A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, #3
As Good As Dead
by Holly Jackson
Contents
Fifty
Overview
With the town whispering, Pip quietly secures support for her alibi and watches DI Hawkins catch Max in more lies. Nat denies visiting Max; Cara provides photos and videos backing Pip’s movements. Refusing to leave for university, Pip doubles down on framing Max and releases a podcast episode to shape the investigation.
Summary
The chapter opens with town gossip swirling about Jason Bell’s death, amplifying pressure on Pip. Amid the noise, Pip holds two private conversations to secure her position and test the strength of the cover story.
First, Nat da Silva tells Pip that DI Hawkins questioned her about allegedly visiting Max Hastings and hitting him on the night of the 15th. Nat denies it and asserts an alibi at her brother Dan’s house. Pip infers that Hawkins has confronted Max with phone data placing him away from home, catching Max in lies and aligning with the frame Pip built.
Next, Cara Ward explains that Hawkins asked her and Naomi about their whereabouts with Pip on the 15th. Cara confirms their timeline, shares photos and videos, and sends them to the police. Pip recognizes Cara’s unspoken trust, reading that Cara understands what Jason’s death implies while choosing loyalty.
Pip then clashes with her parents over delaying university. She refuses to leave, insisting she must see the investigation through, mirroring Ravi’s earlier trust in her. Her goal is to finalize the plan: ensure Hawkins follows the breadcrumb trail pointing at Max.
Pip reflects on the evidence planted against Max—phone tower placement, hair, shoeprints, traffic-camera footage, blood on his hoodie and shoes—and decides to add motive and narrative. She uploads Season 3, Episode 1 of her podcast, outlining town history, conflicts, and witness hints designed for Hawkins to hear, seeding a coherent case against Max and away from herself.
Who Appears
- Pip (Pippa Fitz-Amobi)Protagonist; consolidates her alibi, refuses to start university, and releases a podcast to push suspicion onto Max.
- Nat da SilvaDenies visiting Max on the 15th and provides an alibi, reinforcing the narrative implicating Max.
- Cara WardConfirms Pip’s alibi with photos and videos, demonstrating trust and aiding verification by Hawkins.
- DI HawkinsInvestigates alibis; questions Nat and Cara, likely confronts Max with phone data exposing lies.
- Max HastingsTarget of Pip’s frame; contradicted by phone data and tied to planted evidence and narrative motive.
- Jason BellMurder victim; his death drives the investigation and Pip’s efforts to direct blame onto Max.
- Pip’s motherArgues with Pip about leaving for university; opposes Pip’s decision to stay.
- Pip’s fatherAngrily challenges Pip’s plan to delay university, highlighting family tension.