From Page to Screen: A Critical Review of 'A Good Girl's Guide to Murder'

Emma Myers as Pip Fitz-Amobi in A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder (Netflix)

SPOILER WARNING: For A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, book series and TV show (mystery not spoiled).

For the true crime girlies, this is one show you don’t want to miss.

Based on Holly Jackson’s best-selling book series, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, the Netflix original by the same name just came out and follows determined high school student Pip Fitz-Amobi (Emma Myers), who decides to investigate a five-year-old murder case in her hometown of Little Kilton for her senior project. The case involves the disappearance of Andie Bell, a popular girl, whose boyfriend, Sal Singh, was accused of killing her before taking his own life. At the beginning of the show, the case is officially closed, with Sal labeled as the murderer. Yet, something wasn’t right with Pip. Was he the killer? Did Sal really kill his own girlfriend? Sharp-minded Pip isn’t convinced as she enlists the help of Sal’s brother, Ravi (Zain Iqbal), to uncover the truth: Who really killed Andie Bell?

As a fan of the books, I was ecstatic to learn the series was being adapted into live-action. My love for the young detective made me eager to see the show, and I had high hopes that it would capture the same chilling twists and turns that made the novel so gripping. The way the book weaves suspense and mystery into every chapter had me on the edge of my seat, and I couldn't wait to see how those moments would translate to the screen. I was also curious to see how the characters I had grown attached to would be brought to life and whether the show would maintain the same eerie atmosphere that kept me hooked from start to finish.

As I watched the show, I was captivated by seeing these characters come to life with each episode. However, despite BBC’s new series currently holding the number one spot on Netflix for Top Ten, not everyone is on board with the details changed in the show, myself included. While it has certainly drawn attention, there’s been some controversy among book fans regarding how faithfully the series captures the essence of the beloved books. Let's dive into the details—the good and the bad—of what the show got right and where it missed the mark!

Emma Myers as Pip Fitz-Amobi

To start off, the casting was spot-on. Myers, who plays our sharp-witted detective, completely embodies the Pip I envisioned—quirky, righteous, and undeniably brilliant. As she unravels the secrets of her small town, Myers brings a depth to the character that surpasses even my expectations from the novel. Her portrayal captures not just Pip’s intelligence, but also her relentless determination and subtle vulnerability, making her even more compelling on screen. The way Myers navigates Pip’s moral dilemmas and personal growth adds layers to the character that feel fresh and authentic, enhancing the overall tension and intrigue of the series. 

Holly Jackson Cameo 

Given the immense popularity of the book series, it was only fitting that the show included a nod to its creative mastermind, Holly Jackson. In Episode 4 of A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, there's a clever Easter egg for sharp-eyed fans. When Pip sets off the hotel alarm to distract the bellboy, forcing all the residents to evacuate, one guest caught my attention—wrapped in white towels was none other than Mrs. Jackson herself. I was thrilled to see the author make a cameo in her own TV adaptation, bringing the characters she created to life on screen. It was a delightful surprise and a relief to see her actively involved in the series. 

Limited Book References 

While the show is impressive in its own right, with its killer soundtrack and the eerie atmosphere it creates, there are a few elements I wish had been included. For instance, I missed seeing Pip in her “Talk Nerdy to Me” shirt, a fun detail from the novel that added to her quirky personality. And, of course, the iconic line from Ravi, "Real men wear floral when trespassing," would have been a fantastic addition, capturing his humor and charm perfectly. These small touches would have brought even more of the book’s unique flavor to the screen.

Forgotten Characters

In A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, there were a few characters I was disappointed not to see, especially Stanley Forbes. Whether it was due to budget constraints or time limitations, his absence was noticeable. Stanley Forbes plays a crucial role in setting up the events that unfold in the Good Girl’s Guide trilogy, so I was hoping for his appearance to add more depth to the story. His inclusion could have provided a richer connection to the broader narrative of the series. 

While A Good Girl's Guide to Murder delivers an engaging and atmospheric adaptation of Holly Jackson's novel, it’s not without its shortcomings. The show excels in creating a chilling atmosphere, with strong performances and clever nods to the original material, such as Holly Jackson’s cameo. However, the exclusion of certain iconic lines, character details, and key figures like Stanley Forbes left some fans wishing for a more faithful representation. Even Jackson herself sympathizes with book fans from the major deviation the show takes. Despite these drawbacks, the series still captures the essence of the story and offers an intriguing experience for both newcomers and longtime fans. Ultimately, it’s a thrilling watch, even if it leaves us wondering what more could have been.