What do you think?
Rate this book
Beth Is Dead
Not yet published
Expected 6 Jan 26Beth March’s sisters will stop at nothing to track down her killer—until they begin to suspect each other—in this debut thriller that’s also a bold, contemporary reimagining of the beloved classic Little Women.
When Beth March is found dead in the woods on New Year’s Day, her sisters vow to uncover her murderer.
Suspects abound. There’s the neighbor who has feelings for not one but two of the girls. Meg’s manipulative best friend. Amy’s flirtatious mentor. And Beth’s lionhearted first love. But it doesn’t take the surviving sisters much digging to uncover motives each one of the March girls had for doing the unthinkable.
Jo, an aspiring author with a huge following on social media, would do anything to hook readers. Would she kill her sister for the story? Amy dreams of studying art in Europe, but she’ll need money from her aunt—money that’s always been earmarked for Beth. And Meg wouldn’t dream of hurting her sister…but her boyfriend might have, and she’ll protect him at all costs.
Despite the growing suspicion within the family, it’s hard to know for sure if the crime was committed by someone close to home. After all, the March sisters were dragged into the spotlight months ago when their father published a controversial bestseller about his own daughters. Beth could have been killed by anyone.
Beth’s perspective told in flashback unfolds next to Meg, Jo, and Amy’s increasingly fraught investigation as the tragedy threatens to rip the Marches apart.
When Beth March is found dead in the woods on New Year’s Day, her sisters vow to uncover her murderer.
Suspects abound. There’s the neighbor who has feelings for not one but two of the girls. Meg’s manipulative best friend. Amy’s flirtatious mentor. And Beth’s lionhearted first love. But it doesn’t take the surviving sisters much digging to uncover motives each one of the March girls had for doing the unthinkable.
Jo, an aspiring author with a huge following on social media, would do anything to hook readers. Would she kill her sister for the story? Amy dreams of studying art in Europe, but she’ll need money from her aunt—money that’s always been earmarked for Beth. And Meg wouldn’t dream of hurting her sister…but her boyfriend might have, and she’ll protect him at all costs.
Despite the growing suspicion within the family, it’s hard to know for sure if the crime was committed by someone close to home. After all, the March sisters were dragged into the spotlight months ago when their father published a controversial bestseller about his own daughters. Beth could have been killed by anyone.
Beth’s perspective told in flashback unfolds next to Meg, Jo, and Amy’s increasingly fraught investigation as the tragedy threatens to rip the Marches apart.
400 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication January 6, 2026
11054 people want to read
About the author
Katie Bernet
2 books56 followersKatie Bernet is an author living in Dallas, Texas. She’s an award-winning creative director, a long-standing member of the DFW Writer’s Workshop, and the director of the 2025 DFW Writer’s Conference. The oldest of three sisters, she’s a diehard fan of "Little Women."
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 225 reviews
December 20, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
When Beth March is found dead on New Year’s Day, everyone who has ever known her is a suspect. The March sisters scramble to find out who killed their sister, finding new leads that always lead to dead ends. But each of the sisters is hiding a secret that involves Beth–would Meg, Amy, or Jo ever stoop to murdering their sister? They can’t trust anyone as they search for the truth of what happened that fateful night.
Beth has and always will be my favorite March sister from Little Women. I relate to her so much, like it’s not even funny how similar we are, and I’m not saying that to toot my own horn. 😂 So when I saw my GR friend, DianaRose, recommended this book, I knew I had to read it not only for the cover (because look at it, it's stunning) but because I love a good mystery. And when my request was accepted, I was over the moon because I just had to know who would be low enough to kill Beth.
And, ladies and gentlemen, this one got me. I did not know who it was, and I was shocked yet not completely taken aback by who killed Beth. But still, like ho-ly cow, I was not expecting that! 😱 I hang up my title of being able to sniff out a suspect because I could not guess who it was for the life of me. I mean, I had my suspicions, but no, there’s no way around the fact that I was wrong. 😂
I really, really enjoyed this book. I loved the similarities and differences between this story and Little Women (which happens to be one of my favorite books of all time). The plot kept me guessing and intrigued the whole way through. The writing was easy to read yet wonderfully descriptive, and the dialogue flowed well, reminding me of Greta Gerwig’s film adaptation of the novel. The only thing that I didn’t really like and made me take away half a star was the sisters. I thought they were really selfish (especially Amy. She pissed me off so much 🙄) and annoyed me most of the time, but hey, humans are selfish, and they weren't horrible sisters, so I’ll cut them some slack. 😏
Overall, I recommend this book, especially if you love fun mysteries, a quick read, and the world of Little Women. I will say, though, that if you are not into YA, this might not be for you because the dialogue and writing have that tone. Just a heads up. ☺🫶🏼
Thank you to Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own.
