here’s always that one book a bibliophile comes across that keeps their hair raised from the first page to the last, forces them to use flashlights after the lights go out just to finish it and, in some cases, even compels non-readers to not only earmark but also finish the trilogy. And then the BBC Three series came out: Holly Jackson’s A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder. While TV series usually cannot encompass all the details that books have, this one nailed it.

Holly Jackson’s A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is a master-class in modern mystery, seamlessly blending the charm of classic detective stories with the freshness of a young adult thriller. It is a book that pulls one in from the very first page and doesn’t let go until the final, heart-stopping revelation. The book provides an insight into the passionate minds of young adults who are ready to take on the world regardless of the obstacles and challenges in their way.

The story follows Pip Fitz-Amobi, played by Emma Myers, an intrepid high school student who takes on a cold case as her senior project. Five years earlier, popular teenager Andie Bell was murdered and her outperforming, well-on-his-way-to-the-best universities boyfriend Sal Singh was the prime suspect—until he was found dead by suicide. The case was closed, but Pip was unconvinced and embarked on a dangerous quest to uncover the truth along with Sal’s younger brother Ravi, played by Zain Iqbal, putting herself in the crosshairs of those who would rather the past stayed buried.

The cast of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder give outstanding performances that vividly depict the mystery. Their sophisticated acting gives their characters depth and sincerity while portraying their complexity. The depictions of lead actors, in particular, are both relatable and captivating. They display a range of emotions, from fragility to drive. The supporting actors give nuanced yet impactful performances that enhance the story and work in perfect harmony with the major characters. The superb acting, taken as a whole, greatly adds to the show’s captivating and dramatic atmosphere.

Jackson crafts a narrative that is as much about the thrill and twists as it is about the complexity of human nature. Pip finds herself morally conflicted when the names of those nearest and dearest to her start popping up on the murder timeline. Her teenage emotions metamorphose into adulthood. Then there are unexplained disappearances.

What sets A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder apart is its innovative structure. The story is told through a combination of traditional narrative, interview transcripts, text messages and Pip’s own project notes, creating a multi-layered reading experience that feels immersive and real. Jackson’s attention to detail is impeccable, and the way she weaves these different elements together is nothing short of brilliant. 

What sets A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder apart is its innovative structure. The story is told through a combination of traditional narrative, interview transcripts, text messages and Pip’s project notes, creating a multi-layered reading experience that is immersive. Jackson’s attention to detail is impeccable. The way she weaves different elements together is brilliant.

That’s not all. The casting of the perfect Little Kilton town that is still mourning the loss of the white murdered girl five years later while the brown boy is forgotten after being blamed for the death despite him being the victim as well, Pip’s small and cozy British home with warm wall accents, vintage cars, teenagers cast as teenagers - all come together to make an inviting murder mystery. The tone is set by Pip who plays a teenager exceptionally. Kudos are also due ode to her wardrobe manager who makes her fit into the role of a curious child passionate about her homework and changing the world.

The pacing of the series is a bit too fast. The tension develops abruptly and lags in areas even though Pip is getting closer to the truth. What sets Jackson apart from most conventional writers is that when you think you’ve figured it all out, she pulls the rug away from under your feet. When you read the book, you think you’ve finally reached the end, but Holly always leaves a clue that is so unnoticeable that no one marvels at how something that small could be the cause of an entire plot shift.

The ending is both satisfying and thought-provoking, leaving readers with plenty to ponder over long after the book is closed.

In addition to the gripping mystery, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder tackles important themes such as the fallibility of the justice system, the impact of social media and the pressures faced by young people today. These elements add depth to the story, making it more than just a page-turner.

Holly Jackson’s debut novel is a triumph—a cleverly constructed mystery that is as emotionally resonant as it is thrilling. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is a must-watch for fans of the genre and anyone looking for a story that will keep them guessing until the very end. It’s a reminder that sometimes it is the most unlikely detectives who uncover the truth.

The writer is an undergraduate student of psychology at FC College, Lahore