Book Review: Good Girl, Bad Blood by Holly Jackson
When the sequel to A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder landed on my reading list, I was both excited and apprehensive. Holly Jackson had introduced me to the clever, brave Pip—a character who felt refreshingly real amidst the gripping suspense of a mystery-driven narrative. After tearing through the first book, I couldn’t wait to dive back into Pip’s world, albeit with a hint of trepidation about whether a sequel could live up to such an impressive debut.
Good Girl, Bad Blood picks up after the whirlwind of Pip’s previous investigation. Now a podcaster, Pip seems to have laid her detective hat aside, riding a wave of viral fame from her true-crime podcast. Yet, the echoes of her past are inescapable. The moment Jamie Reynolds goes missing during a memorial for the tragedy that had once engulfed her small town, Pip feels the familiar tug of duty. Once more, she finds herself in a web of secrets that refuse to stay buried.
Jackson’s writing style draws the reader in with its sharp wit and relentless pacing. The narrative flows seamlessly, intertwining Pip’s personal growth with the tension of solving a very real, very immediate mystery. It’s such a potent mix of relatable teenage angst and high-stakes tension that I found myself simultaneously rooting for Pip and worrying for her safety. The emotional stakes felt all too real, especially as Pip grapples with the fear of potentially failing those she cares about.
One element that particularly resonated with me was the exploration of accountability—both personal and communal. As Pip delves deeper into Jamie’s disappearance, she unveils unsettling layers within Fairview, revealing how deeply secrets can root themselves in a community. Jackson cleverly weaves these themes into the narrative, creating a backdrop that is not only thrilling but also poignant.
Among the highlights were the strong character dynamics, especially between Pip and Ravi, her loyal companion. Their relationship offers a refreshing balance of warmth and tension, effectively grounding the more harrowing aspects of the plot. “Why can’t I just be a good girl?” Pip muses at one point, a line that hit me hard—it reflects a struggle many of us face: the push and pull between our sense of duty and our desire to maintain a semblance of normalcy.
For those who enjoyed the first book, Good Girl, Bad Blood wonderfully expands on its predecessor while standing firmly on its own. It captures the thrill and heartbreak that can accompany both friendship and family ties, laying bare the very human experiences of fear and loss.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well-crafted mystery mixed with real emotional stakes. It’s a compelling read not just for young adults but for anyone who appreciates suspense laced with thoughtful commentary on society and personal growth. Personally, I walked away both entertained and reflective, eager to see how Pip’s journey continues in the next installment.
You can find Good Girl, Bad Blood: The Sequel to A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder here >>