A Labyrinth of Honeybees

Magic & Mystery #4

by Heather Fawcett

New rulers meddle with the whims of the old gods in a lush and twisty short story of devotion, intrigue, and murder by the New York Times bestselling author of the Emily Wilde series.

At a remote mountain temple, an inquisitor arrives to question a priestess about a pair of murders. The keeper of the sacred garden, its bees, and its ever-changing hedge maze does have her secrets. But what will protecting them cost her as she uncovers layers of conspiracy on both sides?

Heather Fawcett’s A Labyrinth of Honeybees is part of the Magic & Mystery collection, puzzle-box mysteries from top fantasy authors. They can be read or listened to in one enchanting sitting.

Genres: Fantasy, Short Stories, Mystery, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Audiobook, Novella

44 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 28, 2026

About the author

Hello! Welcome to my page.

I'm the author of books for adults and children, including Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries, Even the Darkest Stars, Ember and the Ice Dragons, The School Between Winter and Fairyland, and more.

I'm only occasionally on Goodreads, so if you want a more reliable way to get in contact with me, I'd recommend using social media (I'm on Instagram and Facebook) or the contact form on my website.

Review policy: I only review books that I love, which is why you'll only see 4 and 5 star reviews here. Because readers often ask me about my favourite books and authors, I'm aiming to use this page as a place to collect all of my recommendations.

Also, I am NOT the author of More Than a Mom: Living a Full And Balanced Life When Your Child Has Special Needs. I've asked Goodreads to remove it from my page several times but it keeps getting re-added. If you have questions about this title, please direct them to the other Heather Fawcett!

Reviews

[Ricarda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heather Fawcett really turned into one of my favorite authors over the years and now she can even fully capture me in 44 pages. This was such a great short story. It's about the priestess of a remote temple getting questioned by an inquisitor about two recent deaths and a missing heir. The atmosphere is tense as the country was recently conquered and the two of them are on opposite sides of the conflict and do not share the same gods. There was such vast world building in only a few pages without ever feeling convoluted. The story actually feels very calm for the most part. The priestess guides the inquisitor through the temple grounds and they visit the gardens, the mountain and the waterfalls of her Goddess. The heart of the place is a giant maze that cannot be solved if the Goddess doesn't allow it. It was all very beautiful and so nice to read about this fantastical place. I also really liked the portrayal of religion. It was deeply rooted in the land and in the people, even when no one was particularly devout, and it was quite the contrast to the foreign religion that seeks to conquer violently. In the end it all escalated a bit too quickly for me and the little twist was no surprise either, but it was a lovely short story overall.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Sarah • ia for a while · Rating 4 out of 5]

⋆˚✿˖° Wow! This was probably the most elaborate short story I've ever read. Even though we don't know the names of any of the characters, I wasn't confused about who was who or what in the world was happening. The mystery itself kept me guessing until the very end, although I wanted to kick myself for not knowing how it was going to end since it was pretty self-explanatory. But the setting/world building was the best part! It was all super interesting and made total sense—I didn't feel confused at all by any of it, which is a win for someone like me. 😂

Overall, this was an enjoyable read for me! 💚

✦ Thank you to Amazon Original Stories and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own. ✦

──── ୨୧ ────

The Magic & Mystery Collection
#1 The Wednesday Witches Book Club
#2 Miss Gentle and The Case of the Very Flat Monk
#3 The Lion's Tusk
#5 The Wizard Who Kept Himself Suspicious
#6 Battle of the Round House
#7 The Cairndale Orphan

[Melanie (meltotheany) · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley

✰ the collection on amazon
✰ the collection on goodreads

i’m not sure if a short story about murder should be so lovely, but oh this setting was just perfection. this mystery follows a priestess grounds keeper, who is showing around the royal inquisitor, who just arrived and has come to deliver the king's judgement on two dead tax collectors, once he gets to the bottom of what happened. oh, and there is also the matter of the king’s missing heir! also, the goddess’ temple is in the middle of a maze that one can not simply get to, unless it is the goddess’ wish. lastly, ghosts follow their murderers around, and the king’s inquisitor has quite the army behind him.

this is for sure a story of old gods versus new gods, with a background theme of the horrors of empire, encapsulated in a lush setting with such a calming cadence. i really loved picturing all the imagery within these few pages. this is for sure a highlight within this entire collection. and this author is one that just keeps impressing me.

