A Killer in the Family - by Amin Ahmad (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Ali Azeem, a naive Muslim bachelor from Mumbai, thinks he has hit the jackpot when he agrees to an arranged marriage with Maryam Khan, daughter of Abbas Khan, a self-made real-estate tycoon and one of the richest men in New York. Moving with her to the United States, Ali quickly enters an intoxicating, Gatsbyesque world of supertall skyscrapers, sumptuous clothing, and helicopter rides to the Hamptons. However, shortly after the newlyweds move into one of the city's most luxurious apartments, Maryam's older sister, Farhan, tells Ali that beneath her father's success lies sinister deeds. But can Farhan be trusted? She is a rebellious outsider and, according to Maryam, an unstable liar. Plus, as the newly minted husband of Abbas's favorite daughter, Ali has an open invitation to join Tiger Corp., the family's business empire. Before he commits, Ali launches his own investigation to determine who the Khans really are: the embodiment of the American dream--or cutthroat one-percenters out for themselves? As he closes in on the truth, Ali must ask himself if he can pay the price unimaginable wealth demands"-- Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

An intoxicating drama set in the world of New York City's elite, A Killer in the Family explores the underside of the American dream and asks, what happens when you marry into a family that keeps secrets?

It's time for Ali, a good-natured Mumbai party-boy, to grow up. The first step to settling down is an arranged marriage to Maryam, the daughter of Abbas Khan, a New York real estate tycoon. She's pretty, demure, and respectable--unlike her sister, Farhan, a sexy, rebellious divorcée.

After the wedding, Ali moves to New York and enjoys the privileges of being an honorary Khan: private helicopters, supertall skyscrapers, and a Gatsbyesque house in the Hamptons. But soon rumors begin to surface about Abbas Khan--accusations of corruption and hidden affairs--and Farhan hints that a violent secret underlies Abbas's success. All of this leads Ali to wonder if he should believe Farhan or his wife, who insists that the insinuations are unfounded.

To uncover the truth, Ali launches his own investigation, which takes him deep into Abbas's dealings and past. As he closes in on the truth, Ali must decide: Can he remain part of the Khan family, and pay the moral price demanded by unimaginable wealth and power?

Review Quotes

"A Killer In The Family is a gripping, propulsive thriller that weaves a cutthroat family battle over a business empire (à la Succession) with a heart-pounding hunt for a notorious serial killer. Amin Ahmad takes us into the glittering world of an ultra-wealthy Indian American dynasty for a thought-provoking interrogation of the dark side of power, ambition, and the American dream. The deliciously twisty plot will have you reading--and guessing--late into the night!"
--Angie Kim, New York Times bestselling author of Happiness Falls and Miracle Creek

"Meet the Khans, an imperfect family of perfect liars. They've got money to burn and morals to leave behind--but there's blood on someone's Cartier-covered hands. Unraveling the unsolved murders surrounding them makes A Killer in the Family a perfect binge read. Sleek, propulsive, and packed with twisted family dynamics: Think Succession meets Crazy Rich Asians."
-Karin Tanabe, author of A Woman of Intelligence

"With A Killer in the Family, Amin Ahmad has written a tense, masterful thriller about the uber-rich Khan family and the naive man caught up in their secrets and intrigue. Despite his arranged marriage to dutiful, perfect daughter Maryam, Ali Azeem can't help but be entranced by her brash, alluring sister Farhan (and honestly, readers will be too). A serial killer lurks at the edges of their glamorous lives, casting an unnerving spotlight on the Faustian bargain Ali has made by joining a formidable family who can only agree on one thing: wealth and power above all--even each other. Read at your own risk. . . of not being able to do anything else until you finish reading this smart and enjoyably twisty novel."
--Kirthana Ramisetti, author of Dava Shastri's Last Day

About the Author

Amin Ahmad was raised in India and came to America at the age of seventeen. He worked as an architect for many years before turning to writing. He teaches creative writing at Duke University and lives in Durham, North Carolina with his family and a very mischievous cat. When he's not writing, he can be found on his front porch, drinking tea and watching the world go by.