Review of As Good As Dead (A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, #3)
Holly Jackson’s As Good As Dead has been on my radar for a while, and as a fan of thrilling mysteries, my heart raced with anticipation as I dove into the final installment of Pip Fitz-Amobi’s story. After the gripping narratives of the first two books in this series, I was eager to see how the author would elevate the tension and drama. But alas, what I found left me feeling a bit conflicted.
From the start, I was ready for a spine-tingling exploration of morality, justice, and the complexities of Pip and her world. However, it was disappointing to discover that the suspense and surprises I craved were largely absent. In fact, I found myself nodding along with the sentiment that maybe "Kill Joy" was scarier than these three books combined. The plot twist came too early and too predictably; as soon as Jason Bell appeared on the scene, my “suspect list” turned into a mere checklist. Sure enough, when the big reveal came, I couldn’t help but roll my eyes and think, "Okay, cool… next."
Jackson’s narrative felt jaded this time. The dialogue at times struck with intrigue—“You’ve lost your mind,” to which the retort, “Maybe. So you should be terrified,” sparked some initial excitement. However, moments like these were rare. The characters lacked the depth I longed for, leaving me wanting more backstory and nuance instead of the straightforward, action-driven sequences. For instance, Pip’s reckless, thrill-seeking behavior put her in a series of life-threatening situations, but I never really understood her motivations. The missed chance to explore her psyche left me feeling distanced from her journey.
That being said, if there’s one thing that truly saved this book from a fate worse than a one-star rating, it was the relationship between Pip and Ravi. Their bond shined like a beacon amidst the murkiness of the plot. I couldn’t help but root for them, even amidst my frustrations with Pip’s decisions. Their unwavering loyalty and camaraderie added an emotional depth that resonated with me and made many parts worthwhile. Moments like “Team Ravi and Pip” were heartfelt and gave me that warm fuzziness I craved.
In terms of writing style, Jackson has always shown capability, but the prose here felt bland at times. The pacing seemed off, robbing key suspenseful moments of their power. And while I desperately wanted some genuine “oh, hell no” chills, the lack of atmosphere just left me feeling flat. This thriller didn’t keep me on the edge of my seat; instead, I found myself waiting for the next plot point to arrive rather than being swept along by it.
Ultimately, I pushed through to the end, and while the climax was satisfying in its own right—killing a serial killer is no small feat—Pip’s character arc felt incongruous. The complexity of her actions didn’t quite mesh with the girl I’d followed through the series, which left me wanting more closure.
As Good As Dead may not have lived up to my expectations, but there is a silver lining. It could still be appreciated by those looking for some light drama mixed with a sweet romance. Fellow fans of Pip and Ravi will find enough redeeming moments to make it an enjoyable read. All in all, I give this book a modest two stars, primarily due to the iconic connection between our leading duo.
If you’re invested in their story, you might still find worth in this series conclusion. Just remember, the journey isn’t always predictable—and sometimes, that’s a bittersweet lesson in itself.
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