Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Here's the thing: this book has gotten more kids reading than almost anything else in recent years, and that's not nothing. It's a legitimately well-crafted mystery with twists that land, a smart protagonist who uses her brain instead of stumbling into solutions, and themes that matter.

Yes, it's about murder. Yes, there's a suicide that's part of the plot. But Holly Jackson handles it responsibly—there's tension and darkness without gratuitous gore or exploitation. Parent reviewers consistently say their 12-year-olds handled it fine, and many note it sparked great conversations about prejudice, justice, and critical thinking.

The investigation format is clever—mixing narrative with Pip's logs and interviews makes you feel like you're solving it alongside her. And the book doesn't talk down to teen readers, which is probably why it's blown up the way it has.

If your kid can handle the subject matter (and most middle schoolers can), this is the rare YA thriller that's both entertaining and substantive. Just maybe not for your sensitive 10-year-old who still gets nightmares from Coraline.

Age Fit

This is best for ages 12-14 and up—mature middle schoolers through high school. The mystery is engaging enough that adults enjoy it too (hence the Netflix adaptation), but the teen protagonist and high school setting make it feel authentically YA. Kids younger than 12 might find the murder/suicide themes too heavy.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

72

The book centers on a determined teen investigating a closed murder case, showcasing persistence, critical thinking, and loyalty to someone she believes was wrongly accused. Pip's character models intellectual courage and standing up for what's right despite social pressure. The story includes friendship, family support, and a developing romance that's age-appropriate. However, the murder mystery premise means characters grapple with death, deception, and the darker sides of human nature. The tone stays teen-appropriate without gratuitous darkness, but it's not exactly cozy—there's real tension and some characters behave badly.

Imaginative

78

Holly Jackson constructs a genuinely clever mystery that invites readers to piece together clues alongside Pip. The structure—mixing narrative with Pip's investigation logs, interviews, and evidence—creates an interactive feel that encourages analytical thinking. The twists are well-crafted and the ending reportedly surprises even seasoned mystery readers. It's not imaginative in a fantastical world-building sense, but it excels at making detective work feel accessible and engaging for teens. The book sparked a massive following and inspired countless readers to try their own investigative thinking, which speaks to its creative pull.

Safe

68

This is a murder mystery, so violence and death are central to the plot—two murders are discussed, though descriptions aren't gratuitously graphic. One suicide is detailed as part of the investigation. There's no sexual content beyond age-appropriate teen romance, no explicit language that stands out in reviews, and no gore. Parent reviews consistently note it's appropriate for tweens and teens 12-14+. The main safety consideration is the subject matter itself: murder, suicide, drug dealing, and the psychological tension of Pip being threatened as she investigates. For a mystery thriller, it's relatively restrained, but younger or sensitive readers might find the themes heavy.

Enriching

81

The book is genuinely thought-provoking on multiple levels. It explores themes of prejudice (Sal Singh's family faced racism after he was accused), the dangers of rushing to judgment, and how communities construct narratives that may not reflect truth. Pip's investigation methodology introduces readers to critical thinking, evidence evaluation, and the importance of questioning accepted stories. The book raises questions about justice, media influence, and the lasting impact of tragedy on communities. Plus, it's a page-turner that has gotten countless teens reading who might not otherwise pick up books—the 4.5 Amazon rating and multimillion sales speak to its entertainment value combined with substance.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely clever mystery with surprising twists that respects teen readers' intelligence—the investigation format with logs and evidence makes you feel like a detective
Strong female protagonist who models persistence, critical thinking, and standing up for what's right even when it's uncomfortable
Tackles meaningful themes like prejudice, racism, and rushing to judgment without being preachy—the Singh family's experience after Sal's accusation is handled thoughtfully
Actually gets kids reading—the 4.5 Amazon rating and multimillion sales aren't hype, parents consistently report their reluctant readers tearing through this
Age-appropriate romance and friendships that feel real without overshadowing the central mystery

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What to Watch For

Murder mystery means death is central—two murders and one suicide are discussed, with the suicide described in some detail as part of the investigation
Pip receives threats as she digs deeper, creating real tension and some scary moments for the protagonist
Themes include drug dealing, underage drinking at parties, and adults behaving badly—nothing graphic but present in the story
Best for kids 12-14+ who can handle darker subject matter; younger or sensitive readers might find it too intense

Conversation Starters

"Pip knew Sal as a kid and couldn't believe he was a murderer. Have you ever had to decide whether to trust your gut feeling about someone versus what everyone else believes?"
"The town of Fairview rushed to judgment about Sal partly because of his background. How do you think prejudice affects how people interpret evidence or make assumptions?"
"If you were investigating a mystery like Pip, what would be the hardest part—finding evidence, interviewing people who don't want to talk, or putting yourself in potential danger?"
"The book shows how social media and gossip can shape a narrative that might not be true. Have you seen that happen at school or online?"

Deep Dive

The "True Crime" gateway drug

If you’re wondering why this specific book is currently glued to your teenager’s hand, look at the format. Holly Jackson isn't just writing a standard narrative; she’s built a story that looks and feels like a podcast or a Reddit deep-dive. Between the chapters, you get Pip’s "capstone project" logs, interview transcripts, and maps of the town.

For a generation raised on the quick hits of social media, this mixed-media approach is a genius move. It breaks up the "wall of text" that often intimidates reluctant readers and turns the book into a game. You aren't just reading about a girl solving a crime; you’re looking at the same evidence she is. This is exactly how mystery books for middle graders are evolving to compete with TikTok, and A Good Girl's Guide to Murder is the gold standard for that transition.

Why the "BookTok" hype is actually earned

It’s easy to be skeptical when a book goes viral on social media, but the popularity here isn't just about a pretty cover or a trendy aesthetic. This story taps into the very real teen reading habits we’re seeing right now: a fascination with the "citizen sleuth" and a deep skepticism of how adults handle authority.

Pip is a great protagonist because she’s obsessed in a way that feels relatable. She isn't a superhero; she’s a smart, slightly over-caffeinated senior who realizes her town’s peace is built on a lie. The book handles the Singh family’s story with a lot of weight, showing how a community can collectively decide someone is a villain based on prejudice rather than proof. It’s a solid entry point for talking about how media narratives are formed and why "the official story" isn't always the whole story.

The friction: What you’ll actually worry about

The "murder" in the title isn't a metaphor. While this isn't a "slasher" book with gore on every page, it deals with some heavy, grounded reality. The central mystery involves the death of a teenage girl and the subsequent suicide of her boyfriend.

The suicide isn't just a background detail; Pip examines the mechanics of it as part of her investigation. If your child is sensitive to themes of self-harm or the aftermath of a suicide, this is where you’ll want to pause. It’s handled as a procedural mystery element, but it’s still there.

There’s also a level of "teen realism" that some parents might find spicy: underage drinking at "calamity parties," mentions of drug dealing, and Pip herself receiving some fairly menacing threats. If you’re trying to gauge if they’re ready for the intensity, our guide to thriller books for teens can help you figure out where this sits on the spectrum from "Nancy Drew" to "Silence of the Lambs."

If they love Pip, what's next?

If they finish this and immediately ask for the sequel—Good Girl, Bad Blood—that’s a win. You’ve officially got a reader on your hands. This book is the perfect bridge for kids who have outgrown middle-grade series but aren't quite ready for the nihilism of adult true crime. It’s smart, it’s fast, and it actually respects the reader's ability to keep up with a complex, multi-layered plot. Just be prepared for them to start eyeing their own school projects with a much more investigative, skeptical lens.

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