A Good Girl's Guide to Murder: TikTok made me buy it! The first book in the bestselling thriller trilogy, now a major TV series starring Emma Myers from Netflix’ Wednesday (Book 1) Paperback – January 1, 2019

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is a gripping YA mystery novel that combines investigative journalism with thrilling suspense. Holly Jackson crafts a cleverly plotted story following Pippa "Pip" Fitz-Amobi, a determined high school student who takes on a five-year-old murder case for her senior project. What begins as an academic assignment quickly spirals into something much darker, as Pip uncovers secrets the town of Fairview would rather keep buried. Jackson’s novel stands out for its compelling protagonist, layered mystery, and unique narrative style, which blends traditional storytelling with mixed media elements like interview transcripts, case notes, and maps.Five years ago, high school senior Andie Bell went missing and was presumed murdered by her boyfriend, Sal Singh, who later died by suicide. The case was closed, but Pip isn’t convinced Sal was guilty. She decides to re-investigate, interviewing key witnesses, analyzing evidence, and piecing together new leads. As she digs deeper, she discovers inconsistencies in the official case and realizes that someone in Fairview may be willing to kill again to keep the truth hidden. The novel’s pacing is tight, with each new discovery raising the stakes. The tension builds gradually, keeping readers engaged until the shocking final revelation,Pippa "Pip" Fitz-Amobi – Pip is an intelligent, determined, and slightly obsessive protagonist. Unlike many YA heroines, she isn’t motivated by personal trauma but by a deep sense of justice. Her methodical approach to solving the mystery—combined with her occasional recklessness—makes her a believable and compelling character.Ravi Singh – Sal’s younger brother, Ravi, is one of the novel’s most well-written characters. He has lived under the shadow of his brother’s alleged crime for years and is deeply invested in Pip’s investigation. His friendship (and eventual romance) with Pip adds warmth to the story while reinforcing the theme of seeking justice.Andie Bell – Though she is absent from the story, Andie remains a central figure in the mystery. As Pip unravels her past, she learns Andie wasn’t the perfect victim the town made her out to be.Supporting Cast – Jackson creates a cast of suspects, each with their own secrets and motivations. From Andie’s controlling parents to her manipulative friends, every character feels real and complex.The story takes place in the seemingly quiet town of Fairview, where everyone knows each other’s business—or so they think. The contrast between Fairview’s picturesque suburban setting and the darkness lurking beneath the surface heightens the novel’s tension. A unique aspect of the novel is the way it unfolds like a real investigation. Readers follow Pip’s research, case notes, and interviews, making them feel like detectives alongside her.Jackson integrates transcripts, maps, text messages, and Pip’s notes into the narrative, making the mystery feel immersive and dynamic. The writing is crisp and engaging, with short chapters that end in cliffhangers, making it nearly impossible to put down. Jackson balances humor, realism, and tension, making Pip feel like a relatable teenager while keeping the story dark and suspenseful. The novel keeps readers guessing, with red herrings and unexpected twists. While the story explores serious themes like murder, false accusations, and abuse, it avoids being overwhelmingly grim by incorporating moments of warmth and humor. The book raises important questions about media bias, privilege, and the consequences of rushed justice.One of the novel’s central themes is the pursuit of justice and how the legal system can sometimes fail. The case of Andie Bell was closed too quickly, with Sal Singh being labeled guilty despite a lack of concrete evidence. Pip’s investigation highlights how biases, media influence, and rushed conclusions can lead to miscarriages of justice. Example: The town of Fairview accepted Sal’s guilt without question, showing how quickly society can turn on someone based on incomplete evidence. The book explores how the media shapes public opinion. Sal Singh was vilified in the press, with no room for doubt or counterarguments. The novel critiques how stories can be manipulated and how public perception often disregards the full truth. Example: Sal’s reputation was destroyed due to sensationalized news stories, and his family was ostracized, even though the case lacked conclusive proof.Throughout the book, Pip uncovers the difference between what people believe to be true and what is actually true. Many characters in Fairview are quick to assume things without seeking proof, leading to lasting consequences. Example: Pip’s refusal to take the original case findings at face value allows her to uncover the truth, proving that critical thinking is crucial in uncovering hidden realities. The novel questions the morality of actions taken to protect oneself or others. Many characters have secrets, and their attempts to cover them up lead to tragic outcomes. The story highlights how hiding the truth can have devastating effects. Example: As Pip digs deeper, she learns that many of the people connected to Andie’s case were hiding key information that, if revealed earlier, could have changed everything.Strengths✔ A Smart & Determined Protagonist – Pip is resourceful, brave, and refreshingly logical in her approach to solving the mystery.✔ Engaging Mystery with Surprising Twists – The book keeps readers guessing, with well-placed clues and shocking revelations.✔ Strong Supporting Cast – Ravi’s dynamic with Pip, along with the layered suspects, adds emotional depth.✔ Unique Format – The inclusion of interview transcripts and case notes makes the reading experience immersive.✔ Fast-Paced & Addictive – The short chapters and compelling narrative structure make this a page-turner.A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is an expertly crafted YA mystery that blends investigative journalism with a thrilling whodunit. Holly Jackson creates a compelling protagonist in Pip, who is as clever as she is courageous. With its gripping plot, immersive format, and well-developed characters, this book is a must-read for fans of mystery, true crime, and thrillers.

I read this book so I could watch the show on Netflix. I felt like the book was slow in the beginning, but eventually picked up and was very enjoyable. I listened to about half the book and the audiobook was narrated really well. I likely will read the rest of the books in the series at a later time!

One of the best books i have ever read!!

Good book! Hard to put down!

4.25 I really enjoyed this. I can completely see why it was turned into a TV show. The writing was so well done, you're immediately invested in the story. Pip's logs made me feel a part of the investigation. Raviis my favorite. Despite all his family went through he still had this calming nature to him. The only real issue is if my 17-year-old daughter was out investigating like Pip I would have had a fit.

Pip needs to complete a Senior project before her high school graduation. She decides to explore the disappearance of a young girl and the apparent suicide of the boyfriend, Sal. Because Pip knew Sal as a kind, soft spoken, genuinely warm hearted person, she couldn’t believe that he was actually guilty of the crime that the whole town believes he did. Pip sets out to find out what really happened, but it might mean disaster for Pip. Great story line, believable, twisty. I liked it!!Andu’s sister Becca killed her cux Andi was a manipulator and psycho. Andi was having sex with Mr Eliot a teacher and tried to blackmail him. He thot he killed her but she was still alive, hence Becca killing her, Mr Eliot mistakenly kidnaps a challenged girl he thinks is Andy but she’s not.

This was a deeply complex story with many difficult hard hitting topics. Yet the author traversed them each gracefully. Masterfully weaved with subtle nuance it is absolutely a must read!

It’s a good book def recommend