My Sister, The Serial Killer

This book has received a lot of praise, but it wasn’t a good fit for me. Set in Nigeria, this short novel starts off strong and its brief chapters keep the pace high with each one, thankfully, clearly labelled to help readers keep up with the numerous flashbacks and how they fit into the bigger story.

I loved the premise of the story, but I didn't like its execution. To me it felt like an excessively long short story where readers get snapshots of what's happening but not a lot of depth to its characters or themes. It's described as disturbing and deals with multiple murders, but it had a surprisingly lack of tension and darkness since the murders are kept off page.

Instead of focusing on the murders, the store centres on the close relationship between the sisters, a relationship based in loyalty but highly dysfunctional and co-dependent. The sisters' family dynamics were described well but I never found I was rooting for either sister and felt I more connection with the guy in a coma than either sister. Not a good sign. Also, satire isn’t my jam so while there were a few mildly amusing quips, I wouldn't call it humourous.

Fellow readers, please know that my feelings for this book are part of a small minority. Many people adored this book and I loved its eye-catching cover, its premise and the fact that it's a quick read (most people could finish in a couple of sittings). But, dark, satirical stories aren't books I typically read which lead to this book not resonating with me as much as I had hoped.

My Rating: 2.5 stars

Author: Oyinkan Braithwaite

Genre: 

Type: eBook

Source: Local Public Library

Publisher: Doubleday Books

First Published: November 20, 2018

Opening Lines: Ayoola summons me with these words - Korede, I killed him. 
I had hoped I would never hear those words again.

Book description from GoodReads: When Korede's dinner is interrupted one night by a distress call from her sister, Ayoola, she knows what's expected of her: bleach, rubber gloves, nerves of steel and a strong stomach. This'll be the third boyfriend Ayoola's dispatched in, quote, self-defence and the third mess that her lethal little sibling has left Korede to clear away. She should probably go to the police for the good of the menfolk of Nigeria, but she loves her sister and, as they say, family always comes first. Until, that is, Ayoola starts dating the doctor where Korede works as a nurse. Korede's long been in love with him, and isn't prepared to see him wind up with a knife in his back: but to save one would mean sacrificing the other.