By Book Club Team 
Holly Jackson is a British author, best known for her young adult mystery thriller series, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder. The first book in the series, published in 2019, became a huge hit, and it follows a high school student named Pip as she investigates an unsolved murder for a school project. The series is known for its gripping plot, intriguing twists, and the way it mixes journalistic investigation with traditional mystery elements. She also released Good Girl, Bad Blood and As Good as Dead, which continue the story of Pip and her investigations.
Holly Jackson Books in Order
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of Holly Jackson’s books:
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder (2019)
- Description: The first book in the A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder series introduces Pip, a high school student who chooses to investigate the closed case of Andie Bell, a local girl who was murdered five years ago. The police and everyone around her believe it was her boyfriend, Sal, who killed her, but Pip isn’t so sure. As she digs deeper into the case, she uncovers more secrets about the people involved and finds herself in danger as she unravels a web of lies, deception, and dark truths. The book is filled with twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
- Themes: Justice, truth, secrets, and the impact of crime on a community.
Good Girl, Bad Blood (2020)
- Description: In this sequel, Pip is no longer interested in solving mysteries after her first case, but when her friend Jamie asks her to investigate the disappearance of his brother, she is pulled back into the world of crime-solving. This time, it’s a more personal case, as the search for the missing person leads Pip into deeper and more dangerous territory. As Pip investigates, she faces moral dilemmas and grapples with the consequences of uncovering too much. Like its predecessor, Good Girl, Bad Blood is full of unexpected twists that make it impossible to put down.
- Themes: Friendship, loyalty, morality, and the consequences of seeking the truth.
As Good as Dead (2021)
- Description: The third and final book in the series takes things to the next level. After everything Pip has been through, she wants to move on from the investigations. However, when a new threat emerges, Pip must confront her darkest fears and the consequences of her actions. The book dives deeper into Pip’s character, examining her mental health and the toll that constant exposure to crime has had on her. This conclusion is intense, emotional, and incredibly suspenseful, wrapping up the overarching story in a way that will leave readers both satisfied and thoughtful.
- Themes: Mental health, trauma, closure, and the cost of pursuing justice.
The Case of the Drowned Man (2022)
- Description: This novella is set in the A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder universe and features a standalone mystery. In this story, Pip is asked to investigate the mysterious drowning of a young man whose body was found under suspicious circumstances. While the novella is shorter than the full novels, it maintains the same suspenseful, fast-paced style of the series, offering fans an additional mystery to solve. It’s a great companion piece for readers who can’t get enough of Pip’s investigative skills and the twists and turns of Holly Jackson’s writing.
- Themes: Mystery, suspense, and investigating hidden truths.
These books are perfect for readers who enjoy suspense, thrillers, and complex characters, especially those who like solving mysteries alongside the protagonist.
Holly Jackson’s Quotes
Holly Jackson’s works are rich with memorable quotes that capture the essence of her characters and themes. Here are some notable excerpts:
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder
“Real men wear floral when trespassing.” — Holly Jackson
Good Girl, Bad Blood
“But sometimes remembering isn’t for yourself, sometimes you do it just to make someone else smile. Those lies were allowed.” — Holly Jackson
As Good as Dead
“Microwave him.” — Holly Jackson
Five Survive
“I’m sorry I didn’t try harder to protect you. I’m sorry I never got to tell you. I’m sorry I never kissed you.” — Holly Jackson
These quotes reflect the depth and complexity of Jackson’s storytelling, resonating with readers and adding to the allure of her novels.
Holly Jackson Awards
Holly Jackson has received several awards and accolades for her writing, especially for her A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder series, which has been a huge success in the YA (young adult) genre. Here are some of the notable awards and recognitions she’s received:
- The British Book Awards 2020 – Children’s Book of the Year: A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder was awarded the Children’s Book of the Year at the British Book Awards in 2020, which is one of the most prestigious awards for children’s literature in the UK.
- Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2020 – Older Fiction: The book also won the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize in the “Older Fiction” category, which is voted for by bookshops and highlights the best new talent in children’s literature.
- Amazon Best Book of the Year 2019: A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder was named one of the best books of 2019 by Amazon, further solidifying its popularity with readers and critics alike.
