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A Murder in Multan
An ex-pat forensics scientist, Dr Shujaat Khan, visits Pakistan after many years to attend a family wedding and becomes unwittingly embroiled in an honour killing. Complications arise when he pursues the enticing Henna and a clandestine romance develops which is strictly prohibited by a bitter family feud. He learns the honour killing is a merely pretence, for the murder hides a dark secret which must be maintained at all costs. When Henna becomes implicated in the killing Shujaat’s loyalties are torn between his love for her and his fiancée. He pursues an obsessive quest over decades to unravel a secret which could destroy a community. A migrant’s compelling search for identity in rootless times.
220 pages, Paperback
Published August 11, 2018
11 people want to read
About the author
A.M. Sardar
22 books14 followersHi, I’m AM Sardar, author of historical and contemporary fiction books, working in an Anglo-Asian fusion style.
I was born in the Punjab in Pakistan, emigrated to the UK as a small child and both cultures have influenced my writing.
I originally worked as a medical research scientist and have used my knowledge to inform my books, especially The Charlotte Holmes Mystery series, a homage to the Sherlock Holmes books.
My books focus on the clash between English and S. Asian cultures, through history and in modern times, with a satirical, sometimes farcical, eye and traverse multiple genres; historical mysteries, children fantasies, chick-lit, teenage & social dramas.
If you enjoy amusing, thoughtful adventure stories, with intricate plots, laced with social observations, then you should check out my books.
I was born in the Punjab in Pakistan, emigrated to the UK as a small child and both cultures have influenced my writing.
I originally worked as a medical research scientist and have used my knowledge to inform my books, especially The Charlotte Holmes Mystery series, a homage to the Sherlock Holmes books.
My books focus on the clash between English and S. Asian cultures, through history and in modern times, with a satirical, sometimes farcical, eye and traverse multiple genres; historical mysteries, children fantasies, chick-lit, teenage & social dramas.
If you enjoy amusing, thoughtful adventure stories, with intricate plots, laced with social observations, then you should check out my books.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 31, 2024
This book is a terrific read.
An ex forensic scientist learns about a honor killing. Goes to investigate.
Entangled in a family feud.
But there is more dark secret is there.
I liked the setting it was familiar for me.
The narrative style was okiesh.
But the story was engaging and crispy.
Must read.
An ex forensic scientist learns about a honor killing. Goes to investigate.
Entangled in a family feud.
But there is more dark secret is there.
I liked the setting it was familiar for me.
The narrative style was okiesh.
But the story was engaging and crispy.
Must read.
September 25, 2024
Review posted on my blog The Writer's Library.
I feel like I have always been interested in mysteries. There is something about them that I find irresistible. A good one will keep you asking questions and invested in plot developments the story throws your way.
A.M. Sardar’s A Murder in Multan had me asking so many questions and wondering about the implications of the unfolding plot. The narrative woven together is intriguing in so many ways!
Before I go into my thoughts any further, however, let’s see what the story is about.
Summary
We open to Dr. Shujaat Khan visiting his family in Pakistan for a wedding. At first, he thinks it will just be a regular family trip. However, when the next-door neighbor is murdered, the wedding is disrupted.
While sorting out affairs for the neighbor, Shujaat discovers that there is more to this demise than he originally thought. However, as he continues to investigate, he learns that knowing this secret puts him in great danger, as the people involved will do anything to keep the information from getting out.
Thoughts
I want to start with the admission that this story took some time to fully grab me. The timeline the narrative follows spans several years and the plot developments made the seemingly simple idea a lot more complex down the line. For me, that complexity had both positive and negative aspects to it. This is because the developments were somewhat difficult to follow due to how the answers were presented in the dialogue. I’ll discuss this more in the writing section.
I will say that, once I did get more invested, I enjoyed how the suspense was handled. I remember feeling somewhat disappointed with how a piece of pertinent information was discovered when the mystery first came about. However, what this information led to more than made up for it. As more was revealed, I found myself asking several questions that kept me hooked!
Now that I have those thoughts out of the way, let’s move on to characters.
Characters
Dr. Shujaat Khan
At first, I wasn’t sure what to make of Shujaat as a main character. His feelings around his family had me questioning if I really liked him in the beginning. He is rather flawed, and it took a while before I started to appreciate his character and his story. That said, once we got into the main mystery of the narrative, I like how he reacts to it and his growth over time. His character in the beginning is different from who he is at the end, and I really enjoyed seeing that progression of his personality.
I also find it interesting how he gets roped into this mystery and his ardent desire to uncover the truth is fascinating! He has determination that helps flesh him out and move the plot forward. There are so many obstacles in his way. The perseverance in search of truth is captivating to me, and it made the journey he goes on even more gripping!
Now that I’ve discussed Shujaat, I want to move on to Kaiser next. Let’s get into it!
Kaiser
There is something about Kaiser that I just find so charming. The way he carries himself around Shujaat provides a stark contrast to a lot of the characters in this story. It felt more like he was there to be emotional support for Shujaat as he returned home, which I think is wonderful. While he doesn’t play a huge role in the story, I simply enjoyed his personality.
With that said, I think that’s all I have on characters. Let’s move on to the structure!
