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Honeysuckle and Bone
On the run from her own dark secrets, a teen girl becomes the nanny for a prestigious family on their extravagant Jamaican estate—but things aren't quite as they seem, and she quickly discovers even paradise may be haunted. Carina Marshall is looking to reinvent herself, and what better place to do it than Jamaica, her mother’s alluring homeland where she conveniently has access to an au pair gig for the wealthy and politically powerful Hall family. After months of being the target of vicious rumors and hate online (which she just might deserve), the luxurious Blackbead House seems to hold everything she wants, a world of mango trees, tropical breezes, and glamorous parties—and a place to disappear. Once there, Carina joins up with her fellow junior staff members, the self-named Young Birds, and finds herself sinking right into her busy, but comfortable, new life. Yes, the Halls run a tight ship, and yes, there is some tension amongst the family, but she’s content flying under the radar, doing her job, and hanging out with her new friends—not least, the handsome and charming Aaron. But when inexplicable things start happening to her in the house, only getting worse each night, Carina realizes that someone—or something—is out to get her. Is it the house itself? The Halls? Or, worse, is it her own past catching up with her? With the help of Aaron, she must figure out what is haunting her, and fast, before she is forced out of Blackbead House for good. Eerie, propulsive, and full of intrigue, Honeysuckle and Bone is a deliciously atmospheric, young adult novel, following an imperfect yet courageous teen as she seeks to remake herself in the homeland she always idealized, only to discover that new beginnings don’t always come easy.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 14, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 264 reviews
January 31, 2025
18-year-old Carina who has a shadowy past, finds herself in the enigmatic Blackbead House. Tasked with caring for the Hall family's children, Carina quickly discovers that this luxurious façade hides dark secrets. Trisha Tobias crafts a suspenseful narrative woven with Jamaican culture and folklore, creating an atmospheric read that keeps you on edge. Carina’s flawed yet relatable character development, alongside the engaging dynamics with Ora, Simone, and Josh, injects humor and warmth into the story.
This book surprised me. I was turning pages so fast ready to read what happened next. After reading this book I’m definitely ready to read more from the author.
This book surprised me. I was turning pages so fast ready to read what happened next. After reading this book I’m definitely ready to read more from the author.
January 3, 2025
4.25 💫
This was wonderful. Especially for a debut? Amazing. I really, really loved this one.
Some small parts of the first few chapters felt a bit repetitive, just with her internal monologue, but once things really got rolling, that was not an issue anymore. The cast was amazing, the young birds were SUCH a fun group. The setting was written so well, the author really nailed that. An ending I didn't see coming, it kept me guessing the entire time. Really fun with some good scares.
Trisha will definitely be an author I watch for.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sweet July Books for the ARC!
This was wonderful. Especially for a debut? Amazing. I really, really loved this one.
Some small parts of the first few chapters felt a bit repetitive, just with her internal monologue, but once things really got rolling, that was not an issue anymore. The cast was amazing, the young birds were SUCH a fun group. The setting was written so well, the author really nailed that. An ending I didn't see coming, it kept me guessing the entire time. Really fun with some good scares.
Trisha will definitely be an author I watch for.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sweet July Books for the ARC!
February 9, 2025
☆3.5☆
Thank you Netgalley, Trisha Tobias, Dreamscape Select, and Sweet July Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
⇝ Young Adult
⇝ Mystery
⇝ Horror
⇝ Thriller
⇝ Fantasy
⇝ Paranormal
⇝ Standalone
Main Attention ~ Carina
A teenager with a secret past accepts a job as a nanny for the prestigious Halls family in Jamaica without informing anyone in her life—hoping for a fresh start after a dark past. However, her plans quickly unravel when she realizes the beautiful mansion she now calls home might be haunted—and the ghost seems determined to drive her away from her only chance at redemption.
I didn’t really like Carina from the start, and my dislike for her only grew as the story progressed. She had a talent for making bad decisions and then justifying them in the most frustrating ways. It especially annoyed me when she would acknowledge that something was a terrible idea, list the reasons why, and then immediately talk herself into doing it anyway. Also, what's with that beast thing? That reminded me of Harry's jealousy described in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince when he started having feelings for Ginny.
However, I absolutely loved the narrator. She did an amazing job giving each character a distinct tone, and I especially enjoyed the Jamaican accent—it added so much to the atmosphere of the story.
Other Voices~
I liked most of the young birds and the Halls' kids. They were such an enigma by themselves and were often hilarious and heart-touching. I'm actually not sure if I like Aaron or not because I found Carina not to be a reliable judge of character. He always helped her out even when he didn't have to, but I'm not sure if that was out of the goodness of his heart or just because he wanted her. I didn't get how he still like Carina after expressly stating he can't stand dishonest people. But every time Carina lied, he justified it being "intelligent" which truly made me roll my eyes.
Musings~
I loved the plot an the Jamaican setting. That and the narrator were the main reasons I kept on with the audiobook even when I didn't like the main characters. Though there was character development, I did not feel like it was good enough. I expected more from Carina and from the Young Birds too, who just left her off of hook so easily after knowing her secrets.
Parting Thoughts~
This book had a pretty amazing plot, but I think the characters need a little more work. Otherwise, I think I might be open to reading more from Trisha Tobias.
