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robotic_bird 's review for:
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder
by Holly Jackson
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
I went into this book excited to find what everyone loved about it but I did not find a book I enjoyed. The writing was bland but easy to read. The mystery was well structured and fun to follow along but ultimately predictable and the characters were just okay but lacked any real depth or interesting traits. My main issue lies in the odd tone and character choices. The main character discovers all of her information by just asking people and they spill their secrets to her and as the story went along it became more and more absurd. It made the story feel almost comedic and just a story you didn't really need to think about which was fine until we started to learn more of what happened five years ago. Without spoilers it's heavy and I don't think the story handled thoses topics with the care they deserved. It resulted in the end leaving a bitter taste in my mouth, feeling like something got lost in the messaging.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Grief, Stalking, Sexual harassment
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Bullying, Child abuse, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Pedophilia, Racism, Rape, Sexual violence, Murder
Minor: Self harm, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship
Failed Sexual Assault attempt (on main charater on page),
Main character is being stalked,
Drugged Rape (not on page but largely mentioned and Rapist character/s on page)
Corrupt cops/law enforcement,
Emotionally abusive parent figure including fatshaming.(described detailed secondhand), Family pet killed (off page, but mentioned), nude photo of teen girl leaked as bulling, Adult/minor relationship (Adult character on page), Victim blaming (pedophilia and Rape) note: While I don't think it was the intention, the story could be easily interpreted as victim blaming from a narrative level.