Hidden Bodies

By: Caroline Kepnes

Narrated by: Santino Fontana

Length: 13 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

In the compulsively listenable follow-up to her widely acclaimed debut novel, You, Caroline Kepnes weaves a tale that Booklist calls "the love child of Holden Caulfield and Patrick Bateman".

2017 Audie Award Finalist for Thriller/Suspense

Hidden Bodies marks the return of a voice that Stephen King described as original and hypnotic, and through the divisive and charmingly sociopathic character of Joe Goldberg, Kepnes satirizes and dissects our culture, blending suspense with scathing wit.

Joe Goldberg is no stranger to hiding bodies. In the past 10 years, this 30-something has buried four of them, collateral damage in his quest for love. Now he's heading west to Los Angeles, the city of second chances, determined to put his past behind him.

In Hollywood, Joe blends in effortlessly with the other young upstarts. He eats guac, works in a bookstore, and flirts with a journalist neighbor. But while others seem fixated on their own reflections, Joe can't stop looking over his shoulder. The problem with hidden bodies is that they don't always stay that way. They reemerge like dark thoughts, multiplying and threatening to destroy what Joe wants most: true love. And when he finds it in a darkened room in Soho House, he's more desperate than ever to keep his secrets buried. He doesn't want to hurt his new girlfriend - he wants to be with her forever. But if she ever finds out what he's done, he may not have a choice....

©2016 Alloy Entertainment, LLC and Caroline Kepnes. All rights reserved. (P)2016 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.

Critic reviews

"Joe is unlikable, yet, as portrayed by narrator Santino Fontana, he's also transfixing.... Fontana is not a one-note narrator; he just knows how to stay true to character, hour after vengeful hour." ( AudioFile)

Clinically Correct Representation of a Sociopath

I have heard the arguments already.. whether the character Joe is a sociopath or a character disorder, whether the book feeds on readers who like gore and are drawn to violence, etc, etc.

The fact is, I am giving this series 5 starts not because of the story line, it's morality, or the literary depth of the book.

What this author does for the reader is what a textbook can not do. It very accurately portrays the the personality of a sociopathic individual in a simple and cause- and- effect way. It's up and in your face.

With no clinical descriptions or textbook definitions, the author presents a mentally unhealthy, "keg- of- dynamite" of a human being, and the words and actions of other innocent individuals who unknowingly turn his unreal feelings of love to manipulation, conniving, hate, and revenge with the flick of a switch.

I think any young adult would be wise to read this book, if only to recognize the dangerous patterns of people who can adversely effect anyone's life.

Another total SMASH success

I adored YOU, the first volume in this series. No one ever rooted so hard for someone so evil! This follow-up is even more clever and engrossing. Kepnes has an astonishing ear for dialogue, and too-true grasp of psychopathy, and a rapier-sharp talent for social satire. The BEST audiobook so far this year, and Santino Fontana is a GOD.

Such a great story!

Such a great continuation of Joe!
The way she writes is incredible, making you love this murderer. Every character is so thought out and the narrator is incredible! I can't say enough how much I love this book and her first novel "You"!!!!!!!

If I could give 6 stars out of 5 I would!

Loved every second of this book and narration. Hauntingly brilliant, superbly written, I just couldn't get enough. I'm going to count the days to the third instalment. Great read and fantastic narration. I'm hooked.

Is this even the same character?!

Does not feel like the same Joe that intrigued us all in YOU. I kept listening thinking that the story would turn around and capture the amazing suspense of the first book, and it never happened. The performance was fantastic, but plot wise, I do not recommend.

I Love Joe

A fantastic listen. What's amazing about this book is that despite everything, I found myself rooting for Joe the entire time. Love is patient, love is kind...

Another BRILLANT offering from Caroline Kepnes

I loved You so much that I was almost afraid to read this sequel. I was afraid it would disappoint after such a fantastic start. It does not disappoint!!
It takes a great writer to make you love and root for a serial killing sociopath....Caroline Kepnes does just that.
It is not for the faint of heart or those who shudder at the use of the F word or graphic sexual content but you will be missing some great writing if that keeps you from this brilliant author.
And.....Santino Fontana...WOW! This guy....perfection. I would buy a book simply because he is the narrator. He is flawless.

Didn't care for the ending.

More of the same from Joe. I didn't like how the story ended but guess it was the only way it could have.

Too much of a good thing *is* possible

You loved YOU. You didn’t want it to end. You read reviews that this book wasn’t as great as YOU, that the sequel changes Joe from what made him fascinating in the first place, but you want more Joe—no, you NEED more Joe! 12 indulgent hours later, Joe as you first new him to be is no longer. In the end, Kepnes manages to rewrite him entirely! This sociopath has a heart. He is changed... I prefer the former, but sadly what’s been read can not be undone.

My favorite series I've read in 5 years

Love this book, love this entire story line and this is by far my favorite narrator. I will eagerly anticipate the next book from this author and will look for more by Santino Fontana!