If you’re looking for an engaging teen mystery series, then “The Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” by Holly Jackson is a must-read. This series had me eagerly turning the pages every time, with no dull moments. It’s remarkable to see how this series gained popularity, even though the first book was published in May 2019. This thrilling series revolves around Pip’s investigative escapades that evolve into obsessions.
The first book in this gripping series is “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder,” a mystery novel set in Fairview, Connecticut, following high schooler Pippa Fitz-Amobi. It all begins with the murder of a pretty and popular girl named Andie Bell by her boyfriend, Sal Singh, who later took his own life. The case didn’t sit well with Pip, leading her to reexamine it and uncover a trail of dark secrets. She becomes wholly committed to unveiling the truth behind this case, despite someone’s apparent reluctance to reveal the mysterious truth behind Andie Bell’s murder and her “killer’s” suicide. Pip has now turned this case into her obsession.
The second book in the series, “Good Girl Gone Bad,” starts with Pip giving up her detective work. However, she releases a true-crime podcast based on the murder of Andie and Sal’s suicide, with the help of Sal’s brother, Ravi. In an unexpected turn of events, someone she knows, named Jamie, goes missing, and when the police refuse to take action, Pip decides to return to her old investigative ways. Once again, she uncovers more dark secrets within her town, this time with her podcast guiding her. Will she uncover the truth in time to save Jamie?
In the final book of the series, “As Good as Dead,” Pip transitions from investigating others’ cases to her own situation as she heads to college. Due to her podcast, she’s accustomed to receiving online threats, but she can’t help but worry about the faceless person who keeps asking her, “Who will look for you when you’re the one who disappears?” She discovers a connection between her stalker and a local serial killer, but once again, the police refuse to take action. As the games continue between her and her stalker, she must uncover the truth unless she wants to end up as the title suggests, “As Good as Dead.”
This series is incredibly thrilling and shouldn’t be missed. Each book offers a complex mystery that keeps readers engaged with every chapter. If you have an interest in mystery novels, I highly recommend any of Holly Jackson’s books; they are sure to keep you entertained on every page.
