The thing about a Jodi Picoult book is that she never shows away from controversy. And that is true I’m Mad Honey as well. But a reader can also count on brilliant storylines and character development - they are rich and complex. In this one, the story is enhance by looking at this complexities through the lives of bees which allows the reader to digest what is happening within the story. It really quite brilliant. Thanks to NetGalley for the early read.

***ARC Provided by NetGalley***

Thanks to NetGalley I got to read this one a bit early.
I really enjoyed it. As with most of Picoult's books, there was a twist, one I wasn't expecting.

I really enjoyed the way the book was told, half in Olivia's perspective in the present moving forward, and half in Lily's perspective moving backwards.
Overall, very well told. And my first book by Finney Boylan, and I'm hoping to read more of her books soon.

I hadn't read a Jodi Picoult book for years until I read Wish You Were Here which I loved! That title made me select this one.

Lily Campanello and Olivia McAfee both need a fresh start. Olivia moves to her hometown with her son, Asher, and takes over her father's beekeeping business in New Hampshire. Lily and her mom relocate to Adams, NH for her senior year in high school. Lily and Asher become friends. But one day Olivia gets a phone call from the police and is told Lily is dead and Asher is a suspect. The authors write alternate voices and the story flow smoothly but a bit predictable for me.

I enjoyed this book and the way the two authors wrote alternating characters. I have not read any Boylan books but I might check them out now. I was also quite fascinated in the Bee production!

10/10. A flawlessly written book that both my heart sing and my face cry. You will not be disappointed if you pick up this book, and everyone should!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing and ARC in response for an honest review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book cowritten by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan. Each author wrote the voice on one of the main characters and it is fun to try to determine which author wrote which character. We learn a lot about bees and honey, but also about some of the social issues going on in the world today - ones of which I am not too familiar. To me, I really live these characters' lives and am very sad when the stories end. I would love to continue living especially with Eva, Olivia, Jordan and Archer. They are all good souls who were a nice addition to my life. I had not read Jennifer Finney Boylan before and now plan to read her latest book too. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. It will remain a sweet read forever!

"Mad Honey"
By Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan
October 4, 2022



Starting over is difficult, but sometimes it is necessary. Olivia McFee learns this the hard way. She is thrilled when she meets Braden Fields, a resident in cardiac surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital. She works at the National Zoo trying to earn enough to attain her graduate degree in zoology.

After a whirlwind relationship, they move in together after only three months. Oliver considers her as "the one," and they soon marry and relocate to Boston for his fellowship at Mass General.

A year after their marriage, Olivia's father dies of a heart attack. An apiarist, Olivia's dad had taught her everything about raising bees, and after his death, Olivia wonders how to carry on his business. Not only is her mother highly allergic, but she also has no idea about caring for them, so it is up to Olivia to take over this task.

When there is a death in the beekeeper family, the tradition is to "inform" the insects. If they aren't "asked" to stay with their new master, they leave. Olivia and her mom drape each colony with black crepe and communicate that their keeper is deceased. They accept this turn of events and remain in their colonies and for five years, Olivia commutes from Boston to her childhood home in Adams, New Hampshire, to attend to them. Then after she gives birth to her son Asher, she takes him with her. He stays with her mother while she checks on the hives, finding she loves her new "job."

As time passes, Braden becomes overly possessive and abusive. She wears turtleneck tops with long sleeves to cover the many bruises Braden inflicts on her hoping others, especially Asher, will not see her injuries. When Braden strikes out at Asher, Olivia realizes it's time to leave, so she packs up and goes to Adams with Asher. With Asher only seven, Olivia does not want him to have any contact with his volatile father.

Time goes on, and Olivia loves being back in her hometown. When her mother passes on with Olivia taking ownership of the farm, she tends to the bees, while producing honey and other items for income. Asher, happy in his new environment, is a star player on the school hockey team and is in love with Lily Campanello.

