Stan has found himself a starring role as superhero in a popular TV show. He's absolutely terrified. After surviving a holiday to Italy without his parents (which included jellyfish and giant watermelons), Stan reckons he deserves a bit of a break. Or at a least a break in between trying to act in his school play. But when he's offered the chance to take a tour around a TV studio, he thinks it can't do any harm. How wrong he is. Before Stan can say 'Boy of Steel' he's landed himself a part as a main character in one of the most well-known TV shows there is - as a brainy superhero. Convinced he's going to embarrass himself in front of millions of people - and worried about leaving his friends to face a school play on their own - can Stan find a way to use his new-found fame for good? Or will he be the Worst. Superhero. Ever . . .
Charlie Higson Book order
Charlie Higson is celebrated for his compelling narratives that often delve into the darker aspects of life and explore characters on society's fringes. His Young Bond novels offer a thrilling glimpse into the formative years of the iconic spy, blending action-packed adventure with a distinct horror sensibility. Earlier works for adults presented a more dystopian view of everyday existence, with protagonists spiraling out of control, earning him comparisons to authors like Brett Easton Ellis. Higson's unique voice lies in his ability to craft suspenseful, immersive worlds that resonate with readers seeking excitement and psychological depth.







- 2024
- 2023
The Sunday Times bestsellerIt's two days before the coronation of King Charles III. James Bond is sent at the last minute to thwart an attempt to disrupt the coronation by the deadly megalomaniac AEthelstan of Wessex, who is on a mission to rule the United Kingdom and rewrite history.
- 2022
Happy Now
- 320 pages
- 12 hours of reading
A funny and face paced noir thriller from bestselling author Charlie Higson
- 2022
A brilliantly compelling new crime novel from the Fast Show star and bestselling author of the Young Bond series.
- 2021
Worst. Holiday. Ever
- 352 pages
- 13 hours of reading
*A hilarious new book from the bestselling children's author* Just how scary can a holiday be? Very . . . Twelve-year-old Stan is going on holiday. To Italy. He's not going with his family though, he's going with his best-friend Felix (although if Stan was honestly ranking his friends, Felix would be number five). He's absolutely terrified. Luckily, as well as emergency euros, Stan's mum has given him an emergency list that includes how to survive a shark attack, and what to do if he gets abducted by kidnappers. Stan thinks that a better list would include how to cope with weird toilets, and what to do if he accidentally calls Felix's mum 'mum' in front of everybody. And it soon turns out that Italy is full of strange food, difficult games, jellyfish and mosquitoes called Ian. Can Stan survive all this, as well as very complicated (and also, actually, very strange) grown-ups? One thing's for certain, Stan's not going to come back the same boy he left. He just hope he comes back at all . . . Worst. Holiday. Ever is a story about facing fears, dealing with worries, and how it's OK to be anxious, scared, and sometimes a little bit brave.
- 2020
Penguin Readers Level 1. Silverfin
- 64 pages
- 3 hours of reading
Penguin Readers is an ELT graded reader series for learners of English as a foreign language. With carefully adapted text, new illustrations and language learning exercises, the print edition also includes instructions to access supporting material online. Titles include popular classics, exciting contemporary fiction, and thought-provoking non-fiction, introducing language learners to bestselling authors and compelling content. The eight levels of Penguin Readers follow the Common European Framework of Reference for language learning (CEFR). Exercises at the back of each Reader help language learners to practise grammar, vocabulary, and key exam skills. Before, during and after-reading questions test readers' story comprehension and develop vocabulary. Visit the Penguin Readers website Exclusively with the print edition, readers can unlock online resources including a digital book, audio edition, lesson plans and answer keys. On Loch SilverFin in Scotland, a bad man lives in a castle with his son. James Bond and his new friend Red Kelly go to the castle. They must find Red's missing cousin, Alfie. But what do they find in the castle? Do they find Alfie, or is it too late?
- 2018
PART STORY, PART GAME - PURE ADVENTURE! Bestselling author, and long-time fan of Fighting Fantasy, Charlie Higson brings his own brand of heart-stopping action, terrifying monsters and page-turning plotting to Allansia... expect the unexpected!
- 2015
Getting rid of Mister Kitchen
- 219 pages
- 8 hours of reading
A man kills a prospective buyer for his car. On the verge of becoming a name in the interior design world, he can't afford a scandal and must discreetly dispose of the body—not an easy job when the whole of London seems to be conspiring against him.
- 2015
The End
- 480 pages
- 17 hours of reading
It all comes to an end in the final book in The Enemy series The sickness struck everyone over fourteen. First it twisted their minds. Next it ravaged their bodies. Now they roam the streets - Crazed and hungry. Sickos swarm the streets of London. Gathered in the centre of the city, they lie in wait. The survivors have one final epic battle to overcome. Together they must work out a plan of attack and end the grown-ups reign of terror before it's too late. The end is coming.
- 2014
The Hunted
- 448 pages
- 16 hours of reading
The Hunted is Charlie Higson's sixth terrifying installment in the thrilling The Enemy series. The sickness struck everyone over fourteen. First it twisted their minds. Next it ravaged their bodies. Now they roam the streets - Crazed and hungry The others had promised that the countryside would be safer than the city. They were wrong. Now Ella's all-alone except for her silent rescuer, Scarface - and she's not even sure if he's a kid or a grown-up. Back in London, Ed's determined to find her. But getting out of town's never been more dangerous- because coming in the other direction is every SICKO in the country. It's like they're being called towards the capital and nothing is going to stop them...In the penultimate book in The Enemy series, the survivors' stories cross with chilling consequences.