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Detective Aunty Investigates #2
Moonlight Murder: A Detective Aunty Novel
Not yet published
Expected 5 May 26Win a free print copy of this book!
23 days and 01:28:37
25 copies available
U.S. only
Kausar Khan returns to dispense more vigil-aunty justice in the second installment of the critically acclaimed Detective Aunty series—and this time, the crime Kausar is investigating is dredging up memories she buried long ago . . .
When Kausar Khan moved back to Toronto to be closer to her family, she didn't expect to have another murder investigation on her hands so soon—or really ever. But when a young man named Qasim is found dead in their Golden Crescent neighborhood, and when she learns he was close to her granddaughter, Maleeha, what’s a grandmother to do but try and solve the case?
And it’s not just her heartbroken granddaughter spurring Kausar to find answers; it’s also how the circumstances of Qasim’s death remind her of her own teenage son, Ali, and his mysterious death nearly twenty years before. Kausar knows firsthand what a difference closure can make to a grieving parent—and the more she seeks to find that for Qasim's parents, the more she begins to realize that perhaps it's time she finds closure for herself as well.
As Kausar digs into both Qasim’s and Ali’s cases and her “aunty” skills continue to bring more information to light, she can’t help but wonder if the similarities between the two cases are more than just mere coincidence. But how could two deaths, twenty years apart, possibly be related?
Detective Aunty is determined to find out.
When Kausar Khan moved back to Toronto to be closer to her family, she didn't expect to have another murder investigation on her hands so soon—or really ever. But when a young man named Qasim is found dead in their Golden Crescent neighborhood, and when she learns he was close to her granddaughter, Maleeha, what’s a grandmother to do but try and solve the case?
And it’s not just her heartbroken granddaughter spurring Kausar to find answers; it’s also how the circumstances of Qasim’s death remind her of her own teenage son, Ali, and his mysterious death nearly twenty years before. Kausar knows firsthand what a difference closure can make to a grieving parent—and the more she seeks to find that for Qasim's parents, the more she begins to realize that perhaps it's time she finds closure for herself as well.
As Kausar digs into both Qasim’s and Ali’s cases and her “aunty” skills continue to bring more information to light, she can’t help but wonder if the similarities between the two cases are more than just mere coincidence. But how could two deaths, twenty years apart, possibly be related?
Detective Aunty is determined to find out.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication May 5, 2026
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About the author
Uzma Jalaluddin
9 books2,744 followersI write funny, nuanced stories about Muslims, South Asians, Canadians, people. MUCH ADO ABOUT NADA (June 2023), THREE HOLIDAYS AND A WEDDING (Sept 2023), HANA KHAN CARRIES ON (2021) and AYESHA AT LAST (2019). Find out more at www.uzmajalaluddin.com and thanks for visiting!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Review of advance copy
always a fun time with an uzma jalaluddin novel!
we meet kausar khan as she's settling into a new phase of life as 'detective aunty'. she's tasked by her granddaughter to solve the murder of her classmate. this time it's not directly connected to any of her living family members, but to the son that passed two decades ago. the loss that changed the trajectory of her life.
i enjoyed revisiting the familiar faces of goulden crescent. there's so much lore and drama in this one community i'm convinced that uzma could write several more books about it.
the murder mystery in this is less urgent than the first book but no less interesting. i was actually quite captivated by all the threads and seemingly dead ends kausar kept encountering. the story does suffer from slower pacing in the second half, but I do think that matches the more somber, melancholy atmosphere of the mystery and its resolution. it's hard to come away happy from this one.
i will say that i overall liked the first book a lot more than this one. it just felt very fresh and exciting as you get to meet a whole cast of very dubious characters. this sequel tries its best to endear you to all the recurring characters but it didn't quite hit the mark for me.
the cliffhanger did get me though. we have another detective aunty in store and this time it centers on a character i think kausar, uzma and us readers will all be pretty stoked to see go through the cycle of trauma (in a good way lol).
we meet kausar khan as she's settling into a new phase of life as 'detective aunty'. she's tasked by her granddaughter to solve the murder of her classmate. this time it's not directly connected to any of her living family members, but to the son that passed two decades ago. the loss that changed the trajectory of her life.
i enjoyed revisiting the familiar faces of goulden crescent. there's so much lore and drama in this one community i'm convinced that uzma could write several more books about it.
the murder mystery in this is less urgent than the first book but no less interesting. i was actually quite captivated by all the threads and seemingly dead ends kausar kept encountering. the story does suffer from slower pacing in the second half, but I do think that matches the more somber, melancholy atmosphere of the mystery and its resolution. it's hard to come away happy from this one.
i will say that i overall liked the first book a lot more than this one. it just felt very fresh and exciting as you get to meet a whole cast of very dubious characters. this sequel tries its best to endear you to all the recurring characters but it didn't quite hit the mark for me.
the cliffhanger did get me though. we have another detective aunty in store and this time it centers on a character i think kausar, uzma and us readers will all be pretty stoked to see go through the cycle of trauma (in a good way lol).
Want to read
December 1, 2025AHHHHHHH im screaming i cannot wait to read this!!!! 🥹😭😭😭🧡💛💚
February 16, 2026
I don’t know if I just wasn’t in the right mood when reading the first Detective Aunty book, or if this one is just that much better, but I enjoyed this sequel so much more. I loved how Kausar grows in this one, in so many ways. I thought it was so poignant for her to have to confront her son’s murder more directly because of her granddaughter’s friend’s death. I appreciated how things were woven together and how Kausar had to go about trying to sort through all the different connections. In my opinion, a skillful and well-balanced mystery novel is one in which things aren’t too easily solved too early on, but also doesn’t involve hiding details from the reader so that it’s only obvious to our intrepid detective. In this book, I felt like Jalaluddin struck that balance well. And, as with all of her books I’ve read so far, I greatly enjoyed how Jalaluddin incorporates South Asian culture into the book.
Many thanks to Uzma Jalaluddin and Harper Collins for the chance to read this in advance and to leave this honest review.
Many thanks to Uzma Jalaluddin and Harper Collins for the chance to read this in advance and to leave this honest review.
March 9, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers for this ARC of Moonlight Murder by Uzma Jalaluddin.
This is a compelling sequel that stands alone, making it accessible for both returning readers and newcomers. Filled with suspense and intrigue, the storyline weaves through themes of justice and revenge, identity and transformation, and trust and betrayal, while embedding cultural detail throughout.
Aunty Kausar shines as a matriarch whose observation skills and unassuming demeanour are leveraged in her pursuit for truth. Challenging stereotypes with confidence, she is an endearing and compelling character.