❗Content Warnings❗
Death, murder, blood, and an adult male making advances at teen girls.
Swearing: Yes
Spice: No–only kissing and mentioning hooking up. (🌶/5)
#BethisDeadBook #NetGalley
When Beth March is found dead on New Year’s Day, everyone who has ever known her is a suspect. The March sisters scramble to find out who killed their sister, finding new leads that always lead to dead ends. But each of the sisters is hiding a secret that involves Beth–would Meg, Amy, or Jo ever stoop to murdering their sister? They can’t trust anyone as they search for the truth of what happened that fateful night.
Beth has and always will be my favorite March sister from Little Women. I relate to her so much, like it’s not even funny how similar we are, and I’m not saying that to toot my own horn. 😂 So when I saw my GR friend, DianaRose, recommended this book, I knew I had to read it not only for the cover (because look at it, it's stunning) but because I love a good mystery. And when my request was accepted, I was over the moon because I just had to know who would be low enough to kill Beth.
And, ladies and gentlemen, this one got me. I did not know who it was, and I was shocked yet not completely taken aback by who killed Beth. But still, like ho-ly cow, I was not expecting that! 😱 I hang up my title of being able to sniff out a suspect because I could not guess who it was for the life of me. I mean, I had my suspicions, but no, there’s no way around the fact that I was wrong. 😂
I really, really enjoyed this book. I loved the similarities and differences between this story and Little Women (which happens to be one of my favorite books of all time). The plot kept me guessing and intrigued the whole way through. The writing was easy to read yet wonderfully descriptive, and the dialogue flowed well, reminding me of Greta Gerwig’s film adaptation of the novel. The only thing that I didn’t really like and made me take away half a star was the sisters. I thought they were really selfish (especially Amy. She pissed me off so much 🙄) and annoyed me most of the time, but hey, humans are selfish, and they weren't horrible sisters, so I’ll cut them some slack. 😏
Overall, I recommend this book, especially if you love fun mysteries, a quick read, and the world of Little Women. I will say, though, that if you are not into YA, this might not be for you because the dialogue and writing have that tone. Just a heads up. ☺🫶🏼
Thank you to Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own.
❗Content Warnings❗
Death, murder, blood, and an adult male making advances at teen girls.
Swearing: Yes
Spice: No–only kissing and mentioning hooking up. (🌶/5)
#BethisDeadBook #NetGalley
December 21, 2025
a favorite read of 2025🩵
beth is dead is my new favorite ya reimaginings of one of the most beloved (and MY most beloved) classics — little women.
beth is dead completely stole my heart, and our author katie bernet does a phenomenal job of expanding the characters of all four march sisters in a contemporary setting that pays homage to their mannerisms from the original novel.
and for our murder mystery plot?! — i truly could not figure out who the killer was! i was on the edge of my seat the entire time.
not to mention that cover is to DIE for👀
beth is dead is my new favorite ya reimaginings of one of the most beloved (and MY most beloved) classics — little women.
beth is dead completely stole my heart, and our author katie bernet does a phenomenal job of expanding the characters of all four march sisters in a contemporary setting that pays homage to their mannerisms from the original novel.
and for our murder mystery plot?! — i truly could not figure out who the killer was! i was on the edge of my seat the entire time.
not to mention that cover is to DIE for👀
December 31, 2025
Did you love Little Women with your heart, body, and soul? Well, I’ve got just the book for you to read. You see, Beth Is Dead was an astounding reimagining of the March sisters’ story—only set in the modern world. Starting off with a bang when Beth ends up…well…dead, this YA tale of metafiction was an edge-of-your-seat read from beginning to end. With natural dialogue, complex characters, and plenty of well-layered mysteries to mess with your head, it was impossible to guess who the killer actually was. After all, with a narration that was told from all four sisters’ POVs over dual timelines, the story took on a life of its own and I found myself glued to the twist-filled pages. None of that, though, was even the strongest piece to this epic debut of toxic friendships, devious gaslighting, and delicious dark secrets.
