Emma Myers leads a suspenseful teen mystery in ‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder’

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As someone who spent countless hours immersed in the enchanting world of teenage detectives, from Nancy Drew to “Scooby-Doo”, I can confidently say that “The Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” is a delightful addition to my cherished collection of mystery stories. This British adaptation, based on Holly Jackson’s popular YA novel, perfectly captures the essence of teenage angst, friendship, and the thrill of solving a puzzle that keeps you guessing till the very end.

Growing up, I was captivated by the Hardy Boys, amassing a collection of those striking blue-spined books that filled my shelves. You see, I’ve always had an affinity for teenage detectives. From Nancy Drew and “Scooby-Doo,” to Shelby Woo and Hayley Mills in “The Moon-Spinners,” these characters have held a special place in my heart.

Originating from British author Holly Jackson’s well-received 2019 YA novel “The Good Girl’s Guide to Murder,” this Netflix series debuting Thursday, offers a captivating journey (more for the characters than the plot, which is crucial in all detective stories). The lead role, played by Emma Myers (“Wednesday”), as the main investigator Pippa Fitz-Amobi, is impressive. Unlike the playful title suggests, the series is not overly whimsical but instead focuses on emotion rather than grittiness.

In the quaint English hamlet of Little Kilton, I find myself, much like Miss Marple’s prophetic words, “flipping a stone without knowing what might scurry out.” This village, with its hidden secrets and tranquil facade, was once shaken by the vanishing act of teenager Andie Bell (India Lillie Davies) five years ago, an event followed by the confession and presumed suicide of her boyfriend, Sal Singh (Rahul Pattni). Despite the villagers’ efforts to move on, the past still lingers here. A towering mural dedicated to Andie stands tall, while a continuous flow of flowers and tokens adorns her memorial, suggesting that this chapter in our village’s history remains unfinished.

As a senior herself now, Pippa (or simply Pip) recollects encountering Andie and Sal on the day when she vanished. She also remembers that Sal was consistently kind towards her. Given his nature, she doubts he’s capable of causing harm; thus, for her final project or under its pretense, she has chosen to delve into the mystery surrounding this case.

As a seasoned detective with years of experience under my belt, I have learned to read people quickly and accurately. When I met Ravi, Sal’s younger brother, I sensed a certain intelligence and determination in him that set him apart from others. It was clear that he had put the accepted verdict behind him, but still held onto a burning curiosity to uncover the truth.

In a subtle rephrasing: Pip transforms one of her bedroom walls into an investigation board, adorning it with newspaper cuttings, photos, and personal notes. This transformation takes some time for her mother to detect. Over the course of six 40-minute episodes, she travels around town – attending garden parties, raves, and even school locker rooms – as what started as a school project evolves into an amateur detective endeavor. Menacing messages and texts start arriving, urging her to “back off.” Yet, Pip finds herself doubting her own intentions as well.

In my attempt to uncover the facts, I’m asking you, Becca who looks like Andie, for some clarity. (Carla Woodcock)

Becca responds, “It’s not primarily about uncovering the truth. It seems people treat these matters as if they are meant for the deceased, but actually, they serve a purpose for the living.”

In the given title, Pip proves to be a well-behaved character initially, but she bends the rules significantly as the story unfolds. Instead of adhering to her parents’ (played by Anna Maxwell Martin and Gary Beadle) instructions, she resorts to dishonesty, disobeys their orders, accepts drinks in exchange for information, and engages in a reasonable amount of trespassing or burglary – let’s call it “entering” – all in an effort to gather clues and seize evidence. In essence, her actions are akin to undercover detective work within crime fiction literature.

The production boasts a large ensemble, featuring family members, friends, townspeople, and parents, including Mathew Baynton from “The Wrong Mans” and the U.K. version of “Ghosts,” portraying Pip’s teacher and Cara (Asha Banks)’s father. However, the role truly belongs to the talented young actress Myers. Although I didn’t know it beforehand, she is an American actor, a rare twist in the usual scenario. With her small yet expressive features – large eyes, a forehead perfect for contemplation, and a silent-movie-star-like mouth – at just 22, she convincingly portrays a 17-year-old, filled with fear and excitement, confident yet uncertain. Myers excels at expressing a timid demeanor laced with bravado, while also showcasing different levels of anxiety that intensify as her character navigates increasingly precarious situations.

The film “The Direction,” created by Dolly Wells and Tom Vaughan, boasts a refreshingly simple narrative; its suspense is derived from tense scenarios rather than an abundance of ominous music, unsettling sound effects, or jarring camera work. Much like top-notch British mysteries, it immerses us in a genuine setting populated by believable characters. Unlike some productions, the teenage characters aren’t glamorized or sexualized; instead, they’re more realistic. A few older characters might think they’re cool, but their attempts at coolness are quite transparent. The friends of the main character, Pip, lean towards being nerdy and late-bloomers, making them relatable to a wide range of viewers, both young and those who were once young. I won’t go as far as suggesting they serve as role models, but it might be a dream come true. Despite being tested by circumstances, these characters aren’t manipulated by the writers; their struggles are authentic.

1. Although Pip’s actions when encountering difficulties may not always be logical, she has ample adult detective companionship to help guide her. I often find myself shouting at detectives who, in the presence of a killer, declare they know what was done and how it was done, yet manage to escape danger once more. It’s just part of the job description.

Regarding the finale – I won’t give away any secrets – the outcome isn’t straightforward, but let me explain it musically: It’s like a series of chord progressions, starting with an incomplete resolution (half cadence), followed by a strong and satisfying conclusion (authentic cadence), and then a final, comforting resolution (plagal cadence). If you have any knowledge of mysteries or movies, some aspects might be familiar from the first episode. However, the majority of what follows will surprise you, as crucial details are kept hidden until later, and characters in TV mysteries are exceptionally skilled at appearing innocent. They often don’t play fair, and “Good Girl’s Guide” is no different in this regard.

It’s worth noting, even though it may seem apparent from what has been discussed earlier, this narrative is also a coming-of-age story. The central focus is on a relationship evolving from a partnership to a friendship that could potentially develop further. Similar to many screen romances, around the two-thirds mark, challenges will arise in their connection.

I can say no more.

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2024-08-04 18:08