trigger + content warnings: war mentions, death, blood, gore

blog | instagram | youtube | wishlist | spotify | amazon

1.) Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries ★★★★
2.) Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands ★★★★

♡ Magic & Mystery Amazon Collection Reviews:
➛ Miss Gentle and the Case of the Very Flat Monk by Travis Baldree
➛ The Wednesday Witches Book Club By Sarah Beth Durst
➛ The Lion’s Tusk By Robert Jackson Bennett
➛ A Labyrinth of Honeybees By Heather Fawcett
➛ The Wizard Who Kept Himself Suspicious By Scott Lynch
➛ Battle of the Round House By Tananarive Due
➛ The Cairndale Orphan By J. M. Miro

[Sandy ❦✶⁺⋆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was enjoyable but not a standout.

I think if you particularly enjoy HF's writing style, then this is another example of a domestic setting interlaced with magic and a story lead by a headstrong female lead.

I think, as if the case with most novellas, the story was too short to fully immerse oneself in the setting and in this instance also to understand the implications of the plot. There is clearly a rich world built behind this episode and it would be interesting to see more of it.

[lost in epilogue | ཐི༏ཋྀ​​݁ ₊ ݁ .]

only 44 pages but i know i'ma eat it up! 🐝

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I initially picked this up because I saw Heather Fawcett's name and was like what is this little book?! After binging the Emily Wilde series last year, Heather Fawcett has become an immediate auto-buy author for me. Her worlds are intriguing, cozy, sometimes a little dark, and always magical. There is something so charming about the worlds she creates, and I'm glad to report it shone through even in a very short novella.

This novella explores politics and religions (new and old) and for being only 44 pages, it packs a punch. I would recommend going in blind as this is an extremely short novella but it really ties up nicely in a neat little package while not having a firm ending. It's not overtly deep into the world lore but just enough to give you an easy understanding of the world and there's a bit of mystery to keep you enticed! I don't think this novella could have been laid out any more perfectly, it was just enough to not leave you wanting or feeling as though it was unfinished or set to accomplish too much in not enough time. (Although, I do want and would read more of this world if she wrote it.)

If you're looking for a quick slightly cozy fantasy mystery then I highly advise you pick this one up. Perfect for a quick commute or when you have 30-45minutes to spare. Loved this one!

Thank you to Amazon Original Stories for the e-arc. As always, all opinions are my own.

*✧: ･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧: ･ﾟ:✧*

I just love Heather fawcett’s writing. Rtc!

[aria ✧ · Rating 4 out of 5]

── 4.0✦

Oh, the worldbuilding in this was DELICIOUS

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This did not go where I thought it would go! Would also like a full novel set in this world.

[Hare Llow · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5
This is the first time I've read this author and I liked her style
The story is simple and it works, but it left me wanting more

[✘✘ Sarah ✘✘ (former Nefarious Breeder of Murderous Crustaceans) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh and stuff.

[Michelle’s · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fawcett is excellent at balancing peaceful, bucolic scenery with murderous, high-stakes. She gives us characters that are multi-faceted, and not necessarily easy to figure out. A perfect little snippet/bite-size into this world of gods. And also, the way the title ties in to the story… 🤌🏼😘 Loved that it was a murder mystery.

It stopped a little too abruptly for me, but I figured that’s more my greediness for Fawcett’s writing.

P.S. did any one else like the mention of Pegasus in this story? 😍

[h ☾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

right so when is the full length novel series coming out... i need it

[Nathalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there’s anyone who can tell an entire story, and make it worth every word, in 44 pages- it’s Heather Fawcett. This short story was absolutely captivating from the start. There is everything from ghosts to mischievous gods & goddesses, a murder mystery and missing person, and obviously the titular honeybees. Please go in as blind as possible, and become obsessed with me.

This short story collection is available on July 28, 2026. Thank you Amazon Original Stories for gifting me with an eARC (via Netgalley), all thoughts expressed are my own.

[Natasha Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written as always. Heather Fawcett can do no wrong. Loved the concept and the story. Especially how the dead followed their murderers! I would devour a much longer version of this 🫶🏻

[Christina Baehr]

This is the first thing by Heather Fawcett I have read which I did not like. Maybe it was the little digs at the most religious character (or at least, the character practicing a religion that felt most like fantasy Christianity)? YMMV

I did appreciate the twist, but somehow this short story didn’t come together for me. So many unanswered questions (or else I’m being dense).

