Mad Honey

by Jodi Picoult, Jennifer Finney Boylan

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • “Alternatingly heart-pounding and heartbreaking. This collaboration between two best-selling authors seamlessly weaves together Olivia and Lily’s journeys, creating a provocative exploration of the strength that love and acceptance require.”—The Washington Post

Look for Jodi Picoult’s new novel, By Any Other Name, available now!

GOOD MORNING AMERICA BOOK CLUB PICK • PEOPLE’S BOOK OF THE WEEK • A POPSUGAR BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR

Olivia McAfee knows what it feels like to start over. Her picture-perfect life—living in Boston, married to a brilliant cardiothoracic surgeon, raising their beautiful son, Asher—was upended when her husband revealed a darker side. She never imagined that she would end up back in her sleepy New Hampshire hometown, living in the house she grew up in and taking over her father’s beekeeping business.

Lily Campanello is familiar with do-overs, too. When she and her mom relocate to Adams, New Hampshire, for her final year of high school, they both hope it will be a fresh start.

And for just a short while, these new beginnings are exactly what Olivia and Lily need. Their paths cross when Asher falls for the new girl in school, and Lily can’t help but fall for him, too. With Ash, she feels happy for the first time. Yet she wonders if she can trust him completely. . . .

Then one day, Olivia receives a phone call: Lily is dead, and Asher is being questioned by the police. Olivia is adamant that her son is innocent. But she would be lying if she didn’t acknowledge the flashes of his father’s temper in Ash, and as the case against him unfolds, she realizes he’s hidden more than he’s shared with her.

Mad Honey is a riveting novel of suspense, an unforgettable love story, and a moving and powerful exploration of the secrets we keep and the risks we take in order to become ourselves.

Genres: Fiction, Book Club, Mystery, Audiobook, Contemporary, Romance, LGBT

464 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 4, 2022

About the author

Jodi Picoult is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of twenty-eight novels, including Wish You Were Here, Small Great Things, Leaving Time, and My Sister’s Keeper, and, with daughter Samantha van Leer, two young adult novels, Between the Lines and Off the Page. Picoult lives in New Hampshire.

MAD HONEY, her new novel co-authored with Jennifer Finney Boylan, is available in hardcover, ebook, and audio on October 4, 2022.

Website: http://www.jodipicoult.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jodipicoult

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodipicoult

Reviews

[Nilufer Ozmekik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been devouring Jodi Picoult’s books for years, and honestly, I’ve missed the taste of her older works—those thought-provoking, earth-shattering, twisty novels that shake you to the core and challenge your moral compass with unconventional plotlines. This book brings back that precious quality I loved in her earlier works!

Just like her books Nineteen Minutes, which explores school shootings, bullying, and violence; Picture Perfect, which takes a realistic look at domestic violence; and The Pact, which delves into the intense bond between two young lovers, Mad Honey combines all of these incredible elements, weaving together unforgettable characters and deeply developed stories. It rocks your world and makes you question your own beliefs!

When I reached the halfway point, I was blown away by a twist I didn’t see coming—it truly felt like a slap in the face. After that jaw-dropping moment, I just sat there, stunned, trying to gather my thoughts. This twist shifts the main focus of the book, taking the story in an entirely new direction. I won’t spoil anything, but I’ll keep one significant plot point out of my review to preserve the surprise.

Here’s a quick summary of what I loved about this book beyond Jodi Picoult’s amazing storytelling skills and the bold approach taken by her brilliant co-author:

• Character Development: The character development is outstanding, with two resilient women at its heart, each surviving life-changing tragedies. Olivia McAfee, a single mother and survivor of domestic abuse, has left her old life behind to raise her son Asher on her own while running her father’s beekeeping business. Lily Campanello, 18, is also starting over in New Hampshire with her mother, Ava, who has always supported her. Lily’s voice is strong and clear, and I admired her bravery as she faced tough decisions. She truly feels like a miracle!
• Educational Elements: I loved reading about beekeeping and the magical healing power of honey. The detailed descriptions about the nature of bees felt like an educational experience woven seamlessly into the narrative.
• The Mystery and Themes: The mystery of Lily’s death is gripping, and the book delves into violence, toxic relationships, family secrets, and how far a mother would go to protect her child. Olivia did the right thing by leaving her abusive husband and raising Asher alone. But what if, despite her best efforts, Asher inherited his father’s violent tendencies? This “what if” keeps you on edge, making you question what really happened to Lily. As the story unfolds in reverse, piece by piece, we feel Lily’s life slipping away, like tiny shards of glass cutting into our hearts. You feel for her; you resonate with her deeply.

This book is about much more than abuse, violence, or murder—it’s about the freedom to choose your own path, even if it goes against the wishes of those closest to you.

• Jordan McAfee’s Return: I was thrilled to see the return of Jordan McAfee, Peter Noughton’s lawyer from Nineteen Minutes, one of my favorite books by Picoult. This time, he’s defending his own nephew, and he’s determined to keep him out of prison.

My only slight reservations were about the reverse storytelling style in Lily’s POV, which at times made it challenging to fully feel the evolution of her relationship with Asher. Additionally, some of the evidence against Asher in the trial felt circumstantial; it seemed like they were trying to pin the crime on him simply because he was Lily’s boyfriend.

Despite these minor issues, I couldn’t bring myself to give this book less than five stars. The characters and the emotions are just that powerful. I’m rounding up my 4.5 stars to 5 because it deserves every bit of that praise.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group/Ballantine for sharing this incredible digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.

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[Lisa of Troy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bees + Murder Mystery

Olivia McAfee is starting over in her childhood home. She is reeling from her divorce, fleeing an abusive ex-husband.

For once, Olivia is finally getting her feet under her. Her beekeeping business is finally turning a profit, and her teenage son is thriving. However, her world crumples when her son, Asher, is accused of murdering his girlfriend.

