A Twisted Take on a Timeless Classic: Katie Bernet’s Debut Novel

This winter, a beloved classic undergoes a thrilling transformation. Katie Bernet is set to captivate readers with her debut novel, Beth is Dead, releasing on January 6, 2026. Imagine the March sisters not just navigating life but plunging into a chilling mystery—a reimagining of Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, but this time, the stakes are deadly high.

When the lifeless body of Beth March is mysteriously discovered in the woods on New Year’s Day, her remaining sisters are thrust into a dark web of secrets and suspicions. The pressing question is, who among them could harbor such a sinister motive? Will Meg, Jo, and Amy uncover the truth before it tears their family apart?

Unraveling a Web of Deceit

As the investigation unfolds, a myriad of suspects emerges. There’s the neighbor whose affections are torn between two of the sisters. Meg’s manipulative best friend appears to have questionable motives. Amy, ever ambitious of pursuing her art dreams, finds herself in precarious territory, eyeing the money that has traditionally been set aside for Beth’s future. And then there’s Meg, who might not want to harm her sister, but her boyfriend could pose a critical threat.

Jo, an aspiring author with a robust social media presence, grapples with dark ideas. Would she sacrifice her sister for the sake of a gripping story? It’s a haunting question that propels the sisters further into chaos.

Against this backdrop of familial turmoil lies an unexpected twist. The March sisters are not just dealing with personal loss; they’re under the spotlight from a recent bestselling book published by their father, a narrative that puts their entire family in a precarious position. The tension builds as they realize that danger could lurk both within their circle and beyond.

Through flashbacks, Beth’s voice adds an eerie depth to the story, intertwining with her sisters’ frantic quest for answers. As the evidence mounts, will they uncover the murderer before becoming suspects themselves?

Anticipation Builds for a Gripping Read

With each passing day, excitement mounts for Beth is Dead, a launch under Simon & Schuster’s new imprint, Sarah Barley Books. Katie Bernet, a Dallas native and a self-proclaimed fan of Little Women, is poised to bring her unique perspective to this classic tale. As a sister herself, she leverages her personal experiences to enrich the narrative and connect with readers.

Available now for pre-order, fans are eagerly awaiting the chilling pages that will reframe a story marked by love and rivalry in a way they’ve never seen before. Will the March sisters reclaim their narrative, or will the shadows of betrayal blot it out forever? The answer lies in Katie Bernet’s thrilling debut.

This is just the beginning, and as we dive into the world of Beth is Dead, literary enthusiasts and mystery aficionados alike are in for a wild ride.