Almost Surely Dead

By: Amina Akhtar, Mindy Kaling - introduction

Narrated by: Kelsey Jaffer, full cast

“Amina Akhtar’s Almost Surely Dead is a witty, fresh psychological thriller that’s part stalker thriller, part ghost story. This book took turns I never saw coming. I was up all night, tearing through the pages as the mysterious pieces came together, leading to an explosive conclusion.”—Mindy Kaling

A psychological thriller with a twist, Almost Surely Dead is a chilling account of how one woman’s life spins out of control after a terrifying—and seemingly random—attempt on her life.

Dunia Ahmed lives an ordinary life—or she definitely used to. Now she’s the subject of a true crime podcast. She’s been missing for over a year, and no one knows if she’s dead or alive. But her story has listeners obsessed, and people everywhere are sporting merch that demands “Find Dunia!”

In the days before her disappearance, Dunia is a successful pharmacist living in New York. The daughter of Pakistani immigrants, she’s coping with a broken engagement and the death of her mother. But then something happens that really shakes up her world: someone tries to murder her.

When her would-be killer winds up dead, Dunia figures the worst is over. But then there’s another attempt on her life…and another. And police suspect someone close to her may be the culprit. Dunia struggles to make sense of what’s happening. And as childhood superstitions seep into her reality, she becomes convinced that someone—or something—is truly after her.

Full Cast for Almost Surely Dead:

Dunia Ahmed: Kelsey Jaffer

Amanda Roberts: Whitney Dykhouse

Danielle McGuire: Amy McFadden

Detective Alvarez: Aida Reluzco

Kendra Wright: Jordan Cobb

David Anderson: Trevor Thompson

Nadia Chaudry: Soneela Nankani

Liz Small: Carly Robins

Zabir Mirza: Neil Shah

Directed by Jonathan Pennock

Engineered by Larry McKay

©2023 Amina Akhtar (P)2023 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Narrator Kelsey Jaffer, accompanied by a full cast, takes listeners into Dunia's life before her disappearance.… Jaffer, who voices Dunia, is a standout primary narrator. The talented supporting cast engagingly performs the book's podcast sections and maintains tension throughout. A suspenseful psychological thriller, steeped in Pakistani folklore.” —Library Journal

“Akhtar’s novel has one foot set firmly in folklore and the other in fast-paced action as Dunia questions whom she can trust and what she will have to do to survive. Though the suspense is real, Akhtar deftly weaves in levity with the campiness of the podcast, and the earnestness of Dunia’s voice keeps the reader rooting for her to outrun her demons. A nimble and eerie thriller.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Amina Akhtar delivers a surprising and suspenseful ride. This is a winner.” —Publishers Weekly

Easy to follow I

I like that it was easy to follow and the voice was and it made it feel like I was there.

Enjoyed it until the last 3 chapters

Story flowed well. The ending was not good to me. Could have been more believable conclusion.

Fun and twisty!!

This book joined psychological thriller and supernatural very well! I enjoyed from start to finish!

I didn’t want it to end! So interesting.

I loved this story. It is relatable and educational. Also freaky and fun. The main character is so lovable. The cast is fantastic.

Interesting

Interesting did like most of the book. I think some of the cultural challenges xxxx felt as a child and somewhat as an adult were explained in a respectful way. Sometimes it seems easy or cliche to assume things about a race or culture with little knowledge or close familiarity. Some of the characters were likable and relatable and others well that’s the fun of getting to the end!

Narration was really good adding depth to the story.