Reviews tagging 'Physical abuse'

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

81 reviews

herald_of_cupcakes's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This is one of the most terrifying books I have ever read, because a lot of it hits very close to home.  Do not read in the dark.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

lisa_m's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

This was an amazing read! The characters are fun, funny and loveable. The writing is captivating with loads of different elements like interview transcripts and text messages that make it feel unlike any other book I've read. I'm not a thriller person but this one was really well done. I really enjoyed Holly Jacksons writing and I already know I want to read more by her.

Now on to the plot and characters. I loved the banter between Ravi and Pippa. They are the heart of this story. I also enjoyed her friendship with Cara. The whole story was very thrilling and exciting to read. I read this book in one afternoon and I just could not put it down.

My main issue is with the reveal at the end. I do think it was well done but I just do not have it in me to believe someone who is a good father, kind and smart man and beloved teacher is also a pedophile, abuser, psychopathic murderer and kidnapper. Idk it just does not add up to me. Why would he sleep with a girl the same age as his daughter? Why would he threaten and blackmail his own daughter? Why would he lure a student who looks up to him and who he likes to his house to drug and murder him, stage it as a suicide and set him up as a murderer thus destroying this kind smart boys family and legacy all just so no-one would suspect him of accidentally killing someone he isn't even sure is dead!!? That's psychopathic! And I just cannot believe it. Also you cannot tell me this mans reaction to being confronted with what he did would be along the lines of 'it's finally over'. He is delusional! He would not see himself as a bad guy!


But it definitely was a shocking reveal I did not see coming at all. Beccas involvememt was figured out a bit too quickly for my liking. It's all just because she saw it in her eyes? While driving past her in a car?


Also this book is absolutely NOT YA!! I would never let my child read this. I think I would have been properly traumatised if I read this at 14.
Discussions of rape and date rape drugs are central to the plot as well as drug dealing, bullying, catfishing & sharing nude pictures online without consent, threatening messages, kidnapping & subsequent murder of a beloved dog, inappropriate relationship with a minor (with someone who is in a position of power over them), kidnapping of a minor and keeping them locked up in the attic for 5 years with only their kidnapper as a human contact who so thoroughly brainwashed them that they believe they are a completely different person now)
... I feel like there is more but those are the main things that stood out to me. This book is definitely not an 'easy read' is what I'm trying to say I guess.

But still I was very entertained and I really liked this book. I enjoyed that the story is finished and the big mystery has been solved. I definitely am going to keep reading this series though and I can't wait to read what happens next!

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

oliviapi2010's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional hopeful informative mysterious sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0


Expand filter menu Content Warnings

chi__'s review against another edition

Go to review page

lighthearted mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25


Expand filter menu Content Warnings

rylin_marie's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

sobbing. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

kalefactory's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging emotional mysterious reflective tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0


Expand filter menu Content Warnings

franciscamnguimaraes's review against another edition

Go to review page

mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0


Expand filter menu Content Warnings

lucyford's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Ugh, I’m so glad I finally read this after years of it being recommended to me! It 1000% lived up to the hype. I loved the main characters, the fun formatting of the book, the writing, the humour, and the unpredictability of the plot. There were so many moving pieces in the story, and I think the author is a genius for how she made it work out so cleanly. The only reasons it’s not a full 5 stars for me are that (a) Pip can be a bit (very) ridiculously stubborn at times, and (b) I was never pushed to the point of tears or throwing my book. I still loved it and am very happy with the ending.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

keeleyannefai's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark emotional funny tense fast-paced

5.0


Expand filter menu Content Warnings

stutzmaa14's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0


Expand filter menu Content Warnings