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Idris Khan #2
The Kingpin
Not yet published
Expected 2 Jul 26Pre-order the new novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Chemist!'Outstanding' Lee Child on A. A. Dhand
‘Dhand is a fearless writer’ Sunday Times
* * * *
Two brothers. One empire. A city ready to fall.
‘We can do what no one’s ever done before. We can become gods in a game built for the devil.’
Idris Khan is no longer the man he used to be. How can he be? Murder changes people – and it has changed him. Once a respected pharmacist, Idris now walks a fine line between survival and destruction. He craves something normal in a world gone to hell – but then Zidane, his estranged brother, walks through the door. Freshly released from prison, Zidane’s presence is radioactive. Truths are laid bare. New alliances are formed. And Zidane has an offer for Idris that could blow his whole world he wants them to take over the entire drug trafficking network in Leeds and Bradford, and rule together.
Now, Idris has a choice to make. Leave Leeds forever, or become the very thing he’s always feared … The Kingpin.
****
Praise for A. A.
‘Terrific … dispensing thrills and tension from start to finish’ Trevor Wood, author of The Man on the Street
‘With an authentic voice, relentless tension and high-octane action, this will have you hooked’ CRIME MONTHLY
‘Adrenaline-filled, dark and propulsive, this fresh thriller will keep you turning the pages’ PLATINUM
'Genuinely gripping' The Times
A. A. Dhand's book 'The Chemist' was a Sunday Times bestseller w/c 2025-05-26.
‘Dhand is a fearless writer’ Sunday Times
* * * *
Two brothers. One empire. A city ready to fall.
‘We can do what no one’s ever done before. We can become gods in a game built for the devil.’
Idris Khan is no longer the man he used to be. How can he be? Murder changes people – and it has changed him. Once a respected pharmacist, Idris now walks a fine line between survival and destruction. He craves something normal in a world gone to hell – but then Zidane, his estranged brother, walks through the door. Freshly released from prison, Zidane’s presence is radioactive. Truths are laid bare. New alliances are formed. And Zidane has an offer for Idris that could blow his whole world he wants them to take over the entire drug trafficking network in Leeds and Bradford, and rule together.
Now, Idris has a choice to make. Leave Leeds forever, or become the very thing he’s always feared … The Kingpin.
****
Praise for A. A.
‘Terrific … dispensing thrills and tension from start to finish’ Trevor Wood, author of The Man on the Street
‘With an authentic voice, relentless tension and high-octane action, this will have you hooked’ CRIME MONTHLY
‘Adrenaline-filled, dark and propulsive, this fresh thriller will keep you turning the pages’ PLATINUM
'Genuinely gripping' The Times
A. A. Dhand's book 'The Chemist' was a Sunday Times bestseller w/c 2025-05-26.
468 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 2, 2026
About the author
A.A. Dhand
10 books207 followersA.A. Dhand was raised in Bradford and spent his youth observing the city from behind the counter of a small convenience store. After qualifying as a pharmacist, he worked in London and travelled extensively before returning to Bradford to start his own business and begin writing. The history, diversity and darkness of the city have inspired his Harry Virdee novels.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 5, 2026
I was worried this wouldn’t be as good as The Chemist (first in the series) but OMG I had absolutely nothing to worry about.
This book is nearly 500 pages and I raced through it as if it were half that length. Gripping, intense, anxiety inducing and SO BLOODY CLEVER! I really hope AA Dhand is going to write a third book because honestly this series is outstanding.
No notes, absolute perfection 👏🏻
This book is nearly 500 pages and I raced through it as if it were half that length. Gripping, intense, anxiety inducing and SO BLOODY CLEVER! I really hope AA Dhand is going to write a third book because honestly this series is outstanding.
No notes, absolute perfection 👏🏻
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and HQ for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I LOVED the first book in this series - The Chemist - and have been looking forward to the sequel ever since.
