Rebecca Barrow’s blistering crossover YA horror novel-in-verse’ Doe’ is coming to publication on June 23

Nancy Paulsen Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House, has scheduled “Doe,” a blistering crossover “horror YA novel-in-verse” by critically acclaimed author Rebecca Barrow, for publication on June 23, 2026.

Barrow is the author of several young adult novels, including “And Don’t Look Back,” “Bad Things Happen Here,” and “The Tournament.” Her work spans thriller, romance, and dark academia, with stories that often center on complicated girls, sharp emotional stakes, and danger that moves close to the bone.

“Doe” follows Maris Larsen, captain of the West Eaton High cheer team. On the mat, Maris is powerful. She is Coach’s favorite, worshipped by her teammates, and certain that cheerleading is the one thing that makes her special. It is also the thing that helps her forget the rest of her life: her depressed mother, absent father, strained relationship, and the small-town future closing in around her.

Then Genevieve Ray arrives.

Beautiful, talented, and instantly seen as Coach’s new golden girl, Genevieve threatens everything Maris has built. Their rivalry turns bitter, and Maris becomes determined to win no matter the cost. The weapon she needs comes to her in her dreams.

While sleepwalking, Maris is visited by Doe, a decaying, monstrous deer who has wandered for decades, trapped in a cursed form. Doe cannot die, but she cannot truly live. Only a girl tied by blood to the ones who once loved and betrayed Doe can set her free.

Maris is that girl.

As their bond deepens in the dream world, Doe promises Maris the power to destroy her rival —  but Maris does not know the creature is real. She does not understand the danger of the bargain she is making, because for Maris to win, someone has to die — and in the end, the only true victor might be Doe.

With its razor-sharp verse, chilling atmosphere, and story built around ambition, desire, and the monstrous cost of power, “Doe” pushes into bold new territory for YA horror. 

Publishers Weekly reported that the book was acquired at auction and described it as a horror YA novel-in-verse about a viciously competitive cheer team, a power-hungry cheer captain, and the ravenous beast that hunts them all.