Holly Jackson’s A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, a novel that captivated readers and spent 77 weeks on the New York Times Best Seller list, has now been adapted into a Netflix series. The story centers on Pip, a 17-year-old who reopens a closed murder case from five years prior, convinced that the convicted killer might be innocent. As Pip digs deeper, she uncovers dark secrets that someone in town is desperate to keep hidden. Parents considering the book or show for their teens are likely wondering: What is A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder age rating, and is it suitable for my child? This parent review aims to provide guidance.
Age Rating: Book vs. TV Show
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder carries different age recommendations depending on the medium. Understanding these nuances is crucial for making an informed decision.
Book Recommendation
The book’s publisher, Penguin Random House, suggests that A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is appropriate for readers aged 14 and older. This recommendation is based on the book’s themes and content.
TV Show Rating
The TV adaptation of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder has a TV Parental Guidelines rating of TV-MA, suggesting it is designed for mature audiences aged 17 and older. However, Common Sense Media offers a different perspective, recommending the show for viewers aged 14 and up.
Still shot from A Good Girl
Alt text: Pip investigating a murder in A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, a book and TV series.
Navigating Divergent Ratings
When ratings differ, parents should exercise caution and consider the specific content. The presence of drug use, sexual assault, self-harm, and violence can be impactful for young viewers and readers. Parents may want to watch the show themselves or read the book before allowing their children to engage with the material. This will help them anticipate potential discussions or emotional responses.
Content Considerations for Parents
Beyond age ratings, understanding the specific content within A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is crucial for determining its appropriateness for your teen.
Language
The characters in A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder use language that reflects how teenagers communicate. This means that profanity is present in both the book and the TV series. It’s slightly more prevalent in the show.
Sex and Nudity
While nudity isn’t explicitly shown on screen, the series discusses it. The book includes a scenario where a teen is pressured into sending a nude photo. The story also explores teenage romance, limited to making out, with the book describing instances of groping. Underage sex is also a recurring theme.
Substance Use
Drugs and drug dealing play a significant role in both the book and the show. The series depicts ketamine use, and there are frequent references to underage drinking. The date-rape drug Rohypnol also appears as a key element in the plot.
Violence
Violence is a significant element of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder. This includes murder, discussions of suicide, self-harm, self-induced vomiting, rape, and sexual assault. The TV series shows some violence (such as a murder victim with a bloody head), but it often softens the more graphic details present in the book. The adaptation aims to be mindful of what viewers can handle visually compared to descriptions in print.
Positive Messages
Despite the mature themes, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder presents positive messages. Pip, the main character, is a strong role model who seeks justice for the wrongly accused. She demonstrates determination and a willingness to learn from her mistakes.
Final Thoughts
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder has achieved immense popularity as both a book and now a Netflix series. Parents should carefully evaluate the content and their child’s maturity level before deciding whether it’s a suitable choice. Tools like BrightCanary can help you monitor your child’s online activity, providing insights into their interests and potential exposure to concerning content related to the show on platforms like YouTube, Google, text messages, or social media. This allows parents to proactively address any potential red flags.
