I absolutely love Kia Abdullah and What Happens In The Dark is a fine example of why. Sharp, thought-provoking, twisty, and timely, I couldn't put this book down.
I often go into thrillers blind and would recommend the same, so I won't tell you too much of what this book is about, but when I tell you this book had me gasping out loud because I did not see the major plot twist coming at all!

What I do love is how Kia manages to include themes that are so important, i.e., violence against women and girls and the dangers of social media and the power of influential figures that often target young boys and men.

please check the trigger warnings as always.

I also like how Kia pays due diligence to the justice system and how believable her books are. I don't necessarily like thrillers where I need to suspend all beliefs or come across as far-fetched, and this felt so real.

I'd highly recommend this one, especially if you like an unpredictable, twisty thriller with an ending you will never see coming.

4th book from this author and 4th time at writing genius tbh

The author has the ability to create a story, then a 2nd story to run alongside, both being navigated by the main character, then one being wrapped up in a court drama and all done to perfection

I am wary to say too much about the story other than it is on point, timely, pinpointing of social matters that need discussion, dealing in facts and inviting the reader into some very dark and unfathomable situation’s and areas of abuse not deemed accessible to speak about, but the author shows they need to be spoken about, she champions people who need it whilst telling an engrossing story, not easy to do but it is done admirably

As well as that there are so many big whooshes of change in the story it is a true ‘no way’ read

Uncompromising in every way, just as the author intended, skilful and resounding in its honesty

So good

What a terrific read!

Lily and Safa were best friends growing up, now they lead entirely differently lives. Lily is the darling of the television screen as she stars in a breakfast show while Safa is still chasing her dream of being a top journalist. When news breaks of suspicious bruising on Lily's body, Safa tries to get in touch but Lily insists there is nothing wrong. Then, one night, the police are called to Lily's home where there is a body lying at her feet. Safa's career has always been about chasing the truth - and something tells her that there's more to this situation than Lily is letting on, and she determines to get to the heart of the matter.

I'm a big fan of Kia Abdullah; her novels are always superb but, with this one, I think she really has excelled herself. Whilst it all seems clear-cut on the surface, there are so many secrets hiding in the shadows! Lily may have the glamour and the career, but Safa has an admirable tenacity about her and it shines through. Absolutely superb, worth all five sparkling stars and my very highest recommendation!

My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley.

What Happens In The Dark was a surprise hit for me - I don't mean that in a bad way but I tend not to read as many domestic thrillers or courtroom dramas so I wasn't expecting to love this book as much as I did!

The thing with Kia Abdullah is that she writes people so well. She really gets down to the nitty-gritty, and what makes her characters so believable is that they are flawed, and they are dealing with topical and complex situations which makes them feel so real and authentic. What was really unexpected throughout this book though was that it was also really chilling in parts. If I had been in Safa's situation I would have been shaken to the core to discover some of the things she was dealing with. I think it was this sub-plot featuring the Glassman that really made this book stand out for me.

The courtroom sections were fantastic, the social commentary was though-provoking and the thriller aspects were full of suspense, keeping me gripped right up until the last page! I know that it's quite early to say, but this book is a serious contender for my 'Book Of The Year' and if there isn't a follow-up already planned then I will be starting a campaign for one!

Well... I did guess something early, although it didn't quite make complete sense, but I really wasn't ready for the WHOLE truth of the matter. Didn't see that coming at all! I though I was being smug when the bit I guessed was revealed but... I think you'll see when you get there. I'm certainly not going to spoil it for you.
We start with Lily and Safa who were lifelong friends until they fell out a few years ago. Lily is a popular breakfast TV presenter who I having a stellar career whereas Safa's is, well, going backwards after an incident which saw her booted from her job with a prestigious newspaper. With the job, also went a whole bunch of her research on a prolific offender who is targeting the most vulnerable of her community.
One day, Lily turns up at work with a black eye. She "claims" it happened during a tennis match with Richard, her husband. Her make-up artist isn't convinced but covers it up as best she can, although it is still visible live on air. This sparks Safa's new boss to ask her to go get a quote. Safa does but, at the same time, feels very worried for her old friend as she too doesn't believe her story. And then, a wardrobe issue means that Lily has to change her cardigan and another bruise is exposed. Another bruise, another story follows.
And then, tragedy strikes and Lily finds herself in court, accused of murder. But how did we get there? Was it really murder? Or was she defending herself? Safa really wants to help her friend and starts to investigate what really happened that night...
Oh my days. This book was so so good. Safa is an absolutely brilliant character and, especially with how the book ended, I really hope that this is the start of her series, or at the very least she gets her own resolution in a follow up. I also loved her father, and his "hobby" was just wonderful. Lily is, shall we just say, complex. More than that is tricky to explain, but she was a tough character to get to grips with.
And the story was totally absorbing. Wow. I've read a LOT of this genre book and, as already mentioned, I did guess something a tad early, but boy did the author do a great job of holding THAT back. Which, when examined with hindsight, was there all the time... It takes a great author to pull that off to my satisfaction so.. kudos...
I do struggle a bit with what Safa did at the end. But I also understand why she did it. And, like I already said, I really hope we revisit both this thread and her as a character in a future book.
All in all, a cracking addition to an already well impressive back catalogue. I really can't wait to see what she has in store for next time. Hopefully a follow-up to this one ;)
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

