Review: My Sister the Serial Killer

by Oyinkan Braithwaite (First USA Edition Doubleday, 2018)

Sibling rivalry has rarely been explored with such wry humor and pathos. Crime is not my usual beat, so the title put me off initially. I’ve been hearing such raves about this debut novel I snagged it off the new release shelf at our community library. I immediately plunged into this stunning story that explores sibling dynamics between responsible nurse Korede and her impulsive, gorgeous younger sister Ayoola. This brilliant page-turner is constructed in short-short chapters, narrated by Korede. Plenty of twists and turns, including a love interest, handsome Tade who works at the hospital with Korede. A simmering backstory reveals the depth of the sisterly bond and why they still protect each other despite "circumstances". Braithwaite's clever prose captures the flavor of contemporary Lagos, Nigeria complete with fashion, linguistic idioms, and social media. Provocative themes for book groups wanting to explore women's rage, family dynamics, offbeat love stories, crimes of passion, and international literature. A compulsive summer beach read that would also enliven a long journey on a slow train. Nigerian author Ms. Braithwaite was shortlisted for the 2019 Women’s Prize for Fiction and won the Los Angeles Times Award for Best Crime Thriller. Releases in paperback on July 30. Can't wait to read more from this debut novelist!