I admit, it's been a hot minute (I don't know if I've used that in the right context but that's what the kids told me so I'm using it) since I read The Chemist, and with the hundreds of books I read The Chemist, and with the hundreds of books I read. I can't remember them all. So whilst I could recall the general plot, I had forgotten specifics and was worried I'd be a bit lost. But Dhand has done it well. He's dropped little reminders to us without regurgitating the entire story. And you're swept up immediately and any worry about not keeping up is long gone.
I really liked Idris. I'm not necessarily sure we're meant to, he's a bit of a grey area morally. But I can't help it. I feel for him and I just want him to be able to go about his life without all this palaver.
I'm a 300-350 page length kind of reader, and so at almost 500 pages, that was always going to be a struggle for me. Or so I thought. I zoomed through it like it was half the length. There are slower parts and faster parts, but it never feels a slog or overwhelming, which is impressive. It could have been shorted, made some scenes a bit more concise, but there's nothing wrong with it as it is, and somehow I still managed to read it in less than 24 hours as it was such good storytelling.
It's complex and complicated and you can't afford your attention to drift off. You need your wits about you to follow the different strands coming off the story. There are a lot of characters, lots of subplots, and yeah, you have to keep up because if you miss one bit then you'll be lost.
I mean, it's not an easy book to read topic wise. It's harsh and vulgar and scary and raw and explicit. You have to go through a lot of that, which can be hard at times, and yet it still works. It still feels real - even if we wish these kind of things weren't.
I loved The Chemist and I didn't know how he'd follow it, especially as I didn't think it 100% warranted a sequel, but now I've read this, it's obvious it needed a sequel, and this is so good. I am fairly confident there will be at least a third installment. It ends well but there's still some unanswered questions.
The plot is interesting, the storytelling masterful, the characters human and well-rounded, the peril, the fear, the thrills, the emotion - it's all there and don't very well. Dhand's other books will definitely be going on my wishlist.
I LOVED the first book in this series - The Chemist - and have been looking forward to the sequel ever since.
I admit, it's been a hot minute (I don't know if I've used that in the right context but that's what the kids told me so I'm using it) since I read The Chemist, and with the hundreds of books I read The Chemist, and with the hundreds of books I read. I can't remember them all. So whilst I could recall the general plot, I had forgotten specifics and was worried I'd be a bit lost. But Dhand has done it well. He's dropped little reminders to us without regurgitating the entire story. And you're swept up immediately and any worry about not keeping up is long gone.
I really liked Idris. I'm not necessarily sure we're meant to, he's a bit of a grey area morally. But I can't help it. I feel for him and I just want him to be able to go about his life without all this palaver.
I'm a 300-350 page length kind of reader, and so at almost 500 pages, that was always going to be a struggle for me. Or so I thought. I zoomed through it like it was half the length. There are slower parts and faster parts, but it never feels a slog or overwhelming, which is impressive. It could have been shorted, made some scenes a bit more concise, but there's nothing wrong with it as it is, and somehow I still managed to read it in less than 24 hours as it was such good storytelling.
It's complex and complicated and you can't afford your attention to drift off. You need your wits about you to follow the different strands coming off the story. There are a lot of characters, lots of subplots, and yeah, you have to keep up because if you miss one bit then you'll be lost.
I mean, it's not an easy book to read topic wise. It's harsh and vulgar and scary and raw and explicit. You have to go through a lot of that, which can be hard at times, and yet it still works. It still feels real - even if we wish these kind of things weren't.
I loved The Chemist and I didn't know how he'd follow it, especially as I didn't think it 100% warranted a sequel, but now I've read this, it's obvious it needed a sequel, and this is so good. I am fairly confident there will be at least a third installment. It ends well but there's still some unanswered questions.
