(73)Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boyaln

 

Olivia McAfee knows what it takes to start over. She took her young son and left her abusive husband more than a decade ago. They have made a good life in rural New Hampshire. Olivia supports them as a bee farmer and Olivia's honey is sold all over the state. Asher is a high school student, and his role on the hockey team makes him one of the most popular kids in school. Asher even has a girlfriend, Lili Campanello. Lily is a new kid in school, starting over herself, after moving around with her mother. The future is bright for both Asher and Lily.  Until one day tragedy strikes. Lily is dead and the police have arrested Asher.  Olivia will defend Asher to her dying day, but she can't help but worry about what traits Asher may have inherited from his abusive father. The trial is full of twists and turns, but one question remains. Who killed Lily Campanello?

.Jodi Picoult is as good as it gets. But for Mad Honey, Jodi worked with a co-author, and I am glad she did. Jennifer Finney Boylan gave the voice of Lily an authenticity that may not have been there if Jodi wrote it on her own. From the very first page, I was hooked. The story is told by alternating narrators. Olivia and Lily. The reader gets into the head and heart of both characters, giving you an intimate look at their thoughts and actions. I want to be careful to not go too deep into the plot because the twist is pretty damn good. And timely. CLICK HERE FOR SPOILERS. 

Bottom Line - Jodi Picoult is often "hit or miss" for me, but she has written some of the most thought-provoking books I have ever read. And I think that Mad Honey just might be her best. 

Details:

• Mad Honey by Jodi Piccoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan
• Pages: 464
• Publisher: Ballantine Books
• Publication Date: 10/4/2022
• Buy it Here!
• Thank you to NetGalley for the book in exchange for an honest review.