Top 10 Charlie Higson Books

Christopher Flynn
9 min readJul 13, 2024

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Dive into the world of Charlie Higson with this captivating book roundup article. Discover the thrilling stories, vivid characters, and enthralling plots that have made Higson a beloved author across genres. From action-packed thrillers to heartfelt literary works, this article brings you the must-read books by this talented writer. Let’s embark on this literary journey together and explore the enchanting realm of Charlie Higson’s books.

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1. The Dead

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“The Dead” by Charlie Higson delves into a chilling post-apocalyptic world where a deadly disease has swept through humanity, affecting only those sixteen or older. The protagonists are Ed, Jack, Bam, and other teenagers at Rowhurst School, whose parents and older siblings have succumbed to the virus or worse.

The school swiftly turns into a battleground as the remaining students fight for survival against the infected and vengeful teachers. The story continues as the teens make their way to London, hoping it will be better than the desolation they’ve left behind.

This thrilling prequel to “The Enemy” series, with its terrifying, utterly captivating narrative and new cast of characters, leaves readers on the edge of their seats, eager for the next installment.

  • Authors: Charlie Higson
  • Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
  • Published Date: June 14, 2011
  • Page Count: 484.0
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Juvenile Fiction
  • Average Rating: 5.0
  • Ratings Count: 15.0
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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2. The Sacrifice

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The Sacrifice, by Charlie Higson, weaves a chilling tale of two intertwining storylines that propel readers into a twisted world of terror. Small Sam’s relentless pursuit of Ella is met with harrowing encounters and unexpected obstacles, while Shadowman unearths the dark secrets behind Saint George and the Disease itself. As the narrative unfolds, the boundaries between good and evil blur, and readers are left questioning the true nature of the characters.

Experience the thrilling, suspenseful ride that only The Sacrifice can provide.

  • Authors: Charlie Higson
  • Publisher: Puffin Books
  • Published Date: April 15, 2012
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Horror tales
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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3. The Fear

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In “The Fear, “ the world is transformed by a mysterious sickness that infects anyone over the age of sixteen, turning them into terrifying creatures. With adults now posing a deadly threat, children in London must band together and form alliances to protect themselves and survive.

As the lines between friend and foe blur, they are faced with the difficult task of deciding who they can truly trust. Written by Charlie Higson, this gripping 496-page novel falls under juvenile fiction and has garnered a perfect 5.0 average rating from readers.

  • Authors: Charlie Higson
  • Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
  • Published Date: June 12, 2012
  • Page Count: 496.0
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Juvenile Fiction
  • Average Rating: 5.0
  • Ratings Count: 1.0
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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4. The Enemy

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In a terrifying world where everyone sixteen and above has either succumbed to a deadly disease or transformed into a flesh-hungry monster, a group of resilient teens find themselves in a struggle for survival within the remains of London. Led by a skilled tactician and joined by a mysterious stranger, they venture across the city in the hopes of finding safety within the walls of Buckingham Palace. However, they quickly realize that the greatest danger might be the secrets lurking within their own ranks.

The Enemy, masterfully penned by Charlie Higson, is a gripping, adrenaline-fueled journey of survival in the face of unimaginable horror, filled with unexpected twists, quick-thinking heroes, and nail-biting suspense. Don’t miss out on this exhilarating ride through a post-apocalyptic London, as you witness the tenacity and cunning of young heroes in a fight for their lives.

  • Authors: Charlie Higson
  • Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
  • Published Date: January 02, 2013
  • Page Count: 432.0
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Juvenile Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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5. The Fallen

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In the gripping fifth installment of Charlie Higson’s Enemy series, “The Fallen, “ the battle against the mysterious and ever-present danger continues. The adults of London have been infected, leaving the city in chaos; the survivors of Holloway crew are among the few who have made it to the Natural History Museum.

Faced with a dire situation and a desperate need for medical supplies, the children at the museum are forced to journey down unfamiliar streets filled with more than just crazed, hungry sickos. As the enemy lurks in the shadows, it becomes increasingly unclear who or what the true threat is.

With a page count of 544 and published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, “The Fallen” is an intense, pulse-pounding addition to the already thrilling Enemy series that will leave readers questioning what it means to survive in a dangerous world.

  • Authors: Charlie Higson
  • Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
  • Published Date: June 10, 2014
  • Page Count: 544.0
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Juvenile Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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6. Full Whack

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Get ready for a wild ride with “Full Whack” by award-winning author Charles Higson. This adrenaline-fueled novel transports you into the dangerous world of crime, loyalty, and betrayal.

