PRAISE
Jalaluddin, who has crossed into crime fiction from the romantic comedy genre, doesn’t skimp on plotting–the whodunnit twist caught me pleasingly flat-footed–but shines most with character and community, showing complexities of mother-daughter relationships and the variability of longtime friendships. Detective Aunty is the first in a new series and I certainly welcome more installments.
New York Times Book Review
Jalaluddin’s first mystery is beyond satisfying, from Sherlock-style deductive reasoning to Christie-esque dinner parties, but infused with the flavors of samosa, biryani, and raita. Most tantalizing of all is Kausar herself, a proud South Asian Muslim woman defining her second act, a woman unafraid of turning her observational skills on herself, revealing deep pain and the personal flaws that stem from it. Put on a fresh pot of chai, because Kausar Aunty is just getting started. Who could resist ‘Jack Reacher in a dupatta’?”
KIRKUS REVIEWS (STARRED REVIEW)
Jalaluddin offers readers both a satisfying puzzle and an endearing new sleuth.
10 Best Mystery Novels of 2025
This delightful novel has Kausar Khan returning to Toronto after her daughter is accused of murder. Her keen observational skills – which she turns on others and on herself – helps her uncover plots and secrets that no one could have predicted.
The Globe 100: The 100 Best Books of 2025
‘Uzma Jalaluddin’s debut, “Ayesha At Last” was one of the most refreshing “Pride and Prejudice” takes in decades. For her new novel, MUCH ADO ABOUT NADA (Berkley) she takes up my favorite of Austen’s books, “Persuasion.” And, honestly, knocks it clean out of the park…When the reveal came I actually gasped aloud…It is, in a word, brilliant.’
New York Times Review of Books, June 23, 2023
“Come for Darcy reimagined as a hyper-conservative young man and Elizabeth Bennet as a wannabe poet frustrated by family obligation; stay for Uzma Jalaluddin’s warm portrait of life for twentysomething Muslims in suburban Toronto struggling to honor their heritage while pursuing their dreams.”
the globe and mail
“..[A] stellar debut from an author to watch. Jalaluddin takes a familiar plot and transforms it into a contemporary #ownvoices romance that is fresh, insightful, and thoroughly modern. The story of Ayesha and Khalid will leave readers swooning, but it will also get them thinking.”
LIBRARY JOURNAL (STARRED REVIEW)
“This modern, Muslim update of Pride and Prejudice will have readers smiling as they recognize the clever ways debut novelist Jalaluddin incorporates Austen’s words into her work. But even more powerful are the updated details.”
BOOKLIST
“This sweet debut novel ticks all the boxes for one of summer’s best reads: it’s smart, witty, romantic and utterly charming.”
CANADIAN LIVING
“Ayesha at Last is light and incandescent and deeply pleasurable from start to finish.”
THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR
“A delicious and entertaining novel.”
KIRKUS REVIEWS (STARRED REVIEW)
“Jalaluddin cleverly illustrates the social pressures facing young Indian-Muslim adults…a highly entertaining tale of family, community, and romance.”
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY (STARRED REVIEW)