Happy Thursday, all! Today I am super excited to share my review of another book I group read, A Deadly Divide by Ausma Zehanat Khan, publishing on February 12, 2019 by Minotaur Books.
My Thoughts:
Here I go, jumping into a series late in the game. Oh, friends, it did not matter. Rachel Getty and Esa Khattack have such good detective chemistry, I bought into the storyline instantly.
There’s been a mass shooting of twelve people at a Quebec mosque. Immediately things go awry when the police release Etienne Roy, a priest who had a weapon on him, and then arrest Amadou Duchon, a Muslim man who had been present helping those hurt during the shooting.
At first glance, it seems like the shooting could only be a hate crime, but Esa and Rachel’s gut instincts tell them it’s not that simple.
The community grapples with fear and unrest in the shooting’s wake, along with outright racism and hate, and with that as a backdrop, the pair try to solve what happened. There is also concern that the situation could escalate due to the chaos, and solving this case would hopefully lead to understanding.
A Deep Divide was so more than just a mystery. It presented social issues in a considered and thoughtful way. Khan’s writing is direct, and the pacing is strong. Overall, this book was timely, thought-provoking, entertained me from beginning to end, and addressed important cultural and racial dynamics. I definitely plan to spend more time with this series in the future as I can fit them in.
Thanks to Minotaur Books for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis:
From the critically acclaimed author Ausma Zehanat Khan, A Deadly Divide is the devastatingly powerful new thriller featuring beloved series detectives Esa Khattak and Rachel Getty.
In the aftermath of a mass shooting at a mosque in Quebec, the local police apprehend Amadou Duchon—a young Muslim man at the scene helping the wounded—but release Etienne Roy, the local priest who was found with a weapon in his hands.The shooting looks like a hate crime, but detectives Esa Khattak and Rachel Getty sense there is more to the story. Sent to liaise with a community in the grip of fear, they find themselves in fraught new territory, fueled by the panic and suspicion exploited by a right-wing radio host.
As Rachel and Esa grapple to stop tensions shutting the case down entirely, all the time, someone is pointing Esa in another direction, a shadowy presence who anticipates his every move.
A Deadly Divide is a piercingly observed, gripping thriller that reveals the fractures that try to tear us all apart: from the once-tight partnership between detectives Esa and Rachel, to the truth about a deeply divided nation.
Check out these reviews by the other Book Besties:
Berit at Audio Killed the Bookmark
Mackenzie at PhDiva
Have you read A Deadly Divide, or is it on your TBR? Happy Reading! ~ Jenni THR
Awesome review and picture, Jennifer. I added this one to my tbr list. Happy Thursday. 💐💗📚
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Thank you, Virginia! I think you’d enjoy this one, too. Happy Thursday and happy reading! ♥️
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You’ve convinced me! I’ll give this one a try. Sounds like a good read. The author lives in Colorado now.
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Thanks, DeAnn! That’s so fun she lives in CO now! If you can, I’d start at the first one, even though this one can stand alone. I think I’d understand the main characters even better if I had.
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Outstanding review, Jennifer!!! I loved the chemistry between Rachel and Esa. This one really made me think!!! Thanks for reading with me! 💕
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Thanks, Mack! They have a wonderful chemistry! This was a terrific book to read together! ♥️
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Excellent review! I am pleased with how I see many authors of various genres incorporating social issues into their works. I suppose if it is too preachy it would be annoying, but mostly I see where it is informative which is helpful to develop perspectives.
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Thanks, Anne! I completely agree and I love how you worded that. Hopefully it opens worlds up for people, which reading is supposed to help with anyway. ♥️
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Wonderful review, Jennifer! This sounds like an interesting book. 💜
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Thank you, Darinda! It was a fascinating mystery! ♥️
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Wonderful review! You put this perfectly into words!💛
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Thanks, Berit! It was an important and suspenseful read!
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I believe I have (but haven’t read) earlier books in this series. Your wonderful review definitely put it front of mind! Thanks. 😀
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Thank you, Myndi! I need to read more of this series, too. I really like the author’s style and the incorporation of the social issues.
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Lol! I’d start twitching if I read a book out of order😏 Wonderful review, Jennifer.
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Thanks, Jonetta! You sure would! I keep reading tons of them out of order- eek! 😬 ♥️
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Great review Jen! This one sounds really good! Happy Thursday my friend!💙
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Thanks, Sus! I really enjoyed it! Hope your Thursday was fab! ♥️
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Lots of running around today. I went and got my library card today. My little library is so sad…..its so small. I looked at Overdrive for it and everything I wanted they dont have. They are hooked up with Charlotte …..you would think they have it all??😢💜
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That’s odd about Overdrive? Could something be wrong with your settings? Our local library is amazing and they also take requests.
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Physical books, there is a ton but digital books, not so much! I still have access to many of my older libraries so…….I’m good! Lol💜
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Sounds like the makings of another good series. Glad you found this book to be rewarding.
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I’m so interested to see how this tackles these complex issues – I’m sure this is something that will keep me thinking. Love when authors can tie in present-day issues into their works in ways that really cause you to think. Going to add this to my list.
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I love her books and her writing. I’ve fallen behind by one book so I have to catch up before reading this one. Terrific review!
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Thanks, Mackey! I’m so happy to hear you are a fan. I’ll definitely be reading more from her!
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Great review! And sign me up for this series 😀 Sounds good.
Also those colors on the cover are just gorgeous.
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Thanks, Norrie! It’s a wonderful series! I’m impressed. And I loved the colors in that cover too!
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