A Killer in the Family

by Amin Ahmad

A thrilling, intoxicating mystery set among New York City’s most elite residents, for fans of My Sister, The Serial Killer and The Age of Vice

When Ali Azeem, a naïve Muslim bachelor from Mumbai, agrees to a traditional arranged marriage with pretty, ​​reserved Maryam Khan, he thinks he has hit the ​she is the daughter of Abbas Khan, a self-made real estate tycoon and one of the richest men in New York City. After the wedding, the couple moves to America, and Ali quickly enters an intoxicating Gatsby-esque world of supertall skyscrapers, sumptuous clothing, and helicopter rides to the sprawling family property in Southampton. However, shortly after the newlyweds move into a luxury apartment in the center of New York City, he receives a warning from Maryam’s older sister, Farhan, a mercurial divorcee. Farhan claims​ ​their father is an amoral monster and a dark secret lies at the heart of his accomplishments.

But can Farhan be trusted? She is a rebellious outsider and, according to Maryam, an unstable liar. Unsure which sister to believe, Ali launches his own amateur investigation into the Khans​ and quickly discovers ​a possible connection to a serial killer. However, as the newly minted husband of Abbas’ favorite daughter, Ali has an open invitation to join Tiger Corp., the family’s empire. But before he commits, Ali struggles to determine who the Khans really The embodiment of the American dream—or a clan of cutthroat one-percenters out for themselves? As allegiances shift and crumble between Ali and those vying for a chance to take over ​Tiger Corp., ​he is forced to question everything he believes about family and loyalty. When the truth is finally revealed, Ali must ask himself if he can pay the price unimaginable wealth demands.

From the streets of Mumbai to the upper echelons of Manhattan to old haunts in Queens, A Killer in the Family is an unforgettable portrait of a family in the form of a page-turner. Exploring themes of immigrant achievement, family secrets, and the power of the one percent, A Killer in the Family is a riveting novel that will have listeners second-guessing every member of the Khan family until its shocking end.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Suspense

320 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication April 7, 2026

Reviews

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, so I still don’t have a good idea of what I feel about this book. The writing was great, had me keep picking it up to read more, see where it was going… but it just didn’t really connect me enough with the characters to make me care about what was happening to them. Fantastic storytelling, would recommend. Not my favorite. But keeping an eye out for this author in the future. 👀

Thanks to the publishers and author for an ARC from goodreads giveaways.

[Ja’Laya Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book completely pulled me in from start to finish. Ali Azeem’s journey from naive newlywed to someone caught in the glittering but dangerous world of the Khan family was fascinating. The blend of wealth, glamour, and dark secrets gave this story a cinematic, almost Gatsby-meets-thriller vibe that I couldn’t put down.

What I loved most was the way the suspense built gradually — I found myself questioning every character’s motives and never knowing who to trust. The family dynamics, power struggles, and morally gray choices kept me turning the pages late into the night. By the end, the twists had me rethinking everything I thought I knew about the Khans.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A sharp, addictive, and unputdownable thriller about power, family, and the hidden cost of wealth. Highly recommend if you enjoy suspenseful stories filled with secrets and shocking revelations.

What I Learned:
This story really highlights that appearances can be deceiving, and the “dream life” often comes with hidden costs. It made me think about how power, wealth, and family loyalty can blur the lines between truth and lies — and how important it is to trust your instincts even when the glitter is tempting.

Huge thanks to @netgalley, the publisher, and Amin Ahmad for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Natalia Farnham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh the family drama in this one!!!! It was a pretty interesting look into an Indian families life and the pressures that a lot of kids might feel in that family. It was also full of twists and turns and a lot of it I didn’t see coming. At first I saw the length of the book and worried it would drag and have some added fluff that was not needed but thankfully I was wrong! This book took me a day to finish so that tells you something!

