Katy Brent does it again. As a fan of the Kitty Collins series, I jumped at the chance to read an advanced copy of To all the men I’ve killed beforeAnd it’s easily one of the most thrilling rides of the year. This stunning third book blends the familiar rainy streets of the UK with the sun-drenched, superficial glamor of Los Angeles. The contrast between the glitzy, health-obsessed Hollywood background and Kitty’s bloody, darker brand of vigilante justice is perfection.
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High stakes and Hollywood glamor
The pace of this story is continuous from the first page. Brent gives us a thorough introduction to Kitty’s headspace before launching into a cross-continental manhunt. basic basis of To all the men I’ve killed before The focus is on the ultimate act of loyalty, and the emotional stakes feel higher than ever. We see Kitty operating completely out of her comfort zone, wandering around an unfamiliar town, trying to keep her typical careful planning from falling apart in the California sunshine.
Sisterly bonding and chaos in LA
The most striking element of this installment is the inclusion of Kitty’s younger sister, Antoinette. Watching their brother-sister dynamic play out as they literally go on a killing spree is equal parts hilarious, chaotic, and oddly touching. Antoinette is a brilliant, unpredictable force of nature. Her tendency to leave a little mess in her wake adds a fantastic layer of tension to Kitty’s usually flawless execution. The banter between the sisters provides some of the best comic relief in the entire book, balancing out the darker, bloody moments.
sharp wit and distinctive dark humor
What I love most about Katy Brent’s writing is her ability to deliver sharp-edged social commentary without losing the fun. To all the men I’ve killed before It’s full of his signature dark humor and unapologetic takedown of toxic masculinity.
However, readers who prefer the typical balance of previous books may notice a slight change in tone here. While vigilante justice has always been a core part of the series, the revenge elements feel significantly more intense in this installment. At times, the violence devolves into something that feels a little more gratuitous and celebratory than the calculated, measured approach of his earlier work. It’s an understandable addition given the high stakes in LA, but it changes the flavor of Kitty’s usual trip a bit.
Still, it balances high-stakes thriller energy with laugh-out-loud comedy, making it almost impossible to put down.
my final thoughts
If you’ve been following Kitty’s journey from the beginning, this book offers everything you could possibly want and more. It’s a glamorous, deadly, and deeply satisfying addition to the series that fans will absolutely go crazy over.
Mark August 25th on your calendar because you’ll want to pick up this latest novel kitty collins series with To all the men I’ve killed before The exact moment it falls.
Thank you to HarperCollins for this #genius book for this review.