What a thought-provoking read! I have not read any by Abdullah before and she is definitely on my radar – especially as this book finished on an unexpected cliff-hanger.

In this thriller, Abdullah explores what it means to be a victim. Stereotypes are challenged concerning victims of domestic abuse and I found the stark contrast between Lily’s story and the Glassman are what drives the narrative. If a victim does not speak up, why are they made to feel shamed? Can a victim be a famous, privileged white woman? Why does pride silence the voice of victims? Such an emotional subject, but I thought Abdullah handled it with sensitivity and encourages readers to question their own personal judgements.

There are two main plots in the story. Safa is following the developments of a case where her old friend, Lily Astor, is to appear in court after the murder of her husband. Yet, claims of domestic abuse swirl around this case and Safa is determined to ensure her friend is acknowledged for finally speaking up against violence. Safa’s support is muddled, however, as being a journalist, she is also writing a potentially career-changing piece about Lily’s case and other domestic abuse victims.

However, it was the sub-plot featuring the Glassman that was equally provocative. This serial abuser has haunted Safa and she feels she is closing in on the perpetrator. She is determined to ensure the victims’ voices are heard but pride and a cultural barrier means the Glassman continues to act without consequences. I honestly thought this would be resolved in the book but after an explosive revelation near the end, Abdullah leaves this open: I’m going to have to get my hands on the sequel to find out if Safa is successful.

A rich novel that takes place in the courtroom, I found these scenes tense and immersive. Sometimes I have found courtroom dramas to be quite a slog. This was written in such a way, with the witnesses providing significant insights into Lily’s marriage, that I felt part of the jury, trying to reach a decision. Readers know there is going to be a dramatic revelation, but I certainly did not expect the direction Abdullah took the novel.

A fantastic read and one that will stay with me for a while. It was engrossing, thrilling and one that I will probably read again in the future. Highly recommended.

With thanks to HQ and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is a great thriller.
Safa is trying to get her career back on track after having to leave a good position after an incident with a colleague.
She is now working for a less well known company but is determined to report the truth to her readers.
Lily is a successful TV presenter and has seemingly forgotten about her childhood friend Safa.
When Safa hears that Lily turned up for work with bruises on her face, her boss asks her to get in touch with her, and get some information.
Lily tries to fob Safa off, but she knows something is not right in her relationship with her husband.
Safa is also trying to find a man who is terrorising vulnerable women, but this investigation is put on hold while she tries to help Lily, until it gets a bit close to home.
I can’t say much more as there’s some great twists and turns that I wouldn’t want to spoil.
This is a gripping thriller that I really enjoyed.
Thanks to HQ for the opportunity to read this book.

I've read all of Kia's books and highly rate them. She's 100% an auto buy author for me and Queen of a courtroom drama!
What Happens In The Dark hits the mark perfectly. It's compelling, twisty and will keep you guessing. I was guessing the whole way through and left feeling creeped out and checking all of my windows 🫣 Kia knows how to write such authentic characters and excellent plots that tackle important issues but are sensitively written. There are themes of racism and domestic abuse in this book.
The ending is left open for a sequel. I really hope we see Safa again soon! I loved her as a character. She is full of grit and determination with a kind soul. Kia always delivers and this book is no different. Highly recommend!

Huge thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review

Kia Abdullah never holds back—and once again, she’s floored me.

Lily and Safa were childhood best friends, but life has pulled them in different directions. Lily is now a polished daytime TV presenter, while Safa, once a rising star in journalism, is rebuilding after a fall from grace. When photos of bruises on Lily's body hit the press, Safa can’t ignore it—she reaches out. But Lily insists everything’s fine.

Then the police are called to Lily’s home… and she’s found standing beside a dead body, calmly declaring she’s guilty.

From there, the story spirals into a dark, emotionally charged mystery full of secrets, trauma, and moral grey areas. And as always, Kia’s writing is immersive. She pulls you in so completely that it’s like living inside the novel. Every setting, every line of dialogue—it’s all vivid, intense, and unsettling in the best way.

The courtroom scenes were a major highlight. I’ve always loved legal drama and this delivered in spades—the arguments, the tension, the moral dilemmas. I was constantly second-guessing myself, wondering if I really knew what was going on. I thought I’d figured it out, but I was only scratching the surface.

Safa was a standout for me—layered, determined, and quietly vulnerable. She’s dealing with more than just Lily’s case. There’s another horrifying investigation she’s following, involving a predator dubbed “The Glassman” who targets elderly women in her community—and it was just as gripping, if not more so. Honestly, I’d love a spin-off centred entirely on Safa and her work.

Then there’s Lily. Complex, damaged, deeply frustrating at times. Some parts of her backstory evoke sympathy… others make you question everything. She’s one of those characters you’re never quite sure how to feel about, and that ambiguity worked so well in the story.

The ending left me reeling—and wondering if there’s more to come. Fingers crossed for a sequel.

A powerful, thought-provoking read that delivers both emotional gut punches and razor-sharp tension. I’m already counting down to the next one.

Another good book by Kia wow I really did not see that twist coming and the ending tells us there will be another book yayyyyy I always enjoy this authors book and so can't wait for the next one 4.5 stars

It started off to a slow start but I think it was important to get a good picture of our main characters. Then we got into the court room drama which I love!!! Kia writes court room drama so well and I think it’s one of my fav thriller tropes now. The twist had me shook.

Also this book is explored domestic abuse so well. It was also very reminiscent of a particular Netflix show in themes but I won’t say which one as I think it would spoil it, but it’s one part I really enjoyed.

Extremely well written court room drama which was very character driven and theme heavy - everything I love. Also this is only my second book by this author and both have been 5 stars now. Highly recommend.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. Due to be published 19th June.

Having read Next of Kin I knew that it would not be the last book by Kia Abdullah that I would read and her latest book What Happens in the Dark confirmed to me that she knows how to take her readers on one hell of a rollercoaster ride. The book centres around Lily and Safa, two schoolfriends who have drifted apart in adulthood but find their paths crossing once again when
Lily becomes the subject of media speculation when bruises appear on her face. Lily is the face of breakfast tv, so this is big news, and Safa is sent to get to the bottom of it and hopefully resurrect her career at the same time. Lily immediately denies that there is any kind of domestic abuse taking place, but something is not right. When Lily is arrested for the murder of her husband. Safa is determined to get to the truth and reconnect with her one-time best friend, after all the person she grew up with was not capable of murder, or was she?
Safa has trust issues and does not get close to people easily. She thought Lily was her best friend until she was effectively dumped when their lives and careers went in different directions. Then there was the way in which she lost her previous job after being thrown under the bus by her colleague who also happened to be the boss’s son. Despite this she is still determined to get to the truth of what is going on. She struggles with the need to report on the case and prove her friend’s innocence without betraying the fragile trust she is building between herself and Lily. I like Safa, she is close to her father and also wants to help her community have a voice which is no easy task when the very people she wants to help won’t talk to her.
I found it harder to take to Lily. Whilst I can understand her need to escape her childhood and reinvent herself. There is something about her that has you thinking that she may just be capable of murder. To protect herself and her image she clearly becomes a master of hiding the truth and you wonder what if anything she says can be believed. As the story unfolds you find that convincing people of an alternative truth is not new to her.
At the heart of this book is a story of domestic abuse but with so many people telling their own versions of the state of Lilys marriage to Richard it is hard to work out just who is the instigator. Just when you think you know what happened in the run up to the murder Kia Abdullah throws a big curve ball that you don’t expect testing loyalties to their limit. There is one more twist to this story that hopefully means we will see more of Safa in the future and I for one cant wait.

My thanks to H.Q and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘What Happens In The Dark’ written by Kia Abdullah in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Safa Saleem first became friends with Lily Astor when they met at school, only parting when Lily won a place at Oxford. Safa is now a journalist with the East London Echo while Lily is a popular TV breakfast show presenter. Late one night Lily’s husband Richard is found dead on their kitchen floor and Lily admits stabbing him with a knife after suffering years of physical abuse. Although Safa persuades Lily to talk to her as a friend while she’s on remand in prison, she’s promised her editor to do a story on Lily and domestic violence.

