Vengeance

by Saima Mir

Jia Khan must fight to stay on top when secrets from the past are revealed. The brilliant, tension-filled follow-up to the bestselling Times and Guardian Crime Novel of the Year.

'Unputdownable, unflinching and timely.' Erin Kelly

For two years, Jia Khan has been running her late father’s organised crime business in the north of England. So far, her authority has remained unchallenged, but now things are beginning to unravel.

When she finds her father’s notebook recounting his arrival from Pakistan in the 1970s, it awakes an old family feud that could have devastating repercussions for Jia. And worst of all, one of her staff lies brutally slain, his corpse displayed provocatively in her garden despite her sophisticated security.

Someone is getting dangerously close. Could there be a traitor in Jia Khan’s trusted inner circle?

'Propulsive... A riveting second outing for the Khan.' Vaseem Khan

Genres: Crime, Thriller, Fiction

338 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 6, 2024

Reviews

[sarahfromcroydon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed this sequel, especially how it foregrounded the role of women in the community and Jirga. Not quite as much of a page turner as book 1 but still enjoyed it and would read book 3 (which I presume will come out at some point!).

[Louise Bar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Firstly, I read the first book ' The Khan' and the plot follows Jia on being the new 'Khan'.

What I enjoyed about this book was the cultural information within. The Islamic references, the traditions, the language, and the culture. The rich vocabulary and well thought descriptions of scenes made the plot of the story more enjoyable.

I personally preferred the first book 'The Khan', I felt in places it felt a little flat. However, the enriched culture experience I really enjoyed.

And can we please look at how stunning this front cover is.

[Saltygalreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jia Khan has been the head of the Khan crime family empire since her father, Akbar Khan died two years ago. Slowly but surely, Jia has been establishing her base of power and making moderate changes in the Jirga, comprised only of men. Now an old rival and enemy of her father’s has crossed Jia’s path and he is holding a grudge he wants to settle. The peace has also been threatened by a series of killings of men which has been dubbed the Kismet Killings and the head of Jia’s security has been one of its victims. To further complicate matters, Jia continues to struggle to balance the two sides of her life – her role in her family and her role as the Khan.

I am so grateful to Sam Baker and Point Blank for bringing Saima Mir into my life! This was an excellent read – an intricately woven plot, complex characters and a fierce female protagonist. The memorable passages and quotes in this novel are endless, but I will only include one of my favourites. “The delicate balancing act of familial love and leadership was a tightrope as fine as a thread of silk. It was a rope that men rarely walked, because women took care of domestic affairs and propped them up without ego and consideration for self. Women were raised to be self-sacrificial, planets and moons to their menfolk’s suns, orbiting silently, reflecting only the light they offered.”

It is fascinating to watch Jia navigate the patriarchal organization of the Jirga and demonstrate that she is as capable, ruthless and strong as her father was. In her home she must then put this identity aside and be a mother and a partner to her children and husband. She chafes under the demands placed on women by society at large and the expectations of the East Indian culture in particular. This is a crime thriller with heft and I loved it. I will now get my hands on a copy of The Khan, which is the first book in the series.

[Humaira · Rating 2 out of 5]

I absolutely loved The Khan when it came out and I was really looking forward to the sequel.

We find Jia Khan a mother once again and a wife as well as the head of the organised crime syndicate, The Jirga.

Becoming The Khan has brought power and responsibility as well as new enemies into Jia’s life.

In this new chapter, we follow her life and it felt a lot like lots of statements than actual plot.

We spend a lot of time with Jia but she remains as enigmatic and unrelatable as in the first book.

I think this book tried to have a plot but the villain was cartoonish at best and the backstory about Akbar Khan was just unnecessary in my opinion.

Disappointed in the sequel but the ending leaves room for another book.

[faaizahsclubofbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the last two years, Jia Khan has been managing her late father's organised crime, but she still has guilt over how she became the leader 'the Khan'. She has also inherited her father's enemies, and after discovering her father's 1970 diary, she learns more about how her father started the empire. She does find it difficult because she is leading a male-dominated crime, and their views do not fit well with a woman in charge. One day, she discovers her security guard dead in her garden.She is then confronted with problems that jeopardise both her family and herself. Jia now has to strike hard and make it plain that no one can challenge her. Would she be capable of doing it?