Thank you Netgalley, Trisha Tobias, Dreamscape Select, and Sweet July Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
⇝ Young Adult
⇝ Mystery
⇝ Horror
⇝ Thriller
⇝ Fantasy
⇝ Paranormal
⇝ Standalone
Main Attention ~ Carina
A teenager with a secret past accepts a job as a nanny for the prestigious Halls family in Jamaica without informing anyone in her life—hoping for a fresh start after a dark past. However, her plans quickly unravel when she realizes the beautiful mansion she now calls home might be haunted—and the ghost seems determined to drive her away from her only chance at redemption.
I didn’t really like Carina from the start, and my dislike for her only grew as the story progressed. She had a talent for making bad decisions and then justifying them in the most frustrating ways. It especially annoyed me when she would acknowledge that something was a terrible idea, list the reasons why, and then immediately talk herself into doing it anyway. Also, what's with that beast thing? That reminded me of Harry's jealousy described in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince when he started having feelings for Ginny.
However, I absolutely loved the narrator. She did an amazing job giving each character a distinct tone, and I especially enjoyed the Jamaican accent—it added so much to the atmosphere of the story.
Other Voices~
I liked most of the young birds and the Halls' kids. They were such an enigma by themselves and were often hilarious and heart-touching. I'm actually not sure if I like Aaron or not because I found Carina not to be a reliable judge of character. He always helped her out even when he didn't have to, but I'm not sure if that was out of the goodness of his heart or just because he wanted her. I didn't get how he still like Carina after expressly stating he can't stand dishonest people. But every time Carina lied, he justified it being "intelligent" which truly made me roll my eyes.
Musings~
I loved the plot an the Jamaican setting. That and the narrator were the main reasons I kept on with the audiobook even when I didn't like the main characters. Though there was character development, I did not feel like it was good enough. I expected more from Carina and from the Young Birds too, who just left her off of hook so easily after knowing her secrets.
Parting Thoughts~
This book had a pretty amazing plot, but I think the characters need a little more work. Otherwise, I think I might be open to reading more from Trisha Tobias.
June 2, 2025
Title/Author: Honeysuckle and Bone by Trisha Tobias
Page Count: 320
Publisher: Zando- Sweet July Books
Format: Audiobook on hoopla--I also had a NetGalley ebook
Other Books I Enjoyed by This Author: debut
Affiliate Link: https://bookshop.org/a/7576/978163893...
Release Date: January 14th, 2025
General Genre: YA, Gothic, Ghosts/Haunted House
Sub-Genre/Themes: New Governess at a Haunted Estate, friend groups, identity, family secrets, romance, wealthy families, social commentary, Jamaica, ghosts, crime, murder mystery
Writing Style: Intricately plotted; First person narratives, Well-developed characters, Atmospheric; Evocative
What You Need to Know: "Carina Marshall wants to reinvent herself in Jamaica, her mother's homeland, where she has an au pair gig for a wealthy, politically powerful family, but when strange things start happening to her, she must figure out what is haunting her."
My Reading Experience: I enjoyed this audiobook so much. The narrator did an excellent job with voicing a full cast of characters. The protagonist, Carina, is Jamaican American, and everyone at Blackbead estate have Jamaican accents. There is a lot of rich and vibrant culture, setting, and folklore that makes this Gothic tale so original and dynamic.
Carina has an interesting backstory that happens "off page" and before she arrives at Blackbead Estate for her new job but the context unravels slowly as the young house staff, known as the "Young Birds" gets to know her. They immediately add her to their private group chat where they plan friend-group outings and discuss drama that happens at work--I love those sections.
Sometimes YA novels can feel claustrophobic--spending too much time in the MC's head and not enough storytelling or character development with side characters, but that's not the case with Honeysuckle and Bone. I felt like I was immersed in the day-to-day activities at the estate and watching the unfolding relationships between Carina and her new co-workers.
As soon as the murder mystery/ghost story starts to wind up...I was invested! This is not your traditional ghost story. Jamaican folklore and paranormal superstition come into play for an exciting twist on classic tropes.
Final Recommendation: Gothic horror fans will love this new twist on a favorite trope: The new Governess shows up for the job and quickly discovers some twisted family secrets and the estate (manor) is haunted. A little bit of found family friendships, a little romance, a little murder mystery, and a lot of heart and hauntings.
Comps: The Secrets of Hartwood Hall by Katie Lumsden, The Whistling by Rebecca Netley, The Woman in the Mirror, Rebecca James
Page Count: 320
Publisher: Zando- Sweet July Books
Format: Audiobook on hoopla--I also had a NetGalley ebook
Other Books I Enjoyed by This Author: debut
Affiliate Link: https://bookshop.org/a/7576/978163893...
Release Date: January 14th, 2025
General Genre: YA, Gothic, Ghosts/Haunted House
Sub-Genre/Themes: New Governess at a Haunted Estate, friend groups, identity, family secrets, romance, wealthy families, social commentary, Jamaica, ghosts, crime, murder mystery
Writing Style: Intricately plotted; First person narratives, Well-developed characters, Atmospheric; Evocative
What You Need to Know: "Carina Marshall wants to reinvent herself in Jamaica, her mother's homeland, where she has an au pair gig for a wealthy, politically powerful family, but when strange things start happening to her, she must figure out what is haunting her."
My Reading Experience: I enjoyed this audiobook so much. The narrator did an excellent job with voicing a full cast of characters. The protagonist, Carina, is Jamaican American, and everyone at Blackbead estate have Jamaican accents. There is a lot of rich and vibrant culture, setting, and folklore that makes this Gothic tale so original and dynamic.
Carina has an interesting backstory that happens "off page" and before she arrives at Blackbead Estate for her new job but the context unravels slowly as the young house staff, known as the "Young Birds" gets to know her. They immediately add her to their private group chat where they plan friend-group outings and discuss drama that happens at work--I love those sections.
