Reviews tagging 'Body shaming'

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

459 reviews

books_bakesandbelle's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad 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? No

5.0

Really really good book.

Loved Pip - her seriousness is fun and I liked getting inside her head during the production log inserts. I also really liked the budding relationship between Pip and Ravi, and the banter from Ravi’s side with Pip. Her family dynamics were also fun, especially Victor, who was a typical caring but embarrassing dad character.

I liked the inclusion of how people of different ethnicities can be perceived and the nod to white privilege - it was interesting and added realism to the story, and hopefully opens people’s eyes to this in the real world.

I really enjoyed how the readers uncover the secrets alongside Pip and how she explains her various theories. They certainly got me guessing, although I will admit I got some wrong, for example, the HH, I noticed a few other things this could be through the story and expected a twist with this where it revealed Pip had missed something, nor did I expect the killer to be who it was, so clearly Pip is a better detective than me haha! It was interesting and fun to try and figure out the true story though, and the very final dangerous moment made me gasp out loud! Definitely didn’t see that coming to Pip!

Barney’s death broke my heart and I felt so sad when it happened, but I see why it was to show Pip the danger she was in and add additional tension to the story.

Overall a very good book and one I’d recommend for mystery and thriller lovers. Going to make a start on the second one now!

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arleighwestfall's review against another edition

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5.0

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ballousclues's review against another edition

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mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

“You go around asking dangerous questions, girl, you’re going to find some dangerous answers.”

"A Good Girl's Guide to Murder" strongly reminded me of "Pretty Little Liars." While I never finished the show, the book's suspenseful atmosphere and intricate web of secrets evoked a similar feeling. It also shares some thematic similarities with "13 Reasons Why," as we gradually uncover the hidden roles of various characters. Overall, ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars for me.

I recommend reading the book before watching the show. The show, unfortunately, doesn't do the book justice. Had I watched the show first, I doubt I would have picked up the book.

The writing style is decent, and the plot, though somewhat predictable, remains engaging. However, I found the characters to be a bit one-dimensional. Despite these minor shortcomings, I enjoyed the classic whodunit aspect of the story.

I would recommend this book to those who ask, but I wouldn't actively tell others to read it. It's a solid, enjoyable read, but not a groundbreaking masterpiece.
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ = This book was phenomenal and very difficult to put down. The characters were lovable, the plot was great, and the writing was strong. Definitely have a book hangover. I know this will be a story I think about for a long time. Highly recommend to everyone!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ = This book was very good but I was able to put it down for the night. The characters were good, the plot was fine, and the writing was good. I’ll recommend this book to others. There were definitely moments from the book I really liked, maybe even loved, and there were some parts that may have some room for improvement. I definitely recommend giving this book a try!

⭐️⭐️⭐️ = This book was fine. The characters, plot, and writing were all okay, but nothing extraordinary. I may have had an issue with some pieces in the plot or the writing. I may recommend this book to some people but not everyone I run into. It was a good book - it just wasn’t a favorite of mine.

⭐️⭐️ = This book was okay but far from a favorite. There may have been some moments that I liked, but overall, I may have had a bigger issue with the characters, plot, or the writing. I don’t plan on recommending this book to most people, or anyone at all. Just wasn’t for me.

⭐️ = This book I actually disliked. Definitely wasn’t my cup of tea and there wasn’t anything I enjoyed about it. I actually had a tough time getting through this book and may have not even finished it. I may have had major issues with the character, plot, or the writing. I do not recommend.

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lisa_m's review against another edition

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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!

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