I’m a reader who loves when authors takes a well loved story and add a twist. This is exactly what Katie Bernet did with Beth Is Dead. Today I want to tell you all about this book as well as share an interview with Katie.

A big thank you to Katie for taking time to answer my questions! Keep on reading for more!

Sarah Barley Books is thrilled to be launching with its inaugural publication, BETH ISDEAD by Katie Bernet (on sale January 6, 2026). Little Women meets One of Us Is Lying in this incredibly fun and original take on the Louisa May Alcott classic.

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

Interview with Katie

What inspired you to write Beth Is Dead?
I’m obsessed with “Little Women.” As the oldest of three sisters, I’ve always been deeply connected to the story. At the same time, I really enjoy reading mysteries and thrillers—the kinds of books you simply can’t put down. I thought it would be fascinating to transform Beth’s infamous death into a murder that happens in chapter one, because it would give me an opportunity to explore the gaping wound that she leaves behind.

What has been the favorite part of your publishing journey so far?
After advance reader’s copies went out, I got a message on Instagram from a young reader who’d snagged one from her librarian. She told me how much she loved the book, and though I’d gotten great feedback from critique partners and colleagues, this was the first time I’d ever heard from a true reader. It meant the world.

If you were a character in Beth Is Dead, what kind of character would you be?
I like to think that I would be one of the March sisters. And I hope everyone has that feeling while they’re reading—like for a little while, you’re in the family.

Describe Beth Is Dead in five words or less.
“Little Women” as modern mystery

What is your favorite quote from Beth Is Dead?
“I think the most complicated thing a person can be is kind.” I love this quote, because I didn’t understand Beth March before writing this book, and when I wrote these words, I felt like I understood her fully for the first time.

Could you give us 5 random facts about Beth Is Dead (think the story, writing, publishing, anything that comes to mind)?

1. I wrote “Beth Is Dead” while I was living with my sisters.
2. In the story, you’ll meet two familiar love interests—Laurie and John Brooke—and one you’ve never met before.
3. I first learned about “Little Women” at a sleepover in elementary school when my best friend’s sister was bawling in front of the TV because Beth had just died.
4. “Beth Is Dead” will be published in thirteen countries (and counting).
5. The story takes place across two timelines, so you’ll read from Beth’s perspective before her death.

About Katie Bernet

KATIE BERNET is the author of Beth Is Dead, a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection.She’s an award-winning creative director, a long-standing member of the DFW Writer’sWorkshop, and the director of the 2025 DFW Writer’s Conference. As the oldest of threesisters, she’s a diehard fan of Little Women.

See Katie on Tour

·       Jan 6 at 7:00pm ET: The Silver Unicorn Bookstore (Acton, MA) in conversation with Annie Cardi

·       Jan 7 at 6:30pm CT: Parnassus Books (Nashville, TN) in conversation with Sarah Barley

·       Jan 8 at 6:00pm CT: Interabang Books (Dallas, TX) in conversation with Dana Swift

·       Jan 9 at 4:00pm CT: Bibliobar (Plano, TX)

·       Jan 10 at 3:00pm CT: Murder By The Book (Houston, TX) in conversation with Ashley Winstead

·       Jan 15 at 7:00pm CT: Fabled Bookshop & Cafe (Waco, TX) in conversation with Leighellen Landskov

·       Mar 6-7: North Texas Teen Book Festival (Irving, TX)

·       Mar 14-15: Tucson Festival of Books (Tucson, AZ)

·       Apr 11: TeenBookCon (Houston, TX)

·       Apr 19: BookCon (New York, NY)

I know this is a book I’ll be reading soon! Beth Is Dead sounds like the perfect read for a cold, snowy day! Do you have any favorite reimaginings? Let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear from you.