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A Killer in the Family

Not yet published
Expected 7 Apr 26

Win a free print copy of this book!

16 days and 13:40:44

100 copies available
U.S. only
Rate this book
A thrilling, intoxicating mystery set among New York City’s most elite residents, for fans of My Sister, The Serial Killer and The Age of Vice

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

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

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

320 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication April 7, 2026

34 people are currently reading
14796 people want to read

About the author

Amin Ahmad

8 books20 followers

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5 stars
31 (18%)
4 stars
58 (34%)
3 stars
62 (37%)
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12 (7%)
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3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
Profile Image for Dennis.
1,105 reviews2,070 followers
February 21, 2026
This book explores nature versus nurture, sibling and parental dynamics, and marriage, all within a wealthy New York family built on secrets, lies, and possible murder. It started strong with a unique setup and vivid setting, pulling me in with its toxic relationships, manipulation, and power struggles, even if pretty much everyone kind of sucks in a way that works for the story. The shifting tones and uneven pacing kept it from feeling fully cohesive, but it’s still a solid, intriguing family drama. STARS: 3.5
Profile Image for Allison.
177 reviews15 followers
January 6, 2026
Okay, so I still don’t have a good idea of what I feel about this book. The writing was great, had me keep picking it up to read more, see where it was going… but it just didn’t really connect me enough with the characters to make me care about what was happening to them. Fantastic storytelling, would recommend. Not my favorite. But keeping an eye out for this author in the future. 👀

Thanks to the publishers and author for an ARC from goodreads giveaways.
Profile Image for Natalia Farnham.
351 reviews15 followers
January 11, 2026
Oh my gosh the family drama in this one!!!! It was a pretty interesting look into an Indian families life and the pressures that a lot of kids might feel in that family. It was also full of twists and turns and a lot of it I didn’t see coming. At first I saw the length of the book and worried it would drag and have some added fluff that was not needed but thankfully I was wrong! This book took me a day to finish so that tells you something!
Profile Image for Ja’Laya Johnson.
99 reviews
August 23, 2025
This book completely pulled me in from start to finish. Ali Azeem’s journey from naive newlywed to someone caught in the glittering but dangerous world of the Khan family was fascinating. The blend of wealth, glamour, and dark secrets gave this story a cinematic, almost Gatsby-meets-thriller vibe that I couldn’t put down.

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

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

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

Huge thanks to @netgalley, the publisher, and Amin Ahmad for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Profile Image for Leora.
24 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 30, 2026
4.5 ⭐️

A Killer in the Family was a bit slow at times, but wow—what a story. The way information is revealed is incredibly twisty, and there were definitely aspects I did not see coming. As the layers peel back, the book becomes more gripping and emotionally complex.

It’s a compelling exploration of nature versus nurture, sibling dynamics, parental relationships, and marriage. One of the most striking takeaways is how clearly the story shows that people often only see what they want to see about us—and what we’re willing to let them see.

Trigger warnings: references to self-harm, rape, and serial killings.

Despite the slower moments, this is a powerful, thought-provoking read that leaves a lasting impression.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to preread and review this book.
Profile Image for Lily.
150 reviews34 followers
January 26, 2026
I really didn’t enjoy the pacing of this thriller. Took forever to get to a ‘twist’ or even to build up some suspense. Felt like the focus was the world building/family dynamic and personality building and NOT the actually thriller plot line.

The first major twist was kinda glossed over and the rest was kind of lack luster. Didn’t enjoy the ending either:(

Also the main character was so unbelievably insufferable I could barely finish this book. I will say it was likely intentional so props to the author for evoking such strong feelings but gahdamn.
9 reviews
January 16, 2026
Firstly thank you for this ARC from the Goodreads Giveaways. Was thrilled to receive my copy.

This book was really good. I loved the descriptions of both Mumbai and New York. Many suspenseful twists and turns that I did not see coming. Loved the characters and how they interacted. Was suspicious of everyone at one point or another. Really enjoyed how the conclusion wrapped tied everything up nicely. Was hard to put down. Recommended read!!
Profile Image for Kylee.
287 reviews4 followers
September 15, 2025
Parts of this book were really interesting and exciting, but the vast majority felt slow and scattered. The two averaged out to a 3 star review from me

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Profile Image for Casey Bee.
739 reviews60 followers
February 24, 2026
This book is a gripping tale of power, family drama and secrets, murder and mystery! There is something about the rich and powerful, especially set in NYC, that I find intoxicating. Books that revolve around that are always rife with drama, scandal and secrets—which I find highly entertaining. The characters are always untrustworthy and a little unhinged. And this book is no exception! I also enjoyed the cultural aspect of this being an Indian family. I have to tell you, I find arranged marriage fascinating. Not in a judgmental way, sometimes I think it’s probably a lot easier!!!

Ali enters an arranged marriage with Maryam, daughter of Abbas Khan, one of the richest and most powerful men in New York City. But he receives a warning from Maryam’s unstable and black sheep of the family sister. What unfolds is just such an entertaining story! Can Ali really trust anyone in the upper echelons of NYC?

We touch upon immigrant achievement, mental health and mental health being treated as a scapegoat to dismiss someone, family secrets, and the power of the top percent. The ending had me cackling.

Thank you to Henry Holt and Co. for the gifted ARC! Book releases 4/7/26.
Profile Image for Madison Beardslee.
101 reviews2 followers
January 26, 2026
I would like to thank the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of A Killer in the Family in exchange for an honest review.

This book was really good and kept me interested throughout. A big focus is on family dynamics, especially within a wealthy family full of toxic relationships. It was interesting getting to know each character and uncovering all the small but very intentional behaviors that made the family so dysfunctional.

Pretty much everyone in this book kind of sucks, but in a way that works for the story. Watching all the manipulation, secrets, and power struggles unfold made the plot engaging, even when the characters themselves were not likable. I enjoyed seeing how the family history and relationships played into the overall mystery.

Overall, this was a solid read with strong character drama and an intriguing family dynamic. I would give it three and a half stars.

⭐️⭐️⭐️½
Profile Image for Sheri.
342 reviews24 followers
November 16, 2025
“A Killer in the Family” by Amin Ahmad is a layered psychological thriller that hooked me right away. It’s emotionally tense and unpredictable, with complex flawed characters each carrying secrets that unravel with shocking precision.
The story revolves around a bachelor from Mumbai who enters into an arranged marriage with the daughter of a powerful real estate tycoon. He moves to NY and quickly becomes swept up in the excessive lifestyle while being groomed to enter into the family business. As he becomes more involved with his new family he learns the patriarch may be hiding a deadly secret connected to a serial killer thought to be long gone.
This is a chilling exploration of moral compromise, the seductive pull of power, and highly dysfunctional families. A provocative debut novel I throughly enjoyed!

Thank you NetGalley and Henry Holt & Company for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Christina C.
91 reviews4 followers
January 10, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

A Killer in the Family by Amin Ahmed is a gripping story centered on Ali and his marriage into the powerful and wealthy Khan family, where nothing is quite as perfect as it seems. The plot weaves together a compelling love triangle, intense family drama, and a suspenseful search for a killer that kept me fully engaged. I especially enjoyed the audiobook. I would definitely recommend this book, especially in audiobook format, to fans of family thrillers and dramatic mysteries.
Profile Image for Charese.
813 reviews15 followers
January 12, 2026
This one had parts that I was sucked into and parts that felt a little slow for me. The narration by Isuri Wijesundara, Lipica Shah, and Vikas Adam was very well done that it kept me interested. Right of the bat the unique set up had me thinking it was a gritty vigilante story, then it shifted into a fast-paced thriller, and later leaned more toward family drama. While some may enjoyed the constant change, I felt that it harder for me to stay fully invested. It also ended up feeling like multiple short stories vs a cohesive story. All in all, this was a decent read, just not a favorite for me.

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for DocMcStuffit.
79 reviews3 followers
January 18, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for early access to this ARC read. I think some readers will enjoy this book, however it was a bit too slow for me and the overly detailed narration made the story drag.
I read the book and tried the audiobook.
The audiobook narrator had an Indian British accent which was a deterrent for me. I’m Pakistani/Indian and didn’t feel engaged with the accent or the story.

I think others would enjoy it, it just didn’t click for me
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kat.
939 reviews98 followers
January 24, 2026
Received from LibraryThing. Full review coming
Profile Image for Breeanna Smith.
48 reviews
September 18, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

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

3.5 ⭐️

This book started strong and really pulled me in with its unique setup. At first it felt like a gritty vigilante story, then it shifted into a fast-paced thriller, and later leaned more toward family drama. The constant changes in tone made it harder for me to stay fully invested, since it didn’t always feel like one cohesive story. I did enjoy the vivid setting and some of the twists, but the uneven pacing and shifting genres kept it from being as gripping as it could have been. A decent read, but not a favorite.
Profile Image for Tammy.
790 reviews13 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 9, 2026
📚🎧 A killer in the Family
✍🏻Amin Ahmad
Blurb:
A thrilling, intoxicating mystery set among New York City’s most elite residents, for fans of My Sister, The Serial Killer and The Age of Vice

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

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

From the streets of Mumbai to the upper echelons of Manhattan to old haunts in Queens, A Killer in the Family is an unforgettable portrait of a family in the form of a page-turner. Exploring themes of immigrant achievement, family secrets, and the power of the one percent, A Killer in the Family is a riveting novel that will have listeners second-guessing every member of the Khan family until its shocking end.
My Thoughts:
What a twisted novel (audiobook) Had me listening to finish so I could see what happens. Ali Azeem’s journey from naive newlywed to someone caught in the glittering but dangerous world of the Khan family was fascinating. A sharp, addictive, and unputdownable thriller about power, family, and the hidden cost of wealth.The story revolves around a bachelor from Mumbai who enters into an arranged marriage with the daughter of a powerful real estate tycoon. who marries into a wealthy New York family and soon discovers their empire is built on secrets, lies, and possible murder. He must decide whether to stay loyal or walk away before the truth destroys him .This is a must read for all you thriller and mystery lovers.
Thanks NetGalley Henry Holt and Co. and Author Amin Ahmad for the advanced audio of "A Killer in the Family"
#NetGalley
#HenryHoldandCo.
#AminAhmad
#AKillerintheFamily
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️Trigger Warnings: Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Mental illness, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Grief, Medical trauma, Stalking, Murder
Profile Image for Tee loves Kyle Jacobson.
2,538 reviews179 followers
August 23, 2025
This book was amazing! I started it and could not put it down. Right from the start you are caught up in the rich world of Muslims and the rich.

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

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

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

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

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

This is a must read for all you thriller and mystery lovers. Thank you to Net-Galley for allowing me to read this ARC
Profile Image for Gloria.
55 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 2, 2026
Book Review: A Killer in the Family by Amin Ahmad

I’m actually really glad I finally picked this one up while also being a little annoyed with myself for waiting so long. I’ve been trying to catch up on several other reads, but this was one of those books that quietly kept calling my name… and once I gave in, I completely understood why.

Yes, it’s a bit of a lengthy read (at least for me), but it never felt long. The story gets to the point without rushing, and the pacing made it feel like I was a fly on the wall, eavesdropping on deeply layered family drama. The kind where nothing is said outright, but everything is implied. I love books like that.

At its core, this is a sharp domestic thriller centered on an elite, wealthy family, one where appearances matter more than people, and loyalty has conditions. The family dynamics are ruthless, calculated, and unsettling in the most compelling way. It’s a reminder that wealth doesn’t make people special or immune to ugly behavior, it just gives them better tools to hide it.

There are twists and turns throughout. Some moments had that familiar “okay, I see where this might be going” feeling but then there’s one particular plot twist that genuinely caught me off guard. No hints, no breadcrumbs I picked up on just a full stop, jaw-drop moment. And honestly? I loved that. It’s rare.

I also really appreciated the Bombay setting and cultural elements woven into the story. It added depth and texture without feeling like window dressing, and it made the family dynamics feel even richer and more authentic.

Overall, I truly enjoyed this book and flew through it once I committed. I’m very thankful to NetGalley and the author for the advanced reader copy. If you enjoy domestic thrillers, family secrets, elite dysfunction, and quiet tension that slowly tightens its grip this one is absolutely worth your time.

⭐ 4 stars
Highly recommended for fans of domestic and family-centered thrillers.
Profile Image for Sacha.
2,006 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
December 27, 2025
3.5 stars

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

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

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

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

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

*Special thanks to NetGalley, Henry Holt & Co., and Macmillan Audio for this arc and alc. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Profile Image for bookshelfreader_31.
53 reviews1 follower
December 6, 2025
Whoa! Talk about suspense! What a twisted novel. When I first jumped into this novel, I thought I knew what happened and only wanted the details of why and how. However, everything changed, the characters you think are bad are good and vice versa except you don't have a inkling till the very end because of the diverse twist throughout the book. The Author did an superb job adding the excitement of thrill and romance into the storyline but also many complex plots. This added so much dimension. I found the second half of the book fast paced due to the depth of detail in the narrative. My eyes were glued and my mind was fully captivated to find out what was going to happen next. I needed to know more. Discovering everything about this family and who was the real cause of all these problems! This family has more secrets behind their smiles than you believe. It makes me wonder and question the humans around us. This book sounds like it could be based on a real event. What a psychological thriller!


About the book:

Ever wonder what an arranged marriage can bring you? Maybe a secret affair, with a sister of your wife? A dead body in a boggy area just waiting to be found but never discovered . A scar with a story, waiting for the truth to be discovered ? Where did the detective go? Why disappear ? Why come back? Why tell? Why kill, why interrupt the interview ? All these questions came to my mind and ended with a jaw dropping discovery. I would have never guessed. Maybe , no one is truly innocent in all of this except for that one horrible person. Read to find more behind "The Killer In The Family"
Profile Image for Leanne.
875 reviews86 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
December 16, 2025
A Killer in the Family is one of those thrillers that sneaks up on you with its charm before pulling you into a darker, twistier world. At first glance, it feels like a glamorous family drama—private jets, skyscrapers, and the intoxicating pull of wealth. But Amin Ahmad cleverly layers in suspense, corruption, and the shadow of a serial killer, turning what could have been a glossy tale into something far more unsettling and addictive.

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

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

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

With thanks to Amin Ahmad, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.
Profile Image for Lauren Barone.
75 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 20, 2026
I listened to A Killer in the Family by Amin Ahmad as an audiobook ARC from NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, narrated by Isuri Wijesundara, Lipica Shah, and Vikas Adam. This was my second book from Ahmad (Age of Vice being the first), and once again, his storytelling really drew me in.

The story centers on a family whose carefully constructed image begins to unravel when a shocking crime comes to light. As the narrative shifts between perspectives and timelines, secrets buried within the family slowly surface, raising questions about loyalty, guilt, and how well we ever truly know the people closest to us. The suspense builds steadily, and each revelation adds another layer of tension.

One of Ahmad’s strengths is his attention to detail, and that really shines here. He takes his time developing the characters and the emotional stakes, which made the story feel immersive and kept me fully engaged. The audiobook format worked especially well, and the narrators did a great job distinguishing voices and heightening the tension throughout.

While not quite a five-star read for me, this was a strong, suspenseful listen that easily earns a 3.75 rounded up to 4 stars. If you enjoy slow-burn thrillers, layered family dynamics, and rich storytelling, this is definitely worth checking out.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Maya .
156 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
December 30, 2025
This book was provided to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was intrigued by the concept of this book and excited to receive an ARC from the publisher. I think that the intrigue and excitement of receiving the book is the only thing that gave me the strength to push through the 80% of this book that was a drag to get to the 20% I enjoyed. I had a hard time caring about Ali or any of his problems. I understand that the characters are not meant to be likable but they should at least be engaging. Before the plot picked up at the end, I felt the most engaged by the chapters taken from Fahran’s journal. I think the POV of the sisters would be the most interesting POV to tell this story from but I understand that choice would force the author to reveal information faster than he wanted. I left this book on a high note and am remembering it fondly but oh my god when I actually think about it the vast majority of the book felt like an absolute drag.
I think you’ll like this book more than me if you have interest exploring the dynamics of the super rich, particularly super rich immigrant families. There is obviously a lot of intrigue in how they treat family vs business vs reputation I was just more interested in the thriller part of the book which fell short.
Profile Image for Mateo.
43 reviews17 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 12, 2026
A Killer in the Family is a slow-burning family drama that takes its time getting where it’s going. For much of the book, I struggled with the pacing and didn’t feel strongly connected to the characters, and the story often felt more drawn out than necessary. The audiobook narration was solid and helped me stay engaged, but the buildup still felt sluggish at times.

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

Out April 7, 2026

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

All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for bookmom0708.
56 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 17, 2026
A Killer in the Family is a thriller packed with family drama and characters to hate read. In the business tycoon world, Abbas Khan is on top. Abbas chooses Ali, an under-achieving momma's-boy to marry his youngest daughter, Maryam. At their first meeting, Ali falls madly infatuated with Farhan, the eldest daughter. This starts a whirlwind affair between Ali and Farhan, all while Ali is engaged to and then married to Maryam. As Ali because more involved with the Khan family, he realizes that their secrets run deep and they are all more ruthless than he initially thought.

I thought this was an enjoyable listen. I wanted to keep picking it up and hearing where the story was going next. I didn't think any of the twists were incredibly unpredictable but I enjoyed the story anyway. There are really no likeable characters but that added to the story for me. The characters were well developed and entertaining. I would recommend this one to anyone looking for a thriller with lots of drama and an Indian setting.

I thought the audiobook was really well narrated! I really enjoyed both the male and female narrators and they definitely gave the characters and story life.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC!
55 reviews2 followers
August 11, 2025
This book gripped me from the outset and I blew through it quite quickly. I truly enjoyed the story, with its glamorous settings, interesting characters, and surprising twists. This is a fun family drama suspense thriller that is truly engaging and surprising as well.

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

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

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Carolyn.
570 reviews2 followers
November 2, 2025
I received an advance copy of this book. Thank you

The book description sounded interesting; arranged marriage, incredible wealth, intrigue. While the book did have all of this, the characters failed to grab my attention. Well, that's not true, the main character, Ali Azeem, not only got my attention, he began to irritate me. Ali Azeem grew up wealth and coddled and was very focused on himself. This caused him to jump to conclusions, not think things through, wallow in self-pity, and indulge himself. Of course, in fairness, the author Amin Ahmad, probably set out to make Ali Azeem this way, and therefore he was completely successful.
Aside from the main character, there was Maryan, his wife; Farhan, his sister-in-law; Abbas, his father-in-law, and a slew of cousins, aunts and uncles, as he married into a very large family. Throughout the story, there is a lot of action, maybe too much, for I felt we were jumping from scene to scene, rather than have it develop.
I'm sure this book will appeal to some; it just didn't grab me.
Profile Image for Barbara Schultz.
4,240 reviews310 followers
November 23, 2025
Title: A Killer in the Family
Author: Amin Ahmid
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Genre: Mystery/Thriller, Family Drama
Pub Date: April 7, 2026
My Rating: 3.3 Stars
Pages: 352

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

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

Want to thank NetGalley and Henry Holt and Co. for granting me this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for April 7 2026.
Profile Image for Cris Alvarez.
100 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
December 24, 2025


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

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

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

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