[Kylee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Parts of this book were really interesting and exciting, but the vast majority felt slow and scattered. The two averaged out to a 3 star review from me

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

“A Killer in the Family” by Amin Ahmad is a layered psychological thriller that hooked me right away. It’s emotionally tense and unpredictable, with complex flawed characters each carrying secrets that unravel with shocking precision.
The story revolves around a bachelor from Mumbai who enters into an arranged marriage with the daughter of a powerful real estate tycoon. He moves to NY and quickly becomes swept up in the excessive lifestyle while being groomed to enter into the family business. As he becomes more involved with his new family he learns the patriarch may be hiding a deadly secret connected to a serial killer thought to be long gone.
This is a chilling exploration of moral compromise, the seductive pull of power, and highly dysfunctional families. A provocative debut novel I throughly enjoyed!

Thank you NetGalley and Henry Holt & Company for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Christina C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

A Killer in the Family by Amin Ahmed is a gripping story centered on Ali and his marriage into the powerful and wealthy Khan family, where nothing is quite as perfect as it seems. The plot weaves together a compelling love triangle, intense family drama, and a suspenseful search for a killer that kept me fully engaged. I especially enjoyed the audiobook. I would definitely recommend this book, especially in audiobook format, to fans of family thrillers and dramatic mysteries.

[Charese · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one had parts that I was sucked into and parts that felt a little slow for me. The narration by Isuri Wijesundara, Lipica Shah, and Vikas Adam was very well done that it kept me interested. Right of the bat the unique set up had me thinking it was a gritty vigilante story, then it shifted into a fast-paced thriller, and later leaned more toward family drama. While some may enjoyed the constant change, I felt that it harder for me to stay fully invested. It also ended up feeling like multiple short stories vs a cohesive story. All in all, this was a decent read, just not a favorite for me.

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Breeanna Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

A Killer in the Family by Amin Ahmad follows Ali Azeem, who marries into a wealthy New York family and soon discovers their empire is built on secrets, lies, and possible murder. He must decide whether to stay loyal or walk away before the truth destroys him.

3.5 ⭐️

This book started strong and really pulled me in with its unique setup. At first it felt like a gritty vigilante story, then it shifted into a fast-paced thriller, and later leaned more toward family drama. The constant changes in tone made it harder for me to stay fully invested, since it didn’t always feel like one cohesive story. I did enjoy the vivid setting and some of the twists, but the uneven pacing and shifting genres kept it from being as gripping as it could have been. A decent read, but not a favorite.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚🎧 A killer in the Family
✍🏻Amin Ahmad
Blurb:
A thrilling, intoxicating mystery set among New York City’s most elite residents, for fans of My Sister, The Serial Killer and The Age of Vice

When Ali Azeem, a naïve Muslim bachelor from Mumbai, agrees to a traditional arranged marriage with pretty, ​​reserved Maryam Khan, he thinks he has hit the ​she is the daughter of Abbas Khan, a self-made real estate tycoon and one of the richest men in New York City. After the wedding, the couple moves to America, and Ali quickly enters an intoxicating Gatsby-esque world of supertall skyscrapers, sumptuous clothing, and helicopter rides to the sprawling family property in Southampton. However, shortly after the newlyweds move into a luxury apartment in the center of New York City, he receives a warning from Maryam’s older sister, Farhan, a mercurial divorcee. Farhan claims​ ​their father is an amoral monster and a dark secret lies at the heart of his accomplishments.

But can Farhan be trusted? She is a rebellious outsider and, according to Maryam, an unstable liar. Unsure which sister to believe, Ali launches his own amateur investigation into the Khans​ and quickly discovers ​a possible connection to a serial killer. However, as the newly minted husband of Abbas’ favorite daughter, Ali has an open invitation to join Tiger Corp., the family’s empire. But before he commits, Ali struggles to determine who the Khans really The embodiment of the American dream—or a clan of cutthroat one-percenters out for themselves? As allegiances shift and crumble between Ali and those vying for a chance to take over ​Tiger Corp., ​he is forced to question everything he believes about family and loyalty. When the truth is finally revealed, Ali must ask himself if he can pay the price unimaginable wealth demands.

