Hi fellow bookworms,

This edition is a continuation of last week’s newsletter. If you haven’t read that one yet, you can check it out here: Kia Abdullah Had Me in a Chokehold .

Today we’re diving into the other two Kia Abdullah releases I read: Truth Be Told and Those People Next Door.

But before we jump in, are you a plot-twist reader, or do you prefer slow-burn psychological thrillers? Reply or leave a comment!

Let’s get into it 😊

Short summary 🙂
Truth Be Told follows Kamran Hadid, a seventeen-year-old boy attending an elite all-boys school in London. He comes from a wealthy, well-connected family, but his world flips upside down after a drunken encounter that leaves him questioning what really happened. With the help of assault counsellor Zara Kaleel, the case moves toward a tense investigation and courtroom battle where every new detail changes what you think you know.

I was genuinely happy to see Zara return, and Abdullah adds even more depth by bringing in the complexity of Zara’s own troubled family background. In this novel Abdullah carefully examines how social, cultural, and religious expectations shape ideas of masculinity and dictate what is considered “acceptable” male behavior. Those expectations often limit men and affect choices they make.

Kamran’s life is heavy in ways that aren’t always obvious on the surface. His father is strict and controlling, and his mother doesn’t stand up for him, leaving Kamran with little emotional support when he needs it most.

If you enjoy thrillers that combine courtroom drama, psychological tension, and real emotional weight, Truth Be Told is absolutely worth reading. While reading, ask yourself:
How much of Kamran’s life was shaped by choice… and how much was shaped by pressure?

This book is in true Kia Abdullah style. It tackles necessary topics while still delivering strong courtroom tension and gripping scenes.

My only issue is the ending. It felt a bit sudden and caught me off guard. While it answers the main questions, it still felt like the story wrapped up too quickly.

Overall though: a great read and highly recommended.

My rating (4/5).

Short summary 🙂
Those People Next Door follows Salma Khatun, who moves with her husband and son to a quiet suburban neighborhood in London hoping for a fresh start. But after a confrontation with their neighbor Tom over an anti-racism banner, small tensions quickly spiral into something much darker — until Salma can’t tell what’s paranoia, what’s real, and how far someone is willing to take it.

Kia Abdullah did it again! This book had me enraged at times, especially with how suspicion and prejudice can shape the way people think and act. Abdullah shows the thoughts and actions of both sides through multiple points of view, and she constantly pushes the reader to question motives, intentions, and the truth behind what’s happening.

The tension builds fast, and when things finally escalate, it becomes impossible to look away. I won’t go into details because this one is best experienced without spoilers.

At this point, I’m convinced Kia Abdullah just doesn’t miss. Every book I’ve read by her has been a win. She weaves real social issues into gripping stories that stay in your head long after you finish. More than once, I found myself wondering what I would do in that situation, and honestly, some of my answers surprised me.

My rating (4/5).