The A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder series by Holly Jackson captivated readers with its intricate mysteries and compelling characters. However, the series ending in As Good as Dead proved to be divisive, leaving many fans with mixed feelings. This article delves into the plot, characters, narrative style, and overall impact of the conclusion, examining why it sparked such a strong reaction.
Plot Twist or Plot Hole?
As Good as Dead sees Pip, on the cusp of starting college, facing a terrifying ordeal: she’s being stalked by a serial killer. The initial plot focuses on her desperate attempt to unmask her tormentor before becoming their next victim. However, the narrative takes a sharp turn after Pip identifies and confronts her stalker, Jason Bell. This is where the controversy begins, as the story transitions from a thrilling mystery to a dark exploration of morality and its consequences.
Character Decimation? The Transformation of Pip
Throughout the series, Pip is portrayed as an intelligent and determined young woman. She strives to do good, yet hints of a darker side emerge as she delves deeper into the murky world of crime. As Good as Dead takes this transformation to an extreme. While Pip grapples with trauma and PTSD, her actions in the second half of the book alienate many readers. The identity of the serial killer is Jason Bell who, from the first novel, has been noted as an abusive husband and father and overall terrible human being. Many readers quickly figured out who the killer was due to the lack of a wider cast of possible suspects.
The moral compass of Pip is severely tested when she makes the shocking decision to murder Jason Bell and subsequently attempts to cover it up, framing Max Hastings for the crime. This drastic shift in character is a major point of contention. Instead of exploring self-defense or the immediate aftermath of a panicked act, Jackson chooses to depict Pip’s calculated decision, which many found irredeemable.
Narrative Style: A Descent into Darkness
The novel maintains Pip’s third-person perspective, creating an intimate, albeit disturbing, connection to her thoughts and emotions. The mixed media elements, which were a highlight of the previous books, diminish in the latter half. The story essentially splits into two distinct parts: the stalker mystery and the cover-up following Jason Bell’s murder.
While the first half maintains the suspense and intrigue that defined the series, the second half loses momentum for many readers. The moral ambiguity of Pip’s actions overshadows the mystery, transforming her from a protagonist to an anti-hero.
Unraveling the Ending
The ending further complicates matters. Pip, fearing she’s still under suspicion, isolates herself from her loved ones, including Ravi. This decision, intended to protect them, is perceived by some as illogical. Wouldn’t such abrupt isolation be considered suspicious behavior?
The decision to have Pip commit murder was, in the opinion of many, a misguided attempt to create a dramatic finale. It ultimately backfired, tarnishing the character’s image and leaving a bitter taste for many readers. Some believe that the series now reads more like a villain origin story than a satisfying conclusion.
Final Verdict
The A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder series ending is undeniably controversial. While some readers might appreciate the exploration of morally grey characters and the descent into darkness, many find Pip’s actions unforgivable and the ending unsatisfying. The series is still recommended by some but with major disclaimers about the ending.