Is Asher just like his father? Or did someone else commit this heinous crime?

Do you know how excited I was to read Mad Honey? This was on my list of the most anticipated books to read for the last half of 2022! Last year, I read Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult, and I loved it!

In Mad Honey, there are a lot of things to like. The prose is really spot on. It is highly readable with short sentences and short paragraphs. When I started to read this book, it felt like a breath of fresh air, and I really looked forward to reading it.

Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan have mastered character development. These characters are not black and white, all good or all bad. Even while depicting the abusive relationship, they showed the loving moments as well as the more challenging aspects of the relationship. Some characters aren’t comfortable sharing their past. Some are still trying to come to terms with their own relationship to the past.

Mad Honey is also an excellent pick for a book club. There are a lot of hot topics in this book, a great tool to start some engaging conversations.

As far as the murder mystery, I really enjoyed this aspect of Mad Honey. At the beginning of the book, you start off with Asher as a suspect. However, as the book progresses, you discover that there are quite a few people who have motive.

As much as I enjoyed this book, it is about 100 pages too long. Some parts are repetitious, where we are either told some facts several times or an event is mentioned and then told in much greater detail later. Mad Honey tries to be too many things and covers off too many relationships and topics, crams in too many factoids.

The ending is also extremely abrupt.

Overall, Mad Hone is a very interesting read with a twist that I didn’t see coming.

*Thanks, NetGalley, for a copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest opinion.

2025 Reading Schedule
Jan A Town Like Alice
Feb Birdsong
Mar Captain Corelli's Mandolin - Louis De Berniere
Apr War and Peace
May The Woman in White
Jun Atonement
Jul The Shadow of the Wind
Aug Jude the Obscure
Sep Ulysses
Oct Vanity Fair
Nov A Fine Balance
Dec Germinal

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[Dorie - Cats&Books :) · Rating 2 out of 5]

***IF WORRIED ABOUT SPOILERS -- DON'T READ MY COMMENTS***

This is a DNF for me at 55%. I gave it a good solid chance but it lost me with each turn of events.

The beekeeping descriptions in this book were wonderful. I learned a lot and enjoyed spending time with these characters.

Then everything changes when a teen is found dead and another teen is accused of the murder.

Yes I knew this was about a transgender person but I wasn’t prepared to learn about every drug, operation, etc that this teen went through before she even hit puberty. The descriptions of the surgery were really unnecessary.

What was in this person’s heart, THAT I was interested in!!

The author seems intent on adding every hot topic issue that she can into her plot.

The parents of a friend are both female, so what? It had absolutely nothing to do with the story and yet she tells us numerous times that she has two moms. No relevance to the story at all.

The judge is described as being black, having “dreds” and possibly being barefoot while in court?? What was the author trying to tell me, if anything?? Was this also necessary to the plot?

What finally pushed this to the point of no return for me was when a character states:
“I sometimes think there is something very Jesus-like about Charlie Brown – his heartbreaking patience, his endless suffering. You have to admit the show would have a very different ending if, after he and Linus bought the sad little Christmas tree, the other kids in the Peanuts gang came after them with a hammer and some nails.”

I have nothing positive to say about this book. There are lots of 5* reviews out there and perhaps people like to be lectured to in their reading – I DO NOT!!

I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Whitney Erwin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m going to be in the minority here, but I didn’t love this book. This book started off super strong and I was super intrigued. I flew through the beginning and had a hard time putting it down. Then, it started adding in all these controversial, hot topics including LGBTQ, abuse, suicide, abortion, gender equality, and interracial couples. It felt like the authors were trying to add in any and every recent hot topic they could think of to this book, and it just didn’t set well for me. It was all too much and way too over the top. The storyline was okay, and the book was readable, but all these topics combined brought the enjoyability factor way down. The book was a lot longer than it needed to be and very predictable. I did enjoy learning a lot of great information and facts about bees in this story. I normally love Jodi Picoult books, so I am bummed this one did not work out for me. If you are easily triggered, do NOT read this book.

Thank you Net Galley, and Random House Ballantine, for a copy of this book in return for my honest review.

[Michael David (on hiatus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never put spoilers in my book reviews, but I feel compelled to address something after reading this excellent novel. It’ll be at the very end of this review, it will be brief, and I won’t discuss specifics…but I need to bring up a topic after reading other reviews. I sincerely hope it won’t spoil someone’s reading experience.

Olivia is a beekeeper with an 18-year old son named Asher. She’s divorced after a very abusive marriage to a doctor, and it’s been just her and Asher for years.

Lily and her mother, Ava, relocate to the same town as Olivia and Asher. Lily is a senior, and has had a hard time of things at her previous schools.

Asher meets Lily at school, and they quickly fall in love. Everything is perfect…

…until Olivia receives a phone call with news of Lily’s death. The death is suspicious, and Asher is instantly questioned by the police.

He swears he would never hurt Lily, but can Olivia, his own mother, believe him?

Everyone keeps secrets for different reasons.

Now THIS is the Jodi Picoult I love! This novel reminded me of her earlier work that always left me on the edge of my seat, flying through the pages while reading the drama on the page…and also gaining some interesting knowledge on things I never even thought about. Picoult writes this one with her good friend, Jennifer Finney Boylan, and the joint project is seamless and smooth. I couldn’t put it down.

There are different timelines, riveting characters, and thought-provoking topics. I was in for the whole thing, and I highly recommend…if you don’t consider some of the topics a “trigger”.

Here is where I’ll discuss what I mentioned at the beginning.

