My Sister, the Serial Killer

Oyinkan Braithwaite’s debut novel operates at the intersection of dark comedy and social critique, examining sisterhood, complicity, and the moral ambiguities that arise when personal justice collides with legal boundaries. Through the voice of Korede, a pragmatic nurse who quietly manages her sister Ayoola’s increasingly frequent disappearances, the narrative explores how women navigate a patriarchal society that routinely minimizes their suffering. Braithwaite employs sharp, satirical prose to question who gets labeled a victim and who is deemed dangerous, while maintaining a brisk pace that balances wry humor with mounting tension. The novel’s distinctive strength lies in its unflinching yet playful examination of loyalty, gendered violence, and the quiet compromises people make to protect those they love. Set against the vibrant backdrop of contemporary Lagos, the story subverts traditional crime fiction conventions by centering female agency and moral complexity rather than straightforward detective work. The narrative offers a fresh perspective on justice, family bonds, and the stories we tell ourselves to justify our choices.