From the streets of Mumbai to the upper echelons of Manhattan to old haunts in Queens, A Killer in the Family is an unforgettable portrait of a family in the form of a page-turner. Exploring themes of immigrant achievement, family secrets, and the power of the one percent, A Killer in the Family is a riveting novel that will have listeners second-guessing every member of the Khan family until its shocking end.
My Thoughts:
What a twisted novel (audiobook) Had me listening to finish so I could see what happens. Ali Azeem’s journey from naive newlywed to someone caught in the glittering but dangerous world of the Khan family was fascinating. A sharp, addictive, and unputdownable thriller about power, family, and the hidden cost of wealth.The story revolves around a bachelor from Mumbai who enters into an arranged marriage with the daughter of a powerful real estate tycoon. who marries into a wealthy New York family and soon discovers their empire is built on secrets, lies, and possible murder. He must decide whether to stay loyal or walk away before the truth destroys him .This is a must read for all you thriller and mystery lovers.
Thanks NetGalley Henry Holt and Co. and Author Amin Ahmad for the advanced audio of "A Killer in the Family"
#NetGalley
#HenryHoldandCo.
#AminAhmad
#AKillerintheFamily
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️Trigger Warnings: Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Mental illness, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Grief, Medical trauma, Stalking, Murder

[Tee loves Kyle Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing! I started it and could not put it down. Right from the start you are caught up in the rich world of Muslims and the rich.

I love how Amin described the arranged marriage and the different classes that hold status. How the parents pick who their daughter will marry.

Ali is a wedding photographer when his parents tell him he has been chosen to marry a rich girl. At first he is like no way but his mother pressures him into meeting her and getting to know her to see if he will like her and then in turn marry her. Their first meeting turns out good and Ali agrees to marry her and move to America. Only when he gets there he starts to miss his home and family.

Then Ali gets to sit with his wife's father who is a rich and powerful man in America and he realizes that he is out of his league. But he is determined to do as his mother asked of him and give the marriage a go. Only he finds himself entangled in something he shouldn't be and is hiding a big secret from his new wife.

As Ali is navigating through his new life he finds that the family he married into is not what it seems. There is corruption and family secrets that are better left unsaid and secrets that the family are willing to kill for. The Patriarch of the family rules with an iron fist and no one dares to go against him or make him mad. As Ali joins the family business he is shown a new life that he could get used to but he is not so sure as everyone around him walks on egg shells because no one dares to go up against the boss.

This book had me from page one till the end. There are so many plot twists and turns and so many secrets you can't believe what is going on. The ending was fantastic as it showed who really was in charge and how that person got to that status. I have to say I was shocked when I read the ending because everything started to make sense as to why Ali had so many things happen to him and his secrets weren't even secret because the whole family knew including his doting and loving wife.

This is a must read for all you thriller and mystery lovers. Thank you to Net-Galley for allowing me to read this ARC

[Sacha · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

When the title declares that there's a killer in the family, it's clear that there will be challenging relationships, moral grey areas, and secrets galore. This novel is packed with all of the deception and twists one can imagine, and maybe even some that seem unimaginable!

Ali is chilling in Mumbai, and his main jam is photography. His family is wealthy but have newly entered into a more precarious financial situation. He in no way reflects the prime cut of husband one would expect for the daughter of a wealthy and somewhat crazed man looking to arrange a marriage. Immediately, readers and characters must wonder what we're missing here. Clearly, we're dealing with some important hidden info.

When Ali and Maryam marry, their relationship is also already full of secrets, and those come to light at variable paces throughout the entirety of the novel. These already difficult inclusions are further complicated by Ali's relationship with Maryam's sister, Farhan, and with his growing concern about what's really happening here.

