Genre: YA Mystery / Thriller
Author: Holly Jackson
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Perfect for: Fans of One of Us Is Lying, true crime podcasts, and twisty thrillers.
What It’s About:
Five years ago, high school student Andie Bell was murdered by her boyfriend, Sal Singh… or so the town of Fairview believes. The case is closed, the story told. But Pip Fitz-Amobi, a straight-A student with a curious mind and a strong sense of justice, isn’t so sure. For her senior project, she chooses to investigate the case — and what starts as a school assignment quickly turns into something far darker and more dangerous.
What I Loved:
- Pip is a fantastic protagonist. She’s sharp, determined, and unafraid to challenge the status quo. You root for her from page one.
- The format is unique and engaging. The story is told through a mix of traditional narrative, interview transcripts, project logs, and case notes — giving it that true-crime podcast feel.
- It’s full of twists. Just when you think you know what happened to Andie, Jackson throws in another clue that flips everything upside down.
- Themes of justice, privilege, and truth. The book goes beyond a simple whodunit. It explores how race, reputation, and power affect the justice system — even in small-town America.
A Heads Up:
This isn’t just a fun mystery — it dives into some heavy topics, including murder, drug use, abuse, and mental health. It handles them respectfully, but it’s good to know going in.
Final Thoughts:
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is more than just a YA thriller — it’s a smart, suspenseful, and socially aware story that keeps you guessing until the very end. Holly Jackson does a brilliant job weaving together clues, red herrings, and real-world issues into a gripping narrative.
Whether you’re a teen reader or just someone who loves a good mystery, this one’s worth your time.
Have you read A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder? Drop your thoughts in the comments — let’s discuss all those plot twists
