Month: September 2026

If you are obsessed with “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”…

I love “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” It’s one of my most favorite stories. I grew up listening to the story, visiting Sleepy Hollow, and the Legend was so much more than just a story. For me, the Legend was this magical portal to a time past, a way to walk the same streets but see them in a different time, a way to be frightened but not terrified (I hate to be terrified).

When I was small, I loved the Disney movie and a copy of a children’s version of the story. As I got older, I adored the full story, especially hearing it read aloud in the Old Dutch Church in Sleepy Hollow.

I’ve written about the Legend many times. I’ve read it even more times than that. So when I find a story that is somehow tied to the Legend, I’m in. Here are some of my favorite books that are retellings, adaptations, possible background stories, possible continuations. Some are children appropriate, some are teen appropriate, some are older teen appropriate but there is a Legend version for everyone.

Treasury of Illustrated Classics – The Legend of Sleepy Hollow : This is a great way to introduce a child to the Legend. The story is just scary enough without being too scary.

Christina Henry’s Horseman: A Tale of Sleepy Hollow : This continuation of the Legend 30 years later was a great read. I’ve imagine the future for the characters and wondered if the headless horseman ever returned to Sleepy Hollow. I appreciated Henry’s continuation of the story (and I’m excited to go hear Henry speak next month!)

Serena Valentino’s Raising the Horseman : Valentino continues the story 200 years later with the many times great granddaughter of Katrina Van Tassel. Definitely worth reading!

Jessica Verday’s The Hollow Trilogy : I loved this trilogy first because it’s a trilogy (and I love when a story transcends multiple books) and two because it jumped between past and present in a different way. I don’t want to give away more but trust me, read it!

Alyssa Palombo’s The Spellbook of Katrina Van Tassel : I haven’t written about this book here yet, but if you are reading Legend related books read this one too. Trust me! I’ll tell you more about it soon. I’m going to hear Palombo speak next month and I’m so excited!

Nichole Louise’s Raven Rock : I’m currently reading this (post coming soon). This is the story of the Headless Horseman. I can’t put it down!

J.W. Ocker’s Chasing the Horseman : I haven’t read this yet. It’s coming out soon but sounds amazing! I’m going to hear Ocker speak next month. If this is half as good as I’ve heard it to be, it’s definitely worth checking out!

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I couldn’t put this down!

If I could only write one sentence about “Beth is Dead” by Katie Bernet, it would be – Get a copy of this book and clear your schedule so you can read. I could not put this book down. Seriously. I read this book over 25 hours, and it only took me that long because adult responsibilities kept me from reading it in one sitting.

“Beth is Dead” follows the March sisters (yes, the “Little Women” March sisters). The story begins with Beth dying or rather being murdered. Who would kill Beth March? While it is told in modern times, Beth March is still very much the sweet sister you cared about in the original story. Why would someone kill her? It seems everyone might have a motive. I love a good retelling of a classic story with a fun new twist, so I was sold from page one.

Amy wants to go to an expensive art program in Europe but the only way her aunt will pay for it is if Beth doesn’t attend a prestigious music program she was recently accepted in. Could she have killed her own sister? Jo was previously accused of faking a break-in to the family home to sell her stories and garner a larger following. Could she have killed her own sister? Beth discovered a complicated situation between Meg and her roommate. Could one of them have killed Beth? The list of suspects extends beyond the family. Beth’s music teacher was upset she might not attend the music program. Could he have killed her? Jo’s best friend, Laurie, snuck out the night of her death and doesn’t have an alibi. Could he have killed her? Mr. March wrote a book that put his daughters in the spotlight in a way none of them asked for. Could one of his fans have killed her?

I loved the way this story was told going back and forth between the past and now (simply “then” and “now” chapters). This gave readers more the backstory needed to understand why someone might be a suspect. The story was not predictable, and I was honestly shocked when I discovered who the murderer was. I wish I could tell give you more details, but you need to read this book and go through all the twists and turns it will take you on in the quest to find Beth’s murderer.

This YA novel is Katie Bernet’s debut novel. I can’t wait to see what she writes next. I highly recommend this book for teens and older readers. Trust me, clear your schedule, get comfortable and start reading. You will not be able to put this book down.

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