BETH IS DEAD

High school junior Beth March is dead, but not from the effects of scarlet fever.

Instead, at the start of this modern Little Women–inspired novel set in Concord, Massachusetts, the “doe-eyed” Beth appears to have been murdered. Everyone is a suspect (until they aren’t) in this twist-filled tale told from the perspective of each of the white-presenting March sisters: Meg, a Harvard student; Jo, a writer with big aspirations; misunderstood high school sophomore Amy; and even gentle, musically gifted Beth herself. Fans of the Louisa May Alcott original will appreciate the presence of supporting cast members like Sallie Gardiner and the Hummels even as they wonder which of the characters they know well is capable of homicide—including the March sisters’ bestselling author father, who’s cancelled for his tell-all coming-of-age novel about them and goes into hiding. The book thoroughly explores the characters’ possible motives, from jealousy to the quest for fame. In addition to the four narrators, the story moves between the past and present in shifts that could be dizzying, but debut author Bernet makes it work. She 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.