Holly Jackson’s A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, a bestseller gracing the New York Times list for 77 weeks, has captured the attention of young adults. Now adapted into a Netflix series, the story plunges viewers into the world of 17-year-old Pip as she reopens a closed murder case from five years prior. Pip’s investigation unearths disturbing secrets, leading her into danger as someone wants those secrets to remain hidden. Parents considering the book or show are understandably concerned about A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder parent review and its suitability for their children. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you decide.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder Age Rating: Book vs. TV Show
Generally, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is recommended for ages 14 and up. However, its mature themes may make it more appropriate for older teens depending on individual maturity levels. Let’s break down the age ratings for the book and TV show separately.
Book Age Rating
The publisher, Penguin Random House, suggests A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is suitable for readers aged 14 and older.
TV Show Age Rating
The TV Parental Guidelines rating for A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is TV-MA, indicating content intended for mature audiences aged 17 and up. Common Sense Media, however, offers a more lenient rating of 14+.
A still from the A Good Girl's Guide to Murder TV series adaptation on Netflix, depicting the main character, Pip, deeply involved in her investigation, surrounded by case files and evidence, reflecting the show's focus on crime and mystery suitable for mature audiences.
Our Recommendation for Parents
The differing ratings should signal parents to proceed with caution. Content involving drug use, sexual assault, self-harm, and violence might be upsetting or prompt difficult questions for younger viewers. Consider watching the show alongside your teen or reading the book yourself beforehand to gauge its impact. This allows you to address any concerns proactively and engage in meaningful conversations.
Language: What to Expect
The characters in A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder use language reflective of their age group. Expect profanity in both the book and TV series, with potentially more prevalent usage in the TV show adaptation.
Sex and Nudity: What’s Depicted?
Although nudity isn’t explicitly shown, the series and book contain discussions about it. The book includes a storyline where a teen is coerced into sending a nude photo. While there is some teenage romance, it’s generally limited to making out, along with descriptions of groping within the book. Underage sex is also a recurring topic of conversation.
Substance Use: Drugs and Alcohol
Drugs and drug dealing play a significant role throughout both the book and show, including the on-screen depiction of ketamine use. Frequent underage drinking is present, and the date-rape drug Rohypnol is a plot device.
Violence: How Graphic Is It?
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder contains a considerable amount of violence, including murder, discussions of suicide, self-harm, self-induced vomiting, rape, and sexual assault. While the series shows some violence (like a murder victim with a bloodied head), many of the more graphic details described in the book are toned down for television.
Positive Messages: What It Teaches
Despite the heavy themes, the main character, Pip, embodies positive traits. She relentlessly pursues justice for a wrongly accused individual and demonstrates determination, a willingness to learn, and the ability to grow from her mistakes, serving as a strong role model.
Final Verdict on A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder Parent Review
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, in both book and TV series format, offers a compelling mystery. When deciding if it is suitable for your teen, consider the mature themes and your child’s individual maturity level. Previewing the material beforehand and having open conversations can help navigate any potentially challenging content.