Sometimes YA novels can feel claustrophobic--spending too much time in the MC's head and not enough storytelling or character development with side characters, but that's not the case with Honeysuckle and Bone. I felt like I was immersed in the day-to-day activities at the estate and watching the unfolding relationships between Carina and her new co-workers.
As soon as the murder mystery/ghost story starts to wind up...I was invested! This is not your traditional ghost story. Jamaican folklore and paranormal superstition come into play for an exciting twist on classic tropes.
Final Recommendation: Gothic horror fans will love this new twist on a favorite trope: The new Governess shows up for the job and quickly discovers some twisted family secrets and the estate (manor) is haunted. A little bit of found family friendships, a little romance, a little murder mystery, and a lot of heart and hauntings.
Comps: The Secrets of Hartwood Hall by Katie Lumsden, The Whistling by Rebecca Netley, The Woman in the Mirror, Rebecca James
July 13, 2025
I've been meaning to get to this book for a while and I'm glad that I was able to finally pick it up.
Honeysuckle and Bone is the type of horror/paranormal book that I can get behind. It has these horrific/haunting elements with an emphasis on the exploration of internal issues faced by the main character. Carina is running away from her life, though in the beginning readers don't know or understand why. In an attempt to redefine who she is and discover more about her heritage, Carina becomes the nanny to the wealthy Blackbead House residents in Jamaica, the country of her mother. Though things start out well in the beginning, it becomes clear that Carina is being haunted by the something at the manor as well as her own past. To be honest, I wasn't sure what to expect and Tobias did a wonderful job holding my attention with the suspense of the present and past. By the end of the book, my jaw was slightly unhinged with every new revelation. Tobias beautifully crafted the way in which our past can lead to haunting our present and the impact it will have on those around us. The conversations relating to "not feeling Jamaican enough" truly resonated with me as a 1st gen kid that's never lived in the country. Though it's a part of my heritage, I feel super disconnected to from it at times. This is the type of YA book that I look forward to reading and recommending to others. I'm looking forward to checking out more by Trisha Tobias in the future.
Honeysuckle and Bone is the type of horror/paranormal book that I can get behind. It has these horrific/haunting elements with an emphasis on the exploration of internal issues faced by the main character. Carina is running away from her life, though in the beginning readers don't know or understand why. In an attempt to redefine who she is and discover more about her heritage, Carina becomes the nanny to the wealthy Blackbead House residents in Jamaica, the country of her mother. Though things start out well in the beginning, it becomes clear that Carina is being haunted by the something at the manor as well as her own past. To be honest, I wasn't sure what to expect and Tobias did a wonderful job holding my attention with the suspense of the present and past. By the end of the book, my jaw was slightly unhinged with every new revelation. Tobias beautifully crafted the way in which our past can lead to haunting our present and the impact it will have on those around us. The conversations relating to "not feeling Jamaican enough" truly resonated with me as a 1st gen kid that's never lived in the country. Though it's a part of my heritage, I feel super disconnected to from it at times. This is the type of YA book that I look forward to reading and recommending to others. I'm looking forward to checking out more by Trisha Tobias in the future.
June 30, 2025
you know what’s wild is I spent like 90% of this book thinking this idiot 18 year old was having a psychotic breakdown and just needed grief therapy ahahahahahhaaha
…. to be fair tho - she DOES need grief therapy
…. to be fair tho - she DOES need grief therapy
May 21, 2025
Big thanks to Dreamscape Select and Sweet July Books for the ALC of Honeysuckle and Bone! 💖
Okay, y’all...this book was a vibe. Set in Jamaica with all its tropical beauty, mysterious mansions, and just a sprinkle of spooky? I was hooked (kinda 👀).
First off, Carina Marshall is a messy queen on a mission to reinvent herself. She takes a nanny gig at Blackbead House, thinking it’s her golden ticket to a fresh start. But surprise, surprise—things get WEIRD. Ghostly vibes? 👻 Creepy whispers? Secrets in the walls? YES. PLEASE.
But let’s get real—it’s more of a paranormal mystery than YA horror. If you’re looking for blood-curdling scares, this ain’t it. It’s got some spooky overtones, sure, but the real focus is on the mystery and the twists (and the DRAMA).
Now, the pacing? 🐢 A little slow, not gonna lie. It takes a hot minute to really get going (like, 60% in), but once it did, that ending?? I DID NOT SEE THAT TWIST COMING. 🤯 I mean, sure, I had to suspend my disbelief a bit, but hey, it was entertaining!
The Jamaican setting was hands-down my favorite part. The folklore, the lush vibes, the culture—it made me wanna book a trip ASAP. ✈️ The narrator, Laura Edwards, SLAYED the audio performance. Her voice acting? Chef’s kiss. 👏
Carina herself? Messy but relatable. She’s trying to figure out who she is while navigating a totally wild situation, and I rooted for her even when she was a bit...chaotic. Her dynamic with Aaron was cute, and I loved their ghost-hunting team-up.
Overall, if you’re into gothic ghost stories with a twist, some YA drama, and vibes over full-on horror, this might just be your thing!
⭐ 3.25/5
🌶️ N/A (it’s YA, y’all)
🎧 Narration? 8/10
Would I recommend? Sure, if you’re into gothic ghost stories with a twist and plenty of vibes!
Okay, y’all...this book was a vibe. Set in Jamaica with all its tropical beauty, mysterious mansions, and just a sprinkle of spooky? I was hooked (kinda 👀).
