the hidden tensions beneath everyday relationships. Moriarty explores the emotional cost of secrets and the roles we play in our families and friendships. Insightful and quietly compelling, it’s a layered read that lingers after the final page.

[Mark · Rating 2 out of 5]

As Amazon First Reads go, it’s okay, but then that’s only because the standard is low. Set in the future, ‘The Price of Honey’ focuses on a wife travelling to the funeral of her billionaire tech husband and musing on her imperfect relationship with him. The twist at the funeral is pretty heavily signposted and the ending is appropriately unsubtle.

[Kim Tracy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I usually love the Amazon first reads bonus short stories and I was excited to see Liane Moriarty write this one, but gosh this was pretty broken up and incoherent and I guess I just don’t really like the AI and bot subject matter.

[Kenzie Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was the bonus short story in the “Amazon First Reads” March 2026 collection. Really liked this short story, it’s quick but interesting. Has enough of a beginning, middle and end that it feels complete. Looking forward to the rest of these short stories in the collection.

[Brooke Sanchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

great short story!

This is a such a good short story, it always sucks when the good books go by so quickly. Definitely worth the read. Only takes an hr or less to finish. Good plot with twists at the end!

[Gretchen · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 rounded up. A bonus free short story with Amazon First Reads. I often find these short stories underdeveloped and this is no exception. However, it was a fast read and a bit "different" than I was expecting.

[Yvonne O'Connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

A smart and entertaining story that takes place in the future - far enough that Taylor Swift is an “old timey” artist and people have AI relationships. When a ma who has been married four times dies, we travel with his current wife to the funeral where his latest scientific revolution is revealed.

[Kimberley · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

This has so much potential, and would be great as a longer story.

A world where AI has overtaken humans and the consequences of living alongside it.

A couple of good twists, but a lot of unanswered questions. Would love to read this as a longer book.

[BeeFaith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow

Liane Moriarty packed so much detail into 34 pages, creating an intriguing plot that captured my attention from start to finish!

This novella was fast-paced, satisfying, and easily read in one sitting.