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    Books Like A Good Girl's Guide to Murder: 12 Picks

    If you want more of A Good Girl's Guide to Murder's secrets, start with Sadie.

    Updated July 2026

    Books like A Good Girl's Guide to Murder: 12 picks. Hand-picked reads with the same mood and themes, from Sadie to One of Us Is Lying.

    So, you zipped through "A Good Girl's Guide to Murder," and now your brain's buzzing, right? You're probably sitting there, staring at your bookshelf, wondering how anything could possibly measure up to Pip's relentless pursuit of truth. That feeling of just *having* to know what happened, of piecing together every last clue, is seriously addictive. You're not alone! That's precisely the itch we're here to scratch, because finding your next perfect read after a truly captivating series is half the fun (and sometimes, half the struggle). You're clearly on the hunt for more Books Like A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, and trust me, we get it. Holly Jackson just has a way of hooking you in, doesn't she? Her prose style is crisp, propulsive, and pulls you along at a brisk, almost breathless pace, making it impossible to put the book down. It's not overly flowery; it's just efficient and laser-focused on moving the plot. The narrative structure is a huge part of its charm, right? You get those delicious bits of multimedia – interviews, transcripts, Pip's own true-crime-style project notes, even text messages – that totally immerse you in the investigation. You're not just reading about a mystery; you're *doing* the detective work right alongside Pip, feeling like you're right there with her in all her messy glory. And Pip herself? She's the kind of protagonist you root for fiercely. She's smart, tenacious, and has that beautifully messy moral compass that makes her feel incredibly real. You feel every one of her ethical dilemmas, every moment of fear, and every triumphant discovery. Plus, the series deftly explores the darker corners of small-town life – the secrets people keep, the way stories get twisted, and the often-uncomfortable truths about justice and media sensationalism – it all just hits different, leaving you with that satisfying, yet slightly unsettled, feeling after the final page. So, what are you *really* chasing when you're looking for Books Like A Good Girl's Guide to Murder? It's more than just a genre, isn't it? You're after that specific mood: the high-stakes, amateur-sleuth energy where a determined teen (or young adult) digs into a cold case or a deeply buried town secret. You love the puzzle-box structure, where clues are scattered like breadcrumbs, and you get to connect the dots alongside the protagonist. You crave justice, even if it's messy, and you're willing to follow a character who bends a few rules to get it. You're not afraid of moral ambiguity, and you appreciate a story that doesn't shy away from the darker side of human nature, all wrapped up in a package that keeps you guessing until the very end. The vibe is tense, but always with that glimmer of hope that the truth will out. This list is tailored for young adult readers and those who enjoy YA mysteries, generally falling into the PG-13 to R-rated content spectrum, similar to "A Good Girl's Guide to Murder." While we'll recommend a few books with slightly more mature themes or a darker edge, they all maintain that captivating, puzzle-driven mystery core. You won't find anything overly graphic or gratuitous, just good old-fashioned (or new-fashioned!) suspense that keeps you up past your bedtime, in the best way possible. When we put this list together, we focused on capturing the essence of what made you love Pip's journey so much. We looked for books with that amateur detective spark, often featuring determined young protagonists who take matters into their own hands. You'll find stories with twisty plots, hidden secrets, and a real sense of urgency, often with interesting narrative structures that keep you engaged, just like Sadie or One of Us Is Lying. We've got small-town mysteries, boarding school secrets, and even some psychological thrillers that blur the lines, all chosen because they deliver that same addictive "just one more chapter" feeling. Get ready to dive into your next obsession, because these Books Like A Good Girl's Guide to Murder are calling your name and they're ready to be devoured.
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    12 books like A Good Girl's Guide to Murder

    A ranked list of books similar to A Good Girl's Guide to Murder — if you liked it, start at the top and work down. Each pick includes why it works and who it's for.

    1

    Sadie

    by Courtney Summers

    Much like Pip, Sadie is propelled by a deeply personal mission to uncover the truth behind a young girl's disappearance, though her pursuit is fueled by a burning need for justice for her sister. This novel masterfully uses a dual narrative, including a true-crime podcast, which will totally hook you if you loved AGGGTM's multimedia style. It's grittier, a raw exploration of grief and vengeance, perfect for readers who appreciate a darker, more emotional dive into mystery. You'll be thinking about this one long after you turn the last page.

    2

    One of Us Is Lying

    by Karen M. McManus

    If you ate up the high school drama and the slow unraveling of dark secrets that permeate a seemingly normal community in AGGGTM, then this is your jam. When five students walk into detention and only four leave alive, suspicion falls on everyone, leading to a twisty, character-driven investigation. It's got that perfect blend of relatable teen angst and serious suspense, making it an ideal choice if you enjoy ensemble casts grappling with big consequences and a killer twist.

    3

    Truly Devious

    by Maureen Johnson

    Follow Stevie Bell, a true-crime enthusiast who, like Pip, has an almost superhuman gift for detective work and an unwavering determination to solve impossible cases. Her enrollment in a prestigious boarding school, famous for an unsolved kidnapping and murder, sets the stage for intricate puzzles and historical secrets. If you love a protagonist who meticulously pieces clues together and a setting steeped in fascinating history, this series will completely enthrall you, offering a different but equally compelling kind of puzzle.

