A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

*** My Review ***

Are you a fan of young adult mysteries? Then you won’t want to miss A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson. This thrilling novel follows a high school senior named Pippa Fitz-Amobi as she investigates a murder case that everyone else has given up on.

The story begins with Pippa’s senior capstone project, in which she decides to look into the disappearance of Andie Bell, a popular girl from her school who went missing five years earlier. The case was officially closed when Andie’s ex-boyfriend, Sal Singh, committed suicide and left a confession note admitting to her murder. But something about the case has always bothered Pippa, and she’s convinced that Sal was innocent.

As Pippa begins to dig deeper into the case, she uncovers a web of lies and secrets that leads her to question everything she thought she knew about Andie and the people in her small town. With the help of Ravi Singh, Sal’s younger brother, Pippa starts to unravel the truth behind Andie’s disappearance and the real reason Sal may have been framed.

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson is a book that surpasses expectations, even with the presence of some cliches. While some readers may be wary of a story that involves a high school senior playing detective, Jackson skillfully weaves together a complex and intriguing mystery that keeps readers guessing until the very end.
One of the things that sets this book apart from others in the young adult mystery genre is its pacing. From the very first chapter, the story moves quickly, with each new discovery leading to even more questions and tension. Jackson knows just when to ramp up the suspense and when to pull back, giving readers a chance to catch their breath before diving back into the investigation. This keeps the book from feeling too overwhelming or confusing, even as the stakes continue to rise.

And while the book does contain some cliches – such as the well-worn trope of a high school student uncovering a dark secret in their seemingly idyllic town – Jackson manages to put her own spin on things and keep the story feeling fresh. She also does an excellent job of exploring themes like the power of social media, the dangers of jumping to conclusions, and the importance of friendship and loyalty.

It must be admitted that one of the things that makes A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder such a gripping read is its format. The novel is presented as Pippa’s capstone project, so the story unfolds through a mix of Pippa’s own writing, interviews she conducts with various people in the town, and transcripts of police interviews from the original investigation. This gives the book a sense of immediacy and authenticity that draws you in from the very first page.

Another standout feature of this book is its characters. Pippa is a smart and determined protagonist who isn’t afraid to go against the grain, even when it means putting herself in danger. Ravi is an equally compelling character, with his own tragic backstory that adds depth to the story. And the various suspects and witnesses Pippa interviews all feel like real people, with their own quirks and motivations.

While some of them may initially seem like stock figures (the popular girl who goes missing, the ex-boyfriend with a troubled past), Jackson takes the time to flesh out each of them and make them feel like real people. This makes it all the more satisfying when the pieces of the puzzle start to fall into place and the reader is able to see how each character fits into the larger story.

But what really sets A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder apart from other mysteries is its exploration of themes like friendship, loyalty, and the power of social media. The novel takes place in a world where everyone is constantly connected and where rumors and gossip can spread like wildfire. Andie’s case becomes a media sensation, with people all over town weighing in on what might have happened to her. This creates a tense and sometimes dangerous atmosphere that Pippa has to navigate as she tries to get to the truth.

While A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is a highly entertaining and engaging read, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider. One of these is the book’s reliance on some familiar tropes and cliches. As I mentioned earlier, the story does involve a high school student uncovering a dark secret in their town, which may feel overly familiar to some readers. Additionally, some of the characters and plot twists may feel predictable or stereotypical.

Another potential negative aspect of the book is its focus on social media and technology. While this is certainly a timely and relevant topic, some readers may find the constant references to apps and online platforms to be distracting or even off-putting. Additionally, the use of social media in the book may not age well, as technology continues to evolve and change at a rapid pace.

Finally, some readers may find the book’s resolution to be a bit rushed or unsatisfying. While the story does build to a dramatic climax, the resolution may feel somewhat abrupt or too neatly tied up. Some readers may have preferred a more open-ended or ambiguous ending that left more room for interpretation.

Overall, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is an excellent young adult mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Holly Jackson has crafted a story that is both thrilling and emotionally resonant, with characters you’ll care about long after you finish reading. If you’re a fan of mysteries or just looking for a book that will keep you guessing, be sure to add A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder to your reading list. You won’t regret it!