As Good As Dead

The truly questionable decisions of characters will have you slamming your head at the wall. Entertaining read, and a somewhat satisfying conclusion to the trilogy? Seems though that this third book was not originally planned, and all (?) clues and pointers were only planted in this book. Lines of the big bad also sound comically extreme and unnatural, which I could not take seriously and kinda took me out of it (sorry). Wild idea but if you think you're being stalked to be murdered, maybe don't not tell your family who you live with? Maybe don't leave the house by yourself? Maybe don't tell the police who phoned you up to check if you were still being stalked that nahhh everything's fine dw about it anymore?who would have thought dude im screaaaaaaaaaaammmming

Sorry is there an ALTERNATE ENDING every one is keeping from me?

"Who will look for you when you're the one who disappears?"

✦ the chaos, the panic, the trauma & PTSD, the paranoia, the cute RavixPip moments - I. AM. HERE. FOR. IT. ALL.

"You're my Pip and I'm your Ravi. We're a team."

✦ I don't know how Holly managed to do this, but she made Ravi even MORE perfect!!! 🤭🤭

'Pip would work every day to be the kind of person who deserved Ravi Singh'

✦ I am so glad we got to see more of JamiexNat bc they are absolutely ADORABLE!!! And seeing the bond between Pip and Nat grow even stronger ☺️💛 I can only imagine how good it must have felt for Nat when she got to punch Max 🤭

"You’re my person. My little one. My Sarge. And I’m supposed to protect you." "You do protect me," she said, holding his eyes. "Even when you’re not here." 'He was her life raft, her cornerstone for what good truly meant. Didn’t he know that?'

✦ The fact that this book actually made me cry thoooo. just the heartbreaking scenes and that spiral - it was all written so well

R: "I don't want you to. I don't want you to go"

P: "If it's a choice between me and you, I choose you."

R: But I choose you too"

What a finale! After the second book I thought I knew where the last book would go, but I was wrong. This one had me sobbing, crying & at the edge of my seat for most of the ride! chef's kiss 👌

29/10/24 Wow, I need some time to process this.

31/10/24 There was a lot to take in from this final book in the series. A big warning that if you're expecting the light-heartedness from the first two books, you won't find it here. This makes you face some parts of reality that you don't particular want to, and it makes you second guessing a lot of things.

Our dear Pip is clearly broken. Things that she knew - belief in the justice system mainly - aren't what she thought. There's a serial rapist on the streets, a murderer who may not have done a bad thing on the loose, and Pip needs drugs to get even the tiniest bit of rest. And honestly, this is all just in the first half of the book.

After getting anonymous messages, and figuring out that this might not be as harmless as once thought, Pip ends up looking into a case that already has a killer behind bars. Except this guy in prison clearly isn't the right one. I thought we would be in for another ride, especially with poor Daniel da Silva being suspected once again (can this guy catch a break?) but oh no. I was so wrong.

The second half of the book takes such a drastic turn. A beaten Pip can't deal with the lack of justice after watching Max walk free, so one thing leads to another before slowly bits from all three books come together.

Andie Bell comes back into the equation again, knowing things that never made it public.

The break-in at Jason Bell's company all those years ago weren't as clear-cut as expected.

Charlie Green may not have been wrong at all.

Overall, this book was insane. It didn't take a direction that I thought it would at all, and the latter half reminded me of How To Get Away With Murder. It was still a great read, maybe even the big finale that was needed. As sorry as I am to see it all over, it kind of...felt right?

OMG!!! 

I did not expect that! This book has been on my TBR for a while, and I'm so glad I read it. The ending just didn't sit well me...I need more!!! But everything else amazing the characters, the build up the story line. I was on the edge of my seat. My heart was racing as I read it. 

I need to know what happens next.

In “As Good As Dead,” Holly Jackson delivers a gripping conclusion to the thrilling “A Good Girl's Guide to Murder” trilogy, and I must say, it left me both satisfied and a bit shaken. Having followed Pip's journey from the very beginning, I was eager to see how her character would evolve, but I was taken aback by the direction she ultimately took.

The novel picks up with Pip grappling with the aftermath of her previous investigations. The weight of her past decisions looms over her, shaping not just her actions but also her identity. Jackson masterfully captures this internal conflict, delving into themes of morality, justice, and the consequences of seeking the truth. Pip is no longer just the ambitious, clever girl we met in the first book; she's become a more complex, darker version of herself. The surprise twist of Pip's transformation into a morally ambiguous character was both unexpected and riveting. It challenges the reader to reconsider their perceptions of heroism and culpability.

The pacing of the story is impeccable, blending heart-pounding suspense with introspective moments that allow us to witness Pip's emotional turmoil. As she navigates the dangerous path of vigilante justice, I found myself torn—rooting for her as she fights against the injustices surrounding her, while simultaneously questioning the ethics of her methods. Jackson's writing draws you in, making it impossible to put the book down, especially as the stakes get higher.

