Grumpy Sunshine

Tag: Murder Mystery

  • Book Review: A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

    AGGGTM is a sharp, clever YA murder mystery with a serious, dramatic tone… and just a tiny sprinkle of flirting.

    Pip is a smart, determined teen who’s never afraid to ask questions. For her senior project, she decides to investigate a local murder everyone else has already moved on from. The police say it’s solved. Pip says, not even close. With nothing but her notebook, her gut instincts, and later, help from Ravi, she starts uncovering secrets the town desperately wanted to keep buried.

    This book nailed the mystery aspect for me. The clues are well thought out, the characters feel real, and the pacing keeps you hooked. Each chapter is around 10 pages, so it’s fast-moving without feeling rushed. I did have to flip back a few times to double-check clues, but honestly, that’s part of the fun—and even Pip and Ravi circle back to earlier leads, so it works perfectly.

    🔞Recommended for ages 13+ – there is talk of Murder details, drug use, kidnapping, and dark themes.

    ⭐ Rating: 5/5. This was everything I want in a murder mystery: a plot that makes sense (seriously, why is that so rare?!), layered characters with interesting backstories, and a writing style that keeps you invested the whole way through.

    📚 If you like: Smart, independent FMC and small-town mysteries you’ll love this. Similar authors: Karen McManus (One of Us Is Lying), Kathleen Glasgow (How to Make Friends with the Dark), and Jennifer Lynn Barnes (The Inheritance Games)

    Also by Holly Jackson:

    Book 2 of AGGTM

    Book 3 of AGGTM

  •  Book Review: The One Who Got Away with Murder by Trish Lundy

    If you’re into teen murder mysteries with drama, secrets, and a twist you definitely won’t see coming, then The One Who Got Away with Murder is a must-read.

    Lauren O’Brien moves with her mom from sunny California to the small town of Happy Valley, Pennsylvania, after a tragic accident the summer before her senior year. While volunteering at the local hospital, she meets Robbie Crestmont and ends up in a summer fling. But when school starts, things get way more complicated. Lauren’s new soccer teammates warn her about the Crestmont brothers—rumored to be connected to the mysterious deaths of their past girlfriends. Trying to break things off with Robbie only pulls Lauren deeper into a web of secrets, suspicion, and small-town drama.

    The pacing of the book was great—it kept me hooked the whole way through. The plot twists were actually shocking (I didn’t see them coming at all, LOL), and the clues and character actions made the mystery feel believable. While some conversations or character moments felt a bit repetitive, it didn’t take away from how fun and intense the story was.

    🔞 Recommended for ages 14+ due to mild language, drug use, and mature themes like death and relationships. Nothing graphic or gory though—it’s more light thriller than horror.

    ⭐ My rating: 4/5 stars. I really liked the writing, the mystery, and how the story kept me guessing the whole time.

    📚 If you like FMC stories and small-town murder vibes, this book is perfect for you. Similar authors you might like: Holly Jackson (A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, Kill Joy), Karen McManus (One of Us Is Lying series)

    Coming Fall 2026: Premeditated by Trish Lundy – can’t wait!