Structure
The way this story is built is interesting to me. I did not realize when I started that the narrative’s timeline would span several years. It is split into parts, each taking place sometime after the previous section in different settings for each part. This allows movement to occur in the story. While it took me some time to see it myself, I like that we see the characters at different stages of their lives thanks to this. It is an intriguing aspect of the story.
I admit, however, that the mystery at the center of the story got rather convoluted. While this led to Shujaat getting involved with interesting situations, it took me some time to understand how it all fit together because of the way it was set up. The payoff felt a bit murky because of the complex situation that ends up unfolding. I’ll discuss that setup in more detail in the writing section.
With that said, I think that’s all I have on the structure. Let’s move on to the writing!
Writing
Unfortunately, the writing didn’t always click with me. A.M. Sardar’s prose clearly illustrates what Shujaat is going through at different stages in his life, which is nice to see. However, the dialogue toward the end of the story confused me at times. The conversations pertaining to the mystery are presented in such a way that I ended up piecing together the information for a bit longer than I would have liked. I think this happened in part because of all the characters we see giving Shujaat information.
The wording in these explanations was difficult to follow because the information was often given out in one go. I think if dialogue were to be utilized in this way, having breaks during the conversations to clarify what the information meant could have helped. Sardar puts the meaning in at the end of the conversations but, because of the complexity, it did not hit me the way I think it was intended to and the explanations at the end felt like they were too long.
Well, with all that said, I think I’ve covered everything I wanted to discuss. Let’s wrap this up!
Conclusion
I really enjoyed this! While it took some time to get into, I ultimately found the story hard to put down once I realized where it was going! The mystery is interesting and Shujaat’s journey to uncover the truth left me wanting more!
For this reason, I will be giving the story four stars.
I feel like I have always been interested in mysteries. There is something about them that I find irresistible. A good one will keep you asking questions and invested in plot developments the story throws your way.
A.M. Sardar’s A Murder in Multan had me asking so many questions and wondering about the implications of the unfolding plot. The narrative woven together is intriguing in so many ways!
Before I go into my thoughts any further, however, let’s see what the story is about.
Summary
We open to Dr. Shujaat Khan visiting his family in Pakistan for a wedding. At first, he thinks it will just be a regular family trip. However, when the next-door neighbor is murdered, the wedding is disrupted.
While sorting out affairs for the neighbor, Shujaat discovers that there is more to this demise than he originally thought. However, as he continues to investigate, he learns that knowing this secret puts him in great danger, as the people involved will do anything to keep the information from getting out.
Thoughts
I want to start with the admission that this story took some time to fully grab me. The timeline the narrative follows spans several years and the plot developments made the seemingly simple idea a lot more complex down the line. For me, that complexity had both positive and negative aspects to it. This is because the developments were somewhat difficult to follow due to how the answers were presented in the dialogue. I’ll discuss this more in the writing section.
I will say that, once I did get more invested, I enjoyed how the suspense was handled. I remember feeling somewhat disappointed with how a piece of pertinent information was discovered when the mystery first came about. However, what this information led to more than made up for it. As more was revealed, I found myself asking several questions that kept me hooked!
Now that I have those thoughts out of the way, let’s move on to characters.
Characters
Dr. Shujaat Khan
At first, I wasn’t sure what to make of Shujaat as a main character. His feelings around his family had me questioning if I really liked him in the beginning. He is rather flawed, and it took a while before I started to appreciate his character and his story. That said, once we got into the main mystery of the narrative, I like how he reacts to it and his growth over time. His character in the beginning is different from who he is at the end, and I really enjoyed seeing that progression of his personality.
I also find it interesting how he gets roped into this mystery and his ardent desire to uncover the truth is fascinating! He has determination that helps flesh him out and move the plot forward. There are so many obstacles in his way. The perseverance in search of truth is captivating to me, and it made the journey he goes on even more gripping!
Now that I’ve discussed Shujaat, I want to move on to Kaiser next. Let’s get into it!
Kaiser
There is something about Kaiser that I just find so charming. The way he carries himself around Shujaat provides a stark contrast to a lot of the characters in this story. It felt more like he was there to be emotional support for Shujaat as he returned home, which I think is wonderful. While he doesn’t play a huge role in the story, I simply enjoyed his personality.
With that said, I think that’s all I have on characters. Let’s move on to the structure!
Structure
The way this story is built is interesting to me. I did not realize when I started that the narrative’s timeline would span several years. It is split into parts, each taking place sometime after the previous section in different settings for each part. This allows movement to occur in the story. While it took me some time to see it myself, I like that we see the characters at different stages of their lives thanks to this. It is an intriguing aspect of the story.
I admit, however, that the mystery at the center of the story got rather convoluted. While this led to Shujaat getting involved with interesting situations, it took me some time to understand how it all fit together because of the way it was set up. The payoff felt a bit murky because of the complex situation that ends up unfolding. I’ll discuss that setup in more detail in the writing section.
With that said, I think that’s all I have on the structure. Let’s move on to the writing!
Writing
Unfortunately, the writing didn’t always click with me. A.M. Sardar’s prose clearly illustrates what Shujaat is going through at different stages in his life, which is nice to see. However, the dialogue toward the end of the story confused me at times. The conversations pertaining to the mystery are presented in such a way that I ended up piecing together the information for a bit longer than I would have liked. I think this happened in part because of all the characters we see giving Shujaat information.
