My Sister, the Serial Killer

Why would I read a novel entitled, My Sister, the Serial Killer? Well, because it was nominated for the Booker Prize. Otherwise, I doubt this one ever would've made my list. And maybe that's my flaw—perhaps I shouldn't so quickly judge a book by its cover (or title).

I enjoyed this novel far more than I expected. It was both contemporary, and well written. The author brings together this seemingly absurd premise in a way that grabs your attention. It's an easy read that starts great, grows a little thin by the end, and maybe doesn't quite stick with you the way you'd hope. Maybe other readers have more than a residual memory of this book, but I felt the story could've been more and done more. For me, it was a quick read, but it was just as quickly forgotten.

Despite the title and the blurbs giving the impression of “a thriller,” I think of My Sister, the Serial Killer more as a dark satire. That's not to say it's “funny,” though many readers call it so, as does the author herself (https://lithub.com/oyinkan-braithwaite-on-making-murder-fun/). For some reason, I just don't get the same kick out of murder that some people do.