In addition to learning many things about bees (and actually finding it interesting), this book also discusses transgender people and identity. There are some reviewers who are rating it low because of that, saying that Picoult and Boylan are jamming the topic down the readers throats. To each their own. Nobody is MAKING anybody read this book. However, I was taken aback by some people listing this topic as a “trigger warning” just because they were uncomfortable reading about it or don’t agree with it. I personally don’t consider the topic a trigger warning. It’s a tough topic that plenty of people are at least somewhat ignorant about, but the ONLY thing I see it triggering in some of these reviews is HATE…and that doesn’t sit right with me. Picoult has always written about tough/touchy subjects, and she has also always done her homework. I personally think it’s wonderful that she and Boylan are educating more people about what it means to be transgender and figuring out one’s identity. I found it eye opening as well. So kudos to them!!

As Picoult explains in the author’s note: “I am no stranger to hate mail - and I’m sure I’m gonna get plenty for this book…Difference is a construct…Sometimes making the world a better place just involves creating space for the people who are already in it.”

Well said, IMHO.

4.5 stars

Thank you to Ballantine Books for providing a widget of the ARC through NetGalley. Expected Publication Date: 10/4/22.

[Rachel Hanes · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately, the synopsis for this book is very misleading. Yes, I suppose this book is about do-overs, relocating, and starting over- but it goes WAY deeper than that. In fact, I feel the authors should change the title of this book from Mad Honey, to Everything But The Kitchen Sink! Seriously, you are getting every single social issue and injustice in America right now being brought up in this long, drawn out, boring book. I’ve DNF’d this book at about 55%, because I can’t take it anymore. I will skim the last few pages to find out what happens, but at this point- I don’t really care.

Since I do have my spoiler alert on, I will say this book is mainly about being transgender. That’s fine, because it’s obviously a topic that I probably need to educate myself on more- but I don’t feel the need to be lectured about it for almost 500 pages. And like I mentioned above, we also have every other social issue thrown in there as well- to the point where it just gets too overwhelming. We have domestic abuse/violence, emotional abuse, same sex marriage, asexuals, pansexuals, rape, abortion, racism, homophobia, etc… Trust me, I may have forgotten to list a few, but believe me when I say they are mentioned in this book.

I’m sure I am going to get bashed in the comments for this review, but as I said the synopsis totally lied about this book. I was not in the mood for this right now, and may even be taking a break from Jodi Picoult for a while.

However, I will mention that I did enjoy the character of Olivia and the chapters that corresponded with her. I enjoyed learning about bees, but the other half of the book that feels like a big huge lecture is not working for me. Maybe if this book was 200 pages shorter and not a lecture/biology lesson, I may have enjoyed it more.

This book may be called Mad Honey, but I’m mad as heck that I read it!

[Sallie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received a free copy from Net galley for an honest review. I'll probably be in the minority but that said, I am a big Jodi Picoult fan. Read every book. For a talented author, she really missed the mark this time. We have every trending newsworthy issue in this book. I was really enjoying it until we hit abortion, transgender, lesbians, and spousal abuse, gender altering hormones with surgery to change your sex, accompanied by explanations of all. The plot was great until I was bogged down in a biology lesson. I read for entertainment and even murder couldn't save this train wreck. Don't waste your time on this one. I am sad to say I would give it a minus one star if I could.

[Denise · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can't recommend this novel that is only marginally related to the description and synopsis given by the publisher. I almost stopped reading when the big shocker appeared at the 45% mark and I realized exactly what this whole book was going to be about.

Basically -- a lecture on every contemporary and controversial subject as the authors flex their virtue, tolerance, and understanding. You name it, this book has it: race, color, politics, the justice system, gender and sexuality, transgender, women's rights, spousal abuse, etc. If you like being told what to think and how to think, this is one for you. It's not that I agree or disagree with the authors, mind, it's that every single concept of diversity is all mashed up in this singular story. I wish that I could just read a great plot with characters I could imagine all on my own without the author describing things in such detail as often much of that has nothing to do with the actual point of the novel. Perhaps I am an outlier, but I am tired of books trying to push a social agenda, and I should have known better than to pick up this one as JP has often been a miss for me because she does it all the time. Sometimes those twists that get tossed in her books are just too much for me to tolerate.

Despite how much I disliked the main narrative, the reason I gave the book two stars is because of the information about the bees. Now, that I found interesting. I like books with legal and courtroom drama, and I like a story with a medical slant, but some of that was quite obviously creative license. Anyway, I'm done and I think I can pass on any future books without FOMO.

I would love to discuss this book with others, especially the fact that there is some discussion about whether or not someone should reveal the fact that they are transgender. For real? Anyway, I see mixed reviews for this book and glad that people feel comfortable sharing their opinions. Others have written their thoughts much better than I can, but I don't recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for this e-book ARC to read and review.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dnf at 54%
Started out strong so I’m giving it 2 stars…
The author started throwing in all sorts of current issues with sexual gender, etc…
Just not a book for me.

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for the ARC

[Dana · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was a total waste of my time. It started out ok but soon turned into a preachy agenda based story that hit practically ALL of today’s controversial trendy issues…and then tried to consistently make laborious analogies to bees and musical instruments. If you believe that adults should help young children take the steps to change their gender as children, then this book may be for you. If you don’t mind reading derogatory and irreverent references to the Bible, then this might be a book for you. It was not a book for me. I found it contrived, agenda based, and depressing.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jennifer Finney Boylan and Jodi Picoult are very talented authors who’ve used beautiful prose and compelling characters to tell a story that speaks to so many levels of the human condition. It’s heartfelt, vividly described and thoughtfully told.

This is the tale of two moms and their children: Beekeeper Olivia McAfee, and her son, Asher, and Forest Ranger Ava Campanello, and her daughter, Lily, who’ve recently moved to town. When Asher and Lily become romantically involved, it seems like a match made in heaven and both moms are delighted to see their children so happy after overcoming past events. The bliss turns to a nightmare when Lily is killed and Asher is arrested as the prime suspect in her murder. Did he do it? That’s the mystery.

Then “The Twist”.

It’s a GREAT twist, and one I never saw coming. Even the topic that it addressed had me riveted, and I loved the four major characters. Lily and Asher were particularly well-portrayed. There’s a lot that was right and good with this book, but it did have a few downsides for me.

