Picture a British-Bangladeshi storyteller who spins gripping courtroom dramas and treks the globe for adventure—meet Kia Abdullah! Born in East London’s vibrant Tower Hamlets, this bestselling author and travel writer has crafted a unique path, blending thrilling narratives with sharp social commentary. Her novels, like Take It Back, have captivated readers, while her advocacy for diversity in publishing amplifies underrepresented voices.
With a knack for weaving complex characters and twisty plots, Abdullah’s work resonates far beyond the page. Whether she’s exploring Antarctica for her travel blog or penning a Times Bestseller, her story is one of resilience, creativity, and breaking barriers. Ready to dive into her world?
The Making of Kia Abdullah
Kia Abdullah was born on May 17, 1982, in a bustling household of eight siblings in Tower Hamlets, London. Of Bangladeshi descent, she grew up in a lively, colorful home where material wealth took a backseat to family and culture. A self-described 'nerd by default,' Abdullah excelled academically, earning a first-class degree in Computer Science from Queen Mary, University of London. But her heart lay in storytelling. In 2007, she boldly left a tech job, taking a 50% pay cut to pursue writing—a leap that shaped her remarkable career.
Early on, Abdullah honed her voice as a journalist, writing for The Guardian and serving as Features Editor at Asian Woman magazine, where she interviewed luminaries like Riz Ahmed and Meera Syal. Her travels and British-Asian identity fueled her perspective, setting the stage for her literary rise.
Kia Abdullah’s Unforgettable Stories
Abdullah’s novels are masterclasses in courtroom drama, blending suspense with social issues. Her 2019 debut, Take It Back, follows Zara Kaleel, a lawyer turned counselor, navigating a polarizing sexual assault case. Hailed by The Guardian and The Telegraph as a top thriller, it tackles disability, faith, and consent with nuance. Its sequel, Truth Be Told (2020), dives into privilege and justice, earning a Diverse Book Award nomination.
In 2021, Next of Kin, a standalone novel, gripped readers with its shocking twists, landing on the CWA Gold Dagger longlist and winning the Adult Fiction Diverse Book Award. Her 2023 release, Those People Next Door, a Times Bestseller, explores neighborly disputes escalating into racial tensions—a Waterstones Thriller of the Month. Abdullah’s style is pacy, intelligent, and unflinchingly honest, making her a standout in contemporary crime fiction.
Beyond novels, she co-founded Atlas & Boots, a travel blog read by 150,000 monthly visitors, and contributes to Lonely Planet and Rough Guides. Her upcoming novel, What Happens in the Dark (2025), promises more heart-pounding drama.
Why Kia Abdullah Matters
Kia Abdullah’s impact transcends her page-turners. As the founder of Asian Booklist, a nonprofit promoting British-Asian authors, she’s a trailblazer for diversity in publishing. Her stories challenge stereotypes, amplify marginalized voices, and spark conversations about identity and justice. From her East London roots to global stages, Abdullah inspires aspiring writers, especially women of color, to chase their dreams fearlessly.
Her travel writing, infused with wit and wanderlust, connects cultures, while her novels push readers to confront uncomfortable truths. Abdullah’s blend of grit and grace has earned her a JB Priestley Award for Writers of Promise and a loyal readership. She’s proof that storytelling can change perspectives and build bridges.
About Kia Abdullah
- Born: May 17, 1982, in Tower Hamlets, London
- Key Works: Take It Back (2019), Truth Be Told (2020), Next of Kin (2021), Those People Next Door (2023)
- Awards: Diverse Book Award 2022, JB Priestley Award 2020
- Fun Fact: Speaks English, Sylheti, and Spanish
Snag Take It Back and dive into Kia Abdullah’s thrilling world of crime and conscience! Her stories will keep you up all night and leave you hungry for more.