Mad Honey
by Jodi Picoult
Year
2022
Pages
509
Contents
Olivia 3
Summary
- Olivia is dealing with a nightmare about her abusive ex-husband, Braden, accusing her of infidelity.
- Olivia wakes up to police knocking on her door, arresting her son Asher for murder.
- The police have a warrant for Asher's arrest and the seizure of his electronic devices.
- Asher is charged with the murder of his girlfriend, Lily Campanello, and he is deeply distressed throughout the arrest process.
- Olivia is not allowed to see Asher after his arrest and struggles with feeling helpless as he is taken away.
- Olivia unsuccessfully tries to call her brother, Jordan, for help, then decides to go to the police station herself.
- She learns that she cannot see Asher until he is officially booked and can only then see him at his court appearance.
- Olivia struggles to cope with the reality of Asher being in a jail cell, waiting for the dawn so she can see him.
- Olivia and Asher have a bond over beekeeping, shared with his girlfriend Lily before her death.
- Olivia reminisces about the complexities of honey-making and harvesting with Asher and Lily, hinting at deeper personal connections and memories.
- Olivia's brother, Jordan, is a successful defense attorney who has taken on high-profile cases; he rushes to help Olivia and Asher.
- Jordan arrives in time to represent Asher at his arraignment for a first-degree murder charge.
- The court sets a high bail at one million dollars, and Asher is remanded into custody pending bail.
- Olivia and Jordan are faced with the challenge of securing Asher's release and dealing with the media attention.
- Olivia contemplates the difficult memories of her past with Braden and the potential impact on her present situation with Asher.
- Olivia visits Asher in jail and learns of his assault by another inmate, highlighting the brutal reality of his incarceration.
- Jordan speaks with the prison superintendent to ensure Asher's safety moving forward.
- Olivia remains desperate to find a way to release Asher from jail without involving Braden, despite the looming possibility that she may not have another choice.