Book Review and Reflection: My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
Introduction
In preparation for Oyinkan Braithwaite’s follow-up book, Cursed Daughters (due for release in September 2025), to My Sister, the Serial Killer, I have decided to re-read My Sister, the Serial Killer and write a review about it this time. I’m glad I did, because it not only gave me a chance to reflect on it again, but also really looking forward to the new book as I was left wanting more of the story. Cursed Daughters seems to promise the “more” I’ve been seeking.
Book Summary
My Sister, the Serial Killer is Oyinkan Braithwaite’s debut novel, and it is as gripping as it is humorous. It follows Korede, a young, hard-working nurse whose life revolves around her job and her younger sister, Ayoola. Korede is Ayoola’s keeper. She does almost everything for her, including cleaning up bloodied messes and disposing of bodies with other evidence for Ayoola. Ayoola is stunningly beautiful, adored by everyone, and lives a carefree, spoiled existence in a world where people are instantly drawn to her. But Ayoola has a penchant for blood, and Korede is always at her beck and call to cover up for her, reason with her, and rescue her.
Korede and Ayoola’s relationship is one of wonder. Korede is the put-together one, the career woman and, in all aspects, the “good” daughter. But she exists in Ayoola’s shadow, even in her home, because she is not seen as “beautiful” on the outside or as enchanting as Ayoola. Their relationship is uncanny: Korede feels duty-bound to protect Ayoola no matter what. And it’s curious how everyone else seems to feel the same, enchanted by Ayoola’s beauty and drawn to her the moment they meet her.
Korede doesn’t have friends but finds an unlikely person to confide in, someone whose circumstances change drastically, leaving Korede and Ayoola in a precarious position. As much as I enjoyed reading about Korede and Ayoola’s home life, I also loved the hospital scenes, the characters, and their shenanigans.
Recommendaion
Oyinkan’s writing is brilliant; she writes about dark events in a humorous way that lightens things just a little. I recommend this book to every dark fiction enthusiast and readers in general, as it touches on various themes: unreciprocated love, desire, enchantment, workplace drama, murder, and more.
About the Author
Oyinkan Braithwaite is a Nigerian-British writer best known for her debut novel, My Sister, the Serial Killer (2018). Born in Lagos, Nigeria, she spent part of her childhood in Nigeria and the UK. She studied Creative Writing and Law at Kingston University in London before building a career as a writer and editor. Before her breakthrough novel, Braithwaite contributed to Nigerian publications as a journalist, illustrator, and editor.
To explore more of her work, visit her Linktree.
If you enjoy Oyinkan’s work, check out Treasure — [click here for the review].
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Jen Nghishitende
Jen Nghishitende is a Namibian writer, researcher, and mother based in the UK. She is the founder of African Queens' Ink, her passion project launched in December 2024. The blog amplifies the voices of African women and women of African descent through storytelling, literature, and advocacy. Jen is a former lecturer and postgraduate researcher, and she now works as an Equality and Human Rights Project Manager. Her work weaves together personal experience, scholarly insight, and deep cultural roots—exploring themes such as motherhood, migration, identity, and freedom. She holds a PhD focused on the lived experiences of women who have survived modern slavery. When she’s not reading or writing, she’s exploring the great outdoors, traveling, or making and eating delicious food with her daughter.