A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
I feel like a lot of people would say the same about this book, and let’s be honest, the entire series. It’s one of, if not the best YA mystery thrillers I’ve ever read. It is quite literally what I compare all thrillers to. Which is a little harsh as this is a very high five star read for me, but the standard has been set so all other YA mystery thrillers have a lot to live up to. I’m yet to find one that does.
I read this entire book in less than 24 hours, which is very rare for me these days. It was all I could think about and I just had to continue reading it. Unfortunately, I’m not the type of person that can pull an all-nighter to finish a book anymore. I did it all the time as a teenager but now I’m in my late 20’s with a full time job and a puppy, not happening, no way.
Anyway, back to the book. Watching the mystery unfold is genuinely really entertaining and satisfying. At no point did I think “that doesn’t make sense” or that the author was grasping at straws to build to the conclusion. Everything fits together and the evidence really builds a solid case. You can tell that a lot of effort went into building this mystery and for that I have nothing but respect for Holly Jackson. It’s not an easy thing to do, which you can trust me on considering how many mystery thrillers I’ve read in the last few years.
If I could go back into this book with absolutely zero memories of what happens, I’d be so happy. I do think I’ve forgotten a few parts so I could quite happily do a re-read and still feel the same shock and wonder at what happens.
I will always recommend A Good Girl’s Guide to Muder to anyone looking for a good book. It doesn’t matter if you aren’t a fan of YA, I think this book can be enjoyed by anyone of any age.
Synopsis: Everyone in Fairview knows the story.
Pretty and popular high school senior Andie Bell was murdered by her boyfriend, Sal Singh, who then killed himself. It was all anyone could talk about. And five years later, Pip sees how the tragedy still haunts her town.
But she can’t shake the feeling that there was more to what happened that day. She knew Sal when she was a child, and he was always so kind to her. How could he possibly have been a killer?
Now a senior herself, Pip decides to reexamine the closed case for her final project, at first just to cast doubt on the original investigation. But soon she discovers a trail of dark secrets that might actually prove Sal innocent . . . and the line between past and present begins to blur. Someone in Fairview doesn’t want Pip digging around for answers, and now her own life might be in danger.
Heartstopper: Volume One by Alice Oseman
There is just something so special about volume one of Heartstopper and I feel the same about season one of the show. It’s so sweet and there’s a real feel of magic to it. Which most people probably won’t understand but I really feel a connection with these characters as I see a lot of myself in them. Alice Oseman is great at creating real and relatable characters. It’s something I say about all of their books.
I’ve read this entire series a few times now and it gets better every time. However, I do think getting to experience it for the first time again would be incredible. No matter how many times I read this series again, I can’t quite capture how I felt that first time. It was truly a life-changing experience and I’m not being hyperbolic when I say that.
Synopsis: Charlie, a highly-strung, openly gay over-thinker, and Nick, a cheerful, soft-hearted rugby player, meet at a British all-boys grammar school. Friendship blooms quickly, but could there be something more…?
Charlie Spring is in Year 10 at Truham Grammar School for Boys. The past year hasn’t been too great, but at least he’s not being bullied anymore. Nick Nelson is in Year 11 and on the school rugby team. He’s heard a little about Charlie – the kid who was outed last year and bullied for a few months – but he’s never had the opportunity to talk to him.
They quickly become friends, and soon Charlie is falling hard for Nick, even though he doesn’t think he has a chance. But love works in surprising ways, and sometimes good things are waiting just around the corner…
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