How to Read the A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder Series
If you want the best experience following Pippa "Pip" Fitz-Amobi's dark investigation path, you have two primary options. While there is a chronological prequel, starting with the main debut novel is widely considered the best entry point for new readers.
The Recommended Reading Order
Most readers and fan community discussions recommend reading the books in publication order. Starting with the first novel allows you to get to know the characters as they were originally introduced and avoids minor spoilers or character shifts present in the prequel. Here is the recommended path:
- A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder (2019) — The original novel that starts it all. Pip decides to investigate a closed local case for her school project.
- Good Girl, Bad Blood (2020) — The high-stakes sequel where Pip launches a true-crime podcast and tackles a new missing person case.
- Kill Joy (2021) — The prequel novella. A quick read set before the events of the first book, detailing a murder mystery game. Many fans prefer reading it here to fill the gap before the final book.
- As Good As Dead (2021) — The dark and tense conclusion to Pip’s trilogy.
The Chronological Reading Order
If you prefer to follow the exact timeline of Pip's detective skills from the very beginning, you can read the books chronologically:
- Kill Joy (2021) — Prequel novella.
- A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder (2019) — Novel 1.
- Good Girl, Bad Blood (2020) — Novel 2.
- As Good As Dead (2021) — Novel 3.
Fairview vs. Little Kilton: The UK and US Edition Differences
When picking up the books, you might notice different town names. Holly Jackson’s original UK editions are set in the fictional English village of Little Kilton, Buckinghamshire. For the US market, the publisher localized the setting to Fairview, Connecticut, changing British terms (like "mum," "A-levels," and "999") to American counterparts ("mom," "exams," and "911"). The 2024 television adaptation remains faithful to the UK setting, filming in Somerset, England.
Holly Jackson’s Standalone Thrillers
Once you finish Pip's story, you can explore other twisty mysteries by Holly Jackson. These books are standalones set in different universes:
- Five Survive (2022) — A claustrophobic thriller about six friends trapped in an RV with a sniper.
- The Reappearance of Rachel Price (2024) — A suspenseful mystery about a girl whose mother reappears years after vanishing.