Industry Reviews
'A gripping, cleverly rendered puzzle box of a book brimming with heart and sisterhood. The mystery makes the story impossible to put down, while the characters make this a book you won't want to say goodbye to.'
Stephanie Garber, author of Caraval, Stephanie Garber, author of Caraval
'In her very first novel, Katie Bernet has done more than reimagine literary canon—modernizing one of the most beloved fictional families of all time—she’s done it absurdly well. Beth is Dead is a propulsive whodunnit full of whip-smart dialogue and layered mysteries that unfold with perfect pacing. Fans of Alcott’s original work will spot plenty of parallels and tips of the hat, but even those who’ve never read Little Women will find Beth is Dead to be thrilling and (dare I say it) unputdownable. This is the March sister remix you never knew you needed.'
David Arnold, author of Mosquitoland, David Arnold, author of Mosquitoland
'One need not be familiar with Louisa May Alcott’s work to appreciate debut author Bernet’s brilliantly snappy contemporary riff on Little Women . . . The cozy domesticity of the inspiration material is apparent throughout, and the girls’ closely held—sometimes conflicting—desires and ambitions both honor Alcott’s vision and add fuel to the fire of this electrifying whodunit.' - Publishers Weekly, starred review
Publishers Weekly
'[Debut author Bernet] does a masterful job of preserving the distinct personalities and ambitions of the classic characters, transporting them to a contemporary setting and making them fresh and relevant for today’s readers. Even teens who don’t know Little Women will be engaged by this fast-paced and suspense-filled page turner. A thrilling take on a beloved story that will keep readers riveted.' - Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Kirkus Reviews
'In her very first novel, Katie Bernet has done more than reimagine literary canon—modernizing one of the most beloved fictional families of all time—she’s done it absurdly well. Beth is Dead is a propulsive whodunnit full of whip-smart dialogue and layered mysteries that unfold with perfect pacing. Fans of Alcott’s original work will spot plenty of parallels and tips of the hat, but even those who’ve never read Little Women will find Beth is Dead to be thrilling and (dare I say it) unputdownable. This is the March sister remix you never knew you needed.' - David Arnold, New York Times bestselling author of Mosquitoland
David Arnold
'A gripping, cleverly rendered puzzle box of a book brimming with heart and sisterhood. The mystery makes the story impossible to put down, while the characters make this a book you won't want to say goodbye to.' - Stephanie Garber, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Once Upon a Broken Heart
Stephanie Garber
'This twisty, addictive spin on the classic Little Women is a messy, jaw-dropping and unpredictable love letter to sisterhood and suspense. It’ll have you craving more with every turned page.’ Busayo Matuluko, author of ‘Till Death and one half of the prominent BookTok influencers Compulsive Book Buyers
Busayo Matuluko
'A deliciously twisty murder mystery that turns Little Women on its head. Addictive from page one.' -Louise O'Neil, author of Idol
Louise O'Neil
In and of itself, it's a brilliant murder mystery, but with the twist of bringing the March Sisters into the present day but keeping the spirit of the characters is quite the achievement.
Managing to use all the elements of contemporary life such as social media, 'cancel culture' and toxic relationships while also showing the timelessness of sibling rivalry, the importance of family, teenage relationships, friendship and peer pressure while still delivering a cracking murder mystery...mind boggling. This could have gone very wrong but Bernet was in complete control of the narrative the entire time and balanced it all beautifully.
I've never read Little Women but about 3 chapters in I went searching my bookshelves for the copy I knew I had and started reading it as soon as I'd finished Beth is Dead. I've not finished it yet but only a few pages in it was clear how well Bernet had captured the essence of these beloved characters.
If I was still in a physical bookstore I'd be walking around with this under my arm, telling everyone about it. As it is, it'll be the featured title in our High School Presentation and the YA one in our Combined School Presentation...every school needs at least one!!
Let's hope Little Women isn't the only classic Bernet is obsessed with and there's more to come!
Definitely 5 stars...maybe even 6 if that's allowed!
Karen Robinson, Territory Relationship Manager NSW & VIC