Overall, Moonlight Murder is a must-read for anyone looking for a cozy mystery with a good dose of humour!
This is a compelling sequel that stands alone, making it accessible for both returning readers and newcomers. Filled with suspense and intrigue, the storyline weaves through themes of justice and revenge, identity and transformation, and trust and betrayal, while embedding cultural detail throughout.
Aunty Kausar shines as a matriarch whose observation skills and unassuming demeanour are leveraged in her pursuit for truth. Challenging stereotypes with confidence, she is an endearing and compelling character.
Overall, Moonlight Murder is a must-read for anyone looking for a cozy mystery with a good dose of humour!
March 30, 2026
After having read and enjoyed the first in the Canadian Detective Aunty cozy mystery series, I knew I had to read the second installment. This second one is a great follow-up and although it can be read as a standalone, the series is so good that I recommend reading both books.
It was great to once again be pulled into Kausar’s world, the smart, observant, middle-aged Muslim amateur sleuth who this time around investigates the death of a teenager in her Toronto community. His death stirs up memories about Kausar’s own teenage son’s death almost twenty years ago. Helping Kausar is her close friend, May, who returns from book 1. I love their easy, relatable friendship, one of the highlights of the book for me.
I enjoyed seeing the growth of Kausar’s character as she worked through issues long suppressed and the further development of her relationship with her daughter and granddaughters and with Nasir, her love interest. I also liked that Muslim culture and traditions continued to be woven throughout the story.
With its solid pacing, engaging writing, and lovable main character, I can’t wait for the next book!
Thanks to the publisher for the complimentary digital copy. All opinions are my own.
It was great to once again be pulled into Kausar’s world, the smart, observant, middle-aged Muslim amateur sleuth who this time around investigates the death of a teenager in her Toronto community. His death stirs up memories about Kausar’s own teenage son’s death almost twenty years ago. Helping Kausar is her close friend, May, who returns from book 1. I love their easy, relatable friendship, one of the highlights of the book for me.
I enjoyed seeing the growth of Kausar’s character as she worked through issues long suppressed and the further development of her relationship with her daughter and granddaughters and with Nasir, her love interest. I also liked that Muslim culture and traditions continued to be woven throughout the story.
With its solid pacing, engaging writing, and lovable main character, I can’t wait for the next book!
Thanks to the publisher for the complimentary digital copy. All opinions are my own.
January 25, 2026
The way that I consumed this book in a day is very telling. For me to have done that, means the book was well written; and had me on my toes the entire time to where I needed [insert that one SpongeBob meme]to know how it ended right away. I,along with everyone else in the world, want to know the secret of Kausar Aunty and how she isn’t a consultant for a police department. I hope I’m a nosey aunty like she is one day.
I will say I’m excited for the third book (iykyk) and is wondering how many more books in this series will there be.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. If the pattern is right, then I can’t wait for May of 2027 for the next installment.
I will say I’m excited for the third book (iykyk) and is wondering how many more books in this series will there be.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. If the pattern is right, then I can’t wait for May of 2027 for the next installment.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What do Miss Marple, Sherlock Holmes, Finlay Donovan, and Ernest Cunningham all have in common? They can’t seem to stay away from murder investigations… and now Kausar Khan can officially join that list.
I was so excited to receive this ARC, but I’ve already preordered my own copy because I’ll be attending an event with Uzma Jalaluddin on release day—which makes this book feel even more special. This is the second installment in the series, following Detective Aunty. I do recommend starting with the first book if you can, but you could still jump in here.
I love this series. I completed my Bachelor’s of Education in North Bay, and what I like about this series is that it’s set in Toronto. Seeing familiar Ontario places pop up in a mystery is such a fun bonus, making the story feel extra immersive.
Kausar Khan is a widow, mother, grandmother, and someone who has spent most of her life being underestimated. She married young and didn’t work outside the home, but she managed her family’s finances, raised three children, and stayed deeply involved in her community. She’s also an avid reader of mystery novels and incredibly observant—which turns out to be a very useful skill when solving crimes. Being underestimated is actually Kausar’s secret weapon. People tend to reveal more than they should when they assume you’re “just an aunty.”
What I loved most about this installment is how much growth we see from Kausar. The mystery pulls her deeper into parts of her past that she’s spent years avoiding, and watching her confront those memories while still showing up for her family was really compelling. It was also lovely to see her relationships continue to evolve—especially with Nasir (👀), her daughter Sana, and her granddaughters. And of course, having her best friend, May, around adds some extra warmth and humour to the story.
The audiobook narration by Deepti Gupta was excellent. She really brought Detective Aunty to life, capturing Kausar’s warmth, determination, and sharp observational humour perfectly. Each character felt distinct, and her performance added an extra layer of personality, making the listening experience even more enjoyable.
Detective Aunty continues to prove that you should never underestimate a mystery-loving grandmother.
Thanks to Uzma Jalaluddin, HarperCollins Canada Audio & NetGalley for the advanced copy! Moonlight Murder is available for purchase on March 31st, 2026.
I was so excited to receive this ARC, but I’ve already preordered my own copy because I’ll be attending an event with Uzma Jalaluddin on release day—which makes this book feel even more special. This is the second installment in the series, following Detective Aunty. I do recommend starting with the first book if you can, but you could still jump in here.
I love this series. I completed my Bachelor’s of Education in North Bay, and what I like about this series is that it’s set in Toronto. Seeing familiar Ontario places pop up in a mystery is such a fun bonus, making the story feel extra immersive.
Kausar Khan is a widow, mother, grandmother, and someone who has spent most of her life being underestimated. She married young and didn’t work outside the home, but she managed her family’s finances, raised three children, and stayed deeply involved in her community. She’s also an avid reader of mystery novels and incredibly observant—which turns out to be a very useful skill when solving crimes. Being underestimated is actually Kausar’s secret weapon. People tend to reveal more than they should when they assume you’re “just an aunty.”
What I loved most about this installment is how much growth we see from Kausar. The mystery pulls her deeper into parts of her past that she’s spent years avoiding, and watching her confront those memories while still showing up for her family was really compelling. It was also lovely to see her relationships continue to evolve—especially with Nasir (👀), her daughter Sana, and her granddaughters. And of course, having her best friend, May, around adds some extra warmth and humour to the story.
The audiobook narration by Deepti Gupta was excellent. She really brought Detective Aunty to life, capturing Kausar’s warmth, determination, and sharp observational humour perfectly. Each character felt distinct, and her performance added an extra layer of personality, making the listening experience even more enjoyable.
Detective Aunty continues to prove that you should never underestimate a mystery-loving grandmother.
