A Good Girl’s Guide to Adapting a Book for the Screen

“A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” TV Show Review

Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash

Holly Jackson’s young adult novel “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” was published in the United States on Feb. 4, 2020. Two years later, fans were ecstatic to find out that the book was getting a television show adaptation. The visual adaptation was released in the United Kingdom on July 1, 2024, and the U.S. release was one month later. “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” follows the adventures of 17-year-old Pippa Fitz-Amobi (Emma Myers) as she sets out to solve a local murder case involving teenagers Sal Singh (Rahul Pattni) and Andie Bell (India Lillie Davies). Five years prior, the local police determined that Sal murdered Andie. Though the case was officially closed, Pip believes the police have it wrong. Resolved to find Andie’s real killer, Pip sets out with Ravi Singh (Zain Iqbal), Sal’s brother, on a quest to prove Sal’s innocence. The show was executed well, considering the vast amount of difficulties that come with translating a novel onto a screen. While the plot was hasty, the basic storyline was still adhered to. Character development of the story’s protagonist was clear and impactful. The casting was very well-thought-out, and the actors/actresses all put their best foot forward.

Since the show is a visual adaptation of the book, it is inevitable some aspects of the plot will be changed. Limited screen time results in the need to consolidate some scenes and completely cut others. In the case of “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder,” the story advances more quickly than it did in the book, which causes some decision making of characters to appear hasty and poorly thought through. In the show, the speed of the Bell House break-in scene makes Pip and Ravi’s decisions seem hurried and impulsive, even though the scene is slower in the book where Pip’s plan for the break-in is thought-out and intentional. It is understandable that this consolidation was needed, but frustrating for longtime fans to see the story changed. Nevertheless, the producers of the show did an impressive job of sticking to the base storyline of Holly Jackson’s novel. The plot is still gripping and leaves viewers wanting more. Pip gets her happy ending, but the finale of the season makes it clear that season one’s adventures are only the beginning. The immersive plot and lovable characters fuel viewers’ desire to continue with Pip on her journey.

Character development is more difficult to recognize on screen than on paper. It is easier to get into a character’s head in a book because readers get to experience the protagonist’s inner monologue. The third-person limited point of view in “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” allows the reader to know what Pip thinks and feels about certain events. Since the show puts viewers on the outside looking in, it is difficult to grasp the way Pip feels she is slowly losing herself in the case. Regardless, the producers of the show do a fine job of portraying Pip’s development. Her transformation from an honest, hard-working student to an obsessive, fearless detective is realized over time.

The casting for the show is satisfyingly accurate to the book. Myers’ Pip Fitz-Amobi has all the guts and passion fans of the novel could hope for. The show’s exemplary casting also includes the sisters Cara Ward (Asha Banks) and Naomi Ward (Yasmin Al-Khudhairi), who have an amazing resemblance. As Pip’s best friend, Banks plays her character incredibly well. The audience truly feels Cara’s love for Pip. In addition, Iqbal embodies Ravi Singh’s loyalty and spirit through his charming sense of humor and unwavering devotion to Pip. His nickname for Pip, Sarge, is carried over from the novel to the show. Although the name is used in a joking way, it demonstrates how Ravi respects Pip’s leadership and decisions. Myers and Iqbal's impeccable capture of Pip and Ravi’s relationship leaves die-hard fans of the series in love with this duo of detectives. They are not only a formidable team but also an adorable couple.

Overall, “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” is worth the watch for dedicated fans of the book and Netflix-surfing teenagers alike. The gripping plot puts viewers on the edge of their seats, and the acting provides lovable characters they can root for. Pip’s character development causes viewers to miss the innocent girl she used to be while also leaving them proud of how far she’s come.

<Star Rating>

Plot: ★★★★★

Character Development: ★★★★★

Acting: ★★★★★