Author(s): Lauren Keegan

Fiction | RSO PLUS Oct 2024 Adult Titles

An atmospheric, original, folkoric mystery set in a remote Lithuanian beekeeping community in the 16th century, from debut author Lauren Keegan. For fans of Hannah Kent's Burial Rites and Kate Forsyth's Bitter Greens. When a grieving mother and daughter inherit the tree hollows, they must prove to themselves, the tax collectors and each other that they can bring in a successful honey harvest all on their own. Maryt is a devoted beekeeper. She lives by the old rules: bees choose their masters; bees don't sting good people; work in partnership with fellow beekeepers (the bi?iulyst); be a good Christian and a good harvest will follow. These rules help her cope with her grief when she inherits her husband's hollows. But when harsh conditions, tax increases, betrayal and mistrust in the community mount up, Maryt questions her faith, her bi?iulyst and her own sanity. Her eldest daughter, Austeja, is no worker bee. She seeks refuge in the ancient forest, where she finds a special connection to the natural elements and the old beliefs that have been instilled in her since birth by her defiant grandmother. Austeja takes risks and speaks her mind, and has dreamt of escaping the confines of the bi?iulyst. But, when she discovers the mutilated body of the Hollow Watcher and uncovers a honeycomb of lies and betrayal, implicating her own father, she is intent on finding the truth and protecting her family. Will mother and daughter overcome their differences, learn the truth behind the murder, unveil lies by their bi?iulyst and complete the honey harvest?