But sometimes remembering isn’t for yourself, sometimes you do it just to make someone else smile.
Holly Jackson’s A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is a refreshing departure from the typical teen drama. This novel cleverly intertwines the genres of mystery, thriller, and coming-of-age, creating a compelling and thought-provoking read.
At the heart of the story is Pippa Fitz-Amboli, a bright and curious high school senior with a thing for true crime mysteries. When her senior project becomes an obsession with re-investigating the five-year-old murder case of the town’s golden girl, Andie Bell,murdered ,apparently by her boyfriend Sal Singh-Who committed “suicide” after confessing to the crime over a text. Sal Singh who Pippa always knew as a kind compassionate soul and never really saw him as a murderer.Choosing this case as a senior year project, Pippa along with Sal’s brother Ravi Singh, dives headfirst into a world of secrets, lies, and unexpected danger.
Jackson’s writing style is engaging and fast-paced, keeping readers hooked from the first page. The novel’s structure, incorporating transcripts, interviews, and evidence logs, adds an authentic and immersive feel to the investigation. Pippa’s character is both relatable and admirable, with her intelligence, determination, and unwavering pursuit of the truth making her a compelling protagonist.
“I’ve already learned my lesson here: when you catch someone lying about a murdered girl, you go ask them why.”
The mystery itself is well-crafted, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers guessing. Jackson skillfully builds suspense and creates a sense of unease as Pippa and Ravi delve deeper into the case. The novel also tackles important themes such as grief, guilt, and the impact of social media on reputation.
While the book does lean heavily on the true crime genre, it avoids becoming overly sensationalized.It is an equal balance of character development and the plot making it just the perfect blend of both without overwhelming the readers. It focuses more on the human element of the story, exploring the lives of the characters involved and the ripple effects of the murder on the characters closely linked to Sal and Andie Bell.
Ravi Singh, the older brother of the accused murderer, Sal, becomes an unexpected ally for Pippa Fitz-Amboli. And soon they became the dynamic duo with their compatibility and intelligence that seems to complement one another.Their partnership is one of the most compelling aspects of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder. Ravi, initially seen as a brooding and distant figure, emerges as a complex character with a deep-seated desire to clear his brother’s name.
Pippa, with her relentless curiosity and investigative spirit, finds a kindred spirit in Ravi. Their contrasting personalities create a dynamic and engaging duo. While Pippa is impulsive and often reckless, Ravi is cautious and methodical, providing a counterbalance to her enthusiasm.Their relationship evolves from mere acquaintances to trusted collaborators. Ravi nicknames Pip “Sarge” which I found very cute. I really admired how after everything that Pip had to do regarding the case and destroying the evidence in the final half of the book, Ravi still trusted her which shows how they both had developed a profound friendship and understanding in such a short amount of time.Overall, I would rate this book a 4.5 / 5..A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is a captivating and intelligent read that will appeal to fans of mystery, thriller, and young adult fiction. It’s a book that encourages critical thinking and questions the narratives we are presented with.There are 2 more books remaining in the series which I will review soon. They are said to clear the air of mystery surrounding some characters from the first book.