I enjoyed the twistiness of this plot, especially because there was one detail in particular I didn't see coming (guaranteed I didn't want to see it coming). Some of the cultural elements, international locales, and the ending also make this an enjoyable read. I did have challenges with the pacing. At times, I appreciated the slow release of horrifying details and events. At others, I wished for things to speed up a bit. I had that latter feeling more than I'd have liked.

Overall, this was an enjoyable listen, and I recommend the audiobook when and where accessible. I'll be interested in reading more from this author.

*Special thanks to NetGalley, Henry Holt & Co., and Macmillan Audio for this arc and alc. The opinions expressed here are my own.

[bookshelfreader_31 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa! Talk about suspense! What a twisted novel. When I first jumped into this novel, I thought I knew what happened and only wanted the details of why and how. However, everything changed, the characters you think are bad are good and vice versa except you don't have a inkling till the very end because of the diverse twist throughout the book. The Author did an superb job adding the excitement of thrill and romance into the storyline but also many complex plots. This added so much dimension. I found the second half of the book fast paced due to the depth of detail in the narrative. My eyes were glued and my mind was fully captivated to find out what was going to happen next. I needed to know more. Discovering everything about this family and who was the real cause of all these problems! This family has more secrets behind their smiles than you believe. It makes me wonder and question the humans around us. This book sounds like it could be based on a real event. What a psychological thriller!


About the book:

Ever wonder what an arranged marriage can bring you? Maybe a secret affair, with a sister of your wife? A dead body in a boggy area just waiting to be found but never discovered . A scar with a story, waiting for the truth to be discovered ? Where did the detective go? Why disappear ? Why come back? Why tell? Why kill, why interrupt the interview ? All these questions came to my mind and ended with a jaw dropping discovery. I would have never guessed. Maybe , no one is truly innocent in all of this except for that one horrible person. Read to find more behind "The Killer In The Family"

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Killer in the Family is one of those thrillers that sneaks up on you with its charm before pulling you into a darker, twistier world. At first glance, it feels like a glamorous family drama—private jets, skyscrapers, and the intoxicating pull of wealth. But Amin Ahmad cleverly layers in suspense, corruption, and the shadow of a serial killer, turning what could have been a glossy tale into something far more unsettling and addictive.

The protagonist, Ali Azeem, is a good-natured but naïve party boy from Mumbai who stumbles into the orbit of the Khan family. The sisters—Maryam, polished and marriage-ready, and Farhan, unpredictable and magnetic—are irresistible foils, while their father Abbas Khan looms as a patriarch whose empire is as dazzling as it is dangerous. As Ali gets drawn deeper into their world, the novel shifts gears into a propulsive thriller, full of secrets, betrayals, and moral dilemmas.

What makes the book stand out is its tone: sleek and stylish, yet laced with biting social satire. Ahmad writes with an electric voice that keeps the story moving at a brisk pace, while probing the darker side of the American Dream. It’s part caper, part psychological thriller, and part family saga—an unusual but compelling mix.

If you enjoy thrillers that balance glamour with grit, and family drama with genuine menace, A Killer in the Family delivers a wild, entertaining ride. It’s sharp, twisty, and just the right amount of unsettling—perfect for readers who like their suspense with a side of social commentary.

With thanks to Amin Ahmad, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.

[Maya · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was provided to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was intrigued by the concept of this book and excited to receive an ARC from the publisher. I think that the intrigue and excitement of receiving the book is the only thing that gave me the strength to push through the 80% of this book that was a drag to get to the 20% I enjoyed. I had a hard time caring about Ali or any of his problems. I understand that the characters are not meant to be likable but they should at least be engaging. Before the plot picked up at the end, I felt the most engaged by the chapters taken from Fahran’s journal. I think the POV of the sisters would be the most interesting POV to tell this story from but I understand that choice would force the author to reveal information faster than he wanted. I left this book on a high note and am remembering it fondly but oh my god when I actually think about it the vast majority of the book felt like an absolute drag.
I think you’ll like this book more than me if you have interest exploring the dynamics of the super rich, particularly super rich immigrant families. There is obviously a lot of intrigue in how they treat family vs business vs reputation I was just more interested in the thriller part of the book which fell short.