So what was the best part of this book? That had to be how it brought the March sisters to life in modern times. Maintaining the feel that they had in the classic but giving them themes to contend with from our current world, it was awe-inspiring to say the least. Exploring feminism, social pressure, and exploitation through their father’s novel, it was not only immensely entertaining but also thought-provoking as well. Add in how nuanced it all felt, and you have an utter slam dunk. A murder mystery for anyone who loves a little—or a lot—of suspense along with their classic retellings, it was everything I look for in a dynamite read. After all, between the fast pace and twisty plotting, the short, addictive chapters made this into a book perfect for both new and old fans of the Marchs. Rating of 4.5 stars (upgraded).
SYNOPSIS:
When Beth March is found dead in the woods on New Year’s Day, her sisters vow to uncover her murderer.
Suspects abound. There’s the neighbor who has feelings for not one but two of the girls. Meg’s manipulative best friend. Amy’s flirtatious mentor. And Beth’s lionhearted first love. But it doesn’t take the surviving sisters much digging to uncover motives each one of the March girls had for doing the unthinkable.
Jo, an aspiring author with a huge following on social media, would do anything to hook readers. Would she kill her sister for the story? Amy dreams of studying art in Europe, but she’ll need money from her aunt—money that’s always been earmarked for Beth. And Meg wouldn’t dream of hurting her sister…but her boyfriend might have, and she’ll protect him at all costs.
Despite the growing suspicion within the family, it’s hard to know for sure if the crime was committed by someone close to home. After all, the March sisters were dragged into the spotlight months ago when their father published a controversial bestseller about his own daughters. Beth could have been killed by anyone.
Thank you to Katie Bernet, Sara Barley Books, and Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: January 6, 2026
Content warning: murder, toxic friendship, physical abuse, stalking, gaslighting, blood, addiction, rape, sexual content
So what was the best part of this book? That had to be how it brought the March sisters to life in modern times. Maintaining the feel that they had in the classic but giving them themes to contend with from our current world, it was awe-inspiring to say the least. Exploring feminism, social pressure, and exploitation through their father’s novel, it was not only immensely entertaining but also thought-provoking as well. Add in how nuanced it all felt, and you have an utter slam dunk. A murder mystery for anyone who loves a little—or a lot—of suspense along with their classic retellings, it was everything I look for in a dynamite read. After all, between the fast pace and twisty plotting, the short, addictive chapters made this into a book perfect for both new and old fans of the Marchs. Rating of 4.5 stars (upgraded).
SYNOPSIS:
When Beth March is found dead in the woods on New Year’s Day, her sisters vow to uncover her murderer.
Suspects abound. There’s the neighbor who has feelings for not one but two of the girls. Meg’s manipulative best friend. Amy’s flirtatious mentor. And Beth’s lionhearted first love. But it doesn’t take the surviving sisters much digging to uncover motives each one of the March girls had for doing the unthinkable.
Jo, an aspiring author with a huge following on social media, would do anything to hook readers. Would she kill her sister for the story? Amy dreams of studying art in Europe, but she’ll need money from her aunt—money that’s always been earmarked for Beth. And Meg wouldn’t dream of hurting her sister…but her boyfriend might have, and she’ll protect him at all costs.
Despite the growing suspicion within the family, it’s hard to know for sure if the crime was committed by someone close to home. After all, the March sisters were dragged into the spotlight months ago when their father published a controversial bestseller about his own daughters. Beth could have been killed by anyone.
Thank you to Katie Bernet, Sara Barley Books, and Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: January 6, 2026
Content warning: murder, toxic friendship, physical abuse, stalking, gaslighting, blood, addiction, rape, sexual content
October 20, 2025
Thank you SimonTeen for the eARC. I’m a huge Little Women fan so when I saw this I absolutely had to read it. I loved the way characters from LW are included in different ways. Bringing the story to modern times was also so fun. The mystery was great, it had me going in all different directions thinking I had it solved so many times.
