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karlou 's review for:
The Language of Secrets
by Ausma Zehanat Khan
Back in July I read the first Esa Khattak and Rachel Getty Mystery, The Unquiet Dead and it blew me away. My expectations were high then for The Language of Secrets but could Ausma Zehanat Khan impress me as much a second time in a year?
Of course she could! The Language of Secrets is another outstanding thriller which combines a gripping mystery with truly thought-provoking and moving social commentary. Set soon after the events in The Unquiet Dead, Esa Khattak is under pressure and facing an inquiry into his handling of the case in that book. He's grateful then to be summoned to the Toronto operations base of the national security team, INSET but his relief is soon soured when he learns he is to investigate the murder of undercover informant, Mohsin Dar. Khattak and Dar were once close friends. Mohsin had infiltrated a terror cell and it is vital that the murder investigation doesn't threaten the two years of work that have gone into the operation. INSET have penetrated two cells working together on a bomb plot. Khattak's role is to be the very public face of the homicide investigation. He must convince the community that their rights are being fully represented and that every step is being taken to ensure Mohsin's killer is found. His father, Andy has a radio show and if he uses his platform to raise too many questions about the camp where he son was murdered, he could jeopardise the entire operation. Khattak's partner, Rachel Getty has been having a better time of late, she is more settled in her personal life now, Esa has protected her from the fall out from the Christopher Drayton case and has grown in confidence both personally and professionally. She is still relatively inexperienced however, and if the stakes aren't already personal enough for Esa, his young partner is now at significant risk as she goes undercover as a convert at the mosque used by one of the terror cells.
The chapters switch between Esa and Rachel's investigations. Esa is continually frustrated by the attitudes of some of his colleagues, his religion eliciting snide remarks about his "special insight" and by the knowledge that his loyalties are under constant doubt. The Language of Secrets is a raw and moving look at what is is to be a Muslim in Western society as Esa considers his duality; his faith is a source of courage and comfort but also pain and hurt, from both the violence and hatred wrought on Muslims and by the terrorists who carry out atrocities in the name of Islam,
"A hope of belonging vanished into itself, diminished by every new act of violence.
A knotting of sinews and bone because you were never disconnected from what the ummah suffered, any more than you could understand the madmen who claimed to speak or kill in your name."
Meanwhile Rachel's undercover mission brings her into dangerous contact with the charismatic leader of the terror cell, Hassan Ashkouri. Ausma Zehanat Khan has ensured that the other cell members are fully realised, they are young, disaffected, vulnerable and their reasons for becoming radicalised are complex and nuanced.
The fast paced plot never loses focus, I was never really sure whether Esa and Rachel or the terrorists were ahead and it all builds to a blistering and breathtaking conclusion. As a thriller it really is edge of the seat stuff that had me racing through the the pages. It's also a beautifully written book. the poetry woven throughout a timely reminder that Islam is far more than both the likes of Isis and the far right would have us believe. The Language of Secrets is an uncompromising book, featuring an intelligent and clear headed examination of our historical legacy, and of the political, religious and social attitudes that affect us all. I was left more saddened than hopeful at the end but books like this are vital, they encourage discourse and force us to examine our beliefs and prejudices. I look forward to more books featuring Esa Khattak and Rachel Getty, both for the engaging and compelling plots and for the thoughtful exploration of cultural issues that underpin all our lives.
Of course she could! The Language of Secrets is another outstanding thriller which combines a gripping mystery with truly thought-provoking and moving social commentary. Set soon after the events in The Unquiet Dead, Esa Khattak is under pressure and facing an inquiry into his handling of the case in that book. He's grateful then to be summoned to the Toronto operations base of the national security team, INSET but his relief is soon soured when he learns he is to investigate the murder of undercover informant, Mohsin Dar. Khattak and Dar were once close friends. Mohsin had infiltrated a terror cell and it is vital that the murder investigation doesn't threaten the two years of work that have gone into the operation. INSET have penetrated two cells working together on a bomb plot. Khattak's role is to be the very public face of the homicide investigation. He must convince the community that their rights are being fully represented and that every step is being taken to ensure Mohsin's killer is found. His father, Andy has a radio show and if he uses his platform to raise too many questions about the camp where he son was murdered, he could jeopardise the entire operation. Khattak's partner, Rachel Getty has been having a better time of late, she is more settled in her personal life now, Esa has protected her from the fall out from the Christopher Drayton case and has grown in confidence both personally and professionally. She is still relatively inexperienced however, and if the stakes aren't already personal enough for Esa, his young partner is now at significant risk as she goes undercover as a convert at the mosque used by one of the terror cells.
The chapters switch between Esa and Rachel's investigations. Esa is continually frustrated by the attitudes of some of his colleagues, his religion eliciting snide remarks about his "special insight" and by the knowledge that his loyalties are under constant doubt. The Language of Secrets is a raw and moving look at what is is to be a Muslim in Western society as Esa considers his duality; his faith is a source of courage and comfort but also pain and hurt, from both the violence and hatred wrought on Muslims and by the terrorists who carry out atrocities in the name of Islam,
"A hope of belonging vanished into itself, diminished by every new act of violence.
A knotting of sinews and bone because you were never disconnected from what the ummah suffered, any more than you could understand the madmen who claimed to speak or kill in your name."
Meanwhile Rachel's undercover mission brings her into dangerous contact with the charismatic leader of the terror cell, Hassan Ashkouri. Ausma Zehanat Khan has ensured that the other cell members are fully realised, they are young, disaffected, vulnerable and their reasons for becoming radicalised are complex and nuanced.
The fast paced plot never loses focus, I was never really sure whether Esa and Rachel or the terrorists were ahead and it all builds to a blistering and breathtaking conclusion. As a thriller it really is edge of the seat stuff that had me racing through the the pages. It's also a beautifully written book. the poetry woven throughout a timely reminder that Islam is far more than both the likes of Isis and the far right would have us believe. The Language of Secrets is an uncompromising book, featuring an intelligent and clear headed examination of our historical legacy, and of the political, religious and social attitudes that affect us all. I was left more saddened than hopeful at the end but books like this are vital, they encourage discourse and force us to examine our beliefs and prejudices. I look forward to more books featuring Esa Khattak and Rachel Getty, both for the engaging and compelling plots and for the thoughtful exploration of cultural issues that underpin all our lives.