The Perfect Crime? A Review of Katy Brent's 'How to Kill Men and Get Away With It

 Book Review by Reet Handay

Rating: ★★★★ ★(5/5)

Genres: Fiction, Thriller, Contemporary, Crime, Mystery, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller, Adult, Humor, Adult Fiction

My birthday was last month, and I vowed to engage in the lovely habit of revisiting my favorite literary masterpieces.

“He doesn’t look like a monster though. But they don’t do they? Otherwise, they’d never get the opportunity to be monsters.” 

Have you ever picked up a book solely based on its intriguing title? I must confess, I did just that when I stumbled upon "How to Kill Men and Get Away With It" by Katy Brent on NetGalley. Before even reading the blurb, the title alone had me hooked. Little did I know that I was about to embark on a darkly humorous and thrilling journey. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review. As a longtime enthusiast of thrillers and crime shows, this book felt like the female, less serious, and more comedic counterpart to Dexter.

The Book's Allure

After Kitty Collins accidentally kills a man who was stalking her after leaving a nightclub, she realizes she likes the feeling of wreaking vengeance on men for all the females out there. Revenge tastes sweet when she dishes it up, and the men she targets are lowlifes. But do they all deserve it? This was a twisted, dark-humored but nonetheless enjoyable ride. 

The first-person narrative makes it an intimate novel between the serial killer and the reader, where you get to read about all of Kitty's juiciest, darkest secrets. The novel starts you right in the middle of the action, or rather mid-kill, and so you are thrown straight in, which I love as it keeps you on your toes from the beginning. This was an easy-going, fun read, just right for those cold winter nights.

Kitty Collins: A Complex Character

Kitty Collins, the central character of the book, is a fascinating study of complexity. On the surface, she exudes privilege, beauty, and social influence as a successful influencer. However, beneath this facade lies a woman on a mission, seeking vengeance against abusive men. Kitty's character is both wickedly enjoyable and just a bit morally ambiguous. While there is room for further character development, she is undeniably captivating and, in her own way, relatable. 

I would say that if you threw "Sex and the City," "Dexter," and "Promising Young Woman" into a blender and hit the on button, you would more or less get "How to Kill Men and Get Away With It." This is, on the whole, a rather charming concept for those who enjoy twisted thrills with some black humor to boot. It makes for a pretty fun read, with fizzy humor and a sarcastic bite that firmly places the power in a character who doesn't want to deal with victimization, whether it's towards herself, her friends, or women as a whole, any longer. And goes to extreme means to stave it off.

Exploring Morality and Justification

There is also a mystery at hand, as Kitty, being a well-loved and well-known influencer, has a stalker who is lurking about. A stalker who seems to know that Kitty is out and about slaughtering jerks and has been holding it over her head. I liked having this added layer of stakes for Kitty, as it does make things all the more complicated for her. I also found myself genuinely surprised by some of the reveals and twists that came along with this subplot, as it goes from a general "Oh geez, stalkers are always a problem" to "Oh boy, the stalker knows what she's up to!" 

I was a little surprised that Kitty herself didn't seem super concerned about it, viewing it more as a nuisance that this anonymous person was in her business than someone who could very easily turn her in or at least tip someone off about her. I'm not certain if this was supposed to be reflective of Kitty's general sociopathy or if it was a point that could have used more development, but it was always present and it added to the overall tension.

The Thrilling Plot Unfolds

From the very start, the novel thrusts you into the heart of the action, or rather, the midst of a kill. This immediate immersion keeps you on edge, making it impossible to put the book down. As Kitty's addiction to revenge spirals, a riveting and suspenseful plot unfolds. Alongside her, we navigate a world filled with unexpected twists, dark secrets, and a lurking stalker who adds an extra layer of tension.

Now, let's talk about the plot. "How to Kill Men and Get Away With It" is a rollercoaster of twists and turns that will leave your heart pounding. Each murder is meticulously planned, and every step of Kitty's journey is laced with tension and anticipation. Brent weaves a web of intrigue that keeps you guessing until the very end.

As you delve deeper into the story, you'll find yourself torn between wanting Kitty to succeed and hoping she'll face justice for her crimes. It's a moral quandary that will keep you engaged and debating with yourself long after you've closed the book.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "How to Kill Men and Get Away With It" is a wickedly clever and darkly humorous novel that challenges preconceived notions of genre. It combines elements of women's fiction with a thriller, creating a refreshing and engaging reading experience. If you're in the mood for a fun, female-led serial killer story that will both entertain and make you contemplate the boundaries of morality, this book comes highly recommended. So, grab a copy, settle in on a cold winter night, and prepare to be captivated by the deliciously twisted world of Kitty Collins.

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