J's Musings

Reviewed by Janx

This is possibly the first time I am reviewing the second book in a series. I usually believe people discover and judge the second book by the first one. Which is why I don’t see the need to review sequels. Although, this one was so wonderfully delightful, I had to share my thoughts on it.

Right off the bat, the book starts in Pip’s room, as she listens to the audio recordings of her interview with Elliot Ward. What with that part of life over, Pip is starting afresh. With a true crime podcast, about the crime she solved. When that goes viral, Pip insists her detective days are behind her. But when Jamie Reynolds [a good friend’s brother] goes missing, will she let herself be dragged back into this world? And if she does, will she be able to come back…

Just like AGGGTM, GGBB had a way of keeping me on the edge of my seat without my knowledge. Jackson’s writing is eloquent in a way that compliments the plot and pleases the reader.

While the plot and writing are always pleasing when coming from Holly Jackson, there are factors in this book that need special acknowledgement.

For someone who reads so much, my opinion about the elements of a book can be quite basic. I believe the plot can make or break a book; this book got the essence of an “ideal” plot. Starting off plain and unassuming as we slowly crawl into some sort of hysteria. While the premise of how everything fits in seems complicated at first, the actual writing in the book makes it make sense. The excitement, drama, thrill and creepy sense of calm all come together to create the perfect storyline.

I can’t say this enough, the book is extremely well written. Which is something I consider to be as important as the plot. If you don’t carry it out well, the story serves no purpose. Luckily, Good Girl Bad Blood doesn’t have that problem. Despite having a seemingly complex and impractical outline, Jackson’s writing brings the entire thing together. That too in a seamless manner that does justice to the intricate details of an otherwise twisted and gruesome journey.

I am not one to pay attention to pacing. If it’s interesting I don’t mind the speed. BUT! The pacing of GGBB is overwhelmingly impeccable. The kind of slow, slice of life writing pace lulls the reader into a false sense of ease. Whereas, the plot develops like a heartbeat. Slow and fast in just the right places. In the way that keeps you at the edge of your seat and flipping the pages at lightning speed. The contrast in these paces come together to give a gratifying experience on the whole.

I appreciate good characters even if I don’t hold them accountable for holding together or breaking apart the experience. Being a series, the AGGGTM books have the ability to really delve into characters and their development. An opportunity Holly Jackson has not missed. Be it making us cry over characters we would have gladly sacrificed for a bag of Cheetos. Or making us hate certain fan favourites. The character arcs would look terrible as hunchbacks. Even for characters who are only seen in one book, the roller coaster they take us on is mad. Be it sympathizing with “morally grey” characters and questioning my morality or simply not being able to support something a “good” character does. I loved the feeling of being able to see such well-developed characters take the lead with their personalities in a mystery novel.

Last but definitely not the least, the consistency in the core of the world of Little Kilton. Often times in series, the books end up making contradictory statements. Be it about characters, plot or just how that world works. Amazingly, none of that happens here. The characters, the world and the plot stay consistent and change only in believable ways throughout. Which keeps the reader invested, hooked and immersed.

I am not sure if you could tell, but I absolutely loved and devoured this book. I didn’t expect to love it as much as I did, and I can say it with confidence, that anyone who has read, and liked any Holly Jackson book, ever, will definitely devour this masterpiece. This was a 10/10 novel and I really hope you read it.

Trying to convince you to read GGBB,

Janx ❤

Picture Credits: ytsefaim on Pinterest