Thanks to Uzma Jalaluddin, HarperCollins Canada Audio & NetGalley for the advanced copy! Moonlight Murder is available for purchase on March 31st, 2026.
March 17, 2026
After reading the first book earlier this year, I was excited to be granted the opportunity to read an advanced copy of the second: Moonlight Murder.
Kausar Khan, a widow, mother, and grandmother, knows what it’s like to be underestimated. Though she married young and was not employed outside the home, she managed her families finances, raised three wonderful children, and was actively involved in her community. She also is an avid reader of mystery fiction and is astutely observant. Being underestimated has its perks when trying to pry information from suspects and witnesses.
This is the second instalment of the series and I certainly recommend reading it first but you can start with this one if you’d like! In the first instalment, Kausar Aunty rekindles her estranged relationship with her daughter after she is falsely accused of murder and ends up solving the case, freeing Sana of all charges.
Now: After the tragic passing of her 15-yr-old son, Ali, nearly two decades ago, the fog of grief has finally begun to lift and she is ready to find out more about what happened the night of the hit and run that ended his life far too soon. Just as she begins to allow her mind back into that period of time, her granddaughter Maleeha’s friend, Qasim, was found dead at a nearby pond that is rarely frequently by those with good intentions. Maleeha begs her Nani to please help solve this case too because there is no way that Qasim would have done this to himself like the rumours are saying.
This was a really nice addition to the series and I preferred it to the first! Kausar, aka Detective Aunty, goes through a lot of character development in this instalment and I am proud of her for her decisions to work toward finding justice for Ali, and to support her granddaughter. It was great to see her relationships improve with Nasir (a potential love interest), her daughter Sana, and her granddaughters. And of course having her best friend May come visit made it extra fun.
Thank you to Harper Collins Canada and Net Galley for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Kausar Khan, a widow, mother, and grandmother, knows what it’s like to be underestimated. Though she married young and was not employed outside the home, she managed her families finances, raised three wonderful children, and was actively involved in her community. She also is an avid reader of mystery fiction and is astutely observant. Being underestimated has its perks when trying to pry information from suspects and witnesses.
This is the second instalment of the series and I certainly recommend reading it first but you can start with this one if you’d like! In the first instalment, Kausar Aunty rekindles her estranged relationship with her daughter after she is falsely accused of murder and ends up solving the case, freeing Sana of all charges.
Now: After the tragic passing of her 15-yr-old son, Ali, nearly two decades ago, the fog of grief has finally begun to lift and she is ready to find out more about what happened the night of the hit and run that ended his life far too soon. Just as she begins to allow her mind back into that period of time, her granddaughter Maleeha’s friend, Qasim, was found dead at a nearby pond that is rarely frequently by those with good intentions. Maleeha begs her Nani to please help solve this case too because there is no way that Qasim would have done this to himself like the rumours are saying.
This was a really nice addition to the series and I preferred it to the first! Kausar, aka Detective Aunty, goes through a lot of character development in this instalment and I am proud of her for her decisions to work toward finding justice for Ali, and to support her granddaughter. It was great to see her relationships improve with Nasir (a potential love interest), her daughter Sana, and her granddaughters. And of course having her best friend May come visit made it extra fun.
Thank you to Harper Collins Canada and Net Galley for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
February 6, 2026
This is a solid entry into what I hope becomes the long-running Detective Aunty Investigates series. I enjoyed the first one, Detective Aunty, but this second one is even better. What I loved most was that the mystery was strong. In fact, there are two mysteries that Detective Aunty investigates in Moonlight Murder. One murder happened almost 20 years ago and the other one is recent. The author successfully makes this a cohesive story. Not only are the mysteries strong, there are subplots with the characters that are seamlessly woven in. These characters are flawed, yet very likeable, and they have depth, which makes their stories more interesting.
There are two things, however, that convinced me to give this four instead of five stars. First, and most notable, was the sprinkling of cursing. I was surprised to see it so much in this book because I don't remember any swearing at all in the first book. The first time I read a swear word in this book, I actually laughed out loud because I genuinely thought it was well-placed despite not being a fan of swear words. However, it continued to happen and such language quickly felt out of place. I would have enjoyed the book more without the swear words.
The second thing was I didn't understand why Kausar kept things under wraps when she knew more than her family did. I won't spoil it by telling you what the secret was. It just didn't make sense to me why she couldn't be more open with it. Other than these two things, this is a near perfect cozy mystery. There is a cliffhanger at the end, which makes me eager to read the next book. (I hope there will be a third book!) I also want to explore other books written by Uzma Jalaluddin.
Thanks to Harper Perennial and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this book.
See my full review here: https://caboodleofcozies.blogspot.com...
There are two things, however, that convinced me to give this four instead of five stars. First, and most notable, was the sprinkling of cursing. I was surprised to see it so much in this book because I don't remember any swearing at all in the first book. The first time I read a swear word in this book, I actually laughed out loud because I genuinely thought it was well-placed despite not being a fan of swear words. However, it continued to happen and such language quickly felt out of place. I would have enjoyed the book more without the swear words.
The second thing was I didn't understand why Kausar kept things under wraps when she knew more than her family did. I won't spoil it by telling you what the secret was. It just didn't make sense to me why she couldn't be more open with it. Other than these two things, this is a near perfect cozy mystery. There is a cliffhanger at the end, which makes me eager to read the next book. (I hope there will be a third book!) I also want to explore other books written by Uzma Jalaluddin.
Thanks to Harper Perennial and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this book.
See my full review here: https://caboodleofcozies.blogspot.com...
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
I love the first book in this series so much that I figured that I was going to love this one just as much. I did not. That is not to say that I hated it; I just didn't like the concept as much during this book. There is a third book coming out, and I do believe that I will be reading it to assuage my curiosity for the next one that needs help from Aunty Detective, which will be Ilya.
We do finally find out just exactly what happened to Ali 18 years ago. We also have a new murder to explore. It is being called an accident or a suicide, but Auntie's granddaughter, Maleeha, doesn't believe that to be so. So what is a grandmother to do but to try to solve this puzzle?
I love learning about different cultures, but at times I really didn't understand the words, and this time my Kindle translator was no help. I fear for those who will read this in paper form.
Another thing I wasn't so happy with was how repetitive it was, though I can see that would help those who didn't read the last book. But the repetitiveness didn't stop with recountings from the last book; it continued with events in this one.
The author does like to use the trope of keeping us all in the closet about what is happening and then being told, 'I'll tell you when I do just one more thing. I wanted to yell for Aunty to just get on with it. I actually got bored and frustrated after a while and was tempted not to finish, but I hung on. I'm glad I did, but as to what happened to Ali, Kausar Khan's late son, but it just didn't work for me.
