Picture a UK journalist spinning darkly hilarious tales of revenge and romance—meet Katy Brent! With her debut novel, How to Kill Men and Get Away With It, Brent burst onto the literary scene, blending sharp wit with feminist fury. Her journey from newsrooms to a two-book deal with HarperCollins is a testament to grit, humor, and a knack for crafting unforgettable anti-heroines.
Brent’s stories aren’t just page-turners; they’re a cheeky wink at society’s flaws, wrapped in a glossy Instagram filter. Her protagonist, Kitty Collins, is a vegan influencer turned vigilante, slicing through London’s worst men with Japanese knives and zero regrets. Ready to dive into Brent’s wickedly clever world? Let’s explore her story.
The Making of Katy Brent
Born in the UK, Katy Brent carved her path as a journalist, diving into the world of women’s magazines in 2005. By 2006, she’d snagged a PTA Award for New Journalist of the Year, proving her knack for sharp storytelling. Over 15 years, she covered pop culture, from glossy mags to TV journalism, honing a voice that’s equal parts witty and incisive. Her pivot to fiction came during the 2020 lockdowns, when she finally had time to chase her dream of writing a novel. Inspired by the likes of Killing Eve and American Psycho, Brent began crafting a story that was, in her words, “Sex and the City meets stabby.”
Katy Brent’s Unforgettable Stories
Brent’s debut, How to Kill Men and Get Away With It (2022), introduces Kitty Collins, a trust-fund influencer who accidentally kills a creep and discovers she’s rather good at it. This darkly comic thriller, published by HarperCollins’ HQ Digital, mixes satire, romance, and social commentary, tackling male violence through a post-#MeToo lens. Readers adore its fast pace and Kitty’s sardonic voice, with one calling it “a must-read for fans of dark fiction!”
Her follow-up, I Bet You’d Look Good in a Coffin (2025), keeps Kitty’s knife sharp, diving deeper into her vigilante antics. Brent’s third novel, The Murder After the Night Before (2023), shifts to Molly Monroe, a hungover heroine unraveling a friend’s death. Each book showcases Brent’s signature style: self-aware humor, flawed protagonists, and a knack for blending genres—think thriller meets rom-com with a dash of spice. Her stories don’t shy away from heavy themes but wrap them in a tone that’s darkly fun, making even murder feel oddly relatable.
Why Katy Brent Matters
Katy Brent’s rise is a beacon for aspiring authors facing rejection. After countless agent rejections, she sent her manuscript to publishers directly, landing a two-book deal with HarperCollins. Her perseverance mirrors Kitty’s own relentless drive, resonating with readers who crave complex, unapologetic female leads. Brent’s work also sparks conversation, using humor to highlight real-world issues like predatory behavior, all while keeping readers hooked with twists and wit.
In a crowded thriller market, Brent stands out for her fresh take on dark comedy, earning comparisons to My Sister the Serial Killer and Promising Young Woman. Her growing Kitty Collins series promises more chaos, cementing her as a bold voice in contemporary fiction. For fans of satire and suspense, Brent’s books are a delicious escape.
- Key Works: How to Kill Men and Get Away With It, I Bet You’d Look Good in a Coffin, The Murder After the Night Before
- Award: PTA New Journalist of the Year (2006)
- Fun Fact: Brent’s vegan protagonist, Kitty, reflects her own interest in ethical living.
Snag How to Kill Men and Get Away With It and dive into Katy Brent’s wickedly witty world of dark comedy and revenge!