Holly Jackson’s A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder isn’t your typical murder mystery novel. It takes all the best parts of the genre—the suspense, the trailing dark secrets, and the plot twists that keep you guessing right to the end—and presents them in protagonist Pip’s delightfully humorous voice, complete with fun nuggets of investigative notes, diagrams and evidence for the full experience.
Set five years after a shocking tragedy rocked the town of Fairview—when popular student Andie Bell was murdered by her boyfriend Sal Singh, who then took his own life—the novel follows high school senior Pip as she reexamines the closed case for her final project. To prove Sal’s innocence, she enlists the help of his younger brother, Ravi Singh.
With 760.2 million views on the ‘agggtm’ tag on TikTok at the time of writing, it’s safe to say that A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder has grown to become one of the most popular books on social media, and thus also one of the most highly anticipated screen adaptations of the year.
Stepping into the role of Ravi Singh is none other than rising actor Zain Iqbal. While this is his breakthrough role, the 26-year-old has had four years of commercial experience in the industry under his belt. Here, he shares more about connecting with Ravi, working with his co-stars and what he’s most excited for fans to see.
What was your reaction when you got to see the completed show?
Honestly, I was shocked. It was even better than I thought it would be. My worry at the start was that, with shows like these, it takes a while to set the scene up, and people have to get through that first—but with this series, from episode one, it grips you. Seeing the books come to life is incredible. The team has done so well with everything from the set design, to the costumes to the locations. Episode after episode, it makes you want to watch to the end and find out what the truth is.
Were you already familiar with A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder before you auditioned for the role?
I didn’t know of the book, and I didn’t look it up even when the audition came in. That actually worked in my favour because I think knowing how huge the book was would have scared me off. But towards the end of my audition process—I went through about six or seven rounds—I did look it up, and it was like, “Oh crap, this is huge.” And then I read the book after I booked the job.
So what did you think of the book?
The way it’s written is so clever. I was gobsmacked. You can never tell who’s done it. Just when you think it’s one person, suddenly, it seems like it’s someone else, and then again, it seems like another character completely. It’s quite a ride.
When you first got to know Ravi, what stood out to you about his character?
Just his heart—his generosity, empathy and understanding. He’s gone through this really tough time, and he’s been put in a circumstance where he’s facing consequences despite not actually being involved in any of it. To go through all that, and still go forward and help Pip investigate and find the truth says a lot about him as a person.
Do you connect to Ravi on a personal level? Which parts of the character do you relate to the most?
I do, actually. When we see his brother being accused of murder and the negative impact it ends up having on his family, you realise how unfairly they are treated because they’re people of colour. I’ve not experienced it to that extent, but I know what it’s like to go through life and just have people treat you unfairly.
Was there anything you were particularly looking forward to when you got the role?
I was looking forward to acting with Emma Myers. I didn’t really know of her, but then I went and checked out Wednesday just before the chemistry read and I thought, “Wow, she’s brilliant.” So that was great. Pretty much all my scenes were with Emma, and I honestly learned so much. She’s amazing, and just so dynamic as an actor. Sometimes she would do scenes in one take, and I would think, “How are you doing this?” So that was something I was really looking forward to, and enjoyed a lot.
Were there any particularly fun or memorable moments for you throughout the filming process?
My favourite scene that I filmed was probably the hotel scene in episode four where we get away. That was probably the best day that I had. That’s where Ravi has a lot of fun, and loosens up, and is just so carefree. Before that, he was so closed off, and it was quite tough to know how much vulnerability to show. But when I got to episode four, I was just able to have a lot of fun and be free.
What are you most excited for audiences to see?
The Pip and Ravi scenes are great. I think the chemistry is really there, and every time they come on screen, there’s just a good energy that’s very different from everything else going on in the show. Pip will go off and see the rest of the world, and then she’ll come back to Ravi, and it’s like a little getaway for her. They find comfort in each other and they have each other’s backs. I can’t wait for fans to see those scenes.
After taking on such a big project, has your relationship with acting evolved?
Definitely. I love it even more. I love being on set, I love losing myself in a character and just getting to try different things and so something new every day.
What has been the most meaningful part of this process for you?
Just getting the opportunity to play such a beloved character. These roles don’t come around often for people that look like me, so getting to do this has been amazing. I also think it’s so important that people who look like me will be able to see themselves in a character that’s portrayed as the romantic sweet lead, and I hope that sets off more opportunities for these sorts of roles for people like me in the industry.
Are there any types of roles that you’re hoping to try in the future?
I want to play a villain. I’d love to tackle a character that looks like an innocent guy but has something really dark inside him. Or I’d love to play a detective. So like a bad boy. Or maybe Batman. I’d love to play Batman. Hey, we’ll see what comes up.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is on Netflix from 1 August 2024.
