A fresh take on teen mysteries: ‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder’

Introduction to a new era of teen thrillers

In recent years, the television landscape has been enriched by a surge of mystery series centered on teen girls. From the gripping narratives of “13 Reasons Why” to the suspenseful twists in “Cruel Summer” and the various incarnations of “Pretty Little Liars,” these shows have carved out a unique niche. The latest addition to this genre is “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder,” a series adapted from the bestselling novel by Holly Jackson. This show delves into themes of rage, obsession, and sexual assault, all from the perspective of a young protagonist.

Setting the stage: A dark night in Little Kilton

The series, adapted by Poppy Cogan and directed by Dolly Wells, begins in 2019 on a shadowy road in the quaint English town of Little Kilton. The opening scene is haunting: 17-year-old Andie Bell (India Lillie Davies) stumbles down the street with a severe head wound, marking the last time she is seen alive. Fast forward five years, and we meet Pippa “Pip” Fitz-Amobi (played by the delightful Emma Myers). As she approaches her final year of high school, Pip decides to dedicate her senior project to solving Andie’s disappearance and presumed murder.

The investigation begins

Despite Andie’s then-boyfriend, Sal Singh (Rahul Pattni), having confessed to the crime before his own tragic death, Andie’s body was never found. The residents of Little Kilton are eager to move past the horrific event, often resorting to racist insults towards the Singh family. However, the case has always haunted Pip, who is determined to uncover the truth. Over the course of six episodes, Pip unearths secrets and revelations that the town would rather keep buried.

Unraveling the mystery

Pip starts her investigation by interviewing the friends of the deceased teens, including her best friend’s troubled older sister, Naomi (Yasmin Al-Khudhairi). She also befriends Sal’s reluctant younger brother, Ravi (Zain Iqbal), who becomes her partner in crime-solving. Together, they create a detailed timeline that leads them down a shocking path.

Strengths and weaknesses of the series

“A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” excels as a mystery thriller, but with only six episodes, the writing team relies on several coincidences. Clues conveniently fall into Pip’s lap, and her sleuthing skills, while somewhat realistic, often leave much to be desired. Pip frequently puts herself in dangerous situations and makes questionable decisions, such as confronting dangerous characters and parking her family’s bright red station wagon in plain view during stakeouts. These actions can be frustrating, but they also highlight her youthful impulsiveness.

The emotional core of the series

Despite its flaws, the series shines in its exploration of the anguish of being a teenage girl, the complexities of friendship, and the deceptiveness of appearances. The penultimate episode, in particular, delivers a stunning twist that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. However, as Pip ties up loose ends in the finale, the plotlines become somewhat jumbled and far-fetched, as if the writers were racing to conclude the story neatly.

Pip’s journey of self-discovery

While the circumstances surrounding Andie’s disappearance are central to the plot, “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” is ultimately about the truths Pip learns about herself. Through her investigation, she uncovers the strengths and fractures in her own relationships and the real reason she was compelled to dive headfirst into the case.

Final thoughts

“A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” is a compelling addition to the teen mystery genre. Despite some narrative shortcomings, the series offers a gripping exploration of the challenges and complexities of adolescence. Pip’s tenacity and willingness to follow her instincts make her a character worth rooting for.

For those interested in diving into this thrilling series, “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” premieres on August 1 on Netflix. You can watch the trailer here.

Keywords: mystery series, teen girls, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, Holly Jackson, Netflix, Poppy Cogan, Dolly Wells, Emma Myers, Rahul Pattni, Zain Iqbal, Yasmin Al-Khudhairi, thriller, adolescence, friendship, self-discovery