My Sister, the Serial Killer

by Oyinkan Braithwaite

Psychological Thriller

Dark Comedy

Contemporary

226 Pages

"Braithwaite creates something brilliantly twisted—I couldn't decide whether to laugh or be horrified, which made it absolutely perfect."

Synopsis

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. My Sister, the Serial Killer is a wickedly dark comedy that explores the twisted bonds of family loyalty and the lengths we go to protect those we love. Braithwaite crafts a razor-sharp narrative that balances humor with genuine suspense, creating a thriller that's as funny as it is disturbing. The novel examines themes of complicity, moral compromise, and the complex dynamics between siblings while delivering a story that's impossible to put down.

Our Take

Oyinkan Braithwaite has created a masterpiece of dark comedy that manages to be both hilarious and genuinely chilling, proving that the best thrillers can make you laugh even as they horrify you. Her prose is crisp and efficient, delivering maximum impact with minimal words while creating two unforgettable characters whose toxic relationship drives the entire narrative. What makes this novella exceptional is Braithwaite's ability to find humor in the darkest situations without ever minimizing the moral weight of her characters' actions. Readers who loved Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn will appreciate the psychological complexity and unreliable perspectives, while fans of The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton will connect with the darkly comic tone. Like Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler, this book proves that short novels can pack incredible emotional punch. Braithwaite's Nigerian setting adds authenticity and cultural depth that elevates the story beyond simple dark comedy into sharp social observation. This is essential reading for anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers with a sense of humor, delivering a story that's simultaneously entertaining and deeply unsettling. A brilliant debut that announces Braithwaite as a major new voice in contemporary thriller writing.