A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson is a fast-paced thriller that kept me hooked from page one. With a closed case that still has loose ends, a trail of puzzling clues, and a clever main character who is willing to do some investigating of her own, this one has many of my favourite mystery elements. The multimedia format makes this story even more immersive, and it is the perfect read for fans of true crime.
Title: A Good Girl's Guide to MurderSeries: A Good Girl's Guide to Murder #1
Author: Holly Jackson
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: February 4, 2020
Rating:
Series Rating:
Everyone in Fairview knows the story.
Pretty and popular high school senior Andie Bell was murdered by her boyfriend, Sal Singh, who then killed himself. It was all anyone could talk about. And five years later, Pip sees how the tragedy still haunts her town.
But she can't shake the feeling that there was more to what happened that day. She knew Sal when she was a child, and he was always so kind to her. How could he possibly have been a killer?
Now a senior herself, Pip decides to reexamine the closed case for her final project, at first just to cast doubt on the original investigation. But soon she discovers a trail of dark secrets that might actually prove Sal innocent . . . and the line between past and present begins to blur. Someone in Fairview doesn't want Pip digging around for answers, and now her own life might be in danger.
This is the story of an investigation turned obsession, full of twists and turns and with an ending you'll never expect.
Review; A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
When Andie Bell disappeared five years ago, everyone in Pip’s small town was convinced that Sal Singh is the culprit. Even though the case was closed, Andie’s body has never been found. Years later, however, Pip is still not convinced that Sal is guilty. As part of her senior capstone project, she decides to do some investigating of her own to prove him innocent, hopefully convincing the police to reopen the case. As she conducts interviews and investigates alongside Sal’s brother, Pip realizes that the case is more complex than she originally thought–and someone in the town doesn’t want her to keep digging.
❀ Clever Main Character
I loved Pip’s character, and she has such a compelling voice, She is determined to prove Sal innocent and fight for justice, defying what everyone else thinks, and she is clever with the ways she gathers evidence and builds her case. Pip also isn’t afraid to ask questions and do some investigating of her own, and as her entire thought process solving the case is depicted through her project notes, her voice and personality really come to life.
❀ Immersive Format
One of my favourite parts about this book is its format. Alongside traditional narrative, we get to see transcripts from interviews, entries from Pip’s capstone projects, text messages, and other forms of documentation that bring more depth to the case. This makes the story feel immersive, and I loved the way the reader is invited to try and solve the case alongside Pip.
❀ A Twisty Thriller
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson is a twisty thriller that kept me guessing. I loved the clever main character, and the multimedia elements throughout the book drew me right into the story. This is the first instalment of a series of companion novels, and I can’t wait to see where Pip’s story goes next.
About Holly Jackson
'A Good Girl's Guide to Murder' is a YA Mystery Thriller and her debut novel. She lives in London and aside from reading and writing, she enjoys binge-playing video games and pointing out grammatical errors in street signs.
About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, novice New Yorker, & professional bibliophile.
I love a mixed media format! It can really help add so many little details to the story!
Me too! It makes for an interesting read. 🙂
We absolutely loved this series. We hope you enjoy books two and three.
I can’t wait to give them a try! 🙂
Great review, Olivia! I love it when a book has transcripts, text messages and so on. Never get that of that!
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Thanks, Stephanie! It is a great start to the series! 🙂
I need to try this one again. I had to return it to the library so I didn’t get far. My daughter has the paperback now, so I should read it. She loved it. Great review!
I hope that you love it, too! 🙂
This is one of my favorite series!
I am so happy that I am finally giving it a try! 🙂
thanks for your thoughts. sounds like one that is read in one sitting
It’s definitely a page turner! 🙂
I really enjoyed this book also especially because mystery is sooo outside of my comfort zone but I enjoyed it so much! Can’t wait to the read the rest of the series! So glad to hear you loved it too! 💛🌻
I am super excited for more as well! 🙂
I just finished A Good Girls Guide to Murder and loved it for all the same reasons you did! I’m around 20 pages into book 2 Good Girl Bad Blood and I’m loving it already. Also, Pip and Ravi are so cute!
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Ahhh! I am glad that you are enjoying the next one! 🙂
I read all of these this year and really enjoyed them. I liked the way she added her interviews, etc. to the book as well.
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Such a cool idea! 🙂
This is one that I really want to give a try. Glad to her it was really good!
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I have a feeling that you are going to love it, Lisa! 🙂
Great review I so have to read this one this fall season sounds good.
It is perfect for a fall tbr! 🙂
Sounds like a great read.
This sounds like a real page-turner!
It sure is! 🙂
The book sounds very intriguing. I love thriller/mysteries. Great cover!
ive been unsure if this is for me but i think i’ll give it a try!
thanks for your review. this sounds like a good book