A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, #2
Good Girl, Bad Blood
by Holly Jackson
Contents
SATURDAY 6 DAYS LATER: Forty-Three
Overview
At a backyard gathering celebrating Jamie’s return, Pip and Jamie confront survivor’s guilt and promise to live well in Stanley’s memory. Jamie plans to pursue paramedic training and to be honest with Nat. That night, Pip obsessively searches for Charlie and Flora’s sightings, revealing her unresolved trauma that now permeates everything.
Summary
Pip attends a low-key celebration in the Reynolds garden for Jamie’s safe return. She observes friends and family, struggling with intrusive flashes of Stanley’s death and steadying herself with breathing. Jamie joins Pip, admitting he can’t stop thinking about Stanley and describing Stanley’s unexpected kindness during captivity.
Jamie confesses he couldn’t have killed Stanley, despite holding the knife, and that police cannot charge him without Stanley’s testimony. Pip and Jamie share the burden of having led Charlie to Stanley and the guilt that Stanley is dead while they survived. Pip asks Jamie to honor Stanley by living a full, good life; Jamie promises, and asks the same of her.
Jamie resolves to apply as a trainee paramedic and to tell Nat about his feelings, abandoning risky online interactions. They toast “live well—for him.” Jamie moves to speak with Nat, and Pip senses mutual interest. Ravi sits with Pip, reassures her, and they reaffirm their love while Pip remains apart from the group, not yet ready to fully rejoin.
That evening, Pip, unable to let go, secretly searches online for Charlie and Flora’s whereabouts. She notes verified ATM footage from Portsmouth nine days prior and an unverified claim of a Dover petrol station sighting with a red Nissan Juke.
As Pip scrolls for hours, Charlie’s words echo in her mind, and her trauma manifests as the ever-present “gun,” triggered by everyday sounds and sensations. The chapter ends with Pip acknowledging that the gun now lives inside her, underscoring her unresolved fear and vigilance.
Who Appears
- Pippa Fitz-Amobi (Pip)Protagonist; grapples with survivor’s guilt, urges Jamie to live well, searches for Charlie and Flora, haunted by persistent trauma.
- Jamie ReynoldsRecently rescued; remembers Stanley’s kindness, promises to live well, plans paramedic training, intends to confess feelings to Nat.
- Ravi SinghSupports Pip at the barbecue, reassures her, and reaffirms their relationship as she struggles to rejoin the group.
- Nat da SilvaSmiles and relaxes among friends; object of Jamie’s confessed feelings, possibly reciprocated.
- Joanna ReynoldsHosts the gathering; fusses over food and offers affectionate support to Pip and Jamie.
- Arthur ReynoldsManages the grill awkwardly, participates in lighthearted moments with family and friends.
- Josh Fitz-AmobiPip’s younger brother; plays with friends and leads floss-dancing, symbolizing innocence.
- Connor ReynoldsJokes around during the party, shares laughter as the group relaxes together.
- Cara WardLaughs with Nat and the group, part of the warm social scene.
- Naomi WardChats with the adults, a supportive presence at the gathering.
- Zoe ReynoldsParticipates in the family gathering, sharing in the light atmosphere.
- Mohan SinghRavi’s father; chats and drinks, adding to the relaxed mood.
- Nisha SinghRavi’s mother; socializes with the adults, supportive presence.