This Is Not the Jess Show

A teenage girl’s reality may not be what it seems in this riveting young adult thriller blending 90s nostalgia with a speculative hook that dissects our reality TV and influencer-obsessed culture.

“Nostalgic, romantic, thrilling, and with an exciting twist.”
—Sara Shepard, New York Times–bestselling author of Pretty Little Liars

The year is 1998: Titanic just won six Oscars, boy bands are dominating MTV’s airwaves, and like any other teenager Jess Flynn is just trying to survive high school. Between a crush on her childhood best friend, overprotective parents, and her sister’s worsening health, the only constant is her hometown of Swickley, which feels smaller by the day.

Jess is resigned to her small-town life, until the day she discovers a mysterious device with an apple logo, causing her to question everything and everyone she’s ever known. As more cracks appear in Jess’s world, she faces a choice: can she live the rest of her life knowing it’s a lie, or should she risk everything for the truth?

A fast-paced, mind-bending YA thriller packed with ’90s pop culture references and perfect for fans of Riverdale, This Is Not the Jess Show will keep readers guessing until the very end.

Now with an excerpt from the explosive and thrilling conclusion, This Is Not the Real World!