If you’re a fan of gripping young adult thrillers that keep you guessing until the final page, Holly Jackson’s books are a must-read. Known for her addictive storytelling and intricate plots, Jackson has taken the YA mystery genre by storm with her A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder series and standalone novels. Whether you’re new to her work or a devoted fan, this guide will walk you through all of Holly Jackson’s books in order, including summaries, reading tips, and why her stories are unputdownable. Let’s dive into the chilling world of secrets, lies, and relentless heroines!
Who Is Holly Jackson?
Holly Jackson is a British author born in 1992, celebrated for her young adult mystery and thriller novels. Growing up in Buckinghamshire, she started writing stories at age 15 and later graduated from the University of Nottingham with a master’s degree in English, focusing on literary linguistics and creative writing. Her debut novel, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder (2019), became a #1 New York Times bestseller, translated into over 40 languages, and even inspired a Netflix series in 2024. Jackson’s knack for crafting suspenseful, character-driven stories has earned her awards like the Waterstones Children’s Book of the Year and a massive global following. When she’s not writing, she’s binge-playing video games or spotting grammatical errors on street signs.
Holly Jackson Books in Series Order
Below is a complete list of Holly Jackson’s books, organized by series and in recommended reading order (chronological order for the A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder series, followed by standalone novels), presented in a table format. This includes all her works as of August 2025.
| Series | Title | Publication Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder | Kill Joy (Prequel Novella) | 2021 | Pippa Fitz-Amobi attends a 1920s-themed murder mystery party, sparking her detective skills. A fun, quick introduction to the series. |
| A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder | A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder | 2019 | Pip investigates a five-year-old murder case for a school project, uncovering secrets in Fairview. The series’ blockbuster debut. |
| A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder | Good Girl, Bad Blood | 2020 | Pip dives into a new missing-persons case involving her friend’s brother, using her true-crime podcast to find answers. |
| A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder | As Good As Dead | 2021 | The trilogy’s intense finale. Pip becomes the target as she faces a new murder case and dark truths. |
| Standalone | Five Survive | 2022 | Six friends are trapped in an RV by a sniper during a road trip, with eight hours to reveal a secret or face deadly consequences. |
| Standalone | The Reappearance of Rachel Price | 2024 | Bel Price investigates her mother’s mysterious reappearance 16 years after vanishing, uncovering shocking family secrets. |
| Standalone | Not Quite Dead Yet | 2025 | A woman survives an attack and has seven days to solve her own murder in Jackson’s adult suspense debut. |
Holly Jackson Books in Chronological Reading Order
To fully enjoy Holly Jackson’s interconnected stories, especially the A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder series, we recommend reading in chronological order (not publication order) to follow character development and avoid spoilers. Below is the complete list of her books, including the prequel novella and her standalone novels, as of 2025.
1. Kill Joy (2021) – Prequel Novella
Synopsis: This novella kicks off the A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder universe, introducing Pippa “Pip” Fitz-Amobi at a 1920s-themed murder mystery party. Pip isn’t thrilled to attend her friend Connor’s event, but as she dives into solving the fictional murder of Reginald Remy, she discovers her knack for unraveling clues. Packed with Easter eggs for the main series, Kill Joy is a fun, quick read that sets the stage for Pip’s detective journey.
Why Read It?: Perfect for fans wanting to see Pip’s sleuthing spark ignite. Read it first for a spoiler-free entry or after the trilogy for extra context.
Buy It: Amazon
Note: Published after the first two books, but chronologically first.
2. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder (2019)
Synopsis: The book that started it all. Pip Fitz-Amobi, a high school senior, reopens a five-year-old murder case for her school project. Everyone in Fairview believes Andie Bell was killed by her boyfriend, Sal Singh, who then died by suicide. But Pip’s not convinced. As she digs deeper, secrets unravel, and someone wants her to stop—at any cost. With podcast transcripts and journal entries, this thriller pulls you into Pip’s investigation.
Why Read It?: A genre-defining YA mystery with a relentless heroine and jaw-dropping twists. It’s no wonder it’s a TikTok sensation and a Netflix series starring Emma Myers.
Buy It: Amazon
Accolades: Waterstones Children’s Book of the Year (2020), #1 New York Times bestseller.
3. Good Girl, Bad Blood (2020)
Synopsis: After solving Andie’s case, Pip swears off detective work. But when her friend Connor’s brother, Jamie Reynolds, goes missing, and the police dismiss it, Pip can’t stay away. Armed with her viral true-crime podcast, she dives into Fairview’s secrets again, uncovering dangers that hit closer to home.
