A Good Girl's Guide to Murder: Review

It's a sad thing to admit that when someone hears tell of a Young Adult novel, oftentimes their mind immediately flicks to unrealistic portrayals of teen romance, love-sick vampires or schoolboy pranksters. The mere mention that a book might be more suitable for a young person seems to ring all sorts of alarm bells. Yet Holly Jackson breaks all the stereotypes with her debut novel, A Good Girl's Guide to Murder.

The story follows Pip, a young A-grade student, as she undertakes a school project like no other: 5 years ago, Andie Bell went missing, presumed murdered. Everyone knows that Sal Singh did it, he even wrote his confession before taking his own life. But Pip cannot bring herself to believe this. Too many of the facts don't add up and she can't let a murderer continue to run loose in Little Kilton...

Jackson cleverly combines all the best parts of a heart-racing thriller without the need for gory details and profanity. Her book will keep you constantly on the edge of your seat without keeping you up at night. Even before the final reveal, mini climaxes pop up throughout to keep your brain working overtime trying to figure out where to point the finger. And although the light-hearted writing style is fairly typical of a YA novel, the plot is thick enough to satisfy even the most severe critic.

Holly Jackson

Photo: RCW Literary Agency

The mystery unfolds in two different styles: one real-time 3rd person narration and another through Pip's very own log book, where she documents evidence and jots down her ramblings and thoughts. Mixed media does have a tendency to clutter a book and interrupt the flow, but this one provides a great example of how transcripts, mind-maps and Facebook screen-shots can complement the action, rather than interrupt it. While the mixed-media element does seem a little bit neglected towards the end, it was a wonderful addition that gave the book a sort of real-world tension. The reader can't help but begin to construct their own imaginary "murder board" right alongside Pip.

Frequent splashes of humour give plenty of colour to the main characters, Pip and Ravi, in such a way that they are totally lovable and believable without being overdone. And although their final romance was slightly predictable, it was never forced on the reader. It was simply another element of the plot that progressed very naturally; a loose end that was satisfyingly tied up.

However, although most of the investigation remained fairly true to life for a 17-year-old girl, certain bits felt a little too staged. Most of the adult characters simply succumbed to Pip's questioning without a second thought, and it is moments such as this that the reader is forced to suspend their belief, rather than accepting it as truth like much of the rest of the story. But if you can overlook this, then the book will keep you hooked.

It is also certainly worth applauding Jackson's little nod to racial prejudice. While it is clear from the offset that we are dealing with characters of varying race, she raises the issue in a fairly realistic setting, exploring familial differences, a racist reporter and even the treatment of BAME crime. A nice, necessary addition.

Ultimately, this book proved a gripping read that would allow for a really nice access into (YA) crime/thriller, whether you are a young adult or not. The only risk is of you staying up too late into the night just trying to squeeze in one more chapter!

Author: Holly Jackson

Genre: YA Crime Thriller

Publisher: Electric Monkey

Publication date: 2019