Last week, I reviewed a book I picked up on a whim without knowing much about it. One of those books that grab your attention without many reasons. And today, I bring to you another one of those books. Although the experience was different this time. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson was the best surprise of this year and the series I’m most excited to read.

Author: Holly Jackson Pages: 433 Genre: Murder Mystery, Cosy Mistery, YA Publication: 2019

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Synopsis:

The case is closed. Five years ago, schoolgirl Andie Bell was murdered by Sal Singh. The police know he did it. Everyone in town knows he did it.

But having grown up in the same small town that was consumed by the murder, Pippa Fitz-Amobi isn’t so sure. When she chooses the case as the topic for her final year project, she starts to uncover secrets that someone in town desperately wants to stay hidden. And if the real killer is still out there, how far will they go to keep Pip from the truth?

My review:

Just like with One of Us is Lying, what drew me into reading A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder was the title. Was this a “good girl” committing murder or learning how to? Either way, it sounded great! Although I was wrong – again! But this book… This book. Was the best thing I’ve read all year! This is how I want all my murder mysteries to be like. I was having the bestest of times reading it. I’m still not sure if you realise how much of a great time I had while reading it. Because it was the best time of my reading life!

*taking a deep breath*

Now that I’ve calmed myself down a bit, let me see if I can explain why I loved this book so much. Most mysteries, especially thrillers, usually leave out information about the story to surprise the reader. In the words of Dan Brown: “[the author speaking to the reader] I know something you don’t know, but I promise I’ll tell you if you keep reading”. And a lot of mysteries are written this way. The Robert Langdon series by Dan Brown is written with a lot of cliffhangers at the end of the chapters, and I like it. I enjoy being surprised, not knowing everything about the story. That’s one reason why I’m drawn to thrillers and mysteries. But sometimes, I want to put on my double-flapped hat, grab a smoking pipe and a magnifying glass, and try to solve the murder myself.

And that’s when A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder drops from the heavens. A true Agatha Christie-esq mystery with a lot of breadcrumbs to follow. Even the way the book is structured with the sections of Pippa’s notes makes it easy for the reader to go back a few pages to reread a possible clue. I was solving the murder alongside the main character. I was truly an armchair detective because my beautiful behind was comfortably sitting while the main character was fetching the clues for me. And for someone that enjoys mysteries, solving them and theorising, this book was a treat!

I have to mention the mystery was predictable. And since I was playing along, it was easy to spot the key breadcrumb that was left on the table untouched. Although that didn’t diminish in any way my enjoyment. It was fun playing detective for a change instead of just reading about it. And at the end of the day, a book is supposed to be fun, a pleasant experience, and I couldn’t have asked for a better one.

And so I would recommend this book to anyone that likes to play detective, that enjoys hunting for clues and creating their own theories. Don’t expect to be surprised. Instead, grab some yarn, post-it notes, and create your own murder board. You’ll have a great time!

Goodreads | The Storygraph