Well all books can't be everything to everyone so I guess this was just amiss for me...I do think I will be reading the next one now that I have a better handle on how this author works.
*ARC supplied by the publisher Harper Perennial/HarperCollins, the author, and Edelweiss.
We do finally find out just exactly what happened to Ali 18 years ago. We also have a new murder to explore. It is being called an accident or a suicide, but Auntie's granddaughter, Maleeha, doesn't believe that to be so. So what is a grandmother to do but to try to solve this puzzle?
I love learning about different cultures, but at times I really didn't understand the words, and this time my Kindle translator was no help. I fear for those who will read this in paper form.
Another thing I wasn't so happy with was how repetitive it was, though I can see that would help those who didn't read the last book. But the repetitiveness didn't stop with recountings from the last book; it continued with events in this one.
The author does like to use the trope of keeping us all in the closet about what is happening and then being told, 'I'll tell you when I do just one more thing. I wanted to yell for Aunty to just get on with it. I actually got bored and frustrated after a while and was tempted not to finish, but I hung on. I'm glad I did, but as to what happened to Ali, Kausar Khan's late son, but it just didn't work for me.
Well all books can't be everything to everyone so I guess this was just amiss for me...I do think I will be reading the next one now that I have a better handle on how this author works.
*ARC supplied by the publisher Harper Perennial/HarperCollins, the author, and Edelweiss.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC audio of Moonlight Murder by Uzma Jalaluddin publishing May 5, 2026.
Firstly, I was introduced to this author through the Brampton’s the Festival of Literary Diversity in 2025 at the High Tea closing event. Uzma was on the author panel discussing her recent released books though also shared her next works on dabbling into the cozy mystery space… weeks before publication she had
Detective Aunty with copies available to us at the event.
In person, Uzma is personable, thoughtful and so humorous. Her charisma just enthralled me to start her new detective series. We are introduced in the novel to Kauser who was obliged into her intuitive investigative abilities to save her daughter from as suspect in a murder.
This, second in the series (Moonlight Murder) can serve as a standalone as the author masterfully weaves in pieces from the first novel without tainting this second with too much detail to keep you updated.
I immensely enjoyed this second in the series as it is now developing characters in their true vulnerability in the past and now in dealing with next phase(s). Kauser is now stable emotionally to address the hit and run of her son almost 20 years ago and is determined to get answers with obstacles thrown at her in every direction.
The sweet spot for me is in the storyline being able to know all the references about the GTA ( greater Toronto area). YES! The 401 is so horrible anytime of the day or night😊. Even to all the food talk with descriptions… made my mouth water. I have been born and raised in this area and been exposed to multi-cultural influences; food is my favourite to explore…prefer to eat in authentic places as it never is the same if I try to make it at home.
Looking forward to the next instalment. Will be also gobbling up into Uzma’s backlist in the meantime.
Firstly, I was introduced to this author through the Brampton’s the Festival of Literary Diversity in 2025 at the High Tea closing event. Uzma was on the author panel discussing her recent released books though also shared her next works on dabbling into the cozy mystery space… weeks before publication she had
Detective Aunty with copies available to us at the event.
In person, Uzma is personable, thoughtful and so humorous. Her charisma just enthralled me to start her new detective series. We are introduced in the novel to Kauser who was obliged into her intuitive investigative abilities to save her daughter from as suspect in a murder.
This, second in the series (Moonlight Murder) can serve as a standalone as the author masterfully weaves in pieces from the first novel without tainting this second with too much detail to keep you updated.
I immensely enjoyed this second in the series as it is now developing characters in their true vulnerability in the past and now in dealing with next phase(s). Kauser is now stable emotionally to address the hit and run of her son almost 20 years ago and is determined to get answers with obstacles thrown at her in every direction.
The sweet spot for me is in the storyline being able to know all the references about the GTA ( greater Toronto area). YES! The 401 is so horrible anytime of the day or night😊. Even to all the food talk with descriptions… made my mouth water. I have been born and raised in this area and been exposed to multi-cultural influences; food is my favourite to explore…prefer to eat in authentic places as it never is the same if I try to make it at home.
Looking forward to the next instalment. Will be also gobbling up into Uzma’s backlist in the meantime.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins Canada for the opportunity to honestly review this audiobook.
Kauser Khan, otherwise known as "Detective Aunty", just settles into her new condo in Toronto as her granddaughter and friend ring her buzzer for some help lookifor a missing friend. The last time someone asked for her help in an investigation, it was her daughter who was accused of murdering her landlord. So, with words of patience and guidance, Kauser sends the young girls on their way...only to hear their friend was found dead the next morning. For the sake of her granddaughter, Kauser is once again poking her nose into other people's business...and something stinks. Taken in by throes of a demographic with undeveloped brains, Kauser also looks into the past and begins peeling back the layers into her son's death from eighteen years ago. Jealousy, greed, shame, and ego all play parts in both investigations. With a heavy heart, Kauser wonders if she really wants these answers or if it cause irrevocable damage in the end.
An amazing sophomore novel!
I'm actually surprised Uzma gave us a resolution to Kauser's son's death so early in the series, but I'm not complaining. Also liked how Kauser wasn't benevolent to those who caused her ill will, even after eighteen years.
A cozy read, quick plot, witty characters, and a "will they, won't they" romance happening between the lines that I absolutely LIVE FOR. The audiobook narrator has an accent that sounds so authentic to what I believe Kauser would sound like - she was great!
Also, shout-out to Uzma for a mention of a character speaking Kutchi - a friend loved this minor mention.
Looking forward to Ilyas begging aunty for help in the next one! And maybe we get to see Kauser and Nasir finally DO SOMETHING OTHER THAN FLIRT 🫦 🤔 😅
Kauser Khan, otherwise known as "Detective Aunty", just settles into her new condo in Toronto as her granddaughter and friend ring her buzzer for some help lookifor a missing friend. The last time someone asked for her help in an investigation, it was her daughter who was accused of murdering her landlord. So, with words of patience and guidance, Kauser sends the young girls on their way...only to hear their friend was found dead the next morning. For the sake of her granddaughter, Kauser is once again poking her nose into other people's business...and something stinks. Taken in by throes of a demographic with undeveloped brains, Kauser also looks into the past and begins peeling back the layers into her son's death from eighteen years ago. Jealousy, greed, shame, and ego all play parts in both investigations. With a heavy heart, Kauser wonders if she really wants these answers or if it cause irrevocable damage in the end.
An amazing sophomore novel!
