Book Summary and Reviews of The Language of Secrets by Ausma Zehanat Khan

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Betty Connor

Language of Secrets
I read and enjoyed the first book, (Unquiet Dead) and found the second even better. A page turner that I found hard to put down. Such interesting characters, complex mystery, among the best I have ever read. I also admired the insight into the terrorist mind without condoning their objectives. I can't wait for Khan's third book.

Rebecca H. (Bolton, CT)

The Language of Secrets
Set in Canada, Ausma Zehanant Khan's second novel, the Language of Secrets, is the story of a Muslim Canadian police detective investigating the murder of his former friend,who, unbeknownst to him, is an undercover agent for Canada's federal intelligence agency, INSET. His investigation is hampered by the politics of the area, INSET agents who are concerned that his investigation will hamper their operation, and by his sister, Ruksh, who has become engaged to the main suspect, a charismatic radical. Khan's novel is fast-paced, with complex,engaging characters and intricate plotting. The subject matter is extremely timely and implicitly warns us of the danger of making facile judgments about a very complicated issue. Above all, the story grabs us from the beginning sentences and doesn't let go until the final resolution. An absorbing read!

Claire M. (Sarasota, FL)

The Language of Secrets
A post 9/11 Canadian terrorist plot brings out the political tensions within subsets of the RCMP and Muslims in the department and those connected with a local terrorist cell in a mosque in Toronto. Inspector Esa Khattak and his partner Rachel Getty become enmeshed in an investigation of murder of an informant who was also a close friend of the Inspector and whose murder highlights the political, ideological and personal motives of all involved. There are stories within stories and Khan's writing explores the poetic side of Islam as well as the jihadist and the idealists drawn in by the charisma of the mosque leader, all of which gives a more complete picture to see the enemy within.

Joyce W. (Rochester, MN)

Suspenceful and educational
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were well developed, and the explanations of the Muslim culture were very informative. I learned about their interpretation of the moon, their poetry, and their study groups. I have read a number of books about terrorist cells, but being told from the viewpoint of a Muslim was a unique experience. There was very good suspense without the blood and gore usually used in this type of story. I also liked that it was based on a real event. I would recommend this to a lot of my friends and plan to read his first book.

Ann W. (New York, NY)

Staying in Control
This was a terrific book. Inspector Khattak is a very captivating and complicated character. As a Moslem man in Canada, he is portrayed with empathy and compassion. His partner, a young Canadian woman who enjoys ice hockey, is also a complex person. The novel is a slow but compelling read with numerous well drawn characters and many potential suspects.

It is a great police procedural with very interesting detectives. Khan is a good, often lyrical writer. She writes with compassion and offers insight into complex personalities. Her portrait of the immigrant and first generation Canadian was multi-faceted and highlighted the numerous assimilation and acculturation demands. It was a great read.

Karna B. (Long Beach, CA)

The Language of Secrets
It is rare that I am so taken by a book that I place reading it before all else. That is the case for The Language of Secrets - a compelling read. From the first chapter to the last, the pace of Khan's writing is perfect. Her subject matter, a Muslim terrorist plot, and her knowledge of police procedural work, make for an exciting, if not heart pounding, read. Khan's characters are compelling for their intelligence and warmth. I like The Unquiet Dead, but the Language of Secrets excels. Bravo!

...15 more reader reviews

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