Copy Cat: An original is worth more than a copy.

by Katye Tilstone

Two best friends. A big city and a killer running rampage. Suffering with mental health issues Cassey copies her best friend right down to the food she eats, not noticing her friend was the one causing all the chaos... Cassey goes one step to far landing herself with all the blame and no one to run to as lies run deep. Will the true 'She Slasher' come out or will Cassey go down for the crimes... Will best friends forever mean forever when blood is spilt...
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Following the two best friends in the heart of Manhattan as Katelin and Cassey work at 'The Morning Rush' a news station where casefiles cluttered the desks involving the hot new killer 'The She Slasher' as they attempted to share the victims stories unaware that the true killer was lurking among them. As Katelin's hunger grew, more mason jars arrived with her, but equally more bodies seemed to follow the death toll rising unaware that her 'shadow' was watching.
Becoming more cautious Katelin limited herself at the risk of being caught despite her deep desire itching to be extinguished as police followed her every move. More bodies appeared, but not in the way 'The She Slasher' would carve her victims... could it be a copycat? or could 'The She Slasher' be mixing up her style, but why now?

142 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication January 26, 2026

About the author

Hi I'm Katye Tilstone,

Welcome to my crazy world of macabre and mind bending books. As an indie author I try my best to make my work stand out from the others in this sub genre of horror including personal struggles I have battled with since I was young, to make my readers feel seen and heard if they are going through those struggles themselves. To help others who are stuck in those dark moments, as if my books could be a way for them to escape real life and explore fantasy, horror for me was always a way for my young mind to escape the pain I felt and to forget it for those short moments.

My inspiration for my work comes from many places however, a few I would love to mention are; Darren Shan, R.L.Stine, Tim Burton, Stephen King ect. alongside my future husband, family and friends these authors above moulded my mind and help create the author you see today. I studied the English language and literature extensively through my years at school eventually taking it on at A-level and being told I was writing at university level, from doing poems in the back of my diary's to taking a creative writing course at school its safe to say the stories I would day dream about would one day turn into physical books. Unfortunately I did lose my father young due to cancer so I try to honour his memory and spread awareness of cancer within my books because it is extremely important to me as well as showing support for those who have lost loved ones to the horrendous disease. I, myself, struggle with my own chronic pain, Endometriosis, everyday so I try again to show support for those who struggle with it as well and show that even though it is a invisible disability, it does not control my life.

I love to read on how I can improve as a author and a writer so criticism is encouraged, just as long as it is still kept to a respectful manor, respect me and my work then I shall respect your opinion. If you love extreme horror, gore maxed up to the full and maybe shedding a tear or two then you're in the right place, no characters are safe in my stories. I do try to keep them realistic although this is all fantasy after all, I am a horror movie avid watcher so if any of my books remind you of some of the popular ones that's probably because again they inspired me. "What's your favourite scary movie?" personally mine would be Sam Raimi's 'The Evil Dead' from 1981, due to my love for The Evil Dead franchise and the American actor Bruce Campbell, you can never beat the classics. With Tim Burton I most resonated with his 2005 film 'Corpse Bride' as for a young girl growing up it shows the message of true love unlike Disney fairy tales, 'Corpse Bride' shows the concept that true love it about finding fulfilment by allowing the person you hold and love so dear to be happy even if that means letting them go sacrificing your own happiness. Not everything has to have a happy ever after ending. (Even though I have my happily ever after, some of my books will not.)

I hope that this has given you, as my readers and supporters, a little insight into who I am and what messages my stories bring across, in this world its okay to sprinkle a little madness. My mascot is called 'Mrs. Midnight' a black cat with white stitches and deep pink eyes, I have her because as a cat mum I adore them and feel connected to them, she too will have her own backstory and own domain just like my other books, her inspiration came from the video game 'Fran Bow' released in 2015 by Killmonday Games. A game I would watch gameplays of when I was younger and one I have personally played myself alongside the authors and directors mentioned above this helped me through those dark times, it has proven to always be a game that I have gone back to when I am down because the relationship between the main character 'Fran' and her black kitten 'Mr. Midnight' always reminded me of how I am with my own black cat Lucifer.

Reviews

[Shannon Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book by Katye Tilstone is a gripping tale of obsession and revenge. Katelin and Cassey's friendship is marked by Cassey's unsettling fixation on Katelin. The story's twists and cinematic gore make it a compelling read for fans of dark, suspenseful fiction.

[Luci Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to be a ARC reader once again for Katye Tilstone and I am very grateful to say she did not disappoint!

‘Copy Cat’ explores the juxtaposition of toxic friendship mixed with female carnage, with the main characters Cassey and Katelin seeming like the “perfect” best friends. However, in the shadows a killer hides and stalks her prey. Trying to juggle a social life, chronic illness and keep that hunger at bay Katelin soon discovers that her own past will bite her new reality.

