Upon learning about the adaptation of “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” book series, my excitement was palpable. I eagerly anticipated its release and immediately binged the entire series. What follows is a compilation of my candid thoughts and feelings, encompassing both the triumphs and shortcomings of this adaptation, with particular attention to its success in capturing the essence of the “a good girl’s guide book series”.
One of the most glaring issues I encountered was the pacing. Frankly, I found myself rather disengaged until around the third episode. The initial episodes felt somewhat trivial, lacking a sense of urgency or high stakes. While I understand the challenge of establishing drama and investing viewers in newly introduced characters, the absence of a compelling connection was noticeable. Three episodes felt like an extended period for a TV series to fail to captivate its audience.
Emma Myers embodies Pip Fitz-Amobi in the television adaptation of “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder,” though her portrayal diverges somewhat from the book’s original depiction.
Minor Spoiler Alert: I appreciated the subtle nod to the Duct Tape Killer. Readers of the books will know his significance in the final installment of the trilogy. The early mention was a clever inclusion, as he isn’t explicitly referenced until the third book.
The charisma exhibited by certain characters was remarkable. Zain Iqbal’s portrayal of Ravi was endearing and delightfully awkward, perfectly embodying the character’s essence. Emma Myers, while delivering a commendable performance as Pip (the “good girl” in “a good girl’s guide book series”), didn’t quite align with my pre-conceived image of the character, but was still really good. Henry Ashton’s Max Hastings possessed an undeniable charm that was somewhat unsettling, given my inclination to like him. Asha Banks shone as Cara, while Jackson Bews’ portrayal of Dan da Silva was surprisingly… not entirely detestable, considering my intense dislike for him in the books. I’ll refrain from elaborating further on other characters, as they failed to leave a lasting impression.
One aspect that proved disappointing was my struggle to perceive any palpable romance between Pip and Ravi. Their on-screen chemistry felt lacking, which was a significant letdown.
Zain Iqbal brings a charming and awkward energy to his role as Ravi in “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder,” capturing the character’s essence from the beloved book series.
In terms of plot, the series largely adheres to the narrative threads of the books (albeit not always in chronological order). However, viewers unfamiliar with the source material might find certain plot elements in the mystery a tad too convenient. Nevertheless, post the third episode, the plotting becomes compelling and the series is true to “a good girl’s guide book series” central themes.
The ending provided a satisfying build-up, mirroring the twists and turns of the books. My only minor critique pertains to certain unresolved issues and unsaid statements.
Overall, I would give this series a rating of 3.5 out of 5. While it wasn’t flawless, I found it enjoyable for the most part. To fully appreciate it, I recommend setting aside any preconceived notions derived from the book. Focus on the mystery aspect rather than expecting a significant romantic subplot.
Where to Watch: Netflix
