Reviews with content warning for Injury/Injury detail - My Sister, the Serial Killer

Actually 3.5 for me! This was something! First off I love reading a book set in Nigeria and how various aspects of Nigerian culture were infused throughout. The story is a good one, and the twist was solid. Probably predictable for some, but it was good. And the ending is a bit anti-climatic but it fits.

Korede is a well written character, and I like a lot of the side characters too. Muhtar ❤️

Overall though, it was a pretty decently paced book, and I liked the short chapters. Also the background into their childhood and things with their father was pretty good too. I’m not sure this story could’ve gone in many other directions but I feel like the last little bit fell a little bit flat and left me wanting a lot more than what was given.

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stephhamp's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I got through this book in 2 days.

It's truly a lesson in extreme eldest daughter syndrome. It's also a great case study of how two sisters deal with the trauma left by their abusive father and childhoods. One sister becomes a man attention seeker, and killer of those men. Men who are like her father. She can't be completely loved and committed to one man, yet constantly seeks their attention and validation. The eldest sister feels she has to protect her baby sister no matter the circumstances. It's a horrible pressure that cultures put on eldest daughters and this Nigerian culture where reputation is crucial. Both sisters can never learn until the other drastically changes their behavior, yet both are too afraid and codependent to do so. This stems from trauma. Both sisters have a level of insanity. One shows in the men she murders, and the other in the constant covering up and coddling. She knows her sister is guilty but she cannot truly admit to herself. And you have to be a little crazy to be so complicit in aiding and abetting like this.

It's truly a great satire on culture, love, sisterhood, and so much more. I cannot wait to read more from this author.

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gwenswoons's review against another edition

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dark sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

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annamariesreads's review against another edition

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adventurous dark tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I'll be honest, I thought everyone's reviews of this would be 5 stars across the board because I loved it.

I feel bad deducting points because of the feeling of

frustration

I felt at the end. Ultimately I think it's realistic that

Ayoola would get away with it (again) as Korede's devotion to her was nothing short of incredible.

However, what I liked most about this novel is that that the relationship between the two sisters is nuanced fascinating. Worried my above comment makes it sound simplified.

I have read alot of slow paced books year so far and this one zoomed by. Just what I needed to get out of the slump.

Although the characters weren't lovable, they were fascinating. I would like to shout-out Weruche Opia on the audiobook. The sheer number of voices she did... Astounding!

I leave this review with one final comment-

alot of the time with serial killers, you don't get their 'why.'

So I think this is the perfect ending for Ayoola and Korede.

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abicaro17's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I really liked this book. I think the premise was interesting and the development of the story was cool. My issues stems from characters. Neither sister is particularly likable and neither is anyone else in this story. Pretty much everyone is a villain in my eyes. The doctor leads the main character on, the sister manipulates everyone, the mom coddles the younger sister, all of the coworkers seem either lazy or rude, the dad needs no explanation, and the main character can't decide whether to defend her sister or tell on her. I think this is another case of a book benefiting from some more content. It's still a good book just not the best.

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ashburttt's review against another edition

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dark tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

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cheyreadsthings's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional funny hopeful informative sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

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grebegirl's review against another edition

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dark tense fast-paced

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

3.5

I read this book in 2hrs on a flight. It has me invested yet torn straight away. The characters are morally grey and maybe it's a cultural difference but I found it difficult to understand the main character's motivation, I guess because the sister didn't really seem to have any redeeming characteristics. Would I do the same for my sister, who has a lot good qualities.. 😅 Definitely food for thought.

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