Summary of Hidden Bodies: (A You Novel) by Caroline Kepnes

Welcome back, my fellow literary thrill-seekers! Prepare yourselves for a wild ride through Hidden Bodies, the sequel to the infamous stalker love story that made "You" the perfect blend of chilling and cringe-worthy. Caroline Kepnes returns to the scene with our favorite anti-hero, Joe Goldberg, who's back to share his oh-so-unique perspective on life, love, and a healthy dose of murder. Buckle up, folks!

Now, if you thought Joe had learned his lesson after the mess he made in the first book, think again! Our charming sociopath has moved to sunny Los Angeles, where the palm trees are swaying, the sun is shining, and the people are just as shallow as his relationships. This time around, he's on the hunt for a new love, the glamorous and utterly toxic Love Quinn. If Joe thought finding happiness was difficult before, he clearly underestimated the power of Hollywood and its never-ending supply of endless neuroses.

As Joe navigates the ups and downs of the LA dating scene, he finds himself dealing with a quirky cast of characters, including wannabe influencers, eccentric writers, and, of course, a few people who just have to die for him to find peace. Spoiler alert: it's never as easy as it sounds. Joe's "soulmate" search leads him down a dark path filled with deception, obsession, and some real questionable decisions. But hey, what's a few more bodies, right?

Throughout the book, Joe is grappling with his inner demons while stringing together a series of lies that would put a web-weaving spider to shame. He's a master at making himself look like the good guy (because what self-respecting psychopath wouldn't be?), which only adds layers to his already twisted character. And as he becomes increasingly fixated on Love, we get to see just how far he's willing to go for love-or rather, for his version of love, which is more possessive than passionate.

As Joe's plans unravel like a bad carpet, mystery unfolds. There's a narrative of missed connections, dangerous games, and oh-so-familiar paranoia. Can our anti-hero ever break free from his past? Or will his history of violence catch up to him in the most spectacular way possible?

In a nutshell, Hidden Bodies is a deliciously dark saga of obsession, betrayal, and the consequences of being a really, really bad person. Just when you think you've figured Joe out, he surprises you with a plot twist that makes you question whether you ever truly understood him in the first place. Spoiler alert! (But seriously, it wouldn't be a Kepnes novel without some jaw-dropping twists.)

So, if you're in the mood for a hilarious yet horrifying trip through Joe's unstable psyche, be prepared to cheer him on-or maybe cringe in disgust-as he tries to carve out a new identity in LA, leaving a trail of chaos in his wake. It's a wild ride, and one you definitely won't forget. Just remember to keep a safe distance from anyone whose charm seems to outshine their sanity!

Now, go forth and dive into this gripping tale of psychological twists and turns. Just remember: in the world of Joe Goldberg, love might just get you killed-figuratively or literally!

Maddie Page

Classics, bestsellers, and guilty pleasures-none are safe from my sarcastic recaps. I turn heavy reads into lighthearted summaries you can actually enjoy. Warning: may cause random outbursts of laughter while pretending to study literature.