Review by evie_reads_books - A Good Girl's Guide to Murder

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evie_reads_books 's review for:

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

5.0

dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

The further you read, the more gripping it gets — until the plot becomes absolutely wild and mind-blowing. Wow. Just wow. I had a feeling I would love this book even before reading it, and it absolutely delivered.

This story really surprised me in the best way. Compared to other YA thrillers, this one has a depth that I often find missing. Holly Jackson does not skimp on the details. You get pulled in right from the start. I usually read the first chapter to decide if I’ll continue — this time, I was hooked after just one and a half pages.

A good mystery needs a strong main character you care about, and Pip is exactly that. Her development is detailed and realistic. Jackson makes sure we understand Pip’s private life, her relationships, and her motivations, without ever slowing down the pace of the thriller.

The plot itself is masterfully layered, with twists and turns that genuinely shocked me. I loved how Pip fearlessly pursued the truth — her determination for justice was inspiring.

What I appreciated most was how the author naturally weaved in social issues — racism, privilege, sexism, and abuse — in a way that added depth without overshadowing the mystery. Pip’s awareness of her own privilege, despite having grown up with a Nigerian stepfather, was handled thoughtfully.

This book is absolutely phenomenal, and it deserves all the hype. I can’t wait for the adaptation to hit the screen!

Content Warnings