The case is closed. Five years ago, schoolgirl Andie Bell was murdered by Sal Singh. The police know he did it. Everyone in town knows he did it.
But having grown up in the same small town that was consumed by the crime, Pippa Fitz-Amobi isn’t so sure. When she chooses the case as the topic for her final project, she starts to uncover secrets that someone in town desperately wants to stay hidden. And if the real killer is still out there, how far will they go to keep Pip from the truth … ?
When I first picked up A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, I was curious to see why it had become such a hit with teenagers. Very quickly, I found myself completely drawn in. Holly Jackson has written a gripping, clever mystery that feels both modern and accessible, while still offering plenty of depth for discussion.
The story centres on Pippa Fitz-Amobi, a sixth-form student who decides to re-investigate a local murder for her school project. What begins as a straightforward academic exercise soon turns into something much darker, as she uncovers secrets the town has worked hard to keep hidden.
As a teacher, I was struck by how well the book models critical thinking skills. Pippa questions assumptions, evaluates evidence, and reflects on bias – skills we encourage in the classroom across subjects. It also raises important issues for discussion, including truth, justice, and how we decide whose voices are believed. These themes make it more than just a page-turner; it’s a book that invites students to think deeply about the world around them.
review
Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:
Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:
Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?
Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?
Would you recommend the book for use in primary schools?
yes
Curriculum links (if relevant)
Curriculum links (if relevant)
Any other comments
Any other comments