Lily, a recent transplant with her single mom Ava, has moved to town after living on the west coast. Asher and Lily become an item quickly, and Olivia also finds the very intelligent young woman to be special. She is happy to see her son content as he is on his way to becoming a man. As the two teens get closer, Lily has a secret she is afraid to share though she trusts him. Their friendship becomes intimate, and they state their love for each other, but she still wonders if she can confide in him. She remembers when she confided her "secret" to her best friend in California, and the friend disclosed it to the whole school. What kind of person does that?

Lily knows she loves Asher, so she takes the chance to disclose she’s transgender. She was born a boy, but never felt like a male since childhood. He was constantly tormented by his peers, and though his mom supports his feelings, his father is livid. This causes animosity between Ava and Lily’s dad, so they leave Seattle where they had been living to move to California. While there, they meet with a doctor who performed a sex change on her.

Uncertain, Lily fears Asher's judgment, and they have an argument. She pushes him away without talking, but he loves her and needs to know what is wrong.

Then, one day Asher calls Olivia saying, "I think Lily is dead!" The next thing she hears he is at the police station. When she arrives, she is met by Lieutenant Newcomb, the sole detective in their small town—and the guy she remembers as "Mike" and attended the junior prom with when they were in high school.

Olivia speaks up, "'Asher—’

"'—is fine,' Mike interrupts. He holds the door to the interior of the station open so that I can walk through. 'But he's pretty worked up.'

"'He said that Lily was . . . ' I can't even shape my mouth around the word.

"'She was taken to the hospital. I haven't heard anything else, yet. I'm hoping Asher might help us figure out what happened.'

"'Was he there?'

"'He was found holding her body.'

"Body."

Lily had been home from school sick, and Asher went to her house to discuss their recent disagreement, and when he arrives, he finds Lily sprawled at the bottom of the stairs unresponsive. Shaken, Asher takes her to the living room sofa where he tries to revive her. Now the police are questioning . . . did Asher kill her in a moment of rage?

Olivia is shocked. Could Asher have done something like this? Did he inherit Braden's genes and is abusive like her ex-husband had been with her? She cannot accept this, yet, when Asher is arrested and placed in a cell, her mind whirls. Her immediate thought is to contact Jordan, her older brother, a powerful attorney. If anyone can help Asher, he can.

Though Asher vehemently claims he is innocent, everything points to his guilt for harming the girl he loves. Incarcerating him is unacceptable to Olivia, but the amount of bond the judge posts is impossible for her to raise. A simple beekeeper, she is land rich but cash poor, and she refuses to go to Braden for the money, though he could easily afford it. If this goes on, will she have to resort to seeing him after all these years?

The big question is did Asher actually harm Lily or was someone else responsible? A lengthy trial ensues with Jordan as his defense attorney, and soon both Asher and Olivia become pariahs in their small town, sympathizing with Ava as she suffers the death of her daughter.

During the court case, the subject of Lily’s transformation is brought to light. Dr. Powers, the physician doctor who performed this operation is called to testify and this is what she discloses:

“She looks at the jury. ‘This example is a really great way to understand what it means to be transgender. Everyone has a dominant gender identity. It’s not a preference, it’s not something you can change just because you feel like it—it’s just how you’re wired. Most people who are assigned male or female at birth feel their gender identity matches that label—they’re called "cisgender". But transgender people know that being in the body they are in feels not quite right. Some know this when they’re very young. Some spend years feeling uncomfortable without really knowing why. Some avoid talking about gender identity because they’re ashamed or afraid. . . .’

‘. . . When trans people tell the truth about who they are, they face stigma, discrimination, harassment, and in some cases, violence,’ Dr. Powers says bluntly. ‘Trans people have been fired for expressing their gender identity. They’ve been beaten up or thrown out of their homes. Last year, nearly thirty trans people were murdered This year, so far, another four have been killed.’”

