Ausma Zehanat Khan is a highly accomplished author, born in the United Kingdom to parents with a complex migratory background spanning three continents. She grew up in Canada and later moved to the United States, giving her a rich and diverse cultural perspective. Khan's educational background is equally impressive, holding a Ph.D. in International Human Rights Law, with a focus on the 1995 Srebrenica massacre. This reflects in her work, as she chooses to address and explore serious human rights issues through her storytelling.
Khan's professional journey has seen her serve as an adjunct professor at universities in both Canada and the United States, further enriching her understanding and knowledge of human rights issues. Prior to her career in academia, she was the Editor in Chief of Muslim Girl Magazine, a role that allowed her to engage with and contribute to important conversations surrounding identity, culture, and discrimination. Khan's extensive travels and frequent relocations have significantly influenced her writing, providing her with a wealth of experiences and insights.
As an author, Khan has written multiple mystery and fantasy novel series, including the Rachel Getty and Esa Khattak series, and The Khorasan Archives. Her work is heavily influenced by authors such as Ngaio Marsh and Amin Maalouf, and she has been recognized for her contributions to the genre, with her book 'The Unquiet Dead' earning several accolades. Khan's latest crime series debuted with 'Blackwater Falls' in November 2022, and she has also written a middle grade non-fiction book called 'Ramadan'. Khan's writing offers a unique and thought-provoking perspective on human rights, identity, and culture.