The supporting characters, too, are richly developed, each adding layers to the narrative and contributing to Pip's evolving perspective. I particularly appreciated how Jackson explores the impact of trauma not only on Pip but on those around her, creating a realistic and relatable tapestry of human experience.

Ultimately, “As Good As Dead” is a compelling exploration of the cost of truth and the moral gray areas we navigate in pursuit of justice. While I loved the book, I was left pondering Pip's fate long after the final page was turned. Holly Jackson has taken a bold risk with her character, and for that, I commend her. It's a thrilling, thought-provoking read that lingers in the mind, prompting us to question how far we would go to protect those we love.

For anyone looking for a captivating conclusion to an unforgettable series, “As Good As Dead” is a must-read. Just be prepared for a wild ride that will challenge your expectations and leave you reflecting on the nature of good and evil.

This specific book in the series has my heart. I realised at the end, Pip could never be the innocent girl she was anymore, she actually deserved better.

Hey there! I just finished “As Good As Dead,” the final book in Holly Jackson's “A Good Girl's Guide to Murder” trilogy, and wow, what a ride! This book really cranked things up to eleven.

First off, this book is dark. Like, really dark. It's gripping, chilling, and emotionally intense in a way that surpassed even the first book for me. At 550 pages, it's a chunky read, but trust me, it flies by. The pacing is so good that it never feels like a slog.

Okay, I'll admit, the first 50 pages or so were a bit slow to get going. But once it picks up steam? Hold onto your hats, folks! The story just takes off and doesn't let up. It's divided into two distinct halves - the first part is all about the suspense and mystery we've come to expect from the series, while the second half veers into psychological thriller territory. It's like getting two books for the price of one!

What really blew me away was how well Jackson tied everything together. All those loose ends and clues from the first two books? They all come together in this finale in a way that's just chef's kiss. It makes the whole trilogy feel like one seamless story rather than three separate books. I'm not sure if Jackson planned it all out from the start or if she's just that good at weaving things together, but either way, it's impressive.

The character work in this book is top-notch. You really feel for these people, especially the main character. The way the book handles heavy topics like depression, anxiety, and trauma feels authentic and respectful. It adds a layer of emotional depth that really elevates the story.

Now, if you're expecting the same kind of suspense throughout the whole book, you might be a bit let down by the second half. It's a different kind of tension - more psychological than mystery-based. But personally, I was here for it. The whole thing felt like watching an intense movie unfold in my mind.

Overall, I'd give this book 4 out of 5 stars. Sure, there were a few tiny nitpicks here and there, but they're so minor they're hardly worth mentioning. This book, and indeed the whole trilogy, exceeded my expectations in the best way possible.

If you've read the first two books, you absolutely need to finish the trilogy with this one. And if you haven't started the series yet? Well, what are you waiting for? The experience of reading all three books is just amazing. Highly recommended for anyone who loves a good mystery with a dark edge!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Disappointed
A Boring/predictable book.
And Pip is such an annoying and stupid character İ hated the book because of her

As Good As Dead is the best and darkest book of the series, fight me.

Pip has become a completely different girl from the first book, and I both loved and hated that, especially when it came to her drug usage. Ravi is at his peak in this book (I love him sm), and the suspense is better than ever. I genuinely can't believe the direction this story went in, and even more that they got away with it. There were times where I worried that Pip or Ravi would be found out and arrested, but Pip is just so smart I love her so much oh my goddd. It literally took me six hours to read this, it was so good.

And oh my god, that ending?? Holly Jackson, I need an epilogue novella where Pip and Ravi reunite, please GIVE IT TO ME NOW!!!

I have to say that the first book gave me some Pretty Little Liars vibes and it was so fun to read it and go guessing who would be the villian, who murdered who, and the thrill to be right!! I LOVED this series so much, and this one even more than the others two made me cry and got me so anxious about how it would end that I'm giving it five stars despite what I'm about to writeSo stop here if you don't want spoilers please.

OMG THE END. I was SOO pissed at the end because the second the plot had that twist and Pip actually killed Jason I had to stop reading it for at least a couple of weeks. I had never been that anxious while reading a book, EVER, and when she and Ravi made a plan and made all those careful details fall into place, I was living for it. I cried my eyes out when she was about to get murdered and I cried my soul out when Max was plead not guilty, so I was rooting for their plan to succeed. And it fricking did. So forgive me but I was waiting for a HAPPY ENDING. And to break my heart in that last chapters like that!! I saw it coming, I knew it was going to be yet another plot twist, but no thaat! Not having them apart like that for over a year just waiting, I hated it. I needed the hapy ending, I needed Ravi helping Pip move to school and them dating and just being happy, so yes, I was mad and sad about the ending. And that last page??? A test message??? That's the ending I got for reading three amazing books? Sorry, I loved all the book, all the series, but that ending just broke my heart.

