26 November 2024

I enjoyed How to Kill Men and Get Away with It and could not wait to read this. Not to mention that this pink book adds some colour to my generally dark book collection.

The Murder After the Night Before delivers an addictive cocktail of dark humour, mystery and scandal that kept me flipping pages late into the night. From the moment we meet our protagonist grappling with a hazy memory, a viral shame spiral, and the devastating loss of her best friend, the story hooks you into its chaotic, drama-filled world.

The premise of waking up to tragedy and mystery is not new, but Brent’s sharp, modern writing style breathes fresh life into it. The protagonist is refreshingly flawed—hungover, impulsive, and wrapped up in a whirl of bad decisions—but her determination to uncover the truth about Posey’s death makes her relatable and easy to root for. Her inner monologue, filled with wit and self-critical humour, often provided lightness even as the plot ventured into darker territories.

The mystery itself is cleverly constructed. Posey’s death, initially dismissed as an accident, unfolds into a tangle of secrets, lies, and unreliable memories. While the clues are scattered throughout, the twists and turns kept me guessing until the final reveal, which was as satisfying as it was shocking.

What stands out in this book is its commentary on modern issues, particularly the protagonist’s struggle with viral infamy and social media judgment. Brent captures the double-edged sword of online visibility and how it complicates an already messy investigation. The addition of a stranger in her bed adds another layer of intrigue, raising questions about trust and perception.

One minor complaint about this book would be the middle section’s pacing, where the protagonist’s repetitive reflections on her hangover and humiliation slightly stalled the momentum. However, this is quickly forgiven as the tension ramps up in the latter half, delivering a thrilling and fast-paced conclusion.

The Murder After the Night Before is a wild ride of a whodunit, perfect for readers who enjoy their mysteries with a side of dark humour and a touch of millennial relatability. Katy Brent has crafted a tale that is not only an engaging mystery but also a sharp reflection on the complexities of memory, friendship, and the digital age.