Scattered throughout the novel are some odd events: blizzards, floods, fires, dying bees.

ECONOMIST: New fiction 1

The researchers reckon that the reason why so many honey bees are dying is down to a combination of factors that are found only, so far, in America.

ECONOMIST: A virus may help explain colony collapse disorder

Across America, bees are dying.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Bees may be dying, as we've reported in recent days, but other insects are doing fine.

NPR: Ear-Popping Spiders, Flying Fire Ants