Book review Khurrum Rahman's fast paced, humorous debut spy novel set in London

Available here

Here's the blurb - and after an introduction like this I defy you not to buy the book. 

Meet Jay.
Small-time dealer.
Accidental jihadist.
The one man who can save us all?

Javid – call him Jay – is a dope dealer living in West London. He goes to mosque on Friday, and he’s just bought his pride and joy – a BMW. He lives with his mum, and life seems sweet.

But his world is about to turn upside-down. Because MI5 have been watching him, and they think he’s just the man they need for a delicate mission.

One thing’s for sure: now he’s a long way East of Hounslow, Jay’s life will never be the same again.

With the edgy humour of Four Lions and the pulse-racing tension of Nomad, East of Hounslow is the first in a series of thriller starring Jay Qasim.

I'm loving the diversity that is filtering through in crime fiction these days (Not before time, I might add) and Khurrum Rahman's East of Hounslow is testament to the quality that diversity brings to our reading experience.  This is a fast paced, laugh out loud, poignant read.  From the opening chapter I was hooked.  Jay Qasim is a character that just draws you in.  It's a coming of age thriller grounded in contemporary society with a cast of fantastically readable characters. It's not your typical crime thriller.  It's not your typical spy thriller either.  East of Hounslow is unique and totally and absolutely relevant to today's world.  If this is Rahman's debut novel, I can't wait for the next one.  This was a complete breath of fresh air. I also had the pleasure of seeing Khurrum at Harrogate crime Writers' Festival and can vouch for him being a sincere and funny author.