First off, Carina Marshall is a messy queen on a mission to reinvent herself. She takes a nanny gig at Blackbead House, thinking it’s her golden ticket to a fresh start. But surprise, surprise—things get WEIRD. Ghostly vibes? 👻 Creepy whispers? Secrets in the walls? YES. PLEASE.
But let’s get real—it’s more of a paranormal mystery than YA horror. If you’re looking for blood-curdling scares, this ain’t it. It’s got some spooky overtones, sure, but the real focus is on the mystery and the twists (and the DRAMA).
Now, the pacing? 🐢 A little slow, not gonna lie. It takes a hot minute to really get going (like, 60% in), but once it did, that ending?? I DID NOT SEE THAT TWIST COMING. 🤯 I mean, sure, I had to suspend my disbelief a bit, but hey, it was entertaining!
The Jamaican setting was hands-down my favorite part. The folklore, the lush vibes, the culture—it made me wanna book a trip ASAP. ✈️ The narrator, Laura Edwards, SLAYED the audio performance. Her voice acting? Chef’s kiss. 👏
Carina herself? Messy but relatable. She’s trying to figure out who she is while navigating a totally wild situation, and I rooted for her even when she was a bit...chaotic. Her dynamic with Aaron was cute, and I loved their ghost-hunting team-up.
Overall, if you’re into gothic ghost stories with a twist, some YA drama, and vibes over full-on horror, this might just be your thing!
⭐ 3.25/5
🌶️ N/A (it’s YA, y’all)
🎧 Narration? 8/10
Would I recommend? Sure, if you’re into gothic ghost stories with a twist and plenty of vibes!
Read
February 12, 2025 Honeysuckle and Bone opens with Carina Marshall landing in Jamaica to work as a nanny for a very wealth for the summer. Carina was told they it was a prestigious family but she wasn’t prepared for how wealthy the Halls are. She took this job for the summer because she needed a getaway from her life in the USA and the secret that continues to haunt her. This new country and new job is a her fresh start.
While she is making friends with the young staff at the Halls, she makes sure to keep tight lipped about herself for fear of her past repeating itself. One night after going out with the team she reaches home to a message on her mirror that says “RUN!”. How did they find out about her past? What should she do next?
This is a young adult, thriller that is set mostly in Jamaica. While I did enjoy seeing Carina experiencing Jamaica for the first time, making friends and trying her best to reinvent herself- I felt the book really dragged. I loved her relationship with the gardener, it felt genuine. Overall I was a little underwhelmed at the ending. It was a little unbelievable and tied up very fast.
While she is making friends with the young staff at the Halls, she makes sure to keep tight lipped about herself for fear of her past repeating itself. One night after going out with the team she reaches home to a message on her mirror that says “RUN!”. How did they find out about her past? What should she do next?
This is a young adult, thriller that is set mostly in Jamaica. While I did enjoy seeing Carina experiencing Jamaica for the first time, making friends and trying her best to reinvent herself- I felt the book really dragged. I loved her relationship with the gardener, it felt genuine. Overall I was a little underwhelmed at the ending. It was a little unbelievable and tied up very fast.
February 2, 2025
Unfortunately, this was a DNF at the 3% mark because I literally cannot get behind the premise. You mean to tell me that these super rich, super important people hired a person from another country to care for their children and NEVER looked at the photo of this person before letting her into their home??? And they would have no idea that the person LIVING WITH THEM for eight weeks is an imposter??? There’s no way. I don’t care to find out if it’s explained later. That’s bananas and I gave up lol
February 14, 2025
Harassed online and escaping from something in her recent past, main character Carina Marshall has arrived in Jamaica to reinvent herself. Assuming the identity of a wealthy friend, Joy Carter, Carina is to take on a job as an au pair for the wealthy and powerful Hall family.
The Halls' estate, Blackbead House, is luxurious, beautifully furnished, and appears poised and glamourous, much like the lady of the house, Mrs. Hall, who has strict requirements for Carina's work and care of her children. Carina needs this job, and is happy to comply.
Carina gets along well with her charges, and is welcomed by the staff, particularly Aaron, who tends the grounds. She also begins noticing tension amongst the family, but doesn't want to look too closely at anything, particularly as she has her own secrets, including the one she told her parents, where she was supposed to be driving across the US, and not on her own in Jamaica, the place her mother, though from, had no desire for Carina to visit, particularly as she had a sister who disappeared while in the country.
Then, Carina begins to be haunted, and learns that there had been another woman previously employed, but who left and is nowhere to be found. Carina, unwilling to suffer constantly, begins digging into the Halls, the disappearance of the person who formerly held her position, and into local traditions as a way to understand how to dispel the ghost.
Though a little on the slow side, and a tad repetitive initially with Carina's internal monologue and self-flagellation, this was a diverting story. I loved the numbers of secrets, and the tensions and angers amongst the Hall family. I did think that there were some coincidences, and the ending was a little too swiftly wrapped up. But Carina's messiness and her not always well thought out actions felt believable, even when I found them a little irritating. But, she's still maturing, and trying to figure out who she is, so her thoughtlessness and lying worked, as well as her increasing determination to get to the truth.
I liked the hauntings; they were wonderfully described, and a little chilling.
I listened to this book, and Laura Edwards does a great job of voicing Carina and all her emotions, as well as the other characters.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Dreamscape Media for this ARC in exchange for my review.