Justice for Beth!
Justice for Beth!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I'm so happy I decided to go with the audio for this one. The full cast narration was excellent and so entertaining. Each character was perfectly portrayed. This is a reimagining of Little Woman. Beth March is found dead in the woods on New Year's Day and her sisters vow to solve her murder. There are many people that they suspect, but then…..they all start to suspect each other. They each could have a reason to have wanted Beth dead. These characters can be unlikable, but this plot had me guessing until the end. This was such a fun YA debut and I was really into it. Definitely recommend it if you enjoy YA thrillers.
Thank you to the publisher and librofm for the gifted book and Audiobook. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and librofm for the gifted book and Audiobook. All opinions are my own.
December 28, 2025
Such a “fun” read for fans of Little Women, and a solid mystery/thriller for those who are unfamiliar with Louisa May Alcott’s classic tale. It’s funny and heartfelt with convincing moments of intensity during arguments between the sisters and other situations. The characters felt vibrant and alive as they struggled with coming-of-age issues and trying to solve Beth’s murder. Bernet does a wonderful job of honoring Alcott's story and characters while re-creating the March sisters for a modern audience. YA but an engaging read for all adults.
December 13, 2025
Such a good YA mystery book, I devoured this one! I was so intrigued by the concept of a Little Women reimagining and this was such a cool take on the story. In this book, Beth dies at the start of the book and her sisters are all trying to figure out what happened to her. It was fast paced and had me doubting all of the characters - kept me on my toes right till the end. Such a good book to binge or to pull you out of a slump!
Thank you so much to Penguin for the gifted advanced reader copy!
Thank you so much to Penguin for the gifted advanced reader copy!
January 2, 2026
I really enjoyed this book! The audio book was incredible with all the different actors. The story was good, the twist and turns were good. I did predict the ending but how it all played out was really good!
did-not-finish
December 13, 2025The fact that this is a YA novel and already in the first few chapters multiple characters have talked about their alcohol consumption and have dropped profanity, including the F word, means this is not going to be a book I can recommend.
August 20, 2025
I’ve been in a reading slump for months, but this book shoved me forcefully out of it. It’s the kind of fast paced mystery that I simply cannot put down, because I just NEED TO KNOW WHO DONE IT. Well, now I know, and I really didn’t see it coming.
I haven’t read the original Little Women, but found this book enjoyable all the same. It’s takes on art, family, cancel culture, and parasocial relationships hit me pretty hard- it was one of those moments where I finally saw some of my own thoughts and feelings put into words.
If I’m super honest, I decided to pick up this ARC because I really liked the cover… this was a very good decision.
I’d highly recommend this book to lovers of mysteries, family dramas, and those in desperate need of a quick read to pull them out of a slump.
I haven’t read the original Little Women, but found this book enjoyable all the same. It’s takes on art, family, cancel culture, and parasocial relationships hit me pretty hard- it was one of those moments where I finally saw some of my own thoughts and feelings put into words.
If I’m super honest, I decided to pick up this ARC because I really liked the cover… this was a very good decision.
I’d highly recommend this book to lovers of mysteries, family dramas, and those in desperate need of a quick read to pull them out of a slump.
September 21, 2025
RATING: 4/5 STARS
A very creative reimagining of LITTLE WOMEN! This YA thriller adapts the classic in a unique way. I felt the dialogue flowed well (akin to the Greta Gerwig movie) and the plot kept me on my toes. Audiences both new to and familiar with the source material will find something in this book to enjoy.
A very creative reimagining of LITTLE WOMEN! This YA thriller adapts the classic in a unique way. I felt the dialogue flowed well (akin to the Greta Gerwig movie) and the plot kept me on my toes. Audiences both new to and familiar with the source material will find something in this book to enjoy.
December 30, 2025
Beth is Dead by Katie Bernet
Thoughts: Beth Is Dead is most anticipated read for 2026, and it did not disappoint. I loved this reimagining of Little Women, and Katie did a fantastic job bringing each character to life. I was gripped from the very first chapter, and every time I thought I had the killer figured out, I was completely wrong. The twisty plot kept me guessing, while the parallels to the original Little Women added an extra layer of enjoyment. This was a clever, character driven YA mystery thriller that I highly recommend it to lovers of classic retellings with a twist.
