Summary
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson follows Pippa "Pip" Fitz-Amobi, a high school senior in Fairview, Connecticut, as she investigates a five-year-old murder case for her capstone project. Pip seeks to exonerate Salil "Sal" Singh, accused of killing his girlfriend, Andrea "Andie" Bell, before allegedly taking his own life. Sal's purported confession left his family under suspicion.
Despite advice to avoid those involved, Pip contacts Sal's brother, Ravi Singh. Initially reluctant, Ravi joins Pip in her investigation of Andie's disappearance and Sal's death. They uncover details of Andie's secret relationship with an older man and her drug dealings with peers.
Pip's investigation uncovers deceit in Fairview. Her history teacher, Mr. Ward, becomes a primary suspect due to his hidden relationship with Andie. To protect himself, Mr. Ward fabricates evidence pointing to Sal, creating a false suicide narrative. The investigation takes a new turn when Pip links the case to Becca, Andie's sister. Becca, in a confrontation with Andie, accidentally killed her and concealed her body. Becca's attempt to silence Pip nearly results in Pip's death, but Ravi intervenes just in time.
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder employs a multimedia narrative style. The book includes interview transcripts, journal entries, and production logs, mimicking a detective's case file. These elements allow the audience to piece together clues with the protagonist, Pip. First-person project logs blend with third-person narration, maintaining an immersive storytelling rhythm throughout the investigation.
Plot
Holly Jackson's A Good Girl's Guide to Murder is a young adult mystery novel. The story is set in Fairview, Connecticut, where 17-year-old Pippa "Pip" Fitz-Amobi re-investigates the murder of Andie Bell. Authorities initially blamed Sal Singh for the crime. Pip believes in Sal's innocence. She chooses the case as her school project to uncover the hidden details. The novel involves unforeseen developments and attracts high school and university students interested in mystery stories.
Themes
In A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, Holly Jackson examines themes of justice, ethics, and truth. Pippa Fitz-Amobi, the protagonist, investigates a cold case dismissed by her town. This shows the biases and skewed perceptions of justice in society. The story of Sal Singh exemplifies the impact of rumors and assumptions.
As Pippa nears the truth, she faces ethical questions about how far to pursue justice. The narrative delves into moral complexities and the conflict between exposing truths and ensuring privacy and safety. Jackson prompts an examination of the boundaries in truth-seeking.
The book also explores identity through Pippa’s transformation. As she uncovers truths about her community, she questions her identity and moral compass. Her journey challenges her resolve and examines societal structures related to justice and truth.
Characters
Pippa Fitz-Amobi: Known as Pip, the protagonist of A Good Girl's Guide to Murder. She is a high school senior focused on solving a local murder case involving the death of Andie Bell.
Ravi Singh: Sal Singh's brother who collaborates with Pip. He provides insight into the murder accusation's emotional impact on his family.
Andie Bell: The victim whose death is central to the plot. Her story initiates Pip's investigation as she seeks to uncover the truth.
Sal Singh: Initially suspected in Andie's murder. His alleged guilt and subsequent death prompt Pip to reassess the evidence against him.
Naomi Ward: Pip’s friend who contributes to the investigation. She offers perspectives that expand the narrative of Andie's murder.
Cara Ward: Naomi's sister who brings depth to the high school social dynamics and mystery within the story.
Mr. Ward: A history teacher with a secretive past. His involvement with Andie raises questions about trust and deception in the narrative.
Quick facts
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder is Holly Jackson's debut novel and the first in a YA mystery trilogy.
A six-part television adaptation premiered on BBC iPlayer on July 1, 2024, and on Netflix on August 1, 2024.
The book won the British Book Awards Children's Fiction Book of the Year in 2020.
The novel became a multimillion bestselling series, gaining immense popularity through BookTok and social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
The protagonist, Pippa Fitz-Amobi, investigates a five-year-old murder case for her high school senior capstone project.
The book uniquely engages readers through a mixed media format including interviews, project logs, messages, and reports.
Themes like racism, false accusations, family, community, and public perception are prominently addressed throughout the story.
Characters like Pip and Ravi, Sal Singh's brother, experience substantial character development and form the central investigation duo.
The climax reveals surprising culprits, including Mr. Ward and Becca, Andie Bell's sister, showcasing skillful storytelling and plot twists.
The audiobook version features a full-cast production, including phone calls and interview elements, enhancing the listening experience.
Though initially set in the UK, the book was adapted for the US audience with a different setting—Fairview, Connecticut.
Holly Jackson created the protagonist Pip's investigatory project inspired by a real-life school project of her sister, adding authenticity to the narrative.
TV adaptation
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson premiered as a six-part television series on BBC iPlayer on July 1, 2024. Emma Myers, known for her starring role in the comedy horror series Wednesday, plays Pippa Fitz-Amobi. Zain Iqbal is featured as Ravi Singh, her partner in investigating Andie Bell’s murder. The series, commissioned by BBC Three and written by Poppy Cogan, offers a contemporary version of Jackson’s story.
The series is set in the fictional British town of Little Kilton, aligning with the UK-published version of the book. In August 2024, the series became available on Netflix for international viewers. Emma Myers and Zain Iqbal have been recognized for effectively bringing the characters from Holly Jackson's book to life.
About the author
Holly Jackson, born in 1992 in Buckinghamshire, England, is a British author known for young adult mystery thrillers. Jackson completed her first novel at 15. She studied English at the University of Nottingham, earning a first-class degree and a master’s in creative writing and literary linguistics. Her debut novel, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, was released in 2019. It became a bestseller and led to a series of sequels. Jackson received the British Book Awards' Children's Book of the Year in 2020. She lives in London.
