Introduction
Are you a fan of crime and mystery novels? Do you enjoy solving puzzles and uncovering clues to solve a case? If yes, then “The Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” by Holly Jackson is the perfect book for you. This young adult novel follows a high school student as she attempts to solve a closed case, and it has been gaining popularity among readers since its publication. In this article, we will review the book and discuss its themes, characters, and writing style.
Overview of "The Good Girl's Guide to Murder"
“The Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” by Holly Jackson is a young adult novel published in 2019. The story is set in a small town in Connecticut and follows the protagonist, Pippa Fitz-Amobi, a high school student who is interested in solving cold cases. She chooses to investigate the disappearance of a local girl named Andie Bell, who was allegedly murdered by her boyfriend, Sal Singh, before he committed suicide. Pippa’s investigation leads her to question the official police report and uncover secrets that have been buried for years.
The Plot of "The Good Girl's Guide to Murder"
The story starts with Pippa choosing Andie’s case as her final year project in school. She starts digging into the case files and realizes that there are inconsistencies in the official police report. Pippa decides to take matters into her own hands and begins interviewing witnesses and suspects, including Sal’s family and Andie’s friends.
As she gets closer to the truth, Pippa faces several obstacles, including threats from Sal’s family and the police department’s unwillingness to reopen the case. However, with the help of her best friend, Ravi Singh, and a local journalist, Pippa uncovers evidence that proves Sal’s innocence and points to the real culprit.
The Main Characters
The book revolves around Pippa Fitz-Amobi, a bright and determined high school student who takes on the challenge of solving a cold case. She is a strong-willed and intelligent character who is not afraid to question authority and push boundaries to uncover the truth. Pippa is also a loyal friend and caring daughter, who is determined to bring justice to Andie’s family.
Ravi Singh, Pippa’s best friend, is another essential character in the book. Ravi is Sal’s younger brother and provides Pippa with insights into Sal’s personality and motives. He is supportive of Pippa’s investigation and helps her gather information.
Andie Bell, the victim, is a popular girl in school who disappeared without a trace. Her character is developed through interviews with her friends and family and flashbacks of her life. Andie’s character is not the central focus of the book, but her disappearance serves as the catalyst for Pippa’s investigation.
Writing Style and Themes
Holly Jackson’s writing style is engaging and immersive, with a perfect balance of suspense, humor, and teenage drama. The plot is well-paced and keeps the reader guessing until the very end. The characters are well-developed, and their interactions are realistic and relatable.
The book’s themes include the themes of justice, friendship, family, and the power of determination. The novel also addresses the issue of how society perceives victims and how media can influence public opinion. The book also touches on mental health issues, including anxiety and depression.
Our Verdict
“The Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” is a compelling and entertaining read that will keep you hooked until the end. Holly Jackson’s writing style is engaging, and the plot is well-crafted with enough twists and turns to keep readers guessing. The characters are well-developed, and the themes addressed in the book are relevant and thought-provoking.
Overall, we highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys crime and mystery novels, especially young adult readers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is “The Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” suitable for young adult readers?
A: Yes, the book is targeted towards young adult readers and is appropriate for readers aged 12 and up.
Q: Is “The Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” a standalone book?
A: Yes, the book is a standalone novel and does not have a sequel.
Q: Does the book have any trigger warnings?
A: Yes, the book contains themes of murder and suicide, which may be triggering for some readers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “The Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” by Holly Jackson is a thrilling and engaging novel that is perfect for young adult readers who enjoy crime and mystery novels. The book’s well-crafted plot, engaging characters, and thought-provoking themes make it a must-read for anyone looking for a good murder mystery. We hope this review has given you an insight into the book and helped you decide if it is the right read for you.