Publication Date: 6th January 2026
Thank you Penguin Australia and NetGalley for the gifted eARC of Beth Is Dead in exchange for an honest review!
Synopsis: Beth March has been murdered, and all her sisters are suspects . . .
After a New Year’s Eve party, Beth is found dead.
All the March sisters wonder who could have killed their sweet little sister. And – why?
The March sisters have always been close, but will Beth’s murder bring them closer together, or tear them apart?
As each of the girls’ motives are uncovered, it becomes clear that Meg, Jo, Amy – and even Beth – might not be quite as sweet as they seem
Please check the content/trigger warnings prior to reading this book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Thoughts: Beth Is Dead is most anticipated read for 2026, and it did not disappoint. I loved this reimagining of Little Women, and Katie did a fantastic job bringing each character to life. I was gripped from the very first chapter, and every time I thought I had the killer figured out, I was completely wrong. The twisty plot kept me guessing, while the parallels to the original Little Women added an extra layer of enjoyment. This was a clever, character driven YA mystery thriller that I highly recommend it to lovers of classic retellings with a twist.
Publication Date: 6th January 2026
Thank you Penguin Australia and NetGalley for the gifted eARC of Beth Is Dead in exchange for an honest review!
Synopsis: Beth March has been murdered, and all her sisters are suspects . . .
After a New Year’s Eve party, Beth is found dead.
All the March sisters wonder who could have killed their sweet little sister. And – why?
The March sisters have always been close, but will Beth’s murder bring them closer together, or tear them apart?
As each of the girls’ motives are uncovered, it becomes clear that Meg, Jo, Amy – and even Beth – might not be quite as sweet as they seem
Please check the content/trigger warnings prior to reading this book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
December 30, 2025
I had so much fun with this one!! It was so incredibly fast paced, we got all of the Bennet sister’s POVs which really added to the tension and the drama!!! I was constantly second guessing myself.
Each chapter was so well thought out and planned, it all flowed so well!! Usually I hate flashback chapters but it was so well done here, and it made it impossible to put down!
Anddd we don’t find out who the killer is until the very end!!! Sometimes you can tell halfway through, but I really couldn’t! I had some suspicions but they kept getting ruled out!
Thank you Penguin Teen for the ARC, I had the best time reading this one!
Each chapter was so well thought out and planned, it all flowed so well!! Usually I hate flashback chapters but it was so well done here, and it made it impossible to put down!
Anddd we don’t find out who the killer is until the very end!!! Sometimes you can tell halfway through, but I really couldn’t! I had some suspicions but they kept getting ruled out!
Thank you Penguin Teen for the ARC, I had the best time reading this one!
November 18, 2025
Wow. I am well and truly gagged. This was such a beautiful reimagining of the March sisters’ story. I was sucked in by the fast-paced mystery but stayed for the heartfelt portrayals of grief, love, and searching for purpose in one’s life. I saw myself in every sister the same way I do in Alcott’s original story, with their flaws and all. I also came away with a new appreciation for Beth and feel like I relate to her most of all - not something I ever hear people say about Little Women. (I’m boarding a plane so gonna finish this review later)
December 26, 2025
I really enjoyed this mystery and reimagining of Little Women. I was hooked immediately and flew through this book quite easily. There were so many twists and turns, however, I found that I could easily determine how Beth died before I got to the end. In saying that, there were other twists that still had me hooked in.
October 16, 2025
review to come 💌 thank you publishers and netgalley for the arc!
January 1, 2026
What a wild ride that was!!! Super fast paced and one you can easily fly through
October 27, 2025
As someone who is decidedly Little Women’s #1 hater, you’ll have to trust me when I say this is a phenomenal retelling. I loved the modernization and how Beth was murdered and that Bernet kept their personalities the same! I was glad she didn’t try to make Amy someone she wasn’t and kept her the worst. I can’t believe this is a debut!
However, I didn’t give it a full five stars because at times it was a bit TOO meta and there were a lot of flashbacks that could’ve been cut. It made it drag a bit and it was confusing when there were no dates because it would go from what seemed like a few months prior to several years ago and the timeline order truly made no sense. But I got an ARC so hopefully they’ll at least add in a year to keep it cohesive.