When asked what transition means, Dr. Powers adds:

“‘Transitioning is the period during which a trans person starts to live according to their gender identity, rather than the gender they were incorrectly assigned at birth. It’s important to point out that you can be transgender and never transition. It’s not a one-size-fits-all, and gender expression looks different for every person. For one, it may mean certain clothing or growing your hair long, or putting on makeup. For someone else, it could be changing your name or the pronouns you use to refer to yourself. Some people change their driver’s license or passport to reflect their correct gender. Others undergo hormone therapy, or a surgical procedure so that their bodies reflect their correct gender.’”

As she goes on to relay Lily’s experience, she explains the surgery she underwent to attain her true gender, the prosecutor and the spectators in the courtroom use this information to believe that Lily did report her true identity to Asher, which angered him to the point that he caused her death rather than to have others find out and torment him.

"Mad Honey" is a multi-faceted novel focusing on many issues. With an in-depth description of the responsibilities of beekeepers to the intricacies of the judicial system, to the secrets and the angst of young people dealing with their sexuality, this tale proves to be both informative and interesting as well as heartbreaking.

😠🍯 Book review!😠🍯

Mad Honey follows Olivia, a survivor of domestic abuse, who lives in New Hampshire as a beekeeper with her 18 year old son, Asher. Asher has a girlfriend, Lily, who he’s dated for 3 months. They get into a fight, and he doesn’t hear from her for a few days. When he goes to her house to check on her, Olivia receives a panicked phone call from Asher — “mom, I think Lily is dead.”

Jodi Picoult, I love ya, but this wasn’t it.

The time jumps for flashbacks were a bit confusing, and not presented in chronological order. There’s a lot of information weaved in each chapter that serve as metaphors which, while well-thought out and detailed, we’re distracting and took away from the story. I wish she just stuck to bees, and about halved the metaphors and flashbacks.

Also, just about every controversial/“hot button” topic is stuffed into this book, which just feels like overkill. It also doesn’t allow the book to give each topic the proper representation and attention they each deserve.

This book was, as a result of the above mentioned — SO. LONG. I found myself coming back to it because I wanted to see what happened and I was invested somewhat into the characters, but every time put it down with a general “meh” ness. The ending also left a lot to be desired.

It’s a🤦🏻‍♀️ 🤷🏻‍♀️ (2.5/5) for me. This one is out October 4th.

TW: death/possible murder, jail, domestic violence/abusive relationship, abortion, suicide, transphobia…there may be more I missed.

This book……

Sometimes there aren’t enough words to express how something makes you feel. Jodi picoult books are like that for me. Jennifer finney boylan is a new author for me but after reading this book and a little bit about her- IM A FAN!

I have an enby child so this book hit me differently. I really can’t say much else about that without going into a lot of details about the book but I really just feel like the love I have for my enby child is so strong Bec I have to love them harder. I have to love them harder because of the ignorance that surrounds gender fluidity.

Anyway, this book was amazing. I’ll carry it in my soul along with the other Jodi books.

Thanks so much for the advanced copy!

This was excellent.

I love books by this author because she tends to pick one controversial topic and chooses some random element (in this case beekeeping or Apiology) and weaves a completely engrossing tale. I had no prior knowledge (or interest) in beekeeping but found the sections on this topic fascinating.

The strong female characters in this story are fantastic, and there are many. I went into this story without any idea of the plot. I had requested this book from NetGalley a while ago so I was aware of the trial/death but not aware the victim was trans. Again, this was an eye opening lesson for me. I am liberal, aware and supportive yet there were so many lessons, explanations and just general thoughts that I took away from this.

The past/present timelines helped layer and round out both the story and characters. The trial was executed well, the ups and downs felt real. The verdict and aftermath were somewhat anticlimactic for me. I anticipated a different ending and was a bit disappointed (no spoilers). It was realistic and fitting and the story totally consumed me. I highly recommend.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for a copy in exchange for a review.

