Holly Jackson’s Good Girl, Bad Blood is the highly anticipated sequel to A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, and it proves that lightning can indeed strike twice. With its mix of podcast intrigue, high-stakes mystery, and a protagonist who refuses to quit, this second installment captures the addictive energy of the first book while pushing Pip into darker, more personal territory.
Pip’s Return to the Detective Life
At the end of book one, Pip swore she was done with investigations. She and Ravi Singh turned their experience into a viral true-crime podcast, sharing the story of Andie Bell and Sal Singh with a captivated audience. But when Jamie Reynolds, the brother of her friend Connor, suddenly disappears on the night of a town memorial, Pip finds herself pulled back into the role she promised she would leave behind.
The police dismiss Jamie’s disappearance, but Pip sees the warning signs of something far more sinister. Despite her vow, she cannot ignore the case, especially when lives may be at risk. What begins as a missing person search unravels into a web of secrets and lies that threaten not only the town but also Pip’s fragile sense of safety.
What Works Brilliantly
One of Holly Jackson’s greatest strengths is how she structures her mysteries. Clues unfold step by step, with interviews, transcripts, and podcast elements woven seamlessly into the narrative. It feels almost interactive, as if the reader is working alongside Pip to assemble the puzzle.
The book also excels at capturing the tension between Pip’s determination to uncover the truth and the toll it takes on her mental and emotional health. This time, the stakes feel heavier. Pip is older, more mature, but also more vulnerable as she edges dangerously close to losing herself in the darkness of the case.
Fans of the first novel will be delighted to see the return of Pip and Ravi’s partnership. Their dynamic brings humor, heart, and warmth to the otherwise chilling story. And the final act delivers a shocking, pulse-pounding sequence that proves Jackson knows exactly how to keep her readers hooked until the very last page.
Where It Stumbles
While the pacing is sharp and the mystery engaging, some readers may feel that the first book carried a slightly stronger sense of novelty. Because Pip is now established as a detective figure, the surprises don’t always land with the same impact as her first investigation. There are also moments where the constant cycle of miscommunication and secrecy between characters can feel frustrating.
Yet these issues hardly overshadow the novel’s strengths. Good Girl, Bad Blood manages to balance the familiar charm of Pip’s sleuthing with new layers of darkness and tension that keep the series fresh.
Final Verdict
Smart, fast-paced, and emotionally gripping, Good Girl, Bad Blood is a worthy follow-up that solidifies Holly Jackson’s place as one of today’s most exciting YA mystery authors. Whether you are a teen reader or simply a lover of clever thrillers, this book is an addictive ride that will leave you eager for the next installment.
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