If you’re not a fan like me but want a fun murder mystery that’s not too easy to figure out, check this out!
However, I didn’t give it a full five stars because at times it was a bit TOO meta and there were a lot of flashbacks that could’ve been cut. It made it drag a bit and it was confusing when there were no dates because it would go from what seemed like a few months prior to several years ago and the timeline order truly made no sense. But I got an ARC so hopefully they’ll at least add in a year to keep it cohesive.
If you’re not a fan like me but want a fun murder mystery that’s not too easy to figure out, check this out!
Currently reading
June 12, 2025From PW: "The book is a contemporary reimagining of Little Women in which Beth dies in the first chapter, and her sisters will stop at nothing to track down her killer—until they begin to suspect each other. The novel is told in four perspectives, including Beth's in flashback."
May 18, 2025
reading this to blurb - quick thoughts: a love letter to little women, but also a critique of it. little women but make it a modern murder mystery - addictive and alluring, a memorable reimagining of the March sisters and the love [and sometimes hate] they have for one another.
November 26, 2025
Beth is Dead by Katie Bernet. Thanks to @simonteen #simonteeninfluencer for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The March sisters need to figure out who killed their sister, Beth, but the suspect pool is large.
What a fun retelling of Little Women! I just loved how this was done. It became a modern tale, yet the girls kept their personalities and uniqueness from the original. I loved how it still was literary, with their father having written a book about them. It was very cleverly done. Even without the retelling aspect, there’s an entertaining young adult whodunnit behind it. This may turn a few modern day young women into Little Women fans!
“I need to prove that I’m more than the girl who dies at the end of the book.”
Read this if you like:
-Little Women
-Classic retellings as modern stories
-Books about books
-Young adult whodunnits
-Sister relationships
Beth is Dead comes out 1/6.
The March sisters need to figure out who killed their sister, Beth, but the suspect pool is large.
What a fun retelling of Little Women! I just loved how this was done. It became a modern tale, yet the girls kept their personalities and uniqueness from the original. I loved how it still was literary, with their father having written a book about them. It was very cleverly done. Even without the retelling aspect, there’s an entertaining young adult whodunnit behind it. This may turn a few modern day young women into Little Women fans!
“I need to prove that I’m more than the girl who dies at the end of the book.”
Read this if you like:
-Little Women
-Classic retellings as modern stories
-Books about books
-Young adult whodunnits
-Sister relationships
Beth is Dead comes out 1/6.
December 27, 2025
#ad much love for my advance copy @simonteen + @simon.audio for the ALC #partner
Beth is Dead
< @
Releases: January 6, 2026
Beth is dead. They found her outside in the snow frozen, covered in blood, and deader than dead. What happened last night and who did this to Beth? That is the mystery we are trying to solve and there’s no shortage of suspects.
Jo, Beth, Amy, and Meg are all sisters. Their father a famous author who wrote a book about his daughters. Beth died at the end of the book, but now life is mirroring his novel.
🎧: loved the audio
Caitlin Kelly, Emily Tremaine, Ferdelle Capistrano, and Piper Goodeve
Okay I need to finish this review ..
Beth is Dead
< @
Releases: January 6, 2026
Beth is dead. They found her outside in the snow frozen, covered in blood, and deader than dead. What happened last night and who did this to Beth? That is the mystery we are trying to solve and there’s no shortage of suspects.
Jo, Beth, Amy, and Meg are all sisters. Their father a famous author who wrote a book about his daughters. Beth died at the end of the book, but now life is mirroring his novel.
🎧: loved the audio
Caitlin Kelly, Emily Tremaine, Ferdelle Capistrano, and Piper Goodeve
Okay I need to finish this review ..
December 16, 2025
❄️ARC REVIEW❄️
PUB DATE: 1/6/2026
“I always thought strength could be measured by the space we make for ourselves, like elbowing through a crowd, but Beth did something harder than that. She made space for others.“
Little Women shaped my childhood, and the Winona Ryder adaptation has my heart. This was such a fun YA read and that cover is just to die for. A strong debut!