The gore is cinematic in every way and no matter what happens, the twists within it keep you on edge. Katye Tilstone delivers a masterpiece of suspense, thrill and murders so foul you can’t predict who would be next. She has definitely upgraded through her writing skills and makes you feel as if you were actually watching the scenes take place. Not to mention the usage of mason jars to store the victims bodily sludge and how creative the kills were!

I would definitely recommend this to anyone and everyone who loves the prospective of female carnage, but most importantly… karma. Well done Katye Tilstone! ‘Copy Cat’ will stick with me forever and make me think twice of who I trust in the future, because you never know what intentions even your best friends have. I cannot wait to see what other books this author has to offer.

[LeighAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery… or so they say.
Copy Cat is a fast-paced, gripping read that pulls you straight into the toxic friendship between Katelin and Cassey. On the surface, they’re best friends doing typical best-friend things—except one of them happens to be a serial killer. And as the story makes clear, no one likes a copycat.
The tension builds quickly, making it nearly impossible to put down. I flew through this book in a single day, and the ending completely caught me off guard. The unexpected turn of events was executed brilliantly and left me genuinely surprised.
This was such a fun, thrilling read, and I’m honored to have been chosen as an ARC reader. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

R A T I N G: ⭐⭐⭐ / 5

I got the opportunity to arc this book and overall I did enjoy the concept of the story.
A toxic friendship, between two women, mixed obsession, revenge, and serial killing.

Katelin + Cassey are besties, living across from one another in the same apartment building in Manhattan, and working together at the same news station: one as a reporter (Kate) and the other as an intern (Cassey).
There is a serial killer loose leaving a trail of bodies and haven't been caught yet.
Each friend harbors secrets and as the story progresses, tensions rise, stakes raise and secrets are revealed... the bonds of their friendship are tested to their limits.


P E R S O N A L T H O U G H T S:
Overall, I did like the where the story was going and it has so much potential. However, the writing didn't flow for me and it was overly descriptive in ways it didn't really need to be (and I'm not talking about the gore parts either). I feel like if some of the over description was cut back that it maybe would have flowed or paced a little better. Some descriptors didn't fit the scene for what they were describing in that moment either.

As someone who has been in a toxic friendship with someone who had to copy or "one up" me all the time, I did like that representation. Especially the switch from friend to frenemy and how quickly it happened and spiraled out of control. More definitely could have been explored with that relationship/friendship more.

It did feel like their were plot holes/unanswered questions though.
Like why was Katelin eating/drinking body parts of her victims to begin with? At points the author made it sound like it had to do with her illness (endometriosis), but then other times the author said she had a "darkness inside her that was hungry and growing". So that left me a bit confused. And why was she putting in her neighbor's coffee?! Also, some backstory on Katelin and how she became a serial killer would have been great. I like we start out in one of her kills right off the bat, but I also like to know the why behind it. What pushed her to become a serial killer? Backstory on Cassey would have been good too. How the two became best friends and why she was so obsessed with Katelin to the point she was. Did she ever get obsessed with someone else like this previously?!

So many things left open or unanswered for me, but it was a quick little gory thriller.
Mental health does matter.
Make sure to check your triggers beforehand.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc Review: I had the absolute pleasure of reading another book by this incredible author, and once again, I was completely blown away. This story follows two best friends caught in a bloody race to uncover the identity of a mysterious she slasher. What looks like a solid friendship on the surface is anything but secrets, resentment, and unspoken truths between them.

Katelin’s struggling with her past, struggling with trauma and a raw, honest portrayal of living with endometriosis. Her pain is heartbreaking. Cassey, is desperate to be the perfect best friend, clinging tightly as everything begins to unravel.

This book played out like a horror movie in my mind, graphic, intense, and impossible to look away from, it was difficult to put the book down. The gore is brutal, the twists are relentless, and just when you think you know where the story is going, it rips the rug out from under you. Every turn left me shocked, unsettled, and craving more! Katye is an amazing author!

Dark, emotional, and utterly gripping this one will leave your mouth hanging open long after the final page.

[TJ Turns Pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

Copy Cat by Katye Tilstone is a wild ride. The story follows Katelin and Cassey, childhood friends with a deeply unbalanced dynamic. Cassey idolizes Katelin to an unsettling degree. She copies her appearance, mannerisms, and even her scent, then moves into the apartment across the hall and lands an internship at Katelin’s news station. Since they share history, Katelin brushes it off, at least at first.

Meanwhile, Katelin is covering a serial killer terrorizing the city, dubbed the “She Slasher.” The big reveal comes when we learn who the She Slasher is.

