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gir1dinner 's review for:
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder
by Holly Jackson
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book really feels Pretty Little Liars adjacent, and likely borrowed inspiration from that series.
The missing girl who is the subject of the book is undeniably inspired by Alison DiLaurentis, and there’s even an A type plot in this novel, with secret texts and threats from an unknown number. If you liked that series as a teen girl, you’ll probably like aspects of this book.
The main character, Pippa, is likeable, but this is definitely a plot-driven read, as Pippa herself doesn’t have too much intense development. As a character, I didn’t find her too relatable, because I don’t know much about her, but I’m sort of fine with that.
I would say this book is definitely geared toward teen girl readers which is likely why I loved parts of it and didn’t resonate with other parts of how it was written. I didn’t love the puns or dad joke-ness of it all, as it sort of pulls you out of a serious story.
I also could have done without the sub-plot that featured an element of romance. I suppose I prefer strong female leads untethered from male romantic interests. I also don’t think it did much for the story as a whole.
Overall, a good mystery, and the pacing was not too fast, but not too slow. That said, I’m undecided on if I liked it enough to read the sequel.
The main character, Pippa, is likeable, but this is definitely a plot-driven read, as Pippa herself doesn’t have too much intense development. As a character, I didn’t find her too relatable, because I don’t know much about her, but I’m sort of fine with that.
I would say this book is definitely geared toward teen girl readers which is likely why I loved parts of it and didn’t resonate with other parts of how it was written. I didn’t love the puns or dad joke-ness of it all, as it sort of pulls you out of a serious story.
I also could have done without the sub-plot that featured an element of romance. I suppose I prefer strong female leads untethered from male romantic interests. I also don’t think it did much for the story as a whole.
Overall, a good mystery, and the pacing was not too fast, but not too slow. That said, I’m undecided on if I liked it enough to read the sequel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Child abuse, Child death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Racism, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Suicide, Violence, Vomit, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Murder, Toxic friendship