Structurally, this is SO similar to Picoult’s last book, Wish You Were Here, only the focal point after the whopping twist has been switched out. In the last book, it was COVID-19, while a different topic takes the spotlight here. It's a timely topic, and I love that the authors did their research. I just felt at times like the mystery/courtroom drama got a bit lost in the info sharing after the twist. At 464 pages, it occasionally dragged, and I really didn't like how the ending was handled. It felt hypocritical and completely unbelievable, and left me a bit disappointed.

Overall, I mostly enjoyed this. I initially rounded down due to the ending, but I've thought a lot about this book. I learned a lot and the story kept me turning the pages - isn't that what any of us hope for? If you enjoy books that deep-dive into current social topics in story form, you may enjoy this, though it does have serious triggers like multiple forms of relational abuse and suicidality.

★★★ ½ (rounded to 4)

Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, NetGalley, and authors Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan for this ARC to honestly review. It’s due to be published October 4th, 2022.

[Nikki · Rating 1 out of 5]

Good lord, you can tell this was written by 2, very white, very earnest, liberal women. I prefer materials a bit more nuanced. This read like a "very Special" episode from an 80's sitcom. And it was at least 200 pages too long. I bet it is very difficult for people to critique this honestly, because there is such a high chance you will be "cancelled" given the subject matter. I knew who killed the girl within in first half of the book, but all of the overwrought histrionics overshadowed that this was suppose to be a thriller/murder mystery type book. EVERY SINGLE SOCIAL ISSUE was covered here. Very heavy-handed I might add. Domestic violence, racism, child abuse, interracial relationships, homophobia, abortion, suicide, transphobia, all checked off with a self-satisfied smile from the authors, assured of their "teaching" the ignorant masses a lesson. *EyeRoll* I detest books assuming I cannot reach my own intelligent conclusion to a story. Please DON'T force-feed me. Yuck.

[Catherine (alternativelytitledbooks) - tired of sickness! · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Many thanks to NetGalley, Corina Diaz at Random House-Ballantine, and Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan for a gifted copy of this book! Now available as of 10.4!**

"The secret weapon of mad honey, of course, is that you expect it to be sweet, not deadly. You're deliberately attracted to it. By the time it messes with your head, with your heart, it's too late."

Stirring, emotional, thoughtful, and BEAUTIFULLY penned! EASILY one of my top reads of 2022!

Olivia has decided to start over...in her 40's. A tumultuous relationship with her husband, an attractive and 'well-respected' doctor, turned dangerous, and she made the difficult choice to take her son Asher away from the toxic situation and move back to her quiet New Hampshire hometown. She is even able to fall back into her father's business, beekeeping, and life settles into a comfortable rhythm.

At Asher's school, a new student named Lily is looking for a fresh start too. When she meets Asher, the two form an instant bond, and young love quickly blossoms. Lily is vibrant, clever, and a talented cellist...but there is more to her life and her story than she has shared with most. After all of the strife from her past, Lily is hopeful that life is finally moving in a positive direction.

UNTIL Lily is found dead...at the bottom of the stairs of her home.

...and Asher is the one who finds her.

Now some questionable text messages point directly to Asher...and he is accused of MURDER. Has Asher inherited his father's temper? What could have happened to interrupt this cosmic connection between two young loves? Can Olivia's brother Jordan McAfee, an attorney, clear Asher's name...or is he ACTUALLY guilty?

There are four things I can ALWAYS count on when I pick up a book from Jodi Picoult:

1) She has done her research. There are two main topics in this book (one revolves around bees, the other is tied to the twist in the book, so I won't discuss it here) but WOW. The attention to detail is simply stunning, every time.

2) Her characters will grab me and hold on tight! Her writing is so effortless, so honest, and so REAL. Nobody ever feels contrived in her books.

3) My heart will be torn into pieces. Potentially MULTIPLE times.

and most importantly

4) The twist? Will KNOCK MY SOCKS OFF!

Mad Honey captured everything I love about Picoult and reminded me just HOW talented she truly is as a writer. After reading, I was stunned to look back and find out this book was so long (!)...THAT'S how good it is. I am very guilty of looking down at % on my Kindle, checking how long I have left in a chapter etc., but with this book, the only time I found myself doing that was to see if I'd have time to get through just a LITTLE bit more!

I also applaud, and will continue to applaud, Picoult's unabashed dedication to writing thought-provoking, topical material that is also compelling fiction in and of itself. I don't know any author out there who can handle such myriad difficult topics with ease, but no matter her focus, she consistently delivers. I also think her discussions of an abusive partner were FAR and above another book of hers I've read handling the same subject, Picture Perfect, so that was another huge plus and shows that in 20+ years, she only continues to get better!

I was dying to know what was going on with Asher and Lily at ALL times, and the narrative bops back and forth between the past (Asher and Lily's relationship and Lily's past, prior to moving to NH) and present (the trial and its aftermath) and I was on the edge of my seat waiting for the verdict. I didn't know this was going to have a legal slant to it, but it just helped to drive the narrative even more. Although the timeline could have been a little clearer, I was able to follow it pretty well for the most part. While the beekeeping portions got a bit wordy at times, I have to admit I learned SO much about honey (and was thinking of Jodi and Jennifer last night when I made a cup of tea!) ☕

This was my first experience reading anything authored or co-authored by Jennifer Finney Boylan, but the work between these two authors was seamless. The authors referenced in their end notes about swapping back and forth who wrote which character and joked that even THEY would have trouble distinguishing each other's writing by story's end! If this is any indication of Finney Boylan's writing overall, I am a new fan of hers as well as Picoult!

Mad Honey is a powerful and emotional tale of secrets and truth, bravery and honesty, and above all, finding the inner strength to live life FULLY, no matter how great the risk, and having faith in the reward.

