All the Bees in the Hollows

Title: All the Bees in the Hollows 

Author: Lauren Keegan

Publisher: Affirm Press 

Genre: Fiction, Literature, Historical Fiction.

Year of release: 2024

Release date: 08/10/24

Rating 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Synopsis 

Maryt is a devoted beekeeper. She lives by the old rules: work with fellow beekeepers, be a good Christian and a good harvest will follow. These rules help her cope with her grief when she inherits her husband’s tree hollows. But as harsh conditions and tax increases threaten the harvest, Maryt begins to question her faith, her community and her own sanity. 

There is little help to be had from her eldest daughter. Aust?ja is no worker bee. She takes risks, speaks her mind and dreams of escaping their isolated community. As her mother works, she finds refuge in the ancient forest and the old beliefs instilled in her by her defiant grandmother. 

When Aust?ja discovers the mutilated body of the Hollow Watcher and uncovers a honeycomb of lies and betrayal, she is intent on finding the truth and protecting her family. Will mother and daughter overcome their differences, learn the truth behind the murder and complete the honey harvest?

 In 1557 Lithuania, Maryt, a devoted beekeeper, lives by the old rules. She works alongside fellow beekeepers in the community, believing that if she is a good Christian, a good harvest shall follow. It is these rules and this routine that have helped her endure her grief over the passing of her husband. With no choice but to keep moving forward for the sake of her remaining family members, it falls to Maryt to care for her late husband’s tree hollows. Not long into her new role, harsh weather conditions and tax increases threaten the upcoming harvest. For the first time in her life, Maryt begins to question her faith, her community, and, most alarmingly, her own sanity.

Maryt’s eldest daughter, Aust?ja, is not committed to the hives, providing her mother with little to no help. She would much rather take risks and is more than capable of speaking her mind. Aust?ja dreams of escaping their isolated community soon. As Maryt tends to her cherished bees, Aust?ja finds her sanctuary in the ancient forest and comfort in the old beliefs instilled in her by her rebellious grandmother.

One day, Aust?ja discovers a mutilated body and is shocked to find that she knows the man—it is that of the Hollow Watcher. Not only has Aust?ja stumbled upon a body, but she has also uncovered lies and betrayal. Now, she must question everything, even the path she thought she was crafting for herself, and the people she thought she knew—people she believed she could trust above all else.

Determined to find the truth, Aust?ja is also committed to ensuring that no more harm or grief visits their household. Will Maryt and Aust?ja overcome their differences, learn the truth behind the Hollow Watcher’s murder, and complete the honey harvest before it’s too late?

“Bees choose their masters. Bees don’t sting good people.” This captivating tagline drew me in immediately, and the stunning cover sealed the deal—I knew I had to dive into this book! The story unfolds with a rich tapestry of emotion and suspense, exploring themes of grief, resilience, and the intricate bond between humans and nature mother and daughter. If you’re looking for a read that intertwines mystery with heartfelt moments, “All the Bees in the Hollows” must be your next read!

Upon starting this read, I found that while the plot didn’t take all that long to gain continuous momentum, getting to know the main protagonists of mother and daughter, Maryt and Aust?ja, didn’t feel as easy in the early chapters. I found Keegan has done a brilliant job in developing the character of Aust?ja; I was able to see her grow and change into a young woman who sees the beauty in the world around her rather than it being a place she cannot wait to leave behind.

Maryt was a likeable character whose point of view was clear and easily envisioned. Her outlook was easy to relate to and, at times, felt understandable without any hint of condescension—this was such a refreshing take on the tumultuous mother/daughter relationship that can be found in some novels.

Even in the beginning chapters, I knew that “All the Bees in the Hollows” would be a fast read for this reviewer. The author didn’t take their time in the introduction phase of the book, which allowed for the main plot-line to get underway. I believe because of this detail, the story doesn’t get too lost in the details, which can sometimes happen in the historical fiction genre; that’s not to say I couldn’t imagine the location and the hollows in my mind.

Author Lauren Keegan has woven a stunning debut novel that has moments of being beautiful and moments that sting. Now that the book is completed, I am still in awe of its originality weeks later. “All the Bees in the Hollows” is a story that the reader will need to know what happens, but at the same time be happy to take their time. I found the most interesting aspect of the read was watching Aust?ja uncover the secrets, lies, and finding her place in the world at the same time as exposing the big plot twist.

“Bees choose their masters. Bees don’t sting good people.” – Lauren Keegan, “All the Bees in the Hollows”

Lauren Keegan has managed to craft a unique story, incorporating historical fiction with elements of mystery and thriller, without making the read feel like it belongs in the Sherlock Holmes era of novels. Her writing feels sharp and fresh, but at times was tender and caring when needed. This is the reason behind my high 4-star rating.

Sub-plots and tropes included in “All the Bees in the Hollows”:
• Family drama
• Death of a parent/Death of a child
• Mother/daughter/sibling relationship
• Self-discovery
• Small community
• Grief
• Lies
• Secrets
• The big reveal
• First love
• Amateur sleuth
• Protagonists ahead of their time
• Historical/Mystery
• Maturing to womanhood

I found the ending suitable for this read, and at the same time, satisfying, making it possible for me to leave this read without there being any “what-ifs” – this is something this reviewer appreciates.

I highly recommend this book to a mature audience. Historical fiction fans will no doubt be captivated by this read, and I believe even fans of the lighter mystery/thriller genre will find this read suitable for their bookshelf. I look forward to reading other books from this author in the future.

With continued thanks to Affirm Press and Lauren Keegan, the author, for sending a physical copy of this book to read and review in exchange for an honest opinion.