Saima Mir has done it again!! I enjoyed the first book and was really excited to read the sequel. Saima Mir has a gift to draw you in and keep you intrigued from beginning to end. Saima Mir does a wonderful job of developing a complicated, powerful female character who is strong-willed and has firm ideas. Jia is a fascinating character who strives to balance being maternal, a wife, and a leader; she is fierce, loyal, and flawed. I only hope this isn't the end for Jia Khan! Another book that I definitely recommend adding to your TBR list.

[Alyson Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s definitely best to have read book one first as there’s a lot of history to get to grips with here.
Previously: Seasoned and successful barrister Jia Khan led a plush life in Knightsbridge, only returning to her family home after fifteen years for her sister Maria’s wedding. Jia never forgave her father, the undisputed crime lord of Bradford Akbar Khan, for the accident that killed her older brother Zan and destroyed her marriage to journalist Elyas Ahmad. At the same time, Elyas moved back to Bradford from London to take up a job offer, bringing with him their fifteen-year-old son Ahad. The son Jia was told was dead but in reality, was given to Elyas by her father. Ahad finally got to meet his grandfather and his mother at the wedding. Known throughout the city as The Khan, Akbar came from a lowly background and the organised crime business of money laundering, fraud, drugs and prostitution was justified as performing a vital service for his community, many of whom would have no employment otherwise. It was run the “old way", by a Jirga, the group of powerful businessmen, some linked by blood and marriage, who were Khan’s allies and looked to him for leadership in the crime syndicate. But with the Khan’s empire crumbling and Eastern European Andrzej Nowak's 'Brotherhood' gang intent on taking over the streets, Jia knew it was time for action. Having shot her own father and had Novak killed, she has established herself as the head of the organization in her father’s place, aided by cousins Idris and Nadeem.
Now: A plan for a new approach was formulated and the business has gone from strength to strength. With this growth, Jia Khan’s responsibilities have also multiplied, in particular to the people who relied on Novak for their livelihood and who are now struggling. Her cousin Nadeem is also starting to unravel and the last thing they need is a series of murders, including some of their own men, mutilated and marked with Allah’s names. As the body count rises, the Jirga are getting anxious and once again look to Jia for leadership. The chief of police is also requesting her help. It looks like someone is protecting the women of Bradford but are they friend or foe? What startling truths will emerge after the discovery of her father’s notebook from his arrival in the UK in 1974 and the wealthy man he once associated with? Family and those around her are at risk from a new threat and there are turbulent times ahead.
This is a story rich in a culture and tradition that is wrestling with the pressures and temptations of the modern world and also dealing with racism and misogyny from all sides. The story of Jia is so much bigger than one woman’s journey, involving love and family loyalty, organized crime, corruption, deceit and some very ruthless individuals. My favourite character once again was Elyas who showed that there was another way to be a good man and father without the trappings of crime. Maybe too good for her, Jia wonders at times. Afraid to show her vulnerability to anyone but Elyas she works twice as hard to prove herself in what is still viewed as a man’s world, and even harder again as a woman of colour. She often comes across as cold, hard and a complete mixture of contradictions, but she does have a lot of redeeming qualities as she struggles to join the old world with modern day views and expectations. A great sequel and fascinating twist on the more traditional “crime family” novel where loyalty replaces fear but power is still everything, and with another great ending, I do hope there will be more to come.

[Mandie · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading The Khan by Saima Mir last year I was really happy to find out that there was going to be a book two. Sometimes the second book in a series does not match up to the first one but Vengeance is every bit as compelling as The Khan and packs even more of a punch. Its fast pace and action is just what I needed.
Jia Khan has been running her father’s business for a couple of years now but she is still having flashes of guilt about how this came about even though she is sure it was the right thing to do. It is not easy as she is a woman managing a male dominated crime organisation and their beliefs do not normally sit well with a female calling the shots. When the body of one of her security detail is found in her garden she is determined to find out how this could happen and who is behind it before her world comes crashing down. She also finds herself dealing with other challenges that threaten her family and also see her own life in danger. The question is just how far she will go to ensure the safety of the people she loves the most,
Jia is one of the most fascinating characters I have come across in a long time, To the outside world she is cold and calculating as it is the only way that she can command the respect and loyalty of the Jirga, At home she would do anything to protect her husband and sons trying to keep them out of any of her business dealings. Where some see her actions (or lack of) as a weakness, she bides her time to gather all the information necessary to exact retribution on anyone who threatens her. There is also another side to her, one that tries her best to help families that find themselves facing hardship through circumstance or as a fall out from battles that Jia has fought and won, It is these actions that earn her the most respect from her community.
Throughout the book we also learn more about Jia’s father in 1974 when he first arrived in the UK. Through these chapters we see how he starts from humble beginnings and to how he became the head of a powerful organisation and the enemies he made along the way, enemies that now have Jia in their sights. Their only problem is that maybe they underestimate the woman she has become, and it may just be their downfall.
I love the pacing in this book and even in the quieter moments of the story you are taken along with the lives of Jia and her relatives. Saima Mir has created a world that I cant help but be totally fascinated with and strong female characters that are compassionate but unwavering in their beliefs and I really do hope that this is not the last we have seen of Jia Khan.

