I love a good mystery novel and when I saw the synopsis for Holly Jackson’s, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, I knew I had to get my hands on a copy. Little did I know that I was about to embark on an exhilarating journey of high school drama, intrigue, and oh yeah, murder.
The young adult novel centers around Pippa Fitz-Amobi, a high school student with a penchant for uncovering the truth. What starts as her high school capstone project becomes a relentless pursuit to uncover the real story behind the murder of Andie Bell by Sal Singh. Seemingly an innocent school project soon turns into an obsession as Pippa discovers the not-so-simple layers of this closed case. Pippa’s tenacity and her journey to unravel this increasingly complex case kept me hooked from start to finish.
It’s not just Pippa’s character that makes this novel shine. Holly Jackson’s writing style is another aspect of what makes this novel so great. Pippa Fitz-Amobi is an incarnation of the iconic Nancy Drew, blended with the tenacity and overachieving nature of Rory Gilmore from “Gilmore Girls”. Jackson portrays our heroine as a relentless investigator who is not without her flaws. Pippa is every bit the teenager one would expect her to be, making her all the more relatable and endearing.
Another one of the standout features of this novel is the way Holly Jackson weaves together various narrative elements. We are not only inside Pippa’s head but also treated to transcripts from Pippa’s investigation, excerpts from Pippa’s journal, and her tracking of suspects. This approach immerses readers in the investigative process, making us feel like active participants in uncovering the truth, which adds intrigue.
As the novel unfolds, Pippa joins forces and gains an unlikely co-conspirator, Ravi Singh (yes, Sal Singh’s brother), to untangle the intricate web surrounding Andie Bell, questions begin to swarm not only Pippa’s mind but also that of the reader. Holly Jackson had me constantly wondering why Sal killed Andie, or whether he even did it at all. Even more compelling were the moral questions raised: Did Andie Bell deserve to die? These thought-provoking elements add layers of complexity to the storyline, making it much more than your simple run-of-the-mill murder mystery.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is a truly edge-of-your-seat, captivating, and at times emotional experience. It’s a must-read for grown-up fans of Nancy Drew who crave a fresh take on the mystery genre. For those who enjoyed The Inheritance Games, this book is a must-read, and you will find yourself equally delighted. Holly Jackson’s storytelling and her ability to breathe life into the character of Pippa Fitz-Amobi make this book a standout. So, if you’re looking for a page-turner that will keep you guessing until the very end, don’t miss out on this literary gem.