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The Murder After the Night Before

by Katy Brent

Rated 4 out of 5Alison's rating

A sharp, entertaining thriller with humour, revenge and a compelling central character.

The Messy Reader verdict

A thoroughly enjoyable revenge thriller

Reviewed 20 February 2025 messyreaderby messyreader Spoiler free

I stayed up long past bedtime finishing this book, which shows just how enjoyable I found it! The Murder After the Night Before is a darkly entertaining and well-paced thriller that kept me hooked from start to finish. I found myself unexpectedly sympathetic towards Molly, despite her flaws, as she was a compelling character, and I couldn't help but root for her as the story unfolded.

Katy Brent does a fantastic job of balancing tension, humour, and intrigue, making this an addictive read. I appreciated that the plot wasn't overly predictable, keeping me engaged and eager to see how things would play out. The twists and turns were satisfying, and the outcomes felt well-earned.

The revenge porn trope in thrillers like The Murder After the Night Before is particularly powerful because it taps into real-world fears and injustices, especially for women. It's a stark reminder of how digital violations can have devastating consequences, making it easy for readers to empathise with the protagonist's rage and desperation. When done well, as in Katy Brent's novel, this trope doesn't just fuel the plot, it sparks conversations about consent, agency, and justice.

Overall, this was a thoroughly enjoyable thriller, and I can't wait to read more from Katy Brent!

Rating: 4/5

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