Aggie Blue Books: A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder

For anyone interested in true crime, journalism, podcasting and/or thrillers, “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” by Holly Jackson might be the perfect book. The first time I read it in the summer of 2022, I didn’t know anything about it. I bought it on a whim after reading the blurb inside the book jacket and was quickly hooked. “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” is a gripping, cleverly constructed YA thriller that pulls readers into a tangled web of secrets, lies and unexpected twists. The novel is not just a typical mystery. It’s a layered story that explores the complexities of truth, justice and the consequences of our actions.

The story follows Pippa Fitz-Amobi, a high school senior with a hungry mind and a strong sense of justice. For her senior project, she chooses to investigate an old murder case in her small hometown — the murder of Andie Bell, a popular high school girl — and the subsequent suicide of her boyfriend Sal Singh, who was accused of the crime. The case is closed, but Pippa isn’t convinced of the conclusion everyone in town has come to. She believes there’s more to the story, and as she digs deeper, she uncovers secrets that many people would rather keep buried.

Jackson’s narrative style is one of the book’s standout features. The story is broken up by Pip’s interview transcripts, production logs and diary entries as she works on her project. This creative approach allows readers to piece together clues alongside Pip, keeping the pacing brisk and the suspense high throughout the novel.

Pip is a likable and compelling protagonist. She’s intelligent, unafraid to challenge the status quo and driven by a strong sense of justice. Her self-preservation skills are somewhat lacking, which drove me crazy at times but ultimately adds depth to her character. Throughout the novel, Pip’s relationships with those around her grow and shift.

The mystery at the heart of the novel is intriguing and well-paced. Jackson gives the reader red herrings and unexpected twists that kept me guessing. The more information Pip uncovers, the longer the list of suspects grows. The stakes are high, not just because of the potential danger Pip faces, but also because of the emotional weight in play. The novel deals with themes of grief, guilt and the impact of tragedy on a community, which makes the stakes feel even higher.

The book certainly isn’t without its flaws. Some of the secondary characters could have been more fully developed, and there are moments when the plot feels contrived. While the ending is satisfying and ties up most loose ends, it is a YA novel and may feel a bit rushed for some readers.

“A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” is an impressive debut from Holly Jackson. It’s a fast-paced, engaging read that will appeal to fans of mystery genres and YA fiction. The novel is both a compelling whodunit and a thoughtful exploration of the darker side of small-town life. If you’re looking for a satisfying mystery to devour, this is the book for you.