I dove into Holly Jackson’s young adult mystery series with A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder a few years back. While it wasn’t groundbreaking, it definitely held my attention enough to finish the whole series. So, when I heard Netflix was releasing a six-part series based on A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder this summer, set in the UK, I knew I had to check it out.
Good Girl Guide Teen Case: Pippa Fitz-Amobi Investigates in Netflix's 'A Good Girl's Guide to Murder'
The central character, Pippa “Pip” Fitz-Amobi, perfectly embodies the “good girl” archetype mentioned in the title. However, Pip’s definition of “good” gets a serious twist when she decides to re-examine a closed murder case. The case revolves around the popular teenager Andie Bell (India Lillie Davies) and her boyfriend Salil Singh (Rahul Pattni), who was declared the killer. Pip, convinced of Sal’s innocence, starts pulling at threads that most “good girls” would leave well enough alone. Her investigation takes her down paths filled with underage drinking, drug-fueled parties, and even breaking and entering – all in the pursuit of truth. Pip’s connection to Sal, who was always kind to her when she was younger, fuels her determination to clear his name.
Initially, Pip’s best friend Cara (Asha Banks) is wary of reopening old wounds. Naomi (Yasmin Al-Khudhairi), Cara’s older sister and a close friend of Sal, becomes someone Cara wants Pip to avoid speaking to. Even Ravi (Zain Iqbal), Sal’s brother, is hesitant at first. But Ravi soon recognizes Pip’s genuine commitment, and they team up, forming an unlikely but effective investigative duo to solve this gripping teen case.
Pip’s naiveté is both a character trait and a source of strength. She’s academically smart but lacks real-world experience, which feels authentic for a teenager thrust into a complex murder investigation. This inexperience leads her to overlook dangers, a common trait among teenagers, adding to the suspense. If you’re familiar with Veronica Mars, another beloved teen detective, Pip is reminiscent of a younger, more innocent Veronica, just starting to learn the ropes. As Pip digs deeper into the Andie Bell case, she uncovers a web of hidden secrets and wrongdoings within her community. It becomes clear that solving one mystery can expose a Pandora’s Box of other issues, potentially bringing both solace and pain. Yet, Pip remains steadfast, driven by an unwavering commitment to uncover the truth, no matter the cost.
Interestingly, while the book offered more intricate details, I found myself enjoying the Netflix adaptation even more. It’s worth noting that there are both American and UK versions of the book. Having read the American version, and then watching the UK-based show, I found myself wishing I had experienced the UK version of the book first. If you’re planning to read the book before or after watching, the UK edition might be the way to go.
Finally, the series boasts an impressive soundtrack featuring artists like Lykke Li, Soap&Skin, Fever Ray, and Billie Eilish, adding another layer of atmosphere to this compelling teen mystery.
You can stream A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder on Netflix now.