[Surjit Parekh · Rating 5 out of 5]

My thoughts about Saima Mir’s Vengeance. I’m just speechless and spellbounded by Saima Mir’s brilliant follow up to The Khan, It is an incredibly rare occurrence for a sequel to be as good as or better than the original. Saima Mir’s Vengeance not only lives up to its predecessor’s The Khan’s reputation but equals it and, in some respects, exceeds it. Writer Saima Mir handles the transitions adroitly, keeping the pace consistent enough to limit any sense of jarring or disorientation. Having said that, she has left so much space by the end of the book giving it yet another chance to make the The Khan trilogy. Saima Mir you are sure back with a vengeance. What works in favor of Saima Mir’s book is its tight writing that leaves you awe-struck as the plot thickens. Saima Mir’s Vengeance throws a number of surprises. The culmination to the story is simply fantastic. Writer Saima Mir shines like never before. She takes The Khan sequel to a whole new level. Saima Khan’s book story begins after Two years into running her organised crime syndicate in the north of England, Jia Khan stumbles on a notebook her father the previous Khan kept on arrival from Pakistan in the 1970s. And what Jia finds in the journal sends her deep into the family’s past. But once the sleeping dogs from those years are woken, they are set for attack. Meanwhile, Jia struggles to control unrest amongst those that oppose her. Worst of all, Jia must unravel a puzzling but terrible warning one of her staff lies brutally slain, his corpse displayed in her garden despite her sophisticated security. Could a traitor be part of her inner sanctum. Overall Saima Mir’s follow up to The Khan, Vengeance and Jia Khan is back and better than ever as this spectacular follow up gangster thriller kicks its way to success with stronger writing, better-developed characters, far more consistent pacing. I would like to say a big thank you to author Saima Mir and Margot Weale from point blank crime and one world book publishers, for kindly sending me a gifted copy for me to read and review. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥💥💥💥💥💥

[Becca Scammell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vengeance is a brilliantly gripping story that reaches right into the heart of the dog-eat-dog criminal organisation run by the Kahn family. At a time of great change and the immediate and deadly threat from their just as ruthless rivals. Made even more difficult due to a seismic change in leadership. With an already steadfast, well established, and culturally misogynistic patriarchal hierarchy in place.

Jia, the new female head of the organistsion faces threats from every conceivable corner, including from those whose respect and loyalty should be absolute. But it is wobbling precariously on the edge of destruction. Stuck between a rock and a hard place whilst juggling motherhood, familial expectation, and marriage woes whilst trying to provide relief, consistency, and leadership for a community that is suffering greatly. Having been oppressed by a brutal rival who no longer lives. But leaves behind extreme poverty and desperation in his wake.

With themes of prostitution, drug selling, use, and abuse. Murder, kidnap, torture, sexual discrimination, racism, prejudice, corruption, deceit, racketeering, theft, fear, and violence. Plus, an intricate but excellently executed plotline and a whole raft of believable and cleverly developed characters and an enticing and fluid writing style. Saima's story of vengeance is one that would be a great addition to any crime/thriller fans tbr.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, Vengeance is a very good follow on from The Khan and a book I thoroughly enjoyed. I wasn't too keen on Jia Khan previously and feel she is more likeable here and, in my opinion comes across as being humble, protective of her family and her loved ones. She finds a notebook kept by her late father from his arrival in the UK and revisits his past with unforseen consequences. I love the authors writing style - it is engaging, very descriptive, making the characters jump out of the pages where I could picture them in my mind when reading. I liked how easily the story moved from past to present times. The plot line is well thought out and Saima Mir certainly had my attention and interest from the first page to the last. What I like best about this series is how the author writes of and portrays Jia's culture and how she is seen by others. I think this is a great gangland crime book that's a bit different from the norm although still very enjoyable to read. I liked the ending, and look forward to the next book and hope that a couple of characters feature more in it.

