As Good As Dead is the third and final book in Holly Jackson’s wildly popular “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” series. The books fall squarely into the YA mystery/thriller genre, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing until the very end.
This article provides a brief As Good As Dead summary, plus an overview of the book’s critical reception. You’ll notice that reviews of As Good As Dead are sharply divided, with some readers loving the book and others finding it a disappointing end to the series. Read on to find out why.
Plot Summary of “As Good As Dead”
“As Good As Dead” picks up with Pip grappling with the psychological fallout from her previous investigations. Haunted by PTSD, she finds herself targeted by online harassment and stalking, a dark consequence of her true-crime podcast’s popularity.
Soon, Pip starts receiving menacing messages and cryptic clues, hinting at a new and terrifying threat. This threat seems to mirror a closed case from the past, one involving a notorious serial killer. Pip becomes convinced that either the original killer is still out there, or someone is meticulously copying his crimes.
Driven by a need to protect herself and those she loves, Pip reopens the old case file. As she digs deeper, she uncovers potential connections and new suspects, but the deeper she goes, the more compromised she becomes.
As the danger escalates, Pip starts making increasingly reckless and morally ambiguous decisions. Taking matters into her own hands, she crosses the line between justice and legality, embarking on a dark and dangerous path. These actions culminate in a shocking event that forces Pip to confront the true cost of her choices.
The book concludes with the unveiling of the perpetrator and a final confrontation. Pip’s relationship with Ravi is tested by her actions, and the resolution leaves readers questioning the nature of justice and the extent of Pip’s transformation.
Character Analysis: Pip Fitz-Amobi
Pip starts out as the quintessential good girl, smart as a whip and determined to do the right thing. But the cases she tackles leave their mark. Each book chips away at her, and it’s fascinating (and a little heartbreaking) to watch her change.
Pip’s Evolution Throughout the Series
She’s dealing with some serious trauma and PTSD. We see her trying to cope, but some of her methods are definitely questionable. One reviewer even called out her reliance on drugs as a coping mechanism, which is a fair point.
As Pip gets deeper into these mysteries, she starts bending the rules. She’s still trying to get to the truth, but she’s willing to cross ethical lines to do it. Some readers have argued that her actions in “As Good As Dead” are totally out of character and hurt the persona that was built in previous books.
Relationship with Ravi
Ravi is Pip’s rock. He’s her support system, and their relationship is so important to her. But even their bond is tested in this final book. It’s interesting to see how they navigate the challenges together and how their relationship evolves.
Critical Reception and Themes
Let’s be honest, the reception to “As Good As Dead” was…mixed. To put it mildly. It’s a book that seems to either really click with readers or completely miss the mark, and the online reviews reflect that pretty dramatically.
Contrasting Reviews: A Polarizing Conclusion
You’ll find reviews praising the book’s clever twists and suspense right next to reviews calling it a disappointing and illogical conclusion to a great series. It seems there’s no middle ground!
Praise for Suspense and Twists
Many readers enjoyed the suspenseful plot and the unpredictable twists that kept them guessing until the very end. Some appreciated how it maintained the fast-paced, engaging style of the previous books, even if the unique format of the earlier installments was largely abandoned.
Criticisms of Plot and Character Development
On the other hand, some critics felt the plot was rushed and that the serial killer subplot felt shoehorned in, distracting from the core mystery. The biggest point of contention, however, seems to be Pip’s character. Some readers found her actions and choices increasingly unrealistic and out of character, particularly in the latter half of the book.
Themes of Justice, Morality, and Trauma
Regardless of individual opinions on the plot and characters, “As Good As Dead” grapples with some heavy themes. It explores the idea of justice – what it truly means and how far someone might go to achieve it, even if it means taking the law into their own hands. The book also delves into the complexities of morality, blurring the lines between right and wrong, especially when fueled by trauma. Finally, it examines the lasting impact of trauma and PTSD on Pip, influencing her decisions and ultimately shaping her fate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Pip stop doing drugs in As Good As Dead?
The situation with Pip and drug use in As Good As Dead is complex. Pip experiences trauma and PTSD throughout the series, and in the final book, she struggles with substance abuse as a coping mechanism. While the book doesn’t explicitly show her completely stopping, it highlights her journey toward recognizing the problem and beginning to address it. She acknowledges her need for help, which is a significant step in a positive direction. The book emphasizes the long and challenging journey of healing, rather than a simple, immediate fix.
What is the story of As Good As Dead?
As Good As Dead is the third and final book in the A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder series. Pip is dealing with the aftermath of the previous cases and struggling with PTSD. She’s targeted by an anonymous online stalker who sends threatening messages. As the threats escalate, Pip becomes convinced that a new killer is on the loose, and she takes matters into her own hands, blurring the lines between justice and revenge. The story explores themes of morality, trauma, and the consequences of taking the law into one’s own hands.
Do Pip and Ravi break up in As Good As Dead?
Yes, Pip and Ravi do break up in As Good As Dead. The immense stress and trauma that Pip is experiencing, coupled with her increasingly erratic behavior and the secrets she keeps, strain their relationship to the breaking point. Ravi struggles to understand and support Pip as she spirals, and ultimately, they decide to separate. It’s a heartbreaking but realistic portrayal of how trauma can impact even the strongest relationships.
In closing
In “As Good As Dead,” Pip’s relentless pursuit of justice takes a dark turn, dividing readers with its controversial plot twists. The final installment in the “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” series leaves behind the traditional mystery format and hurtles toward a shocking climax that challenges our understanding of morality.
Ultimately, the book forces us to contemplate the long-term consequences of trauma and how far someone might go when pushed to their absolute limit.