The wording in these explanations was difficult to follow because the information was often given out in one go. I think if dialogue were to be utilized in this way, having breaks during the conversations to clarify what the information meant could have helped. Sardar puts the meaning in at the end of the conversations but, because of the complexity, it did not hit me the way I think it was intended to and the explanations at the end felt like they were too long.
Well, with all that said, I think I’ve covered everything I wanted to discuss. Let’s wrap this up!
Conclusion
I really enjoyed this! While it took some time to get into, I ultimately found the story hard to put down once I realized where it was going! The mystery is interesting and Shujaat’s journey to uncover the truth left me wanting more!
For this reason, I will be giving the story four stars.
September 25, 2024
***Note:* I received a free copy of this e-book through Booktasters in return for an honest review.**
An ex-pat forensics Scientist Dr. Sujaat Khan visits Pakistan after so many years for his cousin’s marriage where he bears witness to an honour killing. On the other hand, he falls in love with Henna but other complications arise due to a family feud. He learns that Honour Killing was merely a pretense in a much larger conspiracy that goes beyond a couple of generations. Did he resolve the murder? Who was killed and for what? This book holds the answer for you.
***Author:** A.M. Sardar **Language:** English **No. of Pages:** 220 **Format:** eBook **Genre:** Whodunit*
What I loved the most about this novel is that the Author treads a web of mystery and gives us only a slight peak into what went wrong. He cleverly does that throughout the book and that’s a big win. Eventhough, initially we are introduced to a lot of characters only a few have a good arc and they stay with us for quite a time which is another plus.
As the author is from Pakistan we get to see Pakistan up close in the book and many a time it views from the “White Man’s POV” like how Brazil or Mexico is shown in Hollywood movies or even India for that matter. While I understand that the Lead of the novel was born and brought up in England and it is a cultural shock for him, the author successfully passed on that to us readers as well.
While the book seems largely well-written there are points where despite us knowing the reason for the killing the chase to find the truth seems meh! It is like Sujaat completely forgot about that incident and suddenly he meets someone from the past and it triggers the events which doesn’t make sense because why would someone go to lengths to find a mystery? Eventhough, the author tried to answer it in the book itself it was not enough and that’s a big hole for me. Also, there are a couple of minor grammatical errors that the Editor missed.
Overall, if you’re someone who likes to cuddle up inside your blanket and wants to read a Whodunit novel then this is a very juicy read and I’d highly recommend it.
An ex-pat forensics Scientist Dr. Sujaat Khan visits Pakistan after so many years for his cousin’s marriage where he bears witness to an honour killing. On the other hand, he falls in love with Henna but other complications arise due to a family feud. He learns that Honour Killing was merely a pretense in a much larger conspiracy that goes beyond a couple of generations. Did he resolve the murder? Who was killed and for what? This book holds the answer for you.
***Author:** A.M. Sardar **Language:** English **No. of Pages:** 220 **Format:** eBook **Genre:** Whodunit*
What I loved the most about this novel is that the Author treads a web of mystery and gives us only a slight peak into what went wrong. He cleverly does that throughout the book and that’s a big win. Eventhough, initially we are introduced to a lot of characters only a few have a good arc and they stay with us for quite a time which is another plus.
As the author is from Pakistan we get to see Pakistan up close in the book and many a time it views from the “White Man’s POV” like how Brazil or Mexico is shown in Hollywood movies or even India for that matter. While I understand that the Lead of the novel was born and brought up in England and it is a cultural shock for him, the author successfully passed on that to us readers as well.
While the book seems largely well-written there are points where despite us knowing the reason for the killing the chase to find the truth seems meh! It is like Sujaat completely forgot about that incident and suddenly he meets someone from the past and it triggers the events which doesn’t make sense because why would someone go to lengths to find a mystery? Eventhough, the author tried to answer it in the book itself it was not enough and that’s a big hole for me. Also, there are a couple of minor grammatical errors that the Editor missed.
Overall, if you’re someone who likes to cuddle up inside your blanket and wants to read a Whodunit novel then this is a very juicy read and I’d highly recommend it.
August 8, 2024
Just finished reading 'A Murder in Multan', a heart-wrenching novel that left an indelible mark on my soul. The story masterfully weaves together themes of honor killing, betrayal, lies, murder mysteries, and ardent love affairs, set against the backdrop of Multan's honorable households where social norms, family values and honor are deeply ingrained.
As I delved deeper into the narrative, I was struck by the author's skillful portrayal of human nature's darker aspects - greed, lust, and selfishness. The characters' complexities and flaws made them relatable and human, and I found myself invested in their journeys.
The novel also explores the role of fate in shaping lives, revealing how people can fall from grace or rise to greatness in the blink of an eye. The author's perspective on love was particularly moving, showcasing how first love can leave a lasting impact that lasts a lifetime.
What resonated with me most was the author's thoughtful exploration of societal issues in Pakistan, such as forced marriages, honor killings, and the burden of rumors on women's lives. The characters' struggles and sacrifices felt deeply personal, and I appreciated the author's honest portrayal of women as both strong and vulnerable.
The story of Baba Billa and Bibi Surayya left a lasting impact on me, and I was satisfied with the ending, which brought a sense of closure and happiness for Shujaat.
