If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to solve a murder mystery in high school while balancing homework and teenage drama, then ‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder’ might be perfect for you.

Based on Holly Jackson’s popular novel, the series offers a mix of youthful energy and gripping mystery as we follow determined Pippa Fitz-Amoboe’s quest to uncover the truth.

With vibrant visuals and a cast that brings the book’s characters to life, it promises to be a thrilling ride – although there will be a few bumps along the way.

‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder’ brings the thrilling mystery of Holly Jackson’s beloved book to the screen, following Pippa Fitz-Amobey’s (Emma Myers) journey as she gets to the bottom of the unsolved murder case of schoolgirl Andie Bell.

With the prime suspect, Sal Singh, long dead, Pippa’s investigation leads her on a path to track down the real killer, including Sal’s brother Ravi Singh (Zain Iqbal), who also becomes her lover.

The casting is commendable, staying true to the essence of the characters from the book. Emma Myers has captured Pippa’s brilliance and determination well, while Zain Iqbal has honestly portrayed Ravi’s struggling but supportive nature.

However, their chemistry feels somewhat forced, as the series tries too hard to push the romantic aspect, which isn’t as compelling as the central mystery.

While the show doesn’t do complete justice to Holly Jackson’s novel, it is fun to watch. The early episodes use a vibrant palette, upbeat music and trendy outfits to create an inviting atmosphere to draw viewers in. This light-hearted approach gradually changes as the mystery deepens, making the story even more entertaining.

The filmmaking is simple, geared towards a younger audience, with characters talking in a way that teenagers can relate to. However, this simplicity is a double-edged sword. While it makes the show accessible, it also has some notable shortcomings.

Pippa’s ability to be in the right place at the right time strains credibility, and the overall lack of gravitas undermines the plot’s seriousness.

(spoiler) In the book, Holly Jackson kept us readers in the dark about what really happened to Andy or what caused his death. All we knew was that Andy was dead. But in the series, they decided to show the head injury that could have caused his death. Honestly, that kind of took the mystery out of it, didn’t it?

Another flaw in the show was the handling of Zain’s character Ravi Singh. The constant attempts to link romance between Ravi and Pippa seem unnecessary and distract from the more important story of solving Andy’s murder.

This subplot could have been developed more naturally or given less importance to increase the suspense and importance of the investigation.

Watch the trailer here:

‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder’ is worth a watch. It presents a good adaptation with interesting moments, especially for those who love teen dramas and light-hearted mysteries.

However, the simplification of the source material and the forced romantic elements prevent it from reaching its full potential. Fans of the book may find it lacking in depth, but for newcomers, it serves as an entertaining, if not entirely satisfying, series.

2 stars out of 5 for this mysterious story.