Monday, June 15, 2020

A New Fave!

TITLE: A Good Girl's Guide to Murder
AUTHOR: Holly Jackson
PUBLISHER: Delacorte Press
PUBLISHING DATE: May 2, 2019


FROM GOODREADS: 

For readers of Kara Thomas and Karen McManus, an addictive, twisty crime thriller with shades of Serial and Making a Murderer about a closed local murder case that doesn't add up, and a girl who's determined to find the real killer--but not everyone wants her meddling in the past. 

Everyone in Fairview knows the story. 

Pretty and popular high school senior Andie Bell was murdered by her boyfriend, Sal Singh, who then killed himself. It was all anyone could talk about. And five years later, Pip sees how the tragedy still haunts her town.

But she can't shake the feeling that there was more to what happened that day. She knew Sal when she was a child, and he was always so kind to her. How could he possibly have been a killer? 

Now a senior herself, Pip decides to reexamine the closed case for her final project, at first just to cast doubt on the original investigation. But soon she discovers a trail of dark secrets that might actually prove Sal innocent . . . and the line between past and present begins to blur. Someone in Fairview doesn't want Pip digging around for answers, and now her own life might be in danger. 

This is the story of an investigation turned obsession, full of twists and turns and with an ending you'll never expect. 


MY THOUGHTS:
I utterly devoured this book.  I started it on one day, hard a hard time putting it down, and then finished it by noon the following day.  I couldn't read fast enough and was truly invested in the story.  So much so that I've already ordered the sequel, which is only available in the UK right now, from Book Depository and it can't come soon enough.

Pip is working on her senior project and has decided to do right something she thinks the police in her town got wrong five years ago.  Andie Bell mysteriously went missing one night and despite a body ever being found, her boyfriend, Sal Singh was initially a suspect until a few days later when he took his own life.  The police, as well as the town, was all too happy to believe Sal killed Andie and then offed himself due to guilt.  Now his family lives quietly in a town where they are considered pariahs.  But Pip knew Sal and doesn't believe he could have killed Andie.  So she takes it upon herself to reopen the investigation and with the help of Sal's brother, Ravi, hopes to figure out what really happened to Andie and hopefully clear Sal's name in the process.

So first of all, you kind of have to suspend belief somewhat because for a high school senior, Pip takes a lot of risks.  And amazingly, she gets a lot of people to cooperate with her investigation when honestly I just don't think that would happen.  However, the story is solid and Pip is an extremely likable character.  I loved her relationship with her family - yes, parents are actually present in this YA novel, and her budding friendship with Ravi was a relationship I could get behind (no insta-love here).  It never ceases to amaze me the way the lives of teens are portrayed nowadays which makes me grateful for my somewhat boring and very mediocre high school years.

Another plus in the book is the format.  Told in narratives from both several perspectives and incorporating texts, police transcripts, maps and interviews, this book keeps the reader on edge and assures that the story rarely experiences a lull.  The ending was satisfying and I have to admit, I it had me guessing up until the conclusion.  And even once the perpetrator is actually revealed, Jackson throws one more curve at the audience.

Needless to say, I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves mysteries and strong characters.  I can definitely see it making my favorites list at the end of the year.

RATING: 5 PAWS



ANIMAL ABUSE SPOILER WARNING:  The dog dies!  I knew this going into the book and admit I almost didn't read it.  However, I will say that knowing about it helped and it wasn't really a gruesome, graphic death.

21 comments:

  1. Ugh NO! Not another book where the dog dies! I totally avoid these books now as I get very upset when I read them. Great review though!

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    1. They upset me too but I had seen ahead of time where it happened and I was prepared. Also, it wasn't as graphic as some I've seen and kind of just referenced. I still hate it though.

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  2. Oh hello, this sounds good! I like the different POVs included int his, AND YES to there being actual parents in the book!!

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    1. I know. I don't mind reading YA books but I tend to enjoy them more when they are realistic. I mean, we had parents growing up right?

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  3. So glad you loved this story, I must get it soon!

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    1. Well, I know you already read this by now and I can't wait to read your review!

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  4. great review. i find it easy to suspend belief when reading. isn't that the point....to get out of the real world and go on an adventure?

    sherry @ fundinmental

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  5. I love a book that draws you in like that, especially one with strong characters and a compelling mystery. :)

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    1. I had heard good things about this one and am really glad the book lived up to my expectations.

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  6. Wow. This does sound great - excellent review!

    Anne - Books of My Heart

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    1. Thanks Anne. It was a fun, fast-paced read.

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  7. I'm so glad that you loved this one Barb! I read the sequel last week and I can confirm you're going to have a great time when it arrives - Holly Jackson is a new favourite author of mine, and I'm already looking forward to the third book being released next year. Great review!

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    1. Yay! I am not-so-patiently awaiting the arrival of my order. So glad to hear you loved the sequel. I'm so glad it's going to be a series.

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  8. Yay! (boo for the dog, though.) I like when parents are around in MG/YA, but I'm old now so maybe that's why. LOL

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    1. Haha. Don't worry, I'm old too. And yes, boo for the dog!

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  9. You've made me excited to read this one!

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  10. I love stories where the parents are present! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this one. 👍✨

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  11. wow, such an enthusiastic review - how can i possibly resist.
    On the list you go.
    Lynn :D

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