Review Detail

Katie Bernet’s debut novel, Beth is Dead, reinvents the classic Little Women. This modern retelling centers on Beth March’s death and the subsequent murder investigation. With its multiple perspectives and flashbacks, the story is captivating.

On New Year’s Day, Beth is discovered dead in the woods near her home. Amy, Jo, and Meg grieve for their sister, but as they try to uncover what really happened, they grow suspicious of one another and their friends. Numerous secrets emerge, and the plot’s many twists keep the ending unpredictable.

What I Liked: The mystery element of this book is incredibly well done. Bernet keeps the story very fast-paced, and almost every chapter introduces a new twist and another possible suspect. I couldn't put this book down, but I also wanted to savor every moment and not have it end. Bernet did a fantastic job of making the characters her own while still keeping elements that are integral to each one. I especially thought that Amy’s character remained very true to the original Little Women, while also having a lot more depth in this book. Each of the sisters having a voice helped readers to understand their perspective, but also to see how each of them could have been motivated to kill Beth. Normally, I'm not a huge fan of flashbacks, but Beth’s flashbacks really helped tie the story together.

Beth is Dead is a highly addictive murder mystery that will appeal to mystery lovers as well as fans of the classic Little Women.