You Love Me (by Caroline Kepnes)
I have no idea how this series slipped away from me. I absolutely loved the first book, You, and instantly became a Caroline Kepnes fan. I devoured the second installment, Hidden Bodies, and then… life (and other books) got in the way. Objectively, the long gaps between releases didn’t help. But who are we kidding? I’m easily distracted by books—and dogs.
The good news? I’ve been making solid progress lately by finally tackling the series I’ve neglected—and You Love Me was next on the list.
In this addictive psychological thriller, Joe Goldberg is ready for a fresh start. He trades city chaos for a quiet island in Washington State’s Pacific Northwest and takes a volunteer position at the local library. There, he meets Mary Kay DiMarco, a fellow librarian whose presence awakens his intense longing for connection. This time, Joe is determined to do things the “right” way—patiently, thoughtfully, and without his usual extremes. He genuinely tries to build something real in the cozy small-town setting.
It was so much fun catching up with Joe and his deeply twisted approach to relationships. Kepnes’ signature dark humor shines through, along with her nostalgic nods to music, movies, books, and pop culture. I was a little nervous picking this up—after all, it had been nearly ten years since I read Hidden Bodies—but Kepnes masterfully refreshes the reader’s memory without info-dumping.
Joe remains one of those unforgettable characters you love to hate. He’s manipulative, calculating, and disturbingly strategic, and I couldn’t help but admire (in a horrified way) his twisted antics. Watching events conspire against him because of his own selfishness is oddly satisfying. This series isn’t for everyone, but if you enjoy dark, suspenseful, and uniquely thrilling stories, it delivers.
I made catching up a priority because the fifth book in the series is scheduled for release later this year. I’ve already placed my library hold on book four, For You and Only You.
I listened to the audiobook version of You Love Me via Libby, and Santino Fontana’s narration is absolutely perfect for Joe. He captures the character’s charm, menace, and inner monologue flawlessly.
If you enjoy the Netflix series You, you might love diving into the original books. The show is based on Kepnes’ series and brings Joe Goldberg’s story to the screen (with Penn Badgley in the lead role). Enjoy this Netflix trailer for your entertainment.
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