Holly Jackson’s debut novel, “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder,” offers a riveting and engrossing young adult mystery. 

The book follows Pippa Fitz-Amobi, a high school senior who takes on an ambitious capstone project investigating the murder of Andie Bell, a case that shook her small town five years earlier. Despite the accused, Sal Singh, supposedly having committed suicide after Andie’s disappearance, Pippa remains convinced of his innocence. 

As she delves deeper into the case, uncovering layers of secrets surrounding Andie, the town, and its inhabitants, she teams up with Sal’s younger brother, Ravi, and faces unexpected dangers and threats. The deeper she gets, the more evident it becomes that there’s more to the story than meets the eye, and her pursuit of truth puts her and her loved ones in jeopardy. The gripping investigation challenges Pippa’s determination as she strives to unravel the mystery and uncover the real killer, despite the risks involved.

Pippa Fitz-Amobi, the smart and determined protagonist, is a character that readers can instantly root for. Her intelligence and resourcefulness shine through as she delves deeper into the murder investigation. Pip’s determination to uncover the truth, even when faced with danger, makes her a relatable and admirable young adult protagonist.

The supporting characters in the book are equally well-developed and add depth to the story. From Sal Singh, the supposed murderer, to Andie Bell’s friends and family, each character brings their own unique perspective and motivations. Jackson masterfully weaves their stories together, keeping readers invested in every twist and turn.

While the characters themselves are well developed, the relationships could have used some more planning. Pip and Ravi’s relationship seems to move at an unrealistic pace, leaving readers wanting more. Also, some of the friendships could have been more explored. Pip’s main friend group consists of six people; however, Jackson mainly focuses on the relationship between Cara and Pip.

The main flaw of this book is the changes in perspective. While some chapters are in first person due to them being diary entries, the main storyline is told in third person. This can be confusing to the readers and lead to misunderstandings of the plot. The book would have been a lot stronger if it was told solely in first person.

Despite the switch in perspective, the mixed media format is a highlight of the book. This format isn’t your run-of-the-mill storytelling; it’s a vibrant tapestry of interviews, texts, emails, maps, planner pages, and more. The inclusion of various media forms elevates the reader’s experience, creating an immersive world that feels real and engaging, making you an active participant in piecing together the clues and solving the mystery right alongside Pip. You’re not just reading; you’re living the adventure with the characters.

Jackson writes a rollercoaster of unexpected plot twists that keep the brain working and the pages turning until late into the night. The story dives straight into the mystery, keeping readers engaged from the very first page. “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” is the perfect mix of emotions—thrilling, heartbreaking, exciting, and utterly addictive—a shining example of what a young adult mystery should be.

Despite being a young adult book, “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” doesn’t shy away from tackling serious and complex themes. Jackson handles these topics with grace and sensitivity, weaving them seamlessly into the narrative. Some of these topics include: racism, self-harm, suicide, bullying, eating disorders, rape, and drug abuse. These elements are woven into the novel, making them a part of the story without overshadowing the mystery. 

Jackson’s ability to keep readers engaged and invested in the story is on full display in the ending of “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder.” Every revelation and clue that Pippa uncovers throughout her investigation builds up to a shocking and unexpected conclusion. The intricate web of secrets and lies that she unravels leads to a climax that will leave readers speechless. The book’s conclusion is satisfying and unpredictable in the best way. Jackson skillfully ties up loose ends while leaving room for the next book in the series.

“A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” is a gem for fans of young adult mysteries. Jackson’s debut promises an engaging, thrilling, and thought-provoking adventure that leaves readers eager for the next installment with Pip.

The book is soon to be adapted into a BBC TV series starring Emma Myers as Pippa and Zain Iqbal as Ravi.