Overall if you like gangland crime thrillers I think you'll enjoy this and I'd recommend it.

4 stars

[Justin Sarginson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved The Khan, so considered myself very fortunate to read this early, courtesy of the publisher.
Leading directly from the first book, this book is more considered, more grounded and I found it deeper than the original story. Again, it is fantastic to read a organised crime author from an Asian perspective and I loved reading about the cultural elements and how it fed into some of the action of the story. The historical element relating to The Khan is both interesting and provides really interesting context to the larger story and this book just feels more realised that it's predecessor.
Again, this book is not just blood and gore, there are interesting family and relationship threads that make for a richer experience. Genuinely, I wish and hope that this book and this author receives the acclaim and success she richly deserves.

[Maryam · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading the first book last year I was so excited to see there was a book 2!!! This was just as good as the first book, luckily it’s still on my shelf so I could go back and refresh my memory on plots and characters, but the book explains that if you haven’t read it.
I felt it was a bit slow at first but once you get to the action you don’t want to stop reading. The godfather but Asian style! Loved the Asian words and cultural references, and the way the author tacked the topic of a woman’s role in the jirga.
There is a huge potential for a book 3, because of the way that the book ends so I’m excited to see if there will be one

[Paul Gormley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strong follow-up to The Khan. Jia finds challenges as she seeks to solidify her position in the jirga, whist trying to build more solid relationships with her family.

A figure from her father’s past threatens everything she has built and Jia is forced into drastic and decisive action.

Strongly plotted with moments of definite tension, with interesting insights into the thoughts of those whose roots may lie elsewhere but see the UK as their home.

Sure to be enough scope for an another outing in this highly entertaining series.

[Liz Mistry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great to be back in the world of Jia Khan for this second book in the Khan series.
I found this an exciting page turner with very thought provoking themes around feminism, misogyny, revenge, trust and more. At times the intensity of the action made for uncomfortable, yet fascinating reading.
Well written and tightly plotted with a ring of authenticity throughout
Chillingly convincing and a compelling read.

[Geoff Stokes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed The Khan and Jia Khan as a character but this sequel was disappointing. Although the writing is good, the plot is thin and feels like a short story padded out with anecdotes and political essays which, although interesting and thought provoking, felt clunky.

The ending was weak and the denouement contrived with a set of skills coming out of nowhere to tackle the main antagonist.

Its clearly set up for a further episode but I don't think I will be interested enough to bother.

[Ozzie Khawaja · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only reason why I’m giving this a 4 star is the second half otherwise this was comfortably a 3 star. The Khan was structured a lot better than this one, we could have done with less short chapters and some flashbacks. It feels like the book was based on the second half. It took a twist but then felt slightly rushed, even still it finished well and me wanting more. The envelope at the end was unexpected.

[Lady Tea]

Pre-Read

WHATHEAOLSIDHAOIHFSDJHUFASIFHASDJFKHSKJHSDAFLASDFHADSKJFHASIO?!?!?!?!?!?

THERE'S A FREAKING SEQUEL TO WHAT'S PROBABLY ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS I'VE EVER READ IN MY LIFE!


PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE


GIVE GIVE GIVE GIVE GIVE GIVE GIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Andy Wormald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Following on from the acclaimed The Khan, we see the welcome return of Jia Khan in Vengeance, like The Khan this is a deeply satisfying read, with storytelling which is executed with flair on the page to bring what was for me a richly intense read, full of drama and suspense

This is a read steeped in culture and tradition, but clearly set in the present day and all that brings, wonderfully character driven. There is a freshness about it

Wonderfully plotted slick and taut, a read full of tension, moments of the unexpected and not without a shock or two, interspersed with plenty of twists

The characters have real depth and quality in the way they are written, especially Jia I love her character, a family person, but when it come to business there is a mean streak which knows no bounds, she expects and commands loyalty, ruthless and conniving, she knows how to play the game, in what could seem to be a male dominated world she more than holds her own . I also found it interesting to see their culture at play and how others perceive Jia

The story flits between the early 1970s and the present day, this crucially sets up the plot, which is then fleshed out and slowly unravelled. The narrative throughout the book is richly descriptive, the book covers a whole gamut of areas, family, friendship, loyalty

The story has a nutural pace and flow about it, nothing rushed about the way things are played out

There is darkness to the feel of the book, but then you are dealing with a gangland backdrop, however, it is not without a certain warmth and humor

A thought provoking read, the quality of the writing and the way the story is played out had me gripped, a wholly engaging read. One to recommend

I certainly look forward to reading more

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this novel more than the first book in the series. I've moved from thinking this story of the female Khan of an organised crime gang in Bradford was far fetched to finding it much more believable and a commentary on contemporary life here. Looking forward to the final book in the trilogy.