The book dives headfirst into Katelin’s twisted mind, and I mean that in the best way. There are some very graphic scenes, so definitely check trigger warnings beforehand if that’s something you need. The pacing is fast, the tone is dark, and the overall vibe really works. I was genuinely surprised by the ending and would recommend this to anyone looking for a truly horrific story centered on a toxic friendship.

I landed at 4.5 stars rounded up to five because the story asks you to suspend disbelief more than once. Some events, and especially some of the interactions between the two “besties,” feel unrealistic. That said, if you go in expecting a quick, fun, gory read rather than realism, this book delivers.

This was my second ARC from Katye Tilstone, and it did not disappoint.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Copy Cat by Katye Tilstone is an absolute thrill ride from start to finish. The novel masterfully blends brutal, visceral gore with a razor-sharp sense of suspense, making it impossible to put down. The “She Slasher” is genuinely chilling—each kill is disturbingly creative and impressively written, striking that perfect balance between shock and purpose rather than gore for gore’s sake.
What truly elevates the book, though, is the storyline. The tension builds relentlessly, keeping you constantly on edge, yet nothing feels random or wasted. Every detail connects, and as the story unfolds, the pieces snap together in a way that’s both satisfying and clever. Tilstone proves she knows exactly where she’s taking the reader, delivering a dark, suspenseful narrative that makes complete sense while still managing to surprise. A must-read for fans of intense, smartly written horror and slasher fiction.

[Michaela Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second book from Katye Tilstone, and she did not disappoint! Copy Cat delivers so much! It’s full of secrets, resentment, toxic friendship and most importantly; female rage. Katye keeps you guessing with all of the twists and makes you feel like you’re right there watching Katlin in front of you. The EXTREME gore that’s fueled by anger and pain is cinematic. The creative deaths all hold significant meaning to our Mistress of Murder. I loved getting a very intimate view into Katlin’s mind. A special thank you to Katie for representing endometriosis. Her characters experiencing my chronic illness have provided me with a great comfort. 💗

*Mental Health Matters*
This is a deeply dark and gorey book! Please remember to read trigger warnings & take care of yourself first!

[Kirsty Salter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second time I have been lucky enough to be selected as part of the ARC team for this author.
The saying goes ‘Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery’ and that is definitely on show in this story by Katye Tilestone.
Two best friends living in the same block, working at the same place and sharing taste in coffee. Sometimes, being a copy cat has its advantages and sometimes, disadvantages.
The story is fast paced and keeps you guessing to the end.
I will never look at mason jars the same … and will check how my coffee is made in the future!
Another great book from Katye

[Abbi Melyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough again to be one of the first to read this story, I can whole heartedly recommend this book and give it 5 stars, it had me hooked from the moment I opened it.
It’s a haunting reminder that the people closest to us can sometimes be the most dangerous of all.
This book is addictive, making it easy to lose track of time while reading. Each chapter adds more and more bends and story telling, building toward an ending that feels both shocking and disturbingly fitting.
Highly recommend for fans of psychological thrillers and dark crime fiction.

[Megan Wintrip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a fucking ride this was! It's a ride I'd take again and again!

Well done Katye for another absolutely corker of a book!

Two life long friends intertwined with secrets of their own. Mental illness, crippling pain, murders, mayhem and darkness! How will things pan out for the girls when the murderer "she slasher" is out there killing anyone that seems to piss her off?

I absolutely loved this one!

[Country · Rating 5 out of 5]

This read has a lot if secrets, questionable friendship and lots of suspicion and rage. This book is a combination of short face paced chapter's but also has detailed imagery written in the storyline! The twist in the end was not expected and I did not see it coming at all! The ending was good but leaves questions that hope means there will be a book 2! Their friendship starts like any other but I liked that it slowly progressed showing the cracks in their friendship as the story went on!

[Jaime Tragesser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two best friends who live in the same building and work at the same place find their neighborhood has a killer on the loose. One friend makes a few decisions trying to be more like her bestie.... will this bite her in the ass in the end or will she get the life she thinks she wants?

This was my first read by Katye and I cannot wait to read more from her.

[Jine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wooooo this was a doooozy! I received an arc of this book for my honest feedback! I really enjoyed this book but fair warning some parts are very very graphic that involves a blender and Uhm parts LOL other than that I enjoyed the story and how it evolved! Take a shot and read it’s a short quick read but very gory in parts!

[Optimisticbooknerd · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

A tale of toxic friendship (one of my favourite things to read about) and revenge. My favourite element of this book besides the cover is how calculated these girls are. It's like everything has a secret motive and I feel like Tilstone could definitely continue writing thrillers like this