As one character observes, "Everybody is always still trying to learn, day after painful day, how to be themselves."

And then she adds…

“I can't wait."

4.5 stars, rounded up

Now a GMA Book Club pick, and now available in paperback as of 9.5.23!

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! This one is a stunner and almost as good as my favourite by her, "Small Great Things." The best part is that this one was a book that was co-written together with Jennifer Finney Boylan. You cannot tell which part is written by which author. Now that is a fantastic feat just in itself! It flowed THAT well!

It's a story told in two voices. Olivia, is a single mother and a bee keeper. Her son Asher is 18 years old and his girlfriend is found dead. The other voice is, Lily, the girlfriend of Asher.

I don't want to give anything away as I was totally stunned by the revelations. What a thought-provoking, and powerful story this turned out to be. I felt the emotions and it even had me in tears at some points. This is an important story that everyone in this world should read and try to UNDERSTAND with COMPASSION!

This was brilliantly written and half way through my reading of this my library audio became available. I can say it is written and narrated beautifully. Either way is just as compelling. Definitely one of my favourites for 2022. I will now check out Jennifer Finney-Boylan's books as well. Both author's notes at the end are a must-read!

I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for granting me access to this Advance Reader Copy.

[Candy · Rating 1 out of 5]

The reason I’m giving this book one star is because you go in thinking it’s about one thing and 45% of the way through it drops a bomb and the story becomes all about something else entirely. It’s a hot topic right now that is controversial and it’s not mentioned at all in the burb.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars, rounded down
I’m always a little leery when a known author partners up with someone else. Is it the start of a James Patterson money grab? But no worries here. As told in the Authors’ Note, the idea was actually Boylan’s idea.
This story is about identity, abuse and starting over. Olivia leaves her abusive surgeon husband and moves to New Hampshire with her son. She moves into her parents’ house and takes over her dad’s apiary. Lily’s mom leaves her husband who has been emotionally abusive of Lily. They move from the west coast to the same small NH town. Things seem to be going really well as Olivia’s son, Asher, and Lily become romantically involved. And then Olivia gets a call that Asher is at the police station and Lily is dead. At the beginning, I was worried this was going to be more of a straight mystery, but it’s not. The time frame goes back and forth, before and after Lily’s death. At times, this gets a bit confusing as Lily’s story is told in reverse. But I loved the story’s message and how it deals with identity - how we see ourselves and what it means to truly see someone else. It also deals with trust.
As with Picoult’s other books, there are ample facts sprinkled into the story. Often, they’re about beekeeping. But Picoult also uses Lily’s love of facts and list making to throw additional facts in concerning all sorts of sundry items.
I adored each of the main characters and have a true book hangover now that it’s over. Like Boylan writes in her note, I wasn’t ready to walk away from them.
My thanks to Netgalley and Ballantine Books for an advance copy of this book.

Note - I just heard on the news that the Royal Beekeeper informed the bees of the Queen’s death.

Update : an interesting interview with the authors: https://www.bookbub.com/blog/jodi-pic...

I just re-read this for my book club and it was just as good the second time, even when I knew the ending. And it made for one of the best book club discussions we’ve had in a long time.

[jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

omg. not me actually liking a JP novel!? 😂

jokes aside, i think this is a pretty high quality book. the story brings a lot to the table and i can see it making its way into several book clubs because of how much content there is.

for me, i really enjoyed the legal side of things. i loved reading the courtroom scenes and seeing the story unfold by way of confessions. but i also really like that goes beyond the mystery of how/why did lily die. this book is quite long, but thats because so much time is taken to really develop the characters in a way where you they feel like real people, causing the reader to become invested in the result of the court case.

overall, i think this is a pretty great read!

↠ 4.5 stars

[Peyton Sanders · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wow. 5 stars for the idea. I love a good murder mystery!! The first 45% of the book is all mystery and intriguing - I had to know what happens. And then the twist. A transgender girl (not woman).
This book is most likely purposefully not advertised as LGBTQ so that more people will read it.
The political agenda was INTENSE once you find out Lily is transgender. The child abuse in this story is unreal - allowing your child to take hormone blockers at age 12 and mutilating their body at 16 is absolutely horrific. Can we please stop beautifying this transition??? A child at the age 3 or 4 cannot possibly identify with one gender or the other, they hardly know how to use the toilet!!! The fact that Picoult and Boylan write this making it all seem so miraculous and beautiful is awful. The authors also take on a lot of intense and heavy topics - suicide, domestic abuse, feminism, LGBTQ, abortion, etc. which is a lot for just one book.
Does it mean we should treat trans people horribly like they are treated in the book? Absolutely not. But turning it into a work of fiction to make it all seem so glorious is disturbing. I would love just a fantastic work of fiction without the political stuff being shoved down my throat.

[Paromjit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whenever Jodi Picoult writes a new novel, I know that I am going to read it, once again she brings her laser attention to issues at the forefront of our contemporary world, and once again impresses with the depth of her research. This book she has written with Jennifer Finney Boylan, not an author I am familiar with, and their partnership works well together here as they profoundly and movingly explore the hot topics of the complexities of gender and identity. Olivia McFee leaves behind her apparently perfect life in Boston with her surgeon husband, it was little more than a shimmering mirage, taking her son, Asher, and returning to her quiet hometown of Adams, New Hampshire, living in the house she grew up in, and taking over her family beekeeping business, hoping for a fresh beginning.

Lily Campanello and her mother, Ava, relocate to Adams, New Hampshire, for her final year of high school, they too are hoping to leave behind their past for a new start. 18 year old Asher and Lily's paths cross when Asher falls for the new girl in school, and Lily can’t help but fall for him, too. The pair are happy to have found each other until Asher shockingly discovers Lily's dead body, and Olivia cannot believe it when her good and kind son is charged with her murder. However, the thought crosses her mind of the echoes of her abusive husband's temper present in Asher. This is a coming of age story that goes back and forth in time, with all the intensity of a teenage romance, all the tensions and suspense of a murder mystery and a courtroom drama to boot amidst a challenging narrative of secrets, lies and deception.