I'm actually surprised Uzma gave us a resolution to Kauser's son's death so early in the series, but I'm not complaining. Also liked how Kauser wasn't benevolent to those who caused her ill will, even after eighteen years.
A cozy read, quick plot, witty characters, and a "will they, won't they" romance happening between the lines that I absolutely LIVE FOR. The audiobook narrator has an accent that sounds so authentic to what I believe Kauser would sound like - she was great!
Also, shout-out to Uzma for a mention of a character speaking Kutchi - a friend loved this minor mention.
Looking forward to Ilyas begging aunty for help in the next one! And maybe we get to see Kauser and Nasir finally DO SOMETHING OTHER THAN FLIRT 🫦 🤔 😅
March 24, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 stars
South Asian sleuth, heart & humour
I had Detective Aunty sitting on my TBR, but the moment I heard there was a second book, I picked it up—and devoured book one in a single sitting. Naturally, I went straight into Moonlight Murder, and wow…what a cozy mystery ride!
I read this story while listening to the audiobook (thank you to HarperCollins Audio), which made the story feel even more immersive. The combination of reading and listening helped me fully connect with the story and its characters.
This setting felt comforting and familiar, especially being from the GTA. The neighbourhood dynamics were spot on—like the kind of place where everyone knows everyone—and the humour landed perfectly. And honestly… who doesn’t hate the 401? 😆
Kausar as “detective aunty” continues to be such a standout. I love how her presence alone gets people talking—her humour, her quiet observations, and the way she inserts herself into everything made me smile so much. She brings that perfect cozy balance, even when the story touches on heavier themes.
But what stayed with me most was her emotional journey. Watching her finally confront her son’s death after all these years—and begin to find closure—hit hard. It added real depth to the mystery and made the ending feel especially meaningful. It makes the mystery more than just a puzzle; it’s a story of personal healing.
Now, thanks to that ending, I am eagerly awaiting book three!😁
Overall, this was warm, engaging, and character-driven, with the perfect blend of humour and heart. Thank you, Uzma Jalaluddin, for this beautiful story.
Thank you to HarperCollins Canada & HarperCollins Canada Audio for the eARC & audiobook via NetGalley.
#MoonlightMurder #NetGalley
4 stars
South Asian sleuth, heart & humour
I had Detective Aunty sitting on my TBR, but the moment I heard there was a second book, I picked it up—and devoured book one in a single sitting. Naturally, I went straight into Moonlight Murder, and wow…what a cozy mystery ride!
I read this story while listening to the audiobook (thank you to HarperCollins Audio), which made the story feel even more immersive. The combination of reading and listening helped me fully connect with the story and its characters.
This setting felt comforting and familiar, especially being from the GTA. The neighbourhood dynamics were spot on—like the kind of place where everyone knows everyone—and the humour landed perfectly. And honestly… who doesn’t hate the 401? 😆
Kausar as “detective aunty” continues to be such a standout. I love how her presence alone gets people talking—her humour, her quiet observations, and the way she inserts herself into everything made me smile so much. She brings that perfect cozy balance, even when the story touches on heavier themes.
But what stayed with me most was her emotional journey. Watching her finally confront her son’s death after all these years—and begin to find closure—hit hard. It added real depth to the mystery and made the ending feel especially meaningful. It makes the mystery more than just a puzzle; it’s a story of personal healing.
Now, thanks to that ending, I am eagerly awaiting book three!😁
Overall, this was warm, engaging, and character-driven, with the perfect blend of humour and heart. Thank you, Uzma Jalaluddin, for this beautiful story.
Thank you to HarperCollins Canada & HarperCollins Canada Audio for the eARC & audiobook via NetGalley.
#MoonlightMurder #NetGalley
March 31, 2026
Moonlight Murder is the second book in the Detective Aunty Investigates series. It is a cozy mystery series set in Toronto featuring Muslim characters.
I love Detective Aunty and the sequel is just as good. I love this series. I absolutely adore the main character. Kausar is a mother, a grandmother and an amateur detective.
In this book she has a mystery to solve. Plus she also wants to find out what happened to her son 18 years ago. The mystery with her son continues from the first book.
I do think that it would be possible to read this without having read the first book. But I think that the reader will get much more from reading the books in order. The books compliment each other perfectly. The supporting characters are featured in both books. However the author does remind us of so many things that happened in Detective Aunty.
This series is fantastic. This book is wonderful. The mystery is complex. And the amount of Muslim culture that is featured is impressive. There is also so much about the Muslim community in Toronto. All of these aspects add so much to this murder mystery. Both mysteries are so well thought out. I was captivated.
This is such a compelling series. Kausar is amazing. I am obsessed with her. And that ending! I absolutely cannot wait to see what happens next.
*I do wish there was a glossary explaining all of the Muslim terms. There is so much Muslim culture mentioned that it would definitely help non-Muslim readers
Thanks to HarperCollins Canada for allowing me to read this book.
I love Detective Aunty and the sequel is just as good. I love this series. I absolutely adore the main character. Kausar is a mother, a grandmother and an amateur detective.
In this book she has a mystery to solve. Plus she also wants to find out what happened to her son 18 years ago. The mystery with her son continues from the first book.
I do think that it would be possible to read this without having read the first book. But I think that the reader will get much more from reading the books in order. The books compliment each other perfectly. The supporting characters are featured in both books. However the author does remind us of so many things that happened in Detective Aunty.
This series is fantastic. This book is wonderful. The mystery is complex. And the amount of Muslim culture that is featured is impressive. There is also so much about the Muslim community in Toronto. All of these aspects add so much to this murder mystery. Both mysteries are so well thought out. I was captivated.
This is such a compelling series. Kausar is amazing. I am obsessed with her. And that ending! I absolutely cannot wait to see what happens next.
*I do wish there was a glossary explaining all of the Muslim terms. There is so much Muslim culture mentioned that it would definitely help non-Muslim readers
Thanks to HarperCollins Canada for allowing me to read this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 rounded up to four.
CW: death of teens.
I loved book one in this series, so this was one of my most anticipated 2026 releases. And I am very sad to report that I did not love it - it was fine, but didn't hit the way book one did. If you're coming in fresh I do highly recommend you read this series in order, a lot of the characters are introduced in book one as well as one of the two murders investigated in this book.
The highlights of this book were of course Kausar Khan aka Detective Aunty, she is a force and is guaranteed to pry that confession out of the culprit! The GTA setting, if you know the 401 across Toronto you will laugh every time the drive gets called long - could be forty minutes, could be two hours, depends on the traffic! And the community - from the snacks to the religious rights, Jalaluddin does a great job at weaving Muslim traditions into her books.