The plot is interesting, the storytelling masterful, the characters human and well-rounded, the peril, the fear, the thrills, the emotion - it's all there and don't very well. Dhand's other books will definitely be going on my wishlist.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Idris drags himself through another day at his pharmacy, but is changed by past events. He is surprised when his brother Zidane steps through the doors, freshly released from prison. Zidane has an offer for Idris, one that may blow his whole world apart and he now has a choice to make. Leave Leeds forever or become the very thing he has always feared.
The Chemist was the first book I read by this author but ended up one of my top reads of the previous year. Ever since finishing it, I have been excited to get my hands on another instalment, with The Kingpin being one of my most anticipated reads. And wow, this did not disappoint! As with The Chemist, this was a dark, intense, fast paced read - I couldn’t turn the pages quickly enough. The action started straight away and never dropped, not once was there a dull moment. What I especially love about this series is the exploration around medications and chemistry and how this is used to vindicate and gain an advantage. Especially enjoying the uniqueness of this and finding it clever and compelling.
This was the second book in the series and although it could work as a standalone, I would urge everyone to read the previous book first to really understand the characters and back stories. I often find that characters from prequels fade in my mind before I get the chance to read the next one, taking a while to remember them fully. Not with the characters in this series! Straight away I could fully reconnect with them and remember their backgrounds and personas, with all being very strongly portrayed. I love Idris as a main character, despite his flaws, as he feels authentic, original and interesting and I find myself rooting for him. I am hoping I get to catch up with the characters again sooner rather than later!
The author does a fantastic job at describing the brutality and grittiness of the estate and the violence and despair that radiate from it and past encounters. This has rapidly become a favourite series of mine and one that I have already been recommending to all, even those who don’t usually enjoy this genre as much (it will soon change your mind). Easily another solid 5 stars and one of the top books of the year again - I already need another! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
The Chemist was the first book I read by this author but ended up one of my top reads of the previous year. Ever since finishing it, I have been excited to get my hands on another instalment, with The Kingpin being one of my most anticipated reads. And wow, this did not disappoint! As with The Chemist, this was a dark, intense, fast paced read - I couldn’t turn the pages quickly enough. The action started straight away and never dropped, not once was there a dull moment. What I especially love about this series is the exploration around medications and chemistry and how this is used to vindicate and gain an advantage. Especially enjoying the uniqueness of this and finding it clever and compelling.
This was the second book in the series and although it could work as a standalone, I would urge everyone to read the previous book first to really understand the characters and back stories. I often find that characters from prequels fade in my mind before I get the chance to read the next one, taking a while to remember them fully. Not with the characters in this series! Straight away I could fully reconnect with them and remember their backgrounds and personas, with all being very strongly portrayed. I love Idris as a main character, despite his flaws, as he feels authentic, original and interesting and I find myself rooting for him. I am hoping I get to catch up with the characters again sooner rather than later!
The author does a fantastic job at describing the brutality and grittiness of the estate and the violence and despair that radiate from it and past encounters. This has rapidly become a favourite series of mine and one that I have already been recommending to all, even those who don’t usually enjoy this genre as much (it will soon change your mind). Easily another solid 5 stars and one of the top books of the year again - I already need another! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the second book in the Idris Khan series. I've read the first book, The Chemist and really enjoyed it so was keen to read this one. Idris is a community pharmacist dispensing methadone to his local community. He began as fairly mild mannered but has turned into this demon pharmacist who uses his knowledge of medicines to protect himself and the more vulnerable in the community. In this book Idris is still working in the pharmacy, but there is a new kingpin in charge of The Mews estate, a notorious estate where he prescribes the methadone. He is also being pursued by a detective from the local police force to help him find who was responsible for his son's death.
This isn't my usual type of read. It's feels very "gangland" and it's quite violent. However, I really like Idris and find it so clever how he uses his knowledge of medicines and chemistry to serve justice to the criminals in the area. For me, the storyline took a bit of building initially, setting the scene and introducing us to the characters. However, once it took off I flew through the pages and struggled to put the book down! It took me on a scary journey through the most deprived and dangerous areas of Leeds, where prostitution and drugs are a common theme. It is a little gruesome at times with some of the killings, but it's brilliant writing and the way Idris works out how chemicals and medicines work together is genius! You can certainly tell that the author has worked in this field!
