The anticipated “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder,” based on Holly Jackson’s smash-hit novels, premieres on BBC iPlayer and BBC Three on July 1. The series is a fresh take on the traditional whodunit.
“It’s a brilliantly plotty story with lots of twists and turns,” says Screenwriter and Executive Producer Poppy Cogan, and it certainly delivers on that promise. The story follows 17-year-old Pip Fitz-Amobi, a determined and strong-willed teenager who decides to investigate a closed murder case from five years ago for her school project.
Despite the widespread belief in the small town of Little Kilton that Sal Singh killed his girlfriend, Andie Bell, and then took his own life, Pip is convinced there’s more to the story. “She’s a completely different person from the start to the end,” shares Emma Myers, who plays the iconic role of Pip. “Pip is quite a complicated character, and I just knew that Emma had the ability to do her justice,” adds Jackson.
As Pip delves deeper into the case, she uncovers secrets and encounters individuals who want the past to stay buried, no matter the cost. “As she starts digging into the case, she’ll soon realise that the people around her have many secrets,” Jackson teases. “Secrets they want to stay buried in the past. And if the person who really killed Andie is still out there, how far will they go to stop Pip from finding the truth?”
Cogan describes the show as “a proper whodunit with a brilliant mystery at its heart,” but notes that it’s more than just a traditional murder mystery: “It’s a mixture of genres. There’s lightness and comedy, but as the series progresses, it cranks up to an exciting thriller, and there are even flashes of horror. It’s got a bit of everything.” This unique blend of tones and genres creates a viewing experience that is both engaging and unpredictable.
Author and Executive Producer Holly Jackson, whose debut YA thriller book series garnered immense success with over 7 million copies sold worldwide, was heavily involved in the adaptation process. She expresses her commitment to staying true to the source material: “I’ve always kept that at the forefront of my mind… I know that that’s what readers truly want to see.” Jackson’s enthusiasm for bringing her characters and scenes to life is palpable, and she ensures that the show honours the success and engagement of her passionate fanbase.
The series stars Emma Myers as Pip Fitz-Amobi, who embodies the character’s earnestness and unique qualities. “Pip is a very strong character, just so determined,” Myers shares. “The way Holly Jackson has written her in the books and the way it’s been translated on screen by Poppy Cogan was such a joy to play.”
Zain Iqbal joins the cast as Ravi Singh, Sal’s brother, and Pip’s trusted companion in her quest for the truth. Iqbal’s audition stood out, and his easy-going charm and natural chemistry with Myers made him the perfect choice for the role. “As soon as I saw him, I knew he was the one,” Jackson recalls. “I actually giggled to myself during Emma and Zain’s chemistry read because I knew we’d found our Pip and Ravi.”
The talented cast also includes Anna Maxwell Martin and Gary Beadle, who bring their expertise to the roles of Pip’s parents, Leanne and Victor, respectively. Martin’s character, Leanne, is “trying to do a good job” as a mother, but sometimes fails, and Beadle’s Victor provides a calm and compassionate presence in the family. “I feel like he’s a very amiable fellow, and that his wife brings out the best in him,” Beadle shares.
Mathew Baynton rounds out the adult cast as Elliot Ward, Cara and Naomi’s father, a teacher who believes in Pip and wants to help her succeed. “I feel like he tries to be light with them and there’s a bit of humour in the way that they interact with each other,” Baynton describes.
Director and Executive Producer Dolly Wells, known for her work on “Spy,” plays a pivotal role in shaping the series. She describes the tone as “warm, playful, and inviting,” while also exploring darker and more menacing territories. “I feel it will stand out because fundamentally it’s about a group of young people with Emma Myers at the helm playing Pip who is a curious, brave, sort of everyday hero,” Wells shares. Wells, along with her team, carefully crafted the production values, pacing, and visual style to enhance the storytelling.
Executive Producer Frith Tiplady of Moonage Pictures highlights the intricate plotting and fresh approach to the crime story as key factors in the book’s appeal for adaptation: “We all felt as it was one of the most tightly plotted novels we’d ever read, on a par with Agatha Christie.” The production team scouted various locations to find the perfect version of Little Kilton, ultimately choosing the town of Axbridge in Somerset, which reflects the atmosphere and intrigue of the fictional setting.
“A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” explores family dynamics, friendship, and the nuances of growing up, all while unraveling a thrilling murder mystery. “It’s one of a kind,” Myers enthuses. “The twists and turns that are in it are so well done and so well fleshed out.”
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder premieres 1 July on BBC iPlayer and BBC Three.
