A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, #3
As Good As Dead
by Holly Jackson
Contents
Fifty-One
Overview
Pip stumbles upon a full forensic search at the Hastings house, confirming her plan to steer the investigation toward Max is taking hold. She avoids being seen and anticipates DNA results to seal the case. Separately, Maria reports Billy’s conviction may be overturned due to new forensic evidence.
Summary
On a run meant to quiet her mind, Pip accidentally heads toward Tudor Lane and encounters a major police operation at the Hastings home. Three police cars, two vans, and a forensic team in full suits work the scene, carrying evidence bags out of the house as neighbors watch.
Pip maintains a neutral facade and retreats before a uniformed officer might recognize her. She sees Max’s tanned parents arguing with police; Mr Hastings rages and calls a contact named Epps. Max and DI Hawkins are not present.
As Pip runs away, she reasons through the likely next steps: investigators will find the bloodstained hoodie and zigzag-soled trainers she expects in Max’s room, and they’ll obtain Max’s DNA to compare with the blond hairs from Jason Bell and the blood on the clothing. She braces for lab delays but believes the accumulating evidence will force Hawkins’s hand.
Later, Pip receives an email from Maria Karras with surprising news: Billy’s case is under review due to new DNA or fingerprint evidence, potentially identifying the unknown print from victim Melissa Denny. An Innocence Project lawyer plans a motion to the CCRC, raising the possibility Billy could be exonerated soon.
Who Appears
- Pippa Fitz-Amobi (Pip)While running, she discovers the forensic search at Max’s house, avoids detection, and anticipates DNA results. Receives Maria’s email.
- Mr HastingsMax’s father; angrily confronts police outside the house and calls someone named Epps during the search.
- Mrs HastingsMax’s mother; present and distressed beside her husband as police search the home.
- Uniformed Police OfficerManages the scene outside the Hastings house, attempts to calm Mr Hastings.
- Forensic TeamCollects evidence from the Hastings house, carrying multiple brown paper bags to police vans.
- Maria KarrasEmails Pip that Billy’s conviction is under review due to new forensic evidence and Innocence Project involvement.