Holly Jackson’s A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder captivated readers, spending 77 weeks on the New York Times Best Seller list. Now adapted into a Netflix series, the story follows Pip, a 17-year-old, as she reopens a closed murder case from five years prior. Pip’s investigation leads her to uncover buried secrets, sparking concern within the town. Understanding the a good girl’s guide to murder parents guide is crucial for parents deciding if the book or show is suitable for their children.
Understanding the Age Rating
Generally, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is recommended for ages 14 and up. However, some parents might believe the mature themes are better suited for older teenagers. There are differences in ratings between the book and the TV series, which is important to consider.
Book Age Rating
The publisher recommends the book 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, suggesting it’s designed for mature audiences aged 17 and older. However, Common Sense Media suggests a 14+ rating for the show.
Still shot from A Good Girl's Guide to Murder TV series, featuring the main character Pip investigating a case.
A Balanced Perspective on Age Appropriateness
Discrepancies in ratings indicate parents should exercise caution. Topics such as drug use, sexual assault, self-harm, and violence may be upsetting or confusing for younger viewers. Consider watching the show alongside your child or reading the book beforehand to address any potential issues.
Language Considerations
The language used in A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder reflects how teenagers communicate, which means expect profanity in both the book and TV series. The TV show contains more frequent use of strong language than the book.
Sexual Content and Nudity
While nudity is discussed, it is not shown in the TV series. The book includes a scenario where a teen is pressured into sending a nude photo. The story includes teenage romance, mainly consisting of kissing, and the book mentions instances of groping. There are also frequent references to underage sex.
Substance Use Depiction
Drug use and dealing are present in both the book and series, including the depiction of ketamine use in the show. There are also instances of underage drinking, and the date-rape drug Rohypnol appears as a plot element.
Violence Levels
As the title suggests, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder features significant violence, including murder, discussions of suicide, self-harm, rape, and sexual assault.
The TV series shows some violence, such as a bloodied murder victim, but avoids depicting much of the more graphic violence described in the book. The show aims to be mindful of what viewers can handle compared to the written word.
Positive Aspects and Messages
Pip, the main character, exemplifies determination and growth. She seeks justice for a wrongly accused individual and serves as a strong role model.
Final Thoughts
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder has successfully transitioned from a popular book to a Netflix series. Parents should carefully consider the content and their child’s maturity when determining its appropriateness. Using a a good girl’s guide to murder parents guide, alongside understanding your child’s sensitivity, will help you make the right decision.
For parents concerned about their child’s online activity, monitoring tools can provide insights into their viewing habits and online interactions. These tools can help you identify potentially concerning content related to the show or other areas of interest.