I highly recommend 'A Murder in Multan' to anyone seeking a gripping murder mystery with unexpected twists and turns. The author's masterful storytelling will keep you on the edge of your seat, and the novel's thought-provoking themes will linger long after you finish reading. This is a fantastic addition to "Pakistani literature", and I would love to read more works from this talented author.
As I delved deeper into the narrative, I was struck by the author's skillful portrayal of human nature's darker aspects - greed, lust, and selfishness. The characters' complexities and flaws made them relatable and human, and I found myself invested in their journeys.
The novel also explores the role of fate in shaping lives, revealing how people can fall from grace or rise to greatness in the blink of an eye. The author's perspective on love was particularly moving, showcasing how first love can leave a lasting impact that lasts a lifetime.
What resonated with me most was the author's thoughtful exploration of societal issues in Pakistan, such as forced marriages, honor killings, and the burden of rumors on women's lives. The characters' struggles and sacrifices felt deeply personal, and I appreciated the author's honest portrayal of women as both strong and vulnerable.
The story of Baba Billa and Bibi Surayya left a lasting impact on me, and I was satisfied with the ending, which brought a sense of closure and happiness for Shujaat.
I highly recommend 'A Murder in Multan' to anyone seeking a gripping murder mystery with unexpected twists and turns. The author's masterful storytelling will keep you on the edge of your seat, and the novel's thought-provoking themes will linger long after you finish reading. This is a fantastic addition to "Pakistani literature", and I would love to read more works from this talented author.
August 21, 2024
Doctor Shujaat as proudly called by his close family came to Pakistan for a wedding. A wedding that changed the course of his life actions forever.
At this wedding, he witnessed a death. That death brought about the true realization of love, family, and trust.
Few things I love about the book:
1. The vulnerability of men. It is easy to get a man to fall in love e and stay committed to that love for years just by acting innocent and giving a droplet of affection here and there once in a while. The fantasy of trying to have something you can never have makes men feel that they are in love. Shujaat was one of those. Holding onto a smell, kiss, bell, and touch you felt over 20 years and that, making you feel you know and love someone. I love how the book showcased the vulnerability of religious men and men in general.
2. “Love finds purchase in the most hostile environments and always seeks to blossom.” I love this quote cause love always comes at the worst time. Billa and Bibi Suraiya's relationship and love were the worst. Forcing two unwilling people to commit one of the worst sins to cover your inadequacy is bad. What were the odds that those two would fall in love and to crown it all, connive a way out so their love could at least blossom? Impossible. That’s the hostility of love. Shujaat loved the daughter of his uncle whom he hated very much.
3. Betrayal: it was a battle of who betrayed who more. Bibi Suraiya betrayed Billa, Billa was betrayed by the manager of the farm, Shujaat was betrayed by Henna, Shujaat betrayed Kamal, and Massi Jordon was betrayed by her nephew. A rollercoaster of betrayal. Each betrayal birthed a new reality and path for each storyline.
4. Religion: ……like religion, both require an unyielding belief that the object of their worship is beyond all reproach, doubt or criticism. A suspension of logic, of reason, of any evaluative action is completely discouraged as the worshippers prides themselves that they have uncovered a truth denied to all else. The exaltation, the intoxication, the myriad heightened senses and distortion of acuity leads one into an abject supplication, anything to maintain the worship. And when that is denied, fury, outrage, and an incandescent burning anger, which consumes and defies the stones and arrows of the disbelievers, can burn the guilty and the innocent”. How blindly they respected Sayyid Ali because of a lie that even if they gossiped with fear couldn’t bring their thoughts to making it known.
5. Death: I love how bare the death of a loved one was shown in the book. How even in death you still want your loved one to be treated with respect.
I recommend this book as it shows us what love and betrayal is in its purest form.
At this wedding, he witnessed a death. That death brought about the true realization of love, family, and trust.
Few things I love about the book:
1. The vulnerability of men. It is easy to get a man to fall in love e and stay committed to that love for years just by acting innocent and giving a droplet of affection here and there once in a while. The fantasy of trying to have something you can never have makes men feel that they are in love. Shujaat was one of those. Holding onto a smell, kiss, bell, and touch you felt over 20 years and that, making you feel you know and love someone. I love how the book showcased the vulnerability of religious men and men in general.
2. “Love finds purchase in the most hostile environments and always seeks to blossom.” I love this quote cause love always comes at the worst time. Billa and Bibi Suraiya's relationship and love were the worst. Forcing two unwilling people to commit one of the worst sins to cover your inadequacy is bad. What were the odds that those two would fall in love and to crown it all, connive a way out so their love could at least blossom? Impossible. That’s the hostility of love. Shujaat loved the daughter of his uncle whom he hated very much.
3. Betrayal: it was a battle of who betrayed who more. Bibi Suraiya betrayed Billa, Billa was betrayed by the manager of the farm, Shujaat was betrayed by Henna, Shujaat betrayed Kamal, and Massi Jordon was betrayed by her nephew. A rollercoaster of betrayal. Each betrayal birthed a new reality and path for each storyline.