[Steffi Siby · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an interesting and fast paced read to start off with. But then, it left me uneasy. It makes you question what morality is and whether the intention behind our actions can justify what we do. The book also made me slightly uneasy in the way that it portrayed race and religion.

[Kyle Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book with the Asian food and other influances. I'm also from Bradford so it feels more realistic to me and a little insight into the asian community outsiders don't see much of or not at all.

[LornaIsabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saima Mir is some of the best contemporary writing I’ve read and think she deserves every recognition for her writing, characters and worlds she creates. Absolutely loved both Novels. As a Northern reader, it’s even better!

[Ralph · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read. It's really the cultural setting that sets this apart particularly if you're not familiar with the modern Pakistani community in Britain. It does however owe more than a little to Puzo's Godfather story and the writing is at times a little clunky

[Tabish Khan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This enjoyable follow-up to The Khan continues with this Bradford-based South Asian version of The Godfather as Jia Khan tries to consolidate her empire.

[Ian Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gritty family driven crime.

[Pippa · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoyed Khan you should check this one out. Ideally this will become a tv series and will be as popular as Luther. I still reckon my own reading of it will be better. Just brilliant

[Gerard Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent follow up to The Khan - well plotted - good characterisation - interesting views of right and wrong -Good and Evil

An extremely good read

[Abidah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit too repetitive or too much explaining on why Jia Khan is doing as she is!
Could have been better!

[Farzana · Rating 4 out of 5]

That ending! Looking forward to book three!

[Jackiesreadingcorner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did have the first book in this series but I lent it to someone before I had read it and never got it back. But this can be read as a stand-alone novel, although I did feel I missed some of the backstory that I am sure would have been in the first book. However, Jia Khan is now running the family business she is now the Jirga. Not always an easy job as a woman running a crime business. In a culture where men feel the women should be chained to the kitchen sink, despite any qualifications they may have acquired. Not only does she have this duty to perform but she is also mother to Ahad who is now in university, and toddler Lirian she also has Elyas their father back in her life. Juggling family life along with her other duties is not always easy. She has a fierce need to protect her children and family. But also a duty to make it clear to anyone who tries to undermine her will lead to retaliation.

When a dead body is found in her garden, which also turns out to be one of her guards, she needs to know what is going on. It’s not the only body to be found it seems someone is trying to send a message. The killer is dubbed as The Kismet Killer.

Jia finds some diaries of her late father’s dating back to 1974 the early years when he first arrived in England. When she reads of her father’s meeting with Henry Paxton. She has heard of Paxton and decides to conveniently bump into him to see how the land lies. But when she does it is clear that he held resentment for her late father, who he saw as someone who double crossed him and he wasn’t going to let that go.

Despite some hardness that Jia displays she always tries to do what is right for her people, from killing Nowak in book one it has left some destitute with no money and poor housing. Jia wants to put that right. When an attempt is made on her life and her son Ahad is kidnapped Jia is determined to get to the bottom of the attacks. She has taken on Sakina who had previously been used by men for sex, this being the only way she could survive. Jia sees something in her that she recognises a strength, can she take this woman on to help her? When she does find out who kidnapped her son, she deals with it. As she also learns who has killed the bodies around the city she is surprised. In an ideal world she would like to go straight but until all business is sorted it will stay as it is.

This is a great read from start to finish, Saima Mir, writes Jia’s character brilliantly, showing the culture and how others judge her. She is a woman in what is seen as a man’s world. A brilliant gangland crime read, from a different culture prospective. Jia Khan is a great character, she is strong and well developed, believable as are a lot of the other characters. The pace in the book never slowed. The plot was tight and well written. An unputdownable book I whizzed through this engaged and engrossed in the plot as the tension grew. I look forward to the next book in the series.