Ausma Zehanat Khan

Library Author Series: Ausma Zehanat Khan

Monday, June 13, 2016 - 7:00pm to 8:30pm
  • Library Hall

Spend an evening at the library with critically acclaimed mystery author Ausma Zehanat Khan as she talks about her new novel, The Language of Secrets.

The Unquiet Dead

Ausma Zehanat Khan is the author of The Unquiet Dead, a debut novel  that earned a Publishers Weekly starred review and a January 2015 Indie Next pick.  The New York Times called it "an outstanding debut" and The Washington Post called it "a many-faceted gem." Her acclaimed second novel in this emerging mystery series about detectives Rachel Getty and Esa Khattak, The Language of Secrets, was published in February.​

Kirkus calls The Language of Secrets, "A smart, measured, immersive dive into a poorly understood,terrifyingly relevant subculture of violent extremism."

The Associated Press says, "With it's thought-provoking, intelligent plot, The Language of Secrets, even surpasses Khan's superb debut."

The Language of Secrets

Khan's critically acclaimed mystery novels are being hailed for transcending the genre. The Los Angeles Times raves: "Khan has brought every ounce of her intellect and professional experience in working with Muslim refugees to this affecting debut. Her use of certain mystery conventions echoes the masters.... Yet for all of the echoes of the greats, Khan is a refreshing original, and "The Unquiet Dead" blazes what one hopes will be a new path guided by the author's keen understanding of the intersection of faith and core Muslim values, complex human nature and evil done by seemingly ordinary people."
 

About the author
A frequent lecturer and commentator, Khan holds a Ph.D. in International Human Rights Law with a research specialization in military intervention and war crimes in the Balkans. She completed her LL.B. and LL.M. at the University of Ottawa, and her B.A. in English Literature and Sociology at the University of Toronto.

Formerly, she served as Editor in Chief of Muslim Girl magazine. The first magazine to address a target audience of young Muslim women, Muslim Girl re-shaped the conversation about Muslim women in North America. The magazine was the subject of two documentaries, and hundreds of national and international profiles and interviews, including CNN International, Current TV, and Al Jazeera "Everywoman."

Khan practiced immigration law in Toronto and has taught international human rights law at Northwestern University, as well as human rights and business law at York University. She is a long-time community activist and writer, and currently lives in Colorado with her husband.

This community talk is free.

About the Library Author Series
Bud Werner Memorial Library presents an ongoing program of author talks throughout the year. These are free community events held in Library Hall, where a diverse award-winning range of visiting authors speak about their literary works and their writing processes. Each talk is followed by a Q&A and an opportunity to have authors sign copies of  their books.

Books will be available for sale and author signing courtesy of Off the Beaten Path Bookstore.