The Halls' estate, Blackbead House, is luxurious, beautifully furnished, and appears poised and glamourous, much like the lady of the house, Mrs. Hall, who has strict requirements for Carina's work and care of her children. Carina needs this job, and is happy to comply.
Carina gets along well with her charges, and is welcomed by the staff, particularly Aaron, who tends the grounds. She also begins noticing tension amongst the family, but doesn't want to look too closely at anything, particularly as she has her own secrets, including the one she told her parents, where she was supposed to be driving across the US, and not on her own in Jamaica, the place her mother, though from, had no desire for Carina to visit, particularly as she had a sister who disappeared while in the country.
Then, Carina begins to be haunted, and learns that there had been another woman previously employed, but who left and is nowhere to be found. Carina, unwilling to suffer constantly, begins digging into the Halls, the disappearance of the person who formerly held her position, and into local traditions as a way to understand how to dispel the ghost.
Though a little on the slow side, and a tad repetitive initially with Carina's internal monologue and self-flagellation, this was a diverting story. I loved the numbers of secrets, and the tensions and angers amongst the Hall family. I did think that there were some coincidences, and the ending was a little too swiftly wrapped up. But Carina's messiness and her not always well thought out actions felt believable, even when I found them a little irritating. But, she's still maturing, and trying to figure out who she is, so her thoughtlessness and lying worked, as well as her increasing determination to get to the truth.
I liked the hauntings; they were wonderfully described, and a little chilling.
I listened to this book, and Laura Edwards does a great job of voicing Carina and all her emotions, as well as the other characters.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Dreamscape Media for this ARC in exchange for my review.
January 18, 2025
3.25 stars
A bit slow and uneventful. More of a paranormal mystery than horror.
Characters 6
Atmosphere 7
Writing Style 7
Premise 7
Execution/Plot 6
Execution/Pace 5
Execution/Setup 6
Enjoyment/Engrossment 6
Narration 7
A bit slow and uneventful. More of a paranormal mystery than horror.
Characters 6
Atmosphere 7
Writing Style 7
Premise 7
Execution/Plot 6
Execution/Pace 5
Execution/Setup 6
Enjoyment/Engrossment 6
Narration 7
August 4, 2025
honestly this book just didn’t hit for me…the plot was lowkey confusing, and idk what the main idea was tbh? Found family? Don’t cheat? IDK😭 And I feel like it was setting a terrible example with the girls partying and taking drugs lol…I didn’t love the writing style either, it was pretty slow. The vibe of the book was kind of interesting, but I think it could have been so much better!
February 17, 2025
2.5 Stars!
Now I really wanted to love this, I loved that this set in Jamaica and the premise of this sounded like something I would really enjoy but this book honestly made me so mad.
I didn’t like anyone in here especially our main character she has such a victim complex and had such a hard time taking responsibility for what she did to her so called bestie. And on top of that she would just make the stupidest decisions. I understand they’re teens but come one, common sense.
Honestly everybody in here made bad decisions, even the adults.
Also the plot was dragging, I almost DNF this. Only reason I kept reading is because I did want to know what happens despite my annoyance. I felt like we got too much monologue and not enough plot for me.
Another thing I can’t stand is in first person POV is when they are self loathing and just looking for sympathy from the reader, I absolutely had no sympathy for our main character, she really grinded my gears.
Now with all that said, the reason this wasn’t a complete 1 star read is because the plot twist actually had me gagged and I did not see it coming. One thing I can appreciate is a good plot twist.
Now I really wanted to love this, I loved that this set in Jamaica and the premise of this sounded like something I would really enjoy but this book honestly made me so mad.
I didn’t like anyone in here especially our main character she has such a victim complex and had such a hard time taking responsibility for what she did to her so called bestie. And on top of that she would just make the stupidest decisions. I understand they’re teens but come one, common sense.
Honestly everybody in here made bad decisions, even the adults.
Also the plot was dragging, I almost DNF this. Only reason I kept reading is because I did want to know what happens despite my annoyance. I felt like we got too much monologue and not enough plot for me.
Another thing I can’t stand is in first person POV is when they are self loathing and just looking for sympathy from the reader, I absolutely had no sympathy for our main character, she really grinded my gears.
Now with all that said, the reason this wasn’t a complete 1 star read is because the plot twist actually had me gagged and I did not see it coming. One thing I can appreciate is a good plot twist.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2025
Honeysuckle & Bone is a young adult paranormal mystery novel based in Jamaica. This book is filled with gothic political intrigue and mystery though a little on the slow side and a tad repetitive with Carina’s dialogue. Carina is filled with teenage angst and it shows by the messiness of relationships gone wrong in more than one way.
I want to thank NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
January 31, 2025
I really struggled with the pacing of this story; 40% of the way through nothing major had really happened, and what had transpired wasn't really anything to write home about. I know with a paranormal mystery you don't want to reveal everything RIGHT away, but the tension wasn't ramping up; it was a lot of little samey-samey "oh no, bull imagery is threatening her! Wait, it's gone." moments interspersed with the monotony of Carina's nanny job and her giving herself pep talks about keeping it together.
I skimmed for the next almost-40% of the book until we finally got to the flashback/backstory about what happened between Carina and Joy, and then all the other secrets tumbled out after it in rapid-fire fashion. But when I look back on what was revealed in that last 20% of the book, almost NONE of that connected to the first 40%. If your story's secrets have a lot to do with this family in particular, why are they barely present in half of the book? Carina had one back-and-forth conversation on-page with Mrs. Hall on her first day, and the only time she really interacted with Mr. Hall was her welcome dinner, which was mostly recapped for us after the fact. And perhaps I missed the reasoning in my skimming, but it was incredibly convenient that Joy happened to get this nanny job with the ONE family in Jamaica that Carina had a connection to.