As always, she writes a beautiful setting.

[Claire]

Interesting short story concept! I am left more interested in what comes after though.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Well this was fun, full of twists, and reminded me why I do love a good short story.

Looking forward to others in this collection.

[Bookly_Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so whimsical.

[Meghan]

Well this was wonderfully fun!

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would love to see more of this world from this author!

[Il confine dei libri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heather Fawcett crea una short story curatissima e articolata. In poche pagine getta le fondamenta per un word building ampio ma di facile comprensione.
Scrive una storia che sembra andare in una direzione, per poi prendere una strada completamente diversa, in un mondo in cui gli uomini sono inconsapevolmente alla mercé di varie divinità, nonostante si illudano di poterle controllare.
La protagonista è la guardiana dei giardini di una delle 83 divinità del regno, ma si percepisce che nasconde qualcosa dietro la vita semplice che conduce.
La sua quotidianità è sconvolta dall’inquisitore del nuovo re, un conquistatore che ha portato tre dei e una nuova religione, il quale ha bisogno di interrogare la dea per rivolvere degli omicidi.
Il racconto è davvero evocativo e si ha la sensazione di entrare in un mondo che nasconde molto di più di quel che fa vedere in superficie.

[RebeccaReadsTooMuch 💁‍♀️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This cozy fantasy had much more substance than many novellas, as Heather Fawcett shows us an inquisitor’s journey to solve a murder and find the missing heir. She not only gives us sufficient world building to transport us there, but even delves into the lore, politics, and religion, so we can really understand character motivations.

Overall this was a lovely read with impeccable vibes. There were a few bits that I found confusing, otherwise I’d be giving it 5 stars. I finished it several days ago and have thought about it daily since. If there was more to read in this world, I’d be all over it.

Many thanks to the publisher for the digital ARC.

[iris]

A Labyrinth of Honeybees was a short, delightful read, rich with vivid imagery, similar to Heather’s other books. The atmosphere is vibrant and colorful with so many beautiful sights. It was lovely to take in. There are ghosts, mazes, old gods and new gods, political intrigue, and a murder mystery. It sounds like a lot for a book under 50 pages, but it culminates into a satisfying read. It was a pleasure to get lost in this fast-paced story for a short while.

[Ally Bateman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novella reads like a prequel to an epic fantasy tale. A Princess’s origin story and a Priestess who has more up her sleeve than you could imagine. A cutthroat Game of Thrones type world with competing gods to worship while also being grounded in a much earthier, cozy, nature based magic system.

[Haley Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heather Fawcett really blew this short story out of the water with her beautiful writing and immersive world building. To be able to do all that in 44 pages is a feet of itself and I have never read anything like it before. Definitely worth your time if you need a short, but cozy adventure that still feels like a full length book.

[Hilary · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars: I am not quite sure what I just read, but it's Heather Fawcett.

[Brigitte · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Not an ARC review). This is a really enjoyable story from Fawcett. After the stumble (imo) that was Agnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter I had theorized it was the change in publishers that impacted the overall writing quality. I'm going to consider this as a mark in the "and perhaps I was right" column because this short story - published by Amazon exclusively as an e-pub - was great.

"Why ghosts follow their murderers, I don’t know, but I know they never bother following anyone else. I found myself grateful that I have but one ghost who follows me."

It follows an unnamed priestess in a place where the new king is looking for an excuse to eliminate the worship of some of the more popular deities in the old pantheon (sounds familiar). An inquisitor for the King shows up, looking for the missing princess and for information on two murdered tax collectors (who'd care?). Also, he swoops in on a pegasus and in a blandly handsome way, at that. Wait, but do they fall in love!? you ask. Unfortunately for me, no ... but maybe some day? It is a really short story, but there are some sparks. Make it into a full length novel! (Actually, I'm assuming Amazon owns it and won't let her, boo.)

The world itself is beautifully imagined with lots of lore and some very cheeky ghosts. The inquisitor assumes they murdered the princess in sacrifice, but in order to find the temple he has to traverse the goddess' labyrinth. That's easier said than done as the goddess changes the labyrinth for each person, sometimes allowing them to pass, other times leading them astray or killing them outright.

This story has quite a bit of action, too. There's assassins, angry ghosts trying to sabotage people, and humor.