Thank you @netgalley @simonandschuster @sarahbarleybooks
PUB DATE: 1/6/2026
“I always thought strength could be measured by the space we make for ourselves, like elbowing through a crowd, but Beth did something harder than that. She made space for others.“
Little Women shaped my childhood, and the Winona Ryder adaptation has my heart. This was such a fun YA read and that cover is just to die for. A strong debut!
Thank you @netgalley @simonandschuster @sarahbarleybooks
November 19, 2025
No surprise here, I LOVED THIS BOOK. As a massive Little Women fan, I love seeing retellings and reimaginings of my favorite sisters and this one was so cool and unique while also feeling very true to the original characters. The sisterly dynamics were done so well here, all the jealousies and frustrations with each other that quickly turn to understanding and appreciation in true March form. I really loved what was done with Mr. March’s character. I thought that was so interesting. Also, I LOVED the main plot being a murder mystery of Beth’s death, especially with the then and now POVs of each sister. I felt like each possible suspect was a good option, but the big twist of whodunnit was done so well and really surprised me! There were a lot of great complexities and nuances that I felt really brought new life to these characters. I think if you’re a big Little Women fan like me and enjoy YA murder mysteries, this one’s for you!
Thank you to Simon Teen for the digital reader’s copy!
Thank you to Simon Teen for the digital reader’s copy!
November 29, 2025
Beth is dead started out with a bang! I was intrigued right form the first chapter.
In this book we follow along the lives of the four March sisters, a play on the characters of the historical novel little women.
If you’re looking for a YA murder mystery this is your book. The author did such a good job of navigating the four main characters and writing from each of their points of view. I loved having the insight from each character along the way as the story unravelled. It was full of fast paced twists and turns and the writing flowed so well throughout. But aside from a great mystery the book delved into more emotional themes such as grief, love and the premise of each character trying to find their place in life.
I was pleasantly surprised with this book as I feel there are so many YA novels out there they just don’t hit the mark for me, but this one was a beauty!
Thank you to Penguin and NetGalley for the ARC
In this book we follow along the lives of the four March sisters, a play on the characters of the historical novel little women.
If you’re looking for a YA murder mystery this is your book. The author did such a good job of navigating the four main characters and writing from each of their points of view. I loved having the insight from each character along the way as the story unravelled. It was full of fast paced twists and turns and the writing flowed so well throughout. But aside from a great mystery the book delved into more emotional themes such as grief, love and the premise of each character trying to find their place in life.
I was pleasantly surprised with this book as I feel there are so many YA novels out there they just don’t hit the mark for me, but this one was a beauty!
Thank you to Penguin and NetGalley for the ARC
December 28, 2025
3.75
I could predict the ending
Loved the different perspectives and relationships dynastic between sisters in the kids of trauma
I could predict the ending
Loved the different perspectives and relationships dynastic between sisters in the kids of trauma
October 23, 2025
4.5 stars
loved this!
You can read my full review on my blog
loved this!
You can read my full review on my blog
November 10, 2025
✨ARC REVIEW✨
If you’re a fan of Little Women and murder mysteries, you’re gonna love this.
I really enjoyed the concept of this book. I loved the callbacks from the OG and I really liked all the plot twists.
Personally, I was getting a tad confused between all the flashbacks and POVs. I think that’s where most of this lost me a bit. I feel like if we didn’t have the same names as the original Little Women, I wouldn’t be trying so hard to connect the two stories while also trying to figure out whodunnit.
I also felt like because we get a POV from each sister, their personalities were starting to blend a little and it was getting hard for me to tell them a part. Maybe this was a me thing? I don’t know.
I do think for a debut, this was done super well. It had enough suspense to keep me interested and I really did like how this ended. I liked that each new clue led to a flashback that gave us more insight.
Again, if you’re an OG fan then you’ll appreciate this. If you’re a murder mystery fan, you’ll like the twists and turns.
Thank you so much to Simon Teen for the e-arc copy!
If you’re a fan of Little Women and murder mysteries, you’re gonna love this.
I really enjoyed the concept of this book. I loved the callbacks from the OG and I really liked all the plot twists.
Personally, I was getting a tad confused between all the flashbacks and POVs. I think that’s where most of this lost me a bit. I feel like if we didn’t have the same names as the original Little Women, I wouldn’t be trying so hard to connect the two stories while also trying to figure out whodunnit.
