Honestly, I always steer clear from Award Winning Books. Mostly because somehow the people who judge this and my taste never seem to match. I rarely be intrigued to read those books after reading their blurb and I am always questioning myself if I am investing myself in the right kind of books in the first place. 😛
However, This book has changed my perception entirely and I will be keeping these award winning stories on my radar again and give it a second chance 😛
WHAT IS IT ABOUT?
My Sister, the Serial Killer is a blackly comic novel about how blood is thicker – and more difficult to get out of the carpet – than water…
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…
THOUGHTS?
I highly recommend the Audio book version since the narrator has a Nigerian Accent as well, making it all so authentic to listen. It was barely under 3 hours (on 1.25 audio speed) and I was able to finish it while cleaning my room, of course I wasn’t cleaning it for bloodstains 😛 unlike Korede!
The Plot of this novel mainly revolves on Korede worrying her sister is turned into a Serial Killer, and while she isn’t exactly an accomplice. The police is going to view her in a different light. Ayoola also gains Tade’s attention who is Korede’s Crush and even though she is aware of that, Ayoola takes things forward with Tade.
Now, Korede is worried what if he ends up dead too?
Korede isn’t the prettiest or even popular. But oh god! She is so sassy and her ability to be funny with a straight face, left me giggling throughout the book. On the other Hand, Ayoola is quick to be termed as a nicer and prettier personality which is probably the reason she happens to get away with her vicious thoughts. Although, complete opposites they do share a bond of sisterhood in a dysfunctional family which gives you an insight on why they ended up being the way they are. I loved the fact the author was able to capture this little detail of how each person perceives their past differently and chooses to either use it as an excuse to continue the cycle or as a lesson of what not to repeat.
On a second thought, these two are sister goals though! I mean we all need a sister to hide the body bag with us even though we might not end up pursuing the thought through! 😛
Even though, the ending is unsettling and not morally right! It does have the essence of truth where we wouldn’t think twice before protecting our family. No matter what!
The fact that the story is set in Lagos, the largest city of Africa makes it believable that they don’t end up crossing paths with their past sins a lot. This story definitely wouldn’t work in a small town. The pace of this book is equally fast and did not drag at all. The story does set a dark tone from the very beginning but I bet you will end up smiling on Korede’s monologue at least twice throughout the book.
I honestly can’t believe this is a debut novel!
RATING: ★★★★★
Overall, This book is unlike most thriller tropes common in books that focuses more on finding the killer. It is not a spoiler, that we already know who the killer is. However, It does grow on you the blurred lines between right and wrong when it comes to protecting your loved ones.
DETAILS
Published: November 20th 2018
Genre: Thriller| Mystery
Pages: 226
Publisher: Doubleday Books
I follow a ton of awards and always add award winners to my TBR. That’s how I first discovered this book. I’m glad you enjoyed it! I’m hoping to read it soon.
Hope you like it as much as I did. That sounds perfect! Would love some suggestion if you have any…
Me too