Parent reviews for A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, Book 1

(The tale is well-known throughout Fairview. Andie Bell, a popular and attractive senior in high school, was killed by Sal Singh, who later committed himself. Everyone was talking exclusively about it. Pip observes how the tragedy is still felt in her town five years later. She, however, can't get rid of the impression that there was more to what occurred that day. Sal was always so kind to her when she first met him when she was a little girl. How was it possible that he was a murderer? For her final assignment, Pip, a senior herself, decides to revisit the closed case. At first, she does so only to cast doubt on the first findings. However, she soon unearths a trail of sinister secrets that could actually prove Sal is innocent...) A good girls guide to murder is a tween & teen thriller that has a mixture of heart, love and comedy. It doesn’t fell hard and complicated, but it feels lighthearted, fun and funny. Parents should know that there is a brief mention of rape, plus a dead body that’s mildly described; some blood is also mentioned. Characters swear (s—t, f—k) but not frequently. There is some drinking at parties with a result of getting drunk, but the characters don’t act with iffy/or dangerous behaviour. Mixed with all the funny moments, this book is fun and heartwarming that’s for all families and all tween ages. AGES 8-9: PARENTAL CONTROL RECOMMENDED AGES 10-11: MILD PARENTAL CONTROL AGES 12-13: Just the bloody body part Ages 14 GREAT

I am a little shocked at the review from common sense media saying there are a few kisses exchanged and nothing else. There is an affair between a high school teacher and a student, a girl is raped after being drugged and a few other sexual encounters are mentioned as well. None are described graphically but they are still an important part of the story.. There are two murders of people, one by a teacher of one of his top students to cover up his own crimes and another by the younger sister of the victim. A dog is also killed. There is cyber bullying, drug use, and extremely poor and stupid decisions made by the main character who is supposedly very smart. The writing is not great, plot is weak, and basically seems to combine several other books, including “I know what you did last summer”. The end is really disappointing and leaves you wishing the story had concluded another way. I don’t recommend.

Definitely one of the best books I've ever read. The plot twists were great and always keep you on your toes. I wouldn't recommend it for younger readers. It dealt with some pretty heavy themes: Drugs, Murder, Rape, Suicide, and Alcohol. But it was such a well-written book.

my favourite book to this day read it at 12 has some mature themes so probably only a mature 12 but it was amazing and i loved and still do love it so much and it was what got me obbsesed with reading

Great book, but has some mature themes that may not be appropriate for younger readers.

From bookgems.co - Under the guise of working on her senior capstone project, Pippa decides to look into the death of pretty and popular Andie Bell who disappeared five years ago. Sal Singh, her brilliant and kind boyfriend, was found dead in the woods of an apparent suicide. Although Andie’s body was never recovered, all evidence in the police investigation led to Sal being accused of murdering Andie. Pip, however, doesn’t buy that Sal was guilty and – with her usual perfectionism and humor – begins to conduct interviews, dig up old Facebook posts, and sleuth around town in order to prove Sal’s innocence. With determination, Pippa manages to unearth long-buried secrets, but not without putting herself and everyone she cares about in danger.

This was a great debut novel from Holly Jackson! This mystery had lots of layers to it. It was suspenseful and twisty until the last page. However, there is a lot of talk about alcohol, rape, drugs, partying, sexual activity, and relationships. There's also plenty of language throughout. I personally think it would be too much for a young teen to handle. This book is about a senior in high school, and it's probably best for that age range, too.