I also felt like because we get a POV from each sister, their personalities were starting to blend a little and it was getting hard for me to tell them a part. Maybe this was a me thing? I don’t know.
I do think for a debut, this was done super well. It had enough suspense to keep me interested and I really did like how this ended. I liked that each new clue led to a flashback that gave us more insight.
Again, if you’re an OG fan then you’ll appreciate this. If you’re a murder mystery fan, you’ll like the twists and turns.
Thank you so much to Simon Teen for the e-arc copy!
October 5, 2025
New Year’s Day. Jo March wakes up to find her favourite sister is dead - and it doesn’t look like an accident. The March sisters have are infamous after their father published a controversial book about their lives. It quickly becomes apparent that tensions have been stretched to breaking point, with hidden romances and festering grudges exposed. Everyone has secrets - but who has a motive?
This book is absolutely incredible - I couldn’t put it down. Little Women is one of my favourite books ever, so I was very intrigued to read this new spin on a classic story. The modern counterparts of the March sisters captured them perfectly - I loved all the references to the book, and the twists on the characters! This is a fast-paced read, flicking between each sister’s POV from the morning Beth is found, back in time to the release of their father’s book and the catastrophic fallout. I thought the voices of the sisters shone through, clear and distinct, and I could hear all of them. It’s a gripping thriller with an explosive ending - I would love to see an adaptation! I’ve always said I’m a Jo, but this book did a great job of digging into each sister’s stereotype & looking at them under a modern lens - and ultimately asking the question: why does Beth always die?
Thank you to Scholastic for the proof!
This book is absolutely incredible - I couldn’t put it down. Little Women is one of my favourite books ever, so I was very intrigued to read this new spin on a classic story. The modern counterparts of the March sisters captured them perfectly - I loved all the references to the book, and the twists on the characters! This is a fast-paced read, flicking between each sister’s POV from the morning Beth is found, back in time to the release of their father’s book and the catastrophic fallout. I thought the voices of the sisters shone through, clear and distinct, and I could hear all of them. It’s a gripping thriller with an explosive ending - I would love to see an adaptation! I’ve always said I’m a Jo, but this book did a great job of digging into each sister’s stereotype & looking at them under a modern lens - and ultimately asking the question: why does Beth always die?
Thank you to Scholastic for the proof!
August 13, 2025
This book was such a fun retelling to read that I didn't want to put it down! It honored the original while having a story that was fresh and interesting to read.
Things I loved:
🎀It didn't pigeonhole the characters into their respective stereotypes that they are often given. Jo was more than ambitious, Beth was more than kind, etc. It gave them a modern lens and added depth to their stories
🎀The different POVs + the past and present. I felt like I really got to know Beth despite her dying in chapter 1
🎀 Amy, I'm sorry, but I'll love Amy in every retelling, especially Amy and Laurie
🎀 Seeing characters from the OG + plays on some of the lines or stuff from the movie. It was fun to catch!
🎀 The mystery was fast-paced and enjoyable throughout
🎀 The ending, ughhhhh it was emotional and so very sweet
I definitely recommend for a quick YA read or someone who loves to see classics given a new life!
𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒐 𝑲𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒆 𝑩𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒕, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑫𝑭𝑾 𝑾𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝑮𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒑, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝑨𝑹𝑪!
Things I loved:
🎀It didn't pigeonhole the characters into their respective stereotypes that they are often given. Jo was more than ambitious, Beth was more than kind, etc. It gave them a modern lens and added depth to their stories
🎀The different POVs + the past and present. I felt like I really got to know Beth despite her dying in chapter 1
🎀 Amy, I'm sorry, but I'll love Amy in every retelling, especially Amy and Laurie
🎀 Seeing characters from the OG + plays on some of the lines or stuff from the movie. It was fun to catch!
🎀 The mystery was fast-paced and enjoyable throughout
🎀 The ending, ughhhhh it was emotional and so very sweet
I definitely recommend for a quick YA read or someone who loves to see classics given a new life!
𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒐 𝑲𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒆 𝑩𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒕, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑫𝑭𝑾 𝑾𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝑮𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒑, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝑨𝑹𝑪!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 225 reviews