Holly Jackson’s “Good Girl, Bad Blood” successfully joins the rare league of sequels that manage to live up to the first book. 

The second installment in the “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” series picks up right where the first book leaves off. After unraveling the mystery of Andie Bell’s disappearance, Pippa Fitz-Amobi, or Pip, decides to retire her detective hat and solely focus on documenting trials through her successful true crime podcast, which she started with her now-boyfriend, Ravi Singh.

However, when her friend Connor seeks her help in locating his missing brother, Jamie, Pip is reluctantly drawn back into the world of investigations. Despite her attempts to involve the authorities, the police brush off Jamie’s disappearance as another routine vanishing act. Convinced that something more sinister is at play, Pip embarks on her own investigation, uncovering a labyrinth of secrets Jamie had been concealing. With each revelation, the stakes heighten, and Pip finds herself navigating a treacherous path, torn between loyalty to her friend and the risks associated with uncovering the truth.

Like the first book in the series, the best part of the book is its many formats. This story is told through a mixed media collage including interviews, texts, emails, maps, blog posts, comment sections, podcasts, and more. This format makes the book interesting and immersive, allowing readers to feel as if they are solving the mystery along with Pip.

What’s different about this book from the first is that Pip uses her podcast and fanbase to help gain leads for the mystery she is solving. This, along with the many uses of social media in the book, feels very realistic for a mystery taking place in the modern age. The characters use Tinder, Instagram, Reddit, and other platforms to aid in the uncovering of clues, something that real-life teens would do if in the same situation.

While the writing retains its exceptional quality, this installment doesn’t match the previous book’s intricate plot. The storyline doesn’t hold the same allure as its predecessor, yet it maintains a gripping and thrilling edge throughout. Every turn keeps readers guessing. However, the ending is a bit of a letdown. It feels somewhat like a cop-out ending, abrupt and forced.

One of the improvements in this sequel is the exploration of Pip’s relationships with her friends. In the previous book, this aspect felt somewhat neglected, but here, it takes center stage. Pip’s friend group is intricately explored, and all six of them are used as main characters in the story.

Additionally, this book delves further into the romance between Ravi and Pip, something that was kind of skimmed over in the last book. The scenes between them feel real and raw, highlighting the highs and lows of a high school relationship.

Because of all the new players, this book feels more character-driven, whereas the first book was very plot-driven. This works well because of the intricate writing style. Jackson skillfully crafts characters who come across as genuine and relatable. These characters make mistakes, say the wrong things, and choose bad decisions, something that may annoy readers but feels realistic for teenagers caught up in a mystery.

Though the external character development is expertly written, the highlight is Pip’s internal struggles and battle with emotions like rage, PTSD, and anxiety. Jackson’s portrayal of these emotions is poignant and realistic, adding depth to the character. Readers relate to the teenage angst and feel more connected to Pip as a character. Her rage is portrayed as a physical presence, pushing the plot forward in a realistic way.

“Good Girl, Bad Blood” may not surpass its predecessor in terms of plot, but it excels in character-driven storytelling and emotional depth. The podcast elements are a highlight, and the portrayal of Pip’s struggles is masterful. It’s an enjoyable read that continues to showcase Jackson’s talent in crafting thrilling mysteries.