You (Kepnes novel)
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | September 2014 |
| Founder | Caroline Kepnes |
| Products | Thriller novel |
You is a thriller novel penned by American writer Caroline Kepnes, first released in September 2014. The book has been translated into 19 different languages and served as the basis for a television series sharing its title.
Kepnes expanded the story with three follow-up novels: Hidden Bodies (2016), You Love Me (2021), and For You and Only You (2023). Additionally, a prequel titled You First is scheduled for release in 2026.
Plot
Joe Goldberg, who manages a bookstore in New York City, becomes obsessed with Guinevere Beck, an aspiring writer who visits his store. Utilizing her credit card details, Joe conducts both online and real-world surveillance to uncover private information about her life.
He covertly eliminates barriers to their potential relationship by engineering "accidents" and confiscating her phone to monitor her messages. Through manipulation, Joe inserts himself into Beck’s world and eventually initiates a romantic involvement, all while Beck remains oblivious to his stalking behavior.
Joe perceives Beck’s affluent boyfriend, Benji, as a hindrance. He captures and murders Benji, disguising the death as an accidental overdose. Joe’s envy also targets Beck’s close friend Peach Salinger, who grows suspicious of him. Following confrontations, Joe kills Peach during a fabricated home invasion; her death is officially ruled a suicide.
Despite Joe’s attempts to control Beck, she engages in other relationships and conceals parts of her life. Their relationship collapses when Beck uncovers Joe’s stalking activities and learns the truth about Benji and Peach. Joe imprisons Beck inside the bookstore’s soundproof glass enclosure; after she tries to flee, he murders her.
To divert blame, Joe frames Dr. Nicky—Beck's therapist and former lover—by planting fabricated writings implicating him in Beck’s death. Avoiding detection, the story concludes with Joe preparing to pursue another woman entering the bookstore, implying his obsessive cycle will persist.
Reception
Jennifer Selway from the Daily Express emphasized the story’s tension: "What you don't know, and this clever, chilling, teasing tale keeps you hanging on by your fingertips, is exactly what sort of bad ending is coming up." Emma Oulton of Bustle described the novel as "one of the most unsettling books I've read this year," noting that despite feeling disturbed, she "couldn't put it down even for a second."
TV adaptation
In February 2015, Greg Berlanti and Sera Gamble were announced as developers for a television adaptation of the book on Showtime. Two years later, Lifetime acquired the series and accelerated its production. The show You debuted on September 9, 2018.