This article contains discussion of an animal’s death.
Warning: SPOILERS ahead for A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder on Netflix plunges viewers into a chilling mystery surrounding the long-ago deaths that haunt Little Kilton. Beyond the central investigation of Andie Bell’s disappearance, a more immediate tragedy unfolds, deeply affecting Pip and those around her. As Pip digs deeper, she is met with sinister threats warning her to abandon her pursuit. The series culminates in the revelation that these warnings stem from two distinct sources, with one individual resorting to the heartless act of kidnapping Pip’s beloved dog, Barney, to halt her investigation.
Barney is more than just a pet, he’s family. The bond between Pip and Barney resonates throughout the series, making his fate even more devastating. The cruel twist? Barney’s death is directly linked to the same person responsible for Andie Bell’s murder. The stakes are high. The killer stands to lose everything if the truth is exposed.
Becca Bell’s Cruel Act: Barney’s Fate in A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder
Andie’s Sister’s Desperate Attempt to Silence Pip
The mastermind behind Andie’s demise and Barney’s disappearance is none other than Andie’s sister, Becca Bell. For much of the series, Becca appears as a secondary character, but she has a critical role in Andie’s death. To stop Pip from discovering the truth, she resorts to taking Barney, using the dog’s life as leverage.
While the Netflix series heavily implies that Becca is responsible for Barney’s death, it doesn’t explicitly show it. The show differs from Holly Jackson’s book in this regard. The book portrays Becca as kidnapping Barney, but claiming she didn’t intend to kill him. In the book, Barney escapes and dies in a river. Regardless of the specific circumstances, Becca’s actions directly lead to Barney’s death in both the novel and the series.
The Motive Behind Barney’s Kidnapping & The Birthday Party Distraction
Pip’s Social Media Post Sparks Panic in Becca
Becca’s desperate act of kidnapping Barney stems from her desire to bury the truth and protect herself from exposure. Pip’s social media post about Andie Bell rattles Becca, forcing her to take drastic measures. Becca’s actions briefly succeed, with Pip even considering dropping the case under pressure from Ravi. However, a crucial clue later reignites Pip’s determination.
How did Becca manage to take Barney? The series doesn’t explicitly reveal the details, but Barney vanishes during Pip’s brother’s birthday party. The party’s chaos creates an opportunity for Becca to act unnoticed. The distraction allows Becca to execute her plan. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder thrusts this tragedy upon Pip, raising the stakes of her investigation and pushing her to acknowledge the real danger she faces.