PS. I just remembered that when we still didn't know who DT was and the obvious answer was Jason (because if the Andie's email) and Pip thought it was Daniel, I even thought it could have been DI Hawkins because he was Jason's friend and the head of the police force so it made sense and it would've been such an intense plot twist.

wow that was wild

first 50% - 4/5
last 50% - 1/5
overall 2/5

i'm fine with murdering serial killers but the full seven hours of “The Gang Gets Away With Murder” melodrama was... a lot

I don't know how to write about this book. There were so many great things about it and it's probably going to make a lasting impression on me. However, there was this one thing I can't accept.

SPOILERS!

She killed someone and framed someone else... What the f***... That's just awful and not at all something Pip was supposed to do.. I just can't fathom it.

And still everything else in this book was perfect. That's why I struggled a lot with my rating. Amazed and disappointed both at the same time.

Oh my God

remember when i said book one and two didn't have that distinct five star flavor??

well this?? this had the Flavor...

DAMN

MF. He pasado todo el libro con el corazón en la boca

I guessed the murderer right away but oh noes! There was a second plot (sarcasm off), which bored me to almost death. Such convience such stupidity.

I will say...kudos to Holly Jackson for taking such a daring and bold turn with this installment because it was a divisive choice since it's such a beloved series.
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SPOILERS
With that said, the thing the irked me about this isn't the thing that bothers a lot of readers. I understand people are upset because they feel like the favorites characters made choices that were not in alignment with who they have been presented to be and that would be very hard for a reader to accept.

Honestly, I'm fine with the twist into vigilante and revenge. It's the reasoning behind it that I'm struggling with. Pip twists reality in such an unnecessary way to fit her narrative. Ok, she doesn't trust the police. So she does, what she does. BUT come on, there was definitely enough evidence to get you off. JUST OWN THE FACT YOU'VE ENTERED YOUR VILLIAN ERA and take down Max. Trying to justify her choice because the police wouldn't believe her is just BS.

THEN, the breakup and cutting people off thing. WTF. Again, such an outrageous twisting of reality to create needless conflict and suffering. How many times did she talk about not wanting to miss out of every moment with her family and friends and then she self imposes it? Nah, doesn't work for me.

AND THE HEADPHONES. Really? Just say you dropped them on your run with your phone. You forgot them at an interview. You thought your brother had them. Literally anything besides what Ravi said. So dumb.

Mi favorito es definitivamente el segundo, este se me hizo un poco largo y ese final mk, Dios ese final, está entre los finales que me duelen y no soporto, Ravi y Pippa merecían algo mejor que eso, todo paso tan rápido y tan lento a la vez, creo que sí le hubieran quitado unas 100 páginas sería mejor, espere más de lo que realmente dieron en este. El primero fue bueno, el segundo me encantó y esperaba algo mucho mejor acá y no lo encontré.

I can't lie pip was annoying me in this but I liked the ending

As the last & final book it's not the best in the series imo, I think I prefer the first one out of all of them but yk, it was an ending nonetheless

This was mediocre from the start for me so honestly I was just along for the ride & to see how everything concluded and tied together in the end

4.5/5

I knew I was never mentally ready coming into this. But still, who would've thought that I'll be up all night - flying through the pages like my life depended on it?

This book legit had some moments that creeped the beejezus out of me. There were moments when I was clutching my pillow, staring into my Kindle, like it could save me from the words on the page. Holly Jackson doesn't pull any punches with the creep factor!

And then there's Pip. She's not playing games anymore. She really said “I AM THE FUCKING LAW” and it's a wild ride to see her teeter on the edge of reason. This book makes you want to join Pip in her crusade against the messed up justice system.

Now, the ending. GODDAMIT. What kind of sadist would put a cliffhanger on the final book? That had me staring blankly at the wall, just processing, until my brain went offline.

Bottomline: As Good As Dead takes the cake for a heart-stopping, jaw-dropping finale. Holly Jackson I love you!

Better than the second but not entirely happy with the choices made by the main characters

Been sitting on this review for a few days and I can conclusively say; this was my favourite book of the entire series! The twist halfway through got me so good and honestly Pip did what needed be done, slay girl

“As Good As Dead” by Holly Jackson concludes the series with unexpected twists that kept me hooked. Initially unsure of the direction in the beginning of the third book, the moment Pip realizes she has a stalker becomes a riveting turning point, making it impossible to put the book down.

The justice served in the story felt satisfying, a stark contrast to the shortcomings often seen in the real world. Pip, with her intelligence and courage, emerges as a likable and admirable character. Sweet Ravi adds charm to their dynamic duo, and their teamwork is truly enjoyable. The theme of friendships and found family throughout the series is heartwarming and adds depth to the narrative.

The ending, while confusing, doesn't diminish the overall enjoyment. The decision to cut everyone out of Pip's life felt unnecessary given the lack of evidence against her. Regardless, the book is a compelling read, and the series as a whole is a testament to Jackson's storytelling prowess. I look forward to Holly Jackson's future projects.