4. Religion: ……like religion, both require an unyielding belief that the object of their worship is beyond all reproach, doubt or criticism. A suspension of logic, of reason, of any evaluative action is completely discouraged as the worshippers prides themselves that they have uncovered a truth denied to all else. The exaltation, the intoxication, the myriad heightened senses and distortion of acuity leads one into an abject supplication, anything to maintain the worship. And when that is denied, fury, outrage, and an incandescent burning anger, which consumes and defies the stones and arrows of the disbelievers, can burn the guilty and the innocent”. How blindly they respected Sayyid Ali because of a lie that even if they gossiped with fear couldn’t bring their thoughts to making it known.
5. Death: I love how bare the death of a loved one was shown in the book. How even in death you still want your loved one to be treated with respect.
I recommend this book as it shows us what love and betrayal is in its purest form.
November 17, 2024
A.M. Sardar's "A Murder in Multan" is a captivating blend of mystery, romance, and cultural exploration. The novel follows Dr. Shujaat Khan, an ex-pat forensic scientist, as he returns to Pakistan and becomes entangled in a complex web of secrets and deceit.
One of the novel's greatest strengths is its ability to maintain suspense throughout. Sardar skillfully weaves a tale of mystery, gradually revealing clues and red herrings. The author's decision to withhold crucial information creates a sense of intrigue, keeping me engaged until the final pages.
The novel offers a unique perspective on Pakistani culture, viewed through the eyes of a returning expat. While the "White Man's POV" can sometimes feel a bit clichéd, it also provides a valuable contrast to the local customs and traditions. Sardar successfully captures the cultural shock experienced by Shujaat, allowing me to empathize with his journey of rediscovery.
However, the novel does have its shortcomings. The pacing can be uneven at times, with certain plot points feeling rushed or unnecessary. The motivation behind Shujaat's relentless pursuit of the truth, despite initial disinterest, is not fully explained, leaving a noticeable gap in the narrative.
Additionally, a few minor grammatical errors detract from the overall reading experience.
Despite these flaws, "A Murder in Multan" is a compelling read that offers a fascinating glimpse into Pakistani society. Sardar's engaging characters and well-crafted plot make this a worthwhile addition to the mystery genre.
One of the novel's greatest strengths is its ability to maintain suspense throughout. Sardar skillfully weaves a tale of mystery, gradually revealing clues and red herrings. The author's decision to withhold crucial information creates a sense of intrigue, keeping me engaged until the final pages.
The novel offers a unique perspective on Pakistani culture, viewed through the eyes of a returning expat. While the "White Man's POV" can sometimes feel a bit clichéd, it also provides a valuable contrast to the local customs and traditions. Sardar successfully captures the cultural shock experienced by Shujaat, allowing me to empathize with his journey of rediscovery.
However, the novel does have its shortcomings. The pacing can be uneven at times, with certain plot points feeling rushed or unnecessary. The motivation behind Shujaat's relentless pursuit of the truth, despite initial disinterest, is not fully explained, leaving a noticeable gap in the narrative.
Additionally, a few minor grammatical errors detract from the overall reading experience.
Despite these flaws, "A Murder in Multan" is a compelling read that offers a fascinating glimpse into Pakistani society. Sardar's engaging characters and well-crafted plot make this a worthwhile addition to the mystery genre.
January 24, 2025
I am grateful to Book Tasters and A. M Sardar for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“A Murder in Multan” by A. M Sardar is an engaging mystery novel that follows Dr. Shujaat Khan, an expatriate forensic scientist who returns to Pakistan after many years to attend a family wedding. While there, he became involved in a case of “honor killing”. As Dr. Khan investigated further, he uncovers a dark secret that someone is determined to protect.
Complicating matters is his budding romance with Henna, which is strictly prohibited by a bitter family feud. Dr. Khan’s quest to uncover the truth spans for decades and challenges his identity and loyalty.
I was captivated by the book’s rich storytelling. The author masterfully provided a glimpse in to the intricate tapestry of Pakistan, weaving in details about its vibrant cultures, traditions and landscapes. Each page felt alive with a vivid description that transported me to this region.
The narrative was a true page-turner, filled with unexpected twists and turns that kept me eagerly anticipating what would happen next. However, I did find it somewhat perplexing that the main character appeared to push the murder to the back of his mind until he crossed paths with someone from Pakistan who reminded him of the haunting event. This was an abrupt shift that struck me as odd.
Overall it was a captivating read that offers an intriguing mystery and a deep dive into Pakistani culture. Despite the minor narrative inconsistency, I would recommend this book to anyone who loves thriller.
“A Murder in Multan” by A. M Sardar is an engaging mystery novel that follows Dr. Shujaat Khan, an expatriate forensic scientist who returns to Pakistan after many years to attend a family wedding. While there, he became involved in a case of “honor killing”. As Dr. Khan investigated further, he uncovers a dark secret that someone is determined to protect.
Complicating matters is his budding romance with Henna, which is strictly prohibited by a bitter family feud. Dr. Khan’s quest to uncover the truth spans for decades and challenges his identity and loyalty.
I was captivated by the book’s rich storytelling. The author masterfully provided a glimpse in to the intricate tapestry of Pakistan, weaving in details about its vibrant cultures, traditions and landscapes. Each page felt alive with a vivid description that transported me to this region.
The narrative was a true page-turner, filled with unexpected twists and turns that kept me eagerly anticipating what would happen next. However, I did find it somewhat perplexing that the main character appeared to push the murder to the back of his mind until he crossed paths with someone from Pakistan who reminded him of the haunting event. This was an abrupt shift that struck me as odd.
