Many thanks to @theindigopress for sending me a copy of The Divinities by Parker Bilal to read and review - this one is out in May and I recommend it to those of you looking for a crime novel with that little extra bite, as it doesn’t shy away from addressing pertinent and modern themes that abound in society today around terrorism.
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Usually crime fiction is not my favourite genre to read because all the tropes tire me out (white detective, sometimes a sidekick or minor character of colour, detective has alcohol issues), and while admittedly our detective here DOES have a murky past, Bilal offers a fresh voice to the crime fiction scene. Set in London, Bilal depicts London like it is, a melting pot of different cultures and nationalities, and as he is an author of colour, it was devoid of clichéd descriptions and stereotypes.
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As well as the crime aspect of the novel (which was VERY gruesome, crime aficionados won’t be complaining!) Bilal addresses social and racial issues evident in council housing in London, as well as Muslim communities. As I said, this is a crime fiction novel that goes deeper than just a murder and then finding out whodunnit (although that part is done incredibly well too!) - it explores issues of capitalism and consumerism, radicalisation and racism, while maintaining the compulsive readability of a detective novel.
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Oh and did I mention the badass Rayhana, a forensic psychologist who rides a motorcycle and is an accomplished martial artist? Tbf at times she does seem like a bit of a idealistic woman, but she is smart, strong and I’m looking forward to seeing where the (working!!) relationship between her and Calil goes in any future books!