Good Girl, Bad Blood

Pip’s podcast permeates every chapter of the book, with reference to both its first season and the ongoing investigation to find Jamie. The podcast is a symbol that relates to the theme of The Pursuit of Truth and Justice. It is the vehicle that Pip uses to achieve those ends. Her complicated relationship with the truth is illustrated by her equally ambivalent view of her own media creation. While publishing new episodes of the podcast generates productive leads, it also draws the attention of internet trolls who leave disturbing comments. Connor is particularly upset by speculation that his brother is already dead. Pip would like to shield the entire Reynolds family from such feedback, but she warns them before proceeding that their lives will become an open book for the good-hearted and the maladjusted alike.

Even though Pip knows all about the negative consequences of airing dirty laundry in public, she is committed to the truth. This ideal is challenged, however, when a podcast listener publishes a rumor that Pip and the Reynolds family are staging an elaborate hoax just to drive more traffic to Pip’s site. She becomes so furious at this accusation that she attacks a fellow student who accuses her of lying.