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There are currently 20 member reviews
for The Language of Secrets
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Sue Z. (Cornelius, NC)
The Language of Secrets
Author Ausma Zehanat Khan introduced her readers to detectives Esa Khattak and Rachel Getty in her debut book "The Unquiet Dead". Now they are back in "The Language of Secrets."
This time, Ms Khan , has woven a complex tapestry of events, very loosely based on an incident that took place in Toronto in 2006. Her lyrical writing places the reader in the midst of a Canadian December, invoking feelings of urgency and danger, and making her book hard to put down. The poetry that is very much part of the plot lends a counterpoint to the rest of the story, making the book even more engrossing.
I look forward to the next book in this very exciting new series
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Thomas F. (Cranberry Twp, PA)
Disappointing but still worth reading
I was strongly drawn to reading this novel because of the centrality of Muslem characters and the way they would concretely illuminate the two faces of Islam in the modern world. And the character focus turns out to be very well done -- up to a point. As to the two key police detectives, Esa Khattack and his partner Rachel, we get to understand each of them but especially Esa in terms of his inner tensions as he faces hostility and suspicion from a superior officer. On the other hand, the characters that are committed to terrorism and to luring young people to their cause are presented as objects more than subjects in this novel. That is, we never really get to know them in terms of their own subjective ideas and motives. The key contribution that a novel can make to greater understanding of the world is this element of subjectivity -- entering the mind of a character. In this novel, this is true of Esa but not of Hassan, the terrorist. Thus, the novel's focus on character is a strong feature that is incompletely realized. The book is also a thriller and, as evaluated from that perspective, it has some effective plotting that, unfortunately, leads to a final scene that I found not only trite but lacking in credibility. Despite my disappointment in these respects, I judge the novel as still worth reading -- certainly not just average although not outstanding.
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Liz M. (Red Bank, NJ)
Page Turner
I could not put this book down. Ausma Zehanat Khan has certainly hit the mark if you are looking for an all engaging story of intrigue, love, passion, friendship and culture. Dectective Esa Khattak is skilled in investigation and life. He is tasked to investigate a possible terror plot emanating from his own community and possibly his own family, of which he is the patriarch. You will experience suspense, fright, poetry and love of all kinds ( eternal, brotherly, passion and friendship) while reading this novel. It is as if you are reading today's world events. I loved it....can't wait to tell my book club to read it!
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Mary B. (Glastonbury, CT)
Uncanny timing for this story about a terrorist cell
I started and finished reading this advanced readers copy just days after the November Paris attacks, and I cannot stop thinking about this book. The story follows a Muslim detective, Esa, and his partner, Rachel, as they investigate the murder of an undercover agent. They must work without interfering with a concurrent investigation into the Muslim terrorist cell that the agent had infiltrated. I had to read the book very closely in order to understand the multiple plot lines and poetry references, but it was worth it. The story's insights into the Muslim faith and community were fascinating.
Also...this novel may appeal to fans of Louise Penny's work. Readers meet another honorable, handsome Canadian policeman who is fighting internal politics and organized crime.
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Jan T. (Leona Valley, CA)
The Language of Secrets
The Language of Secrets is a sequel to the Khan's first book The Unquiet Dead and I think I would have enjoyed this book more if I had read it first. I found this mystery engrossing. It is set in a Muslim mosque in the days prior to an imminent destructive event. The Muslim themes of the book are very timely and the author obviously is an expert on the subject. It is part police procedural and part a story about humanity. The two detectives are an interesting pair. They genuinely care for one another which makes you root for the best outcomes for the sticky political situations they find themselves in. The author has the non-Muslim detective infiltrate the mosque and in doing so differentiates between the non-violent Muslims and the terrorists. I liked this book and would recommend it.
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Mary Anne R. (Towson, MD)
The Language of Secrets
From the beginning this novel propels the reader into a complicated web of tension. The tension is global;Islam vs the West; Toronto's Islamic community versus the non-Islamic community; Esa(the protagonist) vs other authority in the police department. The tension continues between Esa and his family I liked the use of this dynamic. The tension builds in intensity and projects the novel to its ending.
The characters are dynamically developed through dialogue and poetry. I liked the use of poetry to show the intense emotion of the situation for Esa and his murdered friend. I loved the second protagonist, Rachel Getty. She is passionate, lovable and brave. I thought without her the novel would be too dark .
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Christine B. (Scottsdale, AZ)
The Language of Islam
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel (mystery) but I think I did get much more from it because I had just finished reading "Infidel" by Ayaan Hirsi Ali for my book club. The two protagonist detectives lead totally diverse personal lives but are able to connect while trying to understand their personal and religious differences. This is certainly more than just a good mystery. It explores the many aspects and "secrets" of Islam through a compelling story. I would recommend this book with a caveat to study a little about Islam and Isis first.
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