The Bookish Ashley

Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson is a young adult thriller novel that follows the story of high school senior, Pip Fitz-Amobi, who is determined to solve the case of a missing girl in her small town, five years after the crime. The novel is Jackson’s debut, and it is a gripping and engrossing read from beginning to end.

The characters in this novel are well-drawn, with Pip being a particularly strong protagonist. Her intelligence, determination, and resourcefulness make her a likable and admirable character. Pip’s investigation into the disappearance of Andie Bell is well-crafted and intricately plotted, with twists and turns that keep the reader engaged and guessing until the very end.

One of the things that I particularly appreciated about Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is how Jackson dealt with some heavy themes like mental health, toxic relationships, and the danger of online communities with sensitivity and nuance. The novel is not just a whodunit, but it also explores some important issues that are relevant to today’s youth.

The writing style of the book is easy to follow, with short chapters that keep the pace moving quickly. Jackson’s use of multiple perspectives, including police reports, interviews, and Pip’s own observations, adds depth to the story and keeps the reader engaged.

Overall, Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is a well-written and thoroughly engaging novel that will appeal to fans of the young adult thriller genre. Jackson’s ability to weave together a complex plot with nuanced characters and themes is impressive, and I look forward to reading more of her work in the future.

I give it 4/5.

The Kiss Curse by Erin Sterling is a charming novel filled with magic, romance, and a touch of mystery. It’s a follow-up to her New York Times bestselling hit, The Ex Hex, and brings back fan favorite Gwyn and the handsome Wells Penhallow. While I started with book not reading The Ex Hex, I didn’t feel lost or like I was missing anything from book one. This novel revolves around their magical chemistry and their battle against a new band of witches.

Gwyn Jones is content with her life in Graves Glen. She runs a successful witchcraft shop, Something Wicked, and has formed a new and powerful coven with her mom and cousin. However, when Wells Penhallow comes to town to re-establish his family’s connection and open up his shop, Penhallow’s, across the street from Something Wicked, Gwyn finds herself in professional competition with him.

The story is fast-paced, and the author manages to keep the reader engaged throughout the book. Sterling’s writing style is effortless, and her descriptions are vivid, bringing the characters and their surroundings to life. Gwyn and Wells’ chemistry is electric, and their love-hate relationship adds an extra layer of tension and excitement to the story.

However, the book falls short in terms of the plot. The story is predictable, and the mystery element feels forced and contrived. The resolution of the conflict is also somewhat underwhelming, and the book ends on a rushed note.

Overall, The Kiss Curse is an enjoyable read that will appeal to fans of the paranormal romance genre. It’s a light and entertaining story with engaging characters and a beautiful setting. However, if you’re looking for a book with a complex and original plot, this may not be the book for you. I would give it a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars

I give it a 3.5/5.

If you are a fan of Colleen Hoover’s books, then It Starts with Us should definitely be on your reading list. This long-anticipated sequel to the bestselling It Ends with Us, tells the story from Atlas’s point of view and explores what comes next for Lily and her relationships.

One of the things that I appreciated about this book is the way that Hoover weaves together different plot threads and character arcs. The story is told from both Lily and Atlas’s perspectives, which allows the reader to gain a deeper understanding of their feelings and motivations. Through Atlas’s flashbacks, we get to know more about his past and the reasons why he left Lily in the first place. As a reader, I found this to be a really effective way of fleshing out his character and making me feel more invested in his storyline.

Another strength of It Starts with Us is the way that Hoover explores complex emotional themes in a nuanced and sensitive way. This is a book about love, loss, and second chances, but it’s also about the difficult choices that we make in life and the consequences that follow. There are moments of heartbreak and sadness, but there are also moments of hope and joy. Hoover does an excellent job of balancing these different emotions and making the story feel authentic and true to life.

Overall, I would highly recommend It Starts with Us to fans of contemporary romance and anyone who enjoys reading about complex and relatable characters. While it’s helpful to have read It Ends with Us first, this book can also be enjoyed on its own. I’m giving it a strong 4/5 stars, and I think that it’s a must-read for anyone who loves Colleen Hoover’s writing.

4/5