Books Like...
In 'A Good Girl's Guide to Murder' by Holly Jackson, high school senior Pippa Fitz Amobi takes on a cold case to prove the innocence of Sal Singh in the murder of his girlfriend Andie Bell. With a mix of diary entries, interviews, and investigative work, the story unfolds as Pip delves into dark secrets and dangerous truths, blurring the lines between past and present while facing obstacles and threats to her life.
The book is a smart and suspenseful YA mystery where Pip's determination to uncover the truth leads her through twists and turns, uncovering layers of the case that go beyond a simple murder mystery. Through creative storytelling techniques and engaging plot development, the author keeps readers on the edge of their seats as Pip navigates through a complex investigation that challenges her perceptions and puts her in harm's way.
If you liked A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes follows the story of Avery Grambs, a high school student with a tough life who suddenly inherits a vast fortune from a billionaire, Tobias Hawthorne. To receive her inheritance, Avery must move into the Hawthorne House and solve a series of puzzles and riddles left behind by Hawthorne. As Avery navigates the challenges of living in the mansion alongside Hawthorne's four grandsons, she must unravel the mystery of why she was chosen for the inheritance, all while facing threats and intrigue from those who feel entitled to the fortune. The book is described as a fast-paced YA mystery with elements of suspense, puzzles, and a touch of romance, keeping readers engaged till the very end.
The Inheritance Games is praised for its engaging plot filled with twists and turns, appealing to readers who enjoy mystery, suspense, and puzzle-solving. The book is noted for its well-crafted characters, particularly Avery and the Hawthorne brothers, each with unique personalities that add depth to the story. The writing style is described as addictive, with a mix of suspense and tension that keeps readers guessing along with the protagonist, creating an immersive reading experience that culminates in a cliffhanger ending, setting the stage for the sequel.
I made it to school on time but barely. I had a habit of cutting things close. I walked the same tightrope with my grades: How little effort could I put in and still get an A? I wasn’t lazy. I was pra... - #2
In 'Truly Devious' by Maureen Johnson, the story follows Stevie Bell, a true crime enthusiast who gets accepted into the prestigious Ellingham Academy to pursue her dream of solving the decades-old murder and kidnapping that occurred at the school in 1936. The book alternates between the past events of 1936 and Stevie's present-day investigations, creating a compelling narrative full of mysteries and intriguing characters. However, the book ends on a major cliffhanger, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment to unravel the unresolved plot threads.
Stevie finds herself caught up in a web of mysteries as she delves into the historical murder disappearance at Ellingham Academy while navigating her own challenges in the present day. With engaging storytelling that intertwines past and present events, Johnson crafts a YA murder mystery that keeps readers hooked with its blend of riddles, puzzles, and questions. Despite some readers finding the ending unsatisfying due to the abrupt cliffhanger, the book's ability to keep readers on edge and craving more sets the stage for a promising series that blends elements of historical crime with modern-day investigations.
This resulted in a long pause. Stevie and her parents had had many conversations about the nature of truth and fact, and this might, on another day, have erupted into an argument. Not today. They seem... - #3
"One of Us Is Lying" by Karen M. McManus is a gripping murder mystery that unfolds in the aftermath of a classmate's death during detention. The story follows four students who find themselves under suspicion for the murder, each with their own motives and secrets. Through multiple perspectives, readers delve into the intricate web of lies, drama, and high school dynamics as they try to uncover the truth behind the tragic event. The book skillfully combines elements of suspense, teenage drama, and unexpected plot twists, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
The writing style of "One of Us Is Lying" is praised for its fast-paced narrative, engaging multiple points of view, and clever use of alternating perspectives among the characters. The author effectively builds tension and intrigue by delving into the minds of each suspect, creating a compelling and immersive reading experience that explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and the complexities of teenage life.
A sex tape. A pregnancy scare. Two cheating scandals. And that’s just this week’s update. If all you knew of Bayview High was Simon Kelleher’s gossip app, you’d wonder how anyone found time to go to c... - #4
'Sadie' by Courtney Summers is a gripping YA novel that follows the story of Sadie, a teenage girl on a mission to avenge her sister's death. The book is structured with dual storylines - one from Sadie's perspective as she embarks on a dangerous journey to find her sister's killer, and the other from the viewpoint of a journalist creating a podcast about Sadie's disappearance. Through these alternating narratives, the reader gets a glimpse into Sadie's harrowing life filled with abandonment, abuse, and the search for justice.
The writing style of 'Sadie' is unique and engaging, utilizing the podcast format to provide additional insights and perspectives into the story. The book delves into dark and serious topics such as drug addiction, sexual abuse, and family dysfunction, offering a thought-provoking and emotionally taut mystery that keeps readers on edge until the end.
I’m going to steal the light from his eyes. I want to watch it go out. You aren’t supposed to answer violence with more violence but sometimes I think violence is the only answer. It’s no less than he... - #5
Seventeen-year-old Cassie, a natural at reading people, is recruited by the FBI to join a classified program that uses exceptional teenagers to solve cold cases. The Naturals program consists of gifted teens with unusual skills working together to crack infamous cases, including a current serial killer on the loose. As Cassie delves deeper into the program, she realizes that danger looms closer than she ever imagined, with twists, suspense, and a lethal game of cat and mouse with the killer.
