A new teen detective has hit the scene and screens. An adaptation of Holly Jackson’s YA novel A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder made its U.S. debut on Netflix on August 1. The show was originally released in the U.K. under BBC and Moonage Pictures last month.
The series follows Pip, a resident of the fictional town Little Kilton, who has a fascination with the death of schoolgirl Andie Bell, which occurred five years before. Allegedly, Bell was murdered by her then-boyfriend Sal, but Pip has her own theories and investigates the murder. The show acts as further proof of the success of Jackson’s bestselling YA debut series, comprised of three novels and a spin-off novella. The first of the series garnered attention on BookTok and cemented Jackson as a prime example of how online support can translate to tangible success.
The six-episode series was directed by Dolly Wells. Jackson served as an executive producer along with Wells, lead writer Poppy Cogan, and Matthew Read, Matthew Bouch, and Frith Tiplady for Moonage Pictures, Lucy Richer, and Danielle Scott-Haughton for the BBC, and Jonas Melcher for ZDFneo.
Viewers might recognize lead actor Emma Myers, who stars as teen detective Pip Fitz-Amobi, from her breakout role in Netflix’s Wednesday. Costars include Asha Banks, Jude Collie, Raiko Gohara, and Yali Topol Margolith. This cast came Jackson-approved as the author had a hand in cast selections in her role as executive producer.
“I’m thrilled with each and every one [of the actors]. [It’s] like they were ripped from my imagination!” Jackson told PW. “I’m so proud of all of my fictional kids!”
Adjusting to her new role in television, Jackson was excited to see how this adaptation would blend her book and a new creative vision. “I wanted to make sure that the spirit of the books was alive in the show, and that fans got to see those moments they’ve waited years to see on screen,” Jackson said. “But at the same time, the show isn’t just for readers; it’s also for a whole new audience who’ve never heard of the books before.”
Adding newer elements to the show gave Jackson “the opportunity to add parts to the story that I’d thought of in hindsight.” This includes a major flashback and additional storylines Jackson hadn’t thought to include when she was writing the book.
“I didn’t know I was writing a trilogy when I first wrote and published AGGGTM—that all came after!” Jackson said. “So it was really fun to seed in some more of the lore of Little Kilton, and Easter eggs that I know book fans will squeal at!”
As a producer who wore “various hats” while working on the project, Jackson was on set often to see how the magic behind TV truly works. “Being on set was hugely fun for me, as you can imagine, but I was also using it as a learning experience, seeing how the complicated chemistry of TV production all comes together,” she said. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, seeing my book coming to life, although I hope I get to do it many more times!” And viewers with a keen eye might just spot the author in a few scenes.
Jackson hopes that readers enjoy the show, “as we wouldn’t be making this show without their immense support and love.” She’s also hoping to see the show continue past its first season.
“I know I am dying to be able to continue the show with future seasons, so I’m counting on the army of book fans to show up for us and stream the show, so we get to continue Pip’s story—and put her through much more horrible stuff… again! Sorry about that!”