This is a fantastic book, and I expected nothing less from these ladies. These are two very talented authors, and what they did with this novel shows how wonderful they are.
Jodi Picoult is well known to tackle hard subjects through her writing. Whether it be a suicide pact, a mass shooter, or whatever else may be going on in society at the present moment, Jodi is willing to speak her truth. Jennifer Boylan is the same, and is always willing to tackle the wrongs in the world.
This book is written through the eyes of two characters; Lily and Olivia. Lily is a transgender young woman, and Olivia is the mother of her boyfriend. When Olivia's son Asher goes on trial for Lily's murder, her whole world is turned upside down.
The book follows Olivia as she remembers her past life before and after Asher was born, and is struggling to deal with all she doesn't know about her son's life, and the fear that he has become like his father.
The book then takes the view of Lily before and after transitioning, as well as throughout her relationship with Asher. The book also brings in her mother Ava, and tells about her struggle trying to protect Lily, and support her at the same time.
LGBTQ+ rights are so important, and they are finally being addressed more and more, which is wonderful. Unfortunately, we still have work to do as a society to fight for their rights and support them as much as we can. I applaud these authors, and anyone else who brings these rights to the forefront of everything. We need to come together as a society!

4.5 stars. Mad Honey has the typical style of a Jodi Picoult novel. There is an incident/conflict, a family in turmoil, a central issue, and a resolution. Asher and Lily are high school students in a new and intense relationship. Lily winds up dead a few short months later and Asher is arrested. The story follows their relationship and history told in first person from different points of view as well as in different time lines with details about bees thrown in there to illustrate some bigger points. The book is written by two authors but you really can't tell who wrote which parts and you will see why when you read the author's notes at the end. The story was well written and engaging while tackling some big issues. I have no experience with it but it felt like the author's did a good job of covering this issue with decency and tact. (I am being vague to avoid a spoiler). Overall, I really enjoyed this novel although not the first person writing.

I haven't enjoyed a Jodi Picoult book this much since Small Great Things! I really enjoyed the story from both voices of Lily and Olivia and learning that each author wrote a character made me enjoy it even more. For two writers to collaborate this well, I'm impressed. As always sensitive issues were handled with care. I couldn't put this down once I got started and have been recommending already to many.

This was a DNF for me unfortunately. I like Jodi but I felt like thought of every polarizing topic there is and threw it into a book.

DNF at 40%

I've only read one book by Ms. Picoult and I wasn't familiar with Ms. Finney Boylan at all, so I wasn't sure what yo expect from this book. It certainly didn't turn out to be the book I thought I was reading which is a comment and not a criticism. Mad Honey is an excellent book with dealing perspectives, one moving forward in the present tense, while the other goes backwards in time.

The story is very thoughtful and nuanced. The details about these characters and their experiences and how they mirror each other is handled both intelligently and skillfully. I generally find narratives about abuse challenging and while this was, it was handled well and juxtaposed to the other character's journey in a sensitive way.

Is it a secret or is it private is a concept I will carry with me from this book. I really don't want to say more because I don't want to allude too much to the details of the plot, but I would certainly recommend this book. Also, stick around for the author's note which I found particularly interesting.

5+ stars for Mad Honey co-authored by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Fiinney Boylan. I always enjoy Jodi Picoult books. The Pact was the first book I read by her and it was my favorite until now. I did not know until I finished Mad Honey that Jennifer Finney Boylan was transgender. This explains why as I was reading the book I felt the part written about Lily was so real and so well explained. Lily’s character answered so many questions I had about transgender people. As I finished the book I realized and learned that no two transgender people are the same just as no two cisgender people are the same. There is no one name, “size” fits all for any human beings.

While this is not the only topic to discuss in this book it is the most relevant one. The story also deals with so many other important topics: teenage love, suicide, death, abuse, parent and children relationships.

Jodi Picoult, as you hoped, this story was very educational and did inspire so much compassion. Your goal in writing this novel was a success. Jennifer Finney Boylan I look forward to reading your memoir and learning more. I loved every minute of this book.

A must read! Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I can not wait for my friends to read it so I can discuss it with them. This is an excellent book club read.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

Lily and Asher seem like the perfect couple until Asher is accused of murdering her.

Olivia believes her son is innocent until she compares him to her abusive husband. Now Olivia is questioning her son.

