Review of the ‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder’ Series: A Captivating Murder Mystery with Its Flaws

The book adaptation provides a wealth of detail that would likely be challenging to convey in a film script.

“A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder,” based on Holly Jackson’s 2019 novel, begins on a rather lackluster note. Although the story is set in England, it feels more like a typical Netflix production, where many series share a similar visual style. The teenagers all have the same look, each scene is drenched in the platform’s characteristic vibrant and saturated colors, and the music strives to maintain an upbeat atmosphere. The initial episodes give off a checklist vibe, as if the creators are simply going through the motions of filming one script page after another.* *However, once the main plot unfolds and the setting is firmly established, “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” becomes quite captivating. Drawing from the novel provides a solid foundation: the characters, led by the Dora-like Pip Fitz-Amobi (Emma Myers), quickly feel real, their motivations are clearly outlined, and the overall storyline is well-crafted. This strong structure is essential for a murder mystery to hold together, even if other elements are well-executed.* *The series does a commendable job of staying true to the world and atmosphere it creates. The casting is spot-on; the actors not only fit their roles perfectly but also resemble their on-screen family members, adding an enjoyable touch of authenticity. Clearly aimed at a younger audience, the series presents a rather straightforward filmmaking style. The police officer behaves like a teenager, and there’s an abundance of expository dialogue and quick cuts, especially following significant plot developments. Characters often explain entire sequences to one another, as if to ensure the audience is kept in the loop

The series appears to place a greater emphasis on the ‘solving a murder’ aspect than on deeper character development or thematic exploration. As a result, we encounter twists that seem to exist solely to add another layer to the mystery. A common pitfall in mystery thrillers is the sudden introduction of a new character towards the end, who conveniently provides crucial information. Additionally, the choice to include two mediocre twists instead of one diminishes the impact of both revelations, leaving the final episode feeling somewhat lackluster.

Nonetheless, despite its flaws, *A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder* demonstrates a clear understanding of its target audience, offering a sufficiently engaging murder mystery. It caters specifically to a younger demographic—those who might not grasp a *Star Wars* reference. The series effectively meets the expectations of this age group, presenting relatable conflicts, intriguing plot developments, and a generally cohesive narrative arc.

**Creator:** Poppy Cogan

**Cast:** Emma Myers, Zain Iqbal, Asha Banks, Raiko Gohara, Jude Morgan-Collie, Yali Topol Margalith

**Streamer:** Netflix

**Rating:** 3/5 stars