Kill Joy by Holly Jackson is a snappy, clever prequel novella to the A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder series, serving up a 1920s-themed murder mystery party that’s equal parts fun and foreshadowing. Pippa “Pip” Fitz-Amobi, the whip-smart sleuth-to-be, is dragged to her friend Connor’s birthday bash in Little Kilton, grumbling about the cheesy 1924 fancy dress and fake island setting called Joy. Tasked with playing detective, Pip dives into solving the fictional murder of Reginald Remy, unraveling clues among six suspects in a three-hour game of deception. Her sharp mind and note-taking shine as she teases out the killer, but another case—hinting at Andie Bell’s murder from book one—lurks in her thoughts, sparking her passion for real mysteries. The 176-page novella is a quick, immersive read with Pip’s snarky humor and familiar faces like Cara and Ravi’s brother, though some fans say the Knives Out-like plot feels unoriginal or the dual narrative (game vs. real characters) confuses. BookTok loves its light stakes and Pip’s “too busy thinking to eat” energy, and it’s a perfect appetizer for the trilogy, especially after the Netflix series hype.

Who Should Read It? This is for YA mystery fans who love quick, clever whodunits, readers hooked on A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder or its Netflix adaptation, or anyone craving One of Us Is Lying vibes with a playful twist. If you’re into Pip’s detective origin story and don’t mind light triggers like underage drinking, strong language, or murder references, grab this—perfect for ages 14+ as a fast binge. It’s a standalone prequel, but hits harder after A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder for context. Check trigger warnings for sensitive content.

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