    4

    The Cousins

    by Karen M. McManus

    If you enjoyed the small-town secrets and unexpected betrayals in AGGGTM, then you'll find yourself right at home with the mystery surrounding the Story family. Four cousins are invited to work at their estranged grandmother's resort, only to uncover generations of lies and a chilling family history. It delivers those signature McManus twists and turns, keeping you guessing about who's trustworthy and what really happened all those years ago. Perfect for fans of intricate family sagas wrapped in a suspenseful package.

    5

    Ten

    by Gretchen McNeil

    For a group of teens trapped in a remote setting with a killer on the loose, reminiscent of the heightened tension Pip often faces, this one's a wild ride. Ten teens are invited to a house party on a secluded island, only to find themselves hunted one by one. It's a classic locked-room mystery setup with a modern YA twist, full of jump scares and unexpected reveals. If you appreciate a more overt thriller vibe with a high body count and relentless pacing, you'll be on the edge of your seat.

    6

    Charlotte Holmes

    by Brittany Cavallaro

    If you loved Pip's clever deductions and her knack for solving seemingly impossible crimes, then you absolutely need to meet Jamie Watson and Charlotte Holmes, descendants of the legendary duo. Set in a modern boarding school, this series blends classic detective work with contemporary teen angst and complicated relationships. It's a more literary take on the amateur detective trope, perfect for those who enjoy character-driven mysteries with a rich, complex emotional core.

    7

    They Wish They Were Us

    by Jessica Goodman

    This book captures the exclusive, secret-filled atmosphere of a prep school and a main character, Jill, who, like Pip, feels compelled to dig into a past murder, even when it puts her at risk. She's part of a secret society called 'The Players,' whose initiation rites might be linked to a former student's death. It’s got that blend of social commentary on wealth and privilege mixed with a propulsive mystery, ideal if you enjoy your investigative thrillers with a side of sharp-edged drama.

    8

    Good Girls Die First

    by Chloe Walsh

    If the small-town secrets and the chilling realization that not everyone is who they seem in AGGGTM resonated with you, try this one. When the body of a popular high school girl is found, a group of friends must confront the dark underbelly of their seemingly perfect community. It’s a compelling, character-driven mystery that explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the cost of buried truths. Great for readers who prefer their mysteries with a strong focus on interpersonal dynamics and emotional depth.

    9

    Two Can Keep a Secret

    by Karen M. McManus

    This is another fantastic option from Karen M. McManus, hitting that sweet spot of high school mysteries and small-town secrets that AGGGTM does so well. Ellery and Ezra move to Echo Ridge, a town notorious for two unsolved disappearances, and soon find themselves entangled in a fresh mystery. If you enjoy dual perspectives and a complex web of lies within a tight-knit community, this will absolutely scratch that itch.

    10

    The Inheritance Games

    by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

    If you loved the puzzle-solving aspect and the thrill of uncovering hidden clues, much like Pip’s methodical investigation, this series is a must-read. A seemingly ordinary girl, Avery Grambs, inherits a billionaire's fortune, but only if she can solve mind-bending riddles and outsmart his cunning grandsons. It’s less about murder and more about intellectual puzzles and high-stakes games, offering a lighter but equally addictive brain-teaser. Perfect for those who enjoy a smart protagonist navigating tricky situations with wit and intelligence.

    11

    All Your Twisted Secrets

    by Diana Urban

    This book delivers the high-stakes, locked-room tension that would keep even Pip on her toes! Six high school seniors are trapped in a room with a bomb, a syringe, and a note: kill one of them by a certain time, or they all die. It’s a pulse-pounding, ethical dilemma wrapped in a thrilling mystery, perfect if you enjoy intense psychological suspense and characters forced to make impossible choices. It’s darker and more confined than AGGGTM, but equally gripping.

    12

    The Cheerleaders

    by Kara Thomas

    If you found yourself captivated by the layered secrets and tragic past events that Pip unearthed, then this book offers a similarly intense investigation into a series of unfortunate events involving a cheerleading squad years ago. Monica’s sister was one of five cheerleaders who died in what were deemed separate accidents and a suicide. Five years later, Monica starts to uncover disturbing connections. It's a dark, atmospheric mystery that delves into grief and the often-unreliable nature of official stories, great for fans of grittier, more emotional reads.

    Why readers loved A Good Girl's Guide to Murder

    So, you zipped through "A Good Girl's Guide to Murder," and now your brain's buzzing, right? You're probably sitting there, staring at your bookshelf, wondering how anything could possibly measure up to Pip's relentless pursuit of truth. That feeling of just *having* to know what happened, of piecing together every last clue, is seriously addictive. You're not alone! That's precisely the itch we're here to scratch, because finding your next perfect read after a truly captivating series is half the fun (and sometimes, half the struggle). You're clearly on the hunt for more Books Like A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, and trust me, we get it.

    Across thousands of reviews, readers keep coming back to the same notes: secrets, cold case, missing persons. Every book on this list was chosen because it delivers on at least two of those threads.

    Shared themes & tropes

    The threads that connect these recommendations to A Good Girl's Guide to Murder.

    Who this list is for

    Age group

    Young Adult
    Adult

    Genre fit

    Romance
    Thriller / Mystery
    Historical
    Literary Fiction

    Perfect for readers who want…

    • secrets — without losing what made A Good Girl's Guide to Murder special.
    • cold case — without losing what made A Good Girl's Guide to Murder special.
    • missing persons — without losing what made A Good Girl's Guide to Murder special.
    • revenge — without losing what made A Good Girl's Guide to Murder special.
    • murder mystery — without losing what made A Good Girl's Guide to Murder special.
    • boarding school — without losing what made A Good Girl's Guide to Murder special.

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