Joy Stonehouse

Whisper to the Bees Joy Stonehouse

Whisper to the Bees is the third in a series of historical novels set in Reighton, East Yorkshire in the early 18th century.

Inspired by the parish records and local archives, it charts the continuing story of the Jordans from 1714 to 1720 in two parts. The first reflects the farming year and rituals through a child's eyes; the second shows how grief can change a person's life.

Readers of the earlier books in the series can meet up with favourite characters in the village again - old Ben and his mule, Sarah Ezard, the midwife and healer, and George Gurwood, the longsuffering vicar living in the small vicarage with his wife and seven daughters, not to mention the puritanical Robert Storey. The weather plays a huge role in daily life as does superstition, old remedies and the Church.

In Part One, the main character is the lively and intelligent young Mary Jordan. Her father adores her and allows her to learn to read and write as well as run wild with her dog. Opinion in the village is divided on how girls should behave. She torments her brothers and leads them into all kinds of escapades.

In Part Two, an unexpected death leads to William Jordan taking to drink and abusing his family. As a distraction from grief, he becomes embroiled in smuggling, but this only leads to more violence. In a downward spiral, he breaks the law and has to appear at the courthouse in Beverley.

The unexpected turn of events in Part Three prepares the way for Book Four - a look at the village without its moral compass.