Review: Hidden Bodies by Caroline Kepnes

Recommended Read!

“…a twisted fun summer read…”
~ Under the Covers

Joe Goldberg, psychopath extraordinaire.  When I started HIDDEN BODIES I was expecting to get more of the same that we already read in YOU.  I was actually wondering why do a sequel to a story that I thought was well enough alone.  But I was pleasantly surprised to see that this book is nothing like the first.  For some, that may be a disappointment.

I think it’s no easy task to get the reader to find this serial killer and all round sicko endearing but Caroline Kepnes managed to get me to feel that in both books.  In this one, we see a side of Joe that he has been striving to be.  Yes, that may entail killing the people that stand in his way of happiness, but I could see the nice guy underneath.  I know, that doesn’t even make sense.  He made me laugh because he was just so freaking funny.  The New Yorker in him struggled adapting to life in LA and had a constant stream of complaints about every second of his daily life that were just too hysterical not to laugh out loud at.

That being said, and while there are hidden bodies here as expected, this book lacked the creepy factor that the first one delivered so well.  Yes, it’s still creepy to be in Joe’s head sometimes but I’m not sure that this book could be considered a thriller.  It wasn’t thrilling or nail biting for me.  It was, however, a great poolside read.  With enough light-hearted comedy (I know, I’m crazy, right?) and an anti-hero you are kind of rooting for and kind of hoping he gets what he deserves in the end.  All with a side of dead people.   It’s definitely not what I was expecting to read when I pick up a thriller but leaving those expectations out the door I was able to enjoy the book for what it was and was entertained.  The way it explores our culture and today’s society through Joe’s eyes is addictive.

To say I’m conflicted with how this book ends is an understatement.  I’m happy and upset at the same time.  I wanted it to go both ways and I don’t know which one wins in my head yet.  Maybe we can look forward to another book?

So pick HIDDEN BODIES up for a twisted fun summer read and not so much for the depth or thrill of it.  I always suggest reading in order (and the first is definitely the creepy one for me) but you could technically pick this one up and not be completely lost as previous events are explained enough that you could follow along.  Getting to be in Joe’s head is definitely worth it.

Favorite quote:

So I Lyfted to Home Depot, where I bought random stuff, rope and duct tape, plastic bags, cable ties, and plastic gloves. The girl at the register winked and said she’s also a big fan of Fifty Shades and this is what has become of our society. Fucking and killing are the same damn thing.

[about-author author=”Caroline Kepnes”]

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