Lauren Keegan in-conversation with Michelle Barraclough

Bees choose their masters. Bees don't sting good people. Marytè 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, Marytè begins to question her faith, her community and her own sanity.

There is little help to be had from her eldest daughter. Austėja 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 Austėja 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?

Lauren Keegan is a psychologist, writer and mother who lives in the Wollondilly Shire; the land of the Dharawal and Gundungurra people. She has worked in public mental health for twelve years, has two young girls and drinks more tea than is sensible. This is her first published novel.

Michelle Barraclough is a writer and podcaster whose first novel was Highly Commended in the 2017 Richell Prize for Emerging Writers. She is currently working on her second novel in between deep dive interviews with authors about writing craft and process on her monthly podcast Writers Book Club. In her day job, Michelle designs gorgeous websites for authors at Fresh Web Design.