[Mateo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Killer in the Family is a slow-burning family drama that takes its time getting where it’s going. For much of the book, I struggled with the pacing and didn’t feel strongly connected to the characters, and the story often felt more drawn out than necessary. The audiobook narration was solid and helped me stay engaged, but the buildup still felt sluggish at times.

Things shifted significantly once the story reached its later chapters. Chapter 28 delivered a twist I genuinely did not see coming, and from there the family drama took center stage in a way that was shocking and deeply entertaining. While the reveal of the killer itself felt underwhelming, the final stretch offered two major twists rooted in family dynamics rather than the mystery. Those moments were messy, surprising, and absolutely had me saying “wait… what?” out loud. They elevated the ending and ultimately made the slow buildup feel worthwhile. I do wish one character had received a more complete ending, as her storyline simply faded away, but the emotional fallout and drama in the final act are what pushed this book from a 3 to a solid 4 for me.

Out April 7, 2026

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and @netgalley for the gifted ALC

All opinions are my own.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gripped me from the outset and I blew through it quite quickly. I truly enjoyed the story, with its glamorous settings, interesting characters, and surprising twists. This is a fun family drama suspense thriller that is truly engaging and surprising as well.

Ali is a young wedding photographer living with his parents in Mumbai, and he is drawn into an arranged marriage with Maryam, the younger daughter of a Muslim Indian real estate mogul in New York City. Ali enjoys the privileges of his new life, but he has become obsessed with Farhan, his wife's older sister, and the two engage in an affair that quickly becomes very intense.

The story alternates between Ali's narration and Farhan's diary entries. It's a fast-paced narrative that has ups and downs and plenty of twists to keep it interesting. The book is sure to please thriller lovers who enjoy a good plot and fascinating characters.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book. Thank you

The book description sounded interesting; arranged marriage, incredible wealth, intrigue. While the book did have all of this, the characters failed to grab my attention. Well, that's not true, the main character, Ali Azeem, not only got my attention, he began to irritate me. Ali Azeem grew up wealth and coddled and was very focused on himself. This caused him to jump to conclusions, not think things through, wallow in self-pity, and indulge himself. Of course, in fairness, the author Amin Ahmad, probably set out to make Ali Azeem this way, and therefore he was completely successful.
Aside from the main character, there was Maryan, his wife; Farhan, his sister-in-law; Abbas, his father-in-law, and a slew of cousins, aunts and uncles, as he married into a very large family. Throughout the story, there is a lot of action, maybe too much, for I felt we were jumping from scene to scene, rather than have it develop.
I'm sure this book will appeal to some; it just didn't grab me.

[Barbara Schultz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: A Killer in the Family
Author: Amin Ahmid
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Genre: Mystery/Thriller, Family Drama
Pub Date: April 7, 2026
My Rating: 3.3 Stars
Pages: 352

Ali Azeem, is a Muslim bachelor from Mumbai, agrees to a traditional arranged marriage. However, Maryam Khan is the daughter of Abbas Khan, one of the richest men in New York. Ali believes he won the largest prize possible. He moves with Maryam to NYC and he knows this in a whole new world. Shortly after they move and are getting settled Maryam’s older sister, Farhan, tells Ali their father has dark secrets.

Story has me curious although we do find out half way who is the killer in the family. Parts are exciting, and a bit cruel. I found myself rereading to make sure I was getting it.
I did enjoy reading the author’s Acknowledgements – as more than just thank you to those who contributed.

Want to thank NetGalley and Henry Holt and Co. for granting me this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for April 7 2026.

