My Sister the Serial Killer – Book Review

Author: Oyinkan Braithwaite

Genre: It’s tricky -read on

My rating: ★★★★★

Release Date: Published 28th November, 2018 by Atlantic (first published July 17th 2017)
Format: Paperback, 226 pages

What did I think?

When I finally began this book, which I had been looking forward to for many months, it worried me it wouldn’t hold up. But I now know what all the fuss is about. I know why it won the Booker Prize! And I support it!

What My Sister, the Serial Killer lacks in pages (just over 200) it makes up for in its endearing, blunt style, a storyline hard to pass up and, though it seems wrong to say this, the books ‘fun’ feel. Is it black humour? I don’t know!?!

Korede and her sister, Ayoola, live with their mother in Lagos, Nigeria. Korede is a nurse, Ayoola, a dress designer. Korede’s sister is actually a serial killer. It seems Ayoola’s had a run of bad luck with men. They fall for her left, right and centre because of her stunning looks, but somehow they always turn nasty. And she has to protect herself. Or does she? 

Ayoola turns out to be very dysfunctional, murder aside, like an eternal child. I spent a little time wondering about her exact psychology, but in the end I left it alone and went with the story. Korede, a much more together girl, is drawn into her sister’s disordered life and the book focuses just as much on the two siblings, their relationship and their shared history as it does on Ayoola’s violent extracurriculars.

This novel is not so much a mystery, possibly not even a thriller. There were some funny moments yet it’s not a comedy – and some truly disturbing ones, yet it’s not a horror. I honestly don’t know what to call the genre yet I would hate for anyone to be put off reading My Sister, the Serial Killer because of that. It may not fit into boxes but still well worth the read.

This was a disturbing tale of murder, family relationships (especially sisterly ones), trauma, and heartbreak that was lightened by its treatment and laughable moments. It was hard to put down, had a gorgeous cover, and I love, loved it!

For more info: Goodreads – Or your local Library