This Story is a Lie: World Book Day 2025

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer in this gripping teen thriller for World Book Day from award-winning author Benjamin Dean. Perfect for fans of Holly Jackson and Sophie McKenzie.

Harley Matthews is used to fading into the background. But all that changes when he’s selected to compete in the Rising Stars programme for gifted and talented students.

Harley’s world is soon turned upside down as he’s thrust into the school’s limelight. So much for laying low. But with new-found supporters comes envious enemies. And when he finds a chalk outline of his body drawn at the bottom of the school stairs, he has to face the reality that someone wants him out of the competition – permanently. But the underdog deserves to win, right?

Remember, this story is a lie.

PRAISE FOR BENJAMIN DEAN

‘A scandalous thriller.’ The Guardian

‘Benjamin Dean has written a royal triumph.’ Juno Dawson, author of Clean

‘Scandalous, funny, and deliciously compelling!’ Catherine Doyle, co-author of Twin Crowns

‘All hail this exquisitely twisty, delightfully queer mystery.’ Chelsea Pitcher, author of This Lie Will Kill You

‘A compelling thriller that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading.’ Kathryn Foxfield, author of Good Girls Die First

‘More jaw-dropping, OMG-twists than even the most salacious tabloid journalist could create.’ Erik J. Brown, author of All That's Left in the World

‘One page-burning scandal after another. Benjamin Dean is YA royalty.’ Femi Fadugba, author of The Upper World

‘A scandalous, twisty mystery that had me on the edge of my seat gasping for more.’ Kate Weston, author of Murder on a School Night

‘A twisty thriller that kept me guessing until the very end.’ Lex Croucher, author of Gwen and Art are Not in Love

‘Addictive, compelling, and utterly delicious.’ Simon James Green, author of Noah Can’t Even