A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, #3
As Good As Dead
by Holly Jackson
Contents
Ten
Overview
Pip reports an escalating pattern of threats to DI Hawkins, but he dismisses any clear connection, attributing it to online trolling and trauma. Feeling betrayed, Pip resolves to pursue justice outside the law and creates a list of potential enemies. This decision pivots her from seeking police help to conducting her own investigation.
Summary
Pip forces herself into Amersham Police Station, haunted by memories of the night she was processed after Stanley’s death. She meets detention officer Eliza and is led by DI Hawkins to an interview room, determined not to surrender to the setting.
Pip reports a suspected stalker, presenting a spreadsheet of incidents, a severity scale, and a photo of “DEAD GIRL WALKING.” She outlines online harassment, flowers on her car, escalating to two headless pigeons and chalk figures near her home. Hawkins questions the connections, suggesting coincidences (e.g., cats killing birds) and public vulnerability due to her podcast.
As Hawkins cites lack of clear linkage and suggests identifying anyone who might be “messing with her,” Pip grows furious, accusing the police of inaction. He frames her concerns through trauma and offers limited steps (a PIN if she has a name). Pip rejects this, declares that justice may lie outside the law, and tells Hawkins not to look for her if she disappears.
Pip storms out, briefly passing Dan da Silva, who asks if she’s OK. Regaining resolve, she decides to investigate the stalker herself. She compiles a “potential enemies” list, naming Max Hastings as her prime suspect and noting others with grudges, while wrestling with self-doubt and anger.
Who Appears
- Pip Fitz-AmobiProtagonist; reports a suspected stalker, is dismissed by police, resolves to investigate alone, and drafts a suspects list.
- DI Richard HawkinsDetective; downplays Pip’s evidence, attributes it to trauma and trolling, suggests limited action, provoking Pip’s break with the police.
- Eliza (detention officer)Reception-area officer; recognizes Pip and triggers memories of the night after Stanley’s death.
- Dan da SilvaOfficer; encounters Pip in the corridor, expresses concern as she leaves.