“The most loving parents and relatives commit murder with smiles on their faces. They force us to destroy the person we really are: a subtle kind of murder.”
We here at What We Reading are always keen to explore new voices in the literary world. New types of narrators, new cultures to be a lens through, new backdrops brimming with different cultures, customs and charms on show. Oyinkan Braithwaite’s My Sister, the Serial Killer is one of those books that instantly grabs the attention of readers with its premise. A darkly comedic thriller set in Nigeria, the novel follows Korede, a dutiful older sister who keeps covering up her younger sister Ayoola’s string of murders. It sounds like the perfect recipe for a sharp, twisted, and suspenseful read. But, does it deliver on those fronts? Join us today at What We Reading for our My Sister, the Serial Killer book review to find out!
Date Published: 2018
Author: Oyinkan Braithwaite
Genre: Fiction, Thriller
Pages: 226
Goodreads Rating: 3.65/5
Premise
Korede has always been the responsible sister – practical, loyal, and endlessly cleaning up after Ayoola, the beautiful and carefree favourite of the family. But, Ayoola has a terrible habit: she keeps killing her boyfriends. Each time, Korede is the one she calls up for help. And, each time, Korede arrives to help dispose of the bodies, scrubbing away every trace of any evidence left behind.
When Ayoola sets her sights on Tade, the kind doctor Korede secretly loves, Korede is confronted with an impossible dilemma. Should she protect the man she cares for, or remain loyal to her sister, as she always has? As Korede grapples with her sense of duty, family bonds and her own moral compass, she’s forced to question how far she’s willing to go to keep Ayoola’s secrets buried.
What Worked
Arguably the biggest highlight of My Sister, the Serial Killer is its setting. Nigeria isn’t just a backdrop here; it’s an active part of the story, driving the way in which characters interact and behave. Braithwaite weaves in cultural nuances, social expectations and everyday realities that make the setting feel fresh and engaging, particularly for readers like us who may not be familiar with the region.
Korede, our narrator, is also a compelling perspective through which to experience the story. Her obsession with cleanliness – both literal and metaphorical – ties neatly into her past, her job as a nurse, and her conflicted sense of responsibility toward her sister. There’s a sharp contrast between her need for order and the chaos Ayoola brings, which is an interesting contrasting dynamic.
The book is also an incredibly fast read. The ultra-short chapters keep the momentum going, making it easy to devour in just a handful of sittings. The occasional moments of dark humour add a lightness that prevents the story from ever feeling too heavy; and, whilst the book isn’t quite a knee-slapper, it does have a handful of well-placed, sardonic lines.
What Didn’t
Despite the gripping premise, My Sister, the Serial Killer falls short of its thriller label. The novel never immerses readers into Ayoola’s psychology, motivations or even the true extent of her actions. All of her acts take place off-page, and there’s very little tension or suspense to speak of when it comes to whether she or Korede will face any consequences.
Readers expecting a chilling, psychological deep-dive into a serial killer’s mind – or even a dramatic game of cat and mouse – won’t find it here.
Additionally, the novel’s brevity works against it. At just over 200 pages long, there isn’t much time for deep character development or any satisfying arcs, and most of the supporting cast feels flat. Conversations often come across as surface-level, lacking the depth needed to make relationships feel authentic or fleshed out. Even Korede and Ayoola’s dynamic, whilst believable, doesn’t evolve much over the course of the story.
Verdict
It feels like My Sister, the Serial Killer has suffered from a case of being mismarketed. Rather than being the deliciously dark, thrill-ride the book cover and premise promise, this is much more of an introspective look at the relationship between two sisters with Nigerian norms and culture serving as the backdrop.
While My Sister, the Serial Killer offers an entertaining, quick read with a fun premise, a unique setting and an interesting central relationship, it ultimately still feels like a half-baked concept that has been pushed to publication. If you go in expecting a character-driven drama with a sprinkling of dark humour, you may enjoy it. But, if you’re looking for a true psychological thriller with high stakes, intricate twists and a deep dive into the mind of a killer, you may be disappointed.
Our Rating: 3/5
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