This is a compulsive novel that is best approached knowing as little as possible to feel the full emotional impact of the twists and turns coming, and the heartbreak, oh, and I must mention the return of Jordan McFee. Some of the highlights include the rich descriptions and details of the beekeeping business, including the healing powers of honey, and how a woman can end up in an abusive relationship. Whilst there were so many aspects of this riveting novel I loved, I do have to say there were occasions when I felt an overload from the sheer numbers of issues that were raised. However, shining through is the humanity, acceptance and compassion, and which, along with the characterisations, make this a terrific, timely and informative read of love, grief, love, loss, gender, abuse and family. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like some of the people who did not love this book (Please dont come at me im part of them. 🙏🏾) I too found that it contains way too many heavy topics, all you can think of first is probably in there. (Suicide, murder, transgender, transphobia, domestic violence, abuse and it goes on…) It was too much to take in, the various topics explained in extended details while not really being relevant to the plot.

It was fine learning about bees but it felt too much like taking a class, it might have been better if it was placed as extras at the end of the book like all the honey recipes. I also thought the same thing with some of the other issues in the book.

I was not a fan of the story’ structure, one part is told by Olivia in present time/flashbacks and the other by the victim, Lily, in reverse time, it felt strange and added nothing to the the plot. I didn’t affectionate any of the characters and the end was disappointedly flat and more or less predictable for a murder mystery.

[Kaceey · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5*
Like bees to honey, I’m always drawn to Jody Picoult’s books!

Olivia is raising her son Asher on her own having left an abusive marriage. She’s relocated back to her hometown to take over the family business of beekeeping.🍯🐝

As with all of Jody Picoult’s books, she thoroughly researches the subject matter. In this case, it’s running a bee farm. You’re given a real education of what takes place in order for us to have that heavenly jar of honey on our breakfast table.

Asher is in the midst of falling hard in love with Lily. Young love, first love. And emotions running rampant. Especially when certain secrets are being kept from one another. So when Lily is found dead, naturally all eyes turn to Asher.

Though beekeeping plays a central role in this book, there is SO much more. But like Lily, I must keep it a secret and let you uncover it all on your own. The less you know going in the better.

This was a collaborative effort with Jennifer Finney Boylan. I found the notes at the end of their book regarding their partnership in writing together fascinating.

Jody Picoult has a true gift for writing and I’m so pleased to have many of her previous books on my shelf just waiting for me. Wish You Were Here still remains a favorite, one that I cannot stop thinking about.
I will now have to delve into JFB’s backlist too!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group Ballantine .

[Katy O. · Rating 2 out of 5]

(free review copy) Yes I know Jodi Picoult is a mega-author and I know who her co-author is for this book. And yes I know that many readers will cling to that and shout about how amazing this book is and that’s totally their right. But it was NOT a great read for me. The structure was a hot mess and I honestly can’t figure out why they had the timeline jumping backwards like it did - there was no functional purpose for it. The huge reveal halfway through the book pissed me off because I HATE gender and sexuality being used as a “gotcha” moment. It cheapens the issue and turns it into a party trick when instead I wish it could have been known from the first page, making it an integral and rich part of the story rather than just a possible reason for murder. I connected with zero of the characters and thought the bee connection was loose at best. The book was at least 100 pages too long and the ending was rushed and a disappointment.

CW for domestic abuse, transphobia, beating because of transphobia, parental rejection

[Judy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I typically love Jodi Picoult's books. She creates memorable characters who are embroiled in current social issues. This book certainly lives up to her reputation, but I didn't love it. Frankly, I am tired of having the whole transgender issue flaunted in the media. I especially find it distressing when children are involved. Maybe I am old fashioned, but I think some decisions should not be made until an individual is much older. I won't be recommending this book.

I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

[Lindsay L · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+ stars! Outstanding!

2022 Favourites List!

Shocking and emotional. Heartbreaking and eye-opening. Thought-provoking and inspiring.

Want to meet characters you’ll never forget? Read this book. Want to open your mind and heart? Read this book. Want to challenge your thoughts and pre-conceived judgements? Read this book. Want to explore current, relevant, important worldly topics? Read this book. Want to educate yourself and challenge bias? Read this book. Want to feel something? Read this book. Want to be forever changed? Read this book.

Jodi Picoult is a long time favourite author of mine. When I heard she was co-authoring this latest novel, I was somewhat hesitant as I felt it couldn’t possibly be a seamless piece of work and completely live up to her standard. Lucky for me, a gorgeous gifted finished copy landed in my mailbox from the publisher which gave me the push I needed to read it. Two words: Life changing!

I’ve read all of Jodi’s books and can honestly say, this is one of my top 3 of hers. I’m forever changed after reading this. Thank you to Jodi and Jennifer for writing this important and informative book. Thank you for challenging my thoughts and biases. Thank you for putting me in others shoes to explore and form more educated opinions. Thank you for pulling my heart into this story and making me ‘feel’.

I won’t comment on anything to do with the synopsis other than bees and beekeeping are a subtopic. The beekeeping world held very little appeal to me before reading this, so if you feel similar to me, please don’t let that deter you from this highly impactful and truly unforgettable story. In true Jodi Picoult style, I was fascinated by the beekeeping facts and amazed at how it could be related to many life topics. My suggestion to you is DO NOT READ REVIEWS before picking this up as I fear you may see spoilers which will take away from your reading experience. There are several heavy and sensitive topics explored within these pages but these topics need the reader to be unaware going in. Not for shock factor, but simply so the reader can grow with the characters in the story instead of knowing what to expect.

Upon finishing this novel, my heart is full, sad, open, hopeful. I didn’t want this story to end. Bottom line: this is a must read book that is a top 2022 read for me. It’s a highly controversial and incredibly important read.