The book is fast paced, thrilling and will hold you on the edge of your seat. There are lots of twists and it is a great addition to this series. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book. Would recommend.
This isn't my usual type of read. It's feels very "gangland" and it's quite violent. However, I really like Idris and find it so clever how he uses his knowledge of medicines and chemistry to serve justice to the criminals in the area. For me, the storyline took a bit of building initially, setting the scene and introducing us to the characters. However, once it took off I flew through the pages and struggled to put the book down! It took me on a scary journey through the most deprived and dangerous areas of Leeds, where prostitution and drugs are a common theme. It is a little gruesome at times with some of the killings, but it's brilliant writing and the way Idris works out how chemicals and medicines work together is genius! You can certainly tell that the author has worked in this field!
The book is fast paced, thrilling and will hold you on the edge of your seat. There are lots of twists and it is a great addition to this series. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book. Would recommend.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A great follow up to “The Chemist” which I suggest you read first as it is a clever and compelling book which sets out the background of Idris and Rebecca who are the lead characters in “The Kingpin”
Idris is a pharmacist who runs a chemist near the notorious Mews, a violent estate in Bradford where he provides methadone for the addicts and medicines for all the residents. He has committed some serious crimes in order to save Rebecca as well as himself, he has killed some evil men using his skills as a chemist but he is now being blackmailed by a dying policeman who wants vengeance on some equally awful villains and he is using Idris as his hitman! Complicated?!!
Throw into this mix an evil drug lord that is making many lives a misery and a newly released criminal- Idris’s drug dealing and murderous brother and this book turns into an explosive and fast paced thriller which is difficult to put down.
Idris is a great character, flawed, committing murder but supposedly for the right reasons- the men deserve to die- but it takes its toll. He just wants to disappear with Rebecca but first he has to have the money and it’s only his skills as a chemist and his innate intelligence that can help him.
The last page of the book left me wanting more and I could tell that another one would be on the way soon!
I really liked how Idris used his knowledge of “Chemistry” to get out of trouble- it was clear that the book had been written by someone who knew a lot about the subject! All the “kills” were ingenious and as the victims were all so unsavoury the reader feels little sorrow at their demise.
Definitely a five star read for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.
Idris is a pharmacist who runs a chemist near the notorious Mews, a violent estate in Bradford where he provides methadone for the addicts and medicines for all the residents. He has committed some serious crimes in order to save Rebecca as well as himself, he has killed some evil men using his skills as a chemist but he is now being blackmailed by a dying policeman who wants vengeance on some equally awful villains and he is using Idris as his hitman! Complicated?!!
Throw into this mix an evil drug lord that is making many lives a misery and a newly released criminal- Idris’s drug dealing and murderous brother and this book turns into an explosive and fast paced thriller which is difficult to put down.
Idris is a great character, flawed, committing murder but supposedly for the right reasons- the men deserve to die- but it takes its toll. He just wants to disappear with Rebecca but first he has to have the money and it’s only his skills as a chemist and his innate intelligence that can help him.
The last page of the book left me wanting more and I could tell that another one would be on the way soon!
I really liked how Idris used his knowledge of “Chemistry” to get out of trouble- it was clear that the book had been written by someone who knew a lot about the subject! All the “kills” were ingenious and as the victims were all so unsavoury the reader feels little sorrow at their demise.
Definitely a five star read for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Chemist was one of my favourite books of last year, Idris Khan the community minded pharmacist forced to take extreme measures to protect himself and those close to him. If you haven’t read The Chemist then read it now - not only is it a brilliant book but you really need to catch up on the story so far to get the best out of The Kingpin.
