Holly Jackson’s A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, a bestseller gracing the New York Times list for an impressive 77 weeks, has now been adapted into a Netflix series. This captivating story follows Pip, a sharp 17-year-old, as she reopens a closed murder case that haunted her town five years prior. Doubting the official narrative, Pip delves into the investigation, uncovering unsettling secrets. However, someone is determined to keep those secrets buried. As a parent, you might be wondering about “A Good Girls Guide To Murder Parent Guide,” its age rating, and whether its themes are suitable for your teen. This guide aims to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.
Decoding the Age Rating: Book vs. TV Series
It’s important to distinguish between the age recommendations for the book and the TV adaptation, as media types are rated differently.
The Book’s Recommendation
The publisher, Penguin Random House, suggests A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is appropriate for readers aged 14 and older. This considers the reading level and the maturity required to understand the themes explored.
The TV Show’s Rating
The TV series adaptation of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder carries a TV-MA rating, which signifies content intended for mature audiences aged 17 and older. However, Common Sense Media offers a more lenient rating of 14+, sparking parental debate.
Still shot from A Good Girl's Guide to Murder TV series showing the main character Pip looking determined, indicating the central theme of investigation and uncovering secrets
A Parent’s Perspective on the Age Rating
When ratings clash, it’s a signal for parental caution. The series and book tackle challenging subjects like drug use, sexual assault, self-harm, and violence. These topics can be emotionally triggering or confusing for younger viewers or readers. It’s wise to consider co-viewing or reading the book beforehand to assess its suitability for your child’s maturity level and emotional resilience. This proactive approach allows for open discussions and addresses any concerns that may arise.
Navigating Sensitive Content: What to Expect
Beyond the general age rating, understanding the specific content elements is vital for making an informed decision.
Language: Teen Talk
Expect realistic teenage dialogue in both the book and the TV series, which includes profanity. While present in both formats, the TV show tends to feature more frequent and intense language.
Sex and Nudity: Discussions and Depictions
Although the series avoids explicit nudity, there are discussions about it. The book contains a scene where a teen is pressured into sending a nude photo. While teenage romance is present, it generally involves making out, with the book containing some descriptions of groping. Underage sex is also a recurring topic of discussion, although not explicitly shown.
Substance Use: Drugs and Alcohol
Both the book and series depict drug use and dealing, including the use of ketamine on screen. Underage drinking is frequent, and the date-rape drug Rohypnol plays a role in the plot.
Violence: A Core Element
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder understandably contains significant violence. This includes murder, discussions of suicide, instances of self-harm and self-induced vomiting, rape, and sexual assault.
While the series shows some violence, like a murder victim with a bloodied head, it often tones down the graphic details described in the book. This adjustment acknowledges the different tolerances for violence in print versus visual media.
Positive Messages: Seeking Justice
Despite the mature themes, the story does present positive messages. The protagonist, Pip, is a strong role model driven by a desire to uncover the truth and seek justice for the wrongly accused. She embodies determination, a willingness to learn from mistakes, and personal growth.
Making the Right Choice: A Parental Conclusion
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is a popular book and Netflix series that tackles mature themes. As with all media, parents should carefully consider the content and their child’s individual temperament and maturity level when deciding if it’s appropriate. A “good girls guide to murder parent guide” like this one aims to equip you with the necessary information to make that decision confidently.
Consider using parental control tools like BrightCanary to monitor your child’s online activity. While BrightCanary doesn’t directly monitor Netflix, it can track related content searches on platforms like YouTube, Google, social media, and in text messages. This monitoring offers valuable insights into your child’s interests and helps you identify potential red flags, allowing you to proactively address any concerns.
