My Sister, the Serial Killer: A Novel

I really love the audio book as it set the tone. However I think the book was very short and I was missing a lot of detail that I think would have made the story more well-rounded. Overall it wasn't horrible I wouldn't say I would recommend it.

3/5 ⭐️ 1/5 🌶️

Set in the contemporary present day of Lagos, My Sister, The Serial Killer delivers a gritty, realistic account of Korede and her younger sister, Ayoola, lives. Their complicated relationship with men began with their misogynistic, abusive and serial cheater father. In control, meticulous, detail oriented Korede has always looked out for her sister. Just because they're both adults, this is something that will never change. Even if she calls her to tell her she's killed her boyfriend--again. Korede has accepted the past excuses from Ayoola about the men being abusive towards her and she acted out of fear. But following the third victim, the seeds of doubts begin to take root in Korede's mind. Knowing how everyone dotes on her younger sister for her beauty, charm and look of innocence Korede is all at one immune and immune to the affects that Ayoola has on her. The pull to protect her while being ashamed, doubtful and untrusting of her younger sister curve her actions and decisions everyday. While I believe Ayoola's character is a narcissist, sociopath and manipulative, readers will discover where these characteristics originate as the story progresses and the source may be a shock. While I don't excuse or condone Ayoola's actions, the depictions and actions of all the male characters in this book were overbearing, obsessed with fast, beautiful girls, belittling dismissive and creepy to all the female characters. Which left me at a cross roads as Ayoola's view and opinion on men, especially those who were drawn to her, seemed to bring validity her actions on a subconscious level. Even when the doctor Korede was in love with began to show interest in her, it was as if Ayoola indulging in the attention was her way of proving to her sister that he wasn't the knight in shinning armor she believed him to be. Likewise, Ayoola enjoyed the freedom of being able to do whatever she wanted whenever she wanted. As this was a consequential result of no one, not even Korede, making her face the consequences of her actions. It started with the death of their father; Ayoola seemed to develop a taste for killing and killing men who were interested in her until she grew tired of them and wanted them gone, but in a real way. Even if Korede were to have outed Ayoola, I felt that they were too use to/connected with each other for it to have made a difference at that point. Because even with all her doubts, worries and suspicions, Korede remained quiet in the end. Besides the element of blood and death in this book, readers please check the TWs as the text references, minor/adult relationship, assault, domestic abuse, child abuse, blood and infidelity.

This was an intriguing read that I couldn't put down. I finished it one day!

Do you know how hard it is to be an older sister? I felt this book knew. I related to Korede's pain and position; this is the most I've resonated with a character in a long time. She placed everything into being so good at this role, even at the expense of her happiness, and that made me like Korede even more. I wrote a few notes as I read, each saying something along the lines of I feel sorry for her and I feel for her—because I did. I feel like this book perfectly sums up the lengths that you'd go for family and how murky the lines of your happiness and theirs can be when you prioritize it. It was as if I was reading myself and what I'd do in her situation. I do not judge Korede, but (as all big sisters do) I wish I could share her burden so she could get a break for once. I have to admit, though it isn't the grip-the-chair, teeth-chattering thriller you think it is; it's a soft thriller, less about the killing itself and more about watching Korede kill herself on the inside by making choices you can't even blame her for. All in all: I really like this book, and it was nice change of pace from my usuals.