The book 'The Naturals' by Jennifer Lynn Barnes follows Cassie and her fellow Naturals as they navigate through profiling, mysteries, and chilling revelations. The plot intertwines elements of psychological thrillers, crime-solving, and teenage dynamics, offering a fast-paced narrative filled with engaging characters, intriguing cases, and a final twist that leaves readers hooked and eager to uncover more.
The hours were bad. The tips were worse, and the majority of my coworkers definitely left something to be desired, but c’est la vie, que será será, insert foreign language cliché of your choice here. ... - #6
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides is a psychological thriller that follows the story of Alicia Berenson, a renowned artist who is found with her dead husband, tied to a chair and shot multiple times in the face. Alicia never speaks again and is sent to a mental institution. Theo Faber, a forensic psychologist, takes a job at the facility to treat Alicia and unravel her secrets. The book is filled with twists and turns, red herrings, and a surprising conclusion, making it a gripping and engaging read.
The novel is centered around the relationship between Alicia, the silent patient, and Theo, the psychotherapist determined to make her speak. As Theo delves deeper into Alicia's case, the story unfolds through entries from Alicia's diary and Theo's own perspective. The plot weaves together themes of mental illness, trauma, and suspense, keeping the readers guessing until the unexpected twist at the end. The Silent Patient explores complex characters and intricate storytelling, making it a compelling and thought-provoking thriller.
They had been married for seven years. They were both artists—Alicia was a painter, and Gabriel was a well-known fashion photographer. He had a distinctive style, shooting semi-starved, semi-naked wom... - #7
'The Sun Down Motel' by Simone St. James is a chilling and suspenseful novel that follows the intertwined stories of Vivian Delaney, a temporary night clerk at the eerie Sun Down Motel in 1982, and Carly Kirk, Vivian's niece who arrives at the motel in 2017 to investigate her aunt's mysterious disappearance. The book seamlessly weaves between the two timelines, delving into paranormal phenomena, mysterious occurrences, and the dark secrets surrounding the motel. Simone St. James masterfully portrays the suspense and thriller elements, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they uncover the haunting mysteries within the walls of the Sun Down Motel.
That was fine with her. She preferred it. It was something she’d discovered, working the night shift at this place in the middle of nowhere: Being with people was easy, but being alone was hard. Espec... - #8
The Cheerleaders by Kara Thomas is a YA mystery that follows Monica, whose sister was part of a cheerleading squad that was disbanded five years ago after multiple deaths within the team. Monica finds her sister's cell phone and starts investigating the accidents, uncovering inconsistencies and secrets. The book alternates between past and present, revealing the dark events that led to the disbandment of the cheerleading team and Monica's relentless pursuit of the truth.
This house was made for someone without a soul. So I guess it makes sense that my mother wanted it so badly. I can imagine how her eyes lit up when she walked through the five-bedroom, three-and-a-hal... - #9
'We Were Liars' by E. Lockhart is a story about a privileged family, the Sinclairs, who spend their summers on a private island off the coast of Massachusetts. The book follows Cadence, one of the Sinclair grandchildren, as she returns to the island after a traumatic accident during the summer of fifteen, trying to recover her memories. The plot revolves around the mystery of what happened to Cadence and her friends, known as the Liars, during that fateful summer. The writing style is described as beautifully written, haunting, and with a twist that keeps readers engaged until the end.
The novel is a coming-of-age story with elements of privilege, family dysfunction, love, friendship, and secrets. The narrative unfolds delicately, revealing the story bit by bit as Cadence remembers the events surrounding her accident. The book delves into themes of race, power, greed, and features a shocking twist ending that catches readers by surprise, making it a captivating and heartbreaking read.
Dad was a middling-successful professor of military history. Back then I adored him. He wore tweed jackets. He was gaunt. He drank milky tea. He was fond of board games and let me win, fond of boats a... - #10
'The Thursday Murder Club' by Richard Osman is a cozy mystery novel set in a luxury retirement village where a group of senior citizens, known as the Thursday Murder Club, come together to solve cold cases. When a real murder occurs within their retirement community, the group finds themselves entangled in a present-day murder investigation. The book is praised for its witty writing style, well-developed characters, and engaging plot that combines humor, mystery, and a touch of realism about aging and friendship.
The story follows the quirky members of the Thursday Murder Club, including Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron, and Ibrahim, as they navigate the complexities of solving a murder while dealing with their own personal struggles and relationships. The novel cleverly weaves together multiple plotlines, red herrings, and unexpected twists, keeping readers guessing until the very end. With a mix of humor, pathos, and clever storytelling, 'The Thursday Murder Club' offers a delightful and entertaining read that celebrates the power of friendship and the thrill of solving mysteries in a unique setting.
I knew who she was, of course; everybody here knows Elizabeth. She has one of the three-bed flats in Larkin Court. It’s the one on the corner, with the decking? Also, I was once on a quiz team with St...