Review: A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

Author: Holly Jackson
Publisher: Delacourte Press
Publication Date: February 2020

Everyone in Fairview knows the story.

Pretty and popular high school senior Andie Bell was murdered by her boyfriend, Sal Singh, who then killed himself. It was all anyone could talk about. And five years later, Pip sees how the tragedy still haunts her town.

But she can't shake the feeling that there was more to what happened that day. She knew Sal when she was a child, and he was always so kind to her. How could he possibly have been a killer?

Now a senior herself, Pip decides to reexamine the closed case for her final project, at first just to cast doubt on the original investigation. But soon she discovers a trail of dark secrets that might actually prove Sal innocent . . . and the line between past and present begins to blur. Someone in Fairview doesn't want Pip digging around for answers, and now her own life might be in danger.

This is the story of an investigation turned obsession, full of twists and turns and with an ending you'll never expect.

I am always on the hunt for a great mystery with surprise after surprise.  A Good Girl's Guide to Murder fits the bill.  The story involves Pip, who decides to try to solve a murder for her Capstone senior project.  She believes that Sal was innocent of murdering his girlfriend.  She teams up with Sal's brother to find the truth.

As I said, I really enjoyed this mystery.  I listened to the audiobook and didn't want to stop listening until it was over.  There are so many twists in this book.  I definitely was surprised as each one was revealed.  The author did a great job at keeping me engaged and on the edge of my seat.  The characters were enjoyable and teens I actually cared about.  I felt like they were well fleshed out and not flat generic YA characters. I loved Pippa's intellect and drive to find the truth.  But I also loved her loyalty to her family and friends. Apparently, this is the first in a series and Pippa and Ravi will show up again in another book.  I look forward to reading it.  This is a really enjoyable debut novel and I highly recommend it.