I was interested to see Jamaica as the setting, but aside from brief flashes here and there, there wasn't much local "flavor" that made me feel like we were there, aside from the characters' patois dialogue, descriptions of the tropical flowers in the garden, and mentions of the duppy haunting Carina. Carina herself comments multiple times about how she's been spending so much time at this very white-washed, sanitized house that she hasn't gotten to experience the REAL Jamaica, and like, girl: same!
Ultimately, this really felt like a debut novel, and one that could have used more retooling. An editor to get in there and point out the pacing issues and cut the fat off the tedious parts to get to the meat of WHY am I reading YOUR specific ghost story? What's grabbing me in your words and stopping me from putting this down? Unfortunately...not much.
I skimmed for the next almost-40% of the book until we finally got to the flashback/backstory about what happened between Carina and Joy, and then all the other secrets tumbled out after it in rapid-fire fashion. But when I look back on what was revealed in that last 20% of the book, almost NONE of that connected to the first 40%. If your story's secrets have a lot to do with this family in particular, why are they barely present in half of the book? Carina had one back-and-forth conversation on-page with Mrs. Hall on her first day, and the only time she really interacted with Mr. Hall was her welcome dinner, which was mostly recapped for us after the fact. And perhaps I missed the reasoning in my skimming, but it was incredibly convenient that Joy happened to get this nanny job with the ONE family in Jamaica that Carina had a connection to.
I was interested to see Jamaica as the setting, but aside from brief flashes here and there, there wasn't much local "flavor" that made me feel like we were there, aside from the characters' patois dialogue, descriptions of the tropical flowers in the garden, and mentions of the duppy haunting Carina. Carina herself comments multiple times about how she's been spending so much time at this very white-washed, sanitized house that she hasn't gotten to experience the REAL Jamaica, and like, girl: same!
Ultimately, this really felt like a debut novel, and one that could have used more retooling. An editor to get in there and point out the pacing issues and cut the fat off the tedious parts to get to the meat of WHY am I reading YOUR specific ghost story? What's grabbing me in your words and stopping me from putting this down? Unfortunately...not much.
dnf
February 22, 2025I absolutely loved the setting but it dragged so much I dreaded picking it up.
DNF at 39%
DNF at 39%
March 24, 2025
This was eerie in the best way, with an atmosphere that completely pulled me in. The Jamaica setting was so vivid it felt like I was there, and the friend group dynamic had just the right amount of tension and easiness to keep things interesting. The mystery itself was gripping, and the reveal was just chef’s kiss—a little unexpected but I enjoyed how it all played out. The writing was beautiful, adding to the unsettling vibe in a way that made me not want to put it down. If I had to nitpick, one of the twists was a little farfetched, but honestly? I was having too much fun to care. Big What Lies Beneath Vibes!
February 2, 2025
3.5 stars Rounded Up
I have not read many books with a Jamaican setting so this was a real treat! It had me looking up the flora (honeysuckle) fauna (hummingbirds) and foods mentioned in the book.
It was billed as horror but the horror element was very mild and I doubt it would keep anyone up at night. I may just be desensitized, but I got more of a Scooby Doo vibe than a Haunting of Hill House vibe. It is definitely YA
Carina was a believable enough character and I was heavily invested in her background. Why was she there and why was her conscience eating her alive? I loved the other characters too. The Young Birds group seemed like people you would want to meet. The narrator for the audio version did a stellar job bringing each of them to life.
The big reveal was NOT predictable at all, and that is part of the reason I bumped up to a 4 instead on down to a 3. If the pacing would have been a bit better, I think it would have been a solid 4! Definitely something I would recommend to the YA readers I know. It wraps everything up with a message of forgiveness and I think that is a message many need to hear.
Thanks to Netgalley and Dreamscape Select | Sweet July Books for providing the
audio ARC
I have not read many books with a Jamaican setting so this was a real treat! It had me looking up the flora (honeysuckle) fauna (hummingbirds) and foods mentioned in the book.
It was billed as horror but the horror element was very mild and I doubt it would keep anyone up at night. I may just be desensitized, but I got more of a Scooby Doo vibe than a Haunting of Hill House vibe. It is definitely YA
Carina was a believable enough character and I was heavily invested in her background. Why was she there and why was her conscience eating her alive? I loved the other characters too. The Young Birds group seemed like people you would want to meet. The narrator for the audio version did a stellar job bringing each of them to life.
The big reveal was NOT predictable at all, and that is part of the reason I bumped up to a 4 instead on down to a 3. If the pacing would have been a bit better, I think it would have been a solid 4! Definitely something I would recommend to the YA readers I know. It wraps everything up with a message of forgiveness and I think that is a message many need to hear.
Thanks to Netgalley and Dreamscape Select | Sweet July Books for providing the
audio ARC
October 16, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book!
Alrighty, so on my never ending scrolls for something to read, I spotted a cover that caught my eye on Netgalley. Honeysuckle and bone? Well the title fit my usual interests. Then I read that it was a ghost story, and a Jamaican ghost story! My interest was peaked now, because I’d never read a book set in Jamaica and I wanted to know more!
The tension builds slowly in this book, until it’s almost unbearable. We know the MC, Carina, is hiding things, but exactly what remains a secret until right towards the end. Everyone else in the family seems almost haunted as well, regardless of whether the duppy interacts with them. Finally all that is buried must finally be uncovered, and I’ve got to say I loved the journey there!