Idris returns in The Kingpin, his brother Zidane has just been released from prison with a plan to take over the Leeds drugs trade. Idris has his own worries, with The Mews, the notorious estate where he supplies prescription methadone to addicts. There’s also an aging DCI taking a close interest in Idris’s previous deeds.
The Kingpin is simply brilliant. Idris is an intelligent man in a world of violence, control and cruelty. He longs to escape but the past and the pasts of those close to him are coming back to haunt him.
If you read The Chemist you already know, if you’ve read the Virdee series you already know. A. A. Dhand is writing the sharpest inner-city crime thrillers of the era - all informed by a deep personal knowledge and understanding of the cities portrayed. This is as good as it gets.
The Kingpin is stunning, superb. Relentless tension, ever-increasing pressure, frequently violent with some unique execution methods. Another book of the year and I can’t wait for book three.
Definitely recommend, a must read.
Thanks to Netgalley and HQ Stories
Idris returns in The Kingpin, his brother Zidane has just been released from prison with a plan to take over the Leeds drugs trade. Idris has his own worries, with The Mews, the notorious estate where he supplies prescription methadone to addicts. There’s also an aging DCI taking a close interest in Idris’s previous deeds.
The Kingpin is simply brilliant. Idris is an intelligent man in a world of violence, control and cruelty. He longs to escape but the past and the pasts of those close to him are coming back to haunt him.
If you read The Chemist you already know, if you’ve read the Virdee series you already know. A. A. Dhand is writing the sharpest inner-city crime thrillers of the era - all informed by a deep personal knowledge and understanding of the cities portrayed. This is as good as it gets.
The Kingpin is stunning, superb. Relentless tension, ever-increasing pressure, frequently violent with some unique execution methods. Another book of the year and I can’t wait for book three.
Definitely recommend, a must read.
Thanks to Netgalley and HQ Stories
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Kingpin is the second book in the Idris Khan series by A. A. Dhand. I really enjoyed ‘The Chemist’ so, I was really looking forward to reading the next instalment.
Idris is back as the chemist dispensing medicine to the residents of the local notorious estate called the Mews in Bradford and providing methadone to the local drug addicts on the estate. He has done things he hasn’t been proud off to keep himself and his wife safe. The local police has asked him to help find the killers responsible who killed his son.
At the same time his brother, a drug lord Zidane has just been released from Prison and has asked Idris to help to take control of the cities drug underworld.
This is another fast-paced dark gritty thriller by A. A. Dhand. It’s not only about revenge but also family and loyalty to his brother. I love the character of Idris how he used his knowledge of the chemist to get out of some sticky situations. You can tell that the author has experience in this field. But by forced to help others he is turning into someone that he is trying to protect others from.
This is a great read that had me reading to the small hours of the morning and I could really picture this on screen. I hope there is more to come of this series I think it is different but a fantastic read especially towards the end. 5 stars from me.
Idris is back as the chemist dispensing medicine to the residents of the local notorious estate called the Mews in Bradford and providing methadone to the local drug addicts on the estate. He has done things he hasn’t been proud off to keep himself and his wife safe. The local police has asked him to help find the killers responsible who killed his son.
At the same time his brother, a drug lord Zidane has just been released from Prison and has asked Idris to help to take control of the cities drug underworld.
This is another fast-paced dark gritty thriller by A. A. Dhand. It’s not only about revenge but also family and loyalty to his brother. I love the character of Idris how he used his knowledge of the chemist to get out of some sticky situations. You can tell that the author has experience in this field. But by forced to help others he is turning into someone that he is trying to protect others from.
This is a great read that had me reading to the small hours of the morning and I could really picture this on screen. I hope there is more to come of this series I think it is different but a fantastic read especially towards the end. 5 stars from me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Book 2 in the Idris Khan series and packing just as much as a punch as book 1.
After finishing The Chemist, I was so excited to get my hands on this one. The King Pin was dark, it was fast paced and full of all the drama and tension that book 1 treated us to. I couldn’t turn the pages quick enough.
