Setting the Stage for Suspense
In Trisha Tobias’ debut novel, Honeysuckle and Bone, readers are introduced to 18-year-old Carina Marshall, a New Yorker eager for a fresh start. After the tragic death of her best friend Joy, Carina experiences overwhelming guilt and online backlash, driving her to accept an au pair job in Jamaica, her mother’s homeland. However, the job was initially Joy’s, creating an emotional entanglement as Carina navigates her summer.
An Enigmatic Summer Job
Carina’s new role at the luxurious Blackbead House involves caring for Jada and Luis, the children of a prominent political figure, Brusqueian Hall, and his elegant wife, Ruth. Surrounded by the vibrant yet eerie atmosphere of a campaign setting, she meets her coworkers—the ‘Young Birds.’ While they appear friendly, it becomes evident that their pasts may hold dark secrets that could complicate Carina’s new beginning.
A Journey into Uncertainty
As the summer unfolds, an unsettling floral scent and alarming messages urging her to “run” start to haunt Carina. The juxtaposition of Jamaica’s bright scenery against the underlying tension draws readers into a gripping thriller. Alongside her charming coworker Aaron, Carina grapples with her escalating fears and growing paranoia. Will she be able to discern reality from her troubled imagination?
Fans of suspenseful tales will appreciate Honeysuckle and Bone‘s exploration of hidden truths waiting beneath glossy exteriors, making it a must-read for those craving an engaging mystery in a tropical setting.
