A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder Review
Fans of Holly Jackson have probably all seen it. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is the book that took TikTok by storm, with readers all over the world. So, it’s no surprise that book lovers were thrilled to hear the teen murder mystery was being adapted into a new TV series — myself included.
I actually read the book a year ago and only got round to watching the TV series a few months ago. Seeing some of the most beloved characters come to life on screen has been a dream for so many fans of the series, and thankfully, the show doesn’t disappoint.
For those unfamiliar with the story, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder follows a smart and determined teenager named Pip Fitz-Amobi, who decides to re-examine a murder case in her hometown that everyone else seems to think is closed. Years ago, a popular girl named Andie Bell was reportedly killed by her boyfriend, Sal Singh, who then tragically died by suicide. Andie’s body was never found, but the town had all but accepted Sal’s guilt — except Pip.
In the first episode, we’re introduced to Pip, portrayed by Emma Myers. For a school project, Pip chooses to investigate the case of Andie Bell and begins peeling back the layers of a mystery the town would rather forget. She doesn’t believe the official version of events and is determined to uncover the truth.
Pip’s investigation starts as part of her EPQ (Extended Project Qualification), but it quickly becomes something much bigger. She starts interviewing friends and classmates of both Andie and Sal, and the more she learns, the more inconsistencies she finds. Different people offer conflicting stories, some with suspicious gaps or strange behaviors that hint at secrets yet to be uncovered.
One of the key figures Pip meets is Ravi Singh, Sal’s younger brother, played by Zain Iqbal. Still grieving and desperate to clear his brother’s name, Ravi teams up with Pip to uncover what really happened. The chemistry between Emma and Zain is one of the highlights of the series. I loved watching their evolving friendship on screen.
As Pip digs deeper, she connects with a local journalist who once followed the case closely. This leads to the revelation of hidden details and long-buried secrets that some people are willing to go to great lengths to keep quiet. Each episode is intense, as Pip’s own safety becomes increasingly at risk the closer she gets to the truth.
The series does an excellent job of staying true to the heart of Holly Jackson’s novel. The pacing is good, and the suspense builds steadily.
Emma Myers does a brilliant job in her role. Despite being American, she convincingly portrays a British student, and fans may recognise her from Netflix’s Wednesday, where she starred as Enid Sinclair.
The show is visually stunning. The town setting is quaint and almost serene. The production design, music, and cinematography all contribute to a gripping series that keeps viewers hooked from start to finish.
Overall, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is a well-executed adaptation. If you enjoy gripping murder mysteries — especially ones centered around smart, curious teens — this is definitely one to add to your watchlist.