What didn't work for me: the repetitiveness of the story, the second half felt like a slog. And the lack of the supporting characters (a few felt like they were there just as chauffeurs). I'd have loved more page time with Nasir, especially in the second half, it seemed a chunk of the story was missing for where Kausar ended up with him.
Overall, I'd recommend this, especially if you read and loved book one. And I look forward to book three!
Thank you to HarperCollins Canada for an eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
CW: death of teens.
I loved book one in this series, so this was one of my most anticipated 2026 releases. And I am very sad to report that I did not love it - it was fine, but didn't hit the way book one did. If you're coming in fresh I do highly recommend you read this series in order, a lot of the characters are introduced in book one as well as one of the two murders investigated in this book.
The highlights of this book were of course Kausar Khan aka Detective Aunty, she is a force and is guaranteed to pry that confession out of the culprit! The GTA setting, if you know the 401 across Toronto you will laugh every time the drive gets called long - could be forty minutes, could be two hours, depends on the traffic! And the community - from the snacks to the religious rights, Jalaluddin does a great job at weaving Muslim traditions into her books.
What didn't work for me: the repetitiveness of the story, the second half felt like a slog. And the lack of the supporting characters (a few felt like they were there just as chauffeurs). I'd have loved more page time with Nasir, especially in the second half, it seemed a chunk of the story was missing for where Kausar ended up with him.
Overall, I'd recommend this, especially if you read and loved book one. And I look forward to book three!
Thank you to HarperCollins Canada for an eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of Moonlight Murder. I have been lucky enough to read both books in this series because of ARCs.
I am a huge fan of this author - her characters are interesting and complex, the drama level is balanced between normal everyday stress and over-the-top actions, and the books are informative without being preachy. I do not have much background or knowledge of the Muslim faith and its practices, but Ms. Jalauddin draws me into this world and helps me to understand and image what that life looks like.
In this installment, our detective/aunty/heroine is pursing two murder investigations - one involving someone close to her granddaughter and one involving her son from 18 years ago. I loved that many of the characters from the first book returned. I appreciated how the author made the mundane tasks of acquiring the necessary information to work the cases both realistic and engaging. I did not quite see the final twist of the book, but I did appreciate all of the ties and links that were incorporated into the story.
If you are a fan of cozy mysteries, this series would be worth checking out. I would describe this as Murder She Wrote feel in a modern day Muslim Canadian setting.
I am a huge fan of this author - her characters are interesting and complex, the drama level is balanced between normal everyday stress and over-the-top actions, and the books are informative without being preachy. I do not have much background or knowledge of the Muslim faith and its practices, but Ms. Jalauddin draws me into this world and helps me to understand and image what that life looks like.
In this installment, our detective/aunty/heroine is pursing two murder investigations - one involving someone close to her granddaughter and one involving her son from 18 years ago. I loved that many of the characters from the first book returned. I appreciated how the author made the mundane tasks of acquiring the necessary information to work the cases both realistic and engaging. I did not quite see the final twist of the book, but I did appreciate all of the ties and links that were incorporated into the story.
If you are a fan of cozy mysteries, this series would be worth checking out. I would describe this as Murder She Wrote feel in a modern day Muslim Canadian setting.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
"Cow-sir Can" is back!
I cannot say enough good words about this book. I was lucky to receive an advance copy of this title and I loved every minute of it.
It is so refreshing to read a novel set in Scarborough and the GTA. I also really appreciate how Uzma incorporates Muslim culture so authentically and respectfully. It was so lovely to read about my culture and smile when I see that all too familiar confusion when the other person does not understand.
We are all beta.
Onto the mystery of it all, I really enjoyed the nuances of this book and how the murder in this title forces Kausar to confront her past and look into the death of her son. The grief and determination was portrayed very authentically.
There were moments in the book where I was able to piece things together faster than Detective Aunty herself but I did not see that last plot twist coming. And overall that is what I enjoy about mystery novels, they pull you in to solve the crime alongside with them but even you can't see the ending coming.
I can't wait for the next book! This series really has it all; mystery, drama, suspense, navigating family relationships, loss and even some romance.
I cannot say enough good words about this book. I was lucky to receive an advance copy of this title and I loved every minute of it.
It is so refreshing to read a novel set in Scarborough and the GTA. I also really appreciate how Uzma incorporates Muslim culture so authentically and respectfully. It was so lovely to read about my culture and smile when I see that all too familiar confusion when the other person does not understand.
We are all beta.
Onto the mystery of it all, I really enjoyed the nuances of this book and how the murder in this title forces Kausar to confront her past and look into the death of her son. The grief and determination was portrayed very authentically.
There were moments in the book where I was able to piece things together faster than Detective Aunty herself but I did not see that last plot twist coming. And overall that is what I enjoy about mystery novels, they pull you in to solve the crime alongside with them but even you can't see the ending coming.
I can't wait for the next book! This series really has it all; mystery, drama, suspense, navigating family relationships, loss and even some romance.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Just finished *Moonlight Murder* by *Uzma Jalaluddin*, and honestly, this one felt like a warm hug wrapped inside a mystery.
But the real star for me? Our detective aunty! 🕵🏽♀️
She isn’t your typical sharp-suited investigator — she’s observant, nosy in the most lovable way, always noticing who said what at dinner, who avoided eye contact, who brought store-bought dessert instead of homemade 😄. The kind of aunty who serves chai, asks personal questions, and quietly solves crimes in her head. Her intuition, life experience, and soft strength made her feel so real… like someone straight out of our own family gatherings.
The small-town setting, the desi community dynamics, the gossip, the secrets — everything felt so relatable and cozy, yet the suspense kept me flipping pages late into the night. It’s that rare mix of comfort + crime that totally works.
If you love mysteries with heart, culture, and strong women leads, this one’s for you.
Thank you @netgalley @uzmajalaluddin @harperperennial for the ARC
But the real star for me? Our detective aunty! 🕵🏽♀️
She isn’t your typical sharp-suited investigator — she’s observant, nosy in the most lovable way, always noticing who said what at dinner, who avoided eye contact, who brought store-bought dessert instead of homemade 😄. The kind of aunty who serves chai, asks personal questions, and quietly solves crimes in her head. Her intuition, life experience, and soft strength made her feel so real… like someone straight out of our own family gatherings.
The small-town setting, the desi community dynamics, the gossip, the secrets — everything felt so relatable and cozy, yet the suspense kept me flipping pages late into the night. It’s that rare mix of comfort + crime that totally works.
If you love mysteries with heart, culture, and strong women leads, this one’s for you.
Thank you @netgalley @uzmajalaluddin @harperperennial for the ARC
March 23, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of Moonlight Murders.