Overall it was a captivating read that offers an intriguing mystery and a deep dive into Pakistani culture. Despite the minor narrative inconsistency, I would recommend this book to anyone who loves thriller.
November 20, 2024
A.M. Sardar’s Murder in Multan is a brilliant and multi-layered narrative that intertwines mystery, betrayal, and societal critique. The plot is a masterclass in storytelling, full of conspiracies that fascinate and unearth the darkness lurking beneath the surface of a judgmental society. Sardar’s ability to craft intricate twists keeps readers hooked, while the emotional weight of the story lingers long after the final page.
At its heart, the novel explores the devastating love stories and betrayals between lovers, driven by a desperate need to conceal secrets from a society quick to judge. Sardar portrays the suffocating pressures of patriarchal norms, showing how societal expectations can corrode trust, destroy relationships, and force people to act against their very nature. These betrayals, while heart-wrenching, feel inevitable in the face of such stifling unfairness.
The story also sheds light on the struggles of women navigating a world that denies them agency, exposing the profound impact of systemic oppression. The novel’s raw depiction of how victims are pushed to their breaking point—and sometimes transformed into monsters—adds a chilling depth to the narrative.
Murder in Multan is more than a murder mystery; it is a gripping commentary on love, loss, and the cost of living in a society riddled with prejudice. A truly compelling read that balances emotional resonance with an unrelenting sense of suspense.
At its heart, the novel explores the devastating love stories and betrayals between lovers, driven by a desperate need to conceal secrets from a society quick to judge. Sardar portrays the suffocating pressures of patriarchal norms, showing how societal expectations can corrode trust, destroy relationships, and force people to act against their very nature. These betrayals, while heart-wrenching, feel inevitable in the face of such stifling unfairness.
The story also sheds light on the struggles of women navigating a world that denies them agency, exposing the profound impact of systemic oppression. The novel’s raw depiction of how victims are pushed to their breaking point—and sometimes transformed into monsters—adds a chilling depth to the narrative.
Murder in Multan is more than a murder mystery; it is a gripping commentary on love, loss, and the cost of living in a society riddled with prejudice. A truly compelling read that balances emotional resonance with an unrelenting sense of suspense.
August 5, 2024
A Murder in Multan
I hadn't read a Pakistani book before and didn't know what to expect. However, when I started reading this book, I was curious to encounter a culture vastly different from my own, and I was beyond thrilled.
Dr. Shujaat, a forensic scientist in England, returns home to Pakistan for his cousin's wedding, only to witness the honor killing of a young woman by her husband, leaving behind their six-year-old son.
Dr. Shujaat is now driven to find out what prompted the killing, but he's met with a bigger surprise - a decades-long secret the reigning clergy family is desperately trying to hide. I noticed that the 15 years Dr. Shujaat spent in England positively affected his approach to life, as others thought he was wasting his time chasing the murder case; it also helped him develop resilience to find the truth amidst every hurdle.
Finally, he uncovers the truth, almost at the cost of his own life, which would cost the reigning clergy family their position, but they surprisingly accept the truth.
The story kept me on my toes, guessing until the very end. There were times I cried, laughed and even rolled my eyes.
What I loved most was the author's original and detailed approach to storytelling, skillfully weaving together themes of family, love, trust, betrayal, and unraveling truth.
A thrilling page-turner that will keep you hooked until the last word.
I hadn't read a Pakistani book before and didn't know what to expect. However, when I started reading this book, I was curious to encounter a culture vastly different from my own, and I was beyond thrilled.
Dr. Shujaat, a forensic scientist in England, returns home to Pakistan for his cousin's wedding, only to witness the honor killing of a young woman by her husband, leaving behind their six-year-old son.
Dr. Shujaat is now driven to find out what prompted the killing, but he's met with a bigger surprise - a decades-long secret the reigning clergy family is desperately trying to hide. I noticed that the 15 years Dr. Shujaat spent in England positively affected his approach to life, as others thought he was wasting his time chasing the murder case; it also helped him develop resilience to find the truth amidst every hurdle.
Finally, he uncovers the truth, almost at the cost of his own life, which would cost the reigning clergy family their position, but they surprisingly accept the truth.
The story kept me on my toes, guessing until the very end. There were times I cried, laughed and even rolled my eyes.
What I loved most was the author's original and detailed approach to storytelling, skillfully weaving together themes of family, love, trust, betrayal, and unraveling truth.
A thrilling page-turner that will keep you hooked until the last word.
August 12, 2024
A Murder happens in Multan on Dr. Shujaat's visit, and he's there before this person dies in a desperate attempt to save them, which turned out futile , this prods him to investigate as he wonders why someone so innocent would die, this leads him to discover interconnected families' pasts and secrets...
He articulated the whole large family concept quite well and he did a nice job in giving us a perception of Muslim and Pakistan religion/culture and how this adaptively affected the lives of the characters which is mostly true in reality and that's quite commendable.
The writer had quite the typographic error
He was slow in grasping the attention of his readers
It lacked the ability to build suspense in his readers something crucial for it's genre.
He could have been more expressive towards the culture/religion in respect to his readers, as i found some words attached to thier culture or religion that I couldn't decipher while reading .
Though I believe he would have been a little more in depth in giving us a picture of the Pakistan history (war) as it would have helped us connect more with these characters and it took a major role in shaping his character's perspective.