[Cris Alvarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family dramas with secrets and moral tension are some of my favorite reads, and this book delivers in all the right ways. What starts as a seemingly straightforward arranged marriage quickly unfolds into a layered story about wealth, power, and the cost of belonging.

Ali is a compelling protagonist—good-natured but increasingly conflicted as he’s pulled deeper into the glamorous yet unsettling world of the Khan family. The New York setting, from luxury real estate to Hamptons excess, adds a glossy surface that contrasts sharply with the darker truths underneath. Farhan, in particular, is a standout character, bringing tension and intrigue to every scene she’s in.

The suspense builds steadily as rumors turn into revelations, keeping me engaged and questioning where Ali’s loyalties should lie. At its core, this is a thoughtful exploration of morality, complicity, and how easily comfort can blur the line between right and wrong.

A gripping, atmospheric read that stays with you long after the final page.

[Lisa Brooke Reads Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Killer in the Family is a dark, gripping, and beautifully written thriller that hooked me from the very first page. Amin Ahmad has a gift for weaving psychological tension with rich, layered storytelling, and every chapter pulls you deeper into the unsettling world he’s created.

The characters are complex and unforgettable, each carrying secrets that unravel with shocking precision. What I loved most was how Ahmad balanced the suspense with genuine emotional depth; it’s not just a thriller, but a story about family, identity, and the lengths people will go to protect what they love, or destroy it.

The pacing is razor sharp, the twists are brilliantly executed, and the writing is elegant without losing its edge. I found myself thinking about the characters long after I’d finished the last page.

A chilling, masterfully crafted thriller, and an absolute must-read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Ta’Jonn · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is something so compelling about a story where you genuinely can’t find a single 'likable' character to root for. A Killer in the Family is a tangled web of interconnecting stories and sharp plot turns that kept me guessing.

While there is a serial killer looming in the distance, that thread acts more as a dark backdrop for the real meat of the story: the messy, toxic family drama. I loved that the focus stayed on the internal power struggles rather than a standard police procedural. It’s a game of chess where every character is trying to outsmart the next, but in the end, their own flaws keep them from ever truly getting ahead.

If you prefer your thrillers to be character-driven dramas rather than straightforward crime-solving procedurals, I highly recommend picking this one up.

Thank you to Amin Ahmad, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

This book immediately pulled me in. The story seamlessly follows multiple points of view, including Ali's transition from wedding photographer to working for his rich father-in-law, Abbas Khan. It also follows Farhan and Maryam, sisters and daughters of the enigmatic Abbas Khan.

The narrative twists and turns through suspenseful scenes, uncovering multiple family lies, cover-ups, unethical business practices, and family mysteries - all leading to a major twist ending. The story also delves into cultural history, traditions, and family dynamics, which I found very interesting.

Overall, this is an engaging thriller that kept me turning the pages.

[skhye ♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to Macmillan audio as always! (and NetGalley)

I really thought I would enjoy this more than I actually did. I think a part of that comes from the expectations I had for this book. If you’re going into this expecting a fast paced thriller, this probably isn’t the book for you. Like a few other reviews have mentioned: this reads much more like a slow burn family drama. Because it’s a slow burn, parts of the story felt sluggish. Then there were other times where I got lost because the narrative didn’t feel entirely cohesive.
I also never really connected with the characters, though I understand they weren’t meant to be likable. I did enjoy the audiobook narrator for this one though!

[Angel **Book Junkie** · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Amin Ahmad, and Macmillan Audio for providing a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

I’m landing at 2 stars for this one, and honestly, it’s because I’m still confused. The pacing felt slow, and the story never quite found its footing. There were moments where I wanted to stay invested—I genuinely wanted to know what happened—but the uneven structure made it hard to stay engaged. More than once, I found myself drifting because the plot just didn’t hold my interest.

By the end, the whole thing felt like a bit of a train wreck. Not in a dramatic, thrilling way—more in a “wait, what just happened?” kind of way. I walked away with more confusion than clarity.