This is the second book in the Detective Aunty Investigates series, and it was just as good (if not better) than the first. Set a few months after the first novel, we follow Kausar Khan as she relocates to Toronto, trying to give her daughter Sana space while navigating a new chapter of her own life. But word has gotten out in the community about Auntie Detective, and Kausar finds herself involved in another investigation.
When her granddaughter Maleeha asks for help after her friend’s suspicious death, Kausar can’t ignore her instincts. At the same time, she’s finally ready to dig into her own past. Kausar wants the truth behind her son Ali’s death years ago.
The writing is fantastic. Uzma Jalaluddin creates such vivid, authentic characters that you feel fully immersed in their lives. Kausar continues to be a standout protagonist. She is sharp, determined, kind and impossible not to root for.
This is a compelling, heartfelt mystery series that I’m absolutely invested in. I can’t wait for the next book!
This is the second book in the Detective Aunty Investigates series, and it was just as good (if not better) than the first. Set a few months after the first novel, we follow Kausar Khan as she relocates to Toronto, trying to give her daughter Sana space while navigating a new chapter of her own life. But word has gotten out in the community about Auntie Detective, and Kausar finds herself involved in another investigation.
When her granddaughter Maleeha asks for help after her friend’s suspicious death, Kausar can’t ignore her instincts. At the same time, she’s finally ready to dig into her own past. Kausar wants the truth behind her son Ali’s death years ago.
The writing is fantastic. Uzma Jalaluddin creates such vivid, authentic characters that you feel fully immersed in their lives. Kausar continues to be a standout protagonist. She is sharp, determined, kind and impossible not to root for.
This is a compelling, heartfelt mystery series that I’m absolutely invested in. I can’t wait for the next book!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Moonlight Murder by Uzma Jalaluddin is a mystery within a bigger mystery.
Auntie Kausar is not your usual lovable but ditsy boomer amateur sleuth. Instead, she’s a kind , mature, and intelligent woman who is tormented by the hit and run death of her teenage son almost twenty years ago.
Memories of the trauma of that time are resurrected when the body of her granddaughter’s friend is discovered. Detective Auntie springs into action to fight for justice for both these young men whose lives came to an end before they had truly begun.
So much fun to see Auntie stand up to her son-in-law and a local gangster. There was a time when she would’ve kept quiet for her daughter’s sake, but gloves come off in this one.
Sprinkled with lively family interactions, food references, and vignettes of the diversity the Golden Crescent neighborhood is so proud of. Moonlight Murder is a great addition to this series.
Thanks to Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the ARC!
Auntie Kausar is not your usual lovable but ditsy boomer amateur sleuth. Instead, she’s a kind , mature, and intelligent woman who is tormented by the hit and run death of her teenage son almost twenty years ago.
Memories of the trauma of that time are resurrected when the body of her granddaughter’s friend is discovered. Detective Auntie springs into action to fight for justice for both these young men whose lives came to an end before they had truly begun.
So much fun to see Auntie stand up to her son-in-law and a local gangster. There was a time when she would’ve kept quiet for her daughter’s sake, but gloves come off in this one.
Sprinkled with lively family interactions, food references, and vignettes of the diversity the Golden Crescent neighborhood is so proud of. Moonlight Murder is a great addition to this series.
Thanks to Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Kausar is back and she's busting heads!
Okay, she is not. Kausar Khan probably would not even think that is funny. She is still really sad and grieving the losses of her son and her husband, she is struggling with her decision to get her own apartment, and then her precious granddaughter asks for her help because her friend is missing. Still so much heaviness and grief weighing down our Detective Aunty. It's well-written and authentic, but very heavy. Be prepared.
Kausar also: gets dressed up, goes to some social events, experiences jealousy (oooh, yes) and does so much unadvised snooping and investigating that I could not believe it! She does some scary (and dumb, honestly) things but she stays so calm. I don't know how she does it, but I have faith in her so I keep reading. I cannot wait for the third installment; this series keeps getting better and better! It's a lot of fun.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!
Okay, she is not. Kausar Khan probably would not even think that is funny. She is still really sad and grieving the losses of her son and her husband, she is struggling with her decision to get her own apartment, and then her precious granddaughter asks for her help because her friend is missing. Still so much heaviness and grief weighing down our Detective Aunty. It's well-written and authentic, but very heavy. Be prepared.
Kausar also: gets dressed up, goes to some social events, experiences jealousy (oooh, yes) and does so much unadvised snooping and investigating that I could not believe it! She does some scary (and dumb, honestly) things but she stays so calm. I don't know how she does it, but I have faith in her so I keep reading. I cannot wait for the third installment; this series keeps getting better and better! It's a lot of fun.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!
March 22, 2026
Loved this book, and it’s so great to see Pakistani-Canadian culture in one of my favourite book genres. Kausar is back and undergoing a lot of growth and development after the first book and throughout this one, and I’m glad that the mystery of what happened to Ali was addressed. Doing the “solving two unrelated crimes but somehow they link up” bit here made it a bit confusing and the resolution to both of them feel a bit weak - I just couldn’t buy that the teacher randomly killed a kid over 5k, and that his mom, her husband and his best friends’ whole family agreed to keep his death quiet just so that the dad could use it as blackmail. The threads could be followed there, but as an explanation for either murder I just couldn’t fully buy in. However that didn’t really detract from my enjoyment of the story and characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I loved this twisty second Detective Aunty cozy mystery that features widow, mother and grandmother turned amateur sleuth, Kausar Khan. In this book she digs deep into her dead son's death which everyone assumed was a result of a hit and run while also trying to help her granddaughter discover if her friend really committed suicide or something more nefarious was involved.
I really enjoyed these characters and how the Golden Crescent Toronto neighborhood was very much its own character in the book. The way the two cases end up becoming interconnected was masterful and I'm excited that the end of the story sets us up for a third book in the series! Highly recommended for fans of the Vera Wong series by Jesse Q Sutanto.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital, audio and physical copy in exchange for my honest review.
I really enjoyed these characters and how the Golden Crescent Toronto neighborhood was very much its own character in the book. The way the two cases end up becoming interconnected was masterful and I'm excited that the end of the story sets us up for a third book in the series! Highly recommended for fans of the Vera Wong series by Jesse Q Sutanto.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital, audio and physical copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
ARC - Net Galley
3.5 ⭐️ It was nice getting more insight on characters I already know and building on relationships that were set up in the first book. I love how we finally got some resolution on the death of her son all while solving a new murder building her relationship with her grand daughters. I also love the setting in Scarborough it is so familiar and felt seen to read about places I grew up in and around. I knew many places she visited and been to many also. I also appreciated the reference to Tamil food that is super prevalent in Scarborough and honestly I can say the first time I read about puttu and mutton curry in a book ever. Being something I eat often and seeing my culture represented felt nice as well! It truly captured Scarborough and life and was super enjoyable. Very cozy mystery vibes! The ending sets up for a next book and I absolutely can’t wait!!!
