Must Reads: A Good Girl's Guide to Murder and Atomic Habits

Evanne Evans, 15 June 2025

A Good Girls Guide to Murder, by Holly Jackson

With over 10 novels under her belt, British-born Holly Jackson has delivered her latest crime thriller, A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, published by Penguin Random House.

The story unfolds about Fairhaven High School sweetheart Andie Bell, who was murdered by her boyfriend, Sal, who then killed himself. Years later, protagonist Pip realises that the tragedy is still lingering among the townsfolk, including her and the memory of her childhood friend Sal, whom she still can't come to terms with the murder he seemingly committed.

So she decides to investigate the now-cold case herself and starts to unravel a web of lies that could prove Sals' innocence. However, she soon realizes that by uncovering a trail of deceit, her own life is now in danger. Holly Jackson's latest novel is a #1 New York Times bestselling series with millions of copies sold worldwide. She grew up in Berkshire and started creative writing in her early teens, graduating from the University of Nottingham, where she studied literary linguistics. Now, with a master’s degree in English, she continues to deliver spellbinding stories that capture the imagination of young adult and adult readers alike.

Atomic Habits by James Clear

Rated a healthy 4.33 stars on Goodreads, Atomic Habits by James Clear, first published in 2018 by Avery, remains one of the highest best-selling self-help books across the U.S., U.K., and Australia, with over 20 million copies sold worldwide.

It's clear that James has risen to the heights of not only a published author but a renowned expert on habit forming, having also written over 250 articles, regularly attending public speaking gigs and boasting a myriad of top 100 global clients.

With the focal point of his life's work based on “How can we live better?”, James Clear explores not only the reasons behind why people form habits but also tactics on how to change and make continuous improvement, encouraging people to transform and realise their goals.

With practical strategies on how to form good habits, this book will also teach you how to break bad ones. For fans of his work, readers can subscribe to his popular weekly newsletter, titled 3-2-1, where he includes three short ideas, two quotes from other people, and one question to reflect upon during the week ahead.