Jessica Totino

Oh, I have so much to say about “A Good Girl's Guide to Murder”! I absolutely loved this book! From the very first page, Holly Jackson grabs your attention with a thrilling premise that sets the stage for an engaging mystery. The pacing is relentless, making it impossible to put down as we follow Pip, our determined protagonist, on her quest to uncover the truth behind a murder that rocked her small town.

The characters in this book are incredibly engaging, each one contributing to the rich tapestry of the story. Pip, in particular, is an intriguing character, although I found her not entirely relatable. Her drive and ambition to solve the case are commendable, but there were moments when her decisions felt distant from my own experiences. Nevertheless, her passion and determination made me root for her as she navigates the twists and turns of her investigation.

What really stood out to me was how immersive the story felt. I almost felt like I was one of Pip's friends, eagerly helping her with her project. Jackson masterfully creates a sense of camaraderie among the characters, and you can't help but feel a part of their world. The way Pip interacts with her friends and the dynamics of their relationships adds depth to the narrative, making it all the more captivating.

The suspense is expertly crafted, with each revelation pulling you deeper into the mystery. Just when you think you have it all figured out, Jackson throws in unexpected twists that keep you guessing until the very end. The exploration of themes like reputation, accountability, and the darker sides of small-town life adds layers to the story, making it more than just a typical murder mystery.

As I turned the last page, I found myself eagerly anticipating the next installments in the series. Holly Jackson has created a gripping world filled with intrigue, and I can't wait to see where she takes Pip next. If you're looking for a fast-paced, suspenseful read that keeps you on the edge of your seat, “A Good Girl's Guide to Murder” is a must-read!

In Good Girl, Bad Blood, Pip finds herself reluctantly drawn back into the world of crime-solving, despite promising herself she was done with investigations. This time, her focus shifts when her friend Connor's brother, Jamie, goes missing, and Pip feels a sense of responsibility to help. What's fascinating is how the story explores the psychological toll her past investigation took on her—she's tougher, less idealistic, and even a bit jaded.

Pip's character arc in this book goes to a much darker place. We see her questioning her morals, pushing boundaries, and doing things that would've shocked the Pip we first met. I think Jackson did a great job showing how these experiences are slowly changing her, even blurring her own sense of justice. While I loved how intense and suspenseful the plot was, I couldn't help but feel a little sad for Pip. She's lost some of her innocence, and the toll of constantly uncovering dark truths is clear.

If you enjoyed the first book but are ready for a grittier, more intense story, Good Girl, Bad Blood dives into that moral complexity with Pip's darker side emerging. It adds a whole new layer to her character and really raises the stakes for what she's willing to do in the name of finding the truth.

“Rock Paper Scissors” by Alice Feeney delves into the complex dynamics of a husband and wife entwined in a web of lies, set against the backdrop of a getaway to a secluded cabin that they win. This psychological thriller keeps you guessing until the very end, starting with a slow burn that takes its time to introduce the characters and their fraught relationship. While this might leave some readers feeling a bit disconnected at first, the tension builds as the story progresses.

As the narrative unfolds, the layers of deception and hidden truths begin to unravel, drawing you deeper into the intricacies of their marriage and the secrets they've been hiding from one another. Although I didn't feel entirely connected to the characters right away, Feeney's writing gradually captivated me, revealing the cracks in their facade and the motives behind their lies.

The secluded cabin, meant to be a retreat, quickly becomes a setting for conflict and revelations. I highly recommend pushing through to the end because the twists that await are genuinely shocking. Just when I thought I had a handle on the situation, Feeney expertly flipped the script, leaving me gasping at the unexpected outcomes. The story evolves into a thrilling exploration of trust, betrayal, and the lengths people will go to protect their secrets.

Despite the slow start, “Rock Paper Scissors” ultimately delivers an engaging experience filled with suspense and surprises. Feeney's skillful storytelling shines through as she crafts a tale that challenges readers to question the nature of truth and lies in relationships. If you're in the mood for a psychological thriller with a compelling premise, including a getaway gone awry, this book is definitely worth the read!