Analysis of the murder novel, rating, and why it’s a mystery that demands a reader’s

attention.

Holly Jackson’s A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is certainly an interesting read for readers

who enjoy a good thrill at night. Yes, this young-adult mystery has some mixed reviews and

opinions, stating that it has an “unsatisfying ending” and is “too suspenseful.”

Although those reviews and comments might have some truth in them, it is essential to remember part of the core meaning of these books: they are young-adult mystery thrillers and might not be the

calmest, most soothing bedtime story. After all, the title itself indicates its tone as “dark”

themed. If the theme and intention of the author is, in fact, to write a suspenseful, dark

mystery, then why call it “a book with unsatisfying endings”?

Let’s talk about the plot first. The book starts with a high school student named Pip trying

to solve a five year old murder that she believes was more complicated than it seemed for

her capstone project. Andie Bell’s boyfriend Sal was accused of murdering Andie, then also

killed. After Pip, the main character, interviews several people, confronts dangerous

characters, and lands in the hospital, at last, she finally solves the mystery. The first book is (in

my personal opinion) the best of three in the series A Good Girl’s Guide because it was the

original and had the fastest plot pace. It describes in detail the character traits and actions

and has excellent planned plot twists that totally blew my mind.

Back to the question: why might it be unsatisfying? For example, in the middle of the book (chapter 19) when Pippa (Pip) listens to the main suspects’ conversation in the parking lot. If

you haven’t read the other 2 books yet and read them closely, it looks like this: “Stanley rounded

on him. ‘I don’t think you would dare.’” Pip never told us readers what that meant until the third book.

The narrator explained, “But this town had too many dark corners; Pip had to learn to accept

that she couldn’t shine a light into each and every one.” Long story short, there are still 2

more books! So read them!

While this mystery novel does have a few weaknesses and cons, I do believe this book is so

much more than that. It captures every emotion of the character almost perfectly and

makes you grip the book and feel the pain of heartbreak. If you don’t believe me, check my

library records. I checked it out at least 5 times and 6 times for its sequels. It’s really

amazing how Holly Jackson can make emotions and words come to life and dance on pages

with just ideas and a computer!

Overall, I would give this book a really high rating (4.2/5) because of its

fast pace, and well planned plot. I really recommend AGGGTM for middle and

high schoolers who love a mystery.