Dennis “The Menace” Pike, a one-time wild man of Tottenham, has given up his reckless lifestyle and now leads a quiet life, focusing on his career and family. However, when old pals the Bishop brothers, Chas and Noel, approach him for assistance in robbing a wealthy crime figure, Pike is reluctant to get drawn back into his dark past. The Bishop brothers, known for their ineptitude and troublemaking antics, have only grown older and more unpredictable.

Despite Pike’s efforts to stay away from the underworld, a sudden bank account tampering forces him to confront the past he’s worked so hard to escape. As he gets drawn back in, he finds himself dealing with a psychopath so deranged that his own youth seems insignificant in comparison.

“Full Whack” is a razor-sharp, slick thriller packed with witty dialogue, morally ambiguous characters, and a ruthless game of cat-and-mouse. Higson masterfully weaves a gripping tale of loyalty, vengeance, and redemption set against the gritty backdrop of London’s criminal underworld. Get ready to experience the suspense and excitement of this electrifying novel.

  • Authors: Charles Higson
  • Publisher: Abacus
  • Published Date: September 17, 2015
  • Page Count: 209.0
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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7. Happy Now

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Happy Now delves into a dangerous world of obsession and loneliness, as two very different men, Will and Tom Kendall, find an unlikely connection in their quest for happiness. Will, a meticulous housebreaker with a collection of stolen items, documents his exploits in a diary that Tom discovers, leading him down a twisted path to understand happiness on his own terms.

Tom, who has never quite fit in, finds himself drawn to Will’s diary, seeing it as a guide to his own happiness. Struggling with an explosive temper, a complicated relationship with his girlfriend, Maddie, and a crippling sense of powerlessness, Tom’s journey to discover the key to happiness could be his undoing.

In a thrilling and darkly atmospheric novel, Charles Higson explores the complexities of human emotions, the pursuit of happiness, and the dangerous allure of seeking fulfillment through another’s life. Happy Now is a chilling exploration of the darkest corners of the human psyche, reminding us that happiness often comes with a price.

  • Authors: Charles Higson
  • Publisher: Abacus
  • Published Date: September 17, 2015
  • Page Count: 215.0
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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8. King Of The Ants

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Step into Charlie Higson’s riveting world with “King of the Ants. “ This thrilling novel is perfectly described by mark billingham as ‘Charlie Higson’s thrillers are major events. ‘ With a page count of 234, the story unravels in a twisted yet enticing manner.

Our protagonist, Sean, a building labourer with no particular aspirations, finds himself caught in a web of lies and deceit when he’s given the opportunity to make easy money. As the story unfolds, it gets darker and more disturbing with an element of eerie comedy. The masterful way the author, Charlie Higson, portrays casual evil and its attendant powers is nothing short of masterful.

“King of the Ants” is a gripping tale of ordinary evil, an expertly woven story of temptation, power, and betrayal. As Sean stumbles from one problem to the next, he soon realizes he’s been misled and the true nature of his job — and the people involved in it. This book is not just another thriller — it’s a chilling, unnervingly accurate portrayal of human nature, and an exceptionally enjoyable read.

  • Authors: Charles Higson
  • Publisher: Abacus
  • Published Date: September 17, 2015
  • Page Count: 234.0
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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9. The End (An Enemy Novel, Book 7)

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Shadowman, racing against time, must warn children scattered across London of a disaster on the horizon. As they begin to unite in an effort to stand their ground against Saint George’s army, tensions build and loyalties are put to test. With the entire city at stake, will they be able to take a stand for what’s right and emerge victorious?

Discover the thrilling climax that will redefine the fate of the Enemy saga in The End. Join Charlie Higson’s electrifying young adult fiction journey and experience the intensity of The Enemy Novel, Book 7.

  • Authors: Charlie Higson
  • Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
  • Published Date: June 07, 2016
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Young Adult Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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10. Worst. Holiday. Ever.

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Get ready for the ride of a lifetime! “Worst. Holiday. Ever. “ by Charlie Higson, the bestselling children’s author, takes you on a hilarious journey of adventure, fears, and first-time experiences. Join Stan, a fifth-best friend to Felix, as they embark on a holiday to Italy with a group of strangers. With Stan’s mom providing an emergency list filled with useful tips, he is more prepared than ever to survive the unexpected. However, as the trip unfolds, it’s clear that the biggest challenges lie within his friendships, dealing with cultural differences, and handling his own anxieties.

This heartwarming story teaches kids that it is okay to be anxious, scared, and sometimes even a little brave. Laugh out loud, and don’t miss this ultimate guide for your own holiday escapades, from one of the funniest authors around. So pack your bags, and prepare for the worst holiday ever with “Worst. Holiday. Ever. “ by Charlie Higson — the perfect read for those who just can’t get enough of hilarious adventures and growth!

  • Authors: Charlie Higson
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published Date: April 29, 2021
  • Page Count: 352.0
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Juvenile Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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