Thank you to the publisher for my gifted physical copy!

[Kail Lowry · Rating 5 out of 5]

4/4.5 stars because it took me a while to get through. It’s a heavy read - with lots of thought provoking content.

[Elyse Walters · Rating 4 out of 5]

UPDATE BELOW….

Review soon…..about a 3.5 rating ….rating up to 4 stars…..
I’ve a lot to say …..
I enjoyed it —
I recommend it —
I bet it was fun to ‘friendship-bond’ write it….
And…..
I have a healthy dose of kind-hearted criticism

But need a break …I’ll return to share deeper thoughts of what did and did not fully work for me soon.
…..haha, I just wrote 3 book reviews in one sitting….(give a girl a rest break)….lol

The last four days —- I’ve been reading around the clock - - but haven’t been online until now. I didn’t have the energy for anything but reading or sleeping.

I did something stupid which caused a yucky head injury.
I feel asleep in the pool while reading my kindle. Then knocked my head so hard — I almost knocked out completely.
My body went into a shock and chills ….so I hadn’t left my bed until today….
Much better now — but my huge black and purple swollen right eye is a sore sight to see.
Move over ROCKY.


Review “Mad Honey” soon. (good pick for a book discussion — but in my opinion ‘not’ FOR the obvious reasons)…. but for ‘equally’ what was missing - things that didn’t tie together - as much as the many topics - themes - and issues that are worthy to examine)


NEW UPDATE:

Update: LONG but NO SPOILERS

First and foremost….overall I enjoyed ‘Mad Honey’….
I liked the wide variety of themes and issues explored —
At the same time….
….I felt the crafting was lukewarm….pieced-together (perhaps collaborationist challenges), rather than seamless prose.
Not all important issues were fully explored.

TWO eighteen year olds attempted suicide —
ONE abusive husband was still out on the street practicing medicine,
AND….
….a young seemingly innocent kid might very possibly go to prison accused of killing his girlfriend —
YET
….with so many other competing subplots (interesting for the sake of general interest but the sensory overload is noticeable), ….
beekeeping, (details among details), honey remedies, single parenting, family relationships, schoolwork, artwork, hockey, cello playing, ovulation of a baby panda, a little Aristoto, an education about animal species that change sex, hate crime, Transgender identity, vulnerability and hate, a sister-in-laws surgery, a sister-in-laws common cold, classmate friendships, secrets, lies, withholds……
THIS reader began to wonder — what’s the main dish being served up? Or was it a picnic potluck affair?
It’s okay….I like potluck too …..so this is not all negative…..but in the same way I get too full - if not careful at a potluck gathering….
I was starting to feel quite full indeed.
Lost my taste for honey, thank you. Lol

Another theme barely developed:
….We learn that Olivia McAfee left her abusive husband. (The abusive descriptions were graphic). There was not an ounce of criminal punishment charged against Braden. He was still a practicing cardiologist. I wondered in what world should this scenario be okay?
Braden lived in Boston a couple of hours from New Hampshire …(with his new wife, Margot, and their twin boys, Shawn and Shane - 8 years of age
Olivia and her son Asher moved (back to hometown) New Hampshire after leaving Braden. Olivia took over her grandfathers beekeeping business. It had been 12 years since Olivia had any relationship with Braden. She was granted custody of Asher.

Lily Campanello was a new student at Adam’s High School in New Hampshire. She and Asher fall in love with each other. Both are eighteen years of age.
Lily dies. Asher is accused of killing her.

The courtroom scenes were judiciously played out. So no qualms from me here — I enjoyed this story when we were in the courthouse.
….the crime procedural thrill, cross-examinations tensions, and the elements of persuasion were exciting. The high stakes murder investigation was riveting — right up to and the wait for the verdict.
BUT….
Here again….
…I wondered why it was necessary to mention that Jordan (defense attorney), had once been married - had another son, Thomas….(we learn nothing else of importance about this information)…
before his marriage to Selena - and was she Black? I think so — which was fine with me — but the writing was so covert — I was not completely sure.

Another tidbit…
….a classmate friend of Asher, had two moms. I wasn’t sure why it was even mention — what was the issue? There was none! Simply a droplet-detail to keep readers awake - why mention the relationship of two parents from a minor character whom they themselves were invisible in the entire story?

As for the ending? Want my real personal truth?
I felt it was a copout ending. I won’t say more — other than for a book packed filled with plots, excessive drawn-out-subplots, themes, issues, (twists that some readers thought were shocking)…..it was a pretty dull ending….safe….non-committal type ending.

NOTE — personally I didn’t find any major twist in this novel. Many reviewers mentioned there was a huge twist in the middle.
Personally — I didn’t read it as a TWIST at all…..
rather….
it was simply natural character unraveling….
…..revealing another layer of character secrecy…or perhaps privacy is a better word. But a major TWIST?
I actually find the word twist to be a little insulting for the situation we were presented with.

So written without flaws? No….
But SO WHAT….
…..because …
I agree with all the other readers who found “Mad Honey” enjoyable. I did too.
I even took away value from aspects that didn’t work well for me…..as they caused me deeper….and gave me an opportunity to chat about them with a friend (thank you Karen).

Ending on a positive note ….there were wonderful excerpts that stood out.
Here are a few that spoke to me:
“The times I’ve been slightly psychotic about my appearance, my figure. The assumption that I’m “the weaker sex” instead of a bee keeper who can lug a forty-pound box across several acres without breaking a sweat. All the times I’ve had to live up to those standards of men—and had to remind myself that those standers are bullshit”.
“I hate that being female is equated with being frail, and yet, I’m proof of it. I’d let myself become Braden’s victim because of messaging I’d received my whole life: that it was my job to take care of my husband, that if something was wrong it was because I’d somehow failed at my job. I’m ashamed to admit it, but there were times—even as a feminist—when I bought into seeing that as my role”.

