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lipstick & literature

Book Review: My Sister, The Serial Killer

January 24, 2022

“I killed him.” Those are three words that nobody wants to hear. Especially from your own sister that you’d do anything to protect. 

My sister, the serial killer book cover

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.

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Addictive Reads to Add to Your List: The Wife Between Us

January 8, 2019

By now, you probably know,  I’m a sucker for a good thriller. Especially one with unexpected twists. The Wife Between Us is a fun, fast-paced read. It was exactly what I needed to help get me through the dreary, cold weather. I didn’t mind staying inside curled up in bed with a cup of tea, my dog by my side, and this book in my lap.

Not only is this book highly addictive, but it somehow always keeps you on your toes. Just when you think you’ve got the story – and its characters – all figured out, think again. Authors Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen have an uncanny ability to always keep their readers guessing.

“It sometimes seemed as if it – he – were a bit scripted. But it didn’t matter. Richard was caring, charismatic, and accomplished. I fell in love with him almost immediately. And I never doubted that he loved me, too.”

At the center of the plot exists kind, successful, and loving Richard. He wants nothing but the best for his soon-to-be wife and the future they are going to create. But just like the other characters, there is more to him than meets the eye. 

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Books to Fall Into : Are You Sleeping By Kathleen Barber

October 17, 2017

Lately, I’ve fallen into the habit of picking up books, putting them down, and then returning to them days later only to rediscover that the book isn’t as interesting as I’d hoped. The truth is, there is nothing better than having a good book to look forward to reading every day and distract you from your daily mundane activities

In exchange for nothing but an honest review, Gallery Books sent me an E-reader edition of Are You Sleeping by Kathleen Barber. From the very first page, I was hooked. Finally, I had stumbled across a book that I could hardly put down.

Image result for kathleen barberJosie Buhrman has a haunting past. One that she has kept well hidden for the past thirteen years. Ten years prior, her father was murdered by the neighbor next door.  Afterwards, her mother ran away to join a cult. Josie and her twin sister, Lanie, are then taken in by their Aunt Amelia.

Josie and Lanie were once the best of friends. But after their father’s’ death, they begin to separate from one another .  And when Lanie severely betrays her sister, Josie makes the decision to cut all ties with her. As soon as she graduates high school, she changes her last name, moves to New York, and meets her boyfriend, Caleb.

Throughout their relationship, Josie has fed Caleb nothing but lies about herself, her family, and her past. She tells herself that one day, she will reveal the truth to him. But this day comes sooner than expected when the murder of Josie’s father, Chuck Buhrman, becomes the subject of a mega-hit podcast series called Reconsidered.

In Reconsidered , investigative journalist Poppy Parnell re-opens the Chuck Buhrman case, one that was ‘solved’ years ago. Is the man who was convicted for the murder actually innocent? If so, then who is responsible for the death of Josie’s father?

Highlighting just how quickly rumors can circulate and information can spread through online news and social media, Kathleen Barber puts an interesting spin on your average psychological thriller – incorporating podcasts, news articles, and tweets about the murder. Her novel takes readers on a fast-paced ride – and one that will always keep you guessing.

I will always enjoy a good thriller, but this book has stood out to me in more ways than one.  More than an addicting mystery, the novel is also a family drama – as details from their family’s past resurface, Josie is forced to reunite with the sister that she left behind. It’s interesting to see how their relationship progresses through time and how their interactions feed the subplot of the novel. The author incorporates lots of flashbacks and strong characterization that make it possible to truly explore the minds of each character.

Barber has all the makings of a successful author. Are You Sleeping happens to be her debut novel – and I am utterly impressed and highly anticipating her next release. If you’re looking for a great book to read this season, I couldn’t recommend this one more. 

kathleen-barber-2117221097Kathleen Barber was raised in Galesburg, Illinois. She graduated from the University of Illinois and Northwestern University School of Law, and previously practiced bankruptcy law at large firms in Chicago and New York. When she’s not writing, Kathleen enjoys traveling the world with her husband.  

For more information, please visit https://kathleenbarber.com/

 

 

 

 

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Photo of me, Lisa Allard, a beauty and book blogger.

​​Hello, beautiful!
And welcome to my blog. I'm Lisa and I don't go anywhere without a book — or my favorite lipstick. I love wellness, fitness — and most of all, expressing myself through my writing.

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