Mad Honey written by Jodi Picoult with Jennifer Finney Boylan
Author: Jodi Picoult with Jennifer Finney Boylan
Genre: Mystery
Pages: 480
Setting: New Hampshire
Tone/Mood: Suspenseful
Subject headings: high school students, bee keeping, murder, trial, family secrets
Olivia McAfee, a professional beekeeper, and single mother left her abusive husband to give her son, Asher, a better life in the small-town of Adams, New Hampshire. All was fine in Adams until Asher meets a girl named Lily and they become an item. They have lots in common and they find that they really enjoy spending time with one another. Lily has secrets and she decides to confide in Asher, and things suddenly go awry. Next thing we know Lily is dead and Asher is facing murder charges.
A long and very public court room drama follows with all types of secrets revealed and plenty of blame to go around.
Karen’s thoughts: What works in this story is the captivating drama in the courtroom. It was tough to put the book down, I kept wanting to know more. I felt the story was long winded in areas and had characters that did not need to be in the storyline. Other than that, I felt the book was well written and one that book clubs will enjoy.
This book can be found in your public library!