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Title: A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder
Author: Holly Jackson Released: May 2019 Genre: Thriller, Young Adult, Mystery Pages: 400 |
Synopsis
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 tries to reexamine that 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.
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 tries to reexamine that 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.
The Mystery/Plot
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The novel delves into a lot of dark themes and important topics such as racial discrimination, unhealthy family relationships, drug use, and sexual assault, all of which are explained in an insightful and realistic way. It also has a really effective mystery. There is a very tangled web for the protagonist to unravel (hence the murder board). There’s a creeping sense of menace as the reader--along with Pip--begins to realize that anyone might have done it, and might target Pip next. It’s nerve racking. She is dead set on uncovering the truth, but as she gets closer, she is just as terrified of what might happen when she does.
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There are a solid amount of twists and turns. Though the ending does get a bit predictable near the climax, it didn’t stop me from appreciating the ride in its entirety. In fact, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book to the very end. This is mostly because many of the novel’s mystery “tropes” were handled really well. The story manages to be its own thing with a unique format and a memorable cast of characters while staying true to the standard YA genre. This is definitely a binge-able book that one could probably read in a single day. While it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it’s worth a read if you enjoy a compulsive, exciting mystery!
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Protagonist & Writing Style
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Alongside the main mystery, one of the most immersive parts of the novel is its format. Mixed in with a standard narration, we get to see transcripts from interviews, entries from Pip’s capstone projects, text messages, and all other forms of documentation that bring more depth to the case.
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This makes it feel as though you’re just as involved in solving the puzzle as Pip, while also making the whole endeavor seem more realistic (as we get deeper insight into her investigative process) and changing our perspective on those around her. Through Pip’s notes, her voice and personality really come to life. She’s not only a hard worker but possibly one of the most determined teenagers I’ve ever read about.
Besides her good grades and detective skills, Pippa is still portrayed as an everyday teenage girl, and I found this really appealing as a reader. Because if a regular teen can solve the mystery, it’s fun to imagine you can as well. Her intelligence and capability are showcased throughout the plot just as much as her personal conflicts. Pip is still in the midst of her own coming-of-age story as she learns new things about the people she thought she knew while making new connections along the way.
Besides her good grades and detective skills, Pippa is still portrayed as an everyday teenage girl, and I found this really appealing as a reader. Because if a regular teen can solve the mystery, it’s fun to imagine you can as well. Her intelligence and capability are showcased throughout the plot just as much as her personal conflicts. Pip is still in the midst of her own coming-of-age story as she learns new things about the people she thought she knew while making new connections along the way.
Cast & Development
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Again, Jackson’s writing style is amazing here! It really captures your attention and makes you feel for the characters, much like in her previous novels. Conflicts arise between different characters as the plot develops, and it was great seeing how each of them grew (or devolved) by the end. While romance wasn’t a major part of the story, it was heartwarming to see bits and pieces of the character’s relationship develop over time. Oftentimes, romance can take away from the main plot if executed poorly; however, it was handled really well here, as it didn’t feel out of place with the story’s theme of Pip’s journey into adulthood and personal development. The secondary characters were also very enjoyable to read. Each one’s story is well thought out and advances the plot in some way.
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There are Pip’s best friends, her parents, and all of the shady characters no one realized were residing in her town. They aren’t just there for the purpose of revealing the secrets behind Andie’s death either. During every interview and interaction, each has something they would rather keep to themselves, all of which are later revealed to have a larger significance in the murder than we’re led to believe. It was so interesting following along with Pip in learning these characters’ truths and piecing together the clues bit by bit. However, I would have liked for some of the characters (namely Pip’s friends) to get a bit more fleshing-out. Nonetheless, Ravi and Pip’s interactions were so fun and enjoyable, and Pip’s relationship with her family was especially sweet. What I didn’t expect though was how compelling Andie Bell’s story turned out to be, considering her life was so layered and continued to have an effect on nearly everyone she interacted with even after she was gone.
My rating
4.5/5
Overall, this was an incredibly fun, enthralling thriller/mystery! At first, it may be a bit slow-paced, but after the pieces start coming together, it doesn’t let up for a single moment.
Overall, this was an incredibly fun, enthralling thriller/mystery! At first, it may be a bit slow-paced, but after the pieces start coming together, it doesn’t let up for a single moment.
STEPHANIE MURILLO
