A Good Girl's Guide to Murder Series

6/5 ★

This book was as good as everyone hypes it up to be. Now one of my favourites, the book includes an intriguing plot that not only revolves around the murder (that wasn't a mystery) but also around each character and their background stories. We join the main character in solving a case we didn't know had to be solved; after all, we know who did it, don't we? The writing is easy to follow and always interesting because Holly Jackson gives us all the evidence and notes that the main character uses so that if we wanted to we could try and solve the mystery ourselves. Personally, I was too enthralled in actually reading to try and figure out the mystery myself but it's worth it to give it a go. Although we don't get to see much of Ravi and Pip's relationship arc grow at the end, their strong sense of partnership throughout the book helped them uncover the truth. This book had everything from drama, suspense, thriller, mystery, and even some romance to keep the book unserious. And while most authors push me away when their books are set in the recent past, Jackson impressed me and made me forget when this was set. The book is also extremely realistic and the teenagers didn't feel out of place like they usually do when adult authors try to write relatable younger characters. I think Jackson did a great job with every aspect of this book including character-building, plot levels, and keeping the reader engaged. I can't wait to see what she has in store for us in the next books of the series!

Recommendation

You must have already heard this, but you HAVE to read A Good Girl's Guide to Murder. It's too good a book to pass up and I don't think anybody would hate reading it. Usually I don't read realistic fiction or mystery for that matter but this book changed that and I am glad. I just want to say the detail that went into this book is admirable and for that reason alone (even though there are a myriad of other reasons) you should read this book. I promise you won't be disappointed.

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder

5/5 ★

Amazing. Genuinely incredibly exciting and as captivating, if not more, as the first book. Holly Jackson did it again by twisting a complicated mystery that at first glance seems surface level, but as Pip digs deeper she realizes this is bigger than she thought. We are introduced to more characters that build a supportive relationship with Pip and although taking place in the same town, this mystery has a different vibe. This book really portrays Pip's tug-of-war between helping others by using her detective skills and keeping those she loves safe. Jackson successfully incorporated the unfortunate but realistic trials of life that test our patience and make us question the justice system we have believed all our lives and seeing it through Pip's eyes only makes the emotions more intense. Wasn't disappointed at all, the same air of elegance, intrigue and ease of reading was integrated into this book as was in the last. Usually second or fourth books in a series are majority fluff, but this book had substantial content that was interesting and kept the flow of the overall story going. No bad comments, only good vibes!

Recommendation

Some people have expressed their view that this book wasn't necessary and they weren't overjoyed reading it however I'm still happy that I read it and I think you will be too. Same concepts of the first book but it never bored me and I haven't heard of anybody hating it so we're considering that a win. Please please please read this book, I promise it's good enough that you won't waste your time.

Good Girl, Bad Blood

5/5 ★

This book was sooooo worth it. Everyone who reads it idolizes it and puts in on a pedestal (rightly so) because it exceeded expectations and caught us by surprise at every turn. I don't want to spoil anything seeing as the entire book is one huge plot twist, but I am confident in saying this was a good book. A great book. Throughout the book we get glimpses of Pip deciding who she is versus who she wants to be, and the struggles that come with her trying to change herself. The book is a journey of self-doubt, with thrilling curve balls and heart-dropping moments along the way. I loved the overall book and how everything, especially from the beginning, came together in the end because it portrayed a sense of finality, but sometimes Pip's PTSD and trauma were a little much. Maybe it was because I can't relate, maybe it was because it was somewhat overdramatized, or maybe it was because it was brought up on every page but it dampened the experience of the book and allowed me to hesitate in reading it. I feel like this book was so hit or miss was because it contained so much more than the stereotypical murder mystery plot. There were personal issues, struggles with morality, and trouble facing other characters with the truth of the situation. Personally, this book was enjoyable, heart racing, and chilling to the bone.

Recommendation

I definitely think reading this would help you experience closure for the series and end it on a hopeful and sweet note, but I do understand depth and direction of the book may warrant uncertainty. I feel there should have been trigger warnings for some of the topics like murder, kidnapping, SA, and the general intensity of the tone throughout the book. I still think it was worth reading, but make sure you want to go through that if you choose to read the book.

As Good As Dead