I loved the ghost story, and I also loved that Carina is still essentially an 18 year old girl not quite ready for the adult world. She reads young, but I think that works really well for the story. There is a found family aspect I really liked too. The snippets of Jamaican culture Carina discovers was great too, because she was discovering it as the same time as myself.
If you’re looking for a mystery with a bit of chill, and not exactly like other YA horror, then look forward to this book being released! Five stars.
Alrighty, so on my never ending scrolls for something to read, I spotted a cover that caught my eye on Netgalley. Honeysuckle and bone? Well the title fit my usual interests. Then I read that it was a ghost story, and a Jamaican ghost story! My interest was peaked now, because I’d never read a book set in Jamaica and I wanted to know more!
The tension builds slowly in this book, until it’s almost unbearable. We know the MC, Carina, is hiding things, but exactly what remains a secret until right towards the end. Everyone else in the family seems almost haunted as well, regardless of whether the duppy interacts with them. Finally all that is buried must finally be uncovered, and I’ve got to say I loved the journey there!
I loved the ghost story, and I also loved that Carina is still essentially an 18 year old girl not quite ready for the adult world. She reads young, but I think that works really well for the story. There is a found family aspect I really liked too. The snippets of Jamaican culture Carina discovers was great too, because she was discovering it as the same time as myself.
If you’re looking for a mystery with a bit of chill, and not exactly like other YA horror, then look forward to this book being released! Five stars.
January 22, 2025
A wonderfully spooky house and a great mystery.
Carina has just arrived in Jamaica and she's starting a new nanny job. But she's started as Joy, a lie and secrets Carina is trying to hide. She's trying to embody Joy, the way she's out-going and easy to be around. She has great experience with kids and is hoping this will be an easy new job.
However, the first day she meets everyone, she comes back to her room and has a message on her bathroom mirror. Run. As the house continues to push against her, she decides to figure out what is going on before it tires to push her to go back home - something she can't do.
I was instantly sucked in. Carina was easy to like but also, my heart broke for her reasons for running and her secrets. Sure, she isn't perfect but she's made mistakes and is trying to do better. I loved meeting everyone who worked around the house and how each person contributed to the house but also helped Carina feel welcome. It felt claustrophobic, this island and house and how Carina's secrets are holding her back. The mystery kept me guessing until the very end. I did this as an audio book and the narrator did a wonderful job of keeping me sucked in and giving a great voice to Carina. I loved this one!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
Carina has just arrived in Jamaica and she's starting a new nanny job. But she's started as Joy, a lie and secrets Carina is trying to hide. She's trying to embody Joy, the way she's out-going and easy to be around. She has great experience with kids and is hoping this will be an easy new job.
However, the first day she meets everyone, she comes back to her room and has a message on her bathroom mirror. Run. As the house continues to push against her, she decides to figure out what is going on before it tires to push her to go back home - something she can't do.
I was instantly sucked in. Carina was easy to like but also, my heart broke for her reasons for running and her secrets. Sure, she isn't perfect but she's made mistakes and is trying to do better. I loved meeting everyone who worked around the house and how each person contributed to the house but also helped Carina feel welcome. It felt claustrophobic, this island and house and how Carina's secrets are holding her back. The mystery kept me guessing until the very end. I did this as an audio book and the narrator did a wonderful job of keeping me sucked in and giving a great voice to Carina. I loved this one!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
January 27, 2025
Honeysuckle and bone is a YA paranormal mystery. It’s got mess, teenage angst, young desires, and of course, we can’t ignore the ghost in the room. This story is definitely a slow brewing page turner, where voices and eerie vibes aren’t the only thing haunting its characters. And as more and more secrets come out, the messier, and even more entertaining, the book becomes.
Now, if you’re like me, you love a book with a good setting. Honeysuckle and Bone gives us all that and more. We meet Carina and follow her adventures of reinvention and escape, we do so in a very vivid Jamaica. Even amongst the spooky happenings, the warmth and tropical beauty is truly captivating. I can see why Karina decided to go👀.
I have to say that I found this to be even more true with the audiobook narration by Laura Edwards. I will definitely be on the lookout for more of her work! She delivered the reading in a way that elevated the storytelling and truly brought Tobias’s characters to life. She really did her thing with those accents y’all.
Now, as this is a YA read there are some aspects of Karina that felt very relatable to my younger self. She’s grieving, fumbling, and discovering who she is—but hey, aren’t we all in someways?
There are definitely moments where you want to shake your head or side eye Carina and her choices. Though there’s so many where you’re rooting for her to get to the bottom of things and reach the truth she deserves. If you’re a reader who loves haunted houses, messy YA drama, and a good mystery in the mix, you’ll definitely want to pick this up.
Now, if you’re like me, you love a book with a good setting. Honeysuckle and Bone gives us all that and more. We meet Carina and follow her adventures of reinvention and escape, we do so in a very vivid Jamaica. Even amongst the spooky happenings, the warmth and tropical beauty is truly captivating. I can see why Karina decided to go👀.
I have to say that I found this to be even more true with the audiobook narration by Laura Edwards. I will definitely be on the lookout for more of her work! She delivered the reading in a way that elevated the storytelling and truly brought Tobias’s characters to life. She really did her thing with those accents y’all.
Now, as this is a YA read there are some aspects of Karina that felt very relatable to my younger self. She’s grieving, fumbling, and discovering who she is—but hey, aren’t we all in someways?
