Is “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” Appropriate for Teenagers?

Google “Is A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder…” and you’ll find:

Is A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder appropriate for 13 year olds?

Is A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder YA?

Is A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder good for adults?

Is A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder going to be a series?

The answer to all of that is yes, yes, yes, and HOORAY!

If you’re searching for a total nail-biter that'll have you glued to your seat, here’s the ultimate rec for you: "A Good Girl's Guide to Murder" by Holly Jackson. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is like Nancy Drew meets Pretty Little Liars. If you're all about heart-pounding mysteries and that rush from digging up secrets, this book needs to be at the top of your TBR pile.

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.

As you dive into "A Good Girl's Guide to Murder," you'll find yourself in the midst of a captivating mystery that will remind you of the nail-biting drama of Pretty Little Liars. So, if you were hooked on the juicy secrets and suspenseful twists of that great read (or TV show), this book will definitely scratch that same itch.

Now, let's talk about the tropes that make "A Good Girl's Guide to Murder" a favorite on BookTok. First off, we've got the classic "small town with big secrets" trope. The fictional town of Fairview is seemingly idyllic, but as Pippa peels back the layers, she uncovers a web of lies, deceit, and cover-ups.

And what's a suspenseful mystery without a dose of unexpected alliances? You'll find yourself trying to decipher who's a friend and who's a foe. Twists and turns abound as Pippa navigates through a labyrinth of relationships, each holding a clue to the truth.

This YA thriller does touch on some heavier themes, although these topics don’t overwhelm the book (murder - obviously, sexual assault, self-harm drug use). None of that gets gritty or graphic. There’s also cursing. If you or your teen has read 13 Reasons Why, you’ll be ok with the themes in this book.

But the real ::chef’s kiss:: – the podcast-style narrative. Pippa's investigation isn't just confined to the pages of the book. As she uncovers new evidence, you'll get to experience her findings through transcripts, interviews, and case notes. It's an immersive reading experience that will make you feel like you're right there alongside her, piecing together the puzzle.

In a world where mysteries are everywhere, "A Good Girl's Guide to Murder" stands out as a masterfully crafted thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. Holly Jackson's writing is crisp and engaging, pulling you into the story and making it nearly impossible to put the book down. The pacing is just right, with tension building steadily and revelations dropping at precisely the right moments.

With summer wrapping up, finish binging the last couple of episodes of The Summer I Turned Pretty, and move into your spooky era with A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder.