A fresh face has joined the world of teen sleuths, and audiences can now watch her unravel mysteries on screen. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, the TV adaptation of Holly Jackson’s bestselling YA thriller, premiered in the U.S. on Netflix on August 1, following its earlier U.K. debut through the BBC and Moonage Pictures.
The six-part series centers on Pip Fitz-Amobi, a teenager from the fictional town of Little Kilton who becomes consumed with a murder case that shook the town five years earlier. Although the case was officially closed with Sal Singh blamed for the death of his girlfriend Andie Bell, Pip is convinced there’s more to the story. Her personal investigation leads her down a twisty path of secrets, lies, and dangerous truths.
The original novel—Jackson’s debut—struck a chord with YA readers and gained viral popularity through BookTok. Its success led to two sequels, a spin-off novella, and now, a screen adaptation that further proves its cultural impact. The show’s growing viewership is yet another example of how online communities can drive major success in publishing and media.
Directed by Dolly Wells, the adaptation involved a number of key creatives, including lead writer Poppy Cogan and Jackson herself, who served as an executive producer. Additional producers include Matthew Read, Matthew Bouch, Frith Tiplady for Moonage Pictures, Lucy Richer and Danielle Scott-Haughton for the BBC, and Jonas Melcher for ZDFneo.
Emma Myers, known for her breakout role in Netflix’s Wednesday, plays the lead role of Pip. She’s joined by Asha Banks, Jude Collie, Raiko Gohara, and Yali Topol Margolith. Jackson, who had a say in the casting process, was thrilled with the final lineup. “They feel like they stepped right out of my head,” she said in an interview. “I couldn’t be prouder of them.”
Transitioning her work from page to screen was both exciting and emotional for Jackson. She aimed to preserve the heart of the original story while appealing to new viewers unfamiliar with the books. “I wanted longtime fans to see the scenes they’ve imagined for years, but also to welcome a whole new audience into Pip’s world,” she said.
The adaptation also gave Jackson a chance to enhance the narrative with new material, including a key flashback sequence and additional plotlines she hadn’t considered during the book’s original release. “When I first wrote A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, I didn’t plan a whole trilogy,” she admitted. “So I had fun weaving in hints and Easter eggs that longtime readers will love.”
Working behind the scenes on set was a learning experience Jackson cherished. “Watching the complex process of television unfold was unforgettable,” she said. Fans may even spot her in a few cameo appearances.
Looking ahead, Jackson hopes the series continues. “I’d love to keep Pip’s story going,” she said, joking, “and yes—I’d put her through even more trouble if I could!” With the support of her loyal readers, a second season may just be on the horizon.