3.5 ⭐️ It was nice getting more insight on characters I already know and building on relationships that were set up in the first book. I love how we finally got some resolution on the death of her son all while solving a new murder building her relationship with her grand daughters. I also love the setting in Scarborough it is so familiar and felt seen to read about places I grew up in and around. I knew many places she visited and been to many also. I also appreciated the reference to Tamil food that is super prevalent in Scarborough and honestly I can say the first time I read about puttu and mutton curry in a book ever. Being something I eat often and seeing my culture represented felt nice as well! It truly captured Scarborough and life and was super enjoyable. Very cozy mystery vibes! The ending sets up for a next book and I absolutely can’t wait!!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
There's really nothing better than a good cozy murder mystery, and that's exactly what you get with the Detective Aunty books. I'm a huge fan of Uzma Jalaluddin's, and have been ever since I read Ayesha at Last, but there's something so different and fun about the Detective Aunty books, and I think it's because Kausar is just such a fun protagonist! She's very unique in the sense that she's just a normal person putting the pieces of a mystery together, but she's also so driven and has motivations that are so deep-rooted and important to her which makes her a very relatable character to root for. I think this mystery was even better than the one in the previous book, mostly because there were really 2 stories in this one that were weaved together in a really riveting way. It was so interesting to finally get into the details of Ali's death -- I felt so proud and satisfied for Kausar when she finally solved that mystery. I also continue to adore the side characters. Maleeha has really grown on me, in particular, and May has been my favorite since day one! I can't decide if I want a May in my life or if I want to *be* May! And I'm so excited by the way the book left off -- Detective Aunty number 3, I'm ready for you!
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Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!
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Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Detective Aunty returns for a great sequel! This is one of my most anticipated books for the year so I can't express how excited I was to get it as an ARC!
In Moonlight Murder we follow Kausar as she builds a new life for herself in Golden Crescent, reconnecting with the multicultural community that she left when she moved to North Bay. We also get to see her investigate the murder of her granddaughter's secret boyfriend (gasp!) Qasim, as well as the cold case of her son Ali's hit-and-run 18 years ago.
I really loved that you we got to see Kausar deepen her relationship with her family, stand up for her daughter and herself, and be the same super sharp amateur sleuth that makes you love her.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Harper Perennial for the ARC!
In Moonlight Murder we follow Kausar as she builds a new life for herself in Golden Crescent, reconnecting with the multicultural community that she left when she moved to North Bay. We also get to see her investigate the murder of her granddaughter's secret boyfriend (gasp!) Qasim, as well as the cold case of her son Ali's hit-and-run 18 years ago.
I really loved that you we got to see Kausar deepen her relationship with her family, stand up for her daughter and herself, and be the same super sharp amateur sleuth that makes you love her.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Harper Perennial for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When Kausar Khan’s granddaughter asks for her help in finding out what really happened surrounding the suspicious death of her boyfriend, Qasim, Kausar can’t say no. Detective Aunty is back, traipsing around Golden Crescent for clues. Not only is she in search of answers about Qasim, Kausar finally feels ready to look into the hit-and-run death of her son, Ali, which happened in this same neighborhood eighteen years ago.
While there is no gore or sex, I wouldn’t call this a cozy mystery. The deaths explored here, both of teenaged boys, are devastating, and many hard topics are discussed. The characters are certainly loveable though and I felt deeply invested. The pacing was good, keeping me interested throughout. Kausar’s extraordinary powers of deduction are a bit unbelievable but it was still an enjoyable mystery with a satisfying ending.
While there is no gore or sex, I wouldn’t call this a cozy mystery. The deaths explored here, both of teenaged boys, are devastating, and many hard topics are discussed. The characters are certainly loveable though and I felt deeply invested. The pacing was good, keeping me interested throughout. Kausar’s extraordinary powers of deduction are a bit unbelievable but it was still an enjoyable mystery with a satisfying ending.
March 24, 2026
4.25🥺
I really enjoyed the audiobook for Uma's Moonlight Murder! This book was perfect because you can read it as part of the series or a standalone, which I didn't read the first Detective Aunty novel and felt like Uzma did a great job reintroducing Kausar Khan!
I really loved the way the narrator, Deepti Gupta, really brought Kausar alive! Kausar is reflective, sassy, and never backs down!
This book also felt so familiar because it's based in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area for those who may not know the acronym)! So many areas that were mentioned, I felt a greater connection because I've been in the different areas. However, some I didn't know about and it was a great introduction for me!
I truly loved this cozy mystery and I can't wait to read more by Uzma.
I really enjoyed the audiobook for Uma's Moonlight Murder! This book was perfect because you can read it as part of the series or a standalone, which I didn't read the first Detective Aunty novel and felt like Uzma did a great job reintroducing Kausar Khan!
I really loved the way the narrator, Deepti Gupta, really brought Kausar alive! Kausar is reflective, sassy, and never backs down!
This book also felt so familiar because it's based in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area for those who may not know the acronym)! So many areas that were mentioned, I felt a greater connection because I've been in the different areas. However, some I didn't know about and it was a great introduction for me!
I truly loved this cozy mystery and I can't wait to read more by Uzma.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I’ll be honest—true crime isn't usually my thing, and I hadn't read anything else related to this case before picking it up. I was worried I’d be lost since I didn't read the 'first' book, but it turns out this is a complete standalone story and very easy to follow.
The writing is straightforward and focuses more on the crazy human drama and the 'love triangle' than just dry facts. It’s a tragic story, but the author makes it feel like a fast-paced thriller. If you’re looking for a quick, gripping read that doesn't require a lot of background knowledge, this is a great choice!"
The writing is straightforward and focuses more on the crazy human drama and the 'love triangle' than just dry facts. It’s a tragic story, but the author makes it feel like a fast-paced thriller. If you’re looking for a quick, gripping read that doesn't require a lot of background knowledge, this is a great choice!"
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Detective Aunty is back, and HOW. It was amazing being back with Kausar, who I've come to love and appreciate. This time, she's solving not one, but two mysteries, one of them being her son's death 18 years ago. She's come such a long way, finally able to face her loss. Both mysteries were intriguing, and it was hard to put this book down. I will say I sometimes got a little confused going from one mystery to the other, but despite that, I had a really good time with this. The characters all feel so real. I hope this will be a long, long series!
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