My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

My Sister, the Serial Killer

by Oyinkan Braithwaite

Sunday Times bestseller and The Times #1 bestseller

Longlisted for the Booker Prize 2019

Shortlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction 2019
Winner of the 2019 LA Times Award for Best Crime Thriller
Capital Crime Debut Author of the Year 2019
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'A literary sensation'
Guardian

'A bombshell of a book... Sharp, explosive, hilarious'

New York Times

'Glittering and funny... A stiletto slipped between the ribs and through the left ventricle of the heart' Financial Times
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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...

Reviewed by moraa on

4 of 5 stars

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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.

I finally read it!

I finished this in one sitting and I had an absolute blast. The characters were well-fleshed out and the plot (though only there to support the character development) pulled its weight. The prose was enjoyable and easy to read/listen to and I really did feel grounded in the world as I sat in the September sun, grateful for what warmth it brought this time of year.

This may not have been some thriller-type book but it was entertaining. Here's to me wishing there was more.

We are nothing if not thorough in our deception of others.


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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 14 September, 2020: Finished reading
  • 14 September, 2020: Reviewed