A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, #3
As Good As Dead
by Holly Jackson
Contents
Twenty-Four
Overview
Shaken and sleep-deprived, Pip plans to confront Nat about Daniel but instead receives DT’s third call. She uses CallTrapper to unmask his number and taunts him, believing she’s won. When Pip calls back masked, the phone rings behind her; DT ambushes and chokes her into unconsciousness, escalating the danger.
Summary
Pip, traumatized by the previous night’s printer and speaker hijack, runs to clear her head but returns exhausted and numb. She has unplugged all electronics, used up her Xanax, and anxiously texts Luke for more pills. Ravi checks in, insisting she stay with his family that night, and Pip plans to visit Nat da Silva first to discuss her growing suspicion of Daniel.
Haunted by signs pointing to Daniel—his Green Scene link, proximity to the Bells, and interest in the case—Pip walks to Nat’s house, determined but fearful of straining their friendship. As she arrives, a No Caller ID call comes through. Pip diverts it to CallTrapper, which unmasks a mobile number she believes belongs to DT.
Feeling victorious, Pip answers and taunts the caller, promising he will end up “in a cage.” He hangs up. Craving certainty, Pip decides to call the unmasked number back while hiding her own, hoping for a name or voicemail. She walks away from Nat’s house under thickening trees and dials with her number masked.
As the call rings, Pip realizes the ringtone is not just in her phone but also behind her. Before she can react, an unseen attacker grabs her, covers her mouth, and applies a chokehold. Struggling for air, she fades, separating from her body as darkness closes in, and she loses consciousness.
Who Appears
- Pip (Pippa Fitz-Amobi)Exhausted and panicked; plans to confront Nat about Daniel; unmasks DT’s number; calls back and is ambushed and choked unconscious.
- DT (unknown caller/attacker)Stalker who calls Pip a third time; number is unmasked; ambushes Pip from behind and strangles her into unconsciousness.
- Ravi SinghChecks in by text, insists Pip stay with his family for safety that night.
- Nat da SilvaIntended confidante; Pip goes to her house planning to discuss suspicions about Daniel.
- Pip’s mumBriefly speaks with Pip before she leaves; grants permission to stay over at the Singhs’.
- Cara WardSeen working at the café as Pip passes; no direct interaction.