The adaptation of “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” has sparked much discussion among fans. After eagerly awaiting its release and immediately binge-watching the series, here are my thoughts and feelings on the show compared to the book.
One of the most significant issues was the pacing. The first three episodes felt incredibly slow. It was difficult to connect with the characters or feel any real sense of urgency. While building tension for new characters can be challenging, the lack of connection for such a prolonged period was a detriment. A TV series needs to capture the audience’s attention more quickly.
A minor, yet appreciated, detail was the mention of the Duct Tape killer. This character becomes significant in the final book of the trilogy. Referencing him early on was a clever nod to the broader narrative for those familiar with the books.
The casting choices were interesting. Ravi, played by Zain Iqbal, captured the character’s awkwardness and charm perfectly. Emma Myers’ portrayal of Pip, while good, didn’t entirely align with my pre-conceived image of her from the book. Henry Ashton as Max Hastings was surprisingly charismatic, almost to a fault. Asha Banks embodied Cara well, and Jackson Bews’ Dan da Silva was less hate-able than his book counterpart, which was a surprise.
The chemistry between Pip and Ravi felt somewhat lacking. I struggled to feel the romantic connection between them, which was disappointing considering its importance in the books.
Plot-wise, the series largely follows the book’s storyline, though not always chronologically. Viewers unfamiliar with the source material might find some of the mystery’s resolutions a bit too convenient. However, beyond the initial slow start, the plotting was generally well-executed.
The ending mirrored the book’s twists and turns effectively, setting up a compelling conclusion. However, some unspoken elements from the book were omitted, which detracted slightly from the overall impact.
Overall, I would rate the series a 3.5 out of 5. It wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t exceptional either. Enjoying it requires setting aside expectations based on the book and focusing on the mystery itself. Don’t anticipate a strong romance, and instead, embrace the intrigue and suspense.
Where to Watch: Netflix
