As Far as She Knew

A Novel

By: Diana Awad, Mindy Kaling - introduction

Narrated by: Lameece Issaq

“A masterful exploration of marriage, secrets, and identity that will leave you questioning how well you really know those closest to you. Diana Awad crafts a thriller that is both heart-stopping and heartbreaking.” —Mindy Kaling

A devoted wife and mother unravels her late husband’s secret life in an emotional and suspenseful novel about betrayal, lies, love, and loss.

For twenty-three years, Amira Abadi believed she had a strong, loving marriage. But when her husband, Ali, dies suddenly, that certainty shatters with the discovery of a house she never knew existed. As whispers of betrayal spread through their tight-knit Arab American community, Amira refuses to let others define her husband’s legacy—or her path forward.

Diving into an investigation of Ali’s final days, Amira uncovers decades-old secrets that challenge everything she thought she knew. With her children struggling to process their father’s death, Amira must balance protecting her family with pursuing the truth, even as each revelation brings her closer to danger.

As Amira peels back layers of lies, she discovers that the greatest mystery isn’t what her husband was hiding—it’s how far she’ll go to uncover the truth.

© 2026 Dora Mekouar. ℗ 2026 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Narrator Lameece Issaq captures the heartbreak, confusion, and devotion of a woman faced with the secrets left behind after her husband’s untimely death…powerfully evocative.” —Kirkus Audiobook Reviews

“Awad crafts a compelling story that blends flashbacks of Ali and Amira’s relationship over the years with the present day as Amira uncovers the truth about what happened to her husband.” —Booklist

“An emotional story packed with deceptions, secrets, and intrigue. Diana Awad’s dark and twisty thriller will keep you guessing until the very end!” —Laura Griffin, New York Times bestselling author

good at first, slow later

I listened to most of it but after struggling for the last few hours, an hour before the end i completely lost interest.

A Woman in Evolution

I loved the narrator’s voice. She was believable in the role of the main character. I also like that there was no apologies for how their relationship was – very traditional, but not mandated or rigidly so. My favorite line (paraphrased): if my husband wasn't already dead, I would kill him. The story itself was OK. The college girlfriend, the half brother, the stalker, the mother with possible dementia, the way-too-obvious-and-early suitor - just too many elements. it was like the author tried too hard. I didn't find the “twists” too difficult to navigate and had the story figured out despite the literary red herrings. That said it was an interesting tale about families and their impact on individual members. I particularly enjoyed the cultural aspects that brought some new words and customs to my attention. It was a caring story about a woman’s evolvement during widowhood while becoming an empty-nester. Poignant and touching.

Far As She Knew

Would’ve liked it more had it been narrated by Mindy. She’s a great story teller

Great book!

I liked hearing the past/present format! I’m not always a fan of that method.

Relatively bland

The story was interesting at first; but dragged on a bit too much. Perhaps my view of it was affected by the monotone style of the narrator.