Book Review: Honeysuckle and Bone by Trisha Tobias
From the moment I pressed play on the audiobook of Honeysuckle and Bone, I felt an intriguing magnetic pull towards the rich tapestry of mystery woven by Trisha Tobias. There’s something inherently compelling about a protagonist with secrets—especially one who escapes to a vibrant yet foreboding place like Jamaica, where both nature and the supernatural collide. It was that promise of hidden truths and creeping suspense that drew me in, and I am so grateful to Netgalley and Sweet July Books for providing me with this exhilarating story.
At the heart of Honeysuckle and Bone is Carina Marshall, a young woman running from her past and taking on a new identity as a nanny for a wealthy family. But this isn’t just any ordinary gig; the children she’s meant to care for have their own quirks, and soon enough, Carina finds herself not just navigating the complexities of childcare, but also a haunting presence that seems intent on unraveling the very fabric of her being. Tobias deftly captures Carina’s paranoia and confusion, making her journey not just a physical escape but a deeply psychological one.
The setting itself—Jamaica—becomes almost a character in its own right. The dichotomy between Carina’s American values and the rich cultural landscape of Jamaica infuses the narrative with richness. Tobias’s vivid descriptions make the heat palpable and the scents intoxicating. I could almost feel the sticky humidity filling my lungs: “Nevermind that dense heat I feel all around the property, that honeyed scent on the air… I don’t know. The vibes are kind of, strange?” This line resonates, illustrating the enigmatic atmosphere that cloaks the story.
Tobias’s writing style excels in painting emotions as vividly as her settings. The tension ebbs and flows beautifully, a rhythm that keeps you at the edge of your seat—always questioning, always second-guessing. I loved how Carina’s mental landscape was crafted; her reflections on loneliness and the specters of her past are deeply relatable. As she navigates not only her role as a caretaker but also the ghosts she is desperately trying to outrun, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own moments of feeling lost, trapped by circumstances that seemed insurmountable.
Memorable quotes punctuate the book’s emotional depth, such as, "I’ve built a pen for the monster within…" which resonates like a whispered truth to anyone grappling with their own insecurities and past mistakes. It’s both haunting and empowering; a reminder of the duality of our experiences, with shadows ever lurking behind our brightest moments.
Honeysuckle and Bone is a tale that dances deftly between horror and introspection. It’s gripping enough for mystery lovers while also inviting reflection for those who appreciate character-driven narratives. This book speaks to anyone who has ever felt haunted by their past or misunderstood by the people around them.
In the end, I found myself remembering what it felt like to be 18, the world feeling both vast and confining. If you’re someone who revels in stories that mix suspense with profound internal struggles, I wholeheartedly recommend taking this journey with Carina. Trisha Tobias has crafted a poignant reminder that sometimes, the most haunting secrets reside within ourselves, and it’s okay to face them head-on. This enchanting narrative left me both unsettled and contemplative, making it one I won’t soon forget.