Why Read It?: The stakes are higher, the twists are sharper, and Pip’s growth as a character shines. Fans love the podcast element and Ravi Singh’s return.
Buy It: Amazon
Accolades: Shortlisted for the YA Book Prize (2021).
4. As Good As Dead (2021)
Synopsis: The thrilling finale of the A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder trilogy. Pip is haunted by her past investigations, and now she’s the target. As threats escalate, she faces a new murder case that forces her to confront dark truths and make impossible choices.
Why Read It?: A heart-pounding conclusion with emotional depth and shocking turns. Pip’s journey wraps up in a way that’ll leave you speechless.
Buy It: Amazon
Note: Darker and more intense—perfect for readers craving a bold finish.
5. Five Survive (2022)
Synopsis: Jackson’s first standalone thriller. Six friends, including Red Kenny, head out for a spring break road trip in an RV. When it breaks down in a remote area, a sniper traps them, demanding a secret one of them is hiding. With eight hours until dawn, tensions rise, and not everyone will survive.
Why Read It?: A claustrophobic, real-time slasher-mystery hybrid that’s impossible to put down. Red’s complex emotions and moral dilemmas make this a standout.
Buy It: Amazon
Note: No connection to Pip’s series, so you can read it anytime.
6. The Reappearance of Rachel Price (2024)
Synopsis: Bel Price was a baby when her mother, Rachel, vanished 16 years ago. Now 18, Bel agrees to a true-crime documentary about the case, but when Rachel suddenly reappears, her story doesn’t add up. Bel digs for the truth, uncovering family secrets that could destroy everything.
Why Read It?: A fresh, standalone mystery with Jackson’s signature twists and a fierce female lead. Perfect for fans of unreliable narrators.
Buy It: Amazon
Note: A gripping read for both YA and adult audiences.
7. Not Quite Dead Yet (2025)
Synopsis: Jackson’s debut adult suspense novel. A woman survives a brutal attack but has only seven days to live. Determined to solve her own murder, she races against time to uncover the truth behind her assault.
Why Read It?: A bold leap into adult fiction, this thriller promises Jackson’s trademark suspense with a darker, more mature edge.
Buy It: Amazon
Note: Released July 2025, it’s a standalone perfect for fans of intense psychological thrillers.
Why You Should Read Holly Jackson’s Books
Holly Jackson’s novels are more than just mysteries—they’re immersive experiences. Her stories blend modern elements like podcasts and social media with classic whodunit vibes, making them perfect for fans of Gone Girl, One of Us Is Lying, or true-crime podcasts like Serial. Here’s why readers can’t get enough:
- Relatable Heroines: Pip and Bel are smart, flawed, and fiercely determined, pulling you into their quests for truth.
- Twist-Filled Plots: Jackson’s books are puzzles where every clue counts, and the endings always surprise.
- Fast-Paced Storytelling: Her writing is addictive, with short chapters and multimedia elements that keep you hooked.
- Emotional Depth: From friendship to betrayal, her stories hit hard with themes that resonate.
Reading Tips for Holly Jackson Fans
- Start with Kill Joy or A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder: If you’re new, begin with the prequel novella for a light introduction or dive straight into Pip’s first case for maximum impact.
- Follow Chronological Order for the Series: Reading Kill Joy, then the trilogy (A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, Good Girl, Bad Blood, As Good As Dead), ensures you catch all the character arcs and hidden clues.
- Try Standalones Anytime: Five Survive and The Reappearance of Rachel Price are unconnected, so you can read them whenever you want a break from Pip’s world.
- Expect Emotional Rollercoasters: Jackson’s books get darker as they progress, especially As Good As Dead, so brace for intense moments.
- Join the Fandom: Check out Bookstagram or TikTok for fan theories and discussions—Jackson’s books are huge in the online book community
What’s Next for Holly Jackson?
With Not Quite Dead Yet marking her adult fiction debut in 2025, Holly Jackson is expanding her reach while staying true to her suspenseful roots. Fans are also buzzing about the A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder Netflix series, starring Emma Myers as Pip, which has introduced her work to a wider audience. Keep an eye on her social media (@HoJay92 on Twitter and Instagram) for updates on future releases and adaptations.
Final Thoughts
Holly Jackson’s books are a masterclass in YA mystery, blending heart-pounding suspense with unforgettable characters. Whether you’re solving murders with Pip, surviving a sniper’s trap with Red, or unraveling family secrets with Bel, her stories will keep you up all night. Start with Kill Joy or A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder and work your way through this list—you won’t regret it. Which Holly Jackson book is your favorite? Drop a comment below and join the conversation!
Happy reading, and beware of those plot twists!