A promising premise, but ultimately not the experience I hoped for.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this suspenseful novel about a wealthy family with roots in New York and India. Ali, Farhan, Maryam, and Abbas each gave the plot interesting aspects of life as part of the wealthiest New Yorkers. This family definitely ruled a kingdom and harbored so many secrets that reading was like unraveling a ball of yarn. I loved the real life nods to New York City and Mumbai. I always love international stories with multicultural themes. This thriller had everything. I absolutely recommend putting this on everyone's TBR list.

Thank you to Henry Holt and Co., via NetGalley, for this eARC in exchange for an honest review. The book will be published on April 7, 2026.

[Jamie L. Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this ARC copy through a Goodreads giveaway.
It did keep my attention from beginning to end, roughly 300 pages. Its a good length. The author is very descriptive- from food, to clothing, to house designs and interiors.
Its kinda like a "who can screw who harder" type book. The characters are all vying to climb the corporate ladder and will do whatever they need to do to achieve their way to the top. There is also a serial killer to contend with on top of all the manipulating and scheming. In the end, it leaves you wondering. Is there really any good guys after all? Or is everyone just out for themselves with no regards or cares for others?

[Emma Eiden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first want to acknowledge that the amount of time it took me to read. This book is not a reflection on its quality, but I feel like did impact my overall enjoyment of the plot. (Oct 1- Dec 28) 3.5 ⭐️ I thought this one was really good. It hooked me from the start and while I found some elements to be kind of scattered I also found a lot of plot points to interest me in ways that I find hard to find thrillers. A great read if you want a fresh voice outside of traditional mass-market mysteries.

thank you so much to Netgalley and Henry & Holt Co. for this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest feedback and review.

[Alyssa Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Macmillan Audio for my gifted ALC!

Wow.

I haven’t seen nearly enough buzz for what this book deserves. A Killer in the Family is BRILLIANT. An intelligent literary thriller. So intricate, rich in history and heritage, with characters that are multi-layered and complicated. Also absolutely despicable. This is a book made up of unlikeable characters that you can’t help but love for all their veiled evil.

I cannot stress enough how clever this book was. The rich truly are unethical.

I highly recommend this if you want something different from the thriller world. This author is something special. All the stars.

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A riveting family story and murder mystery in which secrets abound. Greed and jealousy abound in the Abbas Khan family where members of the family are pitted against each other. Ali, the new son-in-law of Abbas Khan, becomes enmeshed in an affair with his wife’s sister and then joins Tiger Company to make amends. The twists and turns in the story. But its moral is that Ali soon realizes his choices have trapped him. I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC.

[Willy Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

li Azeem is a successful Mumbai wedding photographer, but, to his worried Ma, his life will only begin when he marries the right Ismaili Muslim girl. However, on his first arranged meeting with pretty and reserved Maryam Khan, the daughter of New York real-estate tycoon Abbas Khan, Ali is attracted, not to Maryam, but to her divorced older sister, the sensuous and mercurial Farhan. Still, because of his father’s financial difficulties, Ali agrees to the match with Maryam. After the wedding (a marathon, multiday affair vividly described), the newlyweds move to Manhattan, and Ali finds himself in a glamorous world of money, power, and prestige. But the naive bridegroom soon learns that beneath the glittering surface lie dark family secrets. Farhan, with whom Ali has embarked on a torrid affair, warns him against her domineering father: “Papa is a monster.” What is Abbas’s connection to the serial murders of young Indian women in Queens, as Farhan implies? Shifting between Ali’s first-person narrative and Farhan’s diary entries, Ahmad skillfully builds page-turning suspense with carefully plotted twists and red herrings that keep readers guessing until the chilling conclusion. His exceptional thriller is also a layered portrait of an immigrant family that has made it big in America and the moral costs paid for this success. With rich character development (Farhan is larger than life) and emotional storytelling, it’s hard to believe this is a first novel.