If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to solve a high school murder mystery while balancing homework and teen drama, then A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder might be just the thing for you.
Based on Holly Jackson’s popular novel, this series offers a mix of youthful energy and gripping suspense as we follow determined Pippa Fitz-Amobi on her search for the truth.
With vivid imagery and a cast that brings the book’s characters to life, it promises to be an exciting journey – even if there are a few obstacles along the way.
“A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” brings the thrilling crime thriller from Holly Jackson’s popular book to the screen and follows the journey of Pippa Fitz-Amobi (Emma Myers) as she delves into the unsolved case of the murder of schoolgirl Andie Bell.
The main suspect, Sal Singh, has been dead for a long time and Pippa begins her investigation to find the real murderer. Together with Sal’s brother Ravi Singh (Zain Iqbal), who also becomes her lover, she tries to find the real murderer.
The casting is commendable and stays true to the essence of the book’s characters. Emma Myers captures Pippa’s brilliance and determination well, while Zain Iqbal sincerely portrays Ravi’s conflicted yet supportive nature.
However, their chemistry seems a bit forced, as the series tries too hard to emphasize a romantic aspect that is not as captivating as the central mystery.
While the series doesn’t quite live up to Holly Jackson’s novel, it’s still entertaining. The early episodes use bold colors, upbeat music, and trendy outfits to draw viewers in and create a welcoming atmosphere. This lighthearted approach gradually changes as the mystery deepens, making the story even more gripping.
The film is straightforward and tailored to a young audience, with the characters speaking in a way that teenagers can understand. However, this simplicity is a double-edged sword. While it makes the show accessible, it also has some notable drawbacks.
Pippa’s talent for being in the right place at the right time strains credibility and the general lack of seriousness undermines the seriousness of the plot.
(Spoiler) In the book, Holly Jackson kept us readers in the dark about what really happened to Andie or what led to her death. All we knew was that Andie was dead. But in the show, they showed the head injury that may have led to her death. Honestly, that kind of took the suspense out of it, didn’t it?
Another flaw in the show was its handling of Zain’s character, Ravi Singh. The persistent efforts to build romance between Ravi and Pippa feel unnecessary and distract from the more pressing story of solving Andie’s murder.
This subplot could have been developed more organically or downplayed in favor of increasing the tension and stakes of the investigation.
Watch the trailer here:
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is a decent film to watch once. It offers a decent adaptation with suspenseful moments, especially for those who like teen dramas and light crime stories.
However, the simplification of the source material and the forced romantic elements prevent the book from reaching its full potential. Fans of the book may find it lacking in depth, but for newcomers, it’s an entertaining, if not entirely satisfying, series.
2 out of 5 stars for this crime novel.
