A Good Girl's Guide to Murder

Author: Holly Jackson

Genre: YA Mystery / Thriller

Sub-genre: True Crime / Cold Case Investigation / Mixed Media Thriller

Synopsis:

Pip is a high school senior who chooses a local murder case for her final-year project: the death of Andie Bell, who was allegedly killed by her boyfriend Sal Singh before he died by suicide.

But Pip isn’t convinced the case is as closed as everyone believes...

Having known Sal personally, she starts digging into the investigation herself, determined to uncover what really happened—and whether the truth was buried under assumptions from the start.

Review:

This is one of those thrillers that pulls you in immediately and doesn’t really let go until the final pages!

The mixed media format is a huge strength here. Interviews, transcripts, notes, and case files all come together to create something that feels very close to a real investigation. It gives the story a “true crime” energy that makes the entire experience more immersive, almost like you’re solving the case alongside Pip.

What makes the mystery so effective is how well the clues are layered. Nothing feels randomly placed—there’s a consistent sense that everything is connected, even when you don’t fully understand how yet. Looking back, the foreshadowing is very deliberate, which makes the eventual revelations more satisfying.

Pip works really well as a protagonist. She’s curious, determined, and willing to push past what people are comfortable sharing in order to get to the truth. Her perspective keeps the story grounded, even as the investigation becomes increasingly complicated.

The pacing is fast and very readable, especially once the investigation gains momentum. It has that “just one more chapter” structure that makes it hard to put down.

The only slight drawback is the ending, which feels a bit rushed compared to the careful buildup earlier in the book. The reveal is impactful, but it moves quickly compared to the slower, more detailed investigation that leads up to it.

Final Thoughts:

A tightly plotted, fast-paced YA thriller with strong mixed media execution and a compelling central mystery. It’s engaging, addictive, and clearly sets the stage for the rest of the series.

Rating:

★★★★★

Similar books:

✦ Good Girl, Bad Blood — Holly Jackson

✦ One of Us Is Lying — Karen M. McManus

✦ Truly Devious — Maureen Johnson