I'd give it a rating of three out of five stars
Thanks to Booktasters for the opportunity to read and give a review.
He articulated the whole large family concept quite well and he did a nice job in giving us a perception of Muslim and Pakistan religion/culture and how this adaptively affected the lives of the characters which is mostly true in reality and that's quite commendable.
The writer had quite the typographic error
He was slow in grasping the attention of his readers
It lacked the ability to build suspense in his readers something crucial for it's genre.
He could have been more expressive towards the culture/religion in respect to his readers, as i found some words attached to thier culture or religion that I couldn't decipher while reading .
Though I believe he would have been a little more in depth in giving us a picture of the Pakistan history (war) as it would have helped us connect more with these characters and it took a major role in shaping his character's perspective.
I'd give it a rating of three out of five stars
Thanks to Booktasters for the opportunity to read and give a review.
November 17, 2024
Murder mysteries are always captivating. You can't stop turning the pages until you solve the mystery.
In this one, Shujaat, a British trained forensic expert visits Pakistan for a relative's wedding, and everything seemed to be going well until the a woman next door is murdered. Being 1986 Pakistan, no one was eager to get justice for a married woman who "looks at other men", in fact, it was considered an honour killing and "she deserved it", but was she killed just for "looking at other men"?, was her death part of a greater plot?. Only a forensic expert wouldn't stop digging until the cause of a murder is determined and Shujaat didn't stop for the next twenty years.
The book was beautifully written with the many twists and turns that characterises a mystery novel. It was initially difficult to get into because it's an entirely new setting than I am used to, but like every reader, I skip the names till they become familiar. :)
Good read
In this one, Shujaat, a British trained forensic expert visits Pakistan for a relative's wedding, and everything seemed to be going well until the a woman next door is murdered. Being 1986 Pakistan, no one was eager to get justice for a married woman who "looks at other men", in fact, it was considered an honour killing and "she deserved it", but was she killed just for "looking at other men"?, was her death part of a greater plot?. Only a forensic expert wouldn't stop digging until the cause of a murder is determined and Shujaat didn't stop for the next twenty years.
The book was beautifully written with the many twists and turns that characterises a mystery novel. It was initially difficult to get into because it's an entirely new setting than I am used to, but like every reader, I skip the names till they become familiar. :)
Good read
December 11, 2024
“I've been poor, and let me tell you, there's no honour in poverty. There is no self-righteousness nor honesty. There is only desperation. There is need and want but no honour.”
Thanks to @BookTasters and A. M. Sardar for the ecopy in exchange of an honest review.
When Dr. Shujaat Khan visits Pakistan for a wedding, things escalate quickly by the honour killing of his neighbour but he learns that the honour killing is merely a pretence and there is a dark secret lurking behind the murder. Murder, betrayal, love, hate, revenge and the burden of responsibilities, there are all in it.
It was very predictable at first, starting like a pakdrama, however the twists were pretty impressive. I gave it 3 stars because it felt verbose, and a lot like a 1st or 2nd draft, there is room for improvement. The dialogues were pretty basic. The plot had potential but the execution drowned the story.
You can give it a try, still a good read though.
Thanks to @BookTasters and A. M. Sardar for the ecopy in exchange of an honest review.
When Dr. Shujaat Khan visits Pakistan for a wedding, things escalate quickly by the honour killing of his neighbour but he learns that the honour killing is merely a pretence and there is a dark secret lurking behind the murder. Murder, betrayal, love, hate, revenge and the burden of responsibilities, there are all in it.
It was very predictable at first, starting like a pakdrama, however the twists were pretty impressive. I gave it 3 stars because it felt verbose, and a lot like a 1st or 2nd draft, there is room for improvement. The dialogues were pretty basic. The plot had potential but the execution drowned the story.
You can give it a try, still a good read though.
November 15, 2024
The story line of this book was interesting however for the most it felt as though I was reading a journal and not a book. The book was a slow read at points but it did have a lot of unexpected twists and turns which kept me interested and able to read to the end. I found parts of it a bit difficult to understand as there are a lot of Pakistani terms that I didn’t know the meaning of, but this didn’t ruin the overall story.
I didn’t really feel as though I had a favourite character in this book but I did like shujaat and his perseverance to do the right thing, even when he didn’t like the answers to his questions.
This book is aimed at adults but could be easily read by 16+ to!
I didn’t really feel as though I had a favourite character in this book but I did like shujaat and his perseverance to do the right thing, even when he didn’t like the answers to his questions.
This book is aimed at adults but could be easily read by 16+ to!
October 24, 2025
I have never been so irritated by someone's curiosity like I was with Shujaat. Man his character is annoying, why can't he leave well enough alone? Why does he have to poke so much, to his own detriment, is it courage or stupidity? He could have lost so much, he had me yelling at my book as I was reading, not understanding why a man can be so relentless about something that has absolutely nothing to do with him. But what he did opened so many doors.
I almost threw my tablet against a wall because of this book.
I almost threw my tablet against a wall because of this book.
