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 Before, and it is easily one of the most thrilling rides of the year. This brilliant third book trades the familiar rainy streets of the UK for the sun-drenched, superficial glamour of Los Angeles. The contrast between the shiny, health-obsessed Hollywood backdrop and Kitty’s gory, dark brand of justice is absolute perfection.
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High Stakes and Hollywood Glamour
From the very first page, the pacing of this story is relentless. Brent catches us up with Kitty’s headspace perfectly before launching us into a cross-continental manhunt. The core premise of To All the Men I’ve Killed Before centers on the ultimate act of loyalty, and the emotional stakes feel higher than ever before. We get to see Kitty operating completely outside of her comfort zone, navigating an unfamiliar city while trying to keep her signature meticulous planning from falling apart under the California sun.
Sisterly Bonding and Chaos in LA
The absolute standout element of this installment is the addition of Kitty’s little sister, Antoinette. Watching their sibling dynamic play out while they navigate a literal murder spree is equal parts hilarious, chaotic, and oddly touching. Antoinette is a spectacular, unpredictable force of nature. Her tendency to leave a bit of a 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 comedic relief in the entire book, balancing out the darker, bloodier moments.
Sharp Wit and Signature Dark Humor
What I love most about Katy Brent’s writing is her ability to deliver sharp-edged social commentary without ever losing the fun. To All the Men I’ve Killed Before is packed with her signature dark humor and an unapologetic takedown of toxic masculinity.
However, readers who loved the specific balance of the previous books might notice a slight shift in tone here. While Kitty’s form of justice has always been a core part of the series, the revenge elements in this installment feel significantly more intense. At times, the violence crosses over into something that feels a bit more gratuitous and celebratory compared to the calculated, measured approach of her earlier work. It is an understandable escalation given the high stakes in LA, but it does change the flavor of Kitty’s usual journey just a bit.
Still, it balances high-stakes thriller energy with laugh-out-loud comedy, making it nearly impossible to put down.
My Final Thoughts
If you have been following Kitty’s journey from the beginning, this book delivers everything you could possibly want and more. It is a glamorous, deadly, and deeply satisfying addition to the series that fans are going to absolutely obsess over.
Mark your calendars for August 25 because you will want to grab this latest novel in the Kitty Collins series with To All the Men I’ve Killed Before the exact second it drops.
Thanks to HarperCollins for this #gifted book for this review.
