Book Review: A Good Girl's Guide To Murder
In this review I will be talking about “A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder” by Holly Black. Despite the title, this book will not be a step by step recipe on how to get away with murder incase anyone had a specific criteria in mind. This book is actually about Pip, who picks as a final year project to investigate a closed murder case from her town. The town is convinced Sal Singh murdered Andie Bell. A classic “boyfriend murders his popular girlfriend” but Pip is not so sure. Pip soon uncovers secrets the town desperately wants to stay hidden and now someone is watching her every move, sending her threats and bloody warnings. This book takes you through Pip’s thought process, as she discovers more and more, the deeper she digs.
My Experience:
This book was absolutely unreal. One of the best books I have ever read, or maybe the best. I find myself questioning every book I have ever rated a 5 star. This book left me SHOCKED in the best way possible. Hands down the best murder mystery I have ever read.
The Plot:
There are many plot twists keeping you engaged, and nearly each chapter it seems something new about the case is discovered, making you want to read more. The plot is well developed, and the ending was unexpected, satisfying, and heart wrenching.
The Writing:
Holly Black’s writing is very fluid, perfectly fitting each character and thought with another. The writing style is relatively casual, which I prefer because I get a closer connection with the narrator and a better understanding of what the main character is thinking (I promise you, you will want to know what Pip is thinking). The pacing of this book is also relatively fast, so if you are looking for a good fast read where you will say “one more chapter” for all 38 chapters, this is the one for you. For context, I was in a book slump while reading this but I finished this 438 page book in one day.
The Characters:
I think this author also did such an amazing job with connecting the readers with all the characters. It felt like I was listening to my friend talk, and the author connects you to the characters to the point where you feel their losses, as well as their successes. The main character Pip is very loveable in so many different ways. For example, she does not let people take advantage of her. Pip is also unbelievably intelligent, piecing together multiple clues into a new conclusion.
“A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder” is an incredibly well written and a fast paced murder mystery which expands on the true reality of our society, please read it if you do get the chance!!
A good book always makes me questions my pervious ratings as well. I have seen this book on goodreads but after hearing your review I am going to read it. The main character can make or break a book and this one sounds great! Awesome review Heidi!
ReplyDelete"Despite the title, this book will not be a step by step recipe on how to get away with murder incase anyone had a specific criteria in mind." Aw man, just when I thought I'd found the perfect book! Curses.
ReplyDeleteAnyways, I really enjoyed reading your book review, Heidi! I actually read this book before, and I think you did a wonderful job of expressing your thoughts and experience through this blog! Even reading this blog makes me want to read that book once more!
This was a really good review Heidi! Your did a great job on wording and your post was very descriptive. This book also sounds very interesting and I look forward to reading it some time. Great job!
ReplyDeleteGreat review, Heidi! The title and cover of this book sparked my interest, but your description of every aspect of the book grew the flame. For example, one mention that made this book sound fascinating to me was when you mentioned the multitude of plot twists throughout the book. Your rating and praise of this book is another reason to read it in the future. Thank you for this relatable and enlightening review!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the review Heidi! Coming into it I wasn't sure if your thoughts would be negative or positive just from the title, but it sounds like you loved it. I don't often read murder mysteries, but this one seems really great! I think a big thing for me when getting into a book is relating to the characters, and it sounds like this book nails that one. Twists and turns in a book are also fun, because it makes the book less predictable. I'll have to find this one at the library next time I go!
ReplyDeleteGreat review! This murder mystery sounds like it is a very good book and, if what you say is true, may make me question my thoughts on previous books after I read it. The plot sounds very engaging, constantly drawing you in, and the characters seem like they're very well written, all aspects of a great book. Thanks for letting me know about this book, I'll have to read it the next time I have the chance!
ReplyDeleteSeems like an interesting book. Multiple plot twists can be very difficult to pull off as an author, so it would be interesting to see how well this author does them. I'll be sure to check it out.
ReplyDeleteGreat book review. It seems like an interesting book as it is not only a murder story but the detective is also getting threats by people who don't want the mystery uncovered. Based off of your review it seems like a good read. Overall great blog post!
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