A review by twistykris
My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

dark funny tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

This book is marketed as a thriller/mystery with some dark comedy, but I honestly found very little thrill or mystery. It's definitely more of a dark humor family drama. The beginning was enthralling and I really hoped that dark atmosphere would stick throughout the book, but it quickly turned into family drama, with Korede cleaning up after Ayoola and then Ayoola going after the man Korede is in love with. 

To be frank, I would have liked to know more about how Korede became the clean-up crew for Ayoola's murders. Past murders are briefly mentioned, but I was hoping to get more of a suspenseful build-up of Murder #1 looking like self-defense, with each of the following murders looking more suspicious, and Korede debating her own morals as she starts to recognize her sister as a Black Widow of sorts.

I appreciated the looks into their traumatic past, perhaps painting a picture as to why they are so close as sisters. And I could understand- to a point- Korede's frustration as the role of the oldest sister. She's in charge, she's to blame for anything happening to Ayoola, she's the protector and the role model. As the oldest sister: I get it. A lot of pressure and blame gets thrust on to us, regardless of our involvement or not.

I acknowledge that not every ending is a "good" or "happy" ending. Sometimes, the best ending is one that leaves you angry, frustrated, shaking your head in disappointment. This is one of those books. 
I really was disappointed that Korede just fell in line behind her sister, continuing to cover for her, to never spill their secrets, even after the man she loved was falsely accused. But also, screw Tade for not believing her anyways. I understand the idea being that blood is blood, and to be a sister is to protect her at all costs. And Korede will follow Ayoola to the ends of the earth for her.
 

However, still a fun listen (~4 hours) and would recommend, even if I am disappointed in the lack of thrills or suspense.
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