Are you searching for your next YA obsession? Look no further than the “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” series. Like many, I initially judged this book series by its seemingly simplistic title, anticipating a light, kiddish read. However, after thoroughly enjoying the “Truly Devious” series and craving more in the mystery genre, I decided to delve into Holly Jackson’s acclaimed trilogy – and I was immediately hooked.
Unraveling the Appeal: Inside the “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” Series
This captivating series currently spans three books, all centered around the compelling protagonist, Pippa Fitz-Amobi. Pip is not your average teenager; she’s a sharp, persistent high school student with an extraordinary knack for solving complex mysteries. Her relentless curiosity and strong moral compass draw her into a web of unsettling unsolved murders that disrupt the peace of her seemingly quiet town, Fairview. Having immersed myself in the first two books, I can confidently say this series delivers a thrilling and engaging experience.
A Deep Dive into “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder”
“The case is closed. Five years ago, schoolgirl Andie Bell was murdered by Sal Singh. The police know he did it. Everyone in town knows he did it. But having grown up in the same small town consumed by the murder, Pippa Fitz-Amobi isn’t so sure. When she chooses the case as the topic for her final year project, she starts to uncover secrets that someone in town desperately wants to stay hidden. And if the real killer is still out there, how far will they go to keep Pip from the truth?”
~ Synopsis from Goodreads
My Thoughts on the First Book
“A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” was a genuine surprise. It exceeded my expectations with its intricate mystery and well-developed characters. Imagine a modern Nancy Drew, but with a significantly more intense plot and without forced romantic subplots. The story grabs you from the outset: Pip chooses a local murder case for a school project – a somewhat convenient plot device, but it effectively launches the investigation.
The narrative method employed by Holly Jackson is brilliant. We follow Pip’s investigation through a dynamic mix of third-person narration, interview transcripts, diary entries, and email exchanges. This multimodal approach not only keeps the story vibrant but also enhances its realism, making you feel like you’re piecing together the clues alongside Pip. Her systematic approach, interviewing individuals and meticulously documenting her findings, is fascinating to witness. And let’s not forget Ravi Singh 🥺 🥰, Pip’s friend and eventual partner in investigation, who adds another layer of charm to the story.
While the climax felt slightly rushed and the killer’s motivations a tad unconvincing, the overall experience was incredibly enjoyable. Buddy-reading this book with my daughter amplified the fun, as we enthusiastically speculated about characters and potential motives.
“Good Girl, Bad Blood”: Stepping into Darker Territory
“Pip isn’t a detective anymore. With the help of Ravi Singh, she released a true-crime podcast about the murder case they solved together last year. The podcast has gone viral, yet Pip insists her investigating days are behind her. But she must break that promise when someone she knows goes missing. Jamie Reynolds disappeared on the very same night the town hosted a memorial for the sixth-year anniversary of the deaths of Andie Bell and Sal Singh. The police won’t do anything about it. And if they won’t look for Jamie, then Pip will, uncovering more of her town’s dark secrets along the way, and this time, everyone is listening. But will she find him before it’s too late?”
~ Synopsis from Goodreads
My Review of Book 2
“Good Girl, Bad Blood” takes a darker turn. Pip has become a local figure due to her viral true-crime podcast (a detail I personally loved, being a true crime podcast enthusiast myself). Her relationship with Ravi has blossomed into romance, and life seems to be settling into a comfortable rhythm.
However, this tranquility is shattered when Jamie Reynolds, the brother of a friend, vanishes. Despite her initial reluctance, Pip is drawn back into investigation. Jackson’s signature style is even more refined here. The mystery in “Good Girl, Bad Blood” is expertly crafted with twists that genuinely surprised me, building to an intense and gripping conclusion. The addictive nature of these books is undeniable, leading us to devour them in quick succession.
My daughter, who ventured ahead to the third book, “As Good as Dead,” warns that the series takes an even darker and, in her opinion, less believable turn. Unfortunately, she also shared spoilers, for which I may never fully forgive her! This spoiler revelation necessitates a pause before I tackle “As Good as Dead,” allowing some time to (hopefully) diminish the impact of those spoilers.
Have you journeyed into the world of “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder”? What are your thoughts on the series? And, if you’re a fellow mystery aficionado, what other YA mystery books would you recommend?