It’s such a clever concept, Idris, being the brilliant pharmacist that he is and manipulating medications in order to work for himself and what he must do to survive.
The author has done such a brilliant job at describing the dark nitty gritty world of Idris in which is actually so realistic in the world we live in today.
I loved it, really looking forward to seeing what is next from this Author, I have a feeling this isn’t the last we hear from Idris.
Thank you to HQ & NetGalley for the ARC.
After finishing The Chemist, I was so excited to get my hands on this one. The King Pin was dark, it was fast paced and full of all the drama and tension that book 1 treated us to. I couldn’t turn the pages quick enough.
It’s such a clever concept, Idris, being the brilliant pharmacist that he is and manipulating medications in order to work for himself and what he must do to survive.
The author has done such a brilliant job at describing the dark nitty gritty world of Idris in which is actually so realistic in the world we live in today.
I loved it, really looking forward to seeing what is next from this Author, I have a feeling this isn’t the last we hear from Idris.
Thank you to HQ & NetGalley for the ARC.
May 17, 2026
The easiest 5 star this year! Please hurry and publish the next one!!!!
Literally could not put this down- every opportunity I had to read, I took it!
Thought the first book was awesome but this next one, wow!
Immediately immersed you back into the gritty lives of Idris and co. So pleased to see old characters again and the build of new ones was fantastic.
If you could see the imagery built in my head from the great writing, it would be the best film!!!
Well done on another book that will be no doubt, be in the top 10 for the year!
If you haven’t read The Chemist- do so and then indulge in the next layer of drama that unfolds within The Kingpin. Fantastic!!!
Thanks to Netgalley, AA Dhand and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review. So happy I got to read this!!
Literally could not put this down- every opportunity I had to read, I took it!
Thought the first book was awesome but this next one, wow!
Immediately immersed you back into the gritty lives of Idris and co. So pleased to see old characters again and the build of new ones was fantastic.
If you could see the imagery built in my head from the great writing, it would be the best film!!!
Well done on another book that will be no doubt, be in the top 10 for the year!
If you haven’t read The Chemist- do so and then indulge in the next layer of drama that unfolds within The Kingpin. Fantastic!!!
Thanks to Netgalley, AA Dhand and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review. So happy I got to read this!!
May 30, 2026
The Kingpin was a five star read for me. A.A. Dhand writes crime fiction with real grit and authenticity, and I was completely drawn into Idris Khan’s world from the first page.
Idris’s estranged brother returns with a plan to take control of the gangster underworld of Leeds and Bradford. Now Idris is forced to choose between family loyalty and survival.
The pace is fast, the stakes are high and the setting feels incredibly vivid. Leeds and Bradford are brought to life in a way that makes them feel as important as the characters themselves.
Dark, addictive and impossible to put down, this is another outstanding crime thriller from A.A. Dhand.
With thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
Idris’s estranged brother returns with a plan to take control of the gangster underworld of Leeds and Bradford. Now Idris is forced to choose between family loyalty and survival.
The pace is fast, the stakes are high and the setting feels incredibly vivid. Leeds and Bradford are brought to life in a way that makes them feel as important as the characters themselves.
Dark, addictive and impossible to put down, this is another outstanding crime thriller from A.A. Dhand.
With thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
June 10, 2026
I always worry when reading a sequel that it won’t be as good as the first, but honestly I needn’t have. This was absolutely equally as good as The Chemist. If I could give both books 6 stars I absolutely would. Gritty, so incredibly clever and emotional. I really hope Dhand continues this series because I am HOOKED!
Thank you to NetGalley & HQ for the ARC in return for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley & HQ for the ARC in return for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A fantastic read, continuing on from The Chemist. A long and engrossing book with a very twisty, clever concept. As a fan of gritty crime novels this was right up my street and I absolutely loved it! Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews