Steeped in Science, Submersed in Story

The Language of Secrets is well-written. It's suspenseful and treats its characters with humanity and kindness, which I appreciate as a reader. The cultural truths explored in it are sobering and fully treated. At times it is beautiful. I'll look forward to reading the next one in the series.

There are a couple downsides. It's really not funny. Not even a little bit for an instant. And nothing goes as it should; everything is frustrating and there's little resolution at the end. I suppose that makes it realistic, but it also makes it a less satisfying read. Maybe I'm being shallow, but I'm left with a taste of dissatisfaction anyway.

As the author notes in the afterword, the story is loosely based on a terrorist plot that was thwarted in Toronto in 2006, and a great deal of research is evident throughout the story. Khan is a gentle storyteller, educating her audience without blaming us for our ignorance. The main character's role as a Muslim Detective investigating Muslims is problematic and confusing from every angle. Stories like these definitely need to be told. But a lighthearted moment or two wouldn't ruin them.

I got a free copy of this from Net Galley.