A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder Series (3 Books) by Holly Jackson

The A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder series by Holly Jackson is a gripping YA mystery trilogy that has captivated readers with its smart plot twists, compelling characters, and unique storytelling format. Centered around teenage sleuth Pip Fitz-Amobi, the series explores themes of justice, morality, and the consequences of digging too deep into the truth. Here’s a breakdown of the series:

1. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder (2019)
Plot: For her senior project, Pip investigates a five-year-old murder case in her small town. The case involves the death of Andie Bell, a popular high school girl, whose boyfriend, Sal Singh, was accused of her murder before dying by suicide. Pip doesn’t believe Sal was guilty and begins uncovering secrets that many would prefer stayed buried.
Key Themes: Injustice, small-town secrets, ethics in journalism, and perseverance in seeking truth.

2. Good Girl, Bad Blood (2020)
Plot: After solving her first case, Pip swears off amateur sleuthing—until her friend Connor’s brother Jamie goes missing, and the police refuse to help. Pip launches a true-crime podcast to document her investigation while unraveling a chilling mystery that hits closer to home than she expected.
Key Themes: The personal cost of pursuing justice, societal apathy, and the impact of publicizing private pain.

3. As Good As Dead (2021)
Plot: In the series finale, Pip becomes the target of a sinister stalker while grappling with the trauma of her past cases. As danger looms, she realizes she may need to break her own moral code to survive. The lines between hero and villain blur in a thrilling, morally complex conclusion.
Key Themes: Trauma, morality, revenge, and the darkness within.

Why It Stands Out:
Unique Narrative Style: The books include interviews, maps, text messages, and diary entries, creating an immersive reading experience.
Complex Characters: Pip is a relatable and flawed protagonist whose growth and struggles make her journey compelling.
Unpredictable Plot: Twists and turns keep readers guessing until the very end of each book.
This trilogy is perfect for fans of crime dramas, thrillers, and stories with morally complex dilemmas.