"They charged back into the meadow, trampling the priest’s tent as they went. Unfortunately, he wasn’t inside."

Our narrator hates, hates! the priest of the forest god from the adjacent area, which makes sense as the two gods have quite a lot of beef, and that ratty priest walked that nasty inquisitor right up to the goddess' gardens. Boo. Happily, everyone gets their comeuppance and the ending was a really delightful surprise (though admittedly not shock). A really well constructed, enjoyable read with pegasuses ... pegasi ... pegasguses. Yeah, that one.

Read it!

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-3.75 rounded up

This was a fun short story! I think there was a really compelling foundation at the core of it, especially considering the sort-of 'reveal'/twist towards the end. On that note, that's my qualm with it. I wasn't super gripped by most of the story, as short as it is, until we get to the end, where things are explained a bit more and the whole old gods/magical element gets brought in. I think I would have personally enjoyed it more if that explanation/reveal came earlier in the story and we got to spend more time learning about the world, old gods, etc.

Overall, though, it was a fun story, and I thought the main character had little glimpses of a dry sense of personality/humor that made me like her. I liked the ending quite a bit, and again, just wish that had been more of the story, because that's what really gripped me!

Worth the read if you've got an hour to spend on it, and it actually does speak to some thoughtful themes in its short length. I think you might take away different things depending on your own religious beliefs. As someone who is atheist/agnostic, I more so read it as a reflection of what can happen when someone else/powerful governments/institutions/the patriarchy (literally just fill in what you will) tries to tell you what to believe in (in the story, it's the people's beliefs in different gods, faiths, and religions, but to me I just interpret it as belief in anything, values, principles, etc.). Power and fear, folks, it can corrupt. . . not a new idea, but one that in our climate must be repeated.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the eARC to read and review; all opinions are my own.

[Jowls & Java - Bulldog Book Reviewers · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️ (rounding up)
🎧 (Narrator: Esther Wane; 5/5 🎤)
Themes/Tropes: Gods x Goddess, Bewitched Labyrinth, Short Stories, Hidden Identities

Firstly, a big thank you to NetGalley, Brilliance Publishing and Heather Fawcett for an Advanced Listener Copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. I should then probably start of by saying I am a HUGE fan of Fawcett’s Emily Wilde series and have read each book an indecent amount of time. So, the squeal I squealed when I saw this short story was LOUD!

Okay, now onto the story itself. This is a short story (44pgs, I believe) and follows the story of an inquisitor who is looking for another kingdom’s lost heir and two of their servants who were found dead. He has come calling to the Goddess’s temple, but to reach the goddess, each person must guide themselves through her labyrinth (that does, in fact, have bees) before she will permit them an audience. The inquisitor asks for the priestess’s help to get to the center and a lot of drama unfolds. I won’t spoil it but it has some fun plot twists and turns.

Now, probably good to note that I am not usually a big reader of short stories or novellas because I like a lot of detail and story development, etc. That being said, this was a unique and complex world that was nicely packaged into a unique fantasy short story… including Pegasuses (short wings an all).

If you like short fantasy stories of gods and goddesses, then I think this will likely be right up your alley. The audiobook narrator did a beautiful job with the audio narration, so highly recommend.

[Krystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

The short story form is one of my favorites when it is done right. I have enjoyed Heather Fawcett's other novels, so I jumped at the opportunity to read/review this shortie and I'm glad I did. The world building captured my attention and made this world of gods, ghosts, and nature blend to provide a whimsical setting.
🐝🐝🐝🐝
Off the beaten path lies a temple of a goddess an inquisitor arrives with questions regarding two murders and a missing heir. The only way to the temple is through a labyrinth. The only way through the labyrinth is with the goddess's blessing. The priestess that serves the goddess and the inquisitor have tenuous interactions once she agrees to take him to the temple after his many failed attempts.
🌻🌼🌷🪻
The trip to the temple was picturesque with lush gardens, waterfalls, mountains, and of course the maze. There are secrets on both sides after all each serve a different god. I thought the fact that the characters didn't have names was brilliant and suited the plot. The mythos of the ghosts stood out to me so much that I stopped reading and sat with it. 👻 The cozy yet tense atmosphere was interesting and I found it enjoyable to immerse myself in this unique story. The ending was maybe a touch rushed but intelligent.
⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️
These forty-four pages flew by!
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Thank you to Amazon Original Stories for providing an ARC via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.


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