It’s been a year since the murder of Andie Bell was solved. Pippa Fitz-Amobi believes she is done solving mysteries in her small town of Little Kilton, but the universe has other plans…
The second part of the New York Times best-selling series “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder,” “Good Girl, Bad Blood,” was first released by author Holly Jackson on April 30, 2020. It follows the events that happen a year after Pip, a clever and determined teenager, becomes famous for solving the previously cold case of Andie Bell’s murder (which was detailed in the first book). Pip is done solving mysteries that lead her down rabbit holes and manage to give her nothing but headaches… until her brother’s friend Jamie Reynolds suddenly goes missing. Pip wants to stay away from all of the chaos that these investigations bring, but, just like the last case she solved, there is clearly more that’s going on beneath the surface.
I read the “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” trilogy with my brother in spring 2024, and we both agreed it was one of the best thriller series we had ever read. From its unexpected twists to its surprisingly deep main characters, Holly Jackson managed to make a perfect binge-worthy series for a young adult (YA) audience.
When my brother and I learned that the book series would be adapted into a show on BBC later that same year, we were very excited. The cast looked amazing, with Emma Myers playing Pip, Zain Iqbal playing Ravi Singh (Pip’s partner in crime), and Asha Banks playing Cara Ward (Pip’s best friend), just to name a few. Holly Jackson is an amazing writer, and we trusted that her involvement would help preserve what made the story so special.
That was until it was announced that Jackson didn’t write the show’s script. She was involved in the production, frequently making script notes and serving as an executive producer on the show, but it raised concerns for fans who were looking forward to seeing their favorite details kept the same.
When “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” season one was released in England and Ireland on July 1, 2024 (and Aug. 1, 2024 worldwide), it came with mixed reviews from audiences. While the majority of the plot and characters from the novel were kept the same, many elements were changed. From small lines being cut out (like Ravi’s infamous “Real men wear floral while trespassing.”) to the importance of major characters being diminished (primarily Max Hastings, Jason Bell, and Nate DaSilva), every little alteration made the show feel farther from its original source.
Nonetheless, the show on its own was still a well-produced thriller. For viewers who hadn’t read the books and took the series at face value, they were not disappointed. Many saw it as a fun and binge-worthy show that was, overall, quite entertaining. The majority of the characters were casted and portrayed realistically, and the twists and turns that made the book so enjoyable were kept the same. Even if some small details were lost along the way, they didn’t completely strip the show of its meaning.
My brother, Morrison Behar, noted, “At first, I was a little disappointed that it wasn’t as book-accurate as I had hoped. However, it still made for an enjoyable watch!” I agree with his opinion; looking back after rewatching the show, I definitely feel like my initial disappointment has softened. While it didn’t perfectly capture every detail I loved from the books, the show still succeeded in creating an entertaining story in its own right.
As fans expressed their thoughts on the first season, Jackson and the show’s producers decided to make some changes going into season two. Jackson has been more vocal about her involvement in the creative process this time around. In a statement, she shared, “I am BEYOND thrilled that we can continue Pip’s story and, this time, I’m writing on the show!”
It’s clear that Jackson has and always will be dedicated to making the work she produces the best it can be. Her increased involvement in this upcoming season, along with how she has responded to the feedback from fans and critics based on season one, makes viewers optimistic.
Season two of “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” will premiere on Netflix worldwide on May 27, 2026, and I, for one, can’t wait to see what’s in store for Pip and her new case!
