"A Good Girl's Guide to Murder" S1 Review

3 minute(s) ·  December 5, 2024

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder is a suspenseful teen mystery drama that follows Pip as she re-investigates a high school murder, but despite its intriguing twists and moody atmosphere, it struggles with inconsistent tone and a lack of chemistry between its leads, making it a solid yet imperfect watch.

WARNING: THE FOLLOWING TEXT CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR "A GOOD GIRL'S GUIDE TO MURDER" SEASON 1

Based on Holly Jackson's bestselling novel, A Good Girl's Guide to Murder is a six-episode mystery drama that delves into the unresolved disappearance and presumed death of Andie Bell, a popular high school student. The story follows Pip (played by Emma Myers), a 17-year-old with a strong sense of justice, as she reopens the case for her school project, believing the original suspect, Sal, was wrongfully accused. Together with Sal’s brother Ravi, she embarks on an investigation that intertwines her personal life with a web of secrets and lies.

Strengths: The show shines in its ability to build suspense through plot twists and red herrings, keeping viewers guessing about the true culprit until the very end. Its small-town setting and moody soundtrack enhance the atmosphere, complementing the story’s darker themes of loss and justice. The series also manages to touch on sensitive issues with care, adding layers to the narrative.

Weaknesses: However, the series has faced criticism for its inconsistent tone and lack of character depth. The romance between Pip and Ravi feels underdeveloped, and some performances, though earnest, lack the nuance needed for a story with such emotional stakes. Additionally, the show struggles to balance its teen drama elements with the gravity of its central mystery.

Final Thoughts: While it may not reach the heights of other teen mystery series like Pretty Little Liars or 13 Reasons Why, A Good Girl's Guide to Murder is an engaging, binge-worthy whodunit for fans of light suspense. With its compelling mystery and twists, it’s an enjoyable adaptation, albeit one that leaves room for improvement in character and tone.

Rating:

7/10

⭐⭐⭐

For fans of mystery and young adult drama, it’s a solid watch but not without its flaws.

All episodes of A Good Girl's Guide to Murder Season 1 are now streaming on Netflix.