“I killed him.” Those are three words that nobody wants to hear. Especially from your own sister that you’d do anything to protect.
Set in Nigeria, My Sister, the Serial Killer is the story of two sisters, Korede and Ayoola. They are polar opposites, as siblings tend to be. Korede is the older sister, with a caring and dependable nature. She works as a nurse and keeps mostly to herself. Ayoola, on the other hand, is beautiful, alluring, desired by men, and well-loved by her social media followers. She’s also irresponsible, self-absorbed and …oh yeah, a serial killer.
The first time that Ayoola killed a boyfriend, Ayoola believes Korede’s statement in that she acted in self-defense. But when it happens again (and again), she begins to question it. Regardless, she continues to help Ayoola dispose the bodies and cover up the crimes. As she puts it, “We are hardwired to protect and remain loyal to the people we love.”
Korede lives in a state of constant frustration over her sister’s carelessness and fear that they will both get caught. With nobody to turn to, she confesses her feelings to one of her comatose patients. Meanwhile, her sister catches the eye of Tate, the kind, smart and handsome doctor that Korede’s been crushing on. There’s no doubt that Korede feels anger and jealousy. But with her sister’s history with men, she’s also incredibly fearful of what she might do next.
My Sister, the Serial Killer isn’t exactly a thriller. It’s an examination of family relationships and loyalty with a satirical twist. We learn a lot about the character’s imperfections and their childhood traumas, too.
It’s a complex, mysterious, satisfying, addictive story. So much so that I finished it in two sittings. So, if you’re on the lookout for a book to keep you hooked, this one is a MUST read.
Oyinkan Braithwaite is a graduate of Creative Writing and Law from Kingston University. Following her degree, she worked as an assistant editor at a Nigerian Publishing House and has been freelancing as a writer and graphic designer since. She has had short stories published in anthologies and has also self-published work.
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