What Happens in the Dark (2025) by Kia Abdullah tells the story of Lily and Safa, childhood best friends whose lives have taken drastically different paths. Lily has become a beloved breakfast TV star, while Safa, once a respected journalist, is struggling after a career setback. When bruises appear on Lily’s body, Safa tries to reconnect—but matters escalate when Lily is found calm and composed, standing over a dead body. Charged with murder, Lily pleads not guilty and falls silent, prompting Safa to launch her own investigation into that fateful night, driven by loyalty, justice, and the desire to give voice to victims everywhere.

In What Happens in the Dark, Kia Abdullah weaves a gripping courtroom thriller rich with social commentary. As Safa delves deeper, the story unearths themes of betrayal, domestic abuse, class, race, and cultural silencing—especially through a chilling subplot involving an unseen predator targeting vulnerable community members. Abdullah’s narrative is emotionally intense and sharply paced, exploring moral ambiguity and the fragility of trust as Safa fights to uncover the truth¹.