"Because while it is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single, Muslim man must be in want of a wife, there’s an even greater truth: To his Indian mother, his own inclinations were of secondary importance." In this P&P-inspired retelling, set in contemporary Toronto, Darcy becomes Khalid, a devout Muslim man whose mother is trying to marry him off. Elizabeth becomes Ayesha, a teacher who'd much prefer to be a poet. When they first meet, it's utter disaster: she thinks he's rigid and judgmental; he thinks she's not a good Muslim because she's holding a drink (virgin) and cigarette (not hers). But circumstances bring them together again, of course. I loved the supporting cast featuring good friends, a cousin dreaming of a Bollywood-inspired wedding, an embarrassing mother, and a Shakespeare-quoting grandpa. If you're a P&P devotee, this is a delight. If you've never read the original, you can still enjoy this story about love, family, obligation, and romance.

Jalaluddin dedicates her series opener to all the “aunties” launching their second act, just like her protagonist. Kausar Khan is a middle-aged widow with a reputation for asking questions. When her grown daughter is accused of murder, the authorities want to close the case, not necessarily solve it—and so Khan resolves to discover the truth for herself. Her unfair advantage is that everyone underestimates her: she bustles about Toronto’s tight-knit Golden Crescent community, fearlessly putting her nose where it’s unwelcome, so she can interrogate old friends and longstanding acquaintances to draw out the answers she seeks. This cozy whodunnit celebrates community, love, underestimated women, and fierce maternal love.