Common Sense Media Review
By Lucinda Dyer
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Intrepid teen sleuth returns in page-turner of a thriller.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 4 parent reviews
Based on 36 kid reviews
Kids say the sequel has mixed reviews, with many noting it doesn't quite live up to the first installment, citing a slower start and less intrigue, although some found the plot twists engaging and the themes compelling. Readers appreciate the strong character of Pip and the intense storytelling, but warn of mature themes such as violence, swearing, and dark events that may affect younger readers.
- less engaging than first
- strong character
- graphic content
- mixed reviews
- mature themes
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
As GOOD GIRL, BAD BLOOD begins, high school senior and intrepid amateur detective Pip Fitz-Amobi has decided—after solving the murders of Andie Bell and Sal Singh—that her days as a sleuth are over. She's become a podcaster, and the six-episode podcast she created about Andie's murder has hit the top of the charts on iTunes. But her retirement as a detective is short-lived, as her friend Connor's older brother, Jamie, has gone missing, and the police don't seem to have any interest in finding him. When Pip discovers that Jamie disappeared on the sixth anniversary of Andie and Singh's deaths, she's certain this can't be mere chance. She creates a new podcast series focusing on Jamie, and thousands of her fans are listening (and even providing clues) as she tries to unravel the mystery of his disappearance. Is it really important that Jamie was a classmate of Sal and Andie? Most importantly, why were Jamie and several men on Pip's list of possible suspects all involved online with a mysterious woman named Layla? And why is she telling Pip, "You're getting closer"?
Is It Any Good?
This page-turning sequel doesn't disappoint as the plot unfolds at a dizzying pace. The list of suspects in Good Girl, Bad Blood grows while secrets, lies, and false identities are revealed. As in the first novel, case notes and transcripts of Pip's interviews—this time for her podcast, rather than one-on-one conversations—enliven the narrative. Readers will also likely enjoy how this book explores complex social issues and the consequences of vigilante justice.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Good Girl, Bad Blood portrays the serious consequences of teen drinking. Do you think what happened to characters in the novel was exaggerated, or true to life?
Pip's podcast helps solve the mystery of Jamie's disappearance. Do you think the media can play an important role in solving crime? Or is it better to leave it to the police?
How does it make you feel when someone you believe is guilty is found innocent by a jury?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Mystery
- Topics : Friendship , School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Perseverance
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Delacorte Press
- Publication date : March 2, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 18
- Number of pages : 416
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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