- Shortlisted for the YA Book Prize 2020: Holly Jackson’s debut was also shortlisted for the prestigious YA Book Prize in 2020, which honors the best in young adult fiction.
- Goodreads Choice Award Nominee (2020): A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder was nominated in the “Young Adult Fiction” category in the Goodreads Choice Awards for 2020, a reader-voted award that recognizes the best books of the year.
- Shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Award 2020: Her debut novel was also shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Award, a major UK children’s book award voted for by children and young readers.
These awards highlight how well-received Holly Jackson’s work has been, especially her debut, which has made a significant impact on the YA genre.
Holly Jackson Books Age Rating
Holly Jackson’s books are best suited for readers aged 14 and up. They are gripping and contain some intense moments but aren’t overly explicit in terms of violence or mature content. The series tackles serious themes, including mental health, trauma, and crime, making them ideal for mature teens and young adults who enjoy thrillers and mysteries.
Holly Jackson Biography
Holly Jackson is a British author, born in 1992. She grew up in the UK and developed a passion for storytelling early on. Jackson studied English at the University of Exeter, where she honed her writing skills. After working in publishing, she transitioned to full-time writing. Known for her gripping narratives and compelling characters, Jackson has quickly gained recognition in the literary world. Her writing often delves into themes such as justice, morality, and the psychological effects of crime. Jackson is considered one of the rising stars in contemporary young adult literature.
Holly Jackson: Interesting Facts
Here are some interesting facts about Holly Jackson:
- Self-Taught in Writing: While studying English at the University of Exeter, Jackson developed a passion for writing, but she didn’t study creative writing specifically. Instead, she learned by reading and writing on her own, drawing inspiration from her love of storytelling.
- Worked in Publishing: Before becoming a full-time author, Jackson worked in publishing, which helped her understand the industry and sharpen her skills for writing books that would resonate with readers.
- Loves Mystery and Thrillers: Jackson is a huge fan of mystery novels and thrillers, which is evident in the suspenseful and twist-filled plots of her books. She has always been drawn to crime fiction and enjoys creating complex, layered stories.
- Detailed and Interactive Writing Style: Her writing often includes creative elements like case files, interviews, and documents, which give her books a unique, interactive feel. She enjoys playing with formats to keep readers engaged and add depth to the storytelling.
- Award-Winning Author: Holly Jackson has received several prestigious awards for her writing, including the British Book Awards’ Children’s Book of the Year and the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, both for her debut novel.
- Young Adult Focus: Jackson is known for her work in the young adult (YA) genre, specifically thrillers and mysteries, and she continues to be a key voice in YA fiction.
- Loves to Keep Readers on the Edge of Their Seats: In interviews, she’s mentioned that she loves writing books that keep readers guessing, building tension with every twist and turn. Her goal is to create stories that are hard to put down!
These facts give a glimpse into the person behind the books and highlight her dedication to crafting exciting, engaging stories!
Holly Jackson Net Worth
Holly Jackson, the British author renowned for her A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder series, has achieved significant success in the literary world. While exact figures regarding her net worth are not publicly disclosed, some sources estimate her net worth to be approximately $351 million as of 2023.
It’s important to note that such estimates can vary widely and may not accurately reflect her actual financial standing. The true net worth of an individual can be influenced by various factors, including book sales, royalties, adaptations, and personal investments. Without official confirmation or detailed financial disclosures, any figures should be considered speculative.
Authors Like Holly Jackson
If you enjoy Holly Jackson’s writing, you might also appreciate the works of the following authors:
- Karen M. McManus: Author of One of Us Is Lying, a gripping YA mystery that follows four high school students who become suspects in a classmate’s death.
- Jennifer Lynn Barnes: Known for The Inheritance Games, a suspenseful tale about a teenager who inherits a billionaire’s fortune and must solve a series of puzzles to claim it.
- Maureen Johnson: Author of Truly Devious, a mystery set in an elite boarding school where a student investigates a century-old unsolved crime.
- E. Lockhart: Wrote We Were Liars, a suspenseful story about a group of friends whose secrets unravel during a summer on a private island.
- Lauren Oliver: Author of Broken Things, a novel about two girls who revisit a murder case from their past, uncovering hidden truths.
These authors offer engaging mysteries and thrillers that fans of Holly Jackson may find equally captivating.