‘What Happens In The Dark’ is a gripping courtroom drama that has totally consumed me from the first page to the last, leaving me unable to do anything except sit and devour the story of Safa Saleem and Lily Astor. The main character is Safa who’s determined to print the truth about Lily and her life with Richard and their son Harry, but she’s also following up on a report of a serial predator known as The Glassman who’s targeting elderly Asian women knowing they’ll be too ashamed to report him to the police. To say this novel is great is an understatement as it’s exceptionally brilliant with suspense, tension, and a trial that had me constantly changing my mind as to Lily’s guilt or innocence. The final twist is beautifully written but so shocking I had to read it twice, and the final pages have concluded with a massive cliffhanger that I hope means there’ll be another novel with Safa.

I absolutely love Kia Abdullahs work and this was no exception. I was constantly switching between whether Lily was guilty or not and it kept me guessing right up until the end! The ending left Abdullah open to a sequel and I would 100% be up for reading that too!

Absolutely loved it, did not see some of the twists coming. please tell me there will be a sequel!

My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book

Thank you to the author, publisher and netGalley for an early read of 'What Happens in the Dark'.
Once again Kia Abdullah has written a brilliant bang-up-to date hard hitting novel. I absolutely devoured it. The main characters Safa and Lily were school friends growing up and have now gone their separate ways. When Safa's editor asks her to investigate tv presenter Lily's black eye she uncovers a gritty storyline. There are many threads and thought provoking big issues dealt with in this gripping and powerful book which the author deals with in a sensitive and empathetic manner. I cannot recommend this book highly enough, well worth its 5 star rating. Hopefully, fingers crossed, another book soon.

Lily and Safa took different paths in life but have in common their childhood spent on a hardscrabble council estate. Now, Lily is famous and popular as a TV personality Safa is a disgraced journalist. Nevertheless, when a story breaks about suspicious bruises on Lily, and she denies any cause for concern, Safa does reach out to her.

In addition to this plot element involving Lily's domestic situation and the subsequent death of her husband, which leads to a murder case, there is another investigation that Safa is looking into, regarding disturbing attacks on older Asian women.

A skilled writer who effortlessly holds the reader's attention, Kia Abdullah really delivers with this one. This is suspenseful, reflective and insightful story telling, not to be missed.

I am a big fan of this authors writing and twisty thrillers. What I love most is how she brings us such real and relatable characters and stories, while telling such powerful and important stories. Things are ever what they seem to be and after reading her previous books I feel that I caught the clues this time. This in no way took away my enjoyment of this book it was another fantastic read.

I particularly enjoyed the courtroom scenes, with such strong cases in both sides of the coin. Safa was a great character, her determination to help her friend and not cave in to get the story for her paper and possibly an award was refreshing. I feel we will be hearing g more from her with that open ended final chapter.

Thanks so much to HQ on NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. Publishes on June 19th.

🤍Book review 🤍


What Happens in the Dark
by Kia Abdullah

What Happens in the Dark is a gripping and emotional thriller that follows journalist Safa as she reconnects with her childhood best friend, Lily, now a famous TV presenter. When Lily is found standing over her husband's dead body, Safa can't believe she's guilty and starts digging for the truth. At the same time, Safa investigates a terrifying case involving the "Glassman," a predator targeting elderly Asian women.
The story moves at a fast pace and blends mystery, social issues, and emotional depth really well. Safa is a relatable, strong character, and I enjoyed seeing how her past shaped her actions.
The book covers serious topics like domestic abuse, racism, and women’s silence around violence, but handles them with care. Some twists were a bit predictable, but the tension kept me engaged throughout the book.
This story it’s powerful, thought-provoking, and definitely worth reading and if you haven’t read any by the author so far , why not? I love her books and will always recommend them.
Very grateful to the publisher for my copy through NetGalley, opinions are my own

Overall I enjoyed this one! I will admit though that to begin with I struggled to get into the story and visualising the characters was a struggle for me at times. The pace was fairly slow in the first part of the book, and paired with the long chapters, it was a bit of a slog to keep going. I’m glad I did though because parts 2 and 3 were so much better! I loved the gripping courtroom scenes, and the mystery surrounding the truth about Lily kept me hooked throughout. There was an unexpected twist too which I didn’t see coming!

The ending felt open for a sequel, and left me wanting more! I’d definitely love to see a certain plot line explored and explained further. There wasn’t enough of this plot line in this book in my opinion, so a sequel would be great! 😍

Recommend this one if you’re after an intriguing mystery/legal thriller.