Told in the POV of Lily, before she died, and Olivia, the story makes you question if Asher did it or not.

I will say this book took a twist that I wasn't expecting. I wondered what would happen till the very end. And the authors didn't disappoint. A very good novel that will have you questioning everything.

Wow wow wow! After last year’s Wish You Were Here that I strongly disliked, I was worried Jodi Picoult might have lost her magic for me. I’ve never been so happy to be wrong. Along with Jennifer Finney Boylan, she has written another one of her classic novels packed with social commentary and so much heart that will absolutely break you, but keep you turning the pages. One of my favorite things about Picoult’s books is how she puts her characters in situations that really make you question what you’d do in the same scenario. I felt so much for both Lily and Olivia, and my heart absolutely ached for Asher. The characters were so complex and multilayered, and I was absolutely floored by the big twist in the middle of the book. The symbolism with the bees and honey was perfectly crafted, but not at all overdone, and I actually loved learning so much about beekeeping. I may not have read all of her books, but I can say this is easily one of the best Picoult books I’ve read, and I will definitely be picking up some of Boylan’s soon as well. This is a must read!

Emotional, Thought-Provoking and So Damn Good.

Olivia is a single mom, who makes her living as a Beekeeper. She and her teenage son Asher have been on their own for a long time now. Asher is a popular High Schooler who falls for Lily, the new girl in town. Lily and her mother Ava moved to Adams, New Hampshire for what they hope will be a fresh start. When young love blooms, no one is surprised. Unfortunately for Asher, when Lily is found dead, well, he’s the first and only suspect.

Frantic, Olivia does the only thing she can, she calls on her brother, attorney Jordan McAfee, for help. (Fans of Salem Falls, The Pact, and Nineteen Minutes, may remember him). A courtroom drama ensues. What happens next, I cannot say, except that I didn’t see it coming and was astounded by every minute of it.

A novel about many things, including family, friendship, relationships, love, self-acceptance, and self-exploration, as well as trials and tribulations.

There are authors and then there is Jodi Picoult. Mad Honey is a book she co-authored with Jennifer Finney Boylan. While I’ve read almost every book written by Ms. Picoult, I’ve only read two books by Ms. Boylan, and yet, let me just say that I was wholly unprepared for this.
4.75 stars

A buddy read with Kaceey that kept us talking.

Thank you to Random House - Ballantine for the arc via NetGalley.

This is the first Picoult novel I've loved since 2016's Small Great Things. I feel like we are back to classic Picoult in this book. Lily's story told backwards is a little confusing. I don't understand why it was told that way and think it would have worked better to have it be in chronological order. I thought I knew what the twist at the end would be but I was wrong! I learned a little about bees and honey, which was interesting. I really connected with both Lily and Olivia's characters and thought they were well written. I appreciated the authors' notes at the end that gave more insight into how the book was written.

Mad Honey follows the lives of Olivia, her son Asher, and his girlfriend Lily. The novel is told from the perspectives of Olivia and Lily, and it does move partially backwards in time. Asher is accused of Lily's murder, and we watch Olivia grapple with believing in her son's innocence as shadows of her past move in to cloud her judgment. Secrets are exposed, lives are ruined, and identities are upended in this fast-paced read.

This book surprised me. I was not expecting the main twist at all, though I did anticipate the other major revelation at the end. This is not my typical genre; I think I'd categorize it as some combination of legal suspense, women's fiction, and LGBTQIA+. Despite it being a rather long read, I flew through it and found it really enjoyable. I will caution all readers that there are some pretty critical and graphic content warnings, which include but are not limited to: domestic abuse, self-harm, and transphobia.

Co-written books can be tricky — I imagine it's difficult, as two separate people, to write an entire story in a style that flows well and doesn't sound choppy. Jodi and Jennifer describe their writing process in the authors' notes, which I found interesting and I highly recommend not skipping!

Thank you to Jodi Picoult, Jennifer Finney Boylan, Ballantine Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!