What readers think of The Bee Sting, plus links to write your own review.

Wonderful writer. True pleasure to read. I liked Paul’s decisions to choose Imelda to be under educated in terms of class distinction. I can hear her frustration and capacity to knowing that she needs to get what she wants because she knows no one else will give it to her. She is rather fabulous. I felt the mysticism of the work so much that I questioned the true existence of Willie or would he turn out to be a splintered faction of Dickie caused by the reaction to his abuse in terms of disassociation. Every character was developed skillfully. I will read again. Thank you.

There are countless reasons "The Bee Sting" by Paul Murray is shortlisted for the 2023 Booker Prize. It was on this reviewer's TBR list BEFORE that honor was announced! It is a tour de force, an epic work that demands to be in your home library!

So many interwoven threads to discover within these 642 pages-the economic crash in Ireland and its impact, family members struggling with their inability to connect with one another while troubles stack up in a teetering Jenga pile, and the struggle most humans face to be good especially as the world faces possible doom. The family consists of Dickie Barnes, failing business owner and his wife Imelda, adrift in a sea of memories of her deceased former fiance (Dickie's brother) and their two children: clever college bound Cass seeking answers in a bottle and pre-adolescent P.J., a loner on the verge of running away into danger.

All four do not see each other clearly and tragically do not seem to know each other at all. Mired and embroiled in their own morass they cling to others who only escalate the dismal trajectories of their lives. Dickie spends the majority of his time building an end of times bunker with Victor, his gun obsessed inept handyman while Imelda considers an affair with Big Mike the town philanderer and father to Elaine, Cass's narcissistic mean girl best friend. P.J. cannot get any family members to aid him in his crisis, so he is continually texting with Ethan, an online gaming "buddy" who may not be who he says he is.

Throw in lots of life problems such as a dreary small town a few hours from Dublin, a lack of money, confusion and denial over sexual feelings, faltering friendships and the ever present ability of human beings to just not face the truth about themselves and others and you have a forceful and robust novel that draws you in from the first line, "In the next town over, a man had killed his family." This turns out to be no one the Barnes or their circle actually know but. still sets a tone about secrets and the hidden nature of families. The flashbacks adroitly penned by Murray reveal the events that formulated this family, from Dickie and Imelda's dysfunctional childhoods and the mistakes all four of them make as they make their way in the world.

Everyone will find this book and these characters lingering in their thoughts for quite a long time. A most worthy read with a writer at the top of his game!

The Bee Sting," penned by an author whose name is bound to be on everyone's lips soon, is a remarkable dive into the world of suspense fiction that leaves readers buzzing with excitement. From the moment you flip open the book's cover, you're plunged into a gripping narrative that blends intricate characters, a meticulously woven plot, and a relentless pace that keeps you turning pages long into the night.

Set against the backdrop of a sleepy, idyllic town, the story follows Sarah Thornton, a young journalist with an uncanny knack for uncovering hidden truths. When a mysterious death occurs in the heart of the community, Sarah's curiosity leads her down a rabbit hole of secrets that threaten to upend the town's façade of normalcy. As she delves deeper, the tension steadily intensifies, mirroring the rising tempo of a symphony.

One of the book's standout strengths lies in its characters. Each one, from the enigmatic recluse in the outskirts to the charming café owner on the corner, is crafted with a complexity that adds layers to the story. The protagonist, Sarah, is a refreshing departure from the typical damsel-in-distress trope. Her intelligence, determination, and vulnerabilities make her not just relatable but admirable.

The plot is an intricate web of twists and turns, expertly spun by the author. Just when you think you have a handle on where the story is headed, the narrative takes an unexpected detour, leaving you reeling with surprise. This meticulous plotting keeps the suspense alive, ensuring that the reader is kept guessing until the very last page.

The pacing of "The Bee Sting" is relentless. Each chapter is a new surge of adrenaline, propelling you forward. The short, punchy chapters are a clever technique that make it nearly impossible to put the book down. The prose is a seamless blend of eloquence and simplicity, allowing the story to shine without unnecessary distractions.

As the layers of the mystery are peeled back, the atmosphere of the town becomes increasingly palpable. The author's vivid descriptions evoke a sense of immersion, making the setting almost a character in itself. The sense of place is so strong that you can practically hear the hum of the bees and smell the aroma of the blooming flowers.

In a genre that often falls victim to clichés and predictability, "The Bee Sting" is a breath of fresh air. It combines the best elements of mystery, suspense, and character-driven storytelling into a harmonious symphony of literary excellence. Whether you're a dedicated fan of the genre or a casual reader looking for an enthralling escape, this book is a must-read. Prepare to be stung by the brilliance of "The Bee Sting" - a novel that will leave you abuzz with excitement long after you've turned the final page.

The Bee Sting is a brilliant and ambitious novel that captures the zeitgeist of our times with intelligence and compassion.
Paul Murray has written a masterpiece of contemporary fiction that combines humor and tragedy, realism and fantasy, satire and empathy.
The novel is not only a gripping story of a dysfunctional family, but also a profound commentary on the state of the world and the human condition.
I enjoyed reading The Bee Sting because it was well-written, engaging, and original. I was drawn into the lives of the characters and their struggles. I also appreciated the author’s sharp observations and witty dialogue.
The novel has some flaws, such as being too long, too complex, and too bleak. However, these did not detract from my overall enjoyment of the book.

Step into the universe of The Honey Bee Sting in this mesmerizing gem created by Paul Murray, best known for his educational range featured in Fine Bites the Dust. In this latest pearl, Murray delivers a pulsating flow of humour, courage and credibility that will have you completely charmed.

The Barnes family becomes a central figure in this storm of a novel, and their hardships will make you laugh and ponder the intricacies of attendance. Family head Dickie faces a crisis as his once booming automobile business teeters on the brink of collapse. In spite of this – instead of standing straight in front of its weight, he moves towards the forest, and brings the existential principle into an element of deliberate defiance.

In the interim Imelda and her loyal soul took control of the issues by turning her valuable assets into eBay postings, demonstrating her tenacity and versatility. Cass her brilliant least deceitful young lady, tests the limits of her opportunity in the most irregular of ways to wobble on a technique. That's how we got to see the brilliant twelve year old visionary P.J. Should not forget to remember.

Murray successfully brings these characters into the grip of fate and circumstance, exploring how apparently irrelevant chance exerts some control over our predestination in unexpected ways. Yet clearly in ordinary minutes lies the essence of Murray's virtues, the power of judgment and the adaptability of the human spirit.

The story is told so skillfully that an expert narrator like Murray could be called upon. As the characters struggle with their fundamentals, the reader receives a myriad of opinions - laughter, compassion, and a fundamental connection with the common human experience.

At its center, The Honey Bee Sting raises fundamental issues about the possibility of predestination and the hidden open door of recovery despite life's most overwhelming hardships. With a little decency, a little wit, and a whole lot of heart, Murray crafts a story that basically anyone will love.

Once again Paul Murray's fantasy range shines through brilliantly, and The Honey Bee Sting is an absolute must for those looking for a wildly clever experience.