There are definitely moments where you want to shake your head or side eye Carina and her choices. Though there’s so many where you’re rooting for her to get to the bottom of things and reach the truth she deserves. If you’re a reader who loves haunted houses, messy YA drama, and a good mystery in the mix, you’ll definitely want to pick this up.
January 29, 2025
Hey, hey, my favorites 😁💚. #annieethebookiee is back with another book review!
📚 Book: Honeysuckle and Bone
🗓️ Release Date: January 14,2025
⭐ Rating: 4/5
This was my first time reading anything by this author, and I have to say, I was impressed! The book starts off slow, but don’t let that fool you — the suspense builds steadily, keeping you on edge and guessing the whole time.
I loved Carina’s bravery. She’s one of those characters who stays with you because of her determination to push through even when everything around her is falling apart. And her relationship with Aaron? Absolutely beautiful. It felt real, raw, and authentic. Their bond added a much-needed softness to the otherwise dark and mysterious story.
The best part? Everyone had secrets — and uncovering them made this book worth the read. Every twist revealed a new layer of the characters’ lives, making it impossible to put down. If you’re into slow-burn mysteries with plenty of surprises, Honeysuckle and Bone is a must-read!
Until next time, happy reading!
💚 Anniee Bee
📚 Book: Honeysuckle and Bone
🗓️ Release Date: January 14,2025
⭐ Rating: 4/5
This was my first time reading anything by this author, and I have to say, I was impressed! The book starts off slow, but don’t let that fool you — the suspense builds steadily, keeping you on edge and guessing the whole time.
I loved Carina’s bravery. She’s one of those characters who stays with you because of her determination to push through even when everything around her is falling apart. And her relationship with Aaron? Absolutely beautiful. It felt real, raw, and authentic. Their bond added a much-needed softness to the otherwise dark and mysterious story.
The best part? Everyone had secrets — and uncovering them made this book worth the read. Every twist revealed a new layer of the characters’ lives, making it impossible to put down. If you’re into slow-burn mysteries with plenty of surprises, Honeysuckle and Bone is a must-read!
Until next time, happy reading!
💚 Anniee Bee
January 9, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!
I did moderately enjoy this book but it wasn't an easy read for me. I was intrigued by the idea of a Jamaican ghost story, but to be honest I did struggle through this one a bit. I think it would have helped if I was more familiar with Jamaican lore and culture, as there were quite a few references to Jamaican words or phrases that I wasn't familiar with and my kindle wasn't able to provide any more information on. The words being written to show the Jamaican accents was a bit hard to follow for me (I have the same problem getting through Outlander and similar, my brain just wants the actual words, I guess?) That being said, I did enjoy the characters and storyline and I do love a FMC with skeletons in her closet. This one took me a while with the writing style but I did enjoy the story. I had to take breaks and read comfort books in between portions of this one. I'd give it 3.5 stars, I'll round up to 4 for the rating here.
I did moderately enjoy this book but it wasn't an easy read for me. I was intrigued by the idea of a Jamaican ghost story, but to be honest I did struggle through this one a bit. I think it would have helped if I was more familiar with Jamaican lore and culture, as there were quite a few references to Jamaican words or phrases that I wasn't familiar with and my kindle wasn't able to provide any more information on. The words being written to show the Jamaican accents was a bit hard to follow for me (I have the same problem getting through Outlander and similar, my brain just wants the actual words, I guess?) That being said, I did enjoy the characters and storyline and I do love a FMC with skeletons in her closet. This one took me a while with the writing style but I did enjoy the story. I had to take breaks and read comfort books in between portions of this one. I'd give it 3.5 stars, I'll round up to 4 for the rating here.
January 24, 2025
This was such a mysterious, emotional, yet fun read. Carina’s character was definitely the angsty teen trope but once you find out everything that she’s really been through, it’s understandable. I loved the big reveals, the background duppy storyline, and the budding young love. I highly recommend this read.
March 20, 2025
WOW — for a debut title, Trisha knocked this out of the park! PERHAPS the fact that this story is set in Jamaica makes me partial, BUT bias aside: I can't deny that this is an incredibly well-written book!
When I wasn't reading, I was excited to dive back in .. THAT is how good it was!
ACCIDENTALLY stumbling into the truth of your past and existence is crazy! I loved every bit of following Carina throughout her journey and wish her nothing but the best!
I laughed, gasped, side-eyed, and held my breath several times while reading this, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat, lol!
When I wasn't reading, I was excited to dive back in .. THAT is how good it was!
ACCIDENTALLY stumbling into the truth of your past and existence is crazy! I loved every bit of following Carina throughout her journey and wish her nothing but the best!
I laughed, gasped, side-eyed, and held my breath several times while reading this, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat, lol!
February 6, 2025
I don't read a lot of books set in Jamaica so it was interesting to read more about the country, but the mystery/story was just ok.
January 28, 2025
Slow but I liked the ending :)
October 25, 2024
A spooky gothic read that will appeal to readers who love Rebecca and Jane Eyre. Carina, who has her own secrets, goes to Jamaica to be an au pair to a wealthy family, which is also filled with secrets and a duppy. What I especially enjoyed is how Carina, started to find her place among the other young staff and how she and Aaron teamed up to figure out who and what the duppy wanted. And the connection she felt to her ancestral home, even though she had never been there. Beware of the duppy!
I received an arc from the publisher but all opinions are my own.
I received an arc from the publisher but all opinions are my own.
January 17, 2025
DNF 51%. I just couldn't hang anymore, guys.
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