Holly Jackson’s book, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, is an enjoyable and modern tale suitable for readers over 13 who like crime, murder mysteries, or thrillers, even if they are not regular readers of these genres.
The book falls under the Young Adult (YA) category, featuring a protagonist who experiences significant personal growth while engaging in detective work. The narrative is both engaging and contemporary, blending classic elements with a modern twist.
The story does not focus heavily on the protagonist’s romantic life; instead, it delves into the harsh realities faced by the affluent when confronted with the complex and often chaotic lives of others. This exploration reveals the extreme measures people take to achieve happiness and tranquility, presenting a stark contrast to the seemingly fun nature of the book.
The main character, Pip, is a conscientious high school student aiming for prestigious universities. She spends time with her supportive friends and family. However, her life takes a turn when she opts to investigate a five-year-old case involving the murder of a beloved town figure, Andie, by her boyfriend, Sal, who subsequently took his own life.
Pip senses something amiss with the case and the resulting racial prejudice against Sal and his family. As she delves further into the investigation, despite warnings and concerns from her teacher, friends, and family, she uncovers that the town’s secrets extend far beyond the murder-suicide.
As the investigation becomes more personal, Pip finds herself in danger, with someone determined to stop her from uncovering the truth.
What is my experience
I found myself in a small Tennessee town, far from any bustling city. To my dismay, there was not a bookstore within an hour’s drive. Instead, I ended up at a Walmart.
Surprisingly, Walmart’s modest book section specializes in popular young adult (YA) novels. Coincidentally, I have been immersed in YA books latelyc. I am both an avid reader and currently working on writing two YA series. One of the books on my YA to-be-read list caught my eye, so I grabbed it. Picture this: I read it late at night in a trailer, all alone in the middle of nowhere. Not the best setting, I admit.
Despite the unconventional circumstances, I genuinely enjoyed the book. In my post-reading notes, I simply wrote, “Loved it. Perfect for what it is.”
The story unfolds through the eyes of Pip, our protagonist. Her project notes play a significant role about half of the book consists of interviews, actual notes, and articles. It is almost epistolary, though I usually do not gravitate toward that style. Surprisingly, it worked well here.
Other epistolary novels, like The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, The Loneliest Girl in the Universe, and The Screwtape Letters, have also impressed me recently. Perhaps this storytelling approach is gaining popularity, or maybe new writers are innovating to make it more engaging.
Pip’s case notes serve as both a narrative device and a plot point. They give voice to the people she interacts with during her investigations. The mystery keeps us guessing, allowing room for theorizing and sleuthing alongside Pip.
Thrillers thrive on tension, and this book did not disappoint. I devoured it because I needed answers. The suspense was skillfully handled. I was kept on my toes. While I correctly predicted some plot points, there were surprises too. Overall, a win for a plot-intuitive reader like me.
One thing puzzled me: the tension surrounding a particular character. I wonder if the author intentionally left it unresolved or if it slipped her notice. I discussed this with another reader, we were both perched on the edge of our seats, wondering if it was a deliberate red herring.
In a few examples, the story took unexpected turns. For example, when some crucial information vanished from a computer, it felt implausible. As someone who is had a laptop break down in recent years, I know that losing data is not as simple as it seems. With cloud backups and online apps, data tends to stay put.
However, there is a character who places everything on the line, believing that losing data means losing everything. In today’s world, especially for young people, that is not entirely accurate. Even though I am not that old, I recognize this fact.
Another puzzling moment occurs when Pip, the main character, refrains from confiding in her parents. The book initially establishes her strong family relationships, which is a rarity in stories. However, when the reasons for her silence disappear, she still does not open up.
Pip, despite being smart, occasionally makes questionable decisions during her murder investigation. For instance, running into a barn filled with sharp objects definitely not advisable. However, I suppose such moments add to the genre’s thrill, even if they stretch believability.
Overall, I am not complaining. While the book is not flawless, it comes pretty close to what it aims to be.
The series continues with two more books, forming a trilogy. Some loose ends remain, as is typical in mysteries. However, the main plotlines are neatly tied up.
Or so we think. Book two delves into other mysterious plots introduced in the first book, while Pip continues to grow and navigate relationships. Book three takes a darker turn, which makes sense given the series’ beginning. It surprises and perhaps disappoints those who adore Pip as the good girl. Apparently, the series is a roller coaster ride with fiercely devoted fans.
I am curious about the journey ahead, but for now, I will explore the rabbit hole with Jackson, who claims that is where this story was always headed. Yet, I will hold onto the sweet memory of Pip. Let us see how it all unfolds:
- A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder
- As Good as Dead
- Good Girl, Bad Blood
More about these books
Are you a fan of mysteries and thrillers? How about young adult (YA) novels? Well, this book combines all those genres, and it is making quite a splash. I believe it will remain a top contender in this category, perhaps indefinitely. The innocence juxtaposed with the hidden underbelly of seemingly respectable society creates an intriguing blend. There are jump scares and heart-pounding moments that keep you turning the pages long after bedtime.
However, a word of caution: while it is a fantastic read, maybe save it for a vacation. Reading it alone in a dark trailer in the middle of nowhere might lead to some unexpected chills especially when you are reveealing someone’s secrets.
Some Questions
What is the book “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder”about?
The story of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is all about Andie Bell, a popular high school senior who was murdered by her boyfriend, Sal Singh, who then took his own life. The tragedy still haunts the town of Fairview, and five years later, Pip Fitz-Amobi, a senior, decides to reexamine the closed case for her final project.
Who is the protagonist of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder?
The main character in the novel A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, is Pippa Fitz-Amobi (or Pip), who takes it upon herself to investigate the murder case. She is determined, curious, and not easily swayed by what others believe.
