City of Lies: Love, Sex, Death and the Search for Truth in Tehran tells the story of Morteza, a young member of an Islamic militia, whose life is disrupted when a woman seeks his help. She reveals that a mutual childhood friend has murdered one of their former commanders and now needs protection. The encounter forces Morteza to confront loyalty, faith, and the moral complexities of life under Iran’s ruling system.

Written and narrated by journalist Ramita Navai, the book draws on real accounts from individuals whose lives were shaped and often damaged by the regime. To protect those involved, some names and identifying details have been changed. Navai began writing the book while working as a journalist in Tehran, aiming to document stories that were frequently censored.

An award-winning foreign affairs reporter and documentary maker, Navai has covered conflicts, corruption, and human rights issues across more than forty five countries. Her book received major literary recognition and has been translated into multiple languages, further cementing her reputation for fearless investigative storytelling.