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

Every fortnight, the girls of Margin will be reviewing a new book that's available at our Frances Compton Library. This week, Emily dives into the wild twists and turns of Holly Jackson's A Good Girl's Guide to Murder.

Review by Emily Innes

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson is a YA thriller that is like a rollercoaster you can't get off – and trust me, you won't want to.


First off, the setup is genius. It's got everything I love in a mystery: a small town, a cold case, and a determined teenage detective. Pippa Fitz-Amobi is not your typical ‘good girl’, she's curious, smart, and so relatable. Her decision to investigate a murder that happened five years ago? Bold move, and it makes for an insanely gripping story.

The format of the book is seriously cool. It's a mix of Pippa's investigation notes, interviews, and her personal thoughts. It gives you this inside look at her thought process and the mystery as it unfolds. The pacing? Spot-on. I couldn't put it down.

The characters are well-rounded and each one adds a layer to the story. Pippa's interactions with Ravi, her sort-of sidekick, are gold. Their banter and teamwork? Adorable. And the way the story addresses real issues like mental health and social dynamics? Major props.

Now, let's talk twists. Oh my gosh, the twists! Every time I thought I had it all figured out, Jackson threw me for a loop. I was glued to the pages, constantly changing my theories and suspecting everyone. The suspense is real, folks!

My only tiny gripe? Some of the twists felt a tad far-fetched, but honestly, it added to the fun of it all. Plus, the ending tied up loose ends while still leaving room for more.

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder is a ride you won't want to miss. If you're into thrilling mysteries that mess with your head and keep you guessing until the last page, this is for you. Holly Jackson nailed it, and I'm crossing my fingers for more Pippa adventures. Seriously, give this book a shot if you love a bit of mystery!

Rating: 5♥️/5♥

Keen to read? Reserve a copy at the Frances Compton Library!