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vintage_b 's review for:
As Good as Dead
by Holly Jackson
A Tense, Dark Conclusion Undone by Unrealistic Character Shifts & Stakes
Holly Jackson's finale to the "A Good Girl's Guide to Murder" trilogy, "As Good As Dead," offers undeniable page-turning intensity and a significant tonal shift into darker, psychological thriller territory. The core strength lies in Jackson's ability to craft suspense; the mounting dread that Pip experiences as she is stalked by the enigmatic "DT" is genuinely chilling. The novel delves into the profound, corrosive impact of Pip's past trauma and online notoriety, adding a compelling layer of depth and making the story feel like a necessary, albeit grim, evolution of her character arc. The pacing appears somewhat slow at the beginning and does not truly pick up until near the end. However, the novel's major flaws stem from its departure from believability, particularly concerning Pip's actions and their consequences—or lack thereof. While Pip's trauma is understandable, her sudden and complete isolation from Ravi, her family, Cara, and Connor feels jarringly unrealistic and narratively forced. After two books spent building deep bonds, especially her partnership and romance with Ravi, her refusal to confide in anyone about the terrifying stalking she endures strains credulity. This isolation feels less like a natural consequence of trauma, which was effectively shown earlier, and more like a plot device designed to corner Pip and force her into extreme, solo actions. It undermined the established strength of her relationships purely to serve the dark turn the plot demanded.
The central climax and resolution push the boundaries of suspension of disbelief to a breaking point. Pip's intricate plan, coupled with the fact that she ultimately faces no legal or lasting personal consequences for murder, feels deeply unrealistic and tonally inconsistent with the series' roots. While the book explores vigilantism and the failures of the system, Pip's ability to meticulously plan, cover up, and essentially "win" after committing murder stretches plausibility far beyond the "resourceful teen investigator" premise of the first book. The lack of meaningful fallout, beyond internal guilt, significantly diminishes the weight and impact of her actions, making the ending feel morally ambiguous in a way that undermines, rather than challenges, the reader.
Overall, "As Good As Dead" is a gripping, dark read with strong moments of suspense and a brave exploration of Pip's damaged psyche. Jackson isn't afraid to take her character to a bleak place. However, the unrealistic isolation of Pip from her vital support system and the jarringly consequence-free resolution to her extreme actions ultimately detracted from my enjoyment. The book delivers a tense, often shocking conclusion, but one that sacrifices character consistency and believable stakes for dramatic effect, making it a divisive and, for me, less satisfying end to an otherwise strong trilogy. It is worth reading for closure, but expectations regarding realism and Pip's choices should be managed.
Holly Jackson's finale to the "A Good Girl's Guide to Murder" trilogy, "As Good As Dead," offers undeniable page-turning intensity and a significant tonal shift into darker, psychological thriller territory. The core strength lies in Jackson's ability to craft suspense; the mounting dread that Pip experiences as she is stalked by the enigmatic "DT" is genuinely chilling. The novel delves into the profound, corrosive impact of Pip's past trauma and online notoriety, adding a compelling layer of depth and making the story feel like a necessary, albeit grim, evolution of her character arc. The pacing appears somewhat slow at the beginning and does not truly pick up until near the end. However, the novel's major flaws stem from its departure from believability, particularly concerning Pip's actions and their consequences—or lack thereof. While Pip's trauma is understandable, her sudden and complete isolation from Ravi, her family, Cara, and Connor feels jarringly unrealistic and narratively forced. After two books spent building deep bonds, especially her partnership and romance with Ravi, her refusal to confide in anyone about the terrifying stalking she endures strains credulity. This isolation feels less like a natural consequence of trauma, which was effectively shown earlier, and more like a plot device designed to corner Pip and force her into extreme, solo actions. It undermined the established strength of her relationships purely to serve the dark turn the plot demanded.
The central climax and resolution push the boundaries of suspension of disbelief to a breaking point.
Overall, "As Good As Dead" is a gripping, dark read with strong moments of suspense and a brave exploration of Pip's damaged psyche. Jackson isn't afraid to take her character to a bleak place. However, the unrealistic isolation of Pip from her vital support system and the jarringly consequence-free resolution to her extreme actions ultimately detracted from my enjoyment. The book delivers a tense, often shocking conclusion, but one that sacrifices character consistency and believable stakes for dramatic effect, making it a divisive and, for me, less satisfying end to an otherwise strong trilogy. It is worth reading for closure, but expectations regarding realism and Pip's choices should be managed.