“Sometimes I think, if you’re not really sad in this world, you’re just not paying attention”.

“It takes a dozen bees to gather enough nectar to make a teaspoon of honey, each of them alighting on roughly 2600 flowers and flying 850 miles back and forth. A worker bee weighs little more than a breath—100 milligrams—but she can carry half her body weight and nectar”.

“People want the world to be simple. But gender isn’t simple, much as some might want it to be. The fact that it’s complicated—that there’s a whole spectrum of ways of being in the world—is what makes it a blessing. Surely nature—or god, or the universe—is full of miracles and wild invention and things way beyond our understanding, no matter how hard we try. We aren’t here on earth in order to bend over backwards to resemble everybody else. We are here to be ourselves, in our gnarly brilliance”.

Final words (ha….as if this review wasn’t long enough)….
Enjoyable…..written with heart!
Two young teens in love…
Parents who love their kids…
Families, communities, acceptance, sadness, grief, death, tragedy & ugliness, loss, and an abundance love.

It must’ve been a blast for Jodi and Finney to work on this book together. A win in itself.

[Taufiq Yves · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ugh, I really didn’t enjoy this story. It felt like it was saying that people who keep getting hurt should just accept it, while those who cause the pain get to move on without consequences.

Potential Spoilers Ahead!

Lily’s entire life is a series of betrayals. Her ex-boyfriend treated her so horribly that she attempted to take her own life - and I’m supposed to believe a few half-hearted apologies make up for that? Then her best friend, Maya, used her just to get close to Lily’s boyfriend, Asher - and ended up pushing Lily down the stairs, causing her death. All because of that same guy.

Asher claims he loved Lily, but when he hears that Maya won’t be charged for Lily’s death, his first reaction is a sigh of relief. Seriously?!

Lily and her mom are the real victims here. Asher and his mother, Olivia, are so frustrating - they seem completely clueless during the intense court proceedings. What a mess.

This novel is actually a layered and emotionally charged story that explores identity, trauma, and justice through the tragic death of Lily, a transgender teen. The narrative alternates between Lily’s voice and Olivia’s - Olivia being Asher’s mother. Asher, of course, is Lily’s boyfriend and the prime suspect in her death. The story builds around the mystery of what happened the night Lily died and the courtroom drama that follows.

It tries to walk a fine line between portraying the complexity of human emotions and relationships, but at times it risks undermining the gravity of Lily’s suffering. The fact that Maya - her supposed best friend - was involved in her death, and that the consequences feel muted and brushed aside, is deeply upsetting. It’s especially jarring when Asher or Olivia seem emotionally detached or even relieved during key moments when accountability should matter.

I can see that Jodi Picoult is trying to highlight how society often fails victims - especially those from marginalized communities - and how justice can be elusive. But the execution just didn’t land for me.

So, I’m sorry. It’s a NO for me.

0.9 / 5 stars

[Sharon Orlopp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will remain in my heart and memory for a very, very long time. Mad Honey, written by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan was initiated by a dream that Jennifer Finney Boylan had about co-authoring a book with Jodi Picoult. Jennifer posted a tweet about the possibility and Jodi reached out to Jennifer. Both of them knew who each other was but they had never met.

The collaboration and book is incredible! I listened to it on audiobook and the narration by Carrie Coon and Key Taw is outstanding. Both authors speak at the beginning and end of the book. Astounding insights and experiences by both that led to this masterpiece.

I also learned a lot about bee keeping, including how mad honey is created.

I won't share much about the characters and plot of the book because I don't want to give away any spoilers. The book held me spellbound the entire time.

Highly, highly recommend!

[Baba · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bee-keeper and happily exited from toxic marriage Olivia loves her life and her son Asher. Well adjusted, polite and caring Oliver loves his girlfriend the enigmatic and beautiful Lily Campanello. One day Oliva gets a call... Lily is dead, and her son was the person who found her! The story them travels to different times in the family's lives as the past, present and trial are brought together and the truth slowly unveiled as secrets are exposed or shared... things is, secrets are kept for a reason.

So a 21st century Picoult 'dilemma-drama' so not only chock full of feints, half-truths and delightful plot twists but a cast across races and genders. I feel Picoult overreaches in this one, the core dilemma of a mother refusing to see darkness in her child despite contrary evidence rings true and is very very good, but the domestic violence, societal condemnation, gender fluidity, transphobia, rebuilding lives etc. arcs were all paper thin and felt considerable less-researched despite the trans co-writer Jennifer Finney Boylan; it's my person opinion and feel that all that was good about this read came from the highly experienced mind and pen of Picoult. Still, overall, for the range of topics and scenario, a very much worthwhile mystery read, which had me hard-trying to work out what really happened throughout; sadly the court case plays a not as substantial role as I would have liked. 7 out of 12, Three Star read.

2024 read

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I respect and appreciate the position and perspective the authors took in telling this story, especially in light of the contemporary idea that everything and everyone needs to be completely transparent. There is a difference between secrets and privacy, and privacy and dishonesty and Picoult and Boylan had me thinking about layers: layers of discrimination, layers of truth, and layers of right and wrong and ultimately what defines this or that.

I once read that a certain generation likes to apply labels to people, and while I can't say if it is truer for that generation, I do see how it is true for all of us to varying extents. Much of it is learned and often those labels can be a positive way to differentiate people. But are all labels necessary or helpful? The quick judgements we make about others are often based on what we see on the outside, not the person they are on the inside. We label differences in negative terms instead of recognizing the positives of uniqueness. But in the end, it shouldn't even matter. People are who they are and we all want to be accepted just as we are. Let's endorse positive descriptive labels and celebrate humankind in all shapes and forms, and let's oppose destructive labels that only serve to bully, harm, or exclude.

This complex novel covers many discussion-worthy topics and dispenses a mini-lesson on beekeeping and all together makes for an absorbing read.