“A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” by Holly Jackson is a captivating young adult mystery novel that keeps readers guessing until the very end. The story follows Pip Fitz-Amobi as she investigates a closed case: the alleged murder of Andie Bell by her boyfriend, Sal Singh, who then supposedly committed suicide. But who really was the murderer in A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder? Let’s delve into the intricate plot and uncover the truth.
The Initial Suspects and Red Herrings
Initially, all evidence pointed towards Sal Singh as Andie Bell’s murderer. The police closed the case, and the town accepted this narrative. However, Pip wasn’t convinced. She started her investigation, uncovering a web of secrets and lies that surrounded Andie and Sal.
As Pip dug deeper, she encountered several potential suspects, each with their own motives and secrets. These included:
- Max Hastings: A classmate known for drugging girls. Andie was selling him Rohypnol.
- Mr. Ward: A teacher who had an inappropriate relationship with Andie.
- Becca Bell: Andie’s sister, who seemed to know more than she let on.
Unmasking the True Killers
The shocking truth is that there were actually two murderers in “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder.”
- Becca Bell accidentally killed Andie. Andie’s drug dealing was funding Max Hastings’s actions. When Becca confronted Andie about selling drugs that facilitated Max’s crimes, an argument ensued, and Becca accidentally caused Andie to choke and die. Panicked, Becca hid Andie’s body in the septic tank of an abandoned farmhouse.
- Mr. Ward murdered Sal Singh. Believing Sal had killed Andie, Mr. Ward took justice into his own hands and murdered Sal, framing him for Andie’s disappearance.
Why This Twist Works
The brilliance of Holly Jackson’s novel lies in its masterful misdirection. By presenting Sal as the obvious suspect, she lulled the reader into a false sense of security. The gradual reveal of Andie’s complex life and the involvement of multiple individuals kept the suspense high and made the ultimate reveal all the more impactful.
A Look at the Sequels: Good Girl, Bad Blood & As Good As Dead
The series continues with “Good Girl, Bad Blood” and “As Good As Dead,” each presenting new mysteries and challenges for Pip. While the first book focuses on Andie Bell’s murder, the sequels explore different themes and cases.
In “Good Girl, Bad Blood,” Pip investigates the disappearance of Jamie Reynolds, uncovering a dark secret involving a serial killer’s son.
“As Good As Dead” sees Pip dealing with a stalker and confronting the possibility that an innocent man was wrongly convicted of murder. This installment takes a darker turn as Pip makes some questionable decisions and ultimately commits murder herself.
Final Thoughts
“A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” is a thrilling and well-crafted mystery that explores themes of justice, secrets, and the complexities of human nature. The revelation of Becca Bell and Mr. Ward as the true murderers is a testament to Holly Jackson’s skill in creating suspense and delivering unexpected twists. While the sequels offer compelling stories of their own, the first book remains a standout in the series for its intricate plot and satisfying resolution, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.
