J's Musings

Book Review by Janx

Its already the end of September and most of us still haven’t asked the person we like for a cup of coffee. And reading slumps eat away at our brains and bones, the way the thunder eats up the sky. To get you out of this particular tragedy, a book to match your slightly deranged and vigilante mood might be perfect.

For all the A+ girls who listen to true crime for fun, never gave in an unsatisfactory assignment and have thought of murdering someone at least once in their life. “A good girl’s guide to murder” will be the perfect autumn/monsoon read to unleash your slightly psychotic energy.

I read this book last week and my first impression of it was that the cover is a glimpse into Pippa’s life while she works on the case.

The case was closed 5 years ago, everyone agrees Sal did it. No one questions it, except one A grade student who won’t take the police for their word over her dead body. When her college entrance project approaches, she chooses the case as her topic of research. When more information than someone may like starts coming up, how far will Pip go to find her truth?

Commenting on Holly’s writing, she has a certain rhythmless charm very few authors can carry out without the book seeming formless. She carries her readers through the character’s emotions and situations very well which makes the book more interactive than most mysteries.

I like how resolute the book is about being plot centred while still providing slice of life moments that give us a better insight on the character’s dynamics and personalities. Despite being a murder mystery, the book has a convenient pace that makes sure no events can overlap in your brain. It also has a certain emotional fundament in why Pip chooses the case which maintains a depth to what could have otherwise been a fast-paced action novel only. The lack of romance is a welcome sight and helps the book focus on what is important.

Jackson explores themes of bullying, bullies, victims, teen love, and how high school life affects people in life in a bold yet naturally flowing manner. She handles the topics with a delicate ruthlessness, making sure no one is hurt but the truth is still out there.

The story is quite fresh in the sense of how the leads act their age and not like Sherlock and Watson or how Pip’s family is open enough for her to be ale to do everything she does.

Speaking of Pip and the characters, they are all multi-dimensional, which makes them hyper-realistic and easier to acknowledge. They have their faults which we are allowed to plainly see and they have their nice sides which we can see equally well.

Pippa as a lead for HER book is perfect. We see her through multiple lenses and not just romantically or academically. We see her as a daughter, friend, student and detective which helps us ruminate over how to perceive her. She is sweet, smart and at times all consumed. Her nosiness compliments her while investigating and her relation with her parents explains how she manages to survive.

As a whole I loved this book for how well written, charming, and true it is. The characters all fit so well for the role they play, and no one is explored through only one lens. Everyone has a chance at being good and bad. The book is more than just a murder mystery; it is a challenge to the world, an emotional piece with underlying themes and a home for those who seek comfort in what is all consuming. I rate this book a 9.5 on 10 or a 4.5 on 5.

Finally, I hope that when you tag Pip and Ravi on this chilling and warming journey of murder and mayhem, you will find something worthy of helping you reach your reading goals.

Hoping you have a delightfully chilling autumn/monsoon…

-Janx 🙂