This is my second from this author and it didn’t disappoint. Kia Abdullah takes unspeakable events and turns them into something compelling with lots of twists and turns. Leila Syed is a successful businesswoman, having brought her young sister up from the age of 11. She is still very close to her sister and adores her nephew Max, despite her own frequent unsuccessful attempts to have a child herself.

When something happens to Max, she is deemed responsible. Is she or was it just a mistake? This book has lots to hook you in until the very end with an unexpected twist! Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC.

I previously read both Take It Back and Truth Be Told by Kia Abdullah, which I received ARCs of through NetGalley, and I loved them both so much that I then went and bought myself hardback copies of the books when they were released. So, it’s not surprising that I have been excited about Next of Kin for a long time, and I pre-ordered it as soon as I could. I was extremely happy when I was then approved for an ARC of the book through NetGalley and got the chance to read it before publication day. I did however save it until closer to the release date, and it was most certainly worth the wait.

The story begins with a relatively normal family get together at Leila’s house. Leila, her husband Will, her sister Yasmin, and her brother-in-law Andrew are all chilling out in Leila’s garden, while Yasmin and Andrew’s son Max is asleep. But a few pages in to the book, and this comfy, happy, family dynamic is horrifically destroyed. Andrew calls Leila in a panic, asking her if she could drive Max to nursery before she goes to work, as he has to rush off to a work emergency. But Leila has her own work problems, and consequently forgets that Max is in the car, leaving him in the boiling heat, locked in her car, for hours while she’s at work. No-one was prepared for the deadly effects of this accident, and it will completely change this family forever.

I can’t imagine the pain of losing a child. It is a pain that no-one should have to experience, and if I’m honest, I don’t think I would be able to get through something like that, it would completely destroy me. Although Yasmin and Andrew are both obviously struggling (which is completely expected in the circumstances), they are both so strong, and they fight their way through an unimaginable amount of devastation. I feel so sorry for them both, but I also really feel for Leila. She clearly loved Max, and is hurting to, but because of the circumstances of Max’s death, no-one is making sure she’s okay, and that must be the most lonely, and heartbreaking feeling in the world. I could feel the raw pain and grief that each of the characters were feeling, and it was incredibly emotional to read.

The whole court room proceedings were so intense. Sometimes it can be a little long winded and tiresome when a book documents a trial, but that wasn’t the case with this book, it kept you interested the whole way through, and desperate to find out the outcome. There was a couple of big twists at the end of the story that I never expected, and they made the story so much more than it already was. It added so many more layers to an already difficult and complicated situation, and I loved that. I’m still thinking about it now!

Kia Abdullah has this incredible ability to pull you in, and to make you feel every emotion in her writing. Her books always seem to tackle hard to handle subjects in a way that packs a real punch, and leaves you thinking about it for a long time after you finish reading. Not only that, but she looks at these subjects from multiple perspectives, starting conversations that others are too scared to start or even consider. For these reasons, and because of how fantastic her writing is, Kia Abdullah is easily one of my favourite authors. I can’t wait to see what else she has in store for us.

I always knew that Next of Kin would be a hard hitting, emotional, and incredible book, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. This book has you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end, with an intensity that keeps you completely hooked. This story had me in tears, but I just couldn’t stop myself from reading. Like all of Kia’s books, this isn’t for the faint hearted, but I highly recommend this to everyone!

A huge thank you to NetGalley and HQ for providing me with a copy of the book, in exchange for an honest review.

I give Next of Kin a 5 star rating.

I’ve read the previous books by the author and had to read this one as well.

I knew I was in for a tremendous ride with this story especially after I’ve read the blurb, but I was wrong, I simply got high on the adrenaline while reading it!

There are so many heartbreaking moments that I just couldn’t wrap my head around some of the scenes in here. Family and especially sister rivalry is definitely not something taken easy and all I can say it’s just wow. The author manages to cover so many topics giving real nuances and never sugarcoating some of the harsh truth of reality.

Twists after twists, Next of kin will simply blow your mind and theories one after the other.

If that doesn’t make you want to read this book, I don’t know what could do.

Leila Syed is partner of an architect's firm in London; she has a beautiful house, a wardrobe of designer clothes and a handsome husband. She also has a jury deciding whether she deliberately left her three-year-old nephew in a locked car on the hottest day of the year...

Having read Truth Be Told last year and enjoying the mix of moral dilemma and court room drama, I grabbed the chance to read this latest novel by Kia Abdullah. It certainly lived up to expectations! The novel is split into three parts: before, during and after the trial. Each part reveals a little more of what happened that fateful day, with Abdullah skilfully eking out the story by showing you different snapshots from each character, so you are never quite sure who to trust - Leila who seems to "have it all" yet is facing a battle with infertility and her marriage collapsing; Yasmin, the child's beautiful mother who has her own secrets; or Andrew, the child's devoted father.

This book does not shy away from the death of a little boy and on that basis it will not be for everyone; I am usually ok at controlling my emotions when reading about difficult subjects in fiction but I did have to think carefully about proceeding after the first couple of chapters - I am so glad I did though, as I thought it was such a well-crafted story about keeping secrets, relationships between siblings, and how society judges women who harm children. The tension kept creeping up and the big reveal twist at the end was great (and I'm pleased to say my hunch about what had gone on was correct!).

I hope that a future novel will see the return of quiet, contemplative Shep, the detective who never gives up on his search for the truth. I would love to see him assigned to another case - and maybe find his Mrs Right!

Would recommend Next Of Kin if you like the courtroom dramas of a Jodi Picoult novel and the detective mysteries of Ann Cleeves or Elly Griffiths.

I have previously read Truth Be Told by Kia Abdullah, which was a taut, stress filled, intense story, featuring characters, a family, going through an unspeakably terrible time. Next of Kin is no different.
In the very first chapter we find a family, who are about to experience a terrible tragedy. The death of a beautiful, much loved son, and nephew, Max aged 3. This is where I want to bring in a trigger warning. The whole story centres around the traumatic death of a child, which for some readers, may bring back traumatic memories, so please consider this prior to reading.
Both books I have read by this author have centred on emotionally charged themes. Issues that can be hard to read and think about, but in both instances, the subject matter has been exceptionally well handled. Nothing is shied away from, and the story is not over sentimental, but it is written with a sensitive touch.
The tense family dynamic is given a good, honest examination. No family is without it’s secrets, and the Syeds certainly have their fair share, along with simmering rivalries and resentments.
There is a feeling, an occasional comment, which makes us, the reader, think that there is more going on than we have been allowed to know. If you can work out the plot, before Kia shows us through her clever writing, you are a better woman than I. By the time I had read the last page, my heart had been broken again. I spent some time quietly thinking about what these characters had endured, being very grateful that I haven’t found myself in their shoes.
Kia Abdullah is an exceptional writer, she will draw you in, have you holding your breath. Half of you will be desperately wanting to know what is about to happen, while the other half of you will be nervous of what you will find out.
This is definitely 5* from me. If you are looking for an emotional roller coaster of a book, which will have you questioning your own thoughts and feelings; Next Of Kin is a book you should most definitely read. Having finished this book, finding it so compelling, I’m reminded that I must go back to read Take It Back, the first Zara Kaleel book.

From the synopsis alone, it’s obvious that this story comes with some trigger warnings. It’s a harrowing and heartbreaking read, but one that will keep you firmly gripped until the final page.

Opening with an intense and upsetting situation, Next Of Kin is an absolute emotional rollercoaster. I was on the brink of tears throughout, and literally on the edge of my seat as twist after twist unravels to reveal the truth about what at first seems like a straightforward case.

This is a standalone book and not part of Abdullah’s Zara Kaleel series, but they do feel very similar with the courtroom setting and in-depth look into a deeply emotional case. The courtroom scenes are tense and the complex relationships are brilliantly explored, constantly leaving you with the feeling that something more is going on.

I was absolutely gripped throughout, which is all down to Abdullah’s immensely powerful writing. I was drawn into every character’s perspective – Yasmin as a grieving mother, Leila as the blamed victim, and Andrew as the husband who’s left to pick up the pieces. But I was not ready for what was to come.

It’s not often I give a full five stars, and I would give this book more if I could. I’m so often underwhelmed by legal thrillers that either pull you in emotionally but lack in shocks, or that are full of twists but neglect to connect you to the characters. Next Of Kin, however, does both on such a high level, and it’s definitely going to remain one of my favourite reads of this year.

This is the second book that I have read by Kia Abdullah and my second instant five-star rating for her work, so it’s safe to say I am a big fan of her work. She has quickly become an auto-buy author for me, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next.

WOW! What a very emotional book takes you on a rollercoaster.
Leila was supposed to drop off her nephew Max at nursery as his dad Andrew had an emergency, Leila had not done this before and after getting an emergency phone call on the way to work she forgets to take Max to nursery leaving him in her car on a hot day until Andrew phoned Leila saying Max was not at nursery why??
The family is split when Leila is took to court for the murder of Max where the past lives of the family are revealed and what a turn of events it takes with a jaw dropping ending.
Would definitely recommend this book if you want a page turner.

Thanks to Netgalley for the Arc in exchange for my honest review.

This is one of my top reads for 2021. This author has once again written a powerful and emotional novel. The subject is heartbreaking and I did struggle to believe Leila. The court case which followed was nerve-wracking. I disliked the characters in the book, especially the younger sister but it in no way spoiled the enjoyment of the book. I look forward to reading more by this brilliant author

Reading/reviewing IS a subjective thing, we read this all the time but for me with this book it was proven true, I have read many reviews for this book and spoken to friends who absolutely loved it, I thought it was ok/fine
I loved the authors previous 2 books and do enjoy her writing in this book, her detail in the often fairly boring court case sections of books are with her just magical, you are there with the person on trial, feeling every emotion,she does it brilliantly
For me though I didn’t like any of the characters, a mix of narcissist and just plain horrible, found some of the chapters repetitive and queried over and over the conclusion ( cannot say why as so not to ruin it ) but it was, for me, extremely vague and questionable
I would though recommend everyone who was going to read it does so as I am in a minority with this review 😎
Very much look forward to Book 4

6/10
3 Stars

A highly emotive book that some readers may find hard due to the nature of the story

Leila Syed was supposed to drop her nephew Max at nursery before heading to work herself, however she receives a panicked call from her brother in law when he goes to collect Max and finds he’s not there. Realising her tragic mistake she rushes to the car park to find she had left Max in his car seat for 6 hours on one of the hottest days of the year. What follows is the explosive, high profile trial that years apart a once close family.
This is the 1st time I have read a book written by this author and I am keen to explore others following this.
There were interesting twists and turns and I engaged with the characters and found myself drawn into the storyline
I recommend this book and would like to thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read this title

Having read two previous books by this author I was prepared for a gripping courtroom drama, but I was not prepared for this level of tension and trauma. Leila Syed agrees to take Max to nursery to help out her brother-in-law who has been called into work for an emergency. On the way to the nursery, Leila receives her own emergency calls, heads into work and forgets that Max is in the car. The police bring a case of manslaughter against her, claiming she put her work before her nephew and left him in the car deliberately in extreme temperatures.
Not only is this a tense court case but there is the tension within the family. Can her sister, Yasmin, forgive her for the death of her son? Can their relationship survive? Can her brother-in-law live with the guilt he feels?
But this taut drama goes much further than this and as the book reaches its conclusion there is more to learn which delivers punch after punch/
A compelling tale which will stay with me for some time.
Her best yet!
Many thanks to Netgalley/Kia Abdullay/HQ for a digital copy of this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

Another superb legal thriller from the excellent Kia Abdullah. Well written with credible characters and the usual convincing legal background, Next Of Kin tells the story of an aunt's failure to deliver her nephew to nursery and the shocking aftermath. Throughout the book the revelations are shocking, the plot twists thrilling and the denouement most satisfying.

Three year old Max is left in the back of his aunt Leila’s car on one of the hottest days of the year. When Max’s body is discovered, the police charge Leila with manslaughter. But did she intentionally leave him to die, or was it simply a momentary lapse of memory?

Next of Kin is a fascinating story, with some great twists along the way, as you try and decide whether Leila did it or not. Having the court case laid out, and the revelations that brings, helps keep the suspense going as it is so difficult to work out which way the jury will go. I was hooked and didn’t want to stop, and then the post court scenes just made the interest spike even more,

The only problem for me was that from the start I couldn’t understand why an inquisitive, lively three year old would be put in a rear facing seat, where the parents can’t interact with him during the journey, and how anybody could actually carry a sleeping child strapped into a car seat. The combined weight would be extreme. Unfortunately these issues stayed with me throughout the book, and so did sour my enjoyment.

That said, an entertaining, engrossing read.

This is my first book by Kia Abdullah and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
After the heartbreaking and breathtaking start of the story i found the trial a bit slow, until the verdict and the unbelievable twist at the end. However I was left wanting more of a conclusion and some questions are left unanswered.
All in all though a thoroughly enjoyable read!
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ for letting me review this book.

Kia Abdullah is the absolute queen of the courtroom drama. She can do no wrong in my eyes. In Next of Kin, her third novel, she once again tackles an intensely painful, highly emotive topic which ordinarily should be too distressing to read about but somehow she manages subconsciously to convince you to stay with her as she opens the lid on this family tragedy and every parents worst nightmare. Leila Syed, an architect running her own firm is married but currently separated from her husband Will. She lives just around the corner from her much younger sister Yasmin and her husband Andrew who are parents to three year old Max. The sisters have an unusually close relationship due to the role Leila has played in Yasmin’s upbringing, the older sibling enduring years of self sacrifice and hardship to ensure they both have more financially secure and stable adult lives. It’s as if all that hard work goes completely to waste when one moment, one morning, on a sweltering hot day, Leila inadvertently detonates the destruct button and the sisters lives and those of their partners implode. Held accountable for the tragic incident that occurs is Leila guilty of an act of wilful negligence or is a temporary unfortunate lapse in memory to blame?

Focusing on the immediate aftermath, the subsequent court trial and the repercussions this fateful morning has on four key family members, Kia Abdullah had me literally holding my breath from start to finish, unable to tear my eyes away from the pages however harrowing the content proves to be. Her writing is spellbinding, presenting you with another thought provoking scenario which sparks your own internal dialogue, desperately trying to place yourself in the shoes of the Syed sisters and their partners whilst wondering how you would react to the same set of circumstances. She poses various impossible to answer questions, offering persuasive, powerful arguments and evidence on behalf of both sides weaving an utterly gripping tale that at times I found hard to believe was fiction rather than a genuine court case. In fact that horrifying, heart stopping moment early on when you realise what the author is about to reveal immediately brought back memories of a similar incident involving my own daughter. At the time it didn’t really register how serious a lapse in memory this could potentially be since the crisis was quickly averted, her father strongly rebuked and all was well but the words “what if??” plagued my thoughts for the entirety of this riveting novel. Kia Abdullah’s writing places you forcefully in the middle of the unfolding trial, allowing you to preside as judge and jury as you witness the demolition of love and trust and loyalty and the disintegration of a close family unit, struggling to apportion blame and wondering in this instance whether justice can ever be served. There’s more than one victim in this courtroom drama where nothing is black and white but every shade in between.

The characters in Kia Abdullah’s novels are always brilliantly portrayed as complex and deeply flawed human beings caught in the throes of the worst moments of their lives, subject to intense public scrutiny, with every aspect of their lives laid bare. On this occasion the author has imagined a sibling dynamic where love merges into hate, observing a relationship in which jealousy, bitterness and resentment has been building and bubbling beneath the surface for years with Leila and Yasmin in direct competition as to who can be the most successful whether that be professionally, personally or both. Kia Abdullah creates a highly volatile atmosphere with tensions running high and emotions erupting and spilling over to damage an already fragile relationship turning this drama into one that shouldn’t be missed! I felt immense sorrow for the pair as both sisters personal lives have been blighted by difficulties, sadness, pain and heartache and loss so it’s fair to say neither have had an easy ride throughout adulthood. Yet one is painted in an unforgiving light and judged extremely harshly, especially in relation to her role in a society which treats men and women differently. It’s all too easy to feel automatic hatred towards one sister but who will win your allegiance? Within the narrative is a commentary about the notion of success and what constitutes a successful woman whilst the author also raises the issue of motherhood and what it means to be a mother in all senses of the word, not simply biologically. I found this aspect of the novel particularly fascinating, appreciating the author’s ability to write a fantastic piece of explosive fiction that also challenges your brain cells (and not just in terms of anticipating the twists!) I couldn’t wait to discuss the storyline with my friends and even my work colleagues, keen to hear their opinions which inevitably led to their own “forgotten children” anecdotes.

As I’ve already suggested, at times it’s hard to believe you’re not party to the intricacies of a true life case in motion until the author turns the tables and introduces some jaw dropping twists to satisfy even the harshest critic. As secrets and lies emerge you realise this is exactly what you’ve been waiting for, her talent to shock and surprise without ever losing any credibility the result of exceptional plotting making Next of Kin top notch fiction. I’ve come to expect nothing but the very best from this author and she doesn’t disappoint! In my opinion 5⭐️doesn’t do this novel justice. If you’re already a fan you’re going to love this and if you’re new to this author’s writing you’re about to discover exactly what you’ve been missing. Highly addictive and highly recommended!!

My thanks as always to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review.

Oh Lordy what an epic read. The story alone makes it an interesting read, and we can all identify somewhat with the characters because they are so real. Then comes the tension of the court case, the wait for the verdict, and there is still an hour of reading to go. The twists at the end will floor you!
Kia Abdullah is fast becoming one of my favourite of all time writers.

Bloody hell what a roller coaster of a ride, The author writes about such taboo subjects but does it with such compassion and feeling. I couldn’t put this down and Kia Abdullah is becoming a firm favourite read. A well written story of families, trauma, lies and deceit and what lengths we go to protecting the ones we love.

What a read! What you see isn’t what you get – and it’s not all over until the fat lady sings!

Leila Syed is a focused, professional woman. She has a close bond with her younger sister who lives close by with her husband and son, so when her brother-in-law phones in a panic one morning to ask if she can drop three year old Max at nursery, Leila doesn’t hesitate to say ‘yes’. Hours later, she recieves a call from Max’s father, Andrew, to say that the school called to find out where Max was. Racing to her car, Leila is horrified to realise that she completely forgot to drop him off. As we follow on from this disastrous day, we track the high profile trial and experience this horror from the differing views of all involved.

First up, I have to admit that this is my first novel by Kia Abdullah and I have no idea why I haven’t heard of her before. Writing with aplomb and style, she has produced a novel which drew me in and had me completely involved and enthralled from the very start. There is so much more to this story that first appears and I was surprised more than once with twists and turns. Very accomplished and polished, this is one thriller I just have to recommend. This is an author on my ‘must not miss’ list from here on in, and this stunning read easily deserves all five shining stars!

My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley; this is – as always – my honest, original and unbiased review.

Kia Abdullah is a new author for me. I’d seen this book recommended so was pleased to receive an advanced copy for review. Leila Syed is a successful business woman. Everything is going great until she receives a call from her brother-in-law stating his son wasn’t at nursery. Leila was supposed to drop him off, but she forgot. She runs to her car, where Max is locked inside and has been for hours. What follows is the harrowing trial that could tear this family apart. This book had me hooked from the first chapter to the very end. Most enjoyable and highly recommended. Thank you to NetGalley, HQ and the author for the chance to review.

My thanks to NetGalley and publisher HQ for the electronic copy.

This is a really good legal thriller/courtroom drama; so well-written, I really couldn't put this down.

Leila Syed has always looked out for her younger sister Yasmin and when Yasmin and Andrew moved house closer to them with their three year old son Max, Leila will do anything to help, at any time. She is temporarily separated from Will and has no children of her own. She's strong and focussed and runs a successful architects business with partner Robert.
On a hot July day in London Andrew asks Leila to drop Max off at his nursery on her way to work as he'd been called into work unexpectedly. Of course, as always, she obliges. She becomes distracted by a problem at her office when she gets a phone call - asking where Max is.

Disaster has struck.

The court proceedings and dialogue are absolutely riveting. So well-written.
Gradually the narrative reveals the horrifying and devastating truth amid heartbreak, betrayal and lies.
There are twists that you definitely don't see coming - very clever plotting.

Excellent!