September 13, 2024
I just finished the book, and honestly I love it. Aside the fact that the characters are easily to imagine and their personalities easier to figure out, I loved that the doings of each character in fact reflects who they are meant to be. I also learnt a bit more about Pakistanis
The pace was equally not too slow and not too fast, just what was needed. I was equally surprised by the turn of events, it was a twist I didn't imagine at all
The pace was equally not too slow and not too fast, just what was needed. I was equally surprised by the turn of events, it was a twist I didn't imagine at all
September 2, 2024
WOWWW!!!!!A Murder in Multan was an incredible read! I love how the themes of honor killing and the complexities of human nature are described. It's fascinating how the author portrays societal issues so deeply, especially in the context of Pakistan. The way I connected with the characters and their journeys really highlights the power of storytelling.
September 15, 2024
I found the characters interesting, but I felt as though I didn't connect with them on an emotional level. I did find the writing itself to be engaging, but somehow I still felt as though I didn't connect fully with the storyline. At times, I had the impression that I was reading a diary or journal rather than a story, but I felt distanced from the characters, and what was going on.
October 14, 2024
I honestly went into this book not really knowing what to expect. I did feel myself pretty engaged with the story for the most part. There were times when I felt like it become a bit crazy and semi hard to follow though. But that was made up for the fact that the characters were absolutely amazing and really well written. I really was rooting for Shujaat the whole time.
October 16, 2024
The Murder in Multan is a spellbinding tale weaving through themes of cultural pressures, family honour, societal norms, betrayal and a sprinkling of romance to flavour it all. Highly recommend.
July 13, 2025
Immersive, groundbreaking and nuanced, this is one of those books you don't want to end.
December 3, 2025
it flowed nicely I just wanted a little bit more horror. the reader is kept in suspense for sometime but I was disappointed but to lack luster of an ending.
March 3, 2025
I really enjoyed reading this! For me this is the type of book that is kinda short but can still be entertaining its a perfect short gateway hahaha!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2025
A Murder in Multan is about Shujaat, a forensic scientist, and his quest to uncover the truth behind Chindh's death. Along the way, he discovers a deadly secret that has been buried for decades—one that could cost him his life. Will he survive?
"A Murder in Multan" gave me insight into Pakistan's culture, Muslim beliefs, values, and the impact of the India-Pakistan partition, along with the discrimination that followed.
The author did a great job illustrating the dark nature of humans—greed, betrayal, and selfishness—and how far people can go when they are desperate.
What hooked me was the way the author shed light on societal issues in Pakistan, such as classism, forced marriages, early marriages, domestic violence, and honour killings. The book shows how helpless women can be in choosing a life partner, where marriage often serves to upgrade the family's status or for business purposes. The author's exploration of these issues highlights the power of his storytelling.
Additionally, I loved how the author explored and told each character's story differently, showing their flaws, complexities, sacrifices, and connections to the secret. This allowed me to see things from each character's perspective, empathize with them, and understand their decisions.
The book delves into themes of lust, lies, betrayal, murder, and honour killings within the Multan household, all to protect a deadly family secret.
I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. Although I loved and enjoyed the book, I think the author could have provided translations for the Arabic words, as I found it a bit challenging to read through.
I recommend "A Murder in Multan" to anyone looking for a murder mystery with an unexpected plot twist that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
"A Murder in Multan" gave me insight into Pakistan's culture, Muslim beliefs, values, and the impact of the India-Pakistan partition, along with the discrimination that followed.
The author did a great job illustrating the dark nature of humans—greed, betrayal, and selfishness—and how far people can go when they are desperate.
What hooked me was the way the author shed light on societal issues in Pakistan, such as classism, forced marriages, early marriages, domestic violence, and honour killings. The book shows how helpless women can be in choosing a life partner, where marriage often serves to upgrade the family's status or for business purposes. The author's exploration of these issues highlights the power of his storytelling.
Additionally, I loved how the author explored and told each character's story differently, showing their flaws, complexities, sacrifices, and connections to the secret. This allowed me to see things from each character's perspective, empathize with them, and understand their decisions.
The book delves into themes of lust, lies, betrayal, murder, and honour killings within the Multan household, all to protect a deadly family secret.
I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. Although I loved and enjoyed the book, I think the author could have provided translations for the Arabic words, as I found it a bit challenging to read through.
I recommend "A Murder in Multan" to anyone looking for a murder mystery with an unexpected plot twist that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
January 12, 2025
During his (Shujaat) visit to a wedding in Pakistan, a murder occurs. A man has murdered his own wife because of paternity tests that proved he was not a biological father of his child. Shuujat is immediately drawn to the murder. Filled with an obsession to solve the murder, he finds out that the results were actually forged. The man was actually the biological father of the child. From then on, Shujaat is pulled into a spiral of deceptions. Deceptions that carry an old secret about the highest family in Pakistan. Amongst all, he finds a love interest (Hanna) who belongs to the highest family; but their love is considered forbidden, so committing to her proved difficult for him.
This is a well-written literature. AM Sardar has a beautiful way of expressing the story. The only problem I had with the book is that the characters were too forthcoming with information that put their lives in danger, like giving the story too much push towards an ending. But the narrative was excellent, nonetheless. The book is a great taste for mystery.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars.
This is a well-written literature. AM Sardar has a beautiful way of expressing the story. The only problem I had with the book is that the characters were too forthcoming with information that put their lives in danger, like giving the story too much push towards an ending. But the narrative was excellent, nonetheless. The book is a great taste for mystery.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars.
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