My Sister, The Serial Killer was one  of those books that I stumbled across quite by accident. I had seen a few people mention it in some of the bookish Facebook groups that I'm in and I saw it mentioned on television in a book review programme so I thought I'd give it a go. Its not a particularly long novel but it packs a big punch.

Korede is the eldest of two sisters in Nigeria. They live with their mother, their father dead. Korede is hardworking and committed to looking after her mother and sister despite the fact they barely notice her existence until they need her. Ayoola is vain and uses the attention her beauty brings her to get what she wants and get others to do her bidding, and this constantly leads her into trouble and by extension her sister Korede. 

Korede has become the clean up woman for Ayoola who seems to get rid of her boyfriends in very mysterious circumstances. Surely it can't be self defence each time?  Korede knows this yet her loyalty to her sister is unwavering, despite Ayoola setting her sights on the man that Korede had hoped to have for herself. Will her loyalty to her sister remain or will her own hearts desire have the last say?

This was such an easy read and the book just seemed to flow along. Ayoola, despite her shortcomings is loved by all and she hides her darker side well. After all who would ever suspect someone as beautiful and seemingly sweet and innocent as she of such horrific crimes.  It seems that poor Korede is the only one haunted by what Ayoola has done and feels the pain their families must feel. She is particularly haunted by Ayoola's latest victim and can't help herself as she finds out more and more about him. Was he really the man Ayoola claimed he was?

Both women have been used and abused throughout their childhood by their ruthless beast of a father and Korede's misplaced loyalty to her sister is as a result of trying to protect her throughout their childhood from a man who would think nothing of beating his daughters and wife and flaunting his affairs. It's hardly surprising that Ayoola has grown up into the type of narcissistic person that she is. She feels untouched and untouchable, knowing that Korede will never hurt or leave her. A book about family love